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Home My WebLink About12/04/2019 Special PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING December 04, 2019 6:30 PM The Windmill Room at Diamond Bar City Hall First Floor 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department, located at 21810 Copley Drive, and are available for public inspection. If you have questions regarding an agenda item, please call (909) 839-7030 during regular business hours. Written materials distributed to the Planning Commission within 72 hours of the Planning Commission meeting are available for public inspection immediately upon distribution in the City Clerk's office at 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, during normal business hours. Chairperson Naila Barlas Vice Chairperson Frank Farago Commissioner Jennifer "Fred" Mahlke Commissioner Kenneth Mok Commissioner William Rawlings In an effort to comply with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance or accommodation(s) in order to communicate at a City public meeting must inform the Community Development Department at (909) 839-7030 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Please refrain from smoking, eating or drinking in the Windmill Community Room The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper and encourages you to do the same City of Diamond Bar Planning Commission MEETING RULES PUBLIC INPUT The meetings of the Diamond Bar Planning Commission are open to the public. A member of the public may address the Commission on the subject of one or more agenda items and/or other items of which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Diamond Bar Planning Commission. A request to address the Commission should be submitted in writing to the Secretary. As a general rule, the opportunity for public comments will take place at the discretion of the Chair. However, in order to facilitate the meeting, persons who are interested parties for an item may be requested to give their presentation at the time the item is called on the calendar. The Chair may limit individual public input to five minutes on any item; or the Chair may limit the total amount of time allocated for public testimony based on the number of people requesting to speak and the business of the Commission. Individuals are requested to conduct themselves in a professional and businesslike manner. Comments and questions are welcome so that all points of view are considered prior to the Commission making recommendations to the staff and City Council. When speaking, please direct your questions and comments to the Commission, not to staff or other members of the public. In accordance with State Law (Brown Act), all matters to be acted on by the Commission must be posted at least 72 hours prior to the Commission meeting. In case of emergency or when a subject matter arises subsequent to the posting of the agenda, upon making certain findings, the Commission may act on item that is not on the posted agenda. INFORMATION RELATING TO AGENDAS AND ACTIONS OF THE COMMISSION Agendas for Diamond Bar Planning Commission meetings are prepared by the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. Agendas are available 72 hours prior to the meeting at City Hall and the public library, and may be accessed by personal computer at the contact information below. Every meeting of the Planning Commission is recorded and duplicate recordings are available for a nominal charge. ADA REQUIREMENTS A cordless microphone is available for those persons with mobility impairments who cannot access the public speaking area. The service of the cordless microphone and sign language interpreter services are available by giving notice at least three business days in advance of the meeting. Please telephone (909) 839-7030 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Friday. HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION Copies of Agenda, Rules of the Commission, CDs of Meetings (909) 839-7030 Email: info@diamondbarca.gov Website: www.diamondbarca.gov CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING December 04, 2019 AGENDA Next Resolution No. 2019-16 CALL TO ORDER: 6:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 1. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer “Fred” Mahlke, Kenneth Mok, William Rawlings, Vice- Chairperson Frank Farago, Chairperson Naila Barlas, 2. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: This is the time and place for the general public to address the members of the Planning Commission on any item that is within its jurisdiction, allowing the public an opportunity to speak on non-public hearing and non-agenda items. Please complete a Speaker’s Card for the recording Secretary (completion of this form is voluntary). There is a five-minute maximum time limit when addressing the Planning Commission.. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Chairperson 4. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following items listed on the consent calendar are considered routine and are approved by a single motion. Consent calendar items may be removed from the agenda by request of the Commission only: 4.1. Minutes of Planning Commission - Special Meeting on October 30, 2019 5. OLD BUSINESS: 6. NEW BUSINESS: 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate DECEMBER 4, 2019 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION Action Plan - The City of Diamond Bar (“City”) has prepared an update to the City’s General Plan, as well as the City’s first ever Climate Action Plan (CAP), together referred to as the Proposed Project. In late 2016, the City initiated a multi-year collaborative process to comprehensively update its General Plan, which dates back to 1995 and does not necessarily reflect current conditions or community priorities. The update process establishes priorities regarding land use, parks and recreation, public gathering spaces, mobility, and other issues. The General Plan Update includes all State-mandated elements other than the Housing Element, which was last updated in January 2014, and is subject to a separate update cycle pursuant to Government Code Section 65588. The General Plan Update also incorporates the following non-mandated elements: Public Services and Facilities; Economic Development; Community Character Placemaking; and Community Health Sustainability. PROJECT ADDRESS: Citywide APPLICANT: City of Diamond Bar ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (DEQA Public Resources Code, Section 15087 et. seq.), the City prepared in Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Proposed Project. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval to the City Council. 8. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 9. STAFF COMMENTS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 9.1. Project Status Report 10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: WINTER SNOW FEST: Saturday, December 7, 2019 8 am – 2 pm Pantera Park 738 Pantera Drive PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 6:30 pm Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room 21810 Copley Drive TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING: Thursday, December 12, 2019, 6:30 pm CANCELLED - Adjourned to Thursday, January 9, 2019 Diamond Bar City Hall DECEMBER 4, 2019 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION 11. ADJOURNMENT: Windmill Community Room 21810 Copley Drive CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, December 17, 2019 – 6:30 pm South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium 21825 Copley Drive PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 CANCELLED In observance of the holiday, city offices will be closed. City offices will re-open on Thursday, December 26, 2019. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY: Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday December 25, 2019 In observance of the holiday, city offices will be closed. City offices will re-open on Thursday, December 26, 2019. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING: Thursday, December 26, 2019, 6:30 pm CANCELLED - Adjourned to Thursday, January 23, 2020 Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room 21810 Copley Drive NEW YEARS DAY HOLIDAY: Wednesday, January 1, 2020 In observance of the holiday, city offices will be closed. City offices will re-open on Thursday, January 2, 2020. CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, January 7, 2020 – 6:30 pm South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium 21825 Copley Drive PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 6:30 pm Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room 21810 Copley Drive MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 30, 2019 CALL TO ORDER: Chair/Barlas called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. in the City Hall Windmill Room, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Chairperson Farago led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer “Fred” Mahlke, Kenneth Mok, William Rawlings, Vice-Chairperson Frank Farago, and Chairperson Naila Barlas Also present: Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; James Eggart, Assistant City Attorney; Grace Lee, Senior Planner; Fabian Aoun, Associate Engineer; Natalie T. Espinoza Associate Planner; and Stella Marquez, Administrative Coordinator. 2. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR: 4.1 Minutes – September 24, 2019: C/Rawlings moved, C/Mok seconded, to approve Consent Calendar Item 4.1 as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mahlke, Mok, Rawlings, VC/Farago, Chair/Barlas NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 4.2 Minutes – Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission – September 25, 2019 C/Mahlke moved, C/Rawlings seconded, to approve Consent Calendar Item 4.2 with changes. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mahlke, Mok, Rawlings, VC/Farago, Chair/Barlas NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 4.1 Packet Pg. 6 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ 4.3 Minutes – Special joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission – October 8, 2019. C/Mok moved, C/Mahlke seconded, to approve Consent Calendar Item 4.3 as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mahlke, Mok, Rawlings, VC/Farago, Chair/Barlas NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 5. OLD BUSINESS: None 6. NEW BUSINESS: None 7. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING(S): 7.1 Conditional Use Permit No. PL2017-139 – Under the authority of Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 22.58, the property owner and applicant requested a Conditional Use Permit to increase the medical office uses from 11,634 square feet to 16,906 square feet located within a 35,687 square foot professional office building; construct three tiered six foot high retaining walls ; and, add 19 new parking spaces. The subject property is zoned Professional Office (OP) with an underlying General Plan land use designation of Commercial Office (CO). PROJECT ADDRESS: 750 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER: Johnney Y. Zhang Zhang Group 750 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard, Suite 188 Diamond Bar, CA 91765 APPLICANT: Howard Zelefsky 9735 La Capilla Avenue Fountain Valley, CA 92708 CDD/Gubman stated that the applicant requested a continuance to complete the study needed to respond to Commission concerns, and staff recommends that the Planning Commission keep the public hearing open and continue the matter to the December 10, 2019, Planning Commission Meeting. Richard de la Fuente, project architect, stated that in an effort to attempt to resolve some of the questions addressed at the last Planning Commi ssion meeting, the applicant hired his previous traffic engineer to provide a parking 4.1 Packet Pg. 7 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ study which was conducted on October 7, 8 and 9 and is currently under review prior to issuing the report. The study developed data regarding the amount of parking that is being created for possible future tenants and additional data will be provided to the Commission on December 10. VC/Farago moved, C/Mok seconded, to continue the public hearing for Development Review No. PL2017-139 to December 10, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mahlke, Mok, Rawlings, VC/Farago, Chair/Barlas NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 8.1 Brea Canyon Business Park – Planning Case No. PL2017-169: The applicant proposes to build a new commercial development consisting of a 109 room, four- story hotel; a 47,642 square foot, three-story office building; and, an 8900 square foot one level medical office building on an approximately 5.7 -acre vacant parcel located on the east side of south Brea Canyon Road between Lycoming Street and the SR60 freeway. Prior to June 2019 the property operated as a recreational vehicle and boat storage facility. Pursuant to Titles 21 and 22 – Subdivision and Development Code Sections 22.70, 22.32, 22.58, 21.20, 22.48, 22.30.050 and 22.36.060, the proposed project consists of the following: General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from Professional Office (OP) to General Commercial (C). Zone Change to change the zoning district from Light Industry (l) to Regional Commercial-Planned Development Overlay (C-3-PD). Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide the subject property into four parcels, and to create a condominium subdivision for two office buildings. The condominium subdivision proposes to subdivide air space for 34 office units within the three - story office building, and subdivide air space for two medical office units within the one story office building. Development Review to approve the site and architectural designs of a new commercial development to ensure consistency with the General Plan, Development Code, and compliance with all applicable design guidelines and standards. 4.1 Packet Pg. 8 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ Conditional Use Permit to approve development on a site subject to a Planned Development Overlay District and allow modifications to the building height limit to allow a 64’ (64 foot) high, four-story hotel and a 55’ 2” (55 foot 2 inch) high, three-story office building (where 35 feet is the maximum allowed); reduce the parking requirement to allow 289 spaces (where 299 spaces are required); and, deviate from the parking design standard by re ducing the size of a 53 parking spaces to 8’ x 6’ (8 foot x 6 foot) to allow for compact spaces (where 9’x19’ spaces are required). Parking Permit to share access and parking between the proposed parcels. Comprehensive Sign Program to establish design criteria for all signage associated with the proposed buildings. PROJECT ADDRESS: 850 Brea Canyon Road Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER/ Philip Lee, Lycoming LLC APPLICANT: 17777 Center Court Drive #725 Cerritos, CA 90703 Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15070, the City prepared an initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project. Pursuant to CEQA Section 15105, the public review period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration began September 20, 2019, and ended October 19, 2019. SP/Lee presented staff’s report and recommended that the Planning Commission recommend City Council approval of Brea Canyon Business Park, Planning No. PL2017-169. C/Rawlings asked for confirmation of traffic mitigation efforts provided in staff’s report and stated that according to the presentation there will be traffic improvement in the PM hours, particularly with no significant traffic problems being created in either the morning or pm hours. SP/Lee said that C/Rawlings was correct. C/Rawlings asked with respect to the right-turn-in/right-turn-out, if there was currently a U-turn lane at Brea Canyon and Lycoming. SP/Lee responded that there was not. C/Rawlings asked how vehicles making a right-turn-out during the morning hours and visiting businesses to the north would be able to turn around to get back to the freeway entrance without a permitted U -turn lane and what kinds of impact might that create. SP/Lee said she understood there was not enough room to make a U-turn on Lycoming which she will double check with the traffic engineer when he arrives. 4.1 Packet Pg. 9 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ C/Mok said that before the Commission discusses the traffic issue any further he would like for staff to confirm the following: Some of the tables such as 11-1 on Page 59 in the report refer to “modify traffic signals” in the future. He asked for a detailed explanation of that phrase and whether it might include left-turn only arrows on the signal. SP/Lee said “yes”. C/Mok said the reason he is asking this question is to specifically determine whether people traveling north will be able to make a left turn (green left turn arrow) onto Lycoming. SP/Lee responded yes, that they would be able to do so. Chair/Barlas opened the public hearing. Preston Chan, Executive Development, stated that he is the project manager for the Brea Canyon Business Park and thanked the Commission for taking time to review the project. Executive Development is a commercial real estate developer located in Cerritos and their experience includes hotel, retail, mixed -use and office development. As staff mentioned, this project has been in the works for a number of years and Executive Development has been very diligent in study ing various uses and have run through many feasibility studies that have produced over 20 site plans. In addition, his firm hosted a neighborhood seminar for the community to hear their concerns. The idea behind this project was to fill the need for hospitality and office in the City. Due to the high cost of construction, new office developments are somewhat few and far between compared to other types of developments. This lack of supply has forced many businesses to go elsewhere to find space so the primary focus of this project is to bring those businesses back to the City of Diamond Bar and provide them with the opportunity to purchase their own office space. To that end, the spaces will be subdivided so that instead of leasing, occupants can purchase their own units. These business owners are generally motivated to own so that they can truly invest in the space because they know they will remain in their space for a long period of time. In addition, occupants will not suffer rent increases or face lease expirations that force them to find other spaces. Hampton Inn is Hilton’s most popular franchise and arguably the most recognizable among all hotel brands in the US. The franchise fee has been paid and Hampton Inn is secured. His firm believes that the synergies between the hotel and office will work well at this site. He again thanked the Commission for their consideration and said he was available to answer questions. Public Comments: Grace Lim-Hays stated that she lives close to the proposed project, a 15-minute walk from Hampton Court. She is Board President of her neighborhood (Washington Street adjacent to Brea Canyon Road) and is speaking on behalf of the residents. She hoped that the Planning Commission would consider and address the concerns from her community. It seems this project is being rushed 4.1 Packet Pg. 10 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ at an accelerated rate for something that will need a General Plan amendment and zoning change. This represents a significant change in the c ommunity’s character and traffic, and her association believes a more thorough public input process should have taken place. Instead, only those within a 700’ radius were informed which explains why she was not at the prior developer-hosted community meeting. However, the impacts of this project will radiate beyond the 700 foot radius. Brea Canyon Road is a major arterial road for Diamond Bar residents and one of the main access points to the freeways and ingress and egress in case of emergency and Brea Canyon Road is the only access to her neighborhood. She asked that the comment period be reopened for the Mitigated Negative Declaration to address the concerns of the community and said the project should be better publicized to the entire City. She also questioned the analysis of the traffic study and the conclusion that resulting traffic would be less than significant, which is very doubtful for those who live in the area and will experience the stress of a four-story Hampton Inn. Traffic is already very difficult with people exiting the train station. Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive are usually at a standstill at this time of the evening . Supardi Dermawan expressed concerns about the traffic. He lives close to the Montessori School at the southwest corner of Brea Canyon and Lycoming. Currently, there is a left-turn for traffic from Brea Canyon Road onto Lycoming which allows for a U-turn. He believes traffic will become more dangerous with hotel traffic. Chris O’Brien, a Diamond Bar resident, spoke in support of the Brea Canyon Business Center and wants to make sure that this community makes the best decision for all residents. Some of his friends are looking for office condos in this area for their small businesses. And, his family would greatly benefit from a Hilton hotel because they have many visitors coming to Diamond Bar from outside of the US during holidays. As members of the Hilton and Marriott membership program, his family members complain about the lack of a Hilton or Marriott hotel in the area, many of whom stay in Anaheim or Riverside. Benefits from this hotel locating in Diamond Bar would include tax revenue, patronage to City businesses and easy access to local family members. Michael Chen, a 29-year resident, has witnessed changes in the City and believes the City is moving in the right direction with respect to its retail decisions. The proposed development will, in his opinion, be a great economic plus for Diamond Bar. Hospitality is a booming industry that continues to grow annually. As a local real estate agent, property value is very import to his clients , and buyers want to purchase homes where they can see potential growth in the real estate market. Being able to add value to their land is very often a make or break deal for home buyers. By adding a commercial project like Brea Canyon Business Park, the City will see a direct effect on home values throughout the City. More jobs will be created and more demand to live in Diamond Bar will 4.1 Packet Pg. 11 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 7 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ increase housing values for most of the current residents. The hospitality market is an industry that is continually in demand by international and domestic travelers and as Diamond Bar continues to move forward, he believes it is essential to consider the addition of more hotel accommodations which will bring convenience to travelers and economic benefits to the City. At this time, there are only three well-recognized hotel chains in Diamond Bar and to have a globally recognized brand like Hilton will be much more beneficial from a marketing standpoi nt. Lee Paulson said this is an interesting project and he can see the value of the hotel tax and everything that has been expressed. He believes that if it can be done correctly so that it works well for the City it will be a nice addition to the community for all of the reasons mentioned. His only real conce rn is that it be done right which he believes will be a serious challenge given the intersection it is in. From 5 to 7 pm that portion of Brea Canyon is a literal parking lot and by adding a hotel, it would seem to him that it would make matters worse. He would like to request that the traffic engineer do an additional study to look at the timing of the 3,200 trips and how that can be mitigated in the best possible way. Cynthia Brown, a Diamond Bar resident since 1992 who lives on Dryander Drive, said she agreed with a prior speaker that additional traffic assessment s need to be done because of the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming A venue where there is not enough space to make U-turns. When the overpass was built, it created even more traffic problems for the residents and she does not see the need for another hotel. Also, three residences will be affected by the shadowing of this project and she wondered if anyone had taken the time to survey those residents. She is concerned because there are two schools on Lycoming and because of the additional traffic on Lemon and Lycoming. Between 5 and 7 pm, it is a parking lot from Valley Boulevard to Golden Springs Drive. She asked that the Commission reconsider making an exception for the height of the proposed buildings. Jolene McCurry lives in the neighborhood that is directly affected by this project, just north of the SR60 and west of Brea Canyon Road in the community next to the school district office. Her issue is that she did not have ample time to review the documents. She received something in the mail about two week s ago and shortly thereafter was told that the opportunity to review the documents ended on October 19th. She is not sure if the traffic study was included in those documents and she would like to have more opportunity to review the documents and an opportunity for further public discourse. She said she could not understand how the proposed plan would mitigate traffic and does not understand how a business can be opened and less traffic is expected. The 2018 proposal showed parking 4.1 Packet Pg. 12 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 8 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ spaces totaled about 275 and she wanted to know how that number increased to 299. She reiterated she would like more time to review (the documents) and take a closer look at the traffic study. Aman Braman lives on Dryander Drive and spoke in opposition to the project for many reasons, primarily because he moved to Diamond Bar from LA and feels the traffic is following him. He does not believe this is a good project and his neighbors feel the same. He is worried about the safety of the school students who have to traverse the intersection and he is concerned about privacy, height (of the buildings) and traffic, as well as, the value of his property. Kevin Ferrier lives on the south side of Diamond Bar. He commutes via Brea Canyon Road past the project area on his way to the train station and he can attest to the issue of traffic between the hours of 5 and 7 pm during which there is a fair amount of cut-in traffic. If the fair-share for this business includes traffic mitigation, he would suggest there be a consideration of more mitigation measures than what has been proposed. If there is no U-turn allowed he would suggest shortening the very wide lane to one lane with a buffer , or that it be increased to three lanes to increase capacity and include a right -turn only lane on southbound Brea Canyon Road onto Lycoming continuing to the freeway entrance. Ezri McCurry lives in the residence near the Montessori preschool. Since the freeway entrance has been moved, her residence is now blocked off on both sides and they have no way out during morning and evening peak hours. She understands the hotel would be beneficial to the City and believes the lot should be utilized because it is an eyesore. But the traffic needs to be improved and if it is not, she cannot see staying in Diamond Bar. Rich Barretto, traffic engineer and Managing Principal for Linscott, Law & Greenspan Engineers, said he was present to answer questions from Commissioners. VC/Farago asked staff to display the rendering of the changes to the traffic pattern. C/Rawlings said he was told there was not enough space for a U -turn from Brea Canyon Road at Lycoming so that people leaving could exit the project site and get back down to the freeway and wanted to confirm that with the traffic engineer. Secondly, he asked Mr. Barretto to talk him through the mitigation efforts and which, specifically, would get the City from the potential LOS F to LOS D. Mr. Barretto responded to C/Rawlings that Diamond Bar has guidelines to follow and as traffic consultants, he and his firm look to the City to establish their own Level of Service criteria and standards, as well as impact criteria which is a good 4.1 Packet Pg. 13 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 9 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ roadmap for professional engineers to follow. Under existing conditions, traffic operates okay but when one looks at the project, if it opened up tomorrow the question would be, what would happen at that location and would it degrade the service level. And this is where the decision makers and the public may have a problem wrapping their heads around a couple of things where sometimes the engineers will say the conditions after the project will actually be better with improvements than are the current conditions. In this particular situation, what is meant by that is that when the project opens and it adds traffic to this location, there are only certain things the City can do. The City cannot build half a lane or half a left-turn lane, so the benefit of the project adding a second left-turn lane is fully realized not only by this project, but also by existing traffic. In other words, when a second left-turn lane is added and take volumes at that location, the way intersection service levels are calculated are based on conflicting movements – such as, left turn versus southbound through, or through versus southbound left or cross streets. In this particular case, when one looks at the volumes at that location, there is enough justification that the City should probably look at a second left-turn lane. Hence, with this project and the access the way it sets up, there will be a right-in/right-out, a median to double back and drivers are either making a left turn to head down Lycoming or making some other move ment to do that. So when the volumes are added to that intersection and the projects volumes are added to that left turn lane, it makes sense that when one looks at the intersection the question would be, what could actually help the intersection as a whole. And hence, the second left-turn lane was the agreed upon mitigation measure. So, because one cannot build half a lane, the project’s capacity at that location may be 7 to 10 percent (or whatev er the number is), but the added left- turn lane adds more capacity (beyond what is generated by the project) that is not only beneficial for the project but also for existing traffic. C/Rawlings said that some speakers commented that the southbound traffic is problematic. He asked if there were any mitigation efforts to help with that or did the mitigation efforts focus on southbound traffic at all. Mr. Barretto responded to C/Rawlings that one can think about this as if there is a tool box. In looking at the situation, perhaps in lieu of the left-turn lane, maybe the southbound through lane is the mitigation measure. When the engineers go through these improvements and work with staff on what could be done, they go through a menu of things that could happen. Typically, when they look at intersections, they go from least impactful to most impactful in terms of what will be done to the street. Sometimes the recommendation might be to stripe a right- turn if there is sufficient width; or, perhaps modify the median and add a second left-turn lane. When getting to the point of discussing adding a through -lane, sometimes the City ends up with a situation where they might have to widen lanes or shift lanes in the north and southbound directions to eliminate some of the offsets meaning that when one looks down the line the goal is to make sure traffic ends up on the far side without driving into another lane. That is not to say it 4.1 Packet Pg. 14 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 10 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ cannot be the mitigation, but when staff looked at what would be beneficial and what could be constructed with relatively less impact to existing curb returns, the second left-turn lane was the mitigation lane. If a U-turn were to be allowed, the street from the inside left-turn lane to the outside curb would require about 34-36 feet which would give the vehicle sufficient room to complete the U-turn. C/Mok said it seems to him that most of the mitigation heading south on Brea Canyon Road (yellows and blues on the site map) are addressing the northbound traffic and then heading west on Lycoming. He wanted to hear more about how the traffic heading south would be mitigated since a lot of employees that work in the warehouses and different commercial areas north of the freeway will be heading toward the SR60 because he can see how that could become a parking lot from those areas all the way up to the SR60. Mr. Barretto responded to C/Mok that when studying the impact of the project because this is a mitigation where the project has a direct impact so it is under existing plus project conditions, the way the mitigation measure is written is that they have to construct the project and when the engineers and staff looked at it from that standpoint, the second left-turn lane would be the improvement that would happen. Again, that is not to say that as a substitute the third through lane would be the improvement, but what the engineer identified working with staff about what that mitigation measure would be, the second left-turn lane was the improvement determined for existing plus project conditions. C/Mok asked Mr. Barretto to elaborate on the phrase used on most of the tables “Modify traffic signal”. Mr. Barretto explained that what is before the Commission is a disclosure document for the City’s decision makers and for the applicant. When looking at physical improvements, all options are on the table, there is a very good chance that if there is an existing signal there, something will have to be done with it because the curb returns might move and the signal would have to be modified and “modify traffic signal” is a general comment used so that when going through the improvements the goal is to identify what other physical improvements or what other hardware improvements would have to go along with improving an intersection. VC/Mok asked if “hardware” meant replacing signals that might accommodate a left-turn arrow at Lycoming and Brea Canyon Road northbound. Mr. Barretto said a change of hardware could include signals that might accommodate a left-turn arrow at Lycoming and Brea Canyon Road northbound. On the front end, given this is a “planning” document, when the engineer goes through the conceptualization of improvements the goal is t o identify physically what the City would have to do on the street to get that second left -turn lane. 4.1 Packet Pg. 15 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 11 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ Ultimately, if the signal pole arm length is not long enough, it will get defined on the construction side or the design/development side of the document as design plans are prepared. This is something that would be pointed out by the traffic engineer who is doing the design plans or City staff as they review the plans. That is why the catchall notation on the report is “modify traffic signal” because physically, beyond just the striping, there is a good chance that some of the signal poles, controller, and equipment that is required by the City may need to be replaced. VC/Mok asked who would pay for the changes and Mr. Barretto responded that it would depend on how the conditions are written. Most likely, if it is a project improvement he would guess the responsibility for payment would go to the project applicant. While he has not read the conditions, in his experience when there is a condition related to the project, the applicant is required to make and pay for those improvements. C/Rawlings referred to the bottom of Page 53 and the discussion about the intersection at Brea Canyon Road at Golden Springs Drive and asked for context of some of the options offered such as, “construct an additional exclusive southbound right-turn lane, construct an additional eastbound through lane, construct an additional eastbound left-turn lane, and construct an additional exclusive westbound right-turn lane” and asked if these are things that would possibly be done as part of this project for restriping that the City may be doing or if they were potential ideas for traffic mitigation for the future. Mr. Barretto responded to C/Rawlings that the way the City’s Traffic Study Guidelines are written is that not only when one looks at the project’s impact upon opening, it is of real concern when looking at an existing plus project because it presumes that the project on its own would generate a bunch of traffic on day one and those impacts are identified on day one. Beyond that, the City’s Guidelines also look at this as what happens upon opening year, 2020 -2022. Under the City’s Guidelines and even looking out to 2040 which is what the City’s Guidelines allow the City to do and gives the applicant an idea of what their obligation would be, which identifies a list of improvements that would mitigate the cumulative impact of the project as well as, the build-out impact of the project. Many cities go through this exercise because somewhere along the line, these improvements that are identified in this document and other documents including the General Plan document, it may end up on the City’s Capital Improvement Program. It may be an improvement the City knows it has to begin to fund over the years, 20 years down the line so they determine the project’s fair-share is this much and another project’s fair-share is this much over that long-term period. 4.1 Packet Pg. 16 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 12 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ C/Rawlings said that considering other potential improvements, if the Commission were to approve this project as presented this evening, he would assume that the Traffic and Transportation Commission would have the opportunity to explore some of the ideas that are raised in the proposal. CDD/Gubman responded no, that the Planning Commission would be making its recommendation on the Conditions of Approval that are written in the resolution to require all of those roadway improvements. The Traffic and Transportation Commission has no role in project-specific traffic improvements as part of the project preview. C/Mok referred to Exhibit 8.1.a – ADA Parking on Pages 196 and 197. “The proposed site plan only illustrates two handicap parking spaces in direct proximity to. As a result, at least with regard to the proposed hotel, location of handicap parking does not appear to comply with minimum ADA Parking Standards”. C/Mok asked if he should assume there will be something done to remedy this. Roger Deitos, Project Architect, GAA Architects, responded to C/Mok that as the site has been designed, it is a shared parking between the facilities. The number of parking spaces for handicap have been distributed based on the anticipate d occupant loads for the individual uses and square footages. Currently on the site, there are two parking spaces that are handicap for the smaller building that is on the street frontage (Brea Canyon Road). As one enters the site, there are two parking spaces that are allocated for the hotel use immediately in front of the entrance and for the office building there are four parking spaces. There is a chart required by code based on ADA Accessible to Van Parking alone. The current plan addresses the required number based on the overall parking that is being provided. The way the site is connected, there is an accessibility point from the sidewalk to the entrances of all of the buildings and all of the handicapped parking spaces have accessible walkways. So, for the hotel, if the parking spaces are in use/full, there are opportunities to park elsewhere and get to the entrance via accessible pathways. C/Mok said that if the two spaces next to the hotel are being used, handicapped individuals are being asked to travel an additional distance to get to the hotel. Mr. Deitos responded to C/Mok that there is a drop off area in front of the hotel for easy access. C/Mok said he did not see designated parking spaces for handicapped parking for the medical building. Mr. Deitos responded to C/Mok that there are two parking spaces on either side of the medical building entry for a total of four handicap spaces. 4.1 Packet Pg. 17 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 13 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ C/Mok said there are 53 parking spaces that will be smaller than normal parking spaces (8’ x 16’) and the document states those parking spaces will be for employees. Are all 53 spaces in one general area or are they scattered throughout the lot and would there be delineation. Mr. Deitos responded to C/Mok that the compact spaces will be labeled as compact spaces, all of which are toward the east portion (triangle piece) of the site. The consideration was to congregate all of these in one area to alleviate the front parking area for patrons of the hotel, office and the one-story building on Brea Canyon Road. This will be part of the management plan. As individuals are brought on they will be informed about the parking regulations by their employers. The crosshatch areas are the pathways for the handicapped individuals to exit their vehicles and access the buildings. VC/Farago referred to the Site D Willow Heights Development on south Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard and said that one of the major concerns of the residents who live adjacent to the development was that with all of these homes being built how it would affect neighborhood traffic. The engineer told the residents the same thing the traffic engineer has stated this evening about how the mitigation effort would make things better. However, everyone was very skeptical. He drives the area on a daily basis and in fact, the drive is better than it was 10 years ago. Yes, there is traffic, but he would like the engineer to repeat how this is calculated to address the skeptics because he was one of those skeptics who thought this is going to destroy his drive to work and it actually improved his drive. Mr. Barretto said he was holding his breath while VC/Farago was speaking because he was the engineer for the Willow Heights project. In all honesty, it is difficult to get one’s head around the fact because when you have X-hundred homes and X-number of people, it results in skepticism. He has been doing this for 30 years and when he says that with confidence and assurances it is because he knows from before and after studies that is usually what happens . Yes, there is congestion along Brea Canyon and trouble at Lycoming with the frontage road and everyone getting off it in that area. He again explained how the calculations are made and how mitigation measures are proposed to mitigate the additional traffic resulting from the project. If this project is built and the physical improvements are implemented, the conditions at Brea Canyon and Lycoming will improve. C/Mahlke said she noticed a correlation between peak parking times that seems to be different from what would be considered peak travel times. Mr. Barretto responded to C/Mahlke that there is always disconnect between parking studies and traffic studies. When conducting traffic studies, the objective is assessment of the impacts of the project during commute hours which is 4.1 Packet Pg. 18 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 14 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ usually am and pm unless it is at the beach where there are midday peaks. From a parking standpoint, given the type of uses, one being medical office and hotel, one thinks about people coming to work in the morning but they do not all accumulate at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning. People wander in and then visitors and patients start to wander in and somewhere between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. that is the peak of the office and then it drops down because of lunchtime after which it ramps back up. The office component complements the hotel because when the office is asleep, that is generally when hotel guests are present and vice versa. That is why the shared parking study for these types of mixed uses – hotel and office, work really well and when looking at the peak of the combined uses they generally occur during the middle of the day. It is important that the property owner, tenants and tenant landlords be on the same page when it comes to mixed uses. Obviously, all employees should not be parking in front of the hotel because it does not bode well for guests, and property owners and tenant landlords have to manage this situa tion and give the employees a target of where they should be parking. The way the site lays out, it lends itself well for some of those employee spaces to be off on the triangle because that is closer to the front door of the offices and not in close prox imity to the hotel and takes them away from the front door of the hotel. It is a snapshot of giving the City and applicant an idea of a good starting point and as users and tenants come in to play, they work toward the sweet spot that is good for all of the users. C/Mok said he appreciated the architect’s flexibility in revising the plans to accommodate the residents on Lycoming and Dryander. Unfortunately, all of the trees adjacent to the flood channel will have to be removed and will be replaced with 222 new big box trees which is great. Looking at figures 16 and 17 on Page 99 it shows what the view would be like from the four story hotel to the residences on Lycoming and the three story office building to the residences on Dryander and he wanted to know when (how many years) the residents would realize the privacy the new trees would afford them. Mr. Deitos responded to C/Mok that what was specified is the 36” large box trees which are fairly thick in diameter and fairly good sized when installed. The growth rate he has observed is six months to a year that one notices significant growth toward maturity. It is unfortunate that those very large trees are within the easement and have to be removed, but the analysis shows that while two front yards are affected, there is currently a significant amount of landscaping in place that provides a visual barrier such as the mature Italian cypress that completely obscures the view of the houses. On the other side, what is being placed on the site are trees on the street side and for the resident living closer to the knuckle of the intersection, landscaping was installed, as well as fencing that exceeds 8 feet in height. As part of the design and the evolution, the site plan evolved and so did the building elevations. The proximity of the hotel and office building to the freeway, because of the proximity to the freeway, required acoustical study to determine noise levels for occupants. What was originally proposed for the office 4.1 Packet Pg. 19 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 15 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ building was wider and taller windows. In the final design, the height of the windows had to be reduced and while the visual appearance of the windows is wider, there is a spandrel condition that had to be infilled because only so many square feet of glass was allocated to meet th e acoustical demand. From the hotel, the layering of the parking lot trees also creates a barrier. Typically, hotel patrons will close themselves in and for the office, it is normal office hours with no one being there at night which would be the time residents would be in their homes. Chair/Barlas closed the public hearing. CDD/Gubman responded to speakers that 36” box Mondell Pine trees and Brisbane box trees are proposed for the channel. While 15 gallon trees tend to grow faster than larger trees after planted, the larger box size stock will go in place with a fuller canopy which will provide more immediate screening. Staff has consulted with the City’s landscape architect to prescribe the types of trees and how to arrange them on the site to provide that screening effect and staff is confident that on opening day there will be significant screening. C/Mahlke said she felt it was also important to note that the trees that are currently at the site are not well-maintained whereas with new landscape, it will be maintained and will ultimately reach better growth potential/maturity. C/Mahlke said speakers comment about notifications, frequency and distance of mailings and she wants it on the record that this project is well within the timeframes and distances required. CDD/Gubman said that the noticing was within those timeframes and the City has actually gone beyond the minimum requirements. The City received a copy of the mailing information of those who attended the aforementioned community meetings, and they were notified as well. The public review period for the Mitigated Negative Declaration was 30 days and that notice was sent at the beginning of the 30 day period. In addition, alerts are sent out through the City’s email system regarding notification of upcoming public hearings. Chair/Barlas said that being in commercial real estate she has seen a lot of improvements because of the traffic issues. The City of Diamond Bar has more restrictions than some other cities and she has full confidence that City staff will be on top of these kinds of projects because the City suffers from traffic issues that staff is working to improve through these kinds of projects. With respect to the hotel, if one is a Diamond Bar resident one has likely had to deal with a water issue at their home. She has gone through three and every time she tried to get 4.1 Packet Pg. 20 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 16 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ a hotel room in Diamond Bar when her kids were young she was not able to do so. While Diamond Bar has traffic issues it should not stop development in the City and she has complete confidence in staff that the project will be properly implemented and that it will be good for the City. C/Mahlke said she appreciates the residents who spoke this evening. They have been heard and she believes a lot of their concerns have been addressed and mitigated. Knowing that at some point the area will be built out, she believes the reports the Commission has been given are thorough and thoughtful, and while staff cannot mitigate for bad drivers she believes that everything has been properly addressed. C/Mahlke moved, C/Rawlings seconded, that the Planning Commission recommend City Council approval of Brea Canyon Business Park, Planning Case No. PL2017-169. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Mahlke, Rawlings, VC/Farago, Chair/Barlas NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Mok ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None 9. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/INFORMATION ITEMS: C/Mahlke said she went to the Halloween Party at Pantera Park with her dog and it was fantastic. There were a lot of people and the animals. It was a really good event well executed by the City. C/Mok encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming trailhead opening for Sycamore Canyon Park as well as Veterans’ Recognition. 10. STAFF COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 10.1 Project Status Report. CDD/Gubman stated that as a result of the Commission’s recommendation, the City Council hearing for the Brea Canyon Business Park project will take place on Tuesday, November 19th at the AQMD Auditorium. The City Council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and public hearing notices will be sent to property owners within the 700 foot radius, newspaper advertisement will again be published and email subscribers will receive notice of the public hearing. There will not be a Planning Commission meeting on November 12 th. However, a special meeting has been tentatively scheduled for November 20th to consider recommendation of adoption of the General Plan Update. 4.1 Packet Pg. 21 __________________________________________________________________________ OCTOBER 30, 2019 PAGE 17 PLANNING COMMISSION __________________________________________________________________________ 11. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As listed in the agenda. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair/Barlas adjourned the regular meeting at 8:37 p.m. to the Special Planning Commission meeting of November 20, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 4th day of December, 2019. Attest: Respectfully Submitted, __________________________________ Greg Gubman Community Development Director _______________________________ Naila Barlas, Chairperson 4.1 Packet Pg. 22 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 7.1 MEETING DATE: December 4, 2019 CASE/FILE NUMBER: Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: Adopt the attached resolutions recommending that the City Co uncil take the following actions: 1. Certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, prepare and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Actio n Plan; 2. Adopt the Diamond Bar General Plan Update (“Diamond Bar General Plan 2040”); and 3. Adopt the Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan (“Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan 2040”). INTRODUCTION: In the years following the adoption of our first General Plan in 1995, Diamond Bar has grown and matured, and faces the new challenges and aspirations that arise with the passage of time. Planning concepts considered novel in the 1990s are now common practice in California and across the nation. The once -abstract principles of sustainability and managing greenhouse gas emissions are now integral to local, regional, statewide and multinational environmental regulations and policymaking. In 2014, the City Council determined that we have reached the appropriate point in time to revisit the guiding vision and policies expressed in Diamond Bar’s original General Plan, and established the General Plan Fund as part of the FY 2014/15 budget with an initial appropriation of $500,000 from the City’s share of the Site D sales . Subsequent contributions enabled the City to embark on a comprehensive General Plan Update program at the start of FY 2016/17. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ~ 21810 COPLEY DRIVE ~ DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765 ~ TEL. (909) 839-7030 ~ FAX (909) 861-3117 7.1 Packet Pg. 23 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 2 of 20 An updated General Plan will equip Diamond Bar with contemporary strategies needed to tackle the many governmental and environmental challenges facing us now, and in the years, ahead. Today, cities are left to deal with mandates (often unfunded) such as managing stormwater runoff and reducing vehicle miles traveled through the formulation of regional and subregional “sustainable community strategies” (arcane topics when our General Plan was first adopted in 1995). Diamond Bar’s population is aging, and we may wish to diversify our housing stock further so that our residents may age in place if they wish to. Our economic sustainability may be at risk unless we formulate new strategies to promote land uses that generate municipal revenues. A comprehensive update to our General Plan would enable us to proactively and opportunistically guide the City through another cycle of growth and change. A Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive inventory of specific activities a public agency should undertake to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions that originate within its jurisdiction. The City of Diamond Bar has prepared a draft Clim ate Action Plan to document how it will be able to reduce its GHG emissions in compliance with State mandates and goals. BACKGROUND General Plan Framework California Government Code Section 65300 requires that each city and county adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan to guide “the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning.” A general plan is comprised of text, diagrams and maps to effectively communicate how it is to be implemented. General plans are required to cover seven mandatory topics, or “elements”: land use, circulation, conservation, open space, safety, noise, and housing. The combination of two or more elements within the chapters of a general plan is permit ted. The Diamond Bar General Plan Update covers six of the seven mandatory elements. Because housing elements are the only element required under State law to be updated on a standardized cycle, and to be subject to certification by the California Depa rtment of Housing and Community Development, Diamond Bar’s 2014 -2021 Housing Element is incorporated by reference, but is not part of the comprehensive General Plan Update. The table below shows where the required elements can be found in the General Plan Update: 7.1 Packet Pg. 24 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 3 of 20 Relationship between General Plan Elements and State Requirements Required Element Location in Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Circulation Chapter 4: Circulation Conservation Chapter 5: Resource Conservation Open Space Chapter 5: Resource Conservation Safety Chapter 7: Public Safety Noise Chapter 7: Public Safety Housing Provided under separate cover Government Code Section 65303 further provides that a “general plan may include any other elements which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the development of the city.” In order to better reflect the values of the community, the Diamond Bar General Plan Update incorporates the following elective elements: Economic Development (Chapter 2), Community Character & Placemaking (Chapter 3), Public Facilities & Services (Chapter 6), and Community Health & Sustainability (Chapter 8). With the exception of the housing element, there is no “expiration date” for a general plan. However, 20 years is generally regarded as the rule of thumb for a general plan’s lifecycle. In that light, a horizon year of 2040 has been defined for the Diamond Bar General Plan Update, and Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 is proposed to be the formal title for the document. General Plan Update Process The Public Hearing Draft General Plan, Public Hearing Draft Climate Action Plan and Final EIR are the products of a 3½-year work effort consisting of three phases. The Planning Commission and City Council adoptio n hearings comprise the final tasks of Phase 3. A summary of the tasks related to the General Plan Update preparation is provided below. Subsequent sections of this staff report discuss the scopes of work related to the CAP and EIR. Phase 1: Project Initiation, Visioning and Issue Identification (August 2016-March 2017) Phase 1 commenced with a Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting on August 10, 2016. The 15-member, Council-appointed General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) also held its first two meetings (October 12, 2016 and January 19, 2017). A community workshop was held at the Diamond Bar Center on November 9, 2016, where approximately 80 attendees took part in identifying common visions and themes for Diamond Bar’s future, and provided input on the major planning issues to be addressed in the General Plan Update. Phase 1 concluded with a second Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting on March 29, 2017). 7.1 Packet Pg. 25 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 4 of 20 Phase 2: Options and Strategies (April 2017-January 2018) A variety of outreach tools were deployed during this phase to promote awareness of the General Plan Update and to seek community input on a variety of topics, including where to locate a future downtown (“Town Center”), which is one of the cornerstones of the Community Vision formulated during Phase 1. General Plan Chapter 1 (Introduction) provides a detailed overview of the outreach efforts undertaken during this phase. The GPAC met twice during Phase 2, and a second community workshop at the DBC was held on October 19, 2017, where approximately 130 community members provided feedback to help define the framework of the preferred land use plan. Phase 2 concluded with a Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting where the preferred land use plan, incorporating the following new land use designations, was selected: • Town Center Mixed Use (TC-MU) – Diamond Bar Boulevard, between Golden Springs Drive and the SR 60 Freeway overpass. • Neighborhood Mixed Use (N-MU) – Diamond Bar Boulevard, between Sunset Crossing Road and Highland Valley Road; • Transit Oriented Mixed Use (TOD-MU) – Brea Canyon Road, between Lycoming Avenue and Washington Street. • Community Core Overlay (CCO) – The site of the County-owned Diamond Bar Golf Course. The purpose of the CCO is to proactively guide the future use of the site in the event that Los Angeles County should ever close or reduce the size of the golf course. Phase 3: Draft and Final Documents (February 2018-December 2019) The GPAC held six meetings during this phase to review, revise, and ultimately endorse the draft Goals and Policies for the General Plan Update at its tenth and final meeting on March 21, 2019. Significant community input during these meetings played a major role in shaping the content and language of the Goals and Policies. The Public Review Draft General Plan was released for public review on September 16, 2019. The City Council and Planning Commission held two joint study sessions on September 25, 2019 and October 8, 2019 to receive public comments, and provide feedback to facilitate the preparation of the Public Hearing Draft General Plan. At the September 25, 2019 joint meeting, the joint bodies expressed concerns that several draft policies were regulatory in tone and written as directives rather than statements of intent to guide the implementation of the General Plan. In response, staff presented revisions to several of the draft Goals and Policies at the October 8 study 7.1 Packet Pg. 26 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 5 of 20 session that avoid words and phrases more commonly associated with code regulations, without altering the intent of the draft Goals and Policies. The majority of the City Council and Planning Commission accepted the revisions and directed staff to incorporate them into the Public Hearing Draft General Plan. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE SUMMARY Phases 1 and 2 of the General Plan update process created the outline from which the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 document was written. The fundamental building blocks of the document are the Community Vision and Guiding Principles (Section 1.4), together with the Goals and Policies that form the basis for Chapters 2 through 8. The primary purpose of the document as a whole is to establish the underlying context for the Community Vision, Guiding Principles, Goals and Policies. The design and layout of the General Plan Update are intended to make for a user- friendly, easy-to-use document. For example, document navigation is facilitated by color-coded page headers (e.g., green for Chapter 1, orange for Chapter 2, etc.). Also, key topics within the chapters are highlighted within text boxes. Photos and other vivid graphics are used to convey the ideas and vision for the community presented in the text. Chapter 1 – Introduction This Chapter provides an overview of the purpose, authority, scope, organization and administration of the General Plan. Section 1.3 summarizes the General Plan update process, including the multi-faceted public outreach and participation efforts which included stakeholder interviews, surveys, community workshops, pop-up events, newsletters, social media and website campaign, the ten GPAC meetings, and the workshops and public hearings leading to the ultimate adoption of the General Plan. The Community Vision Statement and Guiding Principles were developed though the collective input that was received, and sets the stage for the collective aspirations and readiness for the future of Diamond Bar. Chapter 2 – Land Use and Economic Development Chapter 2 has the broadest scope of all the chapters and provides the overall framework for the physical development of the community and the distribution and intensity of land uses upon which many of the goals and policies in other chapters are based. Important to the Chapter is the Land Use Diagram (Figure 2-2) which illustrates the distribution of land uses throughout the City. The Land Use Diagram, combined with the defined land use classifications, determine how properties may be developed. The proposed Land Use Diagram is much more detailed than its 1995 predecessor, with land uses now designated at the parcel level given the technological advances in mapping and graphic capabilities. 7.1 Packet Pg. 27 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 6 of 20 For the majority of the community, the Land Use Diagram reflects the current built environment. No changes to any of the residential neighborhoods have been proposed. The Land Use Diagram incorporates previously approved developments, open space areas, parks and other facilities that have been approved since the 1995 General Plan to provide a more comprehensive and current inventory of land uses. As mentioned in the Background section of this staff report, much effort and community outreach focused on developing a “preferred” land use plan, which was selected at the January 30, 2018 Joint City Council/Planning Commission Study Session. That Preferred Plan, and now the Land Use Diagram, reflects the desire to create four new focus areas as part of a strategy to provide walkable mixed-use activity centers in an otherwise built-out environment. The focus areas provide opportunities for infill development that can incorporate a variety of housing, retail, entertainment and restaurant uses to meet the needs of the existing and future residents of the City. These focus areas include: Town Center Mixed Use - A “Town Center” is identified along Diamond Bar Bo ulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive that could accommodated a more traditional ‘downtown’ type development with entertainment, retail restaurant, community gathering spaces and ancillary residential uses to create a walkable environment. A maxi mum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.25 and a maximum residential density of 20 dwelling units per acre is permitted. Source: Fig. 3-3, Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Town Center Mixed Use 7.1 Packet Pg. 28 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 7 of 20 Neighborhood Mixed Use – The Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area is envisioned as a combination of residential and neighborhood serving retail and services to promote revitalization of North Diamond Bar Boulevard between Sunset Crossing Road and Highland Valley Road. A maximum FAR of 1.25 and a maximum residential density of 30 dwelling units per acre is permitted. Source: Fig. 3-2, Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Transit Oriented Mixed Use – This focus area is intended to leverage underutilized sites around the Metrolink station to provide higher-density housing, offices and supporting commercial uses close to regional transit. A maximum FAR of 1.5 with residential densities between 20 and 30 dwelling units per acre is permitted. Source: Fig. 3-3, Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Neighborhood Mixed Use Transit-Oriented Mixed Use 7.1 Packet Pg. 29 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 8 of 20 • Community Core Overlay – This focus area covers the County owned and operated golf course. Should the County choose to discontinue operation of the golf course, the Overlay would envision a master-planned, mixed-use, pedestrian- oriented community and regional destination. The majority of site north of the existing clubhouse would support park, open space and other community and civic uses. The area from the clubhouse south would accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. Source: Fig. 3-3, Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 The land use density and intensity standards for all land use categories are identified in Table 2-2 on Page 2-16. The potential buildout under the proposed General Plan is identified in Table 2-3 on Page 2-17 which estimates up to 3,750 new housing units, 7,000 new jobs, and 8,800 new residents for a total population estimated at 66,700 that could result from the 2040 General Plan. It is expected that much of the growth would occur within the four focus areas mentioned above. The Goals and Polices contained in this Chapter provide direction to achieve the future growth anticipated by the land use plan and apply both Citywide and s pecific to various land use categories such as residential, non-residential, public facilities and open space. The majority of the Goals and Policies are related to the new opportunities within the four mixed-use focus areas. Community Core Overlay 7.1 Packet Pg. 30 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 9 of 20 Chapter 3 – Community Character & Placemaking This Chapter guides the physical form and character of the City by providing strategies to strengthen the City’s identity through both new development and public improvements. Placemaking elements include features such as monuments and decorative treatments that define City entry points, public art installations, decorative streetscape elements at key intersections or districts, and landscaping that creates a memorable and unified character. The desired character for the community is to retain and build upon the recent efforts to create placemaking elements that tell the story of Diamond Bar’s early ranch origins. This includes continued expansion of the entry monuments signs and decorative intersection treatments throughout the community. The Goals and Polices contained in this Chapter provide direction to incorporate such elements into both new development projects and public improvements. The majority of the Goals and Policies are related to the new opportunities within the four mixed-use focus areas and encourage walkable and pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods. Chapter 4 – Circulation This Chapter is aimed at improving the transportation network within the City, balancing the circulation needs with safety and access across a variety of modes of transportation, including automobile travel, public transit, non-motorized transportation and goods movement through a Complete Streets approach. It is important to note that the California Complete Streets Act was passed in 2008 which requires circulation elements of general plans to include Complete Streets policies to balance the needs of all users of the streets, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. The Circulation Diagram (Figure 4-1) defines the City’s roadway system, which is designed to accommodate the existing and anticipated development under the Land Use Plan. The Circulation Chapter introduces boulevards as a roadway classification that was not part of the 1995 General Plan. Boulevards are a type of arterial designed to connect major destinations within the City, and are highly visible and aesthetically landscaped with shade trees and wide sidewalks. Boulevards provide consolidated access to adjacent commercial and residential uses while balancing the needs of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians with sidewalks and protected bicycle facilities. Figure 4 -1 designates Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs north of the 57/60 Confluence overpass, and Grand Avenue between Montefino and Chisolm Trail as boulevards. 7.1 Packet Pg. 31 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 10 of 20 Chapter 5 – Resource Conservation Conservation and open space elements are among the seven general plan elements mandated under State law. A conservation element is required to provide guidance for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, including water quality and hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and others as applicable to each jurisdiction. An open space element is intended to ensure that cities and counties recognize that open space land is a limited and valuable resource, and that they prepare and carry out open space plans to guide the comprehensive long-range preservation and conservation of open space land. The Resource Conservation Chapter is a combination of these two required elements, as several of the issues addressed under each topic are closely related. Local natural resources play a major role in making the Diamond Bar a unique and desirable place to live. When asked what they love about their City, Diamond Bar residents rank its open spaces and the diversity of plants and wildlife that inhabit those areas alongside our safe, attractive neighborhoods and excellent schools. The General Plan Update recognizes that Diamond Bar is largely built out, and to preserve and protect the character of our natural setting, most new growth must be achieved through infill development and by accommodating intensification within the identified focus areas. The Resource Conservation Chapter provides policies to guide the City’s stewardship of its resources, ensuring the conservation and enhancement of open spaces, biological resources, water and air quality, and cultural resources. Chapter 6 – Public Facilities & Services This Chapter sets forth the policy framework for the City to manage infrastructure and services, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that public utilities, services, and programs can meet the needs of the community into the future. This Chapter is organized into three major topics areas: Parks and Recreation; Schools and Community Facilities; and Utilities. The Goals and Policies applicable to these topics emphasize the following strategies: • Parks and Recreation o Maintain and expand the City’s system of parks, recreation facilities, open spaces and trails to meet current and future recreational needs. o Prioritize the dedication new parks over the payment of in -lieu fees in conjunction with residential development where possible. • Schools and Community Facilities o Continue to support efforts to maintain the excellence of our public schools 7.1 Packet Pg. 32 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 11 of 20 o Continue to provide all residents with access to high quality learning opportunities in cooperation with the two school districts, the L.A. County Library system and community organizations o Continue to provide and expand opportunities for all residents to gather, interact, exchange ideas, and establish and realize common goals. • Utilities o Maintain and upgrade the City’s infrastructure systems to ensure that utilities and municipal services meet the current and future needs of the City. o Work with telecommunications providers to deliver the best services possible to Diamond Bar residents, businesses and visitors. Chapter 7 – Public Safety The purpose of this Chapter is to identify the natural and man-made public health and safety hazards that exist within the City, and to establish preventative and responsive policies and programs to mitigate their potential impacts, particularly in light of our unique environmental, seismic, and topographic conditions. This Chapter also addresses the excellent public safety services provided by the L.A. County Sheriff’s and Fire Departments, and endorses the continuation of the contract model of government for the continuation of these services. Lastly, the Public Safety Chapter addresses noise and serves to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. The Chapter includes up-to-date and detailed maps of the City’s hazard areas by category, which are to be used to guide the ongoing development of plans and strategies to prepare for and protect the community from wildfire threats, geologic events, and other potential hazards. The Goals and Policies emphasize partnerships with local, regional and State agencies to ensure the City’s readiness for public safety threats through action plans and educational efforts. Chapter 8 – Community Health and Sustainability The topics covered in this Chapter include relatively recent State law requirements that general plans include “environmental justice” policies that identify any disadvantaged communities within the Planning Area, and provide policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks facing those communities. The additional health -related sections of this chapter are not required by State law, but address issues identified through community outreach efforts to be important to Diamond Bar residents. The Goals and Policies in this Chapter identify strategies to facilitate healthy and active lifestyles, social connections and celebrating diversity, access to healthy food, and climate change resilience. Many of these strategies could be incorporated into existing or future City programs and Development Code standards. 7.1 Packet Pg. 33 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 12 of 20 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Beginning in 2006, the State Legislature and Office of the Governor passed a series of laws and Executive Orders collectively mandating that California reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. SB 97 further requires that GHG emissions be analyzed as part of the environmental review process pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). To reach these targeted reductions, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recommends that local governments reduce per capita GHG emissions to 6 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per year by 2030, and 2 MTCO2e by 2050. A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive inventory of specific activities a public agency should undertake to reduce GHG emissions that originate within i ts jurisdiction. The City of Diamond Bar has prepared a Climate Action Plan to document how it will be able to reduce its GHG emissions in compliance with State mandates and goals. The Diamond Bar CAP applies broadly accepted climate science methodologi es to estimate the City’s per capita MTCO2e emissions for the General Plan’s horizon year of 2040. Because current regulations only set forth 2030 and 2050 targets, the Diamond Bar CAP interpolates 4 MTCO2e to be the target for 2040. The CAP finds that with the Policies set forth in the General Plan Update, Diamond Bar will meet its mandated GHG reduction targets without being subject to additional GHG reduction measures. Examples of such policies include those promoting compact, mixed-use development in the proposed Focus Areas, and facilitating other modes of transportation through such means as expanding the City’s bikeway network and accommodating electric vehicle infrastructure. In addition to validating the General Plan Update’s role in meeting Dia mond Bar’s GHG reduction targets, the City would benefit from adopting a Climate Action Plan in two more ways. First, CAPs are currently the most defensible approach to CEQA GHG analyses. Previous attempts to apply statewide GHG reduction standards have been successfully overturned by the California Supreme Court.1 Because CAPs specifically tailor GHG reductions to the local level (which may be more restrictive than statewide standards), they more likely to survive legal challenges. Secondly, CAPs enable streamlined GHG analyses for future development projects. Once a climate action plan has been adopted, later, project-specific environmental documents may rely upon that plan and its environmental impact report to streamline project-level evaluation of GHG impacts under CEQA. This approach has been tested and upheld by the California Supreme Court.2 This streamlining process should also help to reduce costs when preparing environmental analyses for subsequent projects. 1 Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. Dep't of Fish & Wildlife, (2015) 62 Cal.4th 204, 225, as modified on denial of reh'g (Feb. 17, 2016). 2 Center for Biological Diversity v. Department of Fish & Wildlife (2015) 62 Cal.4th 204, 230; Mission Bay Alliance v. Office of Community Investment & Infrastructure (2016) 6 Cal.App.5th 160. 7.1 Packet Pg. 34 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 13 of 20 For example, if individual projects are consistent with the CAP, then GHG impacts are unlikely to be significant and no additional mitigation and monitoring measures should be required. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared to evaluate the potent ial impacts of the proposed Diamond Bar Update and Climate Action Plan. For the purposes of the EIR, the General Plan Update and CAP are collectively referred to as the “Proposed Project.” In accordance with the mandates of CEQA, the EIR is intended to in form decisionmakers and the general public of the potential significant environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. The EIR also considers the availability of mitigation measures to minimize significant impacts and evaluates reasonable alternatives to t he Proposed Project that may reduce or avoid one or more significant environmental effects. This EIR is classified as a “program EIR” that examines the potential effects resulting from implementing designated land uses and policies in the Proposed Project. The impact assessment evaluates the Proposed Project as a whole and identifies the broad, regional effects that may occur with its implementation. As a programmatic document, the EIR does not assess site-specific impacts. Any future development project made possible by the Proposed Project would be subject to individual, site -specific environmental review, as required by State law. This EIR represents the best effort to evaluate the Proposed Project given its planning horizon through the year 2040. It c an be anticipated that conditions will change; however, the assumptions used are the best available at the time of preparation and reflect existing knowledge of patterns of development. The EIR is comprised of two separately-prepared volumes: • Draft EIR – The Draft EIR analyzes the potential environmental effects that may result from the implementation of the General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan and addresses potentially significant environmental effects in the areas of aesthetics; air quality; biological resources; cultural, historic and tribal cultural resources; energy, climate change and greenhouse gases; geology, soils, seismicity and paleontology; hazards, hazardous materials and wildfire; hydrology and water quality; land use and housing; noise; public facilities and recreation; transportation; and utilities and service systems. Where potentially significant adverse impacts were identified, the EIR proposed measures to mitigate them. The mitigation measures compiled in Table ES-4 (Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures) in the Draft EIR’s Executive Summary, and in Exhibit “A” of the attached EIR certification resolution. • Response to Comments (RTC) – The RTC contains all of the comments from public agencies, public interest organizations and individuals that provided comments on the Draft EIR; written responses to those comments; and an errata containing all of the revisions to the Draft EIR warranted by the comments received on the Draft EIR, as well as corrections and clarifications to the Draft EIR. 7.1 Packet Pg. 35 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 14 of 20 The Draft EIR and RTC together comprise the Final EIR. Common usage typically refers to the RTC alone as the “Final EIR” because it is routinely bound as a separate volume. Opportunities for Public Input Outreach to solicit participation from public agencies and interested persons during the EIR process included the following efforts: Notice of Preparation: May 31, 2018, the City circulated a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to solicit comments on the scope and content of the Environmental Imp act Report (EIR) for the Proposed Project. The NOP was sent to the California Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit (“SCH”), the Los Angeles County Clerk of the Board, and to responsible and trustee agencies; noticed in th e Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and San Gabriel Valley Tribune; and emailed to individuals who subscribed to receive General Plan Update notifications. The NOP was circulated for a 30-day review period that commenced on June 7, 2018 and ended on July 6, 20 18. Seventeen public agencies, public interest organizations and individuals submitted written comments on the NOP. These comments were considered and incorporated where appropriate into the Draft General Plan Update and/or Draft EIR documents. A copy of the NOP along with NOP comments are provided in Appendix A of the EIR. Scoping Meeting: The City conducted a public scoping meeting on June 21, 2018 at Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Community Room. Approximately 30 persons attended the meeting, and ten attendees spoke on the topics that they requested to see addressed in the EIR. Notice of Completion/Availability: On September 13, 2019, upon completion of the Draft EIR, a Notice of Completion (“NOC”) was filed with SCH, and a Notice of Availability (“NOA”) was filed with the County of Los Angeles Clerk of the Board, as required by Public Resources Code Section 21092. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15087, the City also sent the NOA to anyone requesting it. The Draft EIR was concurrently made available for public review on the City’s dedicated General Plan Update website (www.diamondbargp.com), and hardcopies were made available for public review at City Hall and at the Diamond Bar Public Library. The State -mandated 45-day public review period for the Draft EIR ran from September 16, 2019 to October 31, 2019. Draft EIR Comments and Responses: Comments received on the Draft EIR are provided in Chapter 2 of the Final EIR, and responses to those comments are provided in Chapter 3 of the Final EIR. The Response to Comments address all comments received during the 45-day EIR review period. CEQA Guidelines Section 15132(d) requires that the Final EIR include “The responses of the Lead Agency to significant environmental points raised in the review and consultation process.” Where appropriate, changes to the EIR have been made in response to comments received. Some EIR comments related to issues which, absent a physical change in the environment are not issues within the scope of CEQA, and are so noted in the responses. 7.1 Packet Pg. 36 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 15 of 20 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts The Draft EIR identifies 23 mitigation measures to mitigate potentially significant impacts in the categories of Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural/Historic/Tribal Resources and Geology/Soils/Seismicity/Paleontology. The Draft EIR also identifies four potentially significant impacts that cannot be avoided or mitigated to less than significant levels; those significant and unavoidable impacts, even with the incorporation of mitigation measures, are in the categories of Air Quality, Cultural and Archaeological Resources and Transportation. It should be noted that these significant and unavoidable impacts exist even if the General Plan is not updated. For example, the South Coast Air Basin currently exceeds State and federal levels for ozone and specified airborne pollutants. Any activity that emits such pollutants is considered a contributor the cumulative air quality conditions in the Basin. In the category of cultural, historic and archaeological resources, the California Office of Historic Preservation considers buildings and structures more than 45 years old to be potentially significant historic resources. Without a Citywide inventory and assessment of every building in the City (including tract homes), the demolition or substantial alteration of such structures may be regarded as a loss of a potentially significant historic or cultural resources. In the category of transportation, a significant impact would occur if total vehicl e miles traveled (VMT) exceeds baseline conditions. Even though the General Plan Update promotes infill, mixed-use development patterns, the development of a multi -modal transportation network that would provide transportation alternatives to the single - occupant vehicle and encourage complete streets, and other transportation demand management measures, VMT will exceed baseline conditions for the foreseeable future. Environmental Conclusions If significant new information is added to an EIR after notice of public review has been given, but before final certification of the EIR, the Lead Agency must issue a new notice and recirculate the EIR for further comments and consultation. Significant new information is that which discloses that: A new significant environmental impact would result from the project or from a new mitigation measure proposed to be implemented; A substantial increase in the severity of an environmental impact would result unless mitigation measures are adopted that reduce the impact to a level of insignificance; A feasible project alternative or mitigation measure considerably different from others previously analyzed would clearly lessen the significant environmental impacts of the project, but the project’s proponents decline to adopt it; or 7.1 Packet Pg. 37 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 16 of 20 The Draft EIR was so fundamentally and basically inadequate and conclusory in nature that meaningful public review and comment were precluded. Corrections or clarifications to the Draft EIR identified in the Final EIR do not constitute significant new information pursuant to Section 15088.5 of the CEQA Guidelines; this new information merely clarifies and makes insignificant changes to an adequate EIR. Information presented in the Draft EIR and Final EIR support this determination. As stated, implementation of the General Plan Update is expected to result in significant and unavoidable significant impacts. Should the City Council adopt the proposed General Plan Update and CAP regardless of these unavoidable impacts, CEQA requires that it adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations, supported by findings, that concludes that the economic, legal, social, technological, and other benefits of the Proposed Project outweigh the unavoidable environmental risks. If the Planning Commission recommends adoption of the General Plan and CAP, Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations will be presented to the City Council for consideration. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(1) requires a lead or responsible agency that approves or carries out a project where an EIR has identified significant environmental effects to adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or conditions of project approval, ado pted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The MMRP for the General Plan Update and CAP is included as Exhibit “A” to the attached resolution recommending certification of the Final EIR. It is the intent of this program to: 1. Verify satisfaction of the required mitigation measures of the EIR; 2. Provide a methodology to document implementation of the required mitigation; 3. Provide a record of the monitoring program; 4. Identify monitoring responsibility; 5. Establish administrative procedures for the clearance of mitigation measures; 6. Establish the frequency and duration of monitoring; and 7. Utilize existing review processes wherever feasible. The MMRP describes the procedures that will be used to implement the mitigation measures adopted in connection with the approval of the Proposed Project and the methods of monitoring such actions. A monitoring program is necessary only for impacts which would be significant if not mitigated. If, during the course of project implementation, any of the mitigation measures identified cannot be successfully implemented, the City shall immediately inform any affected responsible agencies. The City, in conjunction with any affected responsible agencies, 7.1 Packet Pg. 38 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 17 of 20 will then determine if modification to the project is required, and/or whether alternative mitigation is appropriate. MINOR REVISIONS TO THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND EIR Comments received during the public review period for the Public Review Draft General Plan Update, CAP and Draft EIR resulted in minor revisions, corrections and clarifications to the Final EIR and Public Hearing Draft General Plan Update. Chapter 4 of the Final EIR compiles these amendments and serves as the errata to the Draft EIR, and are summarized below. Updated Goals and Policies In response to the direction received at the September 25, 2019 and October 8, 2019 study sessions and other comments received, several Goals and Policies were revised to read as statements of intent, rather than regulations. Revision to the Neighborhood Mixed Use District Boundaries As stated during the September 25, 2019 study session public comments, the parcel along Diamond Bar between Sunset Crossing Road (south of Wienerschnitzel) and the SR-60 on and offramps is highly constrained due to topography and ingress/egress restrictions. As such, it is unlikely that the site could be developed in conformance with the Neighborhood Mixed Use District goals and policies. Staff concurs with the commenter’s remarks, and recommends that the parcels south of Sunset Crossing Road be detached from the Neighborhood Mixed Use District Boundaries. The proposed Land Use Diagram (Figure 2-2) of the Public Hearing Draft General Plan Update has thus been revised as shown below: Public Review Draft Public Hearing Draft 7.1 Packet Pg. 39 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 18 of 20 The revisions to the map do not change the environmental conclusions reached in the Draft EIR. DEIR Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources Text, mitigation measure language and figures were revised to incorporate comments received during the Draft EIR public review period. A new figure depicting wildlife migration corridor chokepoints was also added to the Final EIR. The new and revised figures were also incorporated into the Public Review Draft General Plan, as shown below. Figure 5.2: Vegetation Communities Public Review Draft Public Hearing Draft The revised figure above on the right shows areas previously designated as California Walnut Woodland (yellow) along slopes and canyons to be California Walnut Woodland/Coast Live Oak Woodland (medium green). The woodland mosaics shown within this terrain is based on the slope orientations, where slopes with westerly/southerly exposures are depicted as walnut woodlands, and slopes with northerly/easterly exposures are depicted as walnut/oak woodlands. The revisions to the map do not change the environmental conclusions reached in the Draft EIR. 7.1 Packet Pg. 40 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 19 of 20 New Figure 5.5: Wildlife Movement Choke Points The new figure to the right shows various nodes throughout the City where wildlife movement is constrained by existing development and other physical and topographical features. The figure has been added to the Final EIR and General Plan Update to inform staff and the general public of these sensitive linkages in order to avoid impacting them further in conjunction with future planning efforts. The incorporation of this figure does not change the environmental conclusions reached in the Draft EIR. NEXT STEPS: If the Planning Commission closes the public hearing and adopts the attach ed resolutions as submitted or amended, a City Council hearing to consider certification of the Final EIR, adopting Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and adoption of the General Plan Update and CAP will be scheduled for December 17, 2019. PREPARED BY: REVIEWED BY: Attachments: 7.1 Packet Pg. 41 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan Page 20 of 20 A. Resolution Recommending Certification of the FEIR, Preparation of Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program B. Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Diamond Bar General Plan Update C. Resolution Recommending Adoption of the Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan D. Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Public Hearing Draft E. Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan 2040 Public Hearing Draft F. Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 & Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan 2040 Final EIR G. Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 & Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program H. Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 & Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan 2040 Draft EIR 7.1 Packet Pg. 42 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2019-xx A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CERTIFY THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH NO. 2018051066) PREPARE AND ADOPT A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS AND APPROVE THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN. A. RECITALS 1. California Government Code (“Government Code”) Section 65300 requires that each city and county adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan to guide “the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning.” 2. On July 25, 1995, the City of Diamond Bar (“City”) adopted its first General Plan (“1995 General Plan”). The General Plan established goals, objectives and strategies to implement the community's vision for its future. In the years following the adoption of the City’s original General Plan, the Housing Element was comprehensively updated three times as mandated pursuant to Government Code Section 65588. Portions of other elements were amended from time to time as necessary to reflect changed circumstances or City policies. 3. In June 2016, the City initiated a comprehensive update to the 1995 General Plan (“General Plan Update”) to build upon its original vision, and adapt it to proactively and opportunistically guide the City as it faces contemporary and future challenges. 4. In conjunction with the General Plan Update, the City prepared a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to serve as the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategy to meet State-mandated GHG reduction targets in concert with the implementation of the General Plan Update. 5. The General Plan Update and CAP are referred to collectively herein as the “Proposed Project.” 6. The City is the Lead Agency for the Proposed Project, as defined by Section 21067 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Statutes (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). 7.1.a Packet Pg. 43 7. On May 31, 2018, the City disseminated a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to solicit comments on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Proposed Project. The NOP was sent to the California Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit (“SCH”), the Los Angeles County Clerk of the Board, and to responsible and trustee agencies; noticed in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and San Gabriel Valley Tribune; and emailed to individuals who subscribed to receive General Plan Update notifications. The NOP was circulated for a 30-day review period that commenced on June 7, 2018 and ended on July 6, 2018. 8. Upon receipt of the NOP, the SCH assigned the following reference number for all transmittals associated with the EIR: 2018051066. 9. On June 21, 2018, as part of the scoping process, a Scoping meeting was held at Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. 10. Seventeen public agencies, public interest organizations and individuals submitted written comments on the NOP. These comment s were considered and incorporated where appropriate into the Draft General Plan Update and/or Draft EIR documents. 11. A Draft EIR was prepared, incorporating all of the mandated contents set forth pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15120 et seq. 12. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) was prepared in conformance with Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(1) and is attached hereto as Exhibit A and hereby incorporated by reference. 13. On September 13, 2019, upon completion of the Draft EIR, a Notice of Completion (“NOC”) was filed with SCH, and a Notice of Availability (“NOA”) was filed with the County of Los Angeles Clerk of the Board, as required by Public Resources Code Section 21092. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15087, the City also sent the NOA to anyone requesting it. The Draft EIR was concurrently made available for public review on the City’s dedicated General Plan Update website (www.diamondbargp.com), and hardcopies were made available for public review at City Hall (21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765) and at the Diamond Bar Public Library (21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765). 14. The State-mandated 45-day public review period for the Draft EIR ran from September 16, 2019 to October 31, 2019. 15. Written comments received on the Draft EIR during the public review period included letters or emails from seven public agencies, five public interest organizations and four individuals. 16. After receiving public comments on the Draft EIR, the City prepared a Final EIR for the Proposed Project. The Final EIR includes the written comments 7.1.a Packet Pg. 44 received on the Draft EIR and the City’s responses to comments relative to the Proposed Project or significant environmental points raised. The Final EIR includes an Errata which identifies minor revisions to the EIR, General Plan Update and CAP made in response to comments received on the EIR as well as minor corrections to the documents which have been ident ified by City staff. 17. On November 22, 2019, Notification of the public hearing before the Planning Commission for Proposed Project, Final EIR and MMRP was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers, and sent via email to all 178 individuals who subscribed to receive notifications regarding the Proposed Project. In addition to the published and emailed notices, public notices were posted at the City’s designated community posting sites. 18. On November 23, 2019, responses to comments were provided to each public agency that submitted comments on the Draft EIR, in conformance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15088. The Final EIR and MMRP were concurrently made available for public review on the City’s dedicated General Plan Update website. 19. On November 25, 2019, hardcopies of the Final EIR were made available for public review at City Hall and at the Diamond Bar Public Library. 20. On December 4, 2019, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing and solicited testimony from all interested individuals regarding the Final EIR and the MMRP, as well as the Proposed Project, and concluded said hearing on that date. 21. All legal prerequisites to the adoption of this resolution have occurred. 22. The documents and materials constituting the administrative record of the proceedings upon which the City’s decision is based are located at the City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Department, Planning Division, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. B. RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined and resolved by the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar, as follows: 1. That all of the facts set forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct. 2. That Environmental Impact Report (EIR) SCH No. 2018051066 has been prepared according to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and guidelines promulgated thereunder. 7.1.a Packet Pg. 45 3. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the Project, which avoid or substantially lessen significant adverse environmental impacts identified in Final EIR. 4. With the implementation of the identified mitigation mea sures, all potentially significant impacts will be reduced to a level of less than significant with the exception of the following: a. Air Quality – Implementation of the Proposed project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state air quality standard. [Impact 3.2-2] b. Air Quality – Implementation of the Proposed Project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. [Impact 3.2-3] c. Air Quality – Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors adversely affecting a substantial number of people). [Impact 3.2-4] d. Cultural Resources, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources – Implementation of the Proposed Project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5. [Impact 3.4-1] e. Transportation – Implementation of the Proposed Project would conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). [Impact 3.12-2] 5. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council: certify the Final EIR to be complete and adequate; find that the Final EIR reflects the independent judgment of the City Council; prepare and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program attached hereto as Exhibit A and hereby incorporated by reference. The Planning Commission Secretary shall: (a) Certify as to the adoption of this Resolution; and (b) Forthwith transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar. 7.1.a Packet Pg. 46 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2019, BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR. By: Naila Barlas, Chairperson I, Greg Gubman, Planning Commission Secretary, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted, at a special meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 4th day of December, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners: NOES: Commissioners: ABSENT: Commissioners: ABSTAIN: Commissioners: ATTEST: Greg Gubman, Secretary 7.1.a Packet Pg. 47 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2019-xx A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE (“DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN 2040”). A. RECITALS 1. California Government Code (“Government Code”) Section 65300 requires that each city and county adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan to guide “the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning.” 2. Government Code Section 65302 mandates every general plan to include the following seven topics (elements): land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation, noise and safety. 3. Government Code Section Government Code Section 65303 further provides that a “general plan may include any other elements which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the development of the city.” 4. On July 25, 1995, the City of Diamond Bar (“City”) adopted its first General Plan. The General Plan established goals, objectives and strategies to implement the community's vision for its future. The General Plan included the seven required elements, as well as an eighth element, Public Services and Facilities, in accordance with Government Code Section 65303. 5. In the years following the adoption of the City’s original General Plan, the Housing Element was comprehensively updated three times as mandated pursuant to Government Code Section 65588. Portions of other elements were amended from time to time as necessary to reflect changed circumstances or City policies. 6. In June 2016, the City initiated a comprehensive update to seven of the eight original General Plan elements, and the drafting of three new elements: Economic Development, Community Character & Placemaking, and Community Health & Sustainability. The process of updating these existing elements and drafting these new elements is referred to as the “General Plan Update.” The Housing Element was excluded from General Plan Update because it will be updated at a later date in accordance with Government Code Section 65588. 7.1.b Packet Pg. 48 7. In September 2016, the City Council established a 15-member General Plan Advisory Committee to serve as an ad hoc, temporary advisory body to the Planning Commission and City Council in the preparation of the updated General Plan. 8. Public engagement played a significant role in developing the vision, guiding principles, goals and policies around which the General Plan Update is framed. Between August 2016 and October 2019, t he public outreach and participation effort included 23 stakeholder interviews, ten GPAC meetings, five joint City Council/Planning Commission study sessions, two online surveys, two community workshops, and information booths at more than 17 separate events and venues. 9. Between April 19, 2018 and March 21, 2019, the GPAC held six meetings to review, revise, and ultimately endorse the draft goals and policies for the General Plan Update. Significant community input during these meetings played a major role in shaping the content and language of the goals and policies. 10. On September 16, 2019, the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Public Review Draft (“Public Review Draft”) was published for public review and comment. 11. On September 25, 2019 and October 8, 2019, the City Council and Planning Commission held two joint study sessions to receive public comments and provide feedback on the Public Review Draft. 12. On November 22, 2019, the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Public Hearing Draft (“Public Hearing Draft”) was published for public review and comment. The Public Hearing Draft incorporates corrections, clarifications and revisions to information contained in the Public Review Draft , including revisions to some of the goals and policies, in response to public comments received through October 31, 2019. Such corrections, clarifications and revisions do not alter the intent of the General Plan Update’s vision, guiding principles, goals or policies. 13. In accordance to the provisions of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15168 et seq., an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared, which found that the General Plan Update may have significant impacts on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15090 through 15093, the City Council must certify the EIR, make findings for each significant impact and adopt a statement of overriding considerations prior to or concurrently with the adoption of the General Plan Update. Concurrently herewith, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution Nos. 2019-xx and 2019-xx recommending that the City Council 7.1.b Packet Pg. 49 adopt the Diamond Bar 2040 Climate Action Plan, prepare and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations, certify the Final EIR, and adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan. 14. On November 22, 2019, Notification of the public hearing for General Plan Update was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers, and sent via email were sent to all 178 individuals who subscribed to receive General Plan Update notifications. In addition to the published and emailed notices, public notices were posted at the City’s designated community posting sites. 15. On December 4, 2019, the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar conducted a duly noticed public hearing, solicited testimony from all interested individuals, and concluded said hearing on that date. 16. All legal prerequisites to the adoption of this resolution have occurred. 17. The documents and materials constituting the administrative record of the proceedings upon which the City’s decision is based are located at the City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Department, Planning Division, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. B. RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined and resolved by the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar, as follows: 1. That all of the facts set forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct. 2. The Planning Commission, after due consideration of public testimony, staff analysis and the Commission's deliberations, has determined that the Diamond Bar General Plan Update, including all elements, goals and policies therein, satisfies all of the requirements of state law, and will appropriately guide the implementation of the Community Vision and Guiding Principles established by the people of Diamond Bar, as set forth in Section 1.4 of the General Plan Update. 3. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the Diamond Bar General Plan Update. The Planning Commission Secretary shall: (a) Certify as to the adoption of this Resolution; and 7.1.b Packet Pg. 50 (b) Forthwith transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2019, BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR. By: Naila Barlas, Chairperson I, Greg Gubman, Planning Commission Secretary, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted, at a special meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 4th day of December, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners: NOES: Commissioners: ABSENT: Commissioners: ABSTAIN: Commissioners: ATTEST: Greg Gubman, Secretary 7.1.b Packet Pg. 51 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2019-xx A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN. A. RECITALS 1. Beginning in 2006, the State Legislature and Office of the Governor passed a series of laws and Executive Orders collectively mandating that California reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. SB 97 further requires that GHG emissions be analyzed as part of the CEQA review process (EIRs, for example). To reach these targeted reductions, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recommends that local governments target six (6) metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per person per year by 2030, and two (2) MTCO2e by 2050. 2. A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive inventory of specific activities a public agency should undertake to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions that originate within its jurisdiction. 3. In June 2016, the City initiated a comprehensive update to the Diamond Bar General Plan (“General Plan Update”). It was subsequently determined that the concurrent preparation of a CAP would be the most efficient and effective method for the City to document how it will be able to reduce its GHG emissions in compliance with state mandates and goals. 4. Because current regulations only set forth 2030 and 2050 targets, the Diamond Bar CAP interpolates four (4) MTCO2e to be the target for 2040 in order to align with the General Plan Update’s horizon year. 5. On September 16, 2019, the Diamond Bar CAP Public Review Draft (“Public Review Draft”) was published for public review and comment. 6. The Diamond Bar CAP finds that with the Policies set forth in the General Plan Update, the City will meet its mandated GHG reduction targets without being subject to additional GHG reduction measures. Examples of such policies include those promoting compact, mixed-use development in the proposed Focus Areas, and facilitating other modes of transportation through such means as expanding the City’s bikeway network and accommodating electric vehicle infrastructure. 7.1.c Packet Pg. 52 7. On September 25, 2019 and October 8, 2019, the City Council and Planning Commission held two joint study sessions to receive public comments and provide feedback on the Public Review Draft. 8. On November 22, 2019, the Diamond Bar CAP Public Hearing Draft (“Public Hearing Draft”) was published for public review and comment. The Public Hearing Draft incorporates corrections, clarifications and revisions to information contained in the Public Review Draft, including revisions to some of the goals and policies, in response to public comments received through October 31, 2019. Such corrections, clarifications and revisions do not alter the initial findings of the Diamond Bar CAP. 9. In accordance to the provisions of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15168 et seq., an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared, which found that the General Plan Update may have significant impacts on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15090 through 15093, the City Council must certify the EIR, make findings for each significant impact and adopt a statement of overriding considerations prior to or concurrently with the adoption of the Diamond Bar CAP. Concurrently herewith, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution Nos. 2019-xx and 2019-xx recommending that the City Council adopt the General Plan Update, prepare and adopt a statement of overriding considerations, certify the Final EIR, and adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan. 10. On November 22, 2019, Notification of the public hearing for General Plan Update and CAP was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers, and sent via email to all 178 individuals who subscribed to receive notifications. In addition to the published and emailed notices, public notices were posted at the City’s designated community posting sites. 11. On December 4, 2019, the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar conducted a duly noticed public hearing, solicited testimony from all interested individuals, and concluded said hearing on that date. 12. All legal prerequisites to the adoption of this resolution have occurred. 13. The documents and materials constituting the administrative record of the proceedings upon which the City’s decision is based are located at the City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Department, Planning Division, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. 7.1.c Packet Pg. 53 B. RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby found, determined and resolved by the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar, as follows: 1. That all of the facts set forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct. 2. The Planning Commission, after due consideration of public testimony, staff analysis and the Commission's deliberations, has determined that the Diamond Bar CAP will effectively serve as Diamond Bar’s official GHG reduction strategy to reduce the City’s GHG emissions to four (4) MTCO2e per person per year by the year 2040. 3. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt the Diamond Bar CAP. The Planning Commission Secretary shall: (a) Certify as to the adoption of this Resolution; and (b) Forthwith transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2019, BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR. By: Naila Barlas, Chairperson I, Greg Gubman, Planning Commission Secretary, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted, at a special meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 4th day of December, 2019, by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners: NOES: Commissioners: ABSENT: Commissioners: ABSTAIN: Commissioners: ATTEST: Greg Gubman, Secretary 7.1.c Packet Pg. 54 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT | NOVEMBER 2019 2040 7.1.d Packet Pg. 55 7.1.d Packet Pg. 56 2040 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT | NOVEMBER 2019 Prepared by 7.1.d Packet Pg. 57 7.1.d Packet Pg. 58 i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The City would like to thank everyone involved in the making of this General Plan, including the community members for their invaluable contributions, dedication and service to shaping the future of our great community. CITY COUNCIL Carol Herrera, Mayor Steve Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Andrew Chou, Council Member Ruth M. Low, Council Member Nancy A. Lyons, Council Member Jimmy Lin, Former Council Member PLANNING COMMISSION Naila Barlas, Chair Frank Farago, Vice-Chair Jennifer “Fred” Mahlke, Commissioner Kenneth Mok, Commissioner William Rawlings, Commissioner Raymond Wolfe, Former Commissioner GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mark St. Amant, Chair Brian Worthington, Vice-Chair Larry Black David Busse Teruni Evans Mahendra Garg Amy Harbin Ching Liu Cindy Liu Lee Mao Michael Ramirez Victor Ramirez Gil Rivera Paul Sherwood Tony Torng Joyce Young 7.1.d Packet Pg. 59 ii CITY STAFF Daniel Fox, City Manager James DeStefano, Former City Manager Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager Greg Gubman, AICP, Community Development Director David Liu, Public Works Director Ryan Wright, Parks & Recreation Director Grace Lee, Senior Planner Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager Stella Marquez, Administrative Coordinator Natalie Espinoza, Associate Planner Mayuko Nakajima, Associate Planner Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator CONSULTANT TEAM Dyett & Bhatia Urban and Regional Planners Fehr & Peers Arellano Associates ESA Urban Field Studio Pro Forma Advisors, LLC TKE Engineering, Inc. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 www.DiamondBarCA.gov Adopted ______ Resolution No. ______ 7.1.d Packet Pg. 60 iii TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................1-1 1.1 Scope and Purpose ..................................................................................................1-2 1.2 Planning Context ......................................................................................................1-5 1.3 Planning Process .....................................................................................................1-10 1.4 Vision and Guiding Principles ................................................................................1-15 1.5 Plan Organization....................................................................................................1-17 1.6 Related Documents ...............................................................................................1-20 1.7 Administration ........................................................................................................1-22 2 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ................................................2-1 2.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................2-2 2.2 Land Use ....................................................................................................................2-4 2.3 Economic Development ........................................................................................2-34 3 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING ........................................3-1 3.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................3-2 3.2 Citywide Character and Design .............................................................................3-3 3.3 Focus Areas .............................................................................................................3-21 4 CIRCULATION ..........................................................................................4-1 4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................4-2 4.2 Transportation Network ...........................................................................................4-4 4.3 Vehicle Circulation ................................................................................................4-13 4.4 Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation .....................................................................4-21 4.5 Public Transportation .............................................................................................4-30 4.6 Parking ....................................................................................................................4-34 4.7 Emergency Access ................................................................................................4-36 4.8 Goods Movement ...................................................................................................4-36 5 RESOURCE CONSERVATION ...................................................................5-1 5.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................5-2 5.2 Open Space ..............................................................................................................5-4 5.4 Biological Resources ..............................................................................................5-10 5.5 Water Resources .....................................................................................................5-34 5.6 Air Quality ...............................................................................................................5-39 5.6 Cultural Resources .................................................................................................5-45 7.1.d Packet Pg. 61 iv 6 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES ................................................................6-1 6.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................6-2 6.2 Parks and Recreation ...............................................................................................6-4 6.3 Schools and Community Facilities .......................................................................6-17 6.4 Utilities .....................................................................................................................6-22 7 PUBLIC SAFETY .........................................................................................7-1 7.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................7-2 7.2 Seismic and Geologic Hazards ..............................................................................7-4 7.3 Flood Hazards and Protection................................................................................7-11 7.4 Fire Hazards .............................................................................................................7-15 7.5 Hazardous Materials and Operations ..................................................................7-24 7.6 Public Safety Services............................................................................................7-29 7.7 Emergency and Disaster Management...............................................................7-34 7.8 Noise ........................................................................................................................7-38 8 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY ................................................8-1 8.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................8-2 8.2 Public Health and Environmental Justice ..............................................................8-4 8.3 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases ...........................................................8-18 7.1.d Packet Pg. 62 v LIST OF FIGURES 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................1-1 Figure 1-1: Regional Setting .............................................................................................1-7 Figure 1-2: Planning Area ................................................................................................1-8 2 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ................................................2-1 Figure 2-1: Planning Area Land Use Distribution ...........................................................2-5 Figure 2-2: Land Use Diagram .......................................................................................2-10 Figure 2-3: Jobs in the Top 15 Industry Sectors (2015) ................................................2-37 Figure 2-4: Top Employers (2015) ..................................................................................2-37 Figure 2-5: Diamond Bar Population Growth, 1990 - 2040 .........................................2-38 Figure 2-6: Historic Per Capita Retail Spending (2005 - 2014) ...................................2-39 3 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING ........................................3-1 Figure 3-1: Urban Design Framework .............................................................................3-5 Figure 3-2: Neighborhood Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration ..................3-22 Figure 3-3: Town Center Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration ......................3-24 Figure 3-4: Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Focus Area Concept Illustration ................3-25 4 CIRCULATION ..........................................................................................4-1 Figure 4-1: Circulation Diagram ......................................................................................4-5 Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicyle Network ...........................................................................4-23 Figure 4-3: Transit Lines and Facilities ..........................................................................4-31 Figure 4-4: Goods Movement .......................................................................................4-37 5 RESOURCE CONSERVATION ...................................................................5-1 Figure 5-1: Open Space Network ...................................................................................5-5 Figure 5-2: Natural Communities ...................................................................................5-11 Figure 5-3: Special Status Plants ...................................................................................5-28 Figure 5-4: Special Status Animals ...............................................................................5-29 Figure 5-5: Movement Choke Points ............................................................................5-30 Figure 5-6: Watersheds and Surface Water .................................................................5-36 7.1.d Packet Pg. 63 vi 6 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES ................................................................6-1 Figure 6-1: Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities ..............................6-8 Figure 6-2: Existing and Proposed Trail Network ..........................................................6-11 Figure 6-3: Schools and Other Public Facilities ..........................................................6-19 Figure 6-4: Existing Sanitary Sewer System .................................................................6-28 Figure 6-5: Existing Storm Drain System .......................................................................6-29 7 PUBLIC SAFETY .........................................................................................7-1 Figure 7-1: Steep Slopes ...................................................................................................7-6 Figure 7-2: Regional Faults ..............................................................................................7-7 Figure 7-3: Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards...........................................................7-8 Figure 7-4: Flood Zones ...................................................................................................7-12 Figure 7-5: Fire Threat ......................................................................................................7-18 Figure 7-6: Fire Hazard Severity Zones ..........................................................................7-19 Figure 7-7: Wildfire Perimeters 1928 – 2019 ..................................................................7-20 Figure 7-8: Hazardous Materials and Sites ..................................................................7-26 Figure 7-9: Public Safety Facilities ................................................................................7-31 Figure 7-10: Typical Noise Levels in the Environment .................................................7-40 Figure 7-11: Existing Noise Contours (2016) ..................................................................7-42 Figure 7-12: Projected Noise Contours (2040) .............................................................7-43 7.1.d Packet Pg. 64 vii 6 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES ................................................................6-1 Figure 6-1: Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities ..............................6-8 Figure 6-2: Existing and Proposed Trail Network ..........................................................6-11 Figure 6-3: Schools and Other Public Facilities ..........................................................6-19 Figure 6-4: Existing Sanitary Sewer System .................................................................6-28 Figure 6-5: Existing Storm Drain System .......................................................................6-29 7 PUBLIC SAFETY .........................................................................................7-1 Figure 7-1: Steep Slopes ...................................................................................................7-6 Figure 7-2: Regional Faults ..............................................................................................7-7 Figure 7-3: Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards...........................................................7-8 Figure 7-4: Flood Zones ...................................................................................................7-12 Figure 7-5: Fire Threat ......................................................................................................7-18 Figure 7-6: Fire Hazard Severity Zones ..........................................................................7-19 Figure 7-7: Wildfire Perimeters 1928 – 2019 ..................................................................7-20 Figure 7-8: Hazardous Materials and Sites ..................................................................7-26 Figure 7-9: Public Safety Facilities ................................................................................7-31 Figure 7-10: Typical Noise Levels in the Environment .................................................7-40 Figure 7-11: Existing Noise Contours (2016) ..................................................................7-42 Figure 7-12: Projected Noise Contours (2040) .............................................................7-43 LIST OF TABLES 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................1-1 Table 1-1: Relationship between General Plan Elements and State Requirements ....................................................................................................................1-5 2 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ................................................2-1 Table 2-1: Existing Land Uses in the Planning Area .......................................................2-6 Table 2-2: Land Use Density/Intensity Standards Summary Table .............................2-16 Table 2-3: Potential Planning Area Buildout by 2040 ..................................................2-17 Table 2-4: Population Trends 1990 - 2016 .....................................................................2-35 Table 2-5: Projected Employment Growth by Non-Residential Land Use Category, 2016-2040 .....................................................................................2-39 4 CIRCULATION...........................................................................................4-1 Table 4-1: Hierarchy of Streets and Street Standards ...................................................4-7 Table 4-2: Level of Service Definitions .........................................................................4-14 5 RESOURCE CONSERVATION ....................................................................5-1 Table 5-1: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area ...............................................................................5-15 Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area ...............................................................................5-18 Table 5-3: South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status (Los Angeles County) ..............5-40 Table 5-4: Previously Recorded Cultural Resources ...................................................5-49 6 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES .................................................................6-1 Table 6-1: Parkland Inventory (2019) ..............................................................................6-6 Table 6-2: Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) ...............................................6-10 Table 6-3: Water Usage .................................................................................................6-25 Table 6-4: 2015 Projected Water Supply vs. Water Usage, Walnut Valley Water District .......................................................................................................6-26 7 PUBLIC SAFETY ..........................................................................................7-1 Table 7-1: Community Noise Compatibility Matrix ....................................................7-44 8 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY .................................................8-1 Table 8-1: Percentile Ranks for Select Pollution Burden Indicators in Diamond Bar Disadvantaged Communities ...........................................................8-10 7.1.d Packet Pg. 65 viii This page is intentionally left blank. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 66 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-1 INTRODUCTION 1.0 Diamond Bar is a scenic community located on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, within minutes of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. With its origin as a center for ranching perched among a landscape of rolling hills in the East San Gabriel Valley, suburban-style growth later established Diamond Bar as a residential community known for its friendly country-living atmosphere, abundant open spaces, exceptional public facilities, well-maintained parks and hiking trails, and excellent schools. INTRODUCTION 1.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 67 1-2 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 1.1 SCOPE AND PURPOSE PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN State planning law requires that each city and county adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of any lands in its jurisdiction, and for any land outside its boundaries which bears relation to its planning (Government Code Section 65300). The Diamond Bar General Plan establishes the community’s long-term vision for development and includes policies to carry out that vision by directing future growth in the city. Policies in the Plan guide decision-making and activity related to development, such as land use, transportation, conservation, environmental quality, recreation, public services, and safety. The General Plan has been adopted by the City Council and serves to: • Establish a long-range vision that reflects the goals and desires of the Diamond Bar community; • Provide City departments, the Planning Commission, and the City Council with strategies and implementing actions to achieve the vision; • Provide a basis for evaluating whether individual development proposals and public projects are in harmony with the General Plan vision and policies; Looking to the future, Diamond Bar residents seek to maintain what they love about the city, including its open spaces, rural character, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Diamond Bar residents also desire to create new opportunities and places for residents to gather, play, live, and work. The city must also contend with the pressures of regional growth and its related impacts on traffic, air quality, the demand for housing and jobs, and the loss of open spaces, as well as the potential effects of climate change and natural disasters. Additionally, the continued need to deliver high-quality city programs and services will be shaped by the community’s changing demographics. This General Plan is a dynamic policy document intended to guide the long-term development of the City of Diamond Bar. The Plan reflects the community’s values and desires, as expressed in a broad vision for the future, and addresses important issues such as land use and urban design, economic development, circulation, resource conservation, public facilities and services, safety, public health, and sustainability. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 68 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-3 INTRODUCTION 1.0 GENERAL PLAN REQUIREMENTS The State of California grants local governments the authority to control land use decisions within their jurisdictions. Thus, cities have considerable flexibility in preparing their general plans as long as they meet the basic requirements of State planning law. The California Government Code establishes both the content of general plans and rules for their adoption and subsequent amendment. Together, State law and judicial decisions establish three overall guidelines for general plans, which should be comprehensive, internally consistent, and long-range. • Provide standards and guidance to allow City departments, other public agencies, and private developers to design projects that are consistent with the General Plan vision and policies; • Provide the basis for establishing other implementing plans and programs, such as the Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, specific and master plans, and the Capital Improvement Program. State law requires that a variety of City actions be consistent with the General Plan. Regular ongoing use and review of the General Plan is therefore essential. Successful implementation of the General Plan requires effective communication among City staff, the community, and City decision- makers. In 1989, Diamond Bar became the 86th city in Los Angeles County. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 69 1-4 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 State law requires all general plans to include seven mandatory elements: land use, circulation, conservation, open space, safety, noise, and housing. The combination of two or more mandated elements is permitted. As housing elements are required to be updated more frequently on a State-mandated cycle, the Diamond Bar Housing Element is provided under separate cover. Table 1-1 shows where required elements can be found in the Diamond Bar General Plan. Government Code Section 65303 provides that a general plan may include any other elements which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the development of the city. The City of Diamond COMPREHENSIVE The General Plan must be geographically comprehensive. That is, it must apply throughout the entire incorporated area and other areas that the City determines are relevant to its planning. The General Plan must also address the full range of issues that affect the city’s physical development. INTERNALLY CONSISTENT The General Plan must fully integrate its separate parts and relate them to each other without conflict. All adopted portions of the General Plan, whether required by State law or not, have equal legal weight. None may supersede another, so the General Plan must resolve conflicts among the provisions of each element. “Horizontal” consistency applies as much to figures and diagrams as to the General Plan text. It also applies to data and analysis as well as policies. LONG RANGE The general plan must take a long-term perspective as anticipated development will affect the city and the people who live or work there for years to come. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 70 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-5 INTRODUCTION 1.0 Table 1-1: Relationship between General Plan Elements and State Requirements Required Element Location in General Plan Land Use Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Circulation Chapter 4: Circulation Conservation Chapter 5: Resource Conservation Open Space Chapter 5: Resource Conservation Safety Chapter 7: Public Safety Noise Chapter 7: Public Safety Housing Chapter 9: Provided under separate cover Bar has determined that economic development, community character, public facilities and services, and community health and sustainability are critical issues tied to future growth in the community and has included these additional elements in the chapters of the General Plan. HORIZON YEAR Given the long-range requirement, the Diamond Bar General Plan establishes a horizon year of 2040, representing a reasonable time period in which to plan for the city’s next major phase of growth, change, and investment. The horizon year is not an end point for the Plan or its policies, but provides a context for short-, medium-, and long-term decision-making. 1.2 PLANNING CONTEXT REGIONAL LOCATION The City of Diamond Bar is located on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County in the San Gabriel Valley. With convenient access to State Route 57 (SR-57) and SR-60, Diamond Bar is within 30 miles driving distance of the cities of Los Angeles, Riverside, and Irvine, making it a desirable part of the region to live and work. Diamond Bar is bounded by the cities of Industry and Pomona to the north and Chino Hills to the east, and unincorporated Los Angeles County to the south and west. The western edge of the city lies at the intersection of SR-57 and SR-60, with SR-57 connecting the city to Interstate 10 (I-10) one and a half miles to the north and SR-60 connecting to SR-71 roughly two miles to the east. The Industry Metrolink Station lies on Diamond Bar’s northern border with the City of Industry, providing east-west transit connections to Los Angeles and Riverside. The regional setting is depicted in Figure 1-1. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 71 1-6 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE The SOI is defined as the ultimate physical boundary and service area envisioned for the City, and encompasses both incorporated and unincorporated territory. The Los Angeles County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) reviews and approves proposed boundary changes and annexations affecting the SOI. The SOI boundary, which has remained relatively constant since it was first approved in 1990, includes part of Tonner Canyon, an undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches from SR-57 east to the San Bernardino county line. A ngeles National F o r est N C lev elan d Nation a l F o r est DiamondBar a na d LOS ANGELES COUNTYSAN BERNADINO COUNTYRI V E R S I D E C O U N T Y O R A N G E C O U N T Y ORANGE COUNTY LOS ANGELES COUNTY LakeElsinore LakeMatthewsSantaAnaRiverChino Hills State Park Firestone ScoutReservation PowderCanyon ArroyoPescadero G r it h P ark WhittierNarrows Limestone Ca nyon Regional Park Bommer Canyo n SAN BERNADINO COUNTY RIVERSIDE COUNTY IrvineLake Fr ank G Bonellli Los Angeles Pasadena Burbank Inglewood Torrance Downey Anaheim Long Beach Cerritos Fullerton WestCovina Pomona Ontario Chino ly Orange Santa Ana Irvine Newport Beach HuntingtonBeach n Hawthorne Fontana Be Corona Riverside Jurupa Valley Lake Forest Laguna Niguel Laguna Beach SanClemente Oceanside Lake Elsinore Dana Point RanchoPalos Verde Monterey Park Alhambra Covina Clairmont Arcadia BaldwinPark Rancho Cucamonga YorbaLinda Placentia Carson SouthGate CulverCity Whittier Glendale Norwalk El Monte Compton Montebello Rialto Avalon Westminster Cypress La Habra Lakewood s Walnut ORANGE COUNTYRIVERSIDE COUNTYSAN D I E G O COUNTY RIVER S I D E COUNTY San Dimas 10 10 5 5 5 405 405 605 605 710 110 105 210 210 210 15 215 15 215 91 60 66 60 71 57 1 1 1 110 101 138 22 74 241 133 58 58 241 7 73 405 10 0402010 MILES Figure 1-1: Regional Setting City of Diamond Bar Parks/Open Space Freeways Highways Rail and Light Rail PLANNING AREA The Planning Area for the General Plan, shown in Figure 1-2, is defined as the land area addressed by the General Plan’s policies and land use designations. The Planning Area encompasses 13,039 acres, of which 9,526 acres (73 percent) is in the city limits and the remaining 3,513 acres (27 percent) is in the Sphere of Influence (SOI). It is bounded by the cities of Industry and Pomona to the north, Pomona and Chino Hills to the east, and Brea to the south, and unincorporated Los Angeles County to the west. While Diamond Bar does not have jurisdiction in areas outside of its city limits, general plans commonly consider land outside a city’s jurisdictional boundaries that “bear relation to its planning” (California Government Code Section 65300). This typically includes a city’s SOI and may also include additional land. CITY HISTORY The area now known as the City of Diamond Bar began as “Rancho Los Nogales” (Ranch of the Walnut Trees) after a Mexican land grant in 1840. In 1918, after changes in ownership and fragmentation, portions of the original rancho were reassembled as Diamond Bar Ranch. The ranch continued to be used mainly for agriculture until 1956, when Christiana Oil Corporation and the Capital Oil Company (a subsidiary of the Transamerica Corporation) purchased the land and created a comprehensive development plan, making it one of the first master- planned communities in Los Angeles County. Suburbanization across the region in the 1960s spurred 7.1.d Packet Pg. 72 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-7 A ngeles National F o r est N C lev elan d Nation a l F o r est DiamondBar a na d LOS ANGELES COUNTYSAN BERNADINO COUNTYRI V E R S I D E C O U N T Y O R A N G E C O U N T Y ORANGE COUNTY LOS ANGELES COUNTY LakeElsinore LakeMatthewsSantaAnaRiverChino Hills State Park Firestone ScoutReservation PowderCanyon ArroyoPescadero G r it h P ark WhittierNarrows Limestone Ca nyon Regional Park Bommer Canyo n SAN BERNADINO COUNTY RIVERSIDE COUNTY IrvineLake Fr ank G Bonellli Los Angeles Pasadena Burbank Inglewood Torrance Downey Anaheim Long Beach Cerritos Fullerton WestCovina Pomona Ontario Chino ly Orange Santa Ana Irvine Newport Beach HuntingtonBeach n Hawthorne Fontana Be Corona Riverside Jurupa Valley Lake Forest Laguna Niguel Laguna Beach SanClemente Oceanside Lake Elsinore Dana Point RanchoPalos Verde Monterey Park Alhambra Covina Clairmont Arcadia BaldwinPark Rancho Cucamonga YorbaLinda Placentia Carson SouthGate CulverCity Whittier Glendale Norwalk El Monte Compton Montebello Rialto Avalon Westminster Cypress La Habra Lakewood s Walnut ORANGE COUNTYRIVERSIDE COUNTYSAN D I E G O COUNTY RIVER S I D E COUNTY San Dimas 10 10 5 5 5 405 405 605 605 710 110 105 210 210 210 15 215 15 215 91 60 66 60 71 57 1 1 1 110 101 138 22 74 241 133 58 58 241 7 73 405 10 0402010 MILES Figure 1-1: Regional Setting City of Diamond Bar Parks/Open Space Freeways Highways Rail and Light Rail Figure 1-1: Regional Setting 7.1.d Packet Pg. 73 1-8 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRAND A VE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDGELIN ER D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KW OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDHighways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILESSource: City of Diamond Bar 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2016RiversideMetrolinkLin eFigure 1-2:Planning Area Figure 1-2: Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 74 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-9 INTRODUCTION 1.0 housing and population growth in Diamond Bar, transforming it into a primarily residential community. In 1989, after two unsuccessful attempts, residents voted to incorporate and on April 18, 1989, Diamond Bar became Los Angeles County’s 86th city. Today, Diamond Bar continues to be a predominately residential suburban community. Development in the city has tended towards distinct, insulated neighborhoods with minimal connections to one another or to the city’s pockets of commercial activity. Diamond Bar has also come to be known for its destination corporate and government center at the confluence of SR-57 and SR-60, which provides a high concentration of jobs. As with other bedroom communities, Diamond Bar is largely car- oriented, with residents relying on cars to access parks, schools, services, and jobs, in many cases traveling outside of the city for entertainment and work. Community identity in the city draws heavily from the cohesiveness of its individual neighborhoods and its natural features. Residents take pride in their hillsides, trees, and open spaces, which are highlighted in the city’s public parks and trails. As the city continues to develop, it faces many of the same pressures affecting the region and state, including worsening traffic, reduced housing affordability, and loss of open spaces. Looking ahead, the community is seeking ways to stay connected to its rural beginnings, nurture the physical and interpersonal connections that tie the city together, and foster a sustainable future for generations to come. The City of Diamond Bar began as “Rancho Los Nogales” (Ranch of the Walnut Trees) 7.1.d Packet Pg. 75 1-10 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 1.3 PLANNING PROCESS The Diamond Bar General Plan was first adopted in 1995. Since then, substantial changes to the planning context of the city have occurred, including accelerated growth in the region and shifts in the community’s demographics, as well as new ways of thinking about sustainability, public health, and placemaking. In light of these changes, the city undertook a comprehensive update of the General Plan as an opportunity to reassess and refine its long-term vision and identify the new challenges it will face, opportunities it will follow, and approaches it will use to make that vision a reality. The update process began in the summer of 2016 and included the following steps. PLAN Fall 2016 Stakeholder Interviews Community Workshop #1 Project Initiation & Issue Identification Fall/Winter Exploring Alternatives Alternatives Evaluation Community Workshop #2 Spring 2018 Preferred Plan & Key Goals Preliminary Preferred Plan Summer/Fall 2019 Draft EIR Final EIR Environmental Impact Report 2016 2017 2018 2019 Existing Conditions, Trends, & Opportunities Assessment Draft Existing Conditions Report Final Existing Conditions Report Winter 2016 Winter 2018 Draft Preferred Plan Final Preferred Plan Winter 2019 Public Review Draft Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan Hearings Adopted General Plan and Climate Action Plan Adoption PROJECT TIMELINE 7.1.d Packet Pg. 76 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-11 INTRODUCTION 1.0 STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS The planning team conducted a series of interviews with stakeholders representing a range of local and regional interests. A total of 23 stakeholders participated, including real estate professionals, local developers, commercial property owners, service organization representatives, major employers, active community members, former City Council members, school district administrators, small business owners, and youth organizations. Stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide their viewpoints on issues of significance, Diamond Bar’s future, general planning concerns, and other topics of specific interest. The interviews provided the planning team with insight into issues of significance for each of the stakeholder groups. SURVEYS Two online surveys were conducted over the course of the planning process. The first survey occurred during the visioning phase of the project and was intended to explore community members’ vision for the future of the city as well as uncover any important issues related to various aspects of life in Diamond Bar. The survey was available online in October 2016 in English, Korean, and Chinese, and was also administered in person at pop-up booths at four different community events (Barktober Fest, Quail Summit Elementary School Carnival, Eco Expo, and Diamond Bar High School Food Festival). The survey received a total of 501 responses. The second survey took place between October 12 and November 12, 2017 and was focused on gathering community reactions to the three land use alternatives. The survey was available online in English, Chinese, and Korean, and printed versions were also provided at the Whispering Fountains of Diamond Bar senior housing complex, the Diamond Bar Center, the public library, and City Hall. Respondents also had the option of printing out the survey from the project website to complete by hand and return to City Hall. A total of 638 people responded to the survey. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES Public participation was an essential part of the General Plan update process. A variety of outreach activities took place throughout the planning process to provide a forum to discuss priorities and values, allow for the evaluation of different policy options, and bring a wide range of community members and perspectives into the conversation. Summaries of each activity were made available to members of the public and decision-makers and are part of the public record. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 77 1-12 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 POP UPS Over the course of the project, the City held a number of pop-up events to raise awareness about the planning process and gather comments from a large cross-section of Diamond Bar residents. During the visioning phase of the project, the City set up booths at four community events to promote the first public workshop and administer the first survey. During the alternatives phase, the City focused on popular destinations such as the high schools and local markets to promote the alternatives workshop and survey and receive feedback. WORKSHOPS The first community workshop was held on November 9, 2016 and used activities and discussion to collect information from community members regarding their visions for the future and their perspectives on major planning issues to be addressed during the update. Around 80 community members participated in the workshop, while a number of Planning Commissioners, City Council members, and General Plan Advisory Committee members observed the event. Translation services were provided for Mandarin, Korean, and American Sign Language. The second community workshop took place on October 19, 2017 and focused on the three land use alternatives. Participants received a presentation on the alternatives and their potential impacts and took part in discussions about their preferences and concerns for each alternative. Approximately 130 community members attended the workshop, along with members of the Planning Commission, City Council, and GPAC who observed. Mandarin and Korean translation services were provided. Diamond Bar community members actively participated in two community workshops and discussed their ideas and recommendations for the 2040 General Plan. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 78 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-13 INTRODUCTION 1.0 NEWSLETTERS The City used direct mailings to update community members on progress, announce upcoming workshops and surveys, and provide background information on the process. Two newsletters were mailed to all Diamond Bar addresses to announce the start of the project and introduce the alternatives. The newsletters were also available online through the project website. The City also made announcements through its monthly newsletter, DBConnection, and news releases through local outlets and the City’s website. WEBSITE A project website was created to provide updates on the planning process, meeting materials and minutes, documents for public review, and additional background information on Diamond Bar and the General Plan update.The project website provided updates on the planning process as well as additional resources and background information on Diamond Bar. Two newsletters were mailed out to update community members on the progress of the General Plan.SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT A social media tool kit was developed to provide key stakeholders with copy-ready text for incorporation into social media sites. The kit included graphics and content to easily convey project information. Key stakeholders were asked to choose the content that best resonated with their constituents and contacts list and copy and paste it to their social media platforms. The social media tool kit consisted of post for social media venues, a brief article, and a widget that could easily be pinned to websites and social media platforms. Stakeholders invited to participate included educational institutions/ principals, homeowner associations, and civic and professional groups. PARTICIPATE! General Plan Update Community Workshop Wednesday, November 9 6:30-8:30 PM | Grand View Ballroom Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue Come to the first community workshop to share your vision for the future of Diamond Bar and give input on major planning issues to be addressed during the General Plan Update. The community workshop is just the start—we welcome your participation in all phases of the General Plan Update. Look for information about the General Plan at various community events. Working together, we will create a long-term vision for Diamond Bar and a roadmap to get there. Visit www.DiamondBarGP.com for up-to-date news, to join the email list, complete a short survey, and submit comments. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 79 1-14 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 General Planning Advisory Committee (GPAC) members. GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE A General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) was established by the City Council to serve in an advisory role to the Planning Commission and City Council on matters related to the General Plan update. The GPAC was convened to provide input on the project, reviewing work products and draft policies, receiving and considering public comments, and sharing perspectives based on their experiences and conversations with community members before making recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. The GPAC was made up of 15 volunteers from the community who met a total of 10 times over the course of the project. All GPAC meetings were open to the public and allowed for public comment, and were subject to the Brown Act. PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL The Planning Commission and City Council held three public joint study sessions to provide direction on the General Plan update. The first, held on August 10, 2016, covered the responsibilities of the GPAC and the identification of issues that the project should address. The second meeting, held on March 29, 2017, covered findings from community outreach and the existing conditions research. The third meeting, held on January 30, 2018, covered the land use alternatives and resulted in the selection of the Preferred Plan. Upon completion of the Public Review Draft General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, the Planning Commission and City Council held two joint study sessions. The Planning Commission held one public hearing prior to recommending the Plan to the City Council. The City Council held one public hearing and adopted the General Plan. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 80 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-15 INTRODUCTION 1.0 1.4 VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES COMMUNITY VISION The community vision forms the basis for the General Plan’s goals and policies. The vision is an expression of the collective hopes and aspirations that members of the Diamond Bar community have for the City’s future, and was formed from all of the input shared by community members throughout the planning process. The community vision and guiding principles were formed by the community throughout the planning process. VISION 2040 In 2040 Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively Town Center provides community members with access to local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and preserving the strong connections and environmental resources that define its “country living” identity. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 81 1-16 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 GUIDING PRINCIPLES The following Guiding Principles expand upon the community vision, establishing detailed, actionable objectives that support the vision and provide a foundation for the goals and policies in the General Plan. The Guiding Principles emerged from the various comments and community discussions that took place as part of the planning process. All of the General Plan’s goals and policies advance one or more of the Guiding Principles in order to achieve the community vision. 1. Maintain a welcoming, safe small-town feel. Continue to cultivate a welcoming, safe small-town feel that is inclusive of Diamond Bar’s diverse and changing population while preserving existing neighborhoods. 2. Promote a family-friendly community. Promote Diamond Bar’s strong and high performing school system, support the City’s youth activities and provide housing choices for families to continue to make Diamond Bar a desirable place for families. 3. Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented Town Center in Diamond Bar that serves as a place for Diamond Bar’s residents to shop, dine, and gather. 4. Develop attractive commercial centers and thriving businesses. Help Diamond Bar’s existing commercial centers and businesses thrive, and attract new businesses to centrally located focus areas to serve the daily needs of residents. 5. Establish a balanced circulation network. Improve mobility for all residents, visitors, and workers by providing a diversity of safe and convenient transportation options in a cohesive network, including active transportation, transit, and automobile facilities. 6. Support Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles. Promote human and community health and environmental quality through the provision of parks and open spaces, community programs and services, the preservation of local and regional environmental resources, and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. 7. Foster a strong, collaborative community. Provide opportunities for gatherings among friends, families, and the community at large and encourage all members of the community to participate in planning and decision-making for the future. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 82 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-17 INTRODUCTION 1.0 1.5 PLAN ORGANIZATION The General Plan is organized by topic in nine chapters, as follows. Chapters 2 through 9 constitute the seven required elements of a General Plan, as well as optional elements covering the topics found to be important to the community. • Chapter 1: Introduction. This chapter outlines the vision for Diamond Bar’s future and guiding principles for its growth and development, provides a basic context for the General Plan Planning Area, and covers the General Plan’s purpose, relationships to other plans, organization, and requirements for administration. • Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development. This chapter describes the existing land use pattern and provides an explanation of the General Plan’s approach to citywide growth. The goals and policies in this chapter provide the physical framework for land use and development in the city. In addition, this chapter provides an overview of the population and employment context in Diamond Bar, and outlines goals and policies to support economic development. The land use portion of this chapter is required by State law, while the economic development portion is an optional topic. • Chapter 3: Community Character and Placemaking. This chapter provides policy direction on the desired character of Diamond Bar at a citywide scale. It also includes an urban design framework for development occurring in the Town Center, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and Community Core focus areas. This chapter is an optional General Plan element. • Chapter 4: Circulation. This chapter includes policies and standards that seek to maintain safe and efficient circulation for all modes of travel. It identifies street improvements, and addresses walking, biking, transit, and parking to support a multi-modal circulation system. The Circulation Element is required by State law. • Chapter 5: Resource Conservation. This chapter includes background information and policies relating to the conservation and preservation of open space resources, biological resources, water resources, air quality, and cultural resources. This chapter satisfies the requirements for both an Open Space Element and a Conservation Element, which are required by State law. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 83 1-18 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 • Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services. This chapter contains background information, goals, and policies related to schools, community facilities and libraries, parks and recreation, water supply and demand, and public utilities. This chapter is an optional General Plan element. • Chapter 7: Public Safety. This chapter provides an overview of the public safety risks in Diamond Bar related to seismic and geologic hazards, flood hazards, hazardous materials and operations, airport hazards, fire hazards, and noise. This chapter satisfies the requirements for both a Safety Element and a Noise Element, which are required by State law. • Chapter 8: Community Health and Sustainability. This chapter outlines public health concerns related to the General Plan, and includes goals and policies to improve public health through environmental justice, active living, healthy food, social connections, and sustainable living. This chapter is an optional General Plan element. • Chapter 9: Housing. This Chapter contains the policies and programs to conserve and improve existing affordable housing, provide adequate housing sites, assist in development of affordable housing, removing governmental constraints and promote equal housing opportunities. As the Housing Element is required to be updated on a state-mandated cycle, the most recently adopted Housing Element is incorporated into this Chapter. The Housing Element is required by State law. The Plan should be reviewed and revised as new information and community priorities evolve over time. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 84 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-19 INTRODUCTION 1.0 Each General Plan element contains the parts described below. How land is used underpins the experience of living, working, or visiting a place, making land use a pivotal element of a General Plan. The Land Use and Economic Development Chapter directs the location, form, and character of future physical development and economic growth, shaping where people will live, work, and play in Diamond Bar. LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 Goals and Policies: Goals and policies are the core of the General Plan. – Goals are statements of broad direction, philosophy, or standards to be achieved. – Policies are statements that support the implementation of the Goals. – Clarifying Text: Italicized text included with a policy provides additional information or examples to clarify the intent or application of the policy. Chapters: Each of the General Plan chapters gathers a number of related topics under one big-picture umbrella. Several of the chapters are based on State general plan requirements, while others are based on themes derived from the community’s values. Figures, tables, charts, and images: The General Plan is illustrated with figures, tables, charts, and images to provide clarifying detail for the topics covered. In some cases, figures or tables may establish standards or policies (such as the Land Use Diagram or Noise Standards). In such cases, this is clearly stated or referenced in a policy. Topics: Each chapter is divided into topics that help to organize background information and provide context for the accompanying policies. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 85 1-20 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 The Plan should be reviewed and revised as new information and community priorities evolve over time. 1.6 RELATED DOCUMENTS GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS As part of the planning process, the City of Diamond Bar developed a series of documents to inform decision-makers and members of the public about the results of research and analyses related to the General Plan. These include the three-volume Existing Conditions Report, summaries of outreach activities and findings, the Alternatives Evaluation, meeting notes, and others, and can be referenced on the City of Diamond Bar’s website. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT This General Plan is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared according to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIR is a program- level analysis of the potential environmental effects of the General Plan and Climate Action Plan, evaluates alternatives to the proposed project, and presents ways to reduce or avoid detrimental environmental impacts. The EIR process ensures that environmental concerns are identified and informs General Plan policies that can help to reduce potential adverse environmental effects of future development. CEQA requires that the City Council certify the EIR prior to adoption of the General Plan. Future development consistent with the General Plan will be able to “tier” its environmental analysis from the certified EIR, allowing for a more streamlined development process. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 86 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | INTRODUCTION 1-21 INTRODUCTION 1.0 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN This General Plan is accompanied by a Climate Action Plan (CAP) prepared in accordance with the California Air Resources Board 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan and Statewide targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. The CAP is a detailed analysis of the General Plan’s contribution to climate change and associated environmental and socioeconomic effects. The CAP provides GHG reduction targets based on Statewide thresholds established in AB 32, SB 32, and the 2017 Scoping Plan. To establish compliance with these targets, the CAP includes an inventory of existing GHG emissions and a projection of emissions under the General Plan in the SB 32 target year 2030 and General Plan buildout year 2040. The CAP provides a framework for the City of Diamond Bar to monitor progress toward GHG emissions reduction and meet emissions targets and recommends optional strategies for further emissions reduction. The EIR analyzes potential environmental effects of the Climate Action Plan, which will be adopted with the General Plan. Therefore, future development consistent with the General Plan and Climate Action Plan will be able to “tier” its environmental analysis from the certified EIR and ensure compliance with Statewide emissions reduction goals. OTHER PLANS AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS The City maintains several specific, area, and master plans that cover specific geographic areas or facilities, such as parks and trails. Consistent with State law, these documents, as well as any implementing programs, are required to be consistent with the General Plan. These plans and programs will be used to provide further specificity on General Plan policy and provide more detailed direction and strategies for implementation. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 87 1-22 INTRODUCTION | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 1.7 ADMINISTRATION IMPLEMENTATION The General Plan is intended to be a dynamic document. As part of implementation, the Plan should be reviewed regularly regardless of the horizon year and revised as new information becomes available and the community’s priorities evolve. The Plan should be updated periodically as site-specific circumstances change from the time of writing, to respond to new State or federal law, or to modify policies that may become obsolete or unrealistic over time. AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN Changes in policy as well as the development of unforeseen opportunities or needs will require amendment of the General Plan. California Government Code Section 65358 provides that no mandatory element of this General Plan may be amended more frequently than four times during any calendar year. However, this restriction does not apply to optional elements, to amendments needed to comply with a court decision, or to allow for the development of affordable housing. Within this limitation, amendments may be made at any time as determined by the Diamond Bar City Council, and each amendment may include more than one change to the Plan. ANNUAL REPORT The California Government Code requires that City staff submit an annual report to the City Council on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation. This report is submitted to the Governor’s Office on Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development. The report must include an analysis of the progress made in meeting the City’s share of regional housing needs (identified in the Housing Element) and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of affordable housing. Finally, the report should also include a summary of all General Plan amendments adopted during the preceding year, a description of upcoming projects or General Plan issues to be addressed in the coming year, and a work program. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 88 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 How land is used underpins the experience of living, working, or visiting a place, making land use a pivotal element of a General Plan. The Land Use and Economic Development Chapter directs the location, form, and character of future physical development and economic growth, shaping where people will live, work, and play in Diamond Bar. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 89 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-2 2.1 INTRODUCTION This Land Use and Economic Development Chapter presents the proposed pattern for the ultimate growth and development of the city for the General Plan horizon (year 2040) and seeks to ensure that land use planning and economic development measures reflect the community’s priorities for the growth of the city, conserves open spaces the natural environment, and promotes sustainable lifestyles. The chapter consists of narrative, goals and policies, as well as a Land Use Diagram and other figures. It also includes descriptions of the land use designations shown on the Land Use Diagram. Policy text and maps should be considered collectively as project approvals or future amendments are made. While Diamond Bar has roots as a suburban community, the Plan explores the evolution of key focus areas into more dynamic mixed- use places that provide housing for a diversity of Diamond Bar residents new and old, and provide opportunities for community gathering, entertainment and employment. Achieving Diamond Bar’s vision for a more vibrant, connected, livable, and sustainable community will rely on more compact redevelopment with an array of uses at key opportunity sites, focusing on infill development to preserve open space; increasing local retail and entertainment amenities and community gathering places through the establishment of a new pedestrian-oriented Town Center; and enhancing livability through development of neighborhood- serving commercial uses and parks accessible to new residential uses that include an array of housing options. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 90 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-3 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW State law (Government Code Section 65302(a)) requires general plans to include a Land Use Element. In accordance with State law, this chapter designates the general distribution, location and extent of land for housing, business, industry, open space, education, public facilities, and other categories of public and private uses of land. It also includes standards of residential and non- residential density for the various areas covered by the General Plan. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS This chapter has the broadest scope of all the chapters and provides the framework for a coherent set of development policies. Other chapters of the General Plan contain goals and policies related to land use and therefore must be referenced for a complete understanding of the purposes, intentions, and development requirements embodied in this chapter. For instance, Chapter 3, Community Character and Placemaking complements the land use designations outlined in this chapter with a framework for urban design and placemaking. The street system, street design and transportation improvements in Chapter 4, Circulation are intended to address the transportation needs that support the land use pattern established in the Land Use Diagram. Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services establishes policies and standards for facilities to serve the population resulting from residential, employment, and visitor-serving land uses. Finally, Chapter 5, Resource Conservation and Chapter 7, Public Safety provide further policies related to open space for the preservation of natural resources and reducing safety risks. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 91 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-4 2.2 LAND USE EXISTING LAND USE Diamond Bar’s overall land use pattern is characterized by large swathes of single-family residential development throughout the City studded with clusters of multi-family residential and non-residential uses. Some of the single-family and multi-family residential uses in the city are part of gated communities, including The Country, an exclusive gate-guarded community of over 800 large-lot, detached single- family homes in the southeastern hills. Multi-family residential development tends to be located along the major thoroughfares of Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and Brea Canyon Road, and is often collocated with non-residential uses. Commercial and office uses tend to cluster at intersections (such as Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue), along major thoroughfares, and along the freeways, and tend to take the form of shopping centers and office parks. Industrial uses are concentrated in the western part of the city along the border with the City of Industry, among residential uses. The Gateway Corporate Center, a master-planned 255- acre business park, is located along the east side of the SR-57/60 confluence. The Gateway center is home to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and several Fortune 500 companies and is a premier business center in the region due to its proximity to the freeways and the Ontario and John Wayne airports. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 92 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-5 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Figure 2-1: Planning Area Land Use Distribution 50% 16% 11% 4%4%1% 37% 11% 35% 3%3%1% Residential Parks and Open Spaces Vacant Commercial, Office, and Mixed Use Public and Community Facilities Industrial Residential Parks and Open Spaces Vacant Commercial, Office, and Mixed Use Public and Community Facilities Industrial Planning Area City Limits Other 15% Other 11% 50% 16% 11% 4%4%1% 37% 11% 35% 3%3%1% Residential Parks and Open Spaces Vacant Commercial, Office, and Mixed Use Public and Community Facilities Industrial Residential Parks and Open Spaces Vacant Commercial, Office, and Mixed Use Public and Community Facilities Industrial Planning Area City Limits Other 15% Other 11% The city is also dotted with a variety of open space slopes and areas that follow its many ridges and hillsides. Public parks and recreational facilities are found mostly in the eastern half of the city, bordering residential uses. The County-operated Diamond Bar Golf Course occupies a substantial portion of land in the north-central part of the city. Other public uses, such as schools and utilities, are relatively evenly distributed throughout the city. South of Diamond Bar, the SOI is made up almost entirely of open space land. Residential land makes up roughly half of all land in the city limits and is the dominant land use in Diamond Bar. The next-largest category of land use in the City is private easements, such as private streets and HOA-owned open space areas. The third-largest category of land use in the city is parks and open space land, including land that may not be suitable for development due hazardous locations along hillsides and slopes or other conditions, followed by public and community facilities, office uses, commercial uses, and industrial uses. Existing land uses as of 2019 are summarized in Table 2-1, and Figure 2-1 illustrates the proportion of each type of land use in the city and Planning Area, excluding rights-of-way. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 93 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-6 Table 2-1: Existing Land Uses in the Planning Area Existing Use of Land Category City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence Planning Area Acres %Acres %Acres % Residential 4,772.4 50.1% - - 4,772.4 36.6% Single Family Residential - Detached 4,257.2 44.7% - - 4,257.2 32.7% Multifamily Residential 479.0 5.0% - - 479.0 3.7% Mobile Home Park 36.3 0.4% - - 36.3 0.3% Industrial 71.6 0.8% - - 71.6 0.5% Light Industrial 44.2 0.5% - - 44.2 0.3% General Industrial/Warehousing 27.3 0.3% - - 27.3 0.2% Public and Community Facilities 344.7 3.6% - - 344.7 2.6% Religious/Institutional Facilities 41.8 0.4% - - 41.8 0.3% Hospital/Medical Center 12.9 0.1% - - 12.9 0.1% Schools/Educational Facilities 278.8 2.9% - - 278.8 2.1% Public Facilities 11.2 0.1% - - 11.2 0.1% Commercial and Mixed Use 339.6 3.6% - - 339.6 2.6% Service Station 8.1 0.1% - - 8.1 0.1% Hotel/Motel/Lodging Commercial 11.9 0.1% - - 11.9 0.1% Auto Commercial 11.7 0.1% - - 11.7 0.1% General/Retail Commercial 135.2 1.4% - - 135.2 1.0% Mixed Commercial & Office Uses 6.9 0.1% - - 6.9 0.1% Office/Banks/Financial Services 165.7 1.7% - - 165.7 1.3% Vacant 1,672.9 17.6% 356.7 10.2% 2,029.6 15.6% Vacant 1,137.0 11.9% 356.7 10.2% 1,493.7 11.5% Vacant Natural Undeveloped Areas 535.9 5.6% - - 535.9 4.1% Parks and Open Spaces 793.1 8.3% 3,156.0 89.8% 3,949.1 30.3% Parks & Recreation 310.1 3.3% - - 310.1 2.4% Golf Course 172.4 1.8% - - 172.4 1.3% Open Space, Greenways, Trails, Natural Areas 310.6 3.3% 3,156.0 89.8% 3,466.6 26.6% Other 1,531.4 16.1% - - 1,531.4 11.7% Utilities 28.0 0.3% - - 28.0 0.2% Street ROW, Private Roads, etc 1,503.4 15.8% - - 1,503.4 11.5% Total 9,525.7 100.0% 3,512.6 100.0% 13,038.3 100.0% Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2016; Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office, 2016. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 94 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-7 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREAS The General Plan provides for four focus areas where major land use changes are planned to take place as part of a strategy to provide walkable mixed-use activity centers. These focus areas provide opportunities for infill development that can incorporate a range of housing, employment, and recreational uses to meet the needs of families, young people, senior citizens, and residents of all incomes. These focus areas were designed in response to community priorities including a desire for expanded access to entertainment and community gathering places, and the need to accommodate the City’s growing and diverse population. New Land Use designations are proposed for each of these focus areas to facilitate their development, as described under Land Use Classifications, below. Town Center Throughout the General Plan update process, residents of Diamond Bar have expressed a desire for greater access to dining, entertainment, and retail establishments within the city. More specifically, community input indicated a desire for the concentration of these new establishments within a walkable area resembling a more traditional downtown. While Diamond Bar has numerous centers of activity, including the Diamond Bar Center, the City Hall and Library complex, high schools and various suburban- style commercial centers, the city lacks a clear community focal point – a role commonly played by a vibrant downtown. The Town Center focus area is proposed along Diamond Bar Boulevard, between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, to build on the success of recent commercial redevelopment in that area. The Town Center would serve as a center of activity for residents of Diamond Bar, providing entertainment and retail opportunities and community gathering spaces in a pleasant, walkable environment. Mixed Use Neighborhood The Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area is envisioned as a combination of residential and ancillary neighborhood-serving retail and service uses to promote revitalization of the segment of North Diamond Bar Boulevard between the SR-60 interchange and Highland Valley Road. The neighborhood has potential to benefit from its proximity to Mt. San Antonio College and Cal Poly Pomona. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 95 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-8 Community Core Overlay The Community Core focus area covers the existing Diamond Bar Golf Course, which is currently operated by Los Angeles County. Should the County choose to discontinue operation of the golf course or to reduce the size of the golf course, the Community Core would be the City’s preferred approach to reuse of the site. The Community Core is envisioned as a master-planned mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. The majority of the northern portion is envisioned to support a park or consolidated golf course along with additional community or civic uses. The southern portion is envisioned to accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. This location would benefit greatly from proximity to the freeways and nearby commercial uses. Transit-Oriented Mixed Use The Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area leverages underutilized sites adjacent to the Metrolink station to provide for higher-density housing, offices, and supporting commercial uses close to regional transit. The focus area would allow for growth in employment opportunities in addition to contributing to housing availability in the city, and would be a key location to emphasize multi-modal transportation options tied to land use. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) refers to the ratio between a building’s total floor area and the total area of the site and is used as a measure of non-residential development intensity. For instance, as shown in this illustration, a one-story building occupying one half of a parcel has an FAR of 0.5; a two-story building occupying a quarter of the same parcel also has an FAR of 0.5. FLOOR AREA RATIO 7.1.d Packet Pg. 96 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-9 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS The General Plan Land Use Diagram is depicted in Figure 2-2. The diagram designates land in the Planning Area according to land use classifications that describe allowable uses, densities, intensities, and other considerations for new development in those locations. The Land Use Diagram is a graphic representation of the General Plan’s policies regarding growth and development and is to be utilized in conjunction with the policies as a guide to decision making. The land use classifications are adopted as General Plan policy and are intentionally broad to provide a basis for more detailed direction in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map must be consistent with the classifications and Land Use Diagram and prescribes in greater detail specific uses of the land and associated development regulations that apply to property to further implement the General Plan. More than one zoning district may be consistent with a single General Plan land use category. State law requires the General Plan to establish standards of population density and building intensity for each land use classification. Density/intensity standards regulate how much development is permitted on a site. Residential density is expressed as housing units per gross acre, as described for each land use. For non-residential and mixed uses, a maximum permitted Floor Area Ratio (FAR)— the ratio of total gross floor area to total site area—is specified. Density and intensity standards are listed below for each classification. The density/intensity standards do not require the City to approve development projects at the top of the density or intensity range for each classification. In many cases, regulations and site constraints resulting from environmental, safety, or other considerations may reduce the development potential of any given site. Thus, realistically, not all sites would be expected to develop to their maximum densities or intensities. Table 2-2, summarizes the land use classifications, including density and intensity ranges, as well as the total acreage in each land use category as mapped on the Land Use Diagram. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 97 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-10 !(T Significant Ecological Area DiamondRanch HighSchool PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPointE.S. Little LeagueField ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSpringsE.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail SummitE.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple HillE.S.Maple HillPark WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle RockE.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReaganPark Star ShinePark SummitridgePark Country Park LarkstonePark Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEK RD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D EN S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E R SSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C REST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLEHILLR D MONTEFINOAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Land Use Designations Rural Residential Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Medium Density Residential Medium High Density Residential High Density Residential High Density Residential-30 Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use Light Industrial General Commercial Office Water School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Significant Ecological Area Private Recreation Planning Area Specific Plan Community Core Overlay City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 2-2: Land Use Plan C i t y o f D i a m o n d B a r GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 2-2: Land Use Diagram 7.1.d Packet Pg. 98 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-11 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESIDENTIAL Rural Residential Allows for residential development at densities of 1.0 dwelling unit per gross acre (1 du/ac), with lower density for sites with slopes greater than 25 percent, in accordance with the slope density standard. Low Density Residential Allows for single-family detached residential development reaching a maximum of 3.0 dwelling units per gross acre (3.0 du/ac). Low-Medium Residential Allows for single-family detached residential development reaching a maximum of 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre (5.0 du/ac). Medium Density Residential Allows for townhome, condominium, apartment, mobile home, and other multi-family residential development reaching a maximum of 12.0 dwelling units per gross acre (12.0 du/ac). Medium High Residential Allows for townhome, condominium, apartment, and other multi-family residential development reaching a maximum of 16.0 dwelling units per gross acre (16.0 du/ac). High Density Residential Allows for high-density condominium, apartment and other high-density residential development reaching a maximum of 20.0 dwelling units per gross acre (20.0 du/ac). High Density Residential-30 Allows for high-density condominium, apartment, and other high-density residential development with a minimum net density of 20.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 du/ac) and a maximum net density of 30.0 dwelling units per acre (30.0 du/ac) 7.1.d Packet Pg. 99 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-12 COMMERCIAL, OFFICE, AND INDUSTRIAL General Commercial Allows regional, freeway-oriented and/or community retail and service commercial uses. Development is to maintain a floor area ratio (FAR) between 0.25 and 1.0. Office Allows for office-based working environments including general, professional, and administrative offices, and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses. Development is to maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.0. Light Industrial Allows light industrial uses such as manufacturing, distribution, research and development, business support services, and commercial uses requiring more land area than is available under the General Commercial or Office designations. Development is to maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.00. MIXED USE Town Center Mixed Use Allows and encourages a mix of uses with an emphasis on community-serving and destination retail, dining, and entertainment uses. Offices and professional services, and residential uses are also permitted. Maximum FAR is 1.5 and a maximum residential density of 20.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 du/ac) is permitted. Neighborhood Mixed Use Allows a range of housing types and commercial uses, with a maximum FAR of 1.25 and a maximum residential density of 30.0 dwelling units per acre (30.0 du/ac). General Plan policies further delineate permitted and desired mix of uses and housing types based on parcel size and project location. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 100 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-13 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Allows high density residential live/work units, office, retail, commercial, and service uses, with a maximum FAR of 1.5. Residential uses, where provided, should be at a density ranging from 20.0 to 30.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 - 30.0 du/ ac) of gross site area. Existing light industrial uses shall be permitted to remain as conforming uses in accordance with the Light Industrial land use designation and associated zoning regulations. Community Core Overlay The underlying Golf Course designation permits continued operation of the present golf course use. Should the golf course cease operation, this overlay designation would require a master plan for the entire golf course property to ensure the orderly and cohesive implementation of its reuse. OTHER Planning Area Designed to conserve open space resources and is to be applied to properties where creative approaches are needed to integrate future development with existing natural resources. All proposed development within these designated areas shall require the formation of a Specific Plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450. Specific Plan This designation is intended to encourage the innovative use of land resources and development of a variety of housing and other development types, provide a means to coordinate the public and private provision of services and facilities, and address the unique needs of certain lands. It designates large-scale development areas in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facility, and other land uses may be permitted, or large properties (in excess of 10 acres) that are proposed 7.1.d Packet Pg. 101 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-14 to be annexed into the city, where a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 shall be required that will protect unique biological and open space resources, create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infrastructure, and minimize future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the city and region. Golf Course Identifies the Diamond Bar Country Club and Golf Course. Park Existing and future public parks. Open Space Provides recreational opportunities, preservation of scenic and environmental values, protection of resources (water reclamation and conservation), protection of public safety, and preservation of native plant and animal life, habitats, and ecosystems. This designation includes lands which may have been restricted to open space use by map restriction, deed (dedication conditions, covenant, and/or restriction), by an Open Space Easement pursuant to California Government Code Section 51070 et seq. This designation carries with it a maximum development potential of one single- family unit per existing privately-owned parcel, unless construction was previously restricted or prohibited on such properties by the County of Los Angeles. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 102 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-15 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Private Recreation Identifies major private recreation facilities. May be applied to lands required to be set aside for recreational use which have not been dedicated to or accepted by a public agency; no development may take place on these lands other than open space uses specifically permitted by the applicable Planned Unit Development and/or deed restrictions. Public Facility Identifies land for public publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community, such as schools and educational facilities; government facilities, including public safety facilities; public utilities; and other facilities of a public or quasi-public nature. These uses maintain development standards which do not exceed that of the most restrictive adjacent designation. Water Identifies publicly-owned water facilities. School Identifies school facilities. Significant Ecological Area Applied to the SOI in observance of the Los Angeles County’s designation of this area as Significant Ecological Area 15. The area covered by this designation is outside of the City’s jurisdiction. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 103 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-16 Table 2-2: Land Use Density/Intensity Standards Summary Table Land Use Density (du/ac)Intensity (FAR)Acreage % of Planning Area CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Residential Rural Residential Up to 1.0, with lower density for sites with slopes greater than 25 percent, in accordance with the slope density standard. -1,409 12 Low Density Residential Up to 3.0 -2414 21 Low-Medium Residential Up to 5.0 -779 7 Medium Density Residential Up to 12.0 -281 2 Medium High Residential Up to16.0 -199 2 High Density Residential Up to 20.0 -34 <1 High Density Residential-30 Min. 20.0/Max. 30.0 32 <1 Commercial, Office, and Light Industrial General Commercial -0.25 – 1.0 123 1 Office -0.25 – 1.0 174 2 Light Industrial 38 <1 Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Up to 20.0 Up to 1.5 45 <1 Neighborhood Mixed Use Up to 30.0 Up to 1.25 38 <1 Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Min. 20.0/Max 30.0 Up to 1.5 33 <1 Community Core Overlay Master plan required 168 1 - Other Planning Area --707 6 Specific Plan --77 1 Golf Course --168 1 Park --134 1 Open Space Up to 1 du/existing privately- owned parcel unless restricted or prohibited -993 9 Private Recreation --15 <1 Public Facility --63 1 Water --17 <1 School --284 2 Sphere of Influence Significant Ecological Area --3513 30 Note: The Golf Course and Community Core Overlay designations cover the same area. Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 104 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-17 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Table 2-3: Potential Planning Area Buildout by 2040 Existing (2016)Net New 2040 Total Housing Units 18,910 3,750 22,670 Households 18,310 3,260 21,530 Population 57,900 8,800 66,700 Jobs 14,700 7,000 21,700 Note: Numbers may not add precisely due to rounding. Households are rounded to the nearest 10, and population and jobs are rounded to the nearest 100. Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. BUILDOUT One purpose of the General Plan is to ensure that the City can accommodate the potential population and job growth through the Plan’s horizon year of 2040. Policies in the General Plan will allow the City to meet the needs of the future residents and workers, including housing for a diversity of residents, parkland and public facilities, and adequate options for non-residential development to provide employment opportunities and retail and services that respond to the community’s daily needs. Potential new development through the horizon year and the corresponding growth in population and employment is referred to as “buildout.” Buildout is based on existing development and an estimated amount of potential new development in the Planning Area. Buildout estimates should not be considered a prediction for growth, as the actual amount of development that will occur through 2040 is based on many factors outside of the City’s control, including changes in regional real estate and labor markets and other long-term economic and demographic trends. Therefore, buildout estimates represent potentialities rather than definitive figures. To estimate buildout, assumptions were made about the density of development in each proposed land use designation as explained above, as well as the percentage of parcels that would actually develop depending on location and land use designation. The designation of a site for a particular land use in the General Plan does not guarantee that the site will be developed or redeveloped with that use or assumed density during the planning period, as future development will rely primarily on each property owner’s initiative. Table 2-3 shows the potential buildout of the General Plan in terms of new development, residents, and jobs. According to projections, an estimated 3,200 new households, 8,800 new residents, and 7,000 new jobs could result in the Planning Area under the General Plan by 2040. It is expected that much of this growth will occur in the focus areas or as infill, while most of the existing residential neighborhoods will experience less growth and change. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 105 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-18 GENERAL GOALS LU-G-1 Maintain a balanced mix of land uses, including employment, residential, retail, and open space, including open space devoted to the preservation of natural resources, to support a vibrant community and Diamond Bar’s quality of life. LU-G-2 Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of natural open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and Tres Hermanos Ranch; and enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-3 In areas planned to accommodate new growth, ensure quality design that makes a positive contribution to the character of Diamond Bar. LU-G-4 Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth principles. LU-G-5 Manage development in a manner consistent with the capabilities of the City to provide public services and facilities effectively. POLICIES LU-P-1 Ensure that the scale and massing of new development provides sensitive transitions or design techniques in building height, bulk, and landscaping to minimize impacts on adjacent, less intensive uses, particularly residential uses. G OALS & POLICIES 7.1.d Packet Pg. 106 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-19 G OALS & POLICIES LU-P-2 Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed developments as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. Preservation can occur through methods including, but not limited to, dedication to the City or a conservation entity such as a conservancy, mitigation bank, or trust, or through conservation easements, deed restrictions, or other means. LU-P-3 As opportunities arise, collaborate with regional agencies and neighboring jurisdictions on land use and transportation planning in line with regional planning efforts such as the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. LU-P-4 Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments to anticipate and require mitigation to the greatest extent feasible to reduce land use, circulation, and economic impacts on Diamond Bar. LU-P-5 Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure are available or provided to support new development, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public safety, and parks. LU-P-6 When appropriate, require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-7 As larger vacant or underutilized sites within the built environment are developed or redeveloped, maximize multimodal accessibility with appropriately designed street networks, and walkable block sizes scaled to proposed uses. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 107 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-20 RESIDENTIAL GOALS LU-G-6 Preserve existing residential neighborhoods to retain the qualities Diamond Bar residents love, such as easy access to preserved natural open spaces, while supporting and encouraging well-designed, complete neighborhoods with safe streets, access to shopping and services, and community parks and gathering places. LU-G-7 Promote a variety of housing and neighborhood types that respond to a range of income, household sizes, and accessibility levels. POLICIES LU-P-8 Ensure that new residential development be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of building scale, density, massing, and design. Where the General Plan designates higher densities, provide adequate transitions to existing development. LU-P-9 Incorporate architectural and landscape design features in new development that create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, such as orientation to the street; set-back, or detached garages; tree-lined streets; and landscaped parkways between streets and sidewalks. LU-P-10 Provide opportunities for and incentivize the development of housing types that are affordable to all segments of the Diamond Bar community, including senior housing and independent assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, and rental and for-sale housing units affordable to low- and moderate-income households. LU-P-11 Maintain a system of identifiable, complementary neighborhoods, providing neighborhood identity signage where appropriate and ensuring that such signage is well maintained over time. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 108 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-21 G OALS & POLICIES COMMERCIAL, OFFICE, AND INDUSTRIAL GOALS LU-G-8 Promote the development of distinct, well- designed commercial centers that serve neighborhood residents, community members, and/or the region at large and help maintain economic vitality. LU-G-9 Provide for the concentration of office and commercial uses near regional access routes, transit stations, and existing and proposed employment centers. LU-G-10 Support the long-term viability of existing commercial, office, and light industrial uses, designated for continued use in the General Plan. LU-G-11 Support existing commercial centers by encouraging ongoing investment and, where appropriate, reuse and redevelopment. POLICIES LU-P-12 Ensure that commercial uses and shopping centers are designed in a manner compatible with adjacent residential areas in terms of traffic and noise impacts, building scale, and appropriate transitions and buffers. LU-P-13 Promote the revitalization of existing neighborhood commercial centers by encouraging property owners to maintain and improve the appearance of individual buildings and commercial centers through building façade improvements, landscaping, and pedestrian improvements. LU-P-14 Improve vehicular accessibility, traffic flow, and parking availability as well as pedestrian and bicycle access and amenities within office, commercial, and industrial areas. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 109 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-22 MIXED USE See Chapter 3: Community Character and Placemaking for additional policies regarding the form and design of development in the mixed-use focus areas. GOALS General LU-G-12 Encourage compact mixed-use developments and projects that are walkable, designed to encourage community interaction, and fulfill a diversity of local commercial, employment, housing, and recreational needs. LU-G-13 Maximize multi-modal accessibility to and connectivity within mixed-use areas. LU-G-14 Foster development of nodes or clusters of mixed-use centers to promote city and neighborhood identity, improve accessibility to stores, parks, natural open spaces, and services, and promote walkable, pedestrian- scaled retail and dining destinations. Neighborhood Mixed Use LU-G-15 Promote the development of a vibrant corridor with a mix of uses, including residential uses and neighborhood-serving services and amenities, such as parks and open spaces that fulfill a diversity of local needs within walking and biking distance of neighborhood residents. LU-G-16 Create a well-designed, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages community interaction and healthy lifestyles while reducing reliance on automobiles. LU-G-17 Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale of adjacent residential uses, while allowing for higher intensity development along Diamond Bar Boulevard to foster the corridor’s revitalization. LU-G-18 Encourage a diversity of housing types and products. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 110 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-23 G OALS & POLICIES Transit-Oriented Mixed Use LU-G-19 Leverage the proximity of the City of Industry Metrolink station and Foothill Transit facility to create an engaging, compact, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages multi-modal transportation and responds to a diversity of housing needs. LU-G-20 Ensure the adequate provision of spaces for recreation, community gathering, amenities, programming, and services that can adapt to fulfill the demographic needs of residents consistent with the Diamond Bar parkland standard (5 acres per 1,000 residents) and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. LU-G-21 Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale, density, and massing of adjacent residential uses and potential sources of noise and air pollution. Town Center Mixed Use LU-G-22 Promote and support the commercial area on both sides of Diamond Bar Boulevard from Golden Springs Drive to SR-60 as a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented Town Center that serves as Diamond Bar’s primary specialty retail and dining destination and is accessible to all Diamond Bar residents. LU-G-23 Ensure an inviting and comfortable public realm to encourage pedestrian activity in the Town Center area. LU-G-24 Allow residential and office uses as secondary to commercial (retail, dining, and entertainment) uses. Community Core Overlay LU-G-25 Support continued operation of the Diamond Bar Golf Course by Los Angeles County as a public amenity. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 111 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-24 LU-G-26 Should Los Angeles County choose to cease operations of the Diamond Bar Golf Course or reduce the area of the Golf Course, promote development of the portion of the Golf Course north of Grand Avenue predominantly as a public park/consolidated golf course with additional community or civic uses, and the portion south of Grand Avenue as a walkable mixed-use community and regional destination offering retail, dining, and entertainment uses; plazas and community gathering spaces; supporting residential uses; and civic and other supporting uses. POLICIES General LU-P-15 Encourage mixed-use development in infill areas by providing incentives such as reduced parking requirements and/ or opportunities for shared parking. LU-P-16 In residential mixed-use areas, encourage the clustering of non-residential uses at key visible locations. LU-P-17 Promote site designs that create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. LU-P-18 Development should be sensitive to the building form, density, massing, and scale of surrounding residential neighborhoods. LU-P-19 To meet the recreational needs of new residents, ensure that new residential and mixed-use developments larger than four acres incorporate public parkland in the neighborhoods where such developments are located. Residential and mixed-use developments under four acres may provide dedicated parkland, in lieu fees, or a combination, in accordance with Diamond Bar’s park acreage standards. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 112 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-25 G OALS & POLICIES LU-P-20 Encourage the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings. Neighborhood Mixed Use LU-P-21 Promote clusters of mixed-use commercial development along Diamond Bar Boulevard to provide neighborhood-serving commercial uses and neighborhood parks within walking distance of residences by: a. Requiring development at the north and south ends of the corridor (within 1,000 feet of the two ends, as feasible, taking into account site topography) to provide commercial development along the majority of the frontage along Diamond Bar Boulevard; and b. Allowing development elsewhere along the corridor to provide commercial uses. LU-P-22 Encourage commercial development to incorporate outdoor green spaces appropriate and usable for patrons and visitors. LU-P-23 Residential and mixed-use developments on sites larger than two acres should include a range of housing types that meet the needs of a diversity of income levels and household sizes. LU-P-24 Buildings located along corridors should be designed to face the street and define the public realm with a mix of building patterns, ground floor transparency for commercial uses, and pedestrian- oriented elements such as building entrances and public outdoor spaces. LU-P-25 Promote neighborhood interaction by providing landscaped walkways, bikeways, and public spaces such as parks and commercial plazas, etc. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 113 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-26 LU-P-26 Maximize multi-modal (transit, automobile, cycling, and pedestrian) connections to other destinations in Diamond Bar, such as schools, parks, job centers, and community gathering spaces like the Town Center by: a. Filling gaps in and expanding and/or upgrading the bikeway network to ensure safe and efficient bicycle mobility. Gaps that could be addressed in this area include the northern ends of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. b. Improving pedestrian comfort and safety by implementing traffic calming measures on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Sunset Crossing Road, providing shading through the addition of street trees along Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, and encouraging pedestrian- oriented elements on buildings and street furniture on Diamond Bar Boulevard. Transit-Oriented Mixed Use LU-P-27 To promote a healthy jobs/housing balance, each new development should include a minimum nonresidential FAR of .25. LU-P-28 Encourage development of live-work spaces. LU-P-29 Allow high-density housing at a minimum density of 20 units per acre and up to a maximum of 30 units per acre, with a non- residential FAR of up to 1.5 to promote a compact development pattern that reflects the area’s proximity to transit. Allow supporting commercial uses along Brea Canyon Road. LU-P-30 Ensure that building frontages and streetscaping define the public realm and encourage pedestrian activity and comfort with a mix of building patterns, ground floor transparency for commercial uses, and pedestrian-oriented elements such as building entrances and public outdoor spaces. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 114 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-27 G OALS & POLICIES LU-P-31 Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between the Transit- Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar such as schools, the Town Center, and parks. LU-P-32 In conjunction with new development, implement an overall parking strategy for the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood, including consolidation of smaller parking lots and district-wide management of parking resources. LU-P-33 Consider amendments to the Development Code parking regulations as needed to allow lower parking minimums for developments with a mix of uses with different peak parking needs, as well as developments that implement enforceable residential parking demand reduction measures, such as parking permit and car share programs. LU-P-34 Ensure that development evaluates and mitigates to extent practical noise and air quality issues related to the proximity of the SR-60 and Metrolink. Town Center Mixed Use LU-P-35 Ensure that any reuse, redevelopment, or refurbishment of the Town Center area maintains a dominance of retail, dining, and entertainment uses. Allow residential uses within the designation’s permitted maximum range, as well as offices, either on upper floors or otherwise in locations that do not detract from the area’s predominant role as a community shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. LU-P-36 Prioritize and support renovation, infill, and reuse of the existing commercial center. Require, where appropriate, redesign and modernization of architectural 7.1.d Packet Pg. 115 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-28 treatment and the introduction of finer- grained pedestrian network, as well as utilization of parking lots to create central gathering spaces and make the Town Center more pedestrian-friendly. LU-P-37 Utilize buildings and streetscapes to define the public realm and encourage pedestrian activity and comfort. To further promote these objectives, incorporate attractive landscaping elements and usable outdoor green spaces, and discourage new drive through uses. LU-P-38 Promote site designs that create an active street frontage and screen off-street parking from the Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive frontages. LU-P-39 Streetscape and intersection improvements along the major corridors of South Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive should enhance connectivity, comfort, and safety for all modes of travel, and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. LU-P-40 Study, as necessary, the implementation of safe pedestrian connectivity between the north and south sections of the Town Center Mixed-Use project site and at Lorbeer Middle School. Potential strategies for achieving safe pedestrian connectivity may include traffic calming measures along the roadways, crosswalk visibility improvements, ensuring adequate time for walk signals, refuge islands, bulb-outs, bridges, and others. LU-P-41 Maximize accessibility for transit, automobiles, cyclists, and pedestrians to the Town Center from surrounding neighborhoods, the Metrolink station, and other Diamond Bar destinations. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 116 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-29 G OALS & POLICIES LU-P-42 Avoid expanses of surface parking and encourage the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings where appropriate. LU-P-43 When updating the Development Code’s parking standards or preparing specific plans, evaluate parking ratios for the Town Center to balance the financial feasibility of development projects with the provision of adequate parking for visitors. Coordinate with developers and transit agencies to the extent possible to provide alternative modes of transportation to allow for reduced parking requirements. LU-P-44 When warranted, a feasibility study should be prepared for any hotels proposed in the Town Center area to demonstrate market demand and economic viability. Community Core Overlay LU-P-45 Prepare a master plan or specific plan for any future development within the Community Core overlay area that creates a mixed- use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. Approximately 100 acres north of Grand Avenue is to support a park or consolidated golf course along with additional community or civic uses. The southern portion is to accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. LU-P-46 Where appropriate, require development to provide courtyards and plazas, public art, and landscaped open spaces and pathways between buildings that promote safe and convenient pedestrian movement. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 117 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-30 LU-P-47 Buildings should be designed to define the public realm and promote sidewalk activity and neighborhood interaction in public spaces. LU-P-48 Create a fine-grained (shorter blocks), pedestrian-scaled street network, and require buildings and streetscapes to encourage pedestrian activity and comfort. LU-P-49 Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. LU-P-50 Where practicable, consolidate and locate parking in a manner that encourages pedestrian activity. Avoid expanses of surface parking (see Chapter 3, Community Character and Placemaking). LU-P-51 Provide streetscape and intersection improvements along Golden Springs Drive to enhance comfort and safety for all modes of travel and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 118 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-31 G OALS & POLICIES PUBLIC FACILITIES, OPEN SPACE, AND HILLSIDES See Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services for additional policies regarding the provision of parks and public facilities. See Chapter 5: Resource Conservation for additional policies regarding hillside conservation and open space preservation. GOALS LU-G-27 Designate adequate land throughout the community for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-G-28 Preserve open space, ridgelines, and hillsides to protect the visual character of the city, provide for public outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, support groundwater recharge, protect existing and planned wildlife corridors, and ensure public safety. For the purposes of this goal, open space is defined as any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to open space use, which may include the preservation of natural resources, the managed production of resources, outdoor recreation, the protection of public health and safety, support for the mission of military installations, or the protection of tribal cultural resources (California Government Code Sections 51075 and 65560). Unimproved land that is designated for other uses is considered vacant land rather than open space but may become open space if it is dedicated, acquired by a public entity, or otherwise preserved in perpetuity. Dedicated open spaces are designated on the Land Use Diagram with the Open Space land use classification. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 119 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-32 POLICIES LU-P-52 When opportunities arise, collaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-53 Ensure adequate parkland to serve the recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents by providing for a range of park sizes and amenities, equitably distributed throughout the city. Where necessary to adequately expand the park system and/or provide specialized recreational facilities and programming as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, actively pursue the acquisition of additional parkland. LU-P-54 When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer needed, advocate for the property to first be offered to other agencies, including the City of Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. LU-P-55 Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use designation, preserve hillsides as natural open space through Diamond Bar’s Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 120 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-33 G OALS & POLICIES LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately- owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas promoting the following design principles: a. Minimize—as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Development Code’s Hillside Management regulations—excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserve existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Do not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are sensitive to natural contours and land forms and hydrological features; e. Preserve natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire Department’s approved fuel modification program; g. Utilize planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non-invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those in the surrounding area; and h. Group plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 121 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-34 2.3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT TRENDS Population Between the 1990 U.S. Census and the 2016 California Department of Finance population projection, the city gained approximately 3,400 residents, as shown in Table 2-4. This represents an annual growth rate of only 0.2 percent a year over a 26-year period. Since 1990, the city’s overall population growth has not kept pace with the region or county’s growth due to the fact that the city is largely built out and there have been limited opportunities for housing development. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 122 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-35 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Geography 4/1/90 1 4/1/00 1 4/1/101 1/1/16 2 Diamond Bar 53,672 56,287 55,544 57,081 Region3 447,367 557,497 580,083 608,952 Los Angeles County 8,863,052 9,519,330 9,818,605 10,241,335 State Total 29,758,213 33,873,086 37,253,956 39,255,883 Annual Growth (by Period) 1990 -2000 2000-2010 2010 - 2016 1990 - 2016 Diamond Bar 262 (74) 256 131 Region 11,013 2,259 4,812 6,215 Los Angeles County 65,628 29,928 70,455 53,011 State Total 411,487 338,087 333,655 365,295 Percent Growth by Period 1990 -2000 2000-2010 2010 - 2016 1990 - 2016 Diamond Bar 0.5%-0.1%0.3%0.2% Region 2.2%0.4%0.5%1.2% Los Angeles County 0.7%0.3%0.4%0.6% State Total 1.3%1.0%0.5%1.1% Notes: 1. US Census population counts from April 1 in 1990, 2000, and 2010 2. California Department of Finance Estimate from January 1, 2016. Note that this figure differs slightly from the City’s 2016 population estimate presented in Table 2-3 of this General Plan, which was derived based on existing land use. 3. Region: Brea, Chino, Chino Hills, Covina, Diamond Bar, Industry, Pomona, Walnut, and West Covina Source: California Department of Finance; US Census Table 2-4: Population Trends 1990 - 2016 7.1.d Packet Pg. 123 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-36 Ethnic Composition Diamond Bar has an increasingly diverse population. While changing demographics do not necessarily affect land use decisions, different cultures tend to have different preferences and priorities, and may change the market orientation of some residential and non-residential land uses. As such, it is important to consider how the projected ethnic composition of the city’s population might impact future land use decisions. The city’s Asian population composition is largely second-generation residents and comparable to mature ethnic cities such as Cerritos or Irvine, where the population speaks English very well. Ethnic diversity is an attribute that may shape specific commercial and residential preferences. Age The city’s population is aging, and the senior population’s growth and transition into retirement will provide unique challenges for the city. The market created from this demographic shift might require changes in the city’s housing stock to provide opportunities for residents to age in place. Alternatively, changes in their housing preferences could create opportunities for younger families wanting to move into the city. Employment Base Since the Great Recession (2007 to 2009), the combination of lost jobs and decreased labor force participation has kept unemployment low in the city. Over time, this could become a concern if the city’s labor force participation does not increase and the number of resident jobs does not return to pre-recession levels. New employment opportunities are critical to meet the need to increase the city’s employment base for residents and non-residents alike. The city has many positive attributes relating to employment. First, there has been a greater concentration of higher paying jobs in the city compared to Los Angeles County. Second, commuter directional analysis (OnTheMap [US Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies], 2014) suggests that because of the city’s connection to multiple freeway networks, there is a relatively equal distribution of employees commuting from various areas in the region. Finally, the city has many business-friendly policies to attract future job growth. Future commercial development and the absorption of existing vacant commercial space represent potential opportunities for future employment-serving land uses. Employment Sectors The largest percentage of Diamond Bar residents are employed in the Administration & Support - Waste Management and Remediation sector, followed by Finance and Insurance, and Education sectors (as illustrated in Figure 2-3). 7.1.d Packet Pg. 124 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-37 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT In 2015, the top employers in Diamond Bar, as shown in Figure 2-4, were the Walnut Valley Unified School Districts, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and various private finance and insurance providers. Figure 2-3: Jobs in the Top 15 Industry Sectors (2015) Figure 2-4: Top Employers (2015) Source: Labor Market Information, Info USA, City Manager’s Office 7.1.d Packet Pg. 125 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-38 FUTURE POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTH The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has projected that the city will grow at a slower pace than experienced prior to its incorporation in 1989. Between 2016 and 2040, the City projects Diamond Bar’s population will grow to 66,700 residents, translating to a 0.6-percent annual growth rate over the next 20 years. Figure 2-5 shows population projections for the city through 2040. Figure 2-5: Diamond Bar Population Growth, 1990 - 2040 Source: U.S.Census 1990, 2000, and2010; CaliforniaDOF, 2018; Dyett&Bhatia, 2019. Given the land use changes and policies proposed in this Plan as well as regional employment projections, the City projects strong overall job growth in Diamond Bar over the next 20 years, with projected employment increasing by nearly 48 percent from 14,700 jobs in 2016 to 21,700 jobs in 2040. Table 2-5 shows projected employment growth totals and by land use. In order for the City to capitalize on this employment market, it will need to maintain a positive climate for business growth and retention, and ensure land availability in appropriate locations. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 126 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2-39 2.0 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Non- Residential Land Use Category 2016 Estimated Total Jobs Percent of Total 2040 Projected Total Jobs Percent of Total Estimated Change in Jobs, 2016- 2040 Retail 3,100 10%3,100 14%1,600 Office 7,300 50%11,400 53%4,100 Industrial 2,100 14%1,700 8%(400) Other Commercial1 3,800 26%5,500 25%1,700 Total 2 14,700 100%21,700 100%7,000 Notes: 1. Other commercial uses include accommodation and food services and other miscellaneous services (excluding public administration). 2. Totals may not add due to rounding. Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. Table 2-5: Projected Employment Growth by Non- Residential Land Use Category, 2016-2040 Source: Board of Equalization and Department of Finance, 2014. Figure 2-6: Historic Per Capita Retail Spending (2005 - 2014) 7.1.d Packet Pg. 127 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-40 FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY Diamond Bar is largely built out, resulting in slow growth projections for both population and housing (see Existing Conditions Report – Volume II: Economic Review and Market Assessment prepared for the General Plan Update). As a result, and in order to address future fiscal sustainability concerns, new development will be needed in order to grow the city’s base of residents and employment opportunities, as well as increase its market capture with a more diverse retail environment. Different land use changes can have different fiscal impacts on the City’s General Fund. For example: • Residential land uses typically have the highest cost of service and generates the lowest revenue resulting in a negative fiscal impact. • The development of industrial and office space in the city will likely have a positive fiscal impact, as jobs created by these land uses would typically require fewer city services than residential development. An increase in employment opportunities could also attract new residents to the city or allow current residents to work closer to home rather than commuting. • New retail development can have a positive impact on the General Fund through the generation of sales tax. • Hotel and other hospitality land uses typically have high net positive fiscal impacts because, like other commercial uses, the service costs are lower than residential uses, and the city receives the full voter-approved transient occupancy tax rate. Unlike other cities in the region and Los Angeles County as a whole, Diamond Bar’s per capita retail spending has not grown since 2005, as shown in Figure 2-6. The decrease in the per capita generation of sales tax revenues would indicate that the city’s retail base has not grown sufficiently to maintain its capture rate. For the city to remain economically viable over the long-term it should strive to continue expanding its retail base by creating a more diverse retail environment to increase the market capture from its higher income households within the city and others in the region. Attracting new development as proposed in the new mixed-use focus areas, as well as supporting existing businesses to increase their market capture within the city, will be crucial in terms of sustaining a diverse economy and stable fiscal standing in Diamond Bar. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 128 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-41 G OALS & POLICIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT See Chapter 3: Community Character and Placemaking for policies regarding creating a sense of place and attractive public realms. GOALS ED-G-1 Prioritize infill development opportunities and the reuse of existing vacant commercial space to grow the city’s base of residents and employment to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and promote conservation of natural open space. ED-G-2 Provide for the development of jobs and commercial uses within Diamond Bar to reduce residents’ commutes, and to encourage residents to shop and dine locally. ED-G-3 Support the retention, rehabilitation, and/or expansion of existing businesses, and the attraction of new businesses. ED-G-4 Promote development of flexible workspaces that are adaptable over time to changing economic needs; support co-working and start-up/ incubator business spaces. ED-G-5 Support the use of Metrolink and local transit connections as a means for non- residents to commute to employment opportunities in Diamond Bar. ED-G-6 Facilitate the development of a labor force with skills to meet the needs of the area’s current and future businesses and industries. ED-G-7 Monitor and regularly evaluate economic conditions and economic development goals. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 129 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-42 POLICIES Commercial Centers ED-P-1 Identify retail and service needs that are not being met in the community, and encourage the development or redevelopment of commercial centers to meet existing and future demand for such services. ED-P-2 Promote the visibility of commercial centers from the freeway, where appropriate. Efforts may include incorporation of monument signage in Diamond Bar visible from the freeway, and/or wayfinding signage guiding the public to key places throughout the City. ED-P-3 Create commercial centers or districts that have a sense of place and provide attractive places to shop, dine, and gather. Within these areas, support the development of uses and distinct characters that complement other commercial areas within Diamond Bar and adjacent jurisdictions. ED-P-4 Collaborate with business owners, the Regional Chamber of Commerce - San Gabriel Valley and/or business development organizations to promote shopping and dining opportunities in Diamond Bar. Efforts may include listing information on local business on the City’s website, working with the Regional Chamber or business development organizations to establish and sustain promotional events and programs, increasing local business participation at community events, and developing promotional materials and guides to showcase existing businesses 7.1.d Packet Pg. 130 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2.0 2-43 G OALS & POLICIES ED-P-5 Work with existing commercial center owners and commercial real estate professionals to enhance commercial development opportunities that meet the needs of adjacent neighborhoods and other nearby uses by facilitating communication between developers and target populations, identifying additional development or redevelopment sites in and around the centers, and improving exposure along adjacent transportation corridors. Community-Serving Uses ED-P-6 Work with property owners of existing office centers to increase the daytime population and facilitate opportunities to attract quality office tenants and supporting commercial businesses. ED-P-7 Allow for home occupations where compatible with the privacy and residential character of the neighborhood. ED-P-8 Encourage provision of common or rentable workspaces that can be used by residents for efficient work-from-home use to be incorporated into attached residential development projects, ED-P-9 Promote the use of multi-modal connections to serve commercial and office uses within Diamond Bar, thereby enhancing transit, ride-sharing, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure opportunities, and reducing automobile congestion within the City. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 131 LAND USE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Diamond Bar General Plan 20402-44 City Programs and Partnerships ED-P-10 Facilitate access to City and regional services, incentives, and public-private partnership opportunities available to property owners and businesses seeking to perform façade or structural improvements, expand operations, or provide incubation spaces for startup businesses. ED-P-11 Facilitate partnerships between area businesses and educational and training institutions, such as the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts, Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Fullerton and Mt. San Antonio Community College, to provide training programs that will enable the labor force to meet the needs of business and prepare for emerging job opportunities. ED-P-12 Partner with the Diamond Bar Public Library and/or business mentorship programs to offer computer literacy, job search, and personal and business development training workshops that are accessible to residents of all income levels. ED-P-13 Periodically update the City’s Economic Development Action Plan to evaluate citywide economic conditions and to reflect new trends such as emerging industries and new market opportunities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 132 The Community Character and Placemaking Chapter guides the form and character of future development in Diamond Bar. It provides strategies to strengthen the city’s identity through design and enhance the character of the community by defining the spatial relationships between the city’s various gateways, neighborhoods, and centers of activity. COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 133 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-2 3.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter outlines the desired character of the mixed-use focus areas and provides direction to ensure that new development is context sensitive. Thus, it provides policy direction at a citywide scale, as well as a framework for development occurring in the Town Center, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and Community Core focus areas. The Community Character and Placemaking Chapter consists of narrative, goals and policies, as well as diagrams illustrating the key redevelopment opportunities in Diamond Bar. Policy text and maps should be considered collectively as project approvals or future amendments are made. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW While the inclusion of community design is not required as a mandated element of a general plan, California Government Code Section 65303 states that a general plan may include additional elements that a community considers important to the physical development of the city. All elements, whether mandatory or optional, are required to be consistent with one another. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS This chapter is closely related to Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development and Chapter 4, Circulation. The Land Use and Economic Development Chapter lays out the land uses and development densities and intensities for new development, as well as basic policies related to building scales, while the Circulation Chapter provides direction on connectivity and access for different modes of travel within and around new development and the city as a whole. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 134 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 3-3 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.2 CITYWIDE CHARACTER AND DESIGN In 2019, Diamond Bar remains primarily a residential community of quiet neighborhoods with commercial and office uses limited to small auto-oriented clusters concentrated around intersections of major arterials. Shopping centers and office parks are suburban in character; they are designed to be accessed via car, with buildings set far back from roadways and facing towards large parking lots rather than streets. While these commercial centers serve the daily needs of Diamond Bar residents, their auto-oriented design and the low diversity of uses does not allow them to act as true destinations or centers of civic life. Residents of Diamond Bar value the existing community character of the City, including its family- friendly neighborhoods and its country-living feel, enhanced by open spaces and hillside views. According to community members, elements that would strengthen the character of Diamond Bar include the addition of a more traditional downtown or town center for retail, gathering, and entertainment purposes; the revitalization of aging commercial centers; and a continued focus on high quality design and beautification. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 135 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-4 URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK As outlined in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, four focus areas have been identified that could accommodate future mixed-use development opportunities (see also Figure 3-1: Urban Design Framework). These mixed-used development areas are intended to complement existing residential neighborhoods and commercial centers, providing places where residents and visitors can live, work, and play. These focus areas are envisioned as attractive, memorable places in the community, with a pedestrian orientation and a mix of complementary uses. The Town Center Mixed-Use area will establish a new center of civic life in Diamond Bar, responding to the community’s desire for a more traditional “downtown,” with buildings and streets designed to promote walkability accompanied by spaces for dining and gathering, while the other focus areas are envisioned as community- or neighborhood-scaled. These focus areas are discussed in further detail below in Section 3.3: Focus Areas. By building on the city’s existing assets and planning new, appropriately-designed development within the General Plan’s policy framework, it is envisioned that Diamond Bar will become a more livable community, with a strong sense of place and improved quality of life for its current and future residents. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 136 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3-5 Figure 3-1 Urban Design Framework Union Pacic RailroadSouthernPacificRailroadRiverside Metrolink LineGRAND AVEGOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMONDBARBLVDSUNSETCROSSINGRDGOLDENSPRINGSDRPROSPECTORS RD GATE W AYC O P LEYDRDIAMOND BAR BLVDBREACANYONRDD IA M O N D B A RBLVDG O LD EN S P R I N G S D RLEMON AVELYCOMING ST BREACA N Y O N R D 60 57 60 57 MetrolinkStation Focus Area Existing Commercial Center Parks/Open Space 0 1 2 MILES 1/21/4 Boulevards City Limits Sphere of Inuen ce City Gateway Focus Area Gateway 3.1 Urban Design Framework PATHFINDER RD 7.1.d Packet Pg. 137 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-6 CITY IDENTITY Diamond Bar is defined by the quiet, suburban nature of existing residential development and its backdrop of natural resources and views, and is supported by conscious efforts at placemaking. Placemaking elements include gateway monuments and treatments that define entryways into the city, public art installations and artistic streetscape elements that contribute to memorable places and a unified character, as well as landscaping, which provides beauty in the public realm while contributing to stormwater management. Throughout the city, existing placemaking efforts and iconography tell the story of Diamond Bar’s origins as a ranch. Symbols of the city’s history— including the Windmill (its oldest landmark), native landscaping, diamond-patterned pedestrian crossings, and ranch-style decorative features in the public realm—connect modern-day residents to their community’s roots. This section explores the ways in which Diamond Bar can strengthen its identity as it continues to develop and grow. Gateways Gateways are urban design elements that mark the arrival or transition from one place to another. Gateways add to an area’s identity and sense of place, while also serving as wayfinding elements that help individuals navigate locations they may not be familiar with, facilitating access to key destinations. Key features of effective gateways include visual and directional cues, such as: • Gateway and wayfinding signage; • Unified landscaping, including street trees and plantings as well as planted medians; • Streetscape treatments such as enhanced paving, street furniture, and accent lighting; • Prominent architecture at gateways and key intersections; and • Integration of private signage into the gateway palette. Diamond Bar has several existing gateway monuments. The city’s border with Chino Hills near the intersection of Longview Drive and Grand Avenue is marked with a grand entry sign welcoming visitors to Diamond Bar. A city entry landmark, featuring cattle sculptures and a stylized recreation of the original Diamond Bar Ranch gateway, is located at Diamond Canyon Park, near the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road. These features are part of a unified streetscape design theme intended to be established throughout Diamond Bar. Other city entry points are currently marked with older monument features, which will be replaced over time with structures that follow the current streetscape theme and palette. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 138 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 3-7 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING In addition to the gateways announcing one’s arrival to the Diamond Bar, the City may consider additional gateways at entrances to new mixed-use areas, including the Town Center, Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, and Community Core Overlay areas shown in Figure 3-1: Urban Design Framework. Public Art Public art plays an important role in relating the story and identity of a city, and in creating the opportunity for residents and visitors to participate and share in articulating its identity. Diamond Bar residents have expressed a desire to use public art as a means to showcase Diamond Bar’s rural beginnings and evolving cultural diversity. Encouraging public art supports the growth of historical and cultural awareness in the city. In particular, public art within major activity nodes and regional destinations and along major pedestrian corridors will play a key role in showcasing the city’s identity. Additional support from the City may include the provision of spaces, programs and facilities that provide opportunities for artistic and cultural engagement, as is discussed in Chapter 8, Community Health and Sustainability Landscaping Landscaping can contribute greatly to placemaking and city identity, while also playing a role in environmental sustainability and stewardship through measures such as stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and the provision of habitats for wildlife. The establishment of a landscaping palette and corresponding strategies can serve these myriad purposes. Important factors to be considered in the establishment of a citywide landscaping palette include the incorporation of native, drought-tolerant plants, the incorporation of colorful, flowering plants, and stormwater management opportunities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 139 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-8 THE PUBLIC REALM Streetscape Streets are a foundational aspect of community life, providing spaces for community members to encounter not only the various locations and features of their city, but also one another. Pleasant streetscapes— which include site-specific building frontages, sidewalks, street furniture, and landscaping—create safe, attractive, and active streets. Streetscapes are also central to the flow of people through an area, and that area’s connection to the city at large, as discussed further in Chapter 4, Circulation. As of 2019, streets within the City are generally auto-oriented in their design and function. As new development occurs throughout the city, there are several challenges and opportunities for improved street design. As discussed in the Circulation Chapter, there are opportunities to design streets in that allow for safer transportation for all modes, including walking and bicycling. A major challenge in terms of streetscapes is that the character of the streets and sidewalks that delineate the public realm is often diminished by a weak building-to-street relationship with buildings oriented away from the street or set back from roadways, or the presence of fences blocking views of buildings from the sidewalk. The pedestrian environment can also be uncomfortable at times due to narrow or incomplete sidewalks that lack street furnishings such as benches or shade trees. Improvements such as those completed at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, as part of the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, serve as an excellent example of how to make our public rights- of-way more walkable: features, including signature street trees with ornamental tree grates, shrub and ground cover plantings, enhanced paving and pedestrian facilities, and upgraded street furniture and lighting, are providing a higher standard for inviting, attractive streetscapes. Looking forward, streetscape improvements that seek to create 7.1.d Packet Pg. 140 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 3-9 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING Various combinations of streetscape improvements are possible, depending on a given street’s typology and the balance of goals related to comfort, safety, visibility, cost, convenience, and environmental impact. The following are common streetscape improvements to enhancethe public realm. • Widening sidewalks; • Improving the building to street relationship at key commercial and mixed-use areas; • Introducing public art, gateway, and wayfinding elements; • Using a consistent species of trees and planting to define corridors; • Managing stormwater through the use of bioswales and other ecology- conscious features; • Efficient materials and lighting; • Buffering pedestrians from traffic with landscaping; • Adding seating and other pedestrian-oriented furnishings; • Improving intersections with corner bulb-outs; • Establishing a consistent street signage or public signage aesthetic; and • Providing shaded rest areas. STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT EXAMPLES 7.1.d Packet Pg. 141 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-10 a more active, enjoyable public realm will be particularly influential at existing commercial nodes and in the mixed-use focus areas. As streetscape improvements are implemented, both citywide and in the focus areas, Diamond Bar’s street network will support increased public activity and pedestrian movement with amenities such as improved sidewalk treatments, seating, distinctive lighting, and public art, as well as bicycle facilities in appropriate locations. To this end, a new Boulevard street typology is proposed that emphasizes traveler experience and sense of place on streets that connect to major destinations throughout the city (See Chapter 4, Circulation). Proposed Boulevards include Diamond Bar Boulevard from Brea Canyon Cutoff Road to the northern city limits; Golden Springs Drive from SR-57 to the northern city limits; and Grand Avenue at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard. Boulevards are a type of arterial that are designed to be highly visible and aesthetically landscaped, incorporating wide sidewalks adjacent to mixed-use areas and commercial nodes where pedestrian activity is anticipated to be highest. In addition to the Boulevard typology, the General Plan outlines an overall vision for Diamond Bar’s streetscape design (see Chapter 4, Circulation). Parks and Public Open Spaces Parks and public open spaces are also key components of the public realm, offering locations for people to congregate and enjoy leisure time among other members of the community. As discussed in Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services, Diamond Bar offers a number of well-loved parks and publicly accessible open spaces. Incorporating new parks and public spaces into new development in a manner that encourages regular use will contribute to livability on the neighborhood scale by ensuring community recreation and gathering spaces close to new homes, while also helping to maintain the citywide parkland standards. This chapter provides a framework for designing new parks and public open spaces that are accessible and well-integrated into surrounding development. Further discussion regarding parks and open space is provided in Chapter 5, Resource Conservation and Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 142 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 3-11 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING BUILDING AND SITE DESIGN Building and site design within new development play a significant role in neighborhood and city identity. These design elements influence experiences of places and establish a relationship with existing surrounding uses. Building design and site planning occurs through implementation documents such as Citywide Design Guidelines and the Zoning Ordinance. The Policies below are intended to complement existing regulations, and design guidance will be reflected as needed in an update of the Citywide Design Guidelines to embody the urban design objectives set forth in this chapter. Site Planning and Parking Appropriate site planning and parking requirements are important elements of well-designed new development. Site planning that encourages fine-grained development (i.e., small blocks and building footprints) helps to achieve a more pedestria friendly environment and provides opportunities for access and connectivity to surrounding streets and neighborhoods. Orienting buildings and active uses to public spaces and public streets further contributes to pedestrian- friendliness by providing visual interest for those on foot. This fine-grained, pedestrian-friendly development is what is envisioned to occur in the new mixed-use focus areas. In addition, site-planning approaches such as right-sized parking requirements and parking design strategies, including locating parking to the rear or side of parcels, can help to create more walkable, memorable places. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 143 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-12 Building Massing and Design Building massing refers to the visual dominance of buildings, while building design refers to a building’s architectural features. Building massing and design controls are crucial for ensuring appropriate, sensitive development, particularly when it is adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods. Building massing and design measures to be considered include providing for sensitive transitions between new and existing development so as to reduce impacts to existing neighborhoods, incorporating human and pedestrian-scaled design for new commercial and mixed-use development, and building design that incorporates visual quality and interest to contribute to placemaking. Hillside Development Hillsides form a key part of Diamond Bar’s identity, and the community has expressed a desire to preserve public vistas of hillside features. Preserving hillside views could occur through zoning and development controls that reduce the visual impact on hillsides by way of alternative lot layouts, and by taking advantage of existing site features for screening, where development is allowed. In many cases, the City’s Hillside Management regulations may restrict development on hillsides. Additional direction regarding the intensity of hillside development is provided in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 144 3.0 3-13 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING OVERALL CHARACTER AND DESIGN See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for additional policies regarding land use designations. GOALS CC-G-1 Foster and maintain a distinctive city identity that values the community’s “country living” character by preserving the city’s open spaces, physical features, and environmental resources, and focusing new development into accessible, pedestrian-oriented areas integrated with existing neighborhoods, augmented with parks, and connected by an attractive and safe street network. CC-G-2 Encourage development within mixed-use areas that is inviting to pedestrians, promotes community interaction and activity, and contributes to an engaging street environment. CC-G-3 Encourage rehabilitation and façade improvements of existing commercial centers to ensure commercial vitality and pedestrian-oriented design. CC-G-4 Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods and ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. CC-G-5 Provide an expanded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure network to improve connectivity throughout the city where topography and technology permit. CC-G-6 Encourage high-quality, human-scaled design and development that respects the surrounding built environment while offering a diversity of building types. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 145 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040GUIDING POLICIES | 2020-2040 Diamond Bar General Plan Update3-14 MIXED-USE FOCUS AREAS The focus areas build on the basic components of Diamond Bar’s existing structure—its residential neighborhoods and commercial centers—to establish new mixed-use areas that accommodate housing, retail, and entertainment uses as well as community gathering places. The location of these mixed-use focus areas within the overall city structure is shown in Figure 3-1, Urban Design Framework. Key design features within the Urban Design Framework include: • An attractive Town Center at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive with active street frontages and a pedestrian-oriented design. • A Neighborhood Mixed-Use Area with places to live, play and gather, as well as connections to surrounding neighborhoods. • A Transit-oriented development around the City of Industry’s major regional transit hub: the Metrolink station. • Gateways at the main entrances to the city and to the new mixed- use areas to celebrate the unique identity of Diamond Bar. • New placemaking elements to be incorporated throughout the city such public art and as a to the identity of Diamond Bar. • Appropriate transitions that emphasize building design and articulation that is sensitive to existing surrounding development intensities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 146 3.0 3-15 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING POLICIES City Identity CC-P-1 Develop visual gateways at entry points to the city and at the entrances to the Neighborhood Mixed Use, Town Center, Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and Community Core areas. Establish a gateway design palette and guidelines consistent with the existing gateway at Grand Avenue and Longview Drive, employing the same or a similar elements of streetscape design, monument signage, lighting, and building massing and setback. CC-P-2 Incorporate prominent corner architectural features, such as prominent entries or corner towers, on new development at key intersections or gateways. CC-P-3 Encourage new mixed-use development to incorporate public art that celebrates the history and character of Diamond Bar to reinforce community identity, create unique places, and provide a basis for community pride and ownership. Encourage diversity in content, media, and siting to reflect an array of cultural influences. CC-P-4 Continue to support community identity with streetscape improvement and beautification projects in both existing residential areas and commercial centers, as well as new mixed-use areas that incorporate unified landscaping and pedestrian amenities. Amenities should include seating, bus shelters, pedestrian safety treatments such as sidewalk bulb-outs and widening and improved crosswalks, and city-branded decorative elements such as street lighting, concrete pavers, tree grates, and theme rails. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 147 3-16 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 CC-P-5 Establish a landscaping palette made up of native, drought-tolerant plants and stormwater management systems with a view to enhancing beautification and sustainable landscaping practices. CC-P-6 Prioritize sustainability in site design. When incorporating on-site stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically integrated into the site design. Streetscapes and Building to Street Interface CC-P-7 Ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of roadways, bicycle routes and paths, and pedestrian connections within and between neighborhoods that are safe, comfortable, and accessible sidewalks for people of all ages and abilities. CC-P-8 Where sound walls or perimeter walls or fences are permitted, they should be stylistically integrated with adjacent structures and terrain, and to use landscaping and vegetation to soften their appearance. CC-P-9 Encourage pedestrian orientation in mixed- use development using a variety of site planning and architectural strategies, such as locating and orienting buildings to street frontages, plazas, or pedestrian paseos; providing visual transparency through fenestration; entries and arcades close to the street edge and sidewalk; and/or incorporating porches, patios, or outdoor spaces that overlook or interact with front yards or sidewalks. CC-P-10 Maintain an open relationship between buildings and the street edge, avoiding fencing and significant landscape barriers but incorporating street trees and other landscaping where possible. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 148 3.0 3-17 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING CC-P-11 In residential and mixed-use areas, use traffic calming measures such as pavers, bollards, sidewalk bulb-outs, and speed humps to slow travel speeds. CC-P-12 Develop and enforce private slope maintenance standards for properties with rear descending slopes that face public streets, with special emphasis on those along Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Pathfinder Road, and the freeways. Parks and Open Spaces CC-P-13 Encourage landscaped common public spaces to be incorporated into new mixed-use development. CC-P-14 Ensure that public spaces are physically and visually accessible from the street, compatible with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, with signage acknowledging that the open space is for public use. CC-P-15 Where public space fronts the sidewalk, ensure that it is primarily open and free of walls or other obstructions (not including trees, lights, and steps). Use landscaping strategically to identify pedestrian entrances and articulate edges for plazas and courtyards. CC-P-16 Ensure that common spaces be integrated elements of development, coordinating landscaping and amenities with the projects’ architecture and character. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 149 3-18 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Site Planning and Parking CC-P-17 Encourage the aggregation of individual small lots into larger development parcels within mixed-use areas that will support an appropriately-scaled, cohesive and economically viable development. CC-P-18 As large vacant or underutilized sites are developed or redeveloped, maximize multi- modal accessibility with fine-grained street networks and walkable block sizes. Generally limit new block sizes to a maximum of about 400 feet in length. Mid-block plazas or alleys may be considered if the intent is to ensure fine-grained patterns where pedestrian access can be accommodated in intervals no more than 400 feet apart. CC-P-19 Through development review, ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of streets and pedestrian paths with connections within and between neighborhoods. CC-P-20 Create pedestrian-and bicycle-only pathways to enhance neighborhood interconnectivity where street connections are limited due to existing cul-de-sac or dead-end conditions, grade separation, property ownership, or topographical challenges. CC-P-21 Site plans should be designed to create pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods that follow these guidelines: a. Buildings should be oriented to the street; b. Garages and parking areas should be screened and/or located at the side or rear of properties wherever possible; and c. Landscaping, sidewalk conditions, and other streetscape elements should be improved during rehabilitation and new construction. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 150 3.0 3-19 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING CC-P-22 Orient buildings adjacent to public spaces such that entries, windows, and seating areas face the public space. CC-P-23 Where appropriate and feasible, locate and orient active uses (such as commercial uses and parks) along the street edges of new mixed-use development, at street corners, or along main roadways internal to larger developments. CC-P-24 Locate parking areas to the rear of lots while ensuring they are accessible from minor roadways. CC-P-25 Encourage the design of shared parking for commercial and office uses where possible. CC-P-26 Establish reduced minimum commercial parking requirements for all development within new mixed-use land use designations. Reduced parking requirements should be supported by proximity to transit, shared parking, and technologies that, once mainstreamed, would reduce the need for conventional parking layouts. CC-P-27 Establish standards to ensure that garages do not dominate streetscapes in residential areas. Encourage the design of recessed or side-loaded garages. Building Massing and Design CC-P-28 Ensure that new development does not cast significant shadows over existing development. Require detailed shadow studies as part of development review where appropriate. CC-P-29 Promote the revitalization of existing commercial centers by encouraging property owners to maintain and improve the appearance of individual buildings and commercial centers through building façade improvements, landscaping, and pedestrian improvements. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 151 3-20 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 CC-P-30 Ensure that infill residential development is designed to be sensitive to the scale, character, and identity of adjacent existing development. CC-P-31 Ensure that commercial uses are designed to incorporate ground floor transparency and pedestrian activity. CC-P-32 Emphasize human-scaled design within large-scale commercial and mixed- use centers. Employ measures such as articulated massing, awnings, and landscape elements to break down the scale of development. CC-P-33 Encourage new mixed-use and commercial development to incorporate visual quality and interest in architectural design on all visible sides of buildings through the following approaches: a. Utilizing varied massing and roof types, floor plans, detailed planting design, or color and materials; b. Maintaining overall harmony while providing smaller-scale variety; and c. Articulating building facades with distinctive architectural features like awnings, windows, doors, and other such elements. CC-P-34 Update the City of Diamond Bar Citywide Design Guidelines as needed to reflect the design guidance articulated in the General Plan. CC-P-35 Ensure the protection of views of hillsides and ridges from public streets, parks, trails, and community facilities by requiring a visual impact analysis for new development that identifies potential impacts to visual resources as well as feasible measures to mitigate any potential impacts. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 152 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 3-21 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.3 FOCUS AREAS As is discussed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, focus areas are proposed where new mixed-use development is to be concentrated to accommodate housing, retail, and entertainment uses, as well as community gathering places. To successfully integrate into the community, the focus areas will need to be designed to respect existing surrounding development while establishing their own unique identities and encouraging pedestrian comfort and connectivity through active street frontages and site design that favors a more pedestrian-friendly building to street relationship. Four focus areas within the city are shown in Figure 3-1: Neighborhood Mixed- Use; Town Center, Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use, and Community Core. See Chapter 2, for descriptions of each focus area as well as their associated land use classifications. Figures of each focus area are intended only to illustrate possible land use and urban design frameworks that implement the corresponding policies for those focus areas. NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED USE FOCUS AREA The North Diamond Bar Boulevard corridor is dominated by aging commercial centers. The General Plan envisions the corridor as redeveloping with a vibrant mix of uses, including residential with a range of housing types including parks and gathering places, together with neighborhood-serving commercial uses clustered at key nodes. Given its proximity to existing residential neighborhoods, it will be important to design development in this focus area to respect the character of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Site plans that encourage walkable and bikeable neighborhood design through pedestrian pathways, streetscape improvements and traffic-calming measures would also contribute to the connectivity of the focus area to adjacent neighborhoods, including the Town Center. Figure 3-2 is intended only to illustrate possible land use and urban design frameworks that implement the corresponding policies for the Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 153 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-22 Figure 3-2: Neighborhood Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration Armstrong E.S. Diamond Point E.S. Golden Springs E.S. 57 Union PRailroadSouthern Pacic RailroadW T EM P L E A V E DIAMON D B A R B L V D SUNSET CROSSING RD B A LLENA DR P A L OMINO D R D E C O R A H R D DEL SOL LNHIGHLAN D VA L L E Y R D EL ENCINO DRROCK RIVER DRHA P PY H O L LO W R D W IL L O W CREEK0 1/21/4 MILES P N-MU area Major ity commercial frontage Public parkland Building orientation Parking area Landscaped path/walkway Figure 3-2: Neighborhood Mixed-Use (N-MU) Conceptual Illustration P P P 1,000 feetCommercial development required along a majority of the corridor frontage 1,000 feet south of Highland Valley Rd. On-site public par kland required on all sites over 4 acres Buildings along the corridor oriented to face the street Landscaped walkways that connect the area and promote neighbor- hood integration and walkability Par king consolidated and located to the side or rear of buildings Improvements to enhance pedestr ian comfor t along the Diamond Bar Blvd corridor, including shade trees and pedes- trian furniture Buildings along the corridor oriented to face the street mented along Diamond Bar Blvd between Temple and Sunset Crossing to improve pedestrian comfor t and safety 7.1.d Packet Pg. 154 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3.0 3-23 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING TOWN CENTER MIXED USE FOCUS AREA While the Town Center area is currently functioning as a commercial center and has undergone recent redevelopment, it is envisioned that the Town Center area will undergo further new and infill development and improvements that would allow it to evolve into an attractive, walkable destination, with a greater concentration of retail and dining establishments and public open spaces such as patios and plazas. Residential uses are also supported as secondary to commercial uses. Given the proposed role of the Town Center as a community destination and gathering place, it will be essential to strengthen multi-modal connections and enhance safety of pedestrian crossings so as to connect uses across Diamond Bar Boulevard and improve access to the Town Center for community members of all ages and abilities. Figure 3-3 is intended only to illustrate possible land use and urban design frameworks that implement the corresponding policies for the Town Center Mixed Use focus area. TRANSIT-ORIENTED MIXED USE FOCUS AREA Development opportunities within the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area are located principally within the cluster of parcels currently occupied by light industrial uses directly adjacent to the Metrolink station. High density housing, including live/ work units, that leverages access to the neighboring transit facilities (Metrolink Industry Station and Foothill Transit City of Industry Park & Ride) and supporting commercial uses is envisioned for this area. Site design that promotes multi-modal access within neighborhoods and to the station will be an important consideration to facilitate access and connectivity. New development should also be compatible with potential noise and air pollution sources such as SR-60 and Union Pacific Railroad right-of- way, while respecting surrounding residential neighborhoods. Figure 3-4 is intended only to illustrate possible land use and urban design frameworks that implement the corresponding policies for the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 155 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-24 Figure 3-3: Town Center Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration DI AMOND BAR BLVDPROSPECTORS RDGOLD RUSH DR P A L OMINO D R D E C O R A H R D S. RANC H E R I A R D B E AVERHEAD D R 6057 GOLD E N S P R IN G S D RArmstrong E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. P N-MU area Public par k or plaza Building orientation Parking area Landscaped path/walkway 0 1/21/4 MILES Improved Pedestrian Crossing P Figure 3-3: Town Center Mixed Use (TC-MU) Conceptual Illustration Potential for new main street or landscaped pedestrian networ k, providing for smaller-scale retail, and enhancing Town Center character Enhanced pedestrian comfor t at inter sections and along Diamond Bar Blvd and Golden Springs Dr the public realm Parking consolidated and located to the side or rear of buildings Discourage new dr ive-through uses Surface parking repurposed to create central gathering places such as par klets or plazas Buildings and streetscapes dene 7.1.d Packet Pg. 156 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING 3-25 Figure 3-4: Transit-Oriented Mixed Use Focus Area Concept Illustration Walnut E.S.Riverside Met rolink Line60Southern Pacic Railroad57 G O LD E N S P R I N G S D R BREA CANYON RDLEMON A VELYCOMING ST BRIDGEGATE DRMetrolink Station AERBCANYON RDVALLEY VISTA DRWASHING TON AVE 0 1/21/4 MILES PTOD-MU area Public parkland Par king area Pedestrian connection Figure 3-4: Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use (TOD-MU) Conceptual Illustration 1/4-mile r a di u s On-site public par kland required on all sites over 4 acres Consolidation of small par king lots and district-wide par king management 1/4-mile radius of the Metrolink Station and surrounding high-density uses promotes connectivity High-density housing clustered west of Lemon Ave and adjacent to the Metrolink Station Building frontages and streetscape realm and encourage pedestrian activity and comfor t Safe, convenient and comfor table connec- tions between the TOD-MU focus area and surrounding neighborhoods Connect roadways where possible Retail clustered at a commercial node along Brea Canyon Rd P P A ne-grained block pattern within a designed to dene the public 7.1.d Packet Pg. 157 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 20403-26 COMMUNITY CORE FOCUS AREA The Community Core Overlay encompasses the Diamond Bar Golf Course, and would apply should the golf course close or cease operations. The golf course, which is owned and operated by Los Angeles County, features rolling terrain and benefits from great regional access. The Community Core Overlay would allow for development in the portion of the Golf Course south of Grand Avenue and at the northeasterly corner of Grand and Golden Springs—in the general location of the clubhouse and parking facilities—while envisioning approximately 100 contiguous acres to be open park and civic uses. Development within the Community Core would be master-planned and envisioned to create a vibrant, mixed-use, pedestrian- oriented community and regional destination, with commercial uses, dining, and entertainment uses; residential uses; and supporting offices and hotels. While the range of uses would be similar to the Town Center, the area would be developed from the ground up to function as a walkable destination, featuring close integration of a variety of uses and public gathering spaces. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 158 3.0 3-27 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED USE FOCUS AREA See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for additional policies regarding allowable uses, densities, and intensities in the focus areas. GOALS CC-G-7 Create a well-designed, walkable, mixed- use neighborhood that encourages community interaction, showcases the city’s identity, and is integrated with residential uses to the east. CC-G-8 Promote vertical and horizontal mixed-use development along Diamond Bar Boulevard. CC-G-9 Encourage development that takes advantage of the focus area’s dramatic topography by establishing unique open spaces and open space connections. CC-G-10 Establish a visual gateway into the city at the north end of the focus area. POLICIES CC-P-36 Develop specific building height and other development standards through implementation mechanisms such as the City’s Development Code and master or specific plans. CC-P-37 Where possible, require that adjacent commercial uses share driveways in order to limit the number of curb cuts along North Diamond Bar Boulevard. CC-P-38 Enhance the pedestrian experience along the east side of Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Neighborhood Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian- scaled lighting, and landscape buffers. Front setbacks should function as an extension of the sidewalk, with publicly- accessible and usable open space. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 159 3-28 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 CC-P-39 Enhance pedestrian comfort on the west side of North Diamond Bar Boulevard through enhanced landscaping and improved fencing. CC-P-40 To the extent possible, locate parking such that is it concealed from view from North Diamond Bar Boulevard and connected via landscaped walkways. TOWN CENTER MIXED USE FOCUS AREA GOALS CC-G-11 Support an intense mix of active uses on both sides of Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center focus area. CC-G-12 Establish an inviting and comfortable public realm that encourages pedestrian activity in the Town Center focus area. CC-G-13 Establish a new pedestrian-oriented “Main Street” within the Town Center focus area lined with retail uses. POLICIES CC-P-41 Through development review, ensure that the Town Center remains predominantly a community shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, and that residential uses and offices are located so as not to detract from this image. CC-P-42 Prioritize retail and other uses that promote pedestrian activity on the ground floor of buildings. CC-P-43 Establish gateways to the Town Center area at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive. Gateway elements should be consistent with the gateway design palette. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 160 3.0 3-29 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING CC-P-44 As the Town Center redevelops, enhance pedestrian connectivity throughout the district through the incorporation of a new “Main Street” within the western portion of the focus area that is off of or set back from Diamond Bar Boulevard. CC-P-45 The design of new development should be pedestrian-oriented, with the majority of building frontages located at the new street edge and with entrances located along the roadway or along pedestrian pathways or public spaces. CC-P-46 Ensure that new buildings employ horizontal and vertical building articulation and diversity in color, materials, scale, texture, and building volumes. CC-P-47 Develop specific building height and other development standards through implementation mechanisms such as the City’s Zoning Ordinance or a master or specific planning process. CC-P-48 Encourage dining establishments to incorporate outdoor dining or sidewalk cafés. CC-P-49 Encourage reductions in surface parking and allow for the development of consolidated parking structures, provided that they are screened from view from Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. CC-P-50 Where possible, above-grade parking structures should be wrapped with pedestrian uses where they front onto active streets. If active uses are not feasible, frontages should be architecturally attractive. This may include unique designs and materials such as glass, articulated masonry, murals, or landscaping setbacks. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 161 3-30 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 CC-P-51 Enhance the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers. Transit-Oritented Mixed-Use Focus Area GOALS CC-G-14 Create an engaging, compact, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages multi- modal transportation and responds to a diversity of housing needs. CC-G-15 Incorporate into site design spaces for recreation, community gathering, amenities, and services to fulfill the needs of nearby current and future residents. CC-G-16 Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale of adjacent residential uses and potential sources of noise and air pollution. POLICIES CC-P-52 Highlight gateways and access to the transit facilities through landscape and signage improvements. CC-P-53 Create a node of commercial activity at the northwest corner of Brea Canyon Road and Washington Street, with development oriented to the street. CC-P-54 Encourage all new development within a quarter-mile radius of the transit facilities to focus building design, massing, and landscaping toward the pedestrian experience through: a. Limiting block lengths between streets generally to a maximum of 400 feet, and encouraging four-way intersections; 7.1.d Packet Pg. 162 3.0 3-31 GOALS & POLICIES Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING b. Providing space for enhanced pedestrian connections such as internal semi-public pathways; c. Building design that focuses on street orientation; d. Extensive landscaping and street trees; e. Pedestrian furniture and site elements (for example, benches and trash receptacles); f. Street lighting; and g. Wayfinding signage. CC-P-55 Promote internal connectivity where street connections are limited by incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. Ensure that pathways are continuous, bikeable, and visible from the roadway and transit facilities. CC-P-56 Promote pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station, making use of existing infrastructure that connects South Brea Canyon Road to the station. CC-P-57 Improve the pedestrian comfort and safety of crosswalks along South Brea Canyon Road and South Lemon Avenue. CC-P-58 Enhance the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian scaled lighting, where feasible. CC-P-59 Consolidate parking underground or in shared structures away from the street edge where possible. Above-grade parking structures should be wrapped with residential uses where they front onto active streets. If active uses are not 7.1.d Packet Pg. 163 3-32 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 feasible, frontages should be architecturally attractive. This may include unique designs and materials such as glass, articulated masonry, murals, or landscaping setbacks. Community Core Focus Area GOALS CC-G-17 Create a new master-planned destination with vibrant, mixed-use, pedestrian oriented uses for the community and region. POLICIES CC-P-60 Buildings should be designed to define the public realm and promote sidewalk activity and public spaces for neighborhood interaction. CC-P-61 Develop specific building height and other development standards through implementation mechanisms such as the City’s Zoning Ordinance or a master or specific planning process. CC-P-62 Create a fine-grained pedestrian-scaled street network and ensure that buildings and streetscapes encourage pedestrian activity and comfort. CC-P-63 Parking should be consolidated and located in a manner that encourages pedestrian activity. Avoid expanses of surface parking. CC-P-64 Provide streetscape and intersection improvements along Golden Springs Drive to enhance comfort and safety for all modes of travel and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 164 The Circulation Chapter provides goals and policies aimed at improving the transportation network within the City, balancing the vehicular circulation needs with safety and access across a variety of modes of transportation through a Complete Streets approach. CIRCULATION 4.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 165 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-2 4.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter identifies various transportation systems in the City to create a complete transportation network, including automobile travel, transit, non- motorized transportation, and goods movement. Other aspects of circulation such as parking and emergency access are also addressed in this chapter. The policy direction established in this chapter supports other chapters of the General Plan by providing and enhancing multi- modal transportation options and supporting adjacent land uses. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW State law (Government Code Section 65302(b)(1)) requires general plans to include a circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thorough- fares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and ports, and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated with the land use element of the plan. This chapter is closely tied to Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development as it seeks to provide sufficient transportation capacity for all travel modes to accommodate the mobility needs of existing and planned development. This chapter reflects important policy changes across California including the California Complete Streets Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 1358), which requires general plans updated after January 30, 2011 to incorporate Complete Street policies and frameworks. Complete Streets policies aim to provide a balanced, multi-modal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner that is suitable to the rural, suburban, or urban context of the general plan. Other considerations of this plan include Senate Bill (SB) 32, which 7.1.d Packet Pg. 166 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-3 CIRCULATION requires California to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and Executive Order B-16-12, which provides a target of 80 percent below 1990 emissions levels for the transportation sector by 2050. Executive Order B-55-18 directs the State to be carbon neutral by 2045. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has determined that it will not be possible to achieve the State’s long-term climate goals without reducing per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) growth, given that the transportation sector is the State’s largest source of air pollution and GHG emissions. To this end, SB 743 has amended the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines related to the analysis of transportation impacts. Specifically, the guidelines shift from the traditional vehicle-based level of service (LOS) analysis to VMT, which better evaluates goals related to sustainability, accessibility and multi-modal transportation options. Nevertheless, the City recognizes the continued importance of LOS to ensure efficient vehicular movement and prevent congestion and traffic delays. LOS standards are thus established in the Circulation Chapter to help decision-makers understand traffic conditions and guide strategic improvements to the roadway network. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS This chapter relates to Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, Chapter 5, Resource Conservation, and Chapter 8, Community Health and Sustainability. As referenced above, this chapter is closely tied to the Land Use and Economic Development in that it seeks to lay out a transportation network and transportation capacity for all travel modes to accommodate the mobility needs of existing and planned land uses and development. The transportation system supports other chapters of the overall General Plan including Resource Conservation (Chapter 5) and Community Health and Sustainability (Chapter 8) by providing and enhancing safe multi-modal transportation options that link parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails; integrating opportunities for physical activity into daily life; and providing approaches to reduce vehicle emissions to improve air quality and reach State GHG targets. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 167 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-4 4.2 TRANSPORTATION NETWORK According to the U.S. Census, as of 2019 the vast majority of commuters in Diamond Bar drive to work, most often using single-occupant vehicles.1 The single-occupant vehicle mode share for Diamond Bar is higher than the average for Los Angeles County and the state. Chief among the reasons for this high level of vehicular travel is the City’s existing land use pattern, which is primarily suburban residential which requires residents to travel longer distances for work and to serve daily needs. While it is anticipated that vehicular travel will remain Diamond Bar’s dominant mode share during the horizon of this General Plan, the Plan seeks to reduce single-occupant vehicle mode share and VMT in line with State goals and regulations by introducing new mixed-use development and facilities for alternative modes of transportation such as bicycles and pedestrians. COMPLETE STREETS As mentioned above, California passed the California Complete Streets Act in 2008, requiring circulation elements to include a complete streets approach that balances the needs of all users of the street. Complete Streets are streets designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. The precise definition of a Complete Street can vary depending on the context and primary roadway users, but there are some common elements found in successful Complete Streets policies. These policies consider the needs of all users of the street in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation networks (National Complete Streets Coalition, 2017). This framework allows policymakers to shift the goals, priorities, and vision of local transportation planning efforts by emphasizing a diversity of modes and users. While the City of Diamond Bar has previously maintained goals and policies to promote a multi-modal network, this chapter reinforces the importance of accommodating a variety of travel modes to balance the transportation needs of Diamond Bar residents through additional Complete Streets policies. CIRCULATION DIAGRAM Circulation Diagram (Figure 4-1) depicts the proposed circulation system to support development under the Land Use Diagram. The system is represented by a set of roadway classifications that 1 Note that data from the U.S. census presents limitations in that it doesn’t allow individuals to select more than one mode of travel, should they split their commute between modes, and it doesn’t account for non-work trips such as errands, trips related to recreation, or school drop-offs and pick-ups, which represent an important proportion of trips in any given place. It is thus possible that the single-occupant vehicle mode share of non-commute trips is lower. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 168 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4-5 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMOND B A R B L V DSUNSETC R O S SING RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O S PLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSH DR G O LD E N S P R IN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTER A DRLONGVIEW D R SU MMITRIDGED R DIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG E L IN E R DINDIANC R E E KR D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREA C A N Y O N CUTOFFR D BREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D RBREA CANYONRD LYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALC O NSVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDR WAGONTRA IN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYON RID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSR D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU S H E RSSTCOLDSPR INGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNIN GCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN DRKIO W A C R E S TDRBIRDSE Y E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W Y M APLE HILL RDMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEN DDR SYLVAN G L ENR D HIGHLA N D VL Y RD DE LSOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAG REEN D RCOPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTAD R ROCKRIVERRDFreeway Major Arterial Secondary Arterial Boulevard Collector Local Ramp Railroad City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4-1: Circulation Diagram City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019; City o f Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 4-1 Circulation Diagram 7.1.d Packet Pg. 169 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-6 have been developed to guide long range transportation planning in Diamond Bar to balance access and capacity. The classification system consists of freeways, arterials, boulevards, collectors, and local roadways. Functional classification refers to how a road accommodates two characteristics: first, the extent to which the roadway prioritizes the through movement of vehicular traffic; and second, the level of access provided to adjacent properties. Based on these generalized characteristics, roadways often vary in terms of right-of-way, roadway width, number of lanes, intersection and traffic signal spacing, speed, and other factors. In addition, they may contain elements such as pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure to comply with a Complete Streets- based approach to mobility. ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS Diamond Bar’s proposed roadway classifications described below. Table 4-1 summarizes the roadway classifications and provides high-level design characteristics. Additional roadway design details are provided within the Standard Drawings used by the City of Diamond Bar Public Works Department. Freeways Freeways generally provide high speed, high capacity inter-regional access. Their primary function is to move vehicles through or around the city; thus, there is no access to adjacent land, and limited access to arterial streets. Freeways contain anywhere from 4 to 12 lanes with recommended design volumes from 80,000 to 210,000 vehicles per day. Arterials Arterial streets carry the majority of traffic traveling through the City. They serve two primary functions: to move vehicles into and through the city, and to serve adjacent commercial land uses. They provide access to freeways as well as major activity centers and residential areas. Driveways and other curb cuts along arterials are generally designed to minimize disruption to traffic flow. Sidewalks are typically included along arterials, and protected Class I or IV bike lanes are permitted. The desired maximum roadway capacity on arterials averages from 30,000 to 45,000 vehicles per day depending on number of lanes, type and width of directional separation, presence of on-street parking or bicycle facilities, configuration and frequency of access to adjacent land uses, and intersection configurations. (Bike route classifications are defined in Section 4.4—Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation.) Boulevards Boulevards are a type of arterial designed to connect major destinations within the City, and are highly visible and aesthetically landscaped with shade trees and wide sidewalks. Boulevards provide consolidated access to adjacent commercial and residential uses while balancing the needs of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians with sidewalks and protected bicycle facilities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 170 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-7 CIRCULATION Description Local Collector Boulevard Arterial Freeway Vehicular Travel Lanes 2 2-4 2-4 4+4+ Speed Limit 25 mph 25-35 mph 25-55 mph 25-55 mph 65 mph Level of Service Standard D D D D D Average Daily Trips Up to 2,500 Up to 20,000 30,000 - 45,000 30,000 - 45,000 80,000 - 210,000 Access Individual parcel access. Some individual parcel access, with connection to schools, parks, shopping centers, secondary collectors and arterials Emphasis on limiting individual lot access, instead encourage joint driveways, back- up lots and access- ways to reduce driveways. Emphasis on limiting individual lot access, instead encourage joint driveways, back-up lots and access- ways to reduce driveways. Grade separated interchanges Parking Typically permitted May be permitted May be permitted May be permitted Prohibited Bicycle Facilities Shared roadway Class II or Class IV Class II or Class IV Parallel Class I or Class IV None Pedestrian Facilites Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk None Note: One service level deviation may be permitted for projects that support other goals from the General Plan including transit, active transportation and economic development consistent with goal CR-G-7 and policies CR-P12, CR-P-14, and CR-P-16. Table 4-1: Hierarchy of Streets and Street Standards The desired maximum roadway capacity on boulevards averages from 30,000 to 45,000 vehicles per day depending on number of lanes, type and width of directional separation, presence of on-street parking and bicycle infrastructure, configuration and frequency of access to adjacent land uses, and intersection configurations. Collectors Collectors are intended to carry traffic between the arterial street network and local streets or directly from the access drives of higher intensity land uses. Collectors serve commercial, residential, or public uses, and are generally two- or four-lane roadways with sidewalks and Class II or Class IV bicycle facilities. The desired roadway capacity on a collector street can average up to 20,000 vehicles per day. Local Streets Local streets are designed to serve adjacent land uses only. They allow access to residential driveways and often provide parking for the neighborhood. They are not intended to serve through traffic traveling from one street to another, but solely local traffic. Sidewalks and shared bicycle facilities are appropriate on local streets. The desired roadway capacity on a residential street should not exceed about 2,500 vehicles per day and 200-300 vehicles per hour during peak periods. The maximum residential traffic volume that is acceptable to 7.1.d Packet Pg. 171 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-8 Examples of curbside management best practices include: • Collecting data to create a curb use data inventory; • Ensuring that pick-up/drop-off areas are in safe locations; • Configuring roadways to ensure that they do not interfere with bike lanes; • Accounting for loading and parking needs; and • Incorporating “flex spaces” that can allow a curb space to play many roles (such as loading, parking, or public space) over time depending on demand. CURBSIDE MANAGEMENT EXAMPLES CURBSIDE MANAGEMENT Curbside management is a crucial aspect of any transportation network. The curbside is the public space in a transportation network “where movement meets access.” Curb space has traditionally been used to accommodate private vehicle storage or on-street parking; however, cities are increasingly recognizing the need to accommodate demand for curbside use generated by transit boarding, emergency vehicle access, ADA access, bicycles and bicycle infrastructure, taxis, transportation network companies (TNCs), and delivery vehicles. The development of a set of curbside management guidelines could help Diamond Bar balance the needs of these different curbside users. persons living along a street may vary from one street to another depending on roadway width, type of dwelling units (i.e., high density apartments versus single-family homes), presence of schools and other factors. The maximum volume of 2,500 is, therefore, to be used as a guide only, and a neighborhood’s sensitivity to potential impacts need to be carefully considered. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 172 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-9 GOALS & POLICIES TRANSPORTATION NETWORK AND STREET DESIGN See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for additional policies regarding land use designations and street design. GOALS CR-G-1 Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. CR-G-2 Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role of streets as corridors for movement but also reflects a Complete Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and complementary to adjacent land uses, including neighborhood schools. CR-G-3 Strive to achieve a finer grained network of streets and pedestrian/bicycle connections as development occurs, especially in focus areas such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas. CR-G-4 Design roadways serving pedestrian- oriented mixed-use areas to promote neighborhood interaction, pedestrian comfort and walkability, and commercial patronage. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 173 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-10 CR-G-5 Develop neighborhood streets and alleys that encourage walking, biking, and outdoor activity through engineering and urban design principles that reduce the potential for speeding and cut-through traffic, which may include traffic calming measures. CR-G-6 Track the use of future transportation options such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City requirements, such as roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety and access for all users and modes. POLICIES CR-P-1 When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by considering elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe pedestrian-friendly crossings/ intersections, lighting at the pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2 Promote new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-3 Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian- scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 174 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-11 GOALS & POLICIES CR-P-4 Develop traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive in order to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian-friendly environment along and through the Neighborhood Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use areas. CR-P-5 Necessary transportation improvements should be in place, or otherwise guaranteed to be installed in a timely manner, before or concurrent with new development. In evaluating whether a transportation improvement is necessary, consider alternatives to the improvement consistent with CR-G-1, and the extent to which the improvement will offset the traffic impacts generated by proposed and expected development. CR-P-6 Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-7 Support the development of City street design standards that: a. Address the needs of different modes according to roadway classification b. Reduce the potential for conflicts and safety risks between modes; and c. Support and manage the use of transportation options that will become increasingly popular in the future, such as TNCs, AVs, micro-transit (privately operated transit), and other emerging transportation technologies. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 175 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-12 CR-P-8 Plan for passenger pick-up/drop-off locations within both public right-of- way and on private properties for AVs, TNCs, and micro-transit to limit traffic disruptions and increase safety by identifying and designating specific locations for pick-ups and drop-offs. CR-P-9 Develop a plan for managing limited curb space throughout the City’s commercial, mixed-use, and higher density areas to accommodate efficient package and food deliveries; delivery of goods to restaurants/retail; pick-up/drop-off of passengers by transit, taxis, and on-demand shared ride services; and the safe movement of pedestrians and bicyclists. CR-P-10 Develop curbside management guidelines that ensure curb spaces meet multi- modal demands safely and efficiently. CR-P-11 Implement standards for inventorying and encoding curb use data to monitor the effectiveness of curbside management guidelines and provide evidence to support or make changes to curb space designations and/ or management strategies. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 176 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-13 CIRCULATION 4.3 VEHICLE CIRCULATION As noted above, automobiles are expected to remain the dominant mode of transportation within the planning horizon of the General Plan. Diamond Bar residents have expressed major frustration with vehicular congestion on the City’s roadways. For these reasons, ensuring smooth vehicular circulation will continue to be an important effort for the foreseeable future in Diamond Bar. Challenges facing the City include regional cut-through traffic and the tradeoffs implied by the prioritization of other modes of travel. Two freeways (SR-57 and SR-60) run through the City and along its westerly and northerly boundaries. These heavily- congested freeways are accessed by several on/off-ramps throughout Diamond Bar. Several of these ramp intersections experience high levels of delay during one or both peak hour periods, and high travel volumes along these highways can lead to traffic cutting through the City (on roads such as Diamond Bar Boulevard) to avoid congestion or transfer from one highway to the other. STANDARDS FOR SERVICE Level of Service (LOS) Given Diamond Bar’s overall development pattern and that Diamond Bar’s vehicular mode share is anticipated to remain relatively high, LOS continues to be a useful measure of the potential localized effects of development and land use changes on the transportation network and on the efficiency of vehicular travel. Thus, LOS continues as an important measure of mobility in the City even as the General Plan seeks to balance LOS with other considerations and measures. LOS represents a qualitative description of the traffic operations experienced by the driver at an intersection or along a roadway 7.1.d Packet Pg. 177 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-14 LOS Definition Level of Service A Free-flow travel with freedom to maneuver Level of Service B Stable operating conditions, but the presence of other road users causes a noticeable, though slight, reduction in convenience, and maneuvering freedom Level of Service C Stable operating conditions, but the operation of individual users is substantially affected by the interaction with others in the traffic stream. Level of Service D High-density, but stable flow. Users may experience restriction in speed and freedom to maneuver, with poor levels of convenience. Level of Service E Operating conditions at or near capacity. Speeds are reduced to a low but relatively uniform value. Freedom to maneuver is difficult with users experiencing frustration and poor convenience. Unstable operation is frequent, and minor disturbances in traffic flow can cause breakdown conditions. Level of Service F Forced or breakdown conditions. This condition exists wherever the volume of traffic exceeds the capacity of the roadway. Long queues can form behind these bottleneck points with queued traffic traveling in a stop-and-go fashion Table 4-2: Level of Service Definitions segment. It ranges from LOS “A”, with no congestion and little delay, to LOS “F”, with excessive congestion and delays. Table 4-2 provides definitions for different LOS levels. LOS/VMT/Community Character Tradeoffs With a commitment to Complete Streets and a desire to accommodate other users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, it is particularly important that LOS thresholds, which are commonly evaluated to determine the size and design of the roadway system or the feasibility of development, are balanced with other metrics that seek to reduce vehicle travel and enhance community values. This approach requires consideration of the following tradeoffs associated with different LOS thresholds, which ensures that the policy will represent clear community priorities and provide specific exceptions when other community values are considered more important than LOS: 1. Costs. Because LOS policies influence the size and type of transportation infrastructure investments, maintaining a higher LOS (e.g. LOS A, B, or C) may be an inefficient use of public funds when considering the cost to build, operate, and maintain the roadway network. 2. Safety. Higher LOS thresholds are often associated with higher vehicle speeds for peak and 7.1.d Packet Pg. 178 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-15 CIRCULATION non-peak hours, which increases the potential for and severity of collisions between vehicles and bicyclists or pedestrians. 3. Alternative Transportation Modes. Traditional LOS policy measures driver comfort and convenience, which means that considerations for pedestrians or bicyclists using the same facility are not always incorporated. 4. Physical Space. The goal of an efficient transportation network is to increase the capacity for person-trips, not just vehicle- trips. Maintaining a higher LOS policy typically focuses on using the public right-of-way or road space to move automobiles through the network instead of people. 5. Air Quality and GHG. LOS thresholds influence travel speeds and may induce vehicular travel in the case where driving is made easier. Cut-through traffic is an example of induced travel in Diamond Bar. Higher speeds and induced vehicle travel can both result in higher levels of air pollutant and GHG emissions. 6. Community Character. Achieving LOS thresholds may require changes to the roadway, such as road widening, that can influence the character of neighborhoods by changing the building-to-street relationship, or removing opportunities for green infrastructure and wide sidewalks alongside streets. Some of the proposed mixed-use areas in the General Plan have streets that would need to have additional pedestrian crossings, street trees, pedestrian-scaled lighting and other features to enable them to be more comfortable for pedestrians, rather than widened to accommodate additional traffic flow. It is expected that decision-makers and community members will use the policy tradeoffs listed above to make decisions about LOS thresholds on specific roadways should they road conditions change during the implementation of this General Plan. Vehicle Miles Traveled VMT is the State preferred performance metric for environmental analyses pursuant to CEQA to describe the overall amount of travel in the City based on distance and is directly related to fuel consumption, air pollution, and GHG emissions. VMT is defined as the total mileage traveled by all vehicles. Although VMT relates specifically to automobiles, it is able to capture the effects of development patterns such as land use mix and density along with transit, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements by reflecting their impacts on vehicle trip generation and trip lengths. The City will use a combination of LOS and VMT metrics to ensure the efficient movement of people and goods as well as reductions in GHG emissions. Efforts to reduce VMT may include locating housing and jobs near transit stations, implementing transportation demand 7.1.d Packet Pg. 179 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-16 management (TDM) strategies such as road or parking pricing, commute trip reduction programs, transit system improvements, or providing facilities for modes of transportation other than single occupant vehicles. Introducing a greater mix of land uses can also reduce VMT in that residents may have better access to resources and opportunities such as entertainment, shopping, and jobs, thus reducing the length of their trips. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT (TDM) TDM refers to a comprehensive strategy to reduce driving and resulting VMT by promoting alternatives such as public transit, carpooling, bicycling, walking, and telecommuting. While some TDM measures can be undertaken by the City, such as investments in facilities and programs to encourage alternative modes of transportation, other TDM measures require collaboration with other jurisdictions, for example with transit providers to seek expanded service, or with employers to encourage flexible work schedules and the provision of on-site childcare, preferential carpool parking, and subsidized transit passes. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) refers to a set of tools that facilitates a connected, integrated transportation system. Applications of ITS includes adaptive traffic prioritization signals aimed at congestion management and improving traffic flow, and the collection and dissemination of real-time travel information such as transit arrivals or traffic incident alerts. Other applications of ITS to be considered as transportation patterns change and emerging technologies come online may include connecting autonomous vehicles and smart city integration. SAFETY AND TRAFFIC CALMING Steep grades, wide lanes, and extra capacity on some roadways in the City can lead to high vehicle speeds. Traffic calming is a potential method to discourage high vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users, including vehicles, which the City has already implemented on local neighborhood streets through its Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Traffic calming has the added benefit of potentially discouraging regional cut-through traffic from SR-57 and SR-60 through the City and related vehicle congestion. Implementing traffic calming strategies such as roundabouts, corner bulb-outs, speed cushions, surface textures, raised pavement, road narrowing and others, paying particular attention to collision hotspots as identified by Caltrans collision data and City-level safety analyses, can greatly improve safety for all road users. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 180 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-17 GOALS & POLICIES GOALS CR-G-7 Ensure smooth traffic flows by maintaining or improving traffic levels of service (LOS) that balance operational efficiency, technological and economic feasibility, and safety. CR-G-8 Encourage reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CR-G-9 Create and maintain programs for funding transportation improvements, with fair and equitable sharing of transportation improvement costs. CR-G-10 Discourage traffic from SR-57 and SR-60 from using Diamond Bar roadways as alternatives to the freeway. POLICIES LOS Standards CR-P-12 Balance meeting LOS standards with the need to reduce VMT through maintaining and supporting multi-modal connectivity such as transit, bicycling, walking, and by encouraging infill development with a pedestrian-friendly urban design character. CR-P-13 Maintain a standard of LOS D during peak hour conditions on all streets in the City’s jurisdiction, with exceptions as noted below: a. Brea Canyon Road south of Diamond Bar Boulevard (LOS F) b. Brea Canyon Road north of Diamond Bar Boulevard (LOS E) c. Grand Avenue west of Country View Dr (LOS E) d. Diamond Bar Boulevard at SR-60 Eastbound Ramps (LOS F). 7.1.d Packet Pg. 181 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-18 CR-P-14 Prioritize pedestrian movement and safety— through wider sidewalks, more frequent pedestrian crossings, sidewalk bulbouts, median pedestrian refuges etc.—rather than LOS in Community Character Priority Areas, which are areas designated for higher density mixed-use development in the General Plan. See Section 4.4 for more detailed policies on bicycle and pedestrian movement in mixed-use areas. CR-P-15 Limit street right-of-way dimensions where appropriate to maintain desired neighborhood character. Consider allowing narrower street rights-of-way and pavement widths for local streets in new residential subdivisions. CR-P-16 Allow exceptions to LOS standards upon findings by the City Council that achieving the designated LOS would: a. Be technologically or economically infeasible; or b. Compromise the City’s ability to support other important policy priorities, including but not limited to: i. Promoting alternate modes of transportation; ii. Ensuring pedestrian, bicycle and automobile safety, comfort, and convenience; iii. Reducing VMT and GHG emissions; and iv. Preserving and enhancing character of the community. CR-P-17 Maintain roadway design standards to manage vehicle speeds and traffic volumes, updating them as needed. CR-P-18 Prioritize and phase improvements through the City’s Capital Improvements Program 7.1.d Packet Pg. 182 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-19 GOALS & POLICIES process as development proceeds, given the extended time frame of General Plan implementation. CR-P-19 Develop a prioritized program to implement measures to reduce traffic collisions at collision hot spots. Continue to monitor collision data for type, location, severity, and cause and update the collision reduction program as needed. Adaptive Traffic Control (ATCS) and Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) CR-P-20 Implement measures such as additional signal timing and synchronization, speed limit regulations, and ITS techniques to increase safety and reduce congestion. Maintain a pavement management system and maintenance program for all public roadways throughout the City. CR-P-21 On an ongoing basis, examine opportunities to avoid delay, spillover, or cut-through traffic onto Diamond Bar’s roadways through techniques such as adaptive traffic control systems along major corridors and traffic calming measures along cut- through routes that would reduce speeds and discourage drivers from electing to drive on them. Consider financial and technological feasibility and community priorities to determine whether and how strategies should be implemented. Safety CR-P-22 Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets and prioritize these measures over congestion management where appropriate and feasible. CR-P-23 Maintain the integrity of existing residential areas and discourage cut-through traffic by retaining cul-de-sacs and implementing other traffic calming measures that promote safe driving at speeds appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood, 7.1.d Packet Pg. 183 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-20 particularly at Prospectors Road, Chaparral Drive, Sunset Crossing Road, Lycoming Street, and Washington Street. Transportation Demand Management CR-P-24 As opportunities arise, coordinate with local, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, parking pricing, on-site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit passes, and ridesharing. CR-P-25 Encourage participation in transportation demand programs, such as those promoting walking, cycling, and transit, through the use of City publications and public displays in order to decrease use of single occupancy vehicles. Inter-Jurisdictional Coordination CR-P-26 As opportunities arise, coordinate with other jurisdictions, including neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Caltrans, on improvements to street segments common to the City of Diamond Bar and other jurisdictions. CR-P-27 Encourage improvements to regional routes and arterial streets to account for environmental, aesthetic, and noise concerns, as well as to provide adequate buffers to adjacent land uses. CR-P-28 As opportunities arise, coordinate with Pomona Unified School District and City of Chino Hills to ensure the timely design and construction of secondary access to Diamond Ranch High School that would not substantially increase traffic in surrounding residential neighborhoods. CR-P-29 Solicit State and Federal funds to improve area freeways and local streets. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 184 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-21 GOALS & POLICIES 4.4 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION Non-motorized modes of transportation are environmentally- friendly alternatives to motor vehicles that enhance both personal and social well-being through opportunities for exercise and social interaction. These alternatives to motorized transportation are important parts of a complete transportation system that offers residents of Diamond Bar a suite of options for moving around their city. In addition to acting as alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel, these modes of travel provide many public access, health, and economic benefits, and are therefore recognized as integral components of Diamond Bar’s transportation system. Safe, convenient, attractive, and well- designed pedestrian and bicycle facilities are essential if these modes are to be properly accommodated and encouraged. PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES Nearly everyone is a pedestrian. Walking or use of a wheelchair is part of almost every trip, whether it is from the parking lot to a building or from one’s home to a bus stop, work, or store. The pedestrian environment is thus a crucial part of an accessible transportation network, while also playing an important role in the public realm where attractive pedestrian environments can spur activity. Diamond Bar’s pedestrian network consists of sidewalks and street crossings as well as off-road paths and trails. While most streets in Diamond Bar have sidewalks, the suburban layout with winding roads and high-speed arterials with narrow sidewalks and spread out crossings can present a difficult pedestrian environment. Factors that affect walkability and the pedestrian experience in the City at large include: • Direct, Fine-Grained Pedestrian Networks. Walking is more efficient and desirable as a means of transportation if direct pedestrian travel, rather than circuitous routes, are available. This is achieved through the development of fine-grained networks of pedestrian pathways that allow for direct pedestrian access to destinations. • Sidewalk Continuity. Communities are more walkable if sidewalks do not end abruptly and are present on the entire segment and both sides of a roadway. This is especially important for the mobility- impaired or those pushing small children in strollers. • Sidewalk Conditions. This refers to the physical condition of sidewalk surfaces. Sidewalks that are broken or cracked can deter walkability and pose a safety hazard, particularly for the mobility impaired, such as those in wheel chairs and persons using walkers or strollers. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 185 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-22 • Shading. People are more inclined to walk in areas where there is shade present, particularly in Southern California with its relatively warm weather and limited rainfall as compared to other locations. Additionally, shade trees create an aesthetic value that is pleasing to the pedestrian. • Grade. People are more inclined to walk in areas that are relatively flat or have limited grade changes. • Amenities. All else being equal, people are more inclined to walk in areas that are interesting environments with shopping, retail, restaurants, and other similar uses. Pedestrian-friendly amenities include street furniture, attractive paving, way-finding signage, enhanced landscaping, and improved lighting. • Buffers. A more walkable environment is one in which there is some degree of separation between the pedestrian and the motorist. This typically includes wider sidewalks, street parking and sidewalk bulb-outs at intersections where feasible. Crosswalks with appropriate signage serve as an important buffer as well. BICYCLE FACILITIES The City of Diamond Bar has made a concerted effort to expand the ease of alternative transportation options for residents, recognizing both health and environmental benefits. This includes the introduction of bicycle facilities along roads such as Golden Springs Drive and Brea Canyon Road. However, opportunities still exist to further expand and improve these facilities. For example, bicycle lanes on Grand Avenue in neighboring Chino Hills to the east terminate at the City limits despite having sufficient right-of-way to continue. Bicycle lanes on Golden Springs Drive are discontinuous, with gaps on a number of segments through the City. Local neighborhood streets feeding onto roads such as Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue could benefit from designated bicycle routes. Finally, the standard of bicycle infrastructure in California has changed, skewing towards the provision of protected infrastructure where cyclists face higher vehicle volumes and speeds. The California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Highway Design Manual (HDM) (Chapter 1000: Bikeway Planning and Design) and California AB 1193 codify four distinct classifications of bikeways. Bikeways offer various levels of separation from traffic based on vehicle volumes and speed, among other factors. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 186 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4-23 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMOND B A R B L V DSUNSETC R O S SING RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O S PLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSH DR G O LD EN S P R IN GSDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTER A DRLONGVIEW D R SU MMITRIDGED R DIAMONDBARBLVDR IDG E LIN E R DINDIANC R E E KR D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREA C A N Y O N CUTOFFR D BREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D RBREA CANYONRD LYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALC O NSVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDR WAGONTRA IN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYON RI D GE R DPEACEFULHILLSR D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RSSTCOLDSPRIN GLNBELLA PINE DRMORNIN GCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN DRKIO W A C R E S TDRBIRDSE Y E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W Y M APLE HILL RDMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEN D DR SYLVAN G L ENR D HIGHLA N D V L Y RD DE LSOLLND E C O R A H R D SEA G REEN D RCOPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTAD R ROCKRIVERRDExisitng Facilities Class I: Multi-Use Path Class II: Bicycle Lane Proposed Facilities Class I: Multi-Use Path Class II: Bicycle Lane Class III: Bicycle Route Class IV: Protected Bike Lane City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fehr & Peers 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 4-2 Proposed Bicyle Network 7.1.d Packet Pg. 187 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-24 Class I: Multi-Use Path Class I Multi-Use Paths provide a separate right-of-way and are designated for the exclusive use of people riding bicycles and walking with minimal cross-flow of vehicle traffic. Class I Bikeways offer opportunities not provided by the road system by serving as both recreational areas and/or desirable commuter routes. Class II: Bicycle Lane Class II Bicycle Lanes provide designated street space for bicyclists, typically adjacent to the outer vehicle travel lanes. Bike lanes include dedicated lane markings, pavement legends, and signage. Bike lanes may be enhanced with painted buffers between vehicle lanes and/or parking, and green paint at conflict zones (such as driveways or intersections), which can be especially useful on streets with higher vehicle traffic speeds or volumes. Class III: Bicycle Route Class III Bicycle Routes provide enhanced mixed-traffic conditions for bicyclists through signage, striping, and/or traffic calming treatments, and to provide continuity to a bikeway network. Bike routes are typically designated along gaps between bike trails or bike lanes, or along low-volume, low-speed streets. Class IV: Protected Bike Lane Class IV Protected Bike Lanes, also referred to as cycle tracks or separated bikeways, are bikeways for the exclusive use of bicycles that are physically separated from vehicle traffic. Types of separation may include, but are not limited to, grade separation, flexible posts, physical barriers, or on-street parking. Figure 4-2 shows existing and planned bicycle facilities in Diamond Bar. Bikeway classifications and existing facilities of each type are described on the following pages. The Circulation Chapter will be the primary guide for bicycle planning in the City until such a time as a more detailed and up-to-date bicycle master plan is developed. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 188 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-25 GOALS & POLICIES See Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services for additional policies regarding trails and recreational facilities. GOALS CR-G-11 Expand and strengthen existing pedestrian and cyclist network and facilities. CR-G-12 Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. POLICIES Bicycle and Pedestrian Network CR-P-30 Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a more detailed implementation strategy. CR-P-31 When updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan use community input and best practices to identify bicycle infrastructure needs such as gaps in the network, prioritize facilities and improvements, and identify funding for proposed facilities. Review and update the plan as necessary. CR-P-32 Promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul- de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33 Ensure that new development integrates with Diamond Bar’s bicycle and pedestrian networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-34 As opportunities arise, collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions and colleges such as Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College to establish a safe 7.1.d Packet Pg. 189 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-26 and efficient bicycle route between Diamond Bar and these institutions. Design and Programs CR-P-35 Develop bicycle and pedestrian facility standards for pavement design, signage, and roadway and intersection striping for each functional roadway classification, so streets are accessible by all users and modes. CR-G-36 Where appropriate, plant street trees and provide landscaping along major pedestrian and bicycle routes to provide shade and barriers between cyclists and motorists, as well as enhance aesthetics. CR-P-37 Ensure that secure and convenient bicycle parking is available at major destinations such as the Town Center, commercial centers, transit stops, schools, parks, multi- family housing, and large employers. CR-P-38 If warranted by demand, study the feasibility of implementing a bike share program to connect neighborhoods and major destinations, such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed-use areas; local schools and colleges; parks; and commercial centers. Bicycle and Pedestrian Movement in Mixed Use Areas CR-P-39 Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; b. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds, striping and signange along Diamond Bar Boulevard; 7.1.d Packet Pg. 190 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-27 GOALS & POLICIES c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR-60 on/off ramps; and e. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-40 Provide for a vibrant Town Center that encourages pedestrian activity and comfort within the Town Center Mixed Use area while accommodating through traffic along Diamond Bar Boulevard through the following strategies: a. Establishing a new pedestrian-oriented main street or pedestrian pathway in the Town Center; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Improving crosswalks at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and where Diamond Bar Boulevard intersects with the driveway to the Town Center; and e. Strengthening cyclist and pedestrian connections between the Town Center area and nearby schools to provide safe and convenient routes to the Town Center for students by identifying barriers such as safety hazards and gaps in the bicycle and 7.1.d Packet Pg. 191 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-28 pedestrian networks and implementing improvements to address those barriers. CR-P-41 Promote a fine-grained network of safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle connections in the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use area, emphasizing connectivity to the Metrolink station through the following strategies: a. Improving crosswalks along Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian- scaled lighting, where feasible; c. Providing high-visibility pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station; d. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development; and e. Studying the potential for shuttle, bikeshare, and/or other linkages to improve the convenience of travel within the mixed-use area. Safety CR-P-42 Develop and implement programs in collaboration with interested stakeholders such as school districts, senior living facilities, and community organizations to encourage active transportation among students and seniors while ensuring student and senior safety. CR-P-43 When planning capital improvement programs, consider projects that strengthen the protection of cyclists in bike lanes 7.1.d Packet Pg. 192 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-29 GOALS & POLICIES by implementing improvements such as increasing visibility of lane markings and signage, increasing bike lane widths, raising lanes, designing safer intersection crossings and turns, and buffering lanes from traffic wherever feasible, prioritizing bicycle lanes along arterials. CR-P-44 Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort where feasible through means such as: a. Introducing bicycle- and pedestrian-level street lighting to improve safety at night; b. Furnishing intersections with crosswalks on all legs of the intersection; c. Improving pedestrian safety with intersection design features such as improved signal timing, sidewalk bulb- outs, pedestrian refuge islands with “noses” that extend past the crosswalks, advance vehicle stop bars, high visibility crosswalk striping or decorative paving; d. Improving bicycle safety with intersection design features such as bicycle detection and signalization, painted bike boxes, and intersection crossing markings; e. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture; and f. Implementing traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and congestion. CR-P-45 Routinely review pedestrian and cyclist collision data for type, location, severity, and cause, and develop strategies to prevent these collisions. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 193 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-30 4.5 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Transit service can provide an alternative to automobile travel and is a critical mode of transportation for those who cannot drive (such as the elderly, youth, or disabled) or do not have access to a vehicle. Limited fixed-route service is provided within Diamond Bar, primarily along major arterials, operated by Foothill Transit and supported by two Caltrans park-and-ride lots on Diamond Bar Boulevard (see Figure 4-3). Paratransit service is provided to qualifying residents by Access Services, a curb-to-curb paratransit program serving Los Angeles County residents unable to use regular bus service, and by the City’s Diamond Ride program, which is a subsidized cab program designed to supplement travel means for persons with disabilities and those age 60 and older residing in Diamond Bar. Diamond Bar residents are also served by the Metrolink Riverside Line along the northwestern boundary of the City. This line runs from Downtown Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and provides service Monday to Friday. Given that the majority of Diamond Bar is of a suburban, low-density character, expanding public transit routes within Diamond Bar would likely be an inefficient method of attracting greater transit ridership. Other methods of attracting ridership could include focusing on providing high-quality service between employment centers and mixed-use destinations along the spines of the City, supplemented with features such as park-n-rides and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to create multi- modal transportation nodes, and coordinating with transit providers to promote bus user satisfaction through strategies such as providing real-time arrival times at stops and through mobile and web-based applications. This Chapter’s policies also support Metrolink ridership by improving bus, bicycle, and pedestrian connections to the station (refer to Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network and policies in the Chapter 3, Community Character and Placemaking and policies below), and by introducing mixed-use development around the station. Coordination with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service to increase Metrolink’s convenience and ridership amongst Diamond Bar residents represents another potential way to increase transit ridership and satisfaction. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 194 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4-31 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDIN O COUNTY Metrolink Station Riverside Metrolink Line}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO SS IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M I T O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D RUSH DR GO LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA D R LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREA CANYO N C UT OFF RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALC O NS VIEW DRA L A M O HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN C L EAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RD EVERGREEN SPRI NGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDAM BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR CO PLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RDSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 4-3: Transit Corridors City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Park and Ride LotBus Routes Foothill Transit Figure 4-3 Transit Lines and Facilities 7.1.d Packet Pg. 195 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-32 GOALS CR-G-13. Support the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of public transit service. POLICIES CR-P-46 Where feasible, integrate transit nodes and connections with adjacent existing and proposed developments and destinations—such as employment centers, commercial centers, major attractions, and public pedestrian spaces—to make them more accessible to transit users. CR-P-47 As opportunities arise, coordinate with Foothill Transit, Metrolink, and other transit providers to incorporate real- time information systems at transit stops so that passengers will know when their vehicle is expected to arrive. CR-P-48 As opportunities arise, work with Foothill Transit to maintain and improve bus stops and shelters, as well as identify areas where service can be improved or expanded to increase system use. CR-P-49 Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 196 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-33 GOALS & POLICIES CR-P-50 As opportunities arise, coordinate with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service at the City of Industry station, including service for shorter trips, to increase the convenience and use of transit. CR-P-51 Support, where feasible, privately funded local transit systems that are accessible for seniors, youths, and individuals with disabilities, to ensure that all community members have the ability to travel while decreasing congestion. CR-P-52 In areas or on routes between destinations that have been determined to be infeasible for public transit providers to serve, explore the use of programs that subsidize the use of TNCs, alternative transit services, or the City’s Diamond Ride program, particularly for populations with special needs, such as seniors, youths, or persons with disabilities, until such a time as mass transit becomes feasible. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 197 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-34 4.6 PARKING Parking goals and policies reflect both the necessity of providing for adequate and appropriately located vehicle and bicycle parking in existing and new development, and priorities related to safety, urban design, and transportation demand management. More flexible parking standards for projects that provide VMT reduction and TDM measures such as shared parking lots, subsidized transit passes, or carshare help to reduce, development costs, remove pedestrian barriers, and create a more pedestrian-friendly and attractive built environment. Parking requirements are implemented primarily through the City’s Zoning Ordinance. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 198 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-35 GOALS & POLICIES GOALS CR-G-14. Provide adequate parking for all land use types, while balancing this against the need to promote walkable, mixed-use districts and neighborhoods in targeted areas, and promoting ride-sharing and alternative transportation modes. POLICIES CR-P-53 Consider updating parking standards in the Development Code to ensure that they are reflective of the community’s needs, using current data on parking demand and taking into consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. CR-P-54 Consider incorporating criteria in the Development Code to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-55 Consider the establishment of common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses— including multi- family residential and office—in the Municipal Code. CR-P-56 Establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. CR-P-57 Consider incentives to encourage carpooling, such as preferential parking for high-occupancy vehicles. CR-P-58 Encourage public schools to improve parking and loading facilities to minimize congestion and delays on the local circulation system. CR-P-59 As opportunities arise, work with Caltrans to evaluate existing Caltrans-operated park-n-ride facilities within the City and expand the facilities where necessary. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 199 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-36 4.7 EMERGENCY ACCESS Adequate emergency vehicle access is crucial in terms of protecting the safety and well- being of Diamond Bar’s residents. Emergency access to individual buildings is regulated by the adopted California Fire Code. Emergency access can also be facilitated through roadway design standards that allow for emergency vehicle movement, as well as the identification of evacuation routes should residents need to leave in the event of a disaster. See Chapter 7: Public Safety regarding goals and policies related to emergency access. 4.8 GOODS MOVEMENT Goods movement plays an important role in both the circulation network and the economy of a city such as Diamond Bar. Often, it can be difficult to balance accommodating trucks and other vehicles without impeding other modes or the well- being of residents of the City. Given its location at the confluence of two highways, Diamond Bar must continue to direct goods movement to appropriate locations in its transportation network. Due to the operational characteristics of trucks and railroads, goods movement can be incompatible with some land uses and other users of the transportation system. At the State level, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has jurisdiction over State-level safety regulations for common carriers (including trucks and rail). The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982 also defines a network of highways as truck routes. Large trucks are allowed to operate on these routes. Goods movement into and through Diamond Bar is currently accommodated by STAA- designated SR-57 and SR-60. At the local level, the City of Diamond Bar has a designated truck route network that connects to these STAA-designates routes, as shown on Figure 4-4: Goods Movement. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 200 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4-37 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E RDPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD A M BU SH E R S STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N D V LY RD DEL SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDCity-Designated Truck Routes STAA-Designated Truck Routes Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Riv ersideMetrolinkLineFigure 4-4: Goods Movement City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 4-4 Goods Movement 7.1.d Packet Pg. 201 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-38 GOALS CR-G-15 Minimize quality of life impacts of goods movement in and through the City while facilitating the movement of goods destined for locations within the City. CR-G-16 Facilitate safe and efficient movement, loading, and unloading (i.e. pick-up and delivery) of goods at destinations within the City. CR-G-17 Advocate for regional transportation solutions that are equitable in the distribution of goods movement traffic. POLICIES Truck Routes CR-P-60 Use Figure 4-4: Goods Movement as the guide for designating truck routes in the City. CR-P-61 Review designated truck routes of adjoining jurisdictions and coordinate as needed to ensure continuity of facilities (e.g. Los Angeles County, City of Industry, City of Pomona, and City of Chino Hills). CR-P-62 Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing software providers. CR-P-63 Develop design guidelines for designated truck routes, including proper turning radii at intersections. CR-P-64 Continue prohibiting trucks heavier than 5 tons from operating on designated residential streets, except for emergency, maintenance, residential moving trucks, and transit vehicles, to maintain pavement integrity. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 202 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | CIRCULATION 4.0 4-39 GOALS & POLICIES CR-P-65 Periodically review collision data for type, location, severity, and cause. Develop countermeasures for sites with recurrent truck-involved collisions. Delivery and Loading CR-P-66 Encourage off-peak delivery of goods in non-residential areas through a combination of incentives and restrictions. CR-P-67 Ensure that trucks do not interfere with cyclist or pedestrian activity by: a. Incorporating off-street or buffered bike lanes and walking paths where truck routes overlap with bicycle routes or streets with heavy pedestrian traffic; and b. Designing driveways and curb cuts to avoid maneuvering on sidewalks or in street traffic, while also facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trucks. CR-P-68 Minimize noise impacts from trucks by enforcing delivery restrictions on certain routes and/or during certain times of day in order to minimize noise impacts on sensitive receptors. CR-P-69 Incorporate provisions for loading/unloading during the development review process. Analysis of assumed loading/unloading activity should be reviewed by both the Planning and Public Works departments to ensure that the location and dimensions of loading location(s) support the planned use and minimize impacts to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. CR-P-70 Review and establish standards for off-street loading spaces for multi-family developments; consider short term loading areas or a centralized delivery area for residential complexes and commercial areas. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 203 CIRCULATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20404-40 CR-P-71 Investigate the use of “big data” to better understand truck flows within and through the City, such as type of trucks, origin and destination of these trucks, role of different facilities in the City serving origin/ destinations in the City, and local serving versus pass-through truck movements in Diamond Bar, and use this information to ensure that truck routes are designated del and that safety, congestion, and maintenance issues along heavily trafficked routes are addressed. Coordination and Clean Vehicles CR-P-72 Continue to support regional solutions to long distance goods movement, but not to the detriment of the quality of life of Diamond Bar residents. CR-P-73 Advocate for clean truck technology or smaller vehicles with lower emission rates. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 204 For the Diamond Bar community, local natural and cultural resources play a major role in making the City a unique and desirable place to live. When asked what they love about their city, Diamond Bar residents highlight its open spaces and the diversity of plants and wildlife that inhabit those areas. RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 205 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-2 5.1 INTRODUCTION Maintaining these and other important resources such as water and air quality is key to ensuring both that the community remains livable and the ecosystem remains healthy, particularly in the increasingly urbanized Southern California region. Additionally, in a young city like Diamond Bar, identifying and highlighting cultural resources will play a part in establishing its identity. This Resource Conservation Chapter provides policies to guide the City’s stewardship of its resources, ensuring the conservation and enhancement of open spaces, biological resources, water and air quality, and cultural resources. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW California Government Code sections 65302(d)(1) and 65302(e) require cities to adopt conservation and open space elements as part of their general plans. A conservation element is required to provide guidance for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, including water quality and hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and others as applicable to each jurisdiction. An open space element is intended to ensure that cities and counties recognize that open space land is a limited and valuable resource and prepare and carry out open space plans that guide the comprehensive long-range preservation and conservation of open space land. The Resource Conservation Chapter is a combination of these two required elements, as several of the issues addressed under each topic are closely related. Relevant resources in Diamond Bar discussed in this chapter include open space, biological resources, water resources, air quality, and cultural resources. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 206 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS This chapter is closely related to Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, Chapter 4, Circulation, Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services, and Chapter 8, Community Health and Sustainability. Chapter 2 establishes the Land Use Diagram and designates allowable uses throughout the Planning Area, including those that identify lands to be preserved as open space. It also establishes various policies for development to preserve the City’s hillsides for the purposes of safety and maintaining Diamond Bar’s visual character. Chapter 4 lays out a transportation network and corresponding policies intended to reduce vehicle miles traveled and related air pollutant emissions. Chapter 6 includes a discussion on parks and recreation, including recreational open space; water supply and demand, which are tied to water quality and hydrology; and wastewater and stormwater facilities, which also relate to water quality. Finally, Chapter 8 includes some discussion related to environmental justice, including air quality, as it pertains to public health; it also considers impacts to natural resources as a result of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 207 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-4 Open space is defined as any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to open space use. Such uses include the preservation of natural resources, the managed production of resources (such as agriculture or forestry), outdoor recreation, the protection of public health and safety, support of the mission of military installations, and the protection of tribal cultural resources (California Government Code Sections 51075 and 65560). Unimproved land that is designated for other uses is considered vacant land rather than open space but may become open space if it is dedicated, acquired by a public entity, or otherwise preserved in perpetuity. Dedicated open spaces are designated on the General Plan Land Use Diagram with the Open Space land use classification. 5.2 OPEN SPACE OPEN SPACE INVENTORY The open areas within the City are integral to the creation of a sense of place, its health, and its safety, contributing to its countryside atmosphere, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation for all ages, and supporting ecological health and hazard mitigation. Ensuring that areas treasured for their open space values are preserved is a priority for Diamond Bar community members. Figure 5-1 shows the Planning Area’s open space network as of 2019, including designated open spaces, parks, and the Diamond Bar Golf Course, which, while developed, serves a number of open space functions. The figure also shows the Significant Ecological Area in the SOI. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 208 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-5 Figure 5-1 Open Space Network !(T ! ! ! ! Pony League Field Planned Public Park ! Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! ! ! ! ! Diamond Bar Golf Course !BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDGE LIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R ES T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RD HIGHLAN D VLY R D D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 City Owned Designated Open Space Privately Owned Park/Recreation Area Designated Privately Owned Open Space Park Golf Course Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence/SEA 15 County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 5-1: Open Space Network City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATE7.1.d Packet Pg. 209 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-6 PRESERVATION Though much of the City is already developed, opportunities remain for the preservation of open space in the future, whether through public acquisition or dedication by property owners. As areawide plans are proposed and developed, they can identify areas that serve important ecological functions or provide important connections to regional wildlife corridors and cluster development away from those areas. Future projects can be designed to incorporate open spaces as buffers to help transition between different types of uses, provide ecosystem services such as stormwater control and habitat protection, and create passive recreation opportunities and connections to the trail system. The development of public parks in the future can provide similar opportunities. Additionally, topography within the City means that many vacant areas may not developable due to safety and soil stability reasons or the potential for impacts to the visual integrity of the City’s hillsides. Over time, these areas can be identified, and the City can explore options to designate them as permanent open space. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 210 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-7 GOALS & POLICIES OPEN SPACE See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for policies regarding the designation of open space land. See Chapter 5: Public Facilities and Services for policies related to parks and recreational facilities. GOALS RC-G-1 Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure public health and safety. RC-G-2 Seek to link the various elements of the open space network through the development of an integrated system of trails and greenways. RC-G-3 Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. POLICIES RC-P-1 As opportunities arise, obtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Incorporating open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources 7.1.d Packet Pg. 211 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-8 such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process and the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-2 As future parks are developed, incorporate existing natural open space, existing water resources and mature vegetation to provide for passive recreation opportunities and wildlife habitats. RC-P-3 A decision to rescind, terminate, abandon, remove, or modify an open space deed restriction, map restriction or Open Space land use designation must be preceded by both a finding by the City Council that the decision confers a significant benefit on the City and a favorable vote of the electorate at a regular or special election. RC-P-4 Maintain an inventory of open lands that were set aside for open space uses as part of developments approved prior to City incorporation, and require verification as to the existence of any potential open space restrictions previously approved on a subject property prior to approving development proposals. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 212 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-9 GOALS & POLICIES RC-P-5 Link parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails with a trail network where feasible, acknowledging topographical constraints and other barriers. Incorporate existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, working with willing landowners to prioritize land acquisition where necessary. Where possible, incorporate landscaping and enhance natural features to create greenways along the trail network. RC-P-6 Update, as appropriate, standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights-of-way. RC-P-7 Minimize visual and environmental impacts to ridgelines, hilltops, and slopes through regulations that minimize grading, ensure that development conforms to natural topography, and maximize safety, correlating development intensity with the steepness of terrain. Landform grading criteria and maximum allowable densities shall be based upon the slope density formula as set forth in the Development Code. RC-P-8 To the extent feasible, support and cooperate with the efforts of other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its Sphere of Influence. Such features include, but are not limited to, areas identified by Los Angeles County as Significant Ecological Areas; Tonner Canyon; the hills within Tres Hermanos Ranch; and the hillsides along SR-57, between Diamond Bar and Brea. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 213 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-10 5.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Although Diamond Bar is primarily developed as a residential community, vegetated habitat types have a large presence within the Planning Area’s hilly terrain. The following vegetation communities have been identified in the Planning Area. This inventory is based on field reconnaissance undertaken for the General Plan process and review of aerial imagery in 2016, as well as input from the community; it was determined at a broad, citywide scale and is thus for guidance purposes only. For a more detailed understanding of conditions on the ground, particularly as conditions change over time, site- specific study would be required. Examples of situations when such studies should be undertaken include development proposals, trail planning, and mitigation bank planning. The vegetation communities within the Planning Area are mapped in Figure 5-2. Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Venturan coastal sage scrub (VCSS) is a form of coastal sage scrub found in the coastal and cismontane region of Southern California and Baja California. It is composed of low, soft- woody subshrubs on dry slopes below 3,000 feet. The dominant characteristic species found in VCSS within the City include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and black and white sage (Salvia melifera and Salvia apiana). A dominance of California buckwheat is present within some of the VCSS communities, while California sagebrush is the dominant species in other areas. Other species present within this vegetation community include lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), and coastal prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis). The understory is dominated by non-native grasses such as brome (Bromus spp.) and wild oats (Avena spp.). Where non-native grasses dominate the VCSS communities at greater than 50 percent, the community is categorized as disturbed VCSS. VCSS commonly occurs on south-facing slopes throughout the Planning Area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) considers VCSS to be a Sensitive Natural Community (the characteristics of Sensitive Natural Communities are described later in this chapter). 7.1.d Packet Pg. 214 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-11 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57 Oak Woodland Walnut Woodland Sycamore Alluvial Woodland Non-Native Woodland Non-Native Grassland Non-Native Riparian Southern Willow Scrub Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Diamond Bar Golf Course Developed City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 5-2: Natural Communities C i t y o f D i a m o n d B a r GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Due to the scale of the mapping effort the refinement of the delineation of coast live oak woodland and walnut woodland was based on the slope face compass direction (north and east facing for coast live oak woodland and south and west facing for walnut woodland) and is subject to site-specific studies for individual projects . Figure 5-2 Natural Communities 7.1.d Packet Pg. 215 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-12 Non-Native Grassland Non-native grassland consists of dense to sparse annual grasses less than three feet high. Within the City, this community is dominated by bromes, oats, tocalote (Centaurea melitensis), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), Mediterranean mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora). Other broadleaf weeds may also be present. Non-native grassland is largely located in the northeastern corner of the City, due to a historic presence of agricultural uses, as well as in small parcels throughout the City, often in areas that have been cleared for fire control. Sycamore Alluvial Woodland Southern alluvial woodland is located along braided channels of intermittent streams, consisting of open to moderately closed winter-deciduous trees and dominated by western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). Blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also a characteristic species. Within the City, this habitat is composed largely of western sycamore, with blue elderberry and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) interspersed throughout. A small patch of sycamore alluvial woodland is located in upper Tonner Canyon. Southern Willow Scrub Southern willow scrub is a deciduous, riparian community dominated by dense thickets of one or more willow tree species and various other scattered shrubs and larger emergent trees. Within City boundaries, this community consists mainly of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis). Much of this habitat within the City is between 6 and 15 feet in height and varies in density, from relatively open to impenetrable. Southern willow scrub is found along Brea Canyon Creek downstream of residential development, along Tonner Canyon Creek within the SOI, and along a tributary of Tonner Canyon Creek above Arnold Reservoir. Southern willow scrub is another vegetation community considered by the CDFW to be a Sensitive Natural Community. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 216 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-13 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Coast Live Oak Woodland Coast live oak woodland is dominated solely by coast live oak trees, which can reach approximately 30 to 75 feet in height, and occur generally in shaded ravines on north-facing slopes. This community often has limited shrub cover with an understory of ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus). Within the City, the dominant plant species is coast live oak, with limited shrubs such as toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina) and an understory of mixed grasses, predominately brome and oat. Although the coast live oak is the dominant tree species, coast live oak woodland, as defined, is limited to the northeastern region of the City and the SOI, generally on north-facing slopes. California Walnut Woodland California walnut woodland is similar to coast live oak woodland but is dominated by Southern California black walnut (Juglans californica); however, coast live oak is a common species of this habitat. Within the City, the dominance of coast live oak varies throughout this habitat but is largely present throughout. Other species present within this habitat include toyon, laurel sumac, blue elderberry, and an understory of non-native grasses such as brome and oat. California walnut woodland is dispersed throughout much of the City, generally occurring on north- facing slopes. The CDFW considers California walnut woodland to be a Sensitive Natural Community. Mixed Plant Communities In cases where two or more vegetation types are highly intermixed, they have been mapped as one mixed plant community. Within the study area these occur as: 1) California walnut woodland/coast live oak woodland, where California walnut trees and coast live oak trees grow in proximity with one another and often have overlapping canopies; and 2) California walnut woodland/ coast live oak woodland/Venturan coastal sage scrub, where California walnuts and coast live oaks grow together in small copses with Venturan coastal sage scrub being found in between. Other Land Cover Types Non-Native Riparian Non-native riparian consists of densely vegetated riparian thickets heavily dominated by invasive plant species. Within the City, this community consists largely of Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta), Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.). Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and ornamental pines (Pinus sp.) also occur within this community. There is some presence of arroyo willow and coast live oak, but natives such as these make up less than 25 percent of the vegetation within this community. Non-native riparian habitat is located in a single patch that runs along the south side of SR-60 in the northern portion of the City. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 217 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-14 Developed Developed/urban areas have been physically altered to the point where they can no longer support native vegetation. The land cover type includes areas with permanent or semi-permanent structures, pavement or other hardscape, and landscaped areas that require irrigation. Developed land constitutes nearly two-thirds of the land within the City. It includes businesses, residences, schools, parks, highways and other roads, sidewalks, and irrigated landscapes. Within the areas called out as developed habitat, there may be some oak, walnut trees, or other small pockets of native habit. Disturbed Disturbed areas have been physically altered by previous human activity and are no longer able to support a recognizable native or naturalized vegetation association. The soil is often highly compacted or frequently disturbed. Disturbed habitat within the City has shown evidence of discing or high compaction. Only two small portions within the northern region of City were mapped as disturbed; both areas are along roads and adjacent to businesses. Non-Native Woodland Non-native woodland typically consists of planted, non-native trees, often characterized by eucalyptus. Within the City, non-native woodland consists of Brazilian pepper trees, ornamental pines, eucalyptus, and acacia (Acacia sp.), among others. This habitat is located in the southern portion of the City and the SOI. SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES AND HABITATS Special-Status Plant Species Special-status species are those plants and animals that, because of their acknowledged rarity or vulnerability to various causes of habitat loss or population decline, are recognized in some fashion by federal, State, or other agencies as deserving special consideration. According to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), as of 2019, no special-status plant species have been recorded within the City. Several sensitive plant species have been reported as recorded near the City, including within the SOI, as shown in Figure 5-3; however, the majority of these species are not expected to be present within City limits for one or both of the following reasons: suitable habitat to support the species is not present within the City; or the species occurrences are highly localized some distance from the City. These plant species are described in Table 5-1. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 218 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-15 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Table 5-1: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Angiosperms (Dicotyledons) Asteraceae Sunflower Family Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha Small-flowered microseris 4.2 Cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/ clay. Recorded in study area south of Diamond Ranch High School. Senecio aphanactis Rayless ragwort 2B.2 Cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, drying alkaline flats. Puddingstone Dam (1932); moderate potential where habitat occurs. Pseudognaphalium leucocepalum White rabbiy- tobacco 2B.2 Sandy wash habitats Not recorded from the Puente Hills; low potential in study area. Symphyotrichum defoliatum San Bernardino aster 1B.2 Low potential to occur in moist habitats. Recorded from study area vicinity, but possibly extirpated. Brassicaceae Mustard Family Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii Robinson’s pepper grass 4.3 Chaparral and coastal scrub. Recorded in the Puente Hills and within the study area Convolvulaceae Morning-Glory Family Convolvulus simulans small-flowered morning glory 4.2 Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/ clay, serpentine seeps. Moderate potential where habitat occurs. Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Dudleya multicaulis Many-stemmed dudleya 1B.2 California plant communities including sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland; heavy clay soils or rock outcrops. Bonelli Regional Co. Park (1987 and 1982); recorded on Way Hill (1987); Many CNDDB records throughout the area; high potential to occur in study area. Fabaceae Legume Family Astragalus brauntonii1 Braunton’s milk- vetch 1B.1 Sage scrub, chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, closed cone coniferous forest; limestone endemic, carbonate soils, recent burns and disturbed areas. Recorded in San Gabriel Mountain foothills to the north and the Santa Ana Mountain foothills to the south; moderate potential to occur in study area. Quercus engelmannii Engelmann oak 4.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Recorded in the Chino and Puente Hills; moderate potential to occur in study area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 219 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-16 Table 5-1: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Angiosperms (Dicotyledons) Hydrophyllaceae Waterleaf Family Phacelia hubbyi Hubby’s phacelia 4.2 Sage scrub and chaparral Recorded in the Puente Hills and west Pomona hillsides; high potential to occur in the study area. Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans californica Southern California black walnut 4.2 Sage scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland; often in association with oaks/oak woodland; frequently found on steep hillsides with northern exposures; deep alluvial soils. Occurs throughout much of the study area. Liliaceae Lily Family Brodiaea filifolia Thread-leaved brodiaea 1B.1 Sage scrub, valley/ foothill grassland, cismontane woodland; vernal pools (clay soils). Recorded from the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and Santiago Hills to the southeast; low potential to occur in the study area. Calochortus catalinae Catalina mariposa lily 4.2 Openings in chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, cismontane woodland; heavy soils. Recorded within the study area within openings in shrublands and scrub. Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis Slender mariposa lily 1B.2 Chaparral, especially in foothill canyons.; generally found in shade. Low potential where habitat occurs. Calochortus plummerae Plummer's mariposa lily 4.2 Sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland, yellow pine forest; dry, rocky or sandy sites, granitic or alluvial soil; to 4,800 feet. Potentially present in the study area. Calochortus weedii var. intermedius Intermediate mariposa lily 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grasslands. Recorded in study area and at Elephant Hill (1991) in Pomona. Orchidaceae Orchid Family Piperia cooperi Cooper’s rein- orchid 4.2 Scrub, chaparral and oak/walnut woodlands Not recorded in the Puente Hills, but is recorded in the Santa Ana River Canyon to the south; low potential to occur in the study area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 220 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-17 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Table 5-1: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Angiosperms (Dicotyledons) Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala cornuta var. fishiae Fish’s milkwort 4.3 Oak/walnut woodlands and chaparral Recorded in Chino Hills State Park to the south; high potential to occur in the study area. Roseaceae Rose Family Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula Mesa horkelia 1B.1 Prefers chaparral, woodland, and coastal scrub habitats. Moderate potential to occur in the study area. Notes: 1. Federally listed as endangered CNPS Listing Status: List 1B - Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and elsewhere List 2 - Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, but more common elsewhere List 3 - Plants about which we need more information – a review list List 4 - Plants of limited distribution – a watch list The CNPS recently added “threat ranks,” which parallel the ranks used by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). These ranks are added as a decimal code after the CRPR List (e.g., List 1B.1). The threat codes are as follows: 0.1 - Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat) 0.2 - Fairly endangered in California (20–80% occurrences threatened) 0.3 - Not very endangered in California (<20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known) Source: California Native Plant Society, 2019. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 221 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-18 Special-Status Wildlife Species The CNDDB listed 27 sensitive wildlife species in the Planning Area. Table 5-2 provides a summary of the sensitive wildlife species with a low, moderate, or high potential of occurring within the City based upon their known geographic ranges, distributions, and preferred habitats. A selection of these species within close proximity to the Planning Area are mapped in Figure 5-3. Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records INVERTEBRATES Bombus crotchii Crotch bumblebee S1S2 G3G4 Recorded at scattered locations in southern California. High potential to occur in study area. Helminthoglypta tudiculata Southern California shoulder-band snail S1S2 Recorded at scattered locations in southern California. High potential to occur in study area. Helminthoglypta traskii Trask’s shoulder- band snail G1G2 S1 Recorded at scattered locations in southern California. High potential to occur in study area. VERTEBRATES Amphibians Pelobatidae Spadefoot Toad Family Spea hammondii Western spadefoot SSC Open areas in lowland grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands, areas of sandy or gravelly soil in alluvial fans, washes, and floodplains. High potential to occur in the study area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 222 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-19 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Salamandridae Newt Family Taricha torosa Coast range newt SSC Moist woodlands.Not recorded in the Puente/Chino Hills; low potential to occur in the study area. Reptiles Colubridae Colubrid Snake Family Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego mountain kingsnake SSC Moist woods, woodlands, chaparral and sage scrub. Moderate potential to occur in study area. Salvador hexalepis virgultea Coast patch- nosed snake SSC Sage scrub, chaparral, and oak/walnut woodlands. Moderate potential to occur in study area. Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped garter snake SSC Riparian and freshwater marshes with perennial water. Moderate potential to occur in the study area. Arizona elegans occidentalis California glossy snake SSC Sage scrub, chaparral, and oak/walnut woodlands with loose soil for burrowing. Moderate potential to occur in the study area. Emydidae Turtle Family Emmys marmorata Western pond turtle SSC Ponds, slow moving streams. Known to occur in Brea Creek; moderate potential to occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the study area. Iguanidae Iguanid Lizard Family Phrynosoma blainvillii Coast horned lizard SSC Most valley and foothill scrub, chaparral and woodland natural communities. High potential in open space in the study area. Teiidae Whiptail Lizard Family Anniella stebbinsi Southern California legless lizard SSC Several habitats but especially in valley- foothill woodlands, chaparral, and scrub habitats. Moderate potential in habitats in the study area. Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal whiptail SSC Several habitats but especially in valley- foothill woodlands, chaparral, and scrub habitats. High potential in habitats in the study area. Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 223 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-20 Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Viperiidae Viper Snake Family Crotalus ruber Red diamond rattlesnake SSC Cactus and sage scrub and chaparral. High potential in suitable habitats in the study area. Birds Accipitridae Hawks, Kites, Harriers and Eagle Family Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle SSC, SFP, FP Mountains, deserts, and open country; prefer to forage over grasslands, deserts, savannahs and early successional stages of forest and shrub habitats. Recorded over the study area; nesting in the Chino Hills; High potential to forage within the study area. Circus hudsonius Northern harrier SSC Freshwater marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Recorded in the Tres Hermanos and Firestone Scout Reservation areas. Elanus leucurus White-tailed kite SFP Grasslands with scattered trees, near marshes, along highways. Recorded in the Tres Hermanos and Firestone Scout Reservation areas. High potential in study area. Buteo regalis Ferruginous hawk SBSWG Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Recorded in the Chino Basin; moderate potential to occur in the study area. Alaudidae Lark Family Eremophila alpestris Horned lark SBSWG Open ground.Moderate potential to occur in the Tres Hermanos and SOI areas. Falconidae Falcon Family Falco mexicanus Prairie falcon SBSWG Open country, especially arid. Moderate potential to occur migrating through the study area. Stringidae True Owl Family Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl SSC Dry grasslands and agricultural, and scrub areas. Reported from the Tres Hermanos Ranch High potential to occur within the study area. Asio otus Long-eared owl SSC Riparian and live oak woodlands. High particularly in oak and walnut woodlands. Asio flammeus Short-eared owl SSC Winters in open areas.Low potential in herbaceous stands. Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 224 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-21 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Troglodytidae Wren Family Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Coastal cactus wren SSC Coastal sage scrub, vegetation with thickets of prickly pear or cholla cactus. Recorded at Sycamore Canyon and Summit Ridge Parks; High potential wherever cactus scrub occurs. Turdidae Bluebird Family Sialia currucoides Mountain bluebird SBSWG Winters in open country.Moderate potential to occur in the Tres Hermanos and SOI areas. Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatcher Family Empidonax traillii Willow flycatcher FE, SE Low elevational sites: Riparian woodlands that contain water and low growing willow thickets. Low potential for nesting. Icteriidae Yellow-breasted chat Family Icteria virens Yellow-breasted chat SSC Riparian woodlands with a thick understory. High potential along Brea and Tonner Creeks. Sturnella neglecta Western meadowlark SBSWG Grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields. Recorded in the study area. Icteridae Blackbird Family Agelaius tricolor Tricolored blackbird SE Freshwater marshes and riparian scrub. Moderate potential to forage in open areas of Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon. Laniidae Shrike Family Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike SSC Open habitats with scattered shrubs, trees, posts, fences, utility lines, or other perches. High potential to occur in Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon open areas. Passerellidae Sparrow Family Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper sparrow SSC Expansive grasslands Recorded in the study area; moderate potential to occur in Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon. Amphispiza belli belli Bell’s sage sparrow SSC Dense, dry chamise chaparral and coastal slopes of coastal sage scrub. High potential in study area where habitat occurs. Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 225 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-22 Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow SBSWG Open grassy areas.High potential to occur in Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon open areas. Parulidae Wood Warbler Family Setophaga petechia Yellow warbler SSC Sparse to dense woodland and forest habitats with or without heavy brush understory. High Potential in oak, rirarian and walnut woodlands. Polioptilidae Gnatcatchers Polioptila californica California gnatcatcher FT, SSC Coastal sage scrub vegetation; generally avoids steep slopes and dense vegetation for nesting. Several recent recorded occurrences in the study area at Summit Ridge, and Pantera parks, Steep Canyon and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School; high potential in sage scrub habitats. Vireonidae Vireo Family Vireo bellii pusillus least Bell’s vireo FE, SE Perennial and intermittent streams with low, dense riparian scrub and riparian woodland habitats; nests primarily in willows and forages in the riparian and occasionally in adjoining upland habitats. Associated with willow, cot Reported from Tonner Canyon; Moderate potential to occur along Brea Creek Cuculidae Cuckoo Family Geococcys californianus greater roadrunner SBSWG Open country with scattered brush. Recorded in the study area. Mammals Heteromyidae Kangaroo Rat, Pocket Mice, and Kangaroo Mice Family Chaetodipus fallax NW San Diego pocket mouse SSC Sandy herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel, sagebrush, scrub, annual grassland, chaparral and desert scrubs. High potential in study area particularly in cactus and sage scrub occurs. Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 226 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-23 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Molossidae Free-tailed Bats Eumops perotis californicus Western mastiff bat SSC In arid and semi-arid lowlands; roosts in cliffs and rock crevices. Low potential for roosting sites but may forage in the study area. Vespertilionidae Evening Bat Family Lasiurus blossevillii Western red bat Roosts in cliffs and in buildings. Moderate potential in study area; roosts in exfoliating bark on many tree species including ornamental trees. Lasiurus xanthinus Western yellow bat SSC Roosts primarily in palms under dead fronds. Moderate potential to roost in the study area. Antrozous pallidus Pallid bat SSC Roosts in cliffs, crevices, mine tunnels, caves, house attics and other man-made structures. High potential in study area; roosts in exfoliating bark on oak trees. Leporidae Rabbit and Hare Family Lepus californicus bennetti San Diego black- tailed jackrabbit SSC Open brushlands and scrub habitats. Moderate potential to occur throughout the study area. Muridae Mice, Rats, and Vole Family Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert woodrat SSC Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland. High potential to occur where suitable habitat is found. Procyonidae Raccoon Family Bassariscus astutus Ringtail cat SFP Commonly found in rocky habitats, where it nests in the hollows of trees or abandoned wooden structures. Seldom observed; low potential to occur in the study area. Mustelidae Weasel Family Taxidea taxus American badger SSC Open grasslands with available prey. High potential to occur in the study area. Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 227 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-24 Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Notes: Agency Listing Status: FE Federally listed as Endangered FT Federally listed as Threatened FP Federally protected SE State-listed as Endangered SFP State Fully Protected SSC California Species of Special Concern NatureServe Ranking: S1 = Critically Imperiled—Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S2 = Imperiled—Imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S3 = Vulnerable—Vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S4 = Apparently Secure—Uncommon but not rare in the state; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. S5 = Secure—Common, widespread, and abundant in the state. G1 = Critically Imperiled—At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. G2 = Imperiled—At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. G3 = Vulnerable—At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. G4 = Apparently Secure—Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. G5 = Secure—Common; widespread and abundant. Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Diversity Database, 2018 Table 5-2: Special Status Plant Species Occuring or Potentially Ocurring within the Planning Area 7.1.d Packet Pg. 228 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-25 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 There may be occurrences of additional species within this area that have not yet been surveyed and/or mapped. Lack of information in the CNDDB about a species or an area does not imply that the species does not occur or that there is a lack of diversity in that area. The species shown in Figures 5-3 and 5-4 have the potential to occur outside of the areas where they are depicted. Given the occurrence of these special-status species within Diamond Bar and its SOI and the potential for others to exist within and surrounding the City, it will be important for the City to ensure the maintenance and protection of the habitats that support them. Strategies may include ensuring that new development avoids or mitigates any impacts that would degrade the healthy function of nearby habitat areas and exploring programs such as conservation or mitigation banking that can preserve, enhance, restore, or create habitat conservation areas that may be threatened by new development. Sensitive plants include those listed, or candidates for listing, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and species considered sensitive by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), particularly Lists 1A, 1B, and 2. Sensitive wildlife species include those species listed as endangered or threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) or California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA), candidates for listing by USFW or CDFW, State Species of Special Concern (SSC) by the CDFW, fully protected by CDFW, or on the CDFW watch list. A conservation or mitigation bank is privately or publicly owned land managed for its natural resource values. In exchange for permanently protecting, managing, and monitoring the land, the bank sponsor is allowed to sell or transfer habitat credits to developers and permitees who must satisfy legal requirements to compensate for the environmental impacts of their developmental project. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 229 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-26 WILDLIFE MOVEMENT Wildlife movement corridors are generally defined as connections between blocks of habitat that allow for physical movement and genetic exchange between otherwise isolated animal populations. Movement corridors may be local, such as between foraging and nesting or denning areas, or they may be regional in nature, allowing animals to access alternative territories as fluctuating dispersal pressures dictate. In the absence of wildlife corridors, various studies have concluded that some wildlife species, especially the larger and more mobile mammals, will not likely persist over time in fragmented or isolated habitat areas because such conditions preclude the infusion of new individuals and genetic information into isolated populations. Tonner Canyon, to the southeast of the City, is an important part of a regional wildlife movement corridor, known as the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, that provides a linkage between the Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains through the Chino Hills and the Puente Hills. Its importance is due not only to its being largely undeveloped, but also because it funnels wildlife movement to the only natural undercrossing of SR-57. The Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor has been the focus of the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority, a public and private coalition, and the Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority, which obtain funds to purchase land for the corridor. Critical Habitat Critical habitat is defined by the Endangered Species Act as a specific geographic area that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. USFWS-designated critical habitat does not occur within the City. Sensitive Natural Communities Three plant communities considered sensitive by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) due to their scarcity and/ or because they support special status plant and wildlife species have been identified in the Planning Area. These communities are considered highly imperiled communities by the CDFW, indicating that they are declining in acreage throughout their range due to land use changes. These communities are described previously and include Venturan coastal sage scrub, southern willow scrub, and California walnut woodland. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 230 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-27 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 PUENTE HILLS SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREA Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) are officially designated by Los Angeles County as areas with irreplaceable biological resources. The SEA program is intended to conserve genetic and physical diversity within the county by designating biological resource areas that are capable of sustaining themselves into the future. The intent of the SEA program is established in the County’s General Plan, and the permitting, design standards, and review process for development within SEAs are detailed in the SEA Ordinance (Chapter 22.102 of the County Zoning Regulations). The SOI is designated as SEA 15, Puente Hills. The Puente Hills SEA has documented evidence of significant wildlife movement and is the County portion of a continuous series of open spaces within the Puente and Chino hills. It functions as both an important wildlife linkage and resident habitat area for regional wildlife populations. A detailed description of the extents of this SEA as well as its biological resources can be found in Appendix E of the 2035 Los Angeles County General Plan. Certain uses of the SEAs are compatible by definition with the long-term sustainability of biological resources. Some examples of uses that do not conflict with the goals of the SEA Program include regulated scientific study; passive recreation, including wildlife observation and photography; and limited picnicking, riding, hiking and overnight camping. Many other uses may also be compatible with the SEA Program or may partially or fully mitigate against potential impacts through careful site design and stewardship, including low-density or low-intensity uses, essential public uses, agricultural uses, and extractive uses. More complex or intensive types of developments within SEAs are not precluded from development but may require additional technical review to ensure that projects properly identify existing resources and potential impacts. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 231 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-28 !(T Intermediate Mariposa-Lily Many-Stemmed Dudleya Robinson's Pepper-Grass Intermediate Mariposa-Lily Intermediate Mariposa-Lily Intermediate Mariposa-Lily San Bernardino Aster Plummer's Mariposa-Lily Intermediate Mariposa-Lily Robinson's Pepper-Grass Many-Stemmed Dudleya Mesa Horkelia Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station San Dimas Brea BREACANYONRDGOLDENSPRINGSDRCHINOHILLSPKWYG O LD EN SPRINGSDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDDIAMONDBARBLVDBREACANYONRDG O LD E N S P R I N G S D R LYCOMING ST L E MO N AVE CASTLEROCKRD PATHFINDERRD W T E M P L E A V E A M A R R D COLIMA RDNOGALESST P A T H F I N D E R RDVALLEY BLV D W MISSIO N B L V D VALLEYBLVDHOLT AVE V IA V E R D E GRAND A V EPEYTONDRSGAREYAVEPHILADELPHIA ST UV60 UV71 UV57 §¨¦10 UV57 UV57 §¨¦10UV57 UV60 Robinson's Pepper-Grass Intermediate Mariposa-Lily Plummer's Mariposa-Lily Many-Stemmed Dudleya San Bernardino Aster Mesa Horkelia Major Highways City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0120.5 MILESSource: CNDDB, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineDisclaimer: Information presented in this map is based on data from CNDDB version April 2019. Areas of occurence on this map represent areas in which known locations of the species listed here have been found as of the date of this version. There may be additional occurences of additional species within this area which have not yet been surveyed and/or mapped. Lack of information in the CNDDB about a species or an area can never be used as proof that no special species occur in an area. CNDDB can be contacted for more information about these occurences. Figure 5-3: Special Status Plant Species City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 5-3 Special Status Plants 7.1.d Packet Pg. 232 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-29 !(T Red-Diamond Rattlesnake Southern California legless lizard California glossy snake Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station San Dimas Brea BREACANYONRDGOLDENSPRINGSDRCHINOHILLSPKWYG O LD EN SPRINGSDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDDIAMONDBARBLVDBREACANYONRDG O LD E N S P R I N G S D R LYCOMING ST L EM O N A VE CASTLEROCKRD PATHFINDERRD W T E M P L E A V EGRANDAVE A M A R R D COLIMA RDNOGALESST PA T H F I N D E R RDVALLEY BLV D W MISSIO N B L V D VALLEYBLVDH OLT AVE V IA V E R D E GRAND A VEPEYTONDRSGAREYAVEPHILADELPHIA ST UV60 UV71 UV57 §¨¦10 UV57 UV57 §¨¦10UV57 UV60 Golden Eagle Big Free-Tailed BatWestern Yellow Bat Yellow-Breasted Chat Long-Eared Owl Pocketed Free-Tailed Bat Cooper's Hawk Coastal Whiptail Western Pond Turtle Coastal California Gnatcatcher Red-Diamond Rattlesnake Merlin Western Mastiff Bat Coastal California Gnatcatcher Yellow Warbler Least Bell's Vireo Tricolored Blackbird Coastal California Gnatcatcher Yellow Warbler Coastal California Gnatcatcher Coast Horned Lizard Grasshopper Sparrow Least Bell's Vireo Least Bell's Vireo Least Bell's Vireo California Horned Lark Southern California Rufous-Crowned Sparrow Least Bell's Vireo Yellow Warbler Southern California Rufous-Crowned Sparrow Least Bell's Vireo Western Pond Turtle Coast Horned Lizard Coastal Cactus Wren Coastal California Gnatcatcher Yellow Warber Yellow-Breasted Chat Western Pond Turtle 0120.5 MILESRiversideMetrolinkLineDisclaimer: Information presented in this map is based on data from CNDDB version April 2019. Areas of occurence on this map represent areas in which known locations of the species listed here have been found as of the date of this version. There may be additional occurences of additional species within this area which have not yet been surveyed and/or mapped. Lack of information in the CNDDB about a species or an area can never be used as proof that no special species occur in an area. CNDDB can be contacted for more information about these occurences. Source: CNDDB, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Endangered/Threatened Species California black rail Coastal California Gnatcatcher Least Bell's Vireo Other Species White-tailed kite California glossy snake Arroyo chub American badger Southern California legless lizard Southern California Rufous-Crowned Sparrow Western Yellow Bat Golden Eagle Long-Eared Owl Yellow Warbler Western Mastiff Bat Yellow-Breasted Chat California Horned Lark Cooper's Hawk Big Free-Tailed Bat Coast Horned Lizard Coastal Cactus Wren Coastal Whiptail Grasshopper Sparrow Merlin Pocketed Free-Tailed Bat Red-Diamond Rattlesnake Tricolored Blackbird Western Pond Turtle City of Diamond Bar Figure 5-4: Special Status Animals City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 5-4 Special Status Animals 7.1.d Packet Pg. 233 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-30 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57 Choke Points Natural Communities Developed City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 5-5: Movement Choke Points !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57 Choke Points Natural Communities Developed City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 5-5: Movement Choke PointsFigure 5-5: Movement Choke Points 7.1.d Packet Pg. 234 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-31 GOALS & POLICIES BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES GOALS RC-G-4 Maintain, protect, and preserve biologically significant areas, including Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other areas of natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural opportunities as can be designed in a way that sustains, repairs or restores ecosystems rather than detracts from them. RC-G-5 Protect rare, threatened, endangered, and other special-status plant and animal communities. RC-G-6 Utilize native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, site stabilization and restoration where practical to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into natural open spaces. POLICIES RC-P-9 Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist. Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of the target species. Wildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources. The report shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. In approving any 7.1.d Packet Pg. 235 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-32 permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. RC-P-10 Require, to the greatest extent feasible, new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-11 Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid, to the greatest extent feasible, significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Protect wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means. e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; f. Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; g. Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and 7.1.d Packet Pg. 236 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-33 GOALS & POLICIES h. To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowing into waterways. RC-P-12 Support and cooperate with the efforts of other local, State, and federal agencies, groups, and private entities—including Los Angeles County, neighboring jurisdictions, and conservation groups—to preserve environmentally sensitive hillsides, canyon areas, wildlife corridors and riparian areas within Diamond Bar’s SOI, including the Puente - Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and SEA 15 to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural habitats and biological resources. a. Discourage development in areas with identified significant biological resources, such as SEAs. b. Discourage development in riparian habitats, streambeds, wetlands, coastal sage scrub, cactus scrub, and native woodlands in order to maintain and support their preservation in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities. c. Preserve and restore oak woodlands and other native woodlands that are conserved in perpetuity with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands. RC-P-13 Utilize native and drought-tolerant plants in landscaping for public buildings and parks and encourage the use of native and drought- tolerant species on private property. Develop a list of recommended native, low-water- use, and drought-tolerant plant species, as well as a list of invasive species to avoid. RC-P-14 Support and cooperate with the efforts of local school districts, environmental groups and volunteers to offer environmental education programs. RC-P-15 Support efforts to establish mitigation bank programs to restore habitat within Open Space-designated and deed-restricted lands. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 237 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-34 5.5 WATER RESOURCES HYDROLOGY Diamond Bar is almost entirely encompassed by the San Gabriel River Basin, which spans 713 square miles across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. As shown in Figure 5-5, the Planning Area drains into four sub-basins of the San Gabriel River Basin. The northern half of the City primarily drains into San Jose Creek, partially via Diamond Bar Creek. Most of the southern half of the City, as well as the SOI, drains into Brea Canyon Creek. Small areas in the northeast of the City are within the Santa Ana River Basin, draining locally into Chino Creek. The hydrological system is a critical component of drainage and flood management in the Planning Area, as well as groundwater recharge and potable water supply (see Chapter 7, Public Safety for more information on flood hazards and Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services for more information on water supply and stormwater management). The Planning Area’s hydrology can be affected by development in the watershed that increases the area of impervious surfaces and reduces vegetative coverage. This type of development can reduce the amount of area that can be used for groundwater recharge and increase the volume and speed of stormwater runoff, which can lead to increased flood risk and erosion of streambeds. Development can also alter the direction that water flows in a watershed, leading to changes in the size and location of surface water bodies. Other changes to surface water can come from sediment from construction activities and erosion. All of these considerations are therefore important issues to address as part of the planning process when siting and designing development. GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT In 2014, California passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), to provide a framework for sustainable, local groundwater management. The SGMA requires Groundwater Sustainability Plans to be adopted for medium- or high-priority basins by a groundwater sustainability agency (GSA). A Groundwater Sustainability Plan must contain a description of the setting and characteristics of the basin, measurable objectives to meet the sustainability goal within 20 years of implementation, a planning and implementation horizon, monitoring information and protocols, and consideration of applicable general plans. Diamond Bar is within the boundaries of the Main San Gabriel, Puente and Spadra groundwater basins. Both the Main San Gabriel Basin and Puente Basins have been adjudicated, meaning they are exempt from the SGMA due to their 7.1.d Packet Pg. 238 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-35 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 proof of sustainable management. In order to comply with the SGMA, the Spadra Basin has created a GSA and as of 2019 is developing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan. While the WVWD currently imports all potable water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), the Water District has projects underway that will produce groundwater from the San Gabriel Basin, Central Basin, and Six Basins to supplement potable water supplies. It will thus be important for Diamond Bar to continue to partner with other local agencies and jurisdictions, including the WVWD and groundwater basin management agencies, to manage surface and groundwater resources given the constrained water resources of the region. WATER QUALITY Water quality in the surface and groundwater systems can be affected by point and non-point sources of pollution. Point sources are single identifiable sources of pollution, such as a pipe or a drain, and can be agencies, businesses, or other parties discharging directly to a water body. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federal program that regulates point sources of pollution. The City of Diamond Bar stormwater system is regulated by the NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit for Los Angeles County. Non-point pollution comes from many diffuse sources, and generally results from runoff, drainage, seepage, or hydrologic modification. Activities common to life in Diamond Bar such as driving and lawn maintenance produce non-point source pollutants that can enter surface water or groundwater through runoff. Stormwater runoff during storm events, and runoff from irrigation and other urban uses of water carry contaminants such as gasoline, oil, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer into the river or groundwater supply. At high enough concentrations, runoff from these non-point sources could impair uses of surface waters, damage wildlife habitats, and contaminate groundwater sources. By protecting and improving the quality of its surface and groundwater bodies, the City can help reduce the amount of energy spent treating water before it is used, and ensure the health of habitats and ecosystems. Steps that the City can take include addressing sources of non-point source pollution related to development and the transportation system, educating residents about water consumption and stormwater pollution prevention, and working with other agencies and organizations to protect natural groundwater recharge areas from contamination. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 239 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-36 Figure 5-6 Watersheds and Surface Water !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDGELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD EN SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E R SSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N DV LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDSan Jose Creek Lower San Gabriel River Chino CreekSan Gabriel River Watershed Santa Ana River WatershedThompson WashLemonCreekSanJoseCreekD iversionC h a nnelDiam on d B a r Creek D iamo n d B a r C r e e kSouthSanJoseCre Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Surface Water Watershed (HU8) Watershed (HU10) Subwatersheds (HU12) Brea Creek-Coyote Creek Carbon Creek Lower San Jose Creek Upper Chino Creek Upper San Jose Creek Lakes/Ponds City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Los Angeles County GIS Data, 2016; National Hydrography Dataset, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 5-6: Watersheds and Surface Water ekCity of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATE7.1.d Packet Pg. 240 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-37 GOALS & POLICIES WATER RESOURCES See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for policies regarding water use and distribution. GOALS RC-G-7 Protect waterways—including creeks, riverines, artesian springs, seeps, and wetlands—and watersheds in Diamond Bar from pollution and degradation as a result of urban activities. RC-G-8 Protect natural groundwater recharge areas and regional spreading grounds. RC-G-9 Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation to promote groundwater recharge. RC-G-10 Minimize the consumption and waste of potable water through water conservation and use of reclaimed water. RC-G-11 Work with regional organizations and other jurisdictions to manage groundwater resources of the San Gabriel Valley Basin. RC-G-12 Pursue methods to control, capture, and reuse stormwater runoff for the purposes of groundwater recharge and local water recovery. POLICIES Water Conservation RC-P-16 As opportunities arise, coordinate with local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed water, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation and other appropriate uses and consider construction of dual water systems, where feasible, for development RC-P-17 Continually evaluate and upgrade the efficiency of City irrigation systems, prioritizing the use of reclaimed water. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 241 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-38 RC-P-18 Ensure new development reduces the waste of potable water through the use of native and drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems where available. RC-P-19 Encourage the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-20 Ensure developers provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought-tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-21 Continue to partner with other local agencies to manage surface and groundwater resources through the implementation of the Walnut Valley Urban Water Management Plan and regional watershed and groundwater planning efforts. Water Quality RC-P-22 Protect and, where feasible, enhance or restore the City’s waterways and drainages, preventing erosion along the banks, removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. RC-P-23 Ensure that post-development peak stormwater runoff discharge rates do not exceed the estimated pre- development rate and that dry weather runoff from new development not exceed the pre-development baseline flow rate to receiving water bodies. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 242 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-39 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5.6 AIR QUALITY Air quality is often understood as a regional issue, as the land use, circulation, and growth decisions made by individual communities inevitably affect regional air quality. The City of Diamond Bar is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Air Basin), which consists of the entire Orange and Los Angeles counties, and the western, non- desert portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in addition to the San Gorgonio Pass area in Riverside County. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the air pollution control agency for the Air Basin, and it adopts air quality management plans (AQMP) to achieve air quality standards in the Air Basin. The district includes Orange County, most of Los Angeles County, and the western portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The Air Basin is one of only two areas in the country with extreme nonattainment levels for the federal ozone standard, as indicated in Table 5-3. As of 2012, mobile sources, including cars, trucks, boats, and planes contributed to approximately 88 percent of emissions in the Air Basin. Additionally, the Air Basin also experiences high levels of fine particulate matter. The extent and severity of pollutant concentrations in the Air Basin is a function of the area’s natural physical characteristics (weather and topography) and man-made influences (development patterns and lifestyle). Factors such as wind, sunlight, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and topography all affect the accumulation and dispersion of pollutants. Based on the overall air quality trends of the Air Basin, the largest source of emissions impacting air quality in Diamond Bar comes from mobile sources, particularly given the presence of the SR-57 and SR-60 freeways in the community. Ensuring air quality for individual sites will mean assessing and mitigating the potential impacts of specific pollutant sources such as the freeways. At the citywide and regional levels, the most promising actions to improve air quality would be to not only mitigate emissions from stationary sources, but to also reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). 7.1.d Packet Pg. 243 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-40 Table 5-3: South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status (Los Angeles County) Pollutant National Standards California Standards O3 (1-hour standard)N/A1 Non-attainment – Extreme O3 (8-hour standard)Non-attainment – Extreme Non-attainment CO Attainment Attainment NO2 Attainment Non-attainment SO2 Attainment Attainment PM10 Attainment Non-attainment PM2.5 Non-attainment Non-attainment Lead Non-attainment Non-attainment Visibility Reducing Particles N/A Unclassified Sulfates N/A Attainment Hydrogen Sulfide N/A Unclassified Vinyl Chloride N/A N/A2 Notes: 1. The NAAQS for 1-hour ozone was revoked on June 15, 2005, for all areas except Early Action Compact areas. 2. In 1990 the California Air Resources Board identified vinyl chloride as a toxic air contaminant and determined that it does not have an identifiable threshold. Therefore, the California Air Resources Board does not monitor or make status designations for this pollutant. CRITERIA POLLUTANTS Certain air pollutants have been designated as “criteria” air pollutants because they are common and widely distributed, and are known to have adverse human health effects and/or cause adverse impacts to the environment either directly or through reactions with other pollutants. Criteria air pollutants are indicators of ambient air quality and include: ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), respirable or breathable particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5), and lead. The criteria pollutants are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the national level and by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) at the State level, and are subject to respective ambient air quality standards adopted by EPA and CARB. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 244 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-41 GOALS & POLICIES AIR QUALITY See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for policies regarding land use and development patterns. See Chapter 4: Circulation for policies regarding the reduction of VMT and multi-modal transportation. See Chapter 8: Community Health for policies regarding energy efficiency and conservation. GOALS RC-G-13 Protect the City’s air quality and support efforts to protect and improve regional air quality. RC-G-14 Aim for a diverse and efficiently-operated local and regional ground transportation system that reduces VMT and generates the minimum amount of pollutants feasible. POLICIES RC-P-24 Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality through the following measures: a. Use of building materials and methods that minimize air pollution. b. Use of fuel-efficient heating equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler units, and low or zero- emitting architectural coatings. c. Use of clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local funding sources. RC-P-25 Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation, recognizing the role of these resources in the reduction and mitigation of air pollution impacts, and the promotion of CO2 sequestration. RC-P-26 Ensure that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 245 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-42 RC-P-27 To the extent practicable, maintain a system of air quality alerts (such as through the City website, internet, e-mail to City employees, and other tools) based on SCAQMD forecasts. RC-P-28 Cooperate with the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SCAQMD, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the State of California Air Resources Board in improving air quality in the regional air basin. RC-P-29 Ensure that project applicants consult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Examples of facilities that may emit TACs as identified by the SCAQMD include dry cleaners, gas stations, auto body shops, furniture repair shops, warehouses, printing shops, landfills, recycling and transfer stations, and freeways and roadways. Refer to SCAQMD guidance for the most current list of facilities that may emit TACs. RC-P-30 For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors, require the business owners to obtain all necessary SCAQMD clearances or permits prior to business license or building permit issuance. Sensitive receptors include residences, schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical care facilities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 246 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-43 GOALS & POLICIES RC-P-31 Require new residential developments and other sensitive uses (e.g. schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, and medical facilities) within 500 feet of a freeway to prepare an air quality study of the site that evaluates potential impacts of air pollution on sensitive receptors and associated health risks and identifies measures to feasibly mitigate any impacts to protect the health of residents. The 500-foot buffer is based on a California Air Resources Board recommendation to avoiding the siting of sensitive uses within 500 feet of a freeway. Because of freeways are so integrated into Diamond Bar’s landscape, it may be difficult to prevent the siting of sensitive receptors near the freeways in the future; thus, mitigation measures would be needed for such development. Mitigation measures may include screens, ventilation/air filtration systems, landscape buffering and vegetation, building design measures that locate operable windows, balconies and building air intake away from the emission source, and site design measures including the incorporation of open spaces between buildings to reduce air pollution build up. RC-P-32 Promote and support available SCAQMD incentives and funding mechanisms that encourage retrofits to reduce air quality impacts for existing sensitive uses within 500 feet of a freeway. RC-P-33 Require construction and grading plans to include State and AQMD-mandated measures to the maximum extent possible fugitive dust and pollutants generated by construction activities and those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling and maintenance as well as mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from vehicle and equipment operations. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 247 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-44 RC-P-34 Facilitate communication among residents, businesses and SCAQMD to quickly resolve air pollution nuisance complaints. RC-P-35 Promote transit-oriented, walkable, compact development patterns, the provision of non-polluting transportation alternatives, and transportation demand management measures to reduce total vehicle miles traveled. RC-P-36 Promote expansion of all forms of mass transit to employment, entertainment, and other major destinations in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. Support public transit providers in efforts to increase funding for transit improvements to supplement other means of travel. RC-P-37 Seek grants and other external funding opportunities to convert the City fleet to zero emissions vehicles over time and in a manner that is fiscally neutral in comparison to conventional fuel vehicles. RC-P-38 Design traffic plans, including suggested truck routes, to minimize diesel truck idling and the exposure of residential neighborhoods and sensitive receptors to diesel truck traffic. RC-P-39 Reduce paved road dust emissions through targeted street sweeping of roads subject to high traffic levels and silt loadings. RC-P-40 Continue to advocate at all levels of government for improvements to the confluence of the SR-57 and SR-60 freeways, including the construction of the missing interchanges between the two freeways, to reduce congestion and delays on the freeways, as well as affected surface streets and on/offramps. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 248 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-45 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5.6 CULTURAL RESOURCES HISTORICAL SETTING The Gabrielino Diamond Bar and the surrounding area is located within Gabrielino (Gabrieleño, Tongva, or Kizh) territory. The Gabrielino were among the wealthiest, most populous, and most powerful of the aboriginal ethnic nationalities in Southern California. Named after the San Gabriel Mission, the Gabrielino occupied sections of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties, and the islands of San Nicolas, Santa Catalina, and San Clemente. The Gabrielino subsisted on a variety of resources in several ecological zones. Lithic tools such as arrow points and modified flakes were used to hunt and process animals. A variety of ground stone grinding implements, such as the mortar, pestle, mano, and metate, were used to prepare food. The settlement patterns of the Gabrielino, and other nearby groups such as the Juaneño and Luiseño, were similar and they often interacted through marriage, trade, and warfare. The seasonal availability of water and plant and animal resources dictated seasonal migration rounds with more permanent villages and base camps being occupied primarily during winter and spring months. In the summer months, the village populations divided into smaller units that occupied seasonal food procurement areas. The more permanent settlements tended to be near major waterways and food sources and various secular and sacred activities, such as food production and storage and tool manufacturing, were conducted at these areas. European contact with the Gabrielino that inhabited the City and surrounding region began in 1542 when Spanish explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, arrived by sea during his navigation of the California coast. More explorers followed, including Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602, and Gaspar de 7.1.d Packet Pg. 249 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-46 Portola in 1769. In 1771, Mission San Gabriel was established and it slowly integrated Gabrielinos from the surrounding region. By 1833, the California missions had been secularized and most Gabrielinos became laborers for the gentry class. The City of Diamond Bar In 1840, the governor Juan Alvarado deeded 4,340 acres, including parts of Diamond Bar, to Jose de la Luz Linares. Linares established Rancho Los Nogales, or “Ranch of the Walnut Tree,” with this Mexican land grant. After he died, Linares’ widow sold a choice portion of the ranch to Ricardo Vejar. Starting in 1864, the land that encompassed the original Rancho Los Nogales changed ownership several times. One such owner was Louis Phillips, a young livestock owner who subdivided portions of the ranch for sale. Frederick E. Lewis II purchased 7,800 acres of the original ranch in 1918 and soon thereafter formed the Diamond Bar Ranch and registered the “diamond over a bar” branding iron with the California Department of Agriculture. This would later become the symbol for which the City of Diamond Bar was named. In 1943, Lewis sold the Ranch to the Bartholomae family, who continued to maintain it as a successful cattle ranch for the next 13 years. William A. Bartholomae was president of the family oil company and in 1956 sought to make a more lucrative use of the land. At that time the Ranch looked much as it did in 1840, with grassy rolling hills supporting large herds of cattle, as well as abundant walnut tree orchards and scattered oak trees. The Christiana Oil Corporation and the Capital Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Transamerica Corporation, purchased 8,000 acres of Brea Canyon for $10,000,000, which encompassed the Ranch and the Ranch Headquarters Compound. Their plan was to develop a master- planned community that would eventually become home to more than 50,000 people. A master plan was adopted in 1958 and work began immediately on utilities and infrastructure. The plan included a central business district, two shopping districts, and parks including an 18-hole golf course. Education was also considered a very important aspect of the plan. The first model homes were built in 1960 in the north end of the City and the development continues to exist to this day. The City of Diamond Bar incorporated in 1989, becoming Los Angeles County’s 86th city. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 250 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-47 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES Cultural resources include sites, buildings, structures, or objects that may have archaeological, historical, cultural, or scientific significance. Cultural resources include historic resources, archaeological resources, tribal cultural resources, and paleontological resources. All of these cultural resources provide a link to the people and the cultures of the past and can enrich Diamond Bar’s sense of heritage and identity. Historic Resources A historic resource is a building, structure, object, prehistoric or historic archaeological site, or district possessing physical evidence of human activities over 45 years old. Historic resources are often designated and listed on the national, State, or a local register, making them eligible for certain protections or other benefits. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the nation’s official list of historic places. The register is overseen by the National Park Service and requires that a resource eligible for listing on the register meet one of several criteria at the national, State, or local level, and also retain sufficient physical integrity of those features necessary to convey historic significance. The California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) offers four different registration programs, including the California Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and the NRHP. Each registration program is unique in the benefits offered and procedures required. If a resource meets the criteria for registration, it may be nominated by any individual, group, or local government to any program at any time. Resources do not need to be locally designated before being nominated to a State program nor do they need to be registered at the State level before being nominated to the National Register. The California Register includes buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California. Resources listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the CRHR. As of 2019, there are no registered historic resources in the City of Diamond Bar. Two built environment resources have previously been identified in the City, including a small segment of the Union/Southern 7.1.d Packet Pg. 251 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-48 Pacific Railroad and a ground water tank/reservoir. The railroad segment was originally recommended eligible for the NRHP in 1999, but in 2009 was recommended ineligible at the local, State, and national levels due to loss of integrity. The water tank/reservoir has been found to be ineligible for the NRHP but has not been evaluated at the State or local levels. These resources are described in Table 5-4. Archaeological Resources The National Parks Service defines archaeological resources as any material remains of human life or activities that are at least 100 years of age and are capable of providing scientific or humanistic understandings of past human behavior, cultural adaptation, and related topics. As of 2019, seven archaeological resources have been recorded within City limits, including five prehistoric archaeological sites, one prehistoric isolate, and one historic archaeological site. An additional four resources were found within a half-mile radius of the City, including a prehistoric archaeological site, two historic isolates, and one prehistoric isolate. Archaeological resources are described in Table 5-4. Tribal Cultural Resources A tribal cultural resource is a site, feature, place, cultural landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a tribe that is included or determined to be eligible for inclusion in the California Register of Historic Resources, included in a local register of historical resources, or otherwise determined to be significant by the lead agency of an environmental review process. A search of the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File was positive for the Planning Area. Additionally, the long heritage of Native American tribes in the region suggests that the presence of tribal cultural resources is a possibility that future development will need to consider. The identification of tribal cultural resources can be supported by the NAHC’s records but can only be fully determined through consultation with local Native American tribes. Thus, maintaining good communication with local tribes will be critical to ensuring that resources are respectfully preserved. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 252 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5-49 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 Table 5-4: Previously Recorded Cultural Resources Permanent No. (P19-) or Trinomial (CA-LAN-) Description Date Recorded Eligibility for NRHP City of Diamond Bar 19-189748 Built-environment resource consisting of a ground water tank/reservoir 2010 Not eligible 19-186112 Built-environment resource consists of a segment of the Union/Southern Pacific Railroad. 1999 N/A 19-002805 Prehistoric archaeological site consists of milling tools, discoidals, stone balls, choppers, hammerstones, and cores. 2000 N/A CA-LAN-1704 Prehistoric archaeological site consists of surface scatter containing a chopper, mano fragment, metate fragment and a possible hammerstone. 1980 N/A CA-LAN-852 Prehistoric archaeological site consisting of two cores and one flake 1976 N/A CA-LAN-853 Prehistoric archaeological site consisting of chert cores and chert flakes 1976 N/A 19-101010 Prehistoric isolate consisting of a mano 2013 Not eligible CA-LAN-3771 Historic archaeological site/ landscape component consisting of more than 15 eucalyptus trees and a concrete debris concentration associated with the historic Diamond Bar Ranch Headquarters 2008 Not eligible CA-LAN-854 Prehistoric archaeological site consisting of a small lithic scatter 1976 N/A N-CAN-33 Sacred Kizh oak woodland area 2017 Unevaluated Within a Half-Mile of the City CA-LAN-1414 Prehistoric archaeological site consisting of several artifacts (flake, granitic facial mano and granitic pestle fragment) found in the escarpment of an embankment 1988 N/A 19-100794 Historic isolate consisting of five pieces of white earthenware flatware. 2010 Not eligible 19-100795 Historic isolate consisting of seven pieces of white earthenware flatware. 2010 Not eligible 19-101223 Prehistoric isolate which consists of a schist, basin metate fragment 2000 Not eligible Source: SCCIC, 2016; NAHC SLF, 2019. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 253 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-50 Paleontological Resources Paleontological resources are the fossil remains or traces of past life forms, including both vertebrate and invertebrate species, as well as plants. The City of Diamond Bar is underlain by marine-derived sediments that are thousands of feet thick as part of the fossiliferous Puente Formation. Low lying terrain areas (such as Brea Canyon and San Jose Creek) consist of younger Quaternary Alluvium derived from the drainages, which are not known to contain significant vertebrate fossils in the uppermost layers. However, at shallow depths there are older sedimentary deposits that have the possibility of yielding significant vertebrate fossils. Elevated portions of the Puente Hills within the City also have exposures of the marine late Miocene-aged Puente/Monterey Formation with potential for fossil deposits. Paleontological records searches have indicated that one vertebrate fossil locality exists within the boundaries of the City and that several other localities from the same sedimentary deposits occur nearby. While shallow excavations into younger Quaternary Alluvium deposits within the City are not likely to yield paleontological resources, deeper excavations within the City (that extend down into older Quaternary deposits or into the Puente Formation) have the potential to encounter paleontological resources. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 254 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | RESOURCE CONSERVATION 5.0 5-51 GOALS & POLICIES CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES GOALS RC-G-15 Protect and enhance Diamond Bar’s historic, cultural and archaeological resources for the educational, aesthetic, and environmental contribution that they make to Diamond Bar’s identity and quality of life. POLICIES Historical Resources RC-P-41 Support property owners in seeking registration of eligible historic structures and sites in registration programs such as California’s Historical landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, California Register of Historical Resources, and the National Register of Historic Places. Archaeological Resources RC-P-42 Establish a procedure for the management of archaeological materials found on-site during a development, including the following provisions: a. If significant resources are known or suspected to be present on a site, require that a qualified archaeologist conduct monitoring of building demolition and/ or construction grading activities. b. If materials are found on-site during construction activities, require that work be halted until a qualified archaeologist evaluates the find and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. RC-P-43 Seek to preserve discovered archaeological resources in place to maintain the relationship between the artifacts and their archaeological context, where feasible. RC-P-44 Preservation can be achieved through measures such as planning construction to avoid archaeological sites, incorporating 7.1.d Packet Pg. 255 RESOURCE CONSERVATION | Diamond Bar General Plan 20405-52 sites within open space areas, capping the site prior to construction, and permanently protecting the site using a conservation easement. Tribal Cultural Resources RC-P-45 Establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources. Where possible, seek to preserve resources in place, exploring opportunities of permanent protection of the resources where feasible. RC-P-46 Conduct project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process to ensure adequate data recovery and mitigation for adverse impacts to significant Native American sites. Ensure that City staff and local developers are aware of their responsibilities to facilitate Native American consultation under Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. Paleontological Resources RC-P-47 Establish a procedure for the management of paleontological materials found on-site during a development, including the following provisions: a. If materials are found on-site during grading, require that work be halted until a qualified professional evaluates the find to determine if it represents a significant paleontological resource, and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. b. If the resource is determined to be significant, the paleontologist shall supervise removal of the material and determine the most appropriate archival storage of the material. c. Appropriate materials shall be prepared, catalogued, and archived at the applicant’s expense and shall be retained within Los Angeles County if feasible. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 256 The City relies on a comprehensive network of public facilities and services to ensure a high quality of life for the members of its community. These include parks and recreation facilities; community facilities such as schools and libraries; utilities including water, wastewater, and stormwater; and services such as solid waste management. Each type of service or facility has its own unique set of opportunities and constraints and will require different strategies to adapt to future growth and change. PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 257 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-2 6.1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Public Facilities and Services Chapter is to provide a policy framework for the City to manage infrastructure and services, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that public utilities, services, and programs can meet the needs of the community into the future. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW While Public Facilities and Services is not a mandated element, it does include a number of topics that are required to be addressed in the General Plan according to State law. State law (Government Code Section 65302[a]) requires a general plan to address land uses for education, public buildings and grounds, and solid and liquid waste disposal facilities. Water supply and demand is also required to be included in the General Plan (Government Code Section 65302[d]) and is addressed in this chapter. Water quality is discussed in Chapter 5, Resource Conservation. This chapter also establishes a parkland standard to be maintained in accordance with the Quimby Act (Government Code section 66477, part of the California Subdivision Map Act), which enables a city to require dedication of land or fees in lieu of land dedication for neighborhood and community parks as a condition of development approval. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 258 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-3 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS This chapter is closely related to Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, Chapter 3, Community Character and Placemaking, Chapter 7, Public Safety, and Chapter 8, Community Health and Sustainability. The Land Use diagram in Chapter 2 establishes existing and potential locations of different facilities, including public parks and community facilities. The buildout capacity in Chapter 2 can be used to anticipate the level of public services that will be needed by 2040. The Community Character and Placemaking Chapter addresses the park provision as part of the public realm. The hazards to public safety and threats to public health identified in Chapter 7 also inform the provision of public services in this element. Lastly, the availability of parks and public services are also a key consideration for public health in the Community Health and Sustainability Chapter. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 259 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-4 6.2 PARKS AND RECREATION PARKS Parks are a vital part of well-being in Diamond Bar, providing places for residents to relax, exercise, and socialize outdoors while also providing important gathering places in the community. This Chapter provides policies for the maintenance and provision of existing and new parkland, and paints a broad picture of the the city’s park system. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan, adopted by the Diamond Bar City Council in 2011, will help guide implementation of General Plan policies related to parks and recreation. Park Classifications For planning purposes, parks are classified by type based on the size, use, and physical characteristics of the land. • Community Parks. Community Parks are larger parks intended to accommodate a wide variety of active and passive recreation activities for the community. Amenities provided in a community park are focused on meeting the needs of several neighborhoods or large sections of the community, and they allow for group activities and recreational opportunities that may not be feasible in smaller neighborhood parks. Optimally, Community Parks range from 20 to 50 acres in size and serve neighborhoods within three to five miles of the park. Where a Community Park is located in a residential neighborhood, it also serves the immediate neighborhood within three-quarters of a mile 7.1.d Packet Pg. 260 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-5 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 to a mile. Amenities typically include community buildings, playground equipment, picnic areas and picnic shelters, barbeques, lit sports fields and courts, public restrooms, concessions, and on-site parking. Major events may be hosted in Community Parks that attract residents from throughout the city. • Neighborhood Parks. Neighborhood Parks are the basic unit of the park system and are typically found in residential neighborhoods. They typically range from 5 to 20 acres in size and are intended to serve surrounding neighborhoods within a 0.75- mile to one-mile radius. Ease of access and walkability to neighborhoods served are critical factors in siting and designing Neighborhood Parks. Amenities typically include playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, barbeques, sports fields and courts, public restrooms, and on-site parking. • Mini Neighborhood Parks. Mini Neighborhood Parks are Neighborhood Parks that range from a quarter acre to five acres in size. Mini Neighborhood Parks may serve neighborhoods within the same range as Neighborhood Parks but are best used to meet limited or specialized recreation needs. Mini Neighborhood Parks can provide landscaped public use areas, scenic overlooks, trail linkages, and facilities to serve a concentrated or limited population group such as youth or seniors. • Specialty Parks. Specialty Parks provide for a single use or activity and can include dog parks, trailheads, skate parks, and sports complexes. They may be standalone facilities, or be located within or adjacent to other parks. Park Inventory Figure 6-1 provides an inventory of park acreage by classification of the existing parks and recreation facilities within the city, including both public and private facilities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 261 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-6 Table 6-1 Parkland Inventory (2019) Park Name Acreage Community Parks 109.0 Carlton Peterson Park 16.5 Pantera Park1 23.8 Summitridge Park 18.7 Sycamore Canyon Park 2 50.1 Neighborhood Parks 30.9 Diamond Canyon Park 4.3 Heritage Park 3.3 Larkstone Park 6.8 Maple Hill Park 5.5 Paul C. Grow Park 4.5 Ronald Reagan Park 6.5 Sunset Crossing Park (future)3 2.8 Mini Neighborhood Parks 12.0 Longview Park North 1.0 Longview Park South 0.8 Silver Tip Park 2.9 Stardust Park 1.0 Starshine Park 1.7 Summitridge Mini Park 1.3 Washington Park 0.5 Total City Parks 151.9 Other Parks 134.9 Country Park4 134.9 Total Park Land 286.9 Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2019. Note: 1. Includes Pantera Wildlife Meadow/Dog Park, originally developed as a Specialty Park. 2. Includes Sycamore Canyon Trail Head Park, originally developed as a Specialty Park. 3. This will include sports fields and is contiguous with the PONY League Fields. While the park is smaller than five acres, it is developed as a Neighborhood Park for this area. 4. This is a private park located in the Country Estates neighborhood. While the neighborhood is a gated community, the park essentially serves as a Community Park for this development. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 262 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-7 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 Parkland Standard This Chapter establishes a parkland/ recreational space standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, consistent with the Quimby Act. The Quimby Act allows the City to establish this standard as a means of requiring subdivision developers to provide a dedication of land or in lieu fees to ensure that the existing ratio of parkland acres per resident is maintained even as the number of residents increases with new development. As shown in Table 6-1, there are 151.9 acres of public Community and Neighborhood parkland in Diamond Bar in 2019, resulting in a ratio of 2.6 acres of public parkland per 1,000 residents. While the Country Park functions similarly to a Community Park within the Country Estates neighborhood, the 134.9 acres of parkland from Country Park cannot count towards the parkland ratio as it is a private amenity. The parkland standard is established to maintain the ratio of parkland to residents as the city continues to grow. Parkland Distribution As of 2019, parkland is distributed fairly evenly among residential neighborhoods in the city. However, not every residence is within walking distance of a park, and many residents face barriers, such as highways, steep terrain, or fences between their homes and the nearest park. Figure 6-1 shows five- and 10-minute walksheds, as well as 0.75-mile neighborhood service radii, for the city’s Community, Neighborhood, and Mini Neighborhood parks. As shown, there are still residential areas outside of the service radii of existing parks, and even more residential areas outside of a 10-minute walking distance. As the city continues to develop, there will be opportunities to expand the park system and improve park access for all members of the community. Other Public Recreation Facilities In addition to parks, Diamond Bar residents have access to recreational open space areas and the County of Los Angeles-operated Diamond Bar Golf Course. Open space areas including Sandstone Canyon and the areas surrounding Summitridge and Pantera parks are accessible via the city’s continually expanding trail network. These areas constitute hundreds of acres of City-owned open space that will be preserved in perpetuity. The Diamond Bar Golf Course which is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles occupies 172 acres near the western border of the city. The public golf course draws users from around the community and beyond, and offers 18 holes and clubhouse facilities. As discussed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, the golf course is covered by the Community Core Overlay designation. Should the Golf Course cease to operate, that designation would require a master plan for the entire golf course property to ensure the orderly and cohesive implementation of its reuse. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 263 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-8 !(C !(C !(C !(T ! Planned Neighborhood Park ! ! Planned Park ! ! Diamond Bar Pony Baseball ! ArmstrongE.S. Castle RockE.S. ChaparralM.S. DiamondBar H.S. DiamondPointE.S. DiamondRanch HighSchool EvergreenE.S. GoldenSpringsE.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. Maple HillE.S. PanteraE.S. Quail SummitE.S. South PointeM.S. WalnutE.S. Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! Maple Hill YMCA !! ! ! ! Diamond Point Club ! Deane Homes Swim Club ! Diamond Bar Golf Course ! Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond Bar Center Heritage ParkCommunity Center BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID G ELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD EN S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E R S STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 City Parks Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Neighborhood Park Planned Park Other Recreational Facilities Sports/ Recreation Facilities Golf Course Open Space/ Greenways Private Park Existing Trail Proposed Trail Class 1 Bikeways Other Community Facilities !(C Community Centers Schools/ Educational Facilities Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Parks Walkshed 5 Minute Walking Distance 10 Minute Walking Distance Parks Service Area Three-Quarter Mile Buffer *Walksheds are calculated only for mini, neighborhood, and community parks. Figure 6-1: Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 6-1 Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities 7.1.d Packet Pg. 264 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-9 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 TRAILS Diamond Bar has a trail system spanning 4.54 miles, summarized in Table 6-2 and shown in Figure 6-2. Trails offer hikers and cyclists views of natural landscapes and the surrounding city. As of 2019, the Summitridge Trail System is the most comprehensive trail network in Diamond Bar and features an extensive system of interconnected trails. The Pantera, Peterson, and Sycamore Canyon Trails span undeveloped, natural areas of city parks. Despite the wealth of existing trails in the city, opportunities still exist for Diamond Bar to expand and improve its trail system and continue to link existing and future parks and pedestrian and bicycle facilities through trails. The City’s 2011 Parks and Recreation Master Plan identified a number of measures to improve trail facilities, including the installation of mile markers and benches and programming educational activities. Additional trail segments planned within the City as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan include the Crooked Creek Trail and Sandstone Canyon Trails, while trails planned within the SOI include the Tonner Canyon Trail and the Schabarum Trail. These proposed trails are shown in Figure 6-2. Complementing this network of trails with connecting walking and biking paths along city streets will provide Diamond Bar residents with a more complete, accessible trail network. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS Recreational facilities in Diamond Bar include a variety of privately- owned facilities such as the Pony Baseball Fields, swim clubs and YMCA facilities. In addition, Diamond Bar utilizes joint-use agreements with the local school districts, making school facilities available for community use under certain circumstances. The City 7.1.d Packet Pg. 265 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-10 Table 6-2 Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) Existing Trails Miles Pantera Park Trail 0.60 Peterson Park Trail 0.29 Summitridge Trail 0.98 Summitridge Trail (Alternate Route)0.61 Summitridge Trail (Canyon Route)0.52 Summitridge Trail (Ridge Route)0.62 Sycamore Canyon Park Trail 0.92 Subtotal: Existing Trails 4.54 Proposed Trails Miles Crooked Creek Trail Head 0.31 Larkstone Park Trail 0.44 Sandstone Canyon Trail Lower 0.79 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper 1.80 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper (Alt)0.46 Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension)9.42 Tonner Canyon Trail 3.84 Subtotal: Proposed Trails 17.06 Total Existing Plus Proposed Trails 21.60 Source: City of Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 2011, Dyett and Bhatia, 2019. currently has joint use agreements with the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) and the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) to use gyms for adult basketball and volleyball programs, and with Pomona Unified School District to use the football field at Lorbeer Middle School. Diamond Bar residents have expressed a desire for additional recreational facilities, and Joint Use Agreements represent an effective and cost- efficient way for the City expand its options going forward. Additional joint-use opportunities may arise from Cal Poly Pomona’s eventual redevelopment plan of the former Lanterman site. City of Diamond Bar recreational programs include festivals; summer youth day camps; youth sports leagues and enrichment classes; adult sports, fitness, and enrichment classes; senior activities and excursions; and toddler programming. The Diamond Bar community has expressed a desire for additional recreational and given the Diamond Bar community’s diversity and changing demographics, it will be important for the City to actively engage its residents on recreational facilities and programming to provide facilities and programs that suit the needs and priorities of all residents. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 266 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6-11 Table 6-2 Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) Existing TrailsMiles Pantera Park Trail0.60 Peterson Park Trail0.29 Summitridge Trail0.98 Summitridge Trail (Alternate Route)0.61 Summitridge Trail (Canyon Route)0.52 Summitridge Trail (Ridge Route)0.62 Sycamore Canyon Park Trail0.92 Subtotal: Existing Trails4.54 Proposed TrailsMiles Crooked Creek Trail Head0.31 Larkstone Park Trail0.44 Sandstone Canyon Trail Lower0.79 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper1.80 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper (Alt)0.46 Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension)9.42 Tonner Canyon Trail3.84 Subtotal: Proposed Trails17.06 Total Existing Plus Proposed Trails21.60 !(C !(C !(C !(T ! Planned Public Park ! ! Planned Park ! !SandstoneCanyonT r ailUpper(Al t)S yc a m ore CanyonPar k TrailSummitridgeTrailPony League Field Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! Maple Hill YMCA !! ! ! ! ! Diamond Point Club ! Deane Homes Swim Club ! Diamond Bar Golf Course ! Pantera ParkActivity Room Diamond BarCenter Heritage ParkCommunity Center BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A L LENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E R SSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSandstone Canyon Trail Upper SummitridgeTrail Peterson Park Trail Crooked CreekTrail Hea d Summitrid g e Trail(Cany o n Rte)Summitri dg e Trail(AltRte)PanteraParkTrailSummitridgeTrail(RidgeRte)SandstoneCanyonTrailLowerTonnerCanyonTrailSchabarumTrail(SkylineExt)SchabarumTrail(SkylineExt)Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Trails Existing 2011 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Proposed Trails Other Community Facilities !(C Community Centers City Parks Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Neighborhood Park Planned Park Other Recreational Facilities Sports/ Recreation Facilities Golf Course Open Space/ Greenways Vacant Natural Areas Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 6-2: Existing and Proposed Trail Network C i t y o f D i a m o n d B a r GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 6-2 Existing and Proposed Trail Network 7.1.d Packet Pg. 267 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-12 PARKS AND RECREATION GOALS PF-G-1 Maintain and expand the system of parks, recreation facilities, open spaces, and trails that meet the active and passive recreational needs of residents of all ages and abilities. PF-G-2 Provide new parks in concert with new residential development, and strive to distribute parkland throughout the City. PF-G-3 Ensure that new development bears the costs of new parks and recreation facilities that are needed to meet any increase in demand resulting from the new development, or from which the new development would benefit. POLICIES General PF-P-1 Periodically update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to assess existing park and recreational facilities, assets, and deficiencies, and to plan for new facility locations, programs, and funding. PF-P-2 Continue to seek public input on parks and recreation needs and preferences through surveys, presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission, neighborhood meetings and workshops, and other community outreach methods as necessary, such as when siting/ designing new parks, when updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, when renovating existing parks, etc. PF-P-3 Identify and pursue funding and financial resources to acquire land for parks and to continue providing high quality maintenance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 268 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-13 GOALS & POLICIES PF-P-4 Encourage the co-location of new parks and recreational facilities with schools, community centers, libraries, and other public facilities to create neighborhood focal points that contribute to neighborhood identity. PF-P-5 Continue cooperative efforts with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts through joint use agreements for park and recreational facilities. PF-P-6 Monitor and seek to actively engage in Cal Poly Pomona’s plans for the redevelopment of the former Lanterman site, and seek joint use opportunities for parks and recreation facilities developed on the site. Parks & Recreation Facilities PF-P-7 Endeavor to distribute new parks equitably throughout Diamond Bar, striving to ensure that residents are within a ¾-mile radius of a neighborhood park or community park. PF-P-8 Develop and maintain a parkland dedication requirement/in-lieu fee consistent with the General Plan standard of five acres per 1,000 residents in Diamond Bar. PF-P-9 Prioritize public parkland dedication as a condition of new residential development, allowing the use of in lieu fees only where parkland dedication is not feasible, to ensure a public park system available to the entire community. PF-P-10 Should Los Angeles County choose to cease operations of the Diamond Bar Golf Course or reduce the area of the Golf Course, prepare a master plan for development that includes opportunities for public parks comprising a range of passive and active recreational uses to suit the needs of Diamond Bar residents. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 269 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-14 PF-P-11 Where appropriate, promote the joint development, use, and maintenance of parks and open space facilities with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. PF-P-12 Routinely review existing funding mechanisms and seek new funding opportunities to support additional parks and recreation facilities and programs, such as State and federal grants, Park Bonds and property tax assessments, Community Facility Districts, and Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts. PF-P-13 When planning and designing public facilities and parks, take into consideration accessibility, flexible use, adaptability, energy and water efficiency, ease of maintenance, and sustainable design elements that take advantage of the natural processes of healthy ecosystems, while preserving historic and cultural resources and sensitive habitats. PF-P-14 Preserve existing and future City-owned recreational open space as recreational open space in perpetuity. City-owned recreational open space includes undeveloped areas of City parks that are available for passive recreational use, and portions of designated open space land that have been dedicated to the City for use as trails. See Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development and Chapter 5, Resource Conservation for additional policies regarding the preservation of open space. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 270 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-15 GOALS & POLICIES PF-P-15 Prioritize the develop of additional recreational facilities such as athletic fields, hard courts, and other recreational facilities that respond to citizen needs and preferences. PF-P-16 Continue to provide programming and services for seniors, including active programs, classes, and activities and outings, adjusting programming based on needs and preferences, particularly as Diamond Bar’s residents age. PF-P-17 Address the recreational needs of all children and adults, including persons with disabilities, seniors, and dependent adults, be addressed in recreational facility planning efforts. Trails PF-P-18 Where feasible, link parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails with a trail network. Incorporate existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, working with willing landowners to prioritize land acquisition where necessary. Where possible, incorporate landscaping and enhance natural features. PF-P-19 Consider updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to include standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open spaces, and rightsof- way. Encourage the installation of amenities such as rest areas, benches, water facilities, hitching posts and wayfinding signs serving trails and scenic routes that adhere to a standard signage palette. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 271 GUIDING POLICIES | 2020-2040 Diamond Bar General Plan Update6-16 PF-P-20 Strive to maintain the Parks and Recreation Master Plan goal of at least one mile of recreational trails for each 10,000 persons. PF-P-21 Seek grants and alternative funding mechanisms for trail development and maintenance. PF-P-22 Consider opportunities to partner with non- profit organizations to assist in developing and managing the trails system and providing community outreach and education. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 272 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-17 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6.3 SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES SCHOOLS Diamond Bar has been fortunate to be associated with high-performing schools that have bolstered its reputation as a family-friendly community. Schools are thus an important part of the city’s cultural landscape and a key factor in attracting new families and residents to the city. Diamond Bar is served by two school districts, Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) and Pomona Unified School District (PUSD). Grand Avenue is a rough delineation between the two districts, with areas north served by PUSD and areas south served by WVUSD. The boundaries of the school districts are shown in Figure 6-3. Maintaining strong partnerships with the two school districts, particularly in terms of planning for any new facilities, and supporting the schools in their continued provision of excellent education will be an important consideration as the city grows. Walnut Valley Unified School District WVUSD serves approximately 13,900 enrolled K-12 students within portions of the cities of Diamond Bar, Industry, West Covina, and Walnut, as well as portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. It is one of the top performing school districts in the state, with Diamond Bar High ranking particularly high. WVUSD schools within the Diamond Bar city limits serve 8,008 students in five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Pomona Unified School District PUSD serves approximately 23,200 enrolled K-12 students within portions of the cities of Diamond Bar, Industry, Pomona, and Chino Hills, as well as portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. PUSD schools within the Diamond Bar city limits serve approximately 3,500 students in four elementary schools, one middle schools, and one high school. Interdistrict Transfers Both WVUSD and PUSD have experienced trends of declining enrollment over the last decade due in part to families in the districts relocating. WVUSD in particular has tended to enroll a large number of students that reside outside of the school district boundaries thanks to the District of Choice (DOC) program, which allows any student to attend their schools regardless of the student’s home address and without seeking permission of their home districts. Incoming students that attend WVUSD but reside in another school district are referred to as interdistrict transfers (IDTs). Typically, IDTs are approved based on an agreement with the school district of origin, parental employment within the school district, or the DOC program. The 7.1.d Packet Pg. 273 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-18 share of IDTs has been increasing in recent years. Given the high percentage of IDT enrollment, the continuation of the DOC program is a key factor in the long-term planning of WVUSD schools. COMMUNITY FACILITIES Community facilities are public and private institutions that support the civic and social needs of the population. They offer a variety of recreational, artistic, and educational programs for all ages, and often serve as venues for special public and private events. As of 2019, community facilities in Diamond Bar include The Diamond Bar Center, City Hall, two community centers, and a County library, as shown in Figure 6-3. • Diamond Bar City Hall is located at 21810 Copley Drive, in a building the City purchased in 2011 after leasing space across the street in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) complex for 11 years. • Diamond Bar Library, a branch of the Los Angeles County Library, is housed on the first floor of the Diamond Bar City Hall building. This co-location has allowed the facility to function as a true community center, with many programs and activities. • The Diamond Bar Center, located in Summitridge Park, is a 22,500-square-foot facility containing banquet and meeting rooms, accommodating parties of up to 438 people and up to 1,000 people for meetings. A pad for a freestanding building is located on the grounds of the Diamond Bar Center, which was once contemplated as a potential library site. • The Heritage Park Community Center is located at 2900 S Brea Canyon Road. It accommodates up to 110 for dining and up to 200 for theatre events, and hosts classes and workshops. • The Pantera Park Activity Room accommodates groups up to 50 and hosts classes and workshops. As the population of Diamond Bar grows, the need for new and updated community facilities will increase. Community members have already highlighted the desire for additional facilities to serve the specific needs of certain populations, particularly youths and seniors. While the city’s schools are strong, the community lacks a dedicated youth/teen center to host activities after school hours. Additionally, there are no exclusive senior centers in Diamond Bar, in spite of the city’s growing senior population, and representatives from senior groups have expressed an interest in having a space that can be accessed at all times, with activities and meal service. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 274 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6-19 !(T ")L !(C !(C !(C Armstrong E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Chaparral M.S. Diamond Bar H.S. Diamond Point E.S. Diamond Ranch High School Evergreen E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Maple Hill E.S. Pantera E.S. Quail Summit E.S. South Pointe M.S. Walnut E.S. Little LeagueField Carlton J. Peterson Park PanteraPark SycamoreCanyon Park SummitridgePark Country Park Star ShinePark RonaldReaganPark HeritagePark Silver TipPark Paul CGrow Park Maple HillPark WillowHeightsPark LongviewParkSouth StardustPark LongviewParkNorth FirestoneScoutReservation ! ! ! ! ! ! Diamond Bar City Hall ! !US Post Office ! ! Diamond Bar Library Fire Station 121 Fire Station 120 Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond Bar Center Heritage Park Community Center Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU MMITRIDGEDR DIAMONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEK RD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D EN S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR BRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 ")L Library !(C Community Centers Schools/Educational Facilities Public Facilities Parks, Recreation & Open Space School Districts Pomona Unified Walnut Valley Unified Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 6-3: Schools and Other Public Facilities City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 6-3: Schools and Other Public Facilities 7.1.d Packet Pg. 275 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-20 SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES GOALS PF-G-4 Continue to provide residents of all ages and abilities with access to high quality local educational facilities and learning opportunities in cooperation with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts (WVUSD and PUSD, respectively), the Los Angeles County library system, and community organizations. PF-G-5 Continue to provide and expand opportunities for all residents to gather, interact, exchange ideas, and establish and realize common goals. POLICIES Schools PF-P-23 Coordinate land use planning with the planning of school facilities. Work with the WVUSD and PUSD to monitor demographics and housing and enrollment trends, and work with the school districts from the early stages of area-wide planning and school site selection processes, reserving school sites to accommodate school district needs as necessary. PF-P-24 Continue to support the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified school districts’ adult education programs. Community Facilities PF-P-25 Support and cooperate with Los Angeles County’s efforts to ensure the adequate provision of library services. PF-P-26 Periodically seek citizen input on learning needs and arts and cultural interests through surveys, workshops, and other community outreach methods, and strive to respond to these needs and interests with corresponding programming and services. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 276 2020-2040 Diamond Bar General Plan Update | GUIDING POLICIES 6.0 6-21 GUIDING POLICIES PF-P-27 As resources become available, explore and pursue the feasibility of developing dedicated community centers and programming in Diamond Bar for teens, youth, and seniors. PF-P-28 Continue sponsoring and promoting events and cultural activities that bring the community together in different locations throughout the city. PF-P-29 Encourage the development of privately- owned public spaces and plazas in private commercial and office complexes. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 277 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-22 6.4 UTILITIES WATER A fundamental yet long-term constraint on development is availability and quality of water. The City of Diamond Bar relies on Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) to provide reliable water supplies throughout the city. Nearly all water supplies are imported due to a limited availability of local groundwater. Imported water supplies are expected to remain attainable for at least three years, and projected supplies are expected to meet projected demands under single dry-year and multiple dry-year conditions as described in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, which projects demand over a 20-year period through 2035. Drought conditions will continue to strain water supply available to WVWD and the city as they do throughout southern California. Thus a “drought-proof” recycled water system is maintained for use by parks and school properties to relieve demand on WVWD’s potable water system. WVWD is proactive in addressing water supply constraints and continues to invest in groundwater facilities. Looking ahead, the City of Diamond Bar can supplement WVWD’s efforts by acting as a collaborative partner in the WVWD’s assessment of water supply and projected demand, and by encouraging smart water use amongst Diamond Bar residents. Water Supply WVWD imports all potable water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). WVWD currently has projects underway that will produce groundwater from the San Gabriel Basin, Central Basin, and Six Basins to supplement potable water supplies. A description of available water supplies is provided below. Imported Water MWD obtains surface water from the Colorado River and from Northern California via the Colorado River Aqueduct and the California Aqueduct respectively. WVWD purchases water through MWD’s designated wholesale agency, the Three Valleys Municipal Water District (TVMWD). WVWD assumes that imported water supply volumes will increase through 2035 at the same rate as SCAG’s reported population growth of 0.7 percent, with incremental reductions based on projected groundwater production and supply. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 278 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-23 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 Groundwater WVWD currently operates six groundwater production facilities that supply the recycled water system. This groundwater is not potable as it contains high levels of total dissolved solids and nitrates. The following three recent projects allow the WVWD to produce potable groundwater, thereby reducing the need for imported water in the future: • The La Habra Heights County Water District Pipeline Project, completed in 2014, delivers up to 1,000 acre-feet of potable water per year from the Central Basin to WVWD. This project includes an inter-connection to the La Habra Heights County Water District system. • The California Domestic Water Company Project, completed in 2016, consists of a new pipeline and pump station project that will connect to the California Domestic Water Company system. Annual deliveries to WVWD consist of 2,500 acre-feet of potable water. Water stored in the Main San Gabriel Basin will supplies potable water for this project. • Production from Six Basins will supply WVWD with approximately 928 acre-feet of potable water per year upon completion of the Pomona Basin Regional Groundwater Project. This project includes reactivating an existing well and constructing one new well, and is which is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2019. Recycled Water WVWD owns, operates, and maintains a recycled water system that provides irrigation water to customers throughout its service area, including the City of Diamond Bar. The County Sanitation District’s Pomona Water Reclamation Plant supplies recycled water to WVWD for irrigating large landscape areas such as parks, golf courses, greenbelts, and school grounds. Future uses will generally fit these categories, with potential demands for toilet flushing in high-rise buildings and industrial use. Local groundwater supplies may also help WVWD expand the current recycled water system. This system is completely separate from the potable system and helps reduce potable water demand. As of 2019, however, recycled water supplies are maxed out during peak summer months. Therefore, large-scale expansion of the system is not feasible until additional recycled water supplies become available. Moving forward, the City of Diamond Bar can act as an important partner in the encouragement of sourcing additional recycled water supplies and usage. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 279 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-24 Future Water Projects The Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project will allow TVMWD to supply WVWD with water from a renewable aquifer in the eastern Mojave Desert. Approximately five percent of the aquifer’s water will be pumped over the 50-year life of the project. This will prevent loss of water to evaporation, provide a new water supply, and create a groundwater bank for Southern California water providers. Water System Infrastructure WVWD’s service area encompasses approximately 29 square miles of the San Gabriel Valley. The service area includes the City of Diamond Bar, portions of the cities of Walnut, West Covina, Pomona, and a section of unincorporated Rowland Heights. WVWD’s service area is primarily residential, with most commercial and industrial uses located in the City of Industry. Potable Water In 2019, the WVWD potable water distribution and storage system consists of the following facilities: • 23 water reservoirs; • 9 pump stations; • 29 pressure regulating stations; • 238.6 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline; and • 4 connections for importing water. Eight pressure zones are required to provide adequate water pressure to all consumers. Improvements and upgrades are in progress, including the development of a disinfectant residual control system to enhance and maintain water quality. An emergency power program is in process that will ensure availability of potable water after emergencies or power outages. Recycled Water In 2019, WVWD’s recycled water distribution and storage system consists of the following facilities: • 2 water reservoirs; • 2 pump stations; • 6 wells; and • 8.37 miles of distribution pipeline. Communities within WVWD’s service area are supportive of efforts to expand the recycled water system. WVWD has funded installation of recycled water distribution mains and meters. Installation of new meters is required for all development projects that have a potential for recycled water use. Due to topographical constraints, as of 2019 recycled water is only available on the western side of Diamond Bar. The potential delivery of recycled water to the eastern side of the city, pending the availability of supply, represents an opportunity to expand recycled water usage in the future. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 280 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-25 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 Water Use Diamond Bar’s potable water use since 1993 has ranged from 7,077 to 13,188 acre-feet per year. Water use has generally declined during this time despite a continual increase in the total number of accounts, as shown in Table 6-3. However, usage is expected to increase through the 2035 WVWD system buildout, as shown in Table 6-3. A breakdown of all water uses from the 2015 UWMP show single and multi-family residences use a majority of potable water (80 percent in 2015), followed by commercial properties (5.7 percent in 2015). Table 6-3 Water Usage Year Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) 1993 11,772 12,681 1995 11,833 10,975 2000 11,971 13,188 2005 12,422 12,521 2010 12,426 9,260 2015 12,432 7,077 2020 (Projected)Not Available 8,281 2035 (Projected)Not Available 9,179 Source: Walnut Valley Water District 7.1.d Packet Pg. 281 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-26 Table 6-4 2015 Projected Water Supply vs. Water Usage, Walnut Valley Water District Year Projected Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) Projected Water Suply (Acre-Feet per Year) 2020 19,357 20,074 2025 20,035 20,777 2030 20,736 21,505 2035 21,462 22,258 Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015, Urban Water Management Plan, June 2016. Water Supply Vs. Demand A comparison of projected water supplies and usage at regular intervals is only available for WVWD’s total service area and is shown on Table 6-4. According to WVWD staff, existing and planned facilities are capable of maintaining a sufficient level of service for projected population growth in the city. Water Conservation Water conservation measures are implemented and enforced through several WVWD-run measures. WVWD’s Ordinance No. 06-09-07 establishes progressive water reductions during drought conditions. The Water District also implements Demand Management Measures to enforce responsible water use. Wasteful consumption, including excessive runoff and washing hard or paved surfaces, is prohibited. Notified water users have five days to remedy any wasteful practices. Failure to comply may result in a disconnection of service. Other incentives to conserve water include rebate programs for rain barrels and high-efficiency washing machines. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 282 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-27 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 WASTEWATER Los Angeles County provides wastewater collection and treatment services under contract to the City of Diamond Bar. The Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) provides operation and maintenance services on the local collection system, while Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) provides operation and maintenance services on the trunk sewers and wastewater treatment services. The city and surrounding areas fall under the LA County Sanitation District No. 21. While the system is generally in good order, as described below, there has not been an area-wide sewer study completed in the last 10 years that identifies all deficiencies within the City’s sewage infrastructure system. Sanitary Sewer System Infrastructure The local collection system contains 11 pump stations and 162 miles of sewer mains within the city. According to City Staff, the local collection system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies. Los Angeles County Public Works The local collection system is shown on Figure 6-4. The local system of sewer lines and pump stations feed two trunk sewer lines that convey wastewater to a LACSD treatment facility. LACPWD has been completing systematic annual audits of the collection system, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of sewer lines, and manhole and pump station inspections. Any structural or maintenance deficiencies in the sewer system identified during the audit are reported with a recommended repair. In 2015, no sewer capacity issues were identified. However, the City regularly pumps wastewater at the intersection of Clear Creek Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard to overcome system deficiencies, which may warrant further investigation in the future. The City and LACPWD have been effective at keeping the number and total volume of sanitary system overflows (SSOs) within the city below the Statewide median, with only three SSOs reported in each of the last three years. In addition, the City rarely receives complaints from citizens regarding wastewater and SSO. The SSOs are typically related to debris, root intrusion, and/or fats/ oil/grease causing the overflow issues. In addition, there are occasional SSOs related to pump station failures. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 283 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-28 Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN ER D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E R SSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN DV LY RD DEL SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDiamond Bar Sewer Main Lines Los Angeles County Sanitation District Trunk Lines Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: TKE Engineering, 2016; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Ri versideMetrolinkLineFigure 6-4: Existing Sanitary Sewer System City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 6-4: Existing Sanitary Sewer System 7.1.d Packet Pg. 284 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6-29 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A L LENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN ER D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAINL N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD A M BU SH E R S STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A CR EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHL AN D V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDSANJO SEC R EEK BREACANYONCH A N NELStorm Mains Open Channel Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILESSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019RiversideMetrolinkLin eFigure 6-5: Existing Storm Drain System C i t y o f D i a m o n d B a r GENERAL PLAN UP DATEFigure 6-5: Existing Storm Drain System 7.1.d Packet Pg. 285 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES |Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-30 Los Angeles County Sanitation District LACSD maintains two trunk sewer lines that originate south of SR-60 and west of SR-57. These lines convey wastewater to a County treatment facility outside city limits, also maintained by the LACSD. As new development occurs, the LACSD requires the new developments to annex into its service area for operation, maintenance, and treatment services. Service fees fund required upgrades to trunk sewer lines or treatment plant capacity. STORMWATER The Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) owns and maintains all major flood control channels in Diamond Bar. In addition, a majority of the storm drain system within the city was formally transferred through resolution to LACFCD, which maintains complete ownership and maintenance of the system. However, some portions of the existing system were never transferred to LACFCD. This has resulted in ownership disputes with LACPWD, who provides maintenance only for said portions and makes no claims toward ownership. Stormwater quality is the responsibility of the City. While the system is generally in good order, a master drainage plan, identifying all deficiencies within the City’s drainage infrastructure system, has not been completed. Storm Drainage System Infrastructure The city’s storm drain system can be seen on Figure 6-5. The local storm drain system generally consists of a series of catch basins and reinforced concrete pipes/boxes that convey stormwater runoff to other major flood control channels. The local storm drain system conveys water to one of three major flood control channels, the San Jose Creek, Diamond Bar Creek, and the Brea Canyon Channel. These major flood control channels are owned and maintained by the LACFCD. According to City staff, the local storm drain system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 286 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-31 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 SOLID WASTE Diamond Bar is contracted with Waste Management, Inc. and Valley Vista Services for solid waste, compost and recycling collection, bulky item pick-up, and leaf and limb pick-up as of 2019. Hazardous waste is typically managed through Los Angeles County facilities, where Diamond Bar residents can dispose of hazardous waste items such as batteries, herbicides, pesticides, pool cleaners, batteries, and electronics. Trash can be diverted away from landfills through strategies such as recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction. Waste reduction and diversion can in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions, methane production, and the burden on landfills to accommodate waste. In recognition of this, recent State law has become more important. Assembly Bill 1826, singed in 2014, requires businesses and multifamily complexes of five or more units are to recycle their organic waste, depending on the amount of waste they generate per week. Organic waste includes food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, nonhazardous wood waste, and non-food-soiled paper. In order to meet or exceed these state mandates, Diamond Bar partners with Los Angeles County and participates in the countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan. OTHER UTILITIES Utilities such as electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications, including broadband internet service, are considered common elements of contemporary life. It is necessary to ensure these services are available and adequate to meet the demands of all Diamond Bar residents and businesses. Rising demand associated with population and employment growth will necessitate additional facilities. It is important that these new facilities and services be provided in a manner that minimizes impacts on the built and natural environments and on the health and safety of Diamond Bar residents and businesses. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 287 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-32 UTILITIES See Chapter 5: Resource Conservation for policies regarding water conservation. GOALS PF-G-6 Ensure that public facilities and services, including water, wastewater, sewage, electricity, natural gas, and solid waste, are provided in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-G-7 Maintain adequate systems for potable water supply and distribution to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-G-8 Work with providers to deliver the best telecommunications service possible, including broadband internet, to Diamond Bar residents, businesses, and visitors. POLICIES Facilities PF-P-30 Require, when appropriate, the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and other necessary public facilities, and encourage storm water capture prior to or concurrent with new development. PF-P-31 Require, when appropriate, project sponsors to provide all necessary infrastructure improvements, including the pro rata share of system-wide improvements. PF-P-32 Maintain a development fee structure that ensures, when appropriate, that costs for new capital facilities and expansion of existing facilities necessitated by the approval of new development or intensification of existing development are funded by the proponents or beneficiaries of projects, in proportion to the demand created by the development. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 288 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES 6.0 6-33 GOALS & POLICIES PF-P-33 Ensure adequate funding and planning for needed public services and facilities in coordination with the Capital Improvement Program. PF-P-34 Continue to communicate major development plans with utility companies and coordinate planning of extension of necessary facilities. Water and Wastewater PF-P-35 Support the Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) in efforts to assess the condition of water distribution and storage systems within Diamond Bar and plan for refurbishments as needed. PF-P-36 Support and take part in the WVWD’s efforts to develop future plans to expand the use of recycled water within Diamond Bar as additional recycled water supplies become available. PF-P-37 As opportunities arise, work with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems and treatment facility capacity is available to serve planned development within Diamond Bar. PF-P-38 Continue to monitor and assess wastewater and sewer system operations to identify and subsequently address system deficiencies. PF-P-39 Pursue the transfer of ownership of all portions of the storm drain system within Diamond Bar to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD). 7.1.d Packet Pg. 289 PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES | Diamond Bar General Plan 20406-34 PF-P-40 As resources become available, seek cooperation with the LACFCD to complete a drainage master plan for Diamond Bar with a view to identifying any deficiencies within the city’s drainage infrastructure system, and update it periodically, as needed. Communications PF-P-41 When resources are available, consider developing a plan for the improvement and expansion of the communications infrastructure network to address existing infrastructure needs and development opportunities, and provide cost effective and efficient solutions, including exploring the possibility of using City property and rights-of-way for communication infrastructure sites. PF-P-42 Encourage the deployment of broadband to as many areas in the community and key transportation corridors as possible and pursue additional providers to increase competition and improve quality of service. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 290 Protection from hazards is an essential service of public agencies and a critical priority for the City of Diamond Bar, particularly given the unique environmental, seismic, and topographic conditions of the city. PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 291 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-2 7.1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Public Safety Chapter is to identify the natural and man-made public health and safety hazards that exist within the city, and to establish preventative and responsive policies and programs to mitigate their potential impacts. The Public Safety Chapter also addresses noise and serves to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. The Public Safety Chapter addresses and satisfies the requirements of both the required Safety and Noise Elements of a General Plan. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW Government Code Section 65302(g) requires each California city to include within its General Plan a Safety Element that addresses the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismic and other geologically-induced hazards, flooding, and fires. The Safety Element is required to include mapping of known seismic and geological hazards, and it must identify flood hazards and urban and wildland fire hazards. Where applicable, it must also address evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, minimum road widths, and clearances around structures. The Safety Element is also required to address the protection of the community from unreasonable risks through fire protection, law enforcement, emergency preparedness, and the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Government Code Section 65302(f) requires each California city and county to include within its general plan a Noise Element that analyzes and quantifies noise levels and the extent of noise exposure in their jurisdictions from the following sources: 7.1.d Packet Pg. 292 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-3 PUBLIC SAFETY • Highways and freeways; • Primary arterial and major local streets; • Passenger and freight online railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems; • Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation; • Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards; and • Other ground stationary noise sources identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment. The Noise Element is required to map noise level contours such that it may be used as a basis for land use decisions. It must include implementation measures and possible solutions to existing and foreseeable noise problems. Furthermore, the policies and standards of the Noise Element must be sufficient to serve as a guideline for compliance with sound transmission control requirements. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS The Public Safety Chapter is correlated with Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, Chapter 4, Circulation, and Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services. Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development includes consideration of hazards in land use designations and their density standards, and outlines the desired land use pattern in Diamond Bar to promote public safety through ensuring compatible uses. Policies in Chapter 2 also address issues of land use compatibility, which is closely related to noise compatibility as discussed in this chapter. This element is related to Chapter 4 as the design of the transportation system is connected to the adequate and efficient delivery of emergency services. This element also addresses the relationship between transportation facilities and noise. Lastly, policies related to the provision of public utilities in Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services relate to safety issues and services in this element. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 293 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-4 7.2 SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS GEOLOGIC HAZARDS Geologic hazards include soil erosion and landslides, subsidence, and expansive soils. Soil properties have significant bearing on geologic hazards. Local soils in the Planning Area are largely the result of bedrock materials that have weathered, consisting of a variety of sandstones, shales, and siltstones. The natural canyons in the area contain alluvial, or stream- carried materials, while artificial fill is present in areas that have been developed. Erosion and Landslides Soil erosion is the process by which soil materials are worn away and transported to another area, either by wind or water. Erosion is a natural process that occurs over time, but over the long-term it can impact the stability of landforms and structures in sloped or steep areas. Landslides, also referred to as slope failures, include many phenomena that involve the downslope displacement and movement of material, either triggered by static (i.e., gravity) or dynamic (i.e., earthquake) forces. Exposed rock slopes may undergo rockfalls, rockslides, or rock avalanches, while soil slopes may experience shallow soil slides, rapid debris flows, and deep-seated rotational slides. Landslide-susceptible areas are characterized by steep slopes, downslope creep of surface materials, and unstable soil conditions. On slopes greater than 30 percent, these soils are subject to rapid runoff and present moderate to high erosion hazards. Slides are more likely to occur during the wet season and in areas of high groundwater and saturated soils, or in post-wildfire areas. As shown in Figure 7-1, steep slopes are common throughout the Planning Area, in areas designated for development and frequently abutting residential land uses. Managing erosion and landslide hazards will involve approaches that help residents and decision-makers understand the particular potential risks facing individual projects and pursuing mitigation to reduce risks to an acceptable level. Expansive soils Expansive soils have shrink-swell capacity, meaning that they may swell when wetted and shrink when dried. Expansive soils can be a hazard for built structures, and may cause cracks in building foundations, distortion of structural elements, warping of doors and windows, and plumbing breakages. The higher the clay content of a soil, the higher its shrink-swell potential. Expansive soil conditions are pervasive in the city, and well-documented in geotechnical reports. Although some soil movement is unavoidable over time, solutions can be engineered to established factors of safety. Subdivisions, primarily in The Country, do have Restricted Use Areas (RUAs) recorded on the maps, usually back slopes, that were not evaluated for constructability. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 294 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-5 PUBLIC SAFETY SEISMIC HAZARDS Although the Planning Area contains no active faults, it is in a seismically active region with several major active faults located nearby (Figure 7-2). The San Andreas Fault Zone, which has the greatest potential to cause damage in the region, is 26 miles northeast of the city. The Planning Area, however, is at greater risk from the active local faults of Whittier, San Jose, Sierra Madre, and San Gabriel. Given the proximity to active fault lines, potential for seismic hazard in the Planning Area is high. Seismic hazards include groundshaking, surface rupture, and ground failure. Due to the nature of seismic hazards, exposure to seismic risks cannot be completely eliminated; however, they can be reduced through adherence to State building codes and other local regulations. Groundshaking and Surface Rupture Groundshaking can be caused by activity along faults in the broader region. Effects of groundshaking can vary depending on the magnitude of the earthquake, distance from the fault, depth, and type of geologic material. Severe groundshaking can result in damage to or collapse of buildings and other structures. Surface rupture is the breaking of the ground along a fault during an earthquake and is primarily a risk for areas overlying active faults. As there are no active faults in the Planning Area, risk of surface rupture is low. Ground Failure Ground failure can occur as a result of seismic activity, taking the form of liquefaction, lateral spreading, subsidence, or landslide. Liquefaction is the rapid transformation of saturated, loose, fine-grained sediment (such as silt and sand) into a fluid state as a result of severe vibratory motion. Lateral spreading refers to a type of landslide that form on gentle slopes an has rapid fluid-like movement caused by liquefaction. Factors determining the potential for liquefaction and lateral spreading are soil type, the level and duration of seismic ground motions, the type and consistency of soils, and depth to groundwater. Figure 7-3 shows areas identified by the State as having potential for liquefaction due to past occurrences or the presence of certain conditions. Note that there may be additional areas not shown on the map that may be susceptible to liquefaction, where risks may only be determined as part of a site-specific investigation. Earthquakes can also trigger subsidence or landslides; if the earthquake is strong, this can occur even in areas of moderate or even low susceptibility. Figure 7-3 shows areas identified by the State of California as potentially susceptible to earthquake-induced landslides due to previous occurrence or the presence of certain conditions. Note that there may be additional areas not shown on the map that may be susceptible to landslide, where risks may only be determined as part of a site-specific investigation. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 295 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-6 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDGELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E RDPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N DV LY RD DEL SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDSources: Esri, USGS, NOAA Slopes over 30 Percent Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, 2016; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Riv ersideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-1: Steep Slopes City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-1 Steep Slopes 7.1.d Packet Pg. 296 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7-7 LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYIndianHillfault CentralAvenuefault Elsinore fault zone, Whittier section (Whittier fault) S a n J o s e f a u l t W alnut Creek faultFault Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0120.5 MILES Source: Esri, 2019; California Geological Survey (CGS), 2018; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 7-2: Regional Faults City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-2 Regional Faults 7.1.d Packet Pg. 297 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-8 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEK RD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E R SSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N DV LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDSources: Esri, USGS, NOAA Seismic Hazard Zones Fault Line Liquefaction Zones Earthquake Induced Landslide Zones Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: Seismic Hazard Zones, Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation, 199, California Geological Survey (CGS), California Department of Conservation (DOC); Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineLiquefaction Zones: Areas where historical occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical and ground water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required. Landslide Zones: Areas where previous occurrence of landslide movement, or local topographic, geological, geotechnical and subsurface water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required. Figure 7-3: Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-3 Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards 7.1.d Packet Pg. 298 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-9 GOALS & POLICIES SEISMIC AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Element and Chapter 4: Resource Conservation Element for additional policies regarding hillside protection and management. GOALS PS-G-1 Partner with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments in community education efforts aimed at preventing potential loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from seismic ground shaking and other geologic hazards such as landslides and mudslides. POLICIES PS-P-1 Require new emergency facilities subject to City land use regulations and permitting requirements, including, but not limited to, paramedic services, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the maximum credible earthquake event. PS-P-2 Require areas identified as having significant liquefaction potential (including secondary seismic hazards such as differential compaction, lateral spreading, settlement, rock fall, and landslide) to undergo site-specific geotechnical investigation prior to development and to mitigate the potential hazard to a level of insignificance or, if mitigation is not possible, to preserve these areas as open space or agriculture. Figure 7-3 shows areas where historical occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical, and groundwater conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 299 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-10 PS-P-3 Periodically update the grading standards to supplement the State and local building and construction safety codes with detailed information regarding rules, interpretations, standard specifications, procedures requirements, forms, and other information applicable to control excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, and provide guidelines for preparation of geotechnical reports in the city. PS-P-4 Carry out a review of City-owned critical facilities that may be vulnerable to major earthquakes and landslides and develop programs to upgrade them. PS-P-5 Develop a City-based public awareness/ earthquake preparedness program to educate the public about seismic hazards and what to do in the event of an earthquake. PS-P-6 Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks on public property and in conjunction with new private development through hillside protection and management. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 300 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-11 PUBLIC SAFETY 7.3 FLOOD HAZARDS AND PROTECTION DRAINAGE The Planning Area is almost entirely encompassed by the San Gabriel River Basin, which spans 713 square miles across Los Angeles and Orange counties. As shown in Figure 7-4, the Planning Area drains into four subbasins of the San Gabriel River Basin. The northern half of the city drains primarily into San Jose Creek, partially via Diamond Bar Creek. Most of the southern half of the city, as well as the SOI, drains into Brea Canyon Creek. Small areas in the northeast of the city are within the Santa Ana River Basin, draining locally into Chino Creek. FLOODING The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood map identifies flooding hazards of various intensities. As shown in Figure 7-4, there are two portions of the Planning Area that are within the 100-year flood zones, which are areas having a 1.0 percent chance of flooding in a given year. The only 100-year flood zone within the city limits lies near the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street, along the Reed Canyon Channel. Another 100-year flood zone runs through Tonner Canyon Creek in the SOI. Measures that can minimize flooding hazards include the preservation of open space; protecting natural floodplain functions; regulating development in the floodplains; addressing flood-prone properties through acquisition, relocation, or protection; and improving maintenance of the drainage system on a citywide basis as well as related to specific development projects. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 301 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-12 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND IA M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAINL N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N DV LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDHighways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads 100 Year Floodplain (1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) 500 Year Floodplain (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer, FEMA, 2016; City of Diamond Bar 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Ri versideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-4: Flood Zones City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-4 Flood Zones 7.1.d Packet Pg. 302 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-13 GOALS & POLICIES FLOOD HAZARDS AND PROTECTION See Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services for additional policies regarding water and wastewater facilities and relevant plans. GOALS PS-G-2 Implement measures aimed at preventing the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of a 100- year storm and associated flooding. POLICIES PS-P-7 Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as needed to ensure that the City’s floodplain information is up to date with the latest available hydrologic and hydraulic engineering data. PS-P-8 Continue to implement flood control programs, such as the City’s Grading and Floodplain Ordinances, that reduce flood hazards to comply with State flood risk management requirements. PS-P-9 Consider the impacts to health and safety from potential flooding on future development in flood-prone areas, including those identified as being within the 100- or 500-year floodplains. Require installation of protective structures or other design measures to protect proposed building and development sites from the effects of flooding in these areas. Figure 7-4 shows flood zones in and around the Planning Area based on FEMA’s 2016 flood hazard data. PS-P-10 Ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer as a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately 7.1.d Packet Pg. 303 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-14 protected, and that implementation of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. PS-P-11 Use the drainage master plan developed in coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department to assess existing and future flood control needs and related improvements within Diamond Bar. PS-P-12 As part of the Capital Improvement Program, consider and incorporate flood control improvements identified in the drainage master plan that specifies funding and timing of prioritized improvements. Coordinate the City’s Capital Improvement Program with planned County improvements. PS-P-13 As resources become available, reduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city’s green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system where feasible. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 304 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-15 PUBLIC SAFETY 7.4 FIRE HAZARDS URBAN FIRES Urban fires are fires that begin in urban centers. They are typically localized, but have the potential to spread to adjoining buildings, especially in areas where homes and/or business facilities are clustered close together. Other factors affecting urban fire risk and relative likelihood of loss of life or property include building age, height and use, storage of flammable material, building construction materials, availability of sprinkler systems, and proximity to a fire station and hydrants. Urban fire risk in the city is mitigated in a number of ways, including through the enforcement of updated building and fire codes and the involvement of the Los Angeles County Fire Department in the development review process. Fire services are discussed further in Section 7.6: Public Safety Services. WILDLAND FIRES Wildland fires occur in rural or heavily vegetated areas where abundant surface fuels are available to sustain a fire. Wildland fires that occur in the wildland- urban interface (WUI)—areas where undeveloped wildlands intermix with or transition into developed land—have the potential to greatly impact nearby structures and cities. Due to its setting amidst vegetated open space areas to the south and east, and the presence of open space areas interspersed among urban development, Diamond Bar is at risk from wildland fires. Fire Threat and Fire Hazard Severity Zones In 2005, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) mapped fire threat potential throughout California based on the availability of fuel and the likelihood of an area burning (based on topography, fire history, and climate). Fire threat mapped in and around Diamond Bar is shown in Figure 7-5. Fire threat in the city was generally categorized as Moderate, with areas of higher threat correlated with open space areas and slopes. Areas with the greatest fire threat include the southern portion of the city surrounding the Country Estates subdivision and the open space areas near Sycamore Canyon and the Summitridge Trails. The SOI is categorized as Very High and Extreme threat. CAL FIRE also maintains mapping of Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) to aid in State and local planning for wildland fire protection. In State Responsibility Areas (SRAs), where the State of California is financially responsible for the prevention and suppression of wildfires, CAL FIRE identifies Moderate, High, and Very High FHSZs. In Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs), where fire protection is provided by city fire departments, fire protection districts, counties, and by CAL FIRE under contract 7.1.d Packet Pg. 305 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-16 to local government, CAL FIRE identifies only Very High FHSZs. Under State law (Government Code Sections 65302 and 65302.5), the City of Diamond Bar General Plan must address the risk of fire in Very High FHSZs in the LRA within the City’s jurisdiction, and the Los Angeles County General Plan must address the risk of fire in the surrounding SRA, including Diamond Bar’s SOI. As shown in Figure 7-6, Very High FHSZs are mapped in a number of locations throughout the city, including most of the designated open space areas and much of the Country Estates subdivision. In accordance with State law, policies in this General Plan address wildland fire hazards in order to reduce risks both in these zones and in the city as a whole. Wildfire History Figure 7-7 shows perimeters for historic wildfires in and around Diamond Bar dating to the 1920s as mapped by CAL FIRE. As shown, areas with higher frequency have included the SOI and surrounding open spaces outside of the city. While several overlapping perimeters are shown in the northern portion of Diamond Bar, all of these date to the 1970s or earlier. Since the 1980s, wildfires have occurred in locations near Peaceful Hills Road, Eldertree Drive, Diamond Knoll Lane, and Wagon Train Lane in the southern portion of the city; in and around the SOI; and near to but outside of the northern city limits. This data is maintained and made publicly available through CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program for future reference. Wildfire Management Strategies In recent years, the State of California has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons due to factors such as extreme weather events such as prolonged drought conditions and high winds, and the accumulation of fuel. In 2017 and 2018, devastating fires such as the Camp and Tubbs fires in northern California and the Thomas and Woolsey fires in southern California demonstrated the profound impact wildland fires can have on populated areas. As the State prepares for more such incidents as the WUI continues to expand and changes in climate patterns become more apparent, wildfire risk management at the local level will become increasingly important. Strategies tend to cluster around two main approaches: maintaining defensible space around structures, and ensuring that structures are resistant to fire. Defensible space refers to a space created around development that is designed and maintained to reduce the ability of a fire to spread. Fuel modification is a key element of creating defensible space and is intended to disrupt what would otherwise be a continuous path that could lead wildfires to buildings, thus increasing the chance that the buildings will 7.1.d Packet Pg. 306 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-17 PUBLIC SAFETY survive. Fuel modification strategies include plant selection based on moisture content, resin, and the production of detritus, and the proper arrangement of plants in relation to structures. The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) Fuel Modification Unit is responsible for the approval of fuel modification plans for new structures located in the County’s FHSZs, including in the Planning Area. State law requires there to be at least 100 feet of defensible space around buildings. Designing wildfire-resistant structures means constructing buildings so that they have less chance of catching fire from burning embers. Strategies include limiting the use of flammable materials on building exteriors, protecting vents and chimneys from embers, protecting windows from breakage under extreme heat, and screening gutters to reduce accumulation of flammable debris. The California Building Code includes standards that address fire risks to structures in the WUI. PEAKLOAD WATER SUPPLY REQUIREMENT Diamond Bar engineering standards require a minimum flow of water for fire protection in accordance with LACFD, California Fire Code, and Insurance Services Office (ISO) standards. FIRE ACCESS STANDARDS Fire access is regulated by the adopted and amended California Fire Code and LACFD standards. The current Fire Code establishes a minimum distance for all portions of a building from serviceable fire access roads. The LACFD establishes a minimum centerline turning radius to accommodate fire trucks and building standards. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 307 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-18 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND IA M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD EN SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAINL N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN DV LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDFire Threat Level (Cal Fire) Extreme Threat Very High Threat High Threat Moderate Threat Little or No Threat Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads State Responsibility Area (SRA) Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fire Threat, Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP), Cal Fire 2005; Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Rive rsideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-5: Fire Threat City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-5 Fire Threat 7.1.d Packet Pg. 308 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7-19 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND IA M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAINL N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN DV LY RD DEL SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDFire Hazard Severity Zones Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Very High State Responsibility Area (SRA) Very High High Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 2007 & 2009; Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-6: Fire Hazard Severity Zones City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-6 Fire Hazard Severity Zones 7.1.d Packet Pg. 309 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-20 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GE LIN E R D INDIANCREEK RD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R INGS D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTAQ UIN D RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDWildfires Year of Occurance 2000 - 2017 1980 - 1999 1960 - 1979 1940 - 1959 1920 - 1939 Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-7: Wildfire Perimeters 1928-2019 City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-7 Wildfire Perimeters 1928 – 2019 7.1.d Packet Pg. 310 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-21 GOALS & POLICIES FIRE HAZARDS GOALS PS-G-3 Partner with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and affiliated agencies to implement hazard mitigation plans and community education efforts aimed at preventing the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from wildland and urban fires. POLICIES General PS-P-14 Educate the public about fire hazards and fire prevention. Work with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and CAL FIRE to disseminate information on fire weather watches and fire risks and encourage all Diamond Bar residents to engage in risk reduction and fire preparedness activities. The Los Angeles County Fire Department maintains information on family fire preparedness plans and risk reduction measures such as vegetation management. PS-P-15 Ensure adherence to applicable Fire and Building Codes, including standards for minimum road widths, access and clearance for emergency vehicles, and the identification of all roads, streets, and major public buildings in a manner that is clearly visible to fire protection and other emergency vehicles. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 311 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-22 PS-P-16 For privately-owned property within areas designated for development that are subject to high wildfire risk, condition approval of development upon the implementation of measures to reduce risks associated with that development, including, but not limited to, fuel modification plans and Fire Code requirements in effect at the time of project approval. PS-P-17 Protect and promote native oak woodlands that border residential areas as fire buffers. PS-P-18 Work cooperatively with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions to address regional wildfire threats. Fire Hazard Severity Zones and State Responsibility Areas PS-P-19 Maintain and update the City’s High Fire Hazard Severity Zones map consistent with changes in designation by CAL FIRE to ensure that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department is protecting the community from wildland-urban fires as future development takes place. PS-P-20 Prior to permit approval, ensure that all new development located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a State Responsibility Area (SRA) is served by adequate infrastructure, including safe access for emergency response vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies for fire suppression. PS-P-21 Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that properties in and adjacent to High or Very High 7.1.d Packet Pg. 312 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-23 GOALS & POLICIES Fire Hazard Severity Zones as indicated in Figure 7-6 are adequately protected from wildland fire hazards in a manner that minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation and ecosystems through inspection and enforcement. Update Figure 7-6 as new information becomes available from CAL FIRE. PS-P-22 Support the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s Provision of weed abatement and brush thinning and removal services in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Areas in order to curb potential fire hazards. PS-P-23 Where development is proposed within High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, ensure that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has the opportunity to review the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazards and its potential as a source of fire, including fuel modification plan review for new development or additions that are equal or greater than 50 percent of the existing square footage. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 313 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-24 7.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND OPERATIONS Hazardous materials, as defined by the California Code of Regulations (CCR), are substances with certain physical properties that could pose a substantial present or future hazard to human health or the environment when improperly handled, disposed, or otherwise managed. This refers to a variety of injurious substances, including pesticides, herbicides, toxic metals and chemicals, liquefied natural gas, explosives, volatile chemicals, and radioactive materials. Hazardous materials are commonly found throughout the Planning Area in households and businesses. Typical residential and commercial substances include motor oil, paint, cleaners and solvents, gasoline, refrigerants, and lawn and gardening chemicals. Sites where hazardous chemical compounds have been released into the environment can pose threats to health and ecological systems. Historic or current activities, most often associated with industrial or commercial uses (including gas stations, car washes, etc.), may result in the release, leak, or disposal of toxic substances on or below the ground surface, where they can then contaminate soil and ground water. Disturbance of the ground through grading or excavation can result in exposure of these chemicals to the public. Improper handling of contaminated sites may result in further exposure via airborne dust, surface water runoff, or vapors. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) track and identify sites with known or potential contamination and sites that may impact groundwater in accordance with Section 65962.5 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC). The list produced in accordance with this code is also known as the Cortese List. • EnviroStor. The DTSC EnviroStor hazardous waste facility and cleanup sites database identifies sites that have known contamination or potentially 7.1.d Packet Pg. 314 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-25 PUBLIC SAFETY contaminated sites requiring further investigation, and facilities permitted to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. The EnviroStor database includes lists of the following site types: federal Superfund sites; State Response, including military facilities and State Superfund; voluntary cleanup; and school sites. • GeoTracker. The SWRCB GeoTracker database tracks sites that impact groundwater or have the potential to impact groundwater. It includes sites that require groundwater cleanup such as Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs), Department of Defense, and Site Cleanup Program sites; as well as permitted facilities that could impact groundwater such as operating Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), irrigated lands, oil and gas production sites, and land disposal sites. Sites in the Planning Area listed by either SWRCB or DTSC as of May 2019 are shown on Figure 7-8. In general, contaminated sites are largely found along the city’s major local roadways (e.g., Diamond Bar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Golden Springs Drive). The majority of listed sites listed by the SWRCB are LUST cleanup sites, most of which are automobile-related uses such as gas stations. As of 2019, most of those cases had been closed. Also present in the Planning Area are a number of sites enrolled in the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) program to regulate discharges into receiving waters. The program typically regulates discharges of domestic or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and industrial wastewater. As of 2019, there were 17 permitted underground storage tanks, one open LUST Cleanup Program case, one open SWRCB Cleanup Program case, nine WDR program sites, one open DTSC Voluntary Cleanup program case, and one open DTSC evaluation within the Planning Area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 315 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-26 !(T ") ") !( !( !( !( !( !(!(!( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( !( ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E R SSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLE HILL R DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N DV LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDHighways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Hazardous Sites (SWRCB) !(LUST Cleanup Site !(Cleanup Program Site !(Permitted Underground Storage Tank (UST) ?Closed Sites Hazardous Sites (DTSC) ")Evaluation ")Voluntary Cleanup Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: GeoTracker, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), 2019; Envirostor, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019Riv ersideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-8: Hazardous Materials and Sites City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-8 Hazardous Materials and Sites 7.1.d Packet Pg. 316 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-27 GOALS & POLICIES HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND OPERATIONS GOALS PS-G-4 Support the enforcement of applicable local, County, State, and federal regulations pertaining to the manufacture, use, transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes in the City with the primary focus on preventing injury, loss of life, and damage to property resulting from the potential detrimental effects (short- and long-term) associated with the release of such substances. POLICIES PS-P-24 Work with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to maintain and enforce State regulations that require proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials to reduce the likelihood of leakage, explosions, or fire, and to properly contain potential spills from leaving the site. PS-P-25 On sites with known contamination of soil and groundwater, work with State and local agencies to continue to identify and compel cleanup of such sites to ensure that construction workers, future occupants, the public, and the environment are adequately protected from hazards associated with contamination. The City may reference the State Water Resources Control Board’s Geotracker database and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Envirostor database to identify potentially hazardous sites. Figure 7-7 shows sites identified through these databases in 2019. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 317 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-28 PS-P-26 Prohibit (or oppose when outside of the City’s jurisdiction) the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air emissions or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school. PS-P-27 Work with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and other State and federal agencies to ensure adequate emergency response for hazardous materials incidents. PS-P-28 Promote public awareness and participation in household hazardous waste management, solid waste, and recycling programs. For additional policies related to household hazardous waste management, solid waste, and recycling programs, see Chapter 8: Community Health and Sustainability Element. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 318 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-29 PUBLIC SAFETY 7.6 PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES LAW ENFORCEMENT Law enforcement in the Planning Area are provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The Walnut/ Diamond Bar Station, located at 21695 East Valley Boulevard in Walnut (Figure 7-9), services Diamond Bar, Walnut and the unincorporated area of Rowland Heights. In the case of emergency, the San Dimas and Industry Stations can provide additional assistance. The LASD also provides general-service law enforcement to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including areas south of Diamond Bar’s city limits that are within its SOI. As of 2019, the LASD’s contract with Diamond Bar includes the purchase of a full-time equivalent of 22.5 deputies, or nearly four deputies per 10,000 residents. Moreoever, Additional resources that can deployed to Diamond Bar from LASD’s 22 other stations and four Bureaus (Transit Service Bureau, Parks Bureau, County Services Bureau and Community Colleges Bureau). , According to the Sheriff’s Department, the major obstacles to meeting response time standards are traffic during peak rush hour, and traffic in and around the schools during the beginning and ending of business hours. CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN In addition to Sheriff’s Department services, additional preventative measures can reduce crime rates and the sense of danger in an area. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. CPTED principles include natural surveillance or “eyes on the street,” clear delineation and access to public and private spaces, and continued upkeep and maintenance of spaces. Cities often consider crime prevention through environmental design principles in the location and design of new development in order to complement law enforcement services and contribute to public safety. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 319 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-30 FIRE SERVICE Fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), which operates three stations within Diamond Bar city limits, as shown in Figure 7-9. In addition to fire protection service and emergency medical services, the LACFD provides personnel to serve on specialized rescue teams, offer special training programs, and inspect businesses for fire safety. The LACFD follows national guidelines that require a five-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and eight minutes for paramedic units in urban areas, as well as an eight-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and 12 minutes for paramedic units in suburban areas. In 2015, the average response time for fire and emergency calls in the City of Diamond Bar was 5:38 minutes, slightly above the target response time. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 320 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7-31 !(T !(F !(F !(F ^_ !(P FirestoneScoutReservation Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 121 Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 120 City Hall Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 119 Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A L LENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E R S STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C REST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLEHILLR D MONTEFINOAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 !(F Fire Station !(P Sheriff's Station ^_City Hall Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 7-9: Public Safety Facilities C i t y o f D i a m o n d B a r GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-9 Public Safety Facilities 7.1.d Packet Pg. 321 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-32 SHERIFF, FIRE, AND EMERGENCY SERVICES See Chapter 4: Circulation Element for additional policies regarding traffic management. GOALS PS-G-5 Maintain safety services that are responsive to citizens’ needs to ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community. PS-G-6 Support community-based policing partnerships to enhance public awareness of crime prevention and strengthen the relationship between the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and neighborhoods throughout the city. PS-G-7 Provide effective emergency preparedness and response programs. POLICIES PS-P-29 Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for review of applications for new development and for the intensification of existing development, ensuring that review is consistent with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. PS-P-30 Continue to promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and business watch programs to encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhoods. PS-P-31 Continue to utilize the contract model of government with Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments and provide facilities, staffing, and equipment to attain the shortest possible response times as set forth by the adopted standards of those public safety organizations. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 322 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-33 GOALS & POLICIES PS-P-32 Support the achievement of police and fire response times through the implementation of traffic management measures that mitigate congestion during peak rush hour and during school drop-off and pick-up times. PS-P-33 Monitor fire-flow capability throughout the Planning Area and improve water availability and redundancy for any locations that have flows considered inadequate for fire protection. Continue to work with various water purveyors to maintain adequate water supply and require on-site water storage for areas where municipal water service is not available. PS-P-34 Coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to review new development applications for consistency with applicable Fire Codes. PS-P-35 Work cooperatively with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions to ensure that all portions of the Planning Area are served and accessible within an effective response time. PS-P-36 Work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that the cost of providing new staffing, facilities, and equipment, including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. PS-P-37 Maintain area-wide mutual aid agreements and communication links with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 323 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-34 7.7 EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT Due to the prevalence of unpredictable and unavoidable hazards in and near the Planning Area, the City must plan to address the safety of residents in times of disaster. The City of Diamond Bar strives to keep its citizens informed and prepared for any emergency. Being prepared can save lives, protect property and minimize losses to businesses. LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANNING The purpose of emergency preparedness is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public during and after natural, man-made (technological), or attack-related emergencies. To handle such events effectively requires the coordination of a number of public and private agencies as well as the public safety agencies such as the Diamond Bar Public Works Department, the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s departments, and State agencies including the California Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The City of Diamond Bar recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness through the implementation of the Diamond Bar Emergency Operations plan and through collaboration on the implementation of the County of Los Angeles All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. These plans are based on the functions and principles of the Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS), which follows the FIRESCOPE Incident Command System (ICS) identifying how the City fits into the overall SEMS structure. The City of Diamond Bar also works with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides a consistent nationwide framework to enable government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to prevent, mitigate, and recover from incidents. The California Emergency Services Act requires the City to manage and coordinate the overall emergency and recovery activities within its jurisdictional boundaries. Under SEMS, the City is responsible at two levels, the field response and local government levels. At the field response level, the City and all other agencies use ICS to aid in a standardized emergency response. At the local government level, a designated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is used as the central location for gathering and disseminating information 7.1.d Packet Pg. 324 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-35 PUBLIC SAFETY and coordinating all jurisdictional emergency operations within the area. During disasters, the City of Diamond Bar is required to coordinate emergency operations with the County of Los Angeles Operational Area and, in some instances, other local governments. Local agencies are a part of a broader Emergency Management Systems, overseen by the State of California’s Southern Region Emergency Operations Center. The State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, also known as the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), was approved by FEMA in 2013. The SHMP outlines present and planned activities to address natural hazards. The adoption of the SHMP qualifies the State of California for federal funds in the event of a disaster. Locally, the County of Los Angeles adopted an All-Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2014. The plan has been approved by California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and by FEMA. The purpose of the HMP is to demonstrate the plan for reducing and/or eliminating risk in the County. The HMP assesses risks associated with flooding, earthquake, wildfire, hazardous material, and drought hazards, and identifies mitigation strategies to reduce the risk. DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING The City of Diamond Bar conducts frequent staff training so that City employees are equipped to conduct the necessary decision-making and coordination efforts in the event of an emergency or disaster. The City also relies on local disaster volunteer programs, including the following: • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The County of Los Angeles provides emergency preparedness information and disaster training for use by individuals in their own neighborhoods in times of an emergency, as well as continuing training for Affiliated CERT volunteers to assist the City before, during, and after a disaster or emergency. • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Volunteer on Patrol Program. The County of Los Angeles Volunteer program offers volunteers an opportunity to be involved with nearly every aspect of a station, including search and rescue, clerical duties, and youth volunteer opportunities. • FEMA Independent Study Program. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 325 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-36 EMERGENCY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT GOALS PS-G-8 Use the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan to address mitigation and response for local hazards, including seismic hazards, flood hazards, fire hazards, hazardous materials incidents, and hazardous sites, and to plan for the protection of critical facilities (i.e., schools, hospitals), disaster and emergency response preparedness and recovery, evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road width and clearance around structures. PS-G-9 Conduct emergency and disaster management planning in a collaborative manner with State and local agencies and neighboring jurisdictions, while striving for self-sufficiency in City- level emergency response. POLICIES PS-P-38 Maintain, review, and update Diamond Bar’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as needed to take into account new hazard conditions in the Planning Area and new emergency management techniques. PS-P-39 Adopt, implement and update as necessary the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to develop strategies to address changing risks from flood, drought, fire, landslides, seismic activity, hazardous materials, and other potential hazards, including strategies related to monitoring, emergency preparedness, development policies, conservation, vulnerable populations, and community resilience. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 326 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-37 GOALS & POLICIES PS-P-40 Continue to coordinate the City’s emergency preparedness and response plans and operations with the State Office of Emergency Management, Los Angeles County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions. PS-P-41 Maintain and expand as necessary community emergency preparedness resources including personnel, equipment, material, specialized medical and other training, and auxiliary communications. PS-P-42 Continue to disseminate public information and alerts regarding the nature and extent of possible natural and man- made hazards, resources identifying measures residents and businesses can take to prepare for and minimize damage resulting from these hazards, citywide response plans, and evacuation routes. PS-P-43 Require all City staff to be adequately trained to respond to emergency situations, and conduct regular emergency preparedness drills with local organizations including the Los Angeles County fire and Sheriff’s departments. PS-P-44 Leverage pre- and post-disaster assistance programs to support resilient planning, mitigation, and reconstruction strategies that consider future climate conditions, such as the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and California Disaster Assistance Act. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 327 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-38 7.8 NOISE Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound and can consist of any sound that may produce physiological or psychological damage and/or interfere with communication, work, rest, recreation, and sleep. The classification of sound as noise is subjective and relies heavily on the quality and context of the sound. NOISE MEASUREMENT The following noise measurement scales are used to describe noise in a particular location: • Frequency. Frequency is the composition or spectrum of the sound. Frequency is a measure of the pressure fluctuations per second of a sound wave. • Level. The decibel (dB) system of measuring sound gives a rough connection between the physical intensity of sound and its perceived loudness to the human ear. A 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived by the human ear as only a doubling of the loudness of the sound. Decibel measurement may also be “A-weighted” to de-emphasize the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear in a manner that correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. Ambient sounds generally range from 30 A-weighted decibels (dBA) (very quiet) to 100 dBA (very loud). • Variation. Variation is the sound level over time. Predominant rating scales for human communities in the State of California are Equivalent Noise Level (Leq) and the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the day-night average level (Ldn) based on A-weighted decibels. CNEL is the time- varying noise over a 24-hour period, with a 5-dBA weighting factor applied to the hourly Leq for noises occurring from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (defined as relaxation hours) and a 10 dBA weighting factor applied to noise occurring from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (defined as sleeping hours). Ldn is similar to the CNEL scale but without the adjustment for events occurring during the evening hours. CNEL and Ldn are within 1 dBA of each other and are normally interchangeable. The noise adjustments are added to the noise events occurring during the more sensitive hours. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 328 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-39 PUBLIC SAFETY NOISE IMPACTS Noise impacts can be described in three categories. The first includes audible impacts, which refer to increases in noise levels noticeable to humans. Audible increases in noise levels generally refer to a change of 3 dB or greater, since this level has been found to be barely perceptible in exterior environments. The second category, potentially audible, refers to a change in the noise level between 1 and 3 dB. This range of noise levels has been found to be noticeable only in laboratory environments. The last category includes changes in noise level of less than 1 dB, which are inaudible to the human ear. Only audible changes in existing ambient or background noise levels are considered potentially significant. Physiological Effects of Noise Physical damage to human hearing begins at prolonged exposure to noise levels higher than 85 dBA. Exposure to high noise levels affects the entire system, with prolonged noise exposure in excess of 75 dBA increasing body tensions and thereby affecting blood pressure and functions of the heart and the nervous system. In comparison, extended periods of noise exposure above 90 dBA would result in permanent cell damage. When the noise level reaches 120 dBA, a tickling sensation occurs in the human ear, even with short-term exposure. This level of noise is called the threshold of feeling. As the sound reaches 140 dBA, the tickling sensation is replaced by the feeling of pain in the ear. This is called the threshold of pain. A sound level of 160 to 165 dBA will potentially result in dizziness or loss of equilibrium. The ambient or background noise problem is widespread and generally more concentrated in urban areas than in outlying, less- developed areas. Figure 7-10 shows common sound levels and their noise sources. Noise-Sensitive Receptors Noise-sensitive receptors are land uses associated with indoor and/ or outdoor activities where the presence of unwanted sound could adversely affect the use of the land. Examples may include residential areas, senior and child care facilities, schools, hospitals, and religious facilities. Special Status species and their habitats are also considered noise-sensitive. Noise- sensitive receptors within the city include single- and multi-family residential housing, schools, parks, libraries, hospitals, churches and other religious facilities, wildlife habitat, and open space. SOURCES OF NOISE Diamond Bar is an urbanized area with pockets of open space. The major sources of noise within the city include typical urban noise generators such as vehicle traffic along roadways, industrial and commercial processes, and residential noises such as people talking, sports events in parks, and vocalizations from domesticated animals. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 329 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-40 Figure 7-10 Typical Noise Levels in the Environment Common Noise Source Noise Level (dBA)Effect Thunderclap (near) Symphony Orchestra Powersaw (chainsaw) Stereo (over 100 watts) Garbage Truck / Cement Mixer Moto rcycle Average City Traffic Garbage Disposal Vacuum Cleaner, Hair Dryer Normal Conversation Quiet Office Refrigerator Whisper Rustling Leaves Normal Breathing Uncomfortably Loud 120 dBA 110 dBA 100dBA 90dBA 80 dBA 70 dBA 60 dBA 50 dBA 40 dBA 30dBA 20 dBA 10 dBA Threshold of pain begins ~ 125 dB Regular exposure to sound over 100 dB of more than one-minute risks permanent hearing loss No more than 15 minutes of unprotected expsure recommended for sounds between 90-100 dB Very annoying (88dB) Where hearing damage begins (85 dB, 8 hrs.) Instrusive; interderes with telephone conversation Comfortable hearing levels (< 60 dB) Very quiet (30 dB) Just audible (20 dB) Very Loud Moderately Loud Quiet Very Quiet Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders 2010; American Medical Association and the Canadian Hearing Society of Ontario; and National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, 1990. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 330 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-41 PUBLIC SAFETY Traffic Vehicular traffic is the predominant noise source within Diamond Bar. The level of vehicular traffic noise varies with many factors, including traffic volume, vehicle mix (including percentage of trucks), traffic speed, and distance from the roadway. Major traffic noise sources in Diamond Bar include freeways (SR-57 and SR-60) and arterial roadways such as Brea Canyon Road, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Grand Avenue, and Pathfinder Road. Figure 7-11 shows the contours of existing noise levels (2019) along roadways in the Planning Area, and Figure 7-12 shows projected noise level contours at buildout of General Plan land uses in 2040. Railway The noise impacts associated with rail activities depend on a number of factors, including the type of train, the length of train, the use of a horn, the physical track conditions, the geometry and intervening structures between the rail line and its receptor, the number of trains operating, and the speed of the train. While no rail lines pass through Diamond Bar, the Union Pacific rail line runs adjacent to the western portions of the city, including a Metrolink stop at Diamond Bar’s border with the City of Industry. Noise impacts from the railway will need to be considered as the Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use area is developed, particularly with regards to sensitive receptors. One potential railway noise mitigation measure that the City could consider would be to coordinate with relevant agencies and private entities to implement a railroad quiet zone. A quiet zone is an exemption granted by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the rule requiring trains to sound their horns when approaching public highway- rail grade crossings, such as the railroad crossing at South Lemon Avenue. Given that trains sound their horns upon the approach to a crossing for safety reasons, to alert vehicles and people that the train is approaching, grade crossings within quiet zones are typically required to include additional safety measures such as upgraded warning devices. Stationary Noise Sources Commercial-industrial and light- industrial land uses in the city have the potential to generate high noise levels and impact surrounding land uses with their equipment operation. Noise sources from these land uses include: air conditioning or refrigeration units, power tools, lawn equipment, generators, and other powered mechanical equipment. Other Noise Sources Other sources of noise can include construction and the use of portable or small-scale pieces of equipment. Construction can be a substantial, though short-term, source of noise, and is most disruptive when it takes place near sensitive uses or during night or early morning hours. Power equipment, such as leaf blowers and drills, can produce high noise levels at the location of work. Other amplified sounds, such as audio equipment at either a sanctioned event or residential property, can also create noise exposure. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 331 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-42 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAMO N DBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB ALLENADR G O L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVD RIDG ELIN ER D INDIANCREEKRDDERRINGERLN D I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREAC A N Y ONC UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOOD RDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D EN SP R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M OHTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMO R NI NGCANYONRDSANTAQUIN D RKIO WAC R E S T D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWYMAPLEHILL R DMONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVA N G L E N RDHIGHLAN DV LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDExisting Noise Levels 75 dB Contour 70 dB Contour 65 dB Contour 60 dB Contour Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: ESA PCR, 2016; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 7-11: Existing Noise Contours (2016)City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATEFigure 7-11 Existing Noise Contours (2016)7.1.d Packet Pg. 332 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7-43 Existing Noise Levels 70 dB Contour 65 dB Contour 60 dB Contour Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Inuence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: ESA, 2016; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Riverside Metrolink LineFigure 7-12: Future Noise Contours (2040)City of Diamond Bar GENERAL PLAN UPDATE !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUN TY ORAN GE COUNTY SAN BERN ARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND B A R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M I T O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D R U SH DR GO LD EN SPRINGS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA DR LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRID G ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D BA R BLVDBREA CANYO N C U T OF F RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALC O NS VIEW DRA L A M O HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN CLEAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRINGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A CR ES T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR CO PLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RDFigure 7-12 Projected Noise Contours (2040)7.1.d Packet Pg. 333 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-44 Table 7-1: Community Noise Compatibility Matrix Land Use Categories Maximum Exterior Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or Day-Night Level (Ldn), dB1 Maximum Interior CNEL 55 60 65 70 75 80 Rural, Single-Family, Multiple- Family Residential 40 School Classrooms 40 School Playgrounds Libraries 40 Hospitals, Convalescent Facilities Living Areas 45 Hospitals, Convalescent Facilities Sleeping Areas 35 Recreation: Quiet, Passive Areas 40 Recreation: Noisy, Active Areas Commercial and Industrial Office Areas 45 Normally Acceptable:Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements.Outdoor areas are suitable for normal outdoor activities for this land use. Conditionally Acceptable:New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design.Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air-conditioning, will normally suffice. Normally Unacceptable:New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Clearly Unacceptable:New construction or development should generally not be undertaken. Nature of the Noise environment where the CNEL or Ldn level is: •Below 55 dB: relatively quiet suburban or urban areas, no arterial streets within 1 block, no freeways within ¼ mile. •55-65 dB: most somewhat noisy urban areas, near but not directly adjacent to high volumes of traffic. •65-75 dB: very noisy urban areas near arterials, freeways or airports. •75+ dB: extremely noisy urban areas adjacent to freeways or under airport traffic patterns. Hearing damage with constant exposure outdoors. Notes: 1.The Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and Day-Night Noise Level (Ldn) are measures of the 24-hour noise environment. They represent the constant A-weighted noise level that would be measured if all the sound energy received over the day was averaged. In order to account for the greater sensitivity of people to noise at night, the CNEL weighting includes a 5-decibel penalty on noise between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm and a 10-decibel penalty on noise between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am of the next day. The Ldn includes only the 10-decibel weighting for late-night noise events. For practical purposes, the two measures are equivalent for typical urban noise environments. Table 7-1: Community Noise Compatibility Matrix 7.1.d Packet Pg. 334 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | PUBLIC SAFETY 7.0 7-45 GOALS & POLICIES NOISE GOALS PS-G-10 Protect public health and welfare by enforcing the City’s noise ordinance, and impose mitigation measures on future development and uses to prevent significant degradation of the future acoustic environment. PS-G-11 The location and design of transportation facilities, industrial uses, and other potential noise generators shall not adversely affect adjacent uses or facilities. PS-G-12 Support measures to reduce noise emissions by motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains. POLICIES PS-P-45 Use the noise and land use compatibility matrix (Table 7-1) and Projected Noise Contours map (Figure 7-12) as criteria to determine the acceptability of a given proposed land use, including the improvement/construction of streets, railroads, freeways, and highways. PS-P-46 Locate new noise sensitive uses—including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and homes—away from sources of excessive noise unless proper mitigation measures are in place. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 335 PUBLIC SAFETY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20407-46 PS-P-47 As feasible, locate land uses to buffer residential uses from potential noise generators and site buildings to serve as noise buffers. PS-P-48 Maintain interior and exterior noise-related development standards through the Diamond Bar Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-49 Ensure that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7-1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-50 Evaluate the land use compatibility of any proposed development project prior to approval to avoid locating loud developments near noise sensitive receptors. When walls over six feet in height are necessary to mitigate noise, a berm/ wall combination with heavy landscaping, a terraced wall heavily landscaped, or other similar innovative wall design technique shall be used to minimize visual impacts. PS-P-51 Coordinate with the Union Pacific Railroad and other agencies and private entities to consider the implementation of a railroad quiet zone and other methods of reducing railroad noise impacts on surrounding noise-sensitive uses along the Union Pacific Railroad line adjacent to the city. PS-P-52 Ensure that noise attenuation facilities are installed as feasible in all noise-sensitive areas impacted by County, State, or federal highways through coordination with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 336 A wide range of health outcomes and risks are influenced by the social and physical environments we inhabit – the places we live, work, learn and play – as well as access to opportunities such as jobs and resources such as services and recreational facilities. COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 7.1.d Packet Pg. 337 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-2 8.1 INTRODUCTION Health and wellbeing are shared goals of all residents of Diamond Bar, and the City is committed to promoting the welfare of all its residents by improving public health through policies and programs that contribute to a sustainable environment, safe and convenient multi-modal transportation options, access to healthy food, and a strong community. Additionally, the City is focused on building resiliency to adapt to the impacts of climate change, which pose an immediate and growing threat to the health and welfare of Diamond Bar residents, and promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reduce potential impacts. This Chapter addresses the ways in which the physical environment can influence the long-term health and sustainability of the community, including the topics of environmental justice, active lifestyles, social connection, public health and human services, and climate change in order to strengthen the community’s overall long-term resilience. The Climate Action Plan (CAP) associated with the General Plan provides an in-depth discussion of climate change impacts, an inventory of existing and projected GHG emissions, and additional optional strategies to complement policies included in this chapter focused on reducing GHG emissions, resiliency, and adaptation. RELATIONSHIP TO STATE LAW Government Code Section 65302 requires that general plans include either an environmental justice element or related goals, policies, and objectives integrated into other elements, that identify any disadvantaged communities within the Planning Area, and provide policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks facing those communities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 338 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-3 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY The additional health-related sections of this chapter are not required by State law, but address issues that are important to Diamond Bar. Government Code Section 65303 enables the City to adopt “any other elements or address any other subjects, which, in the judgment of the legislative body, relate to the physical development of the... city.” Once adopted, an optional element has the same force and effect as the mandatory elements. Accordingly, zoning, subdivisions, public works, specific plans, and other actions that must be consistent with the general plan must be consistent with any optional elements. Over the past decade, optional elements addressing health, wellness and sustainability have become more common. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS Given that health and sustainability are influenced by a wide range of issues related to the physical environment, this chapter is closely linked to policies in each of the other chapters. Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, and Chapter 3, Community Character and Placemaking outline desired land use patterns affect health by ensuring that neighboring uses are compatible and encourage walkable development patterns to support active lifestyles and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. Chapter 4, Circulation similarly addresses expanded opportunities for active transportation. Chapter 5, Resource Conservation discusses public-health related issues such as air quality and water quality; air pollutant emissions are also closely tied to GHG emissions. Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services includes policies related to public programs and services, including the provision of parks and schools. Chapter 7, Public Safety discusses hazards in the Planning Area, including those that impact public health. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 339 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-4 8.2 PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PUBLIC HEALTH Public health encompasses a variety of health considerations that address the physical, mental, and social well-being of a community. A well-rounded public health system will consider a wide range of factors including environmental health, active lifestyles, social connections, and access to health and human services and healthy food. Environmental Health On a basic level, ensuring adequate environmental health means making sure that a community’s fundamental environmental health needs, such as clean water and clean air, can be safely met, and that people are not at risk of exposure to hazardous materials in their surroundings. As discussed in Chapter 5, Resource Conservation, air quality in the Planning Area is compromised by high levels of pollutants, the majority of which are generated by vehicle traffic. Air contaminants can produce lung irritation and exacerbate existing respiratory conditions, and have been tied to increased rates of asthma hospitalization for youth and mortality among seniors. Air contaminants can also contribute to risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Vehicle traffic is also the main source of noise in the Planning Area, as discussed in Chapter 7, Public Safety. High levels of noise can also lead to physiological or psychological damage and/or interfere with communication, work, rest, recreation, and sleep. Just as maintaining environmental quality is essential to ecological health in the area, it is essential to promoting health among community members. Active Lifestyle Active living refers to incorporating physical activity into one’s daily life. Examples of active living include walking to transit to commute to work and walking or biking to school or social activities. Daily physical activity is a crucial aspect of reducing risk of a host of chronic diseases. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s; and a primary risk factor for obesity. Conversely, active living is associated with improved mental health, longer lifespans, and better quality of life. In addition to the benefits of active living on an individual level, increased levels of physical activity also have the potential to reduce public health and medical costs associated with chronic diseases. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 340 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-5 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY Certain environments, such as those where the only commute option is to drive or where public facilities and other destinations are located far from residences, make it difficult for people to lead active lives. As is discussed in Chapter 4, Circulation, vehicular mode share, or the percentage of residents who drive to get to work, is high as a result of the City’s layout and distribution of land uses. The ability to reduce reliance on single-occupant vehicles and promote active living through the provision of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improvements and the incorporation of new mixed- use centers that expand access to nearby shops, entertainment and services within walking or cycling distance from their homes create opportunities for more active lifestyles. Policies in Chapter 6, Public Facilities and Services also support the provision of parks and trails where Diamond Bar residents can go to exercise outdoors. Social Connections In addition to the physical environment, the strength of social networks and how the community engages with physical space has a strong impact on health and welfare at both the individual and community-wide level. Social interactions can contribute to both physical and mental health, and strong social networks can improve the resiliency of residents in the face of natural disasters and emergencies. Diamond Bar has a network of community facilities designed to host community programs and events. The City offers a variety of recreational, artistic and educational programs, and special events that allow the community to come together. Members of the community have voiced a desire for more facilities and programming that will engage more youth and seniors, and reinforce the community’s reputation as a “small town” where neighbors know and support each other. As the population becomes more ethnically diverse, spaces and opportunities for the community to come together to celebrate cultural differences and shared values will be increasingly valuable. In addition, the growing population of seniors will benefit from activities and programs that help them maintain social connections and networks despite changes in their ability or mobility. Chapter 6 includes policies that address 7.1.d Packet Pg. 341 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-6 community facilities, and Chapter 3 includes policies that address increasing gathering spaces and encouraging public interaction through good design. Healthcare and Human Services Access to health care services is a crucial determinant of overall community health given that medical monitoring, advice, and care is often essential to preventing disease and improving health outcomes. While Diamond Bar does not have any public health centers or hospitals within its jurisdictional boundaries, residents may visit hospitals in neighboring jurisdictions. Hospitals such as Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and St. Jude Hospital/Medical Center in Fullerton include Diamond Bar in their primary service areas or catchment areas. The Diamond Bar community also has access to two nearby Los Angeles County-run public health centers located in Pomona and Monrovia. These health centers provide health services for free or on a sliding scale to low-income individuals and those without access to health insurance. Diamond Bar’s Diamond Ride program, a subsidized curb-to- curb cab service program, helps to support access to health and human services for persons with disabilities and those age 60 and older residing in Diamond Bar. Healthy Food An individual’s access to healthy food options is another significant determinant of health. The County of Los Angeles Public Health 2015 survey data indicates that an overwhelming majority of parents and guardians in the Pomona Health District, which comprises Diamond Bar and neighboring jurisdictions, rated community access to fresh fruits and vegetables as excellent or good. The same AGING IN PLACE Aging in Place is a term used to refer to policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment that allow older people to remain in their communities and “age actively,” or continue to participate fully in society without compromising safety or security. Communities that support ageing in place typically feature accessible pedestrian infrastructure, supportive housing options that feature design that allows older people to remain in their homes longer, and access to key social services. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 342 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-7 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY dataset simultaneously reveals, however, that more than 20 percent of children in grades 5, 7, and 9 and adults are obese. Many studies have found associations between quality of retail food environment and rates of obesity and diabetes. For example, when fast food restaurants are located adjacent to high schools, it is convenient for students to choose unhealthy food options. Encouraging healthy eating can include actions such as increasing a community’s knowledge of healthy food choices and behaviors, as well as promoting alternative healthy food options such as farmer’s markets, community gardens and community-supported agriculture services (CSAs), which have the added benefit of providing opportunities for social interaction and community engagement and supporting local food producers. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. While environmental justice has traditionally focused on pollution burdens and their relationship to health, which are discussed in the context of Diamond Bar below, the concept of environmental justice has broadened to include environmental and social vulnerabilities that determine health such as access to services, healthy food, and opportunities, thus overlapping with other community health topics addressed in this Chapter. Disadvantaged Communities Environmental justice is typically examined in the context of disadvantaged communities. The term “disadvantaged community” (DAC) is defined by the California Health and Safety Code, Section 39711, and refers to areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative public health effects, exposure to hazards, or environmental degradation, and socio-economic vulnerability, determined by concentrations of people that are of low income, high unemployment, low levels of homeownership, high rent burden, sensitive populations, or low levels of educational attainment. Identifying DACs is the responsibility of local jurisdictions. SB 1000 specifies several ways for local jurisdictions to identify DACs, including the “off-the-shelf” method of using public maps published by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), which is responsible for identifying disadvantaged communities pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 39711. Each census tract in 7.1.d Packet Pg. 343 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-8 the state is quantitatively evaluated for environmental pollution and vulnerability to the pollution. CalEPA identifies the census tracts that score in the top 25 percent in terms of pollution burden and socioeconomic vulnerability as “disadvantaged communities.” As of 2019 no disadvantaged communities have been identified by CalEPA in Diamond Bar or its Sphere of Influence, however this doesn’t preclude the City of Diamond Bar from incorporating the principles of environmental justice into its planning and policies, principles that are consistent with values shared by Diamond Bar residents such as inclusivity, fairness and equity and an understanding that a community is only as resilient as its most vulnerable populations. Incorporating these principles into the City’s planning and policies will also help to ensure that Diamond Bar continues to aspire toward being among the most inclusive communities to be found. The City can tackle procedural inequities, for instance, or inequities that occur when the planning process is not conducted in a uniform manner, by meeting community members where they are, at times that allow for broader participation, and by translating documents or providing interpretation services to those who are not comfortable providing input in English. Providing materials and outreach opportunities in other languages is and will continue to be particularly important in Diamond Bar, where levels of limited English speaking, also referred to as linguistic isolation, are high according to CalEPA and US Census Bureau data. Pollution Burdens in Diamond Bar The data provided by CalEPA in terms of pollution burden indicators is useful in terms of evaluating environmental health risks in Diamond Bar. Table 8-1 shows Planning for Healthy Communities SB 1000 Implementation Toolkit 7.1.d Packet Pg. 344 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-9 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY the percentile rank of select pollution burden indicators used by CalEPA for census tracts in Diamond Bar. The percentile rank for a given indicator represents the percentage of census tracts in all of California with lower values of that indicator. For example, the majority of the census tracts in the Planning Area are in the 74th percentile or above for Ozone, which means that each census tract has worse Ozone pollution than 74 percent of census tracts in California. While the rankings do not necessarily reflect whether or not any given indicator is in non- compliance with existing standards for safety (for example, a high ranking for water contamination does not necessarily indicate that the water is unsafe to drink by State standards), they do illustrate clear geographical disparities in environmental quality. Census tracts within the Planning Area are burdened with particularly high levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), diesel particulate matter (diesel PM), and ozone. Fine particulate matter can originate from a variety of sources, including cars and trucks, industrial processes, wood burning, or other activities involving combustion, and wildfires. Because the particles are microscopic in size, they can be inhaled and affect both the lungs and heart, causing heart attacks, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and other complications. Ozone is a common air pollutant in the region that is produced in the atmosphere by chemical reactions between oxygen-containing compounds and other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of these substances. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma. Drinking water and hazardous waste are two other pollution burden indicators where census tracts in Diamond Bar tend to score high relative to other census tracts in California. It is important to note that both drinking water and hazardous waste are regulated by standards at the State level. These indicators do not, therefore, necessarily point to major threats to human health. Strategies available to the City to address these pollution burdens include collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions and regional bodies such as the South Coast Air Quality Management 7.1.d Packet Pg. 345 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-10 Table 8-1: Percentile Ranks for Select Pollution Burden Indicators in Diamond Bar Disadvantaged Communities Census Tract Ozone³PM2.5 4 Diesel5 Drinking6 Water Traffic7 Hazardous Waste8 Total Pollution Burden9 403303 74 69 95 28 82 77 83 403304 69 69 79 28 84 19 57 403305 69 34 0 90 38 8 25 403312 78 82 97 54 96 47 93 403316 82 71 0 94 48 49 38 403319 78 96 0 95 49 26 26 403320 78 21 0 41 40 69 18 403321 82 23 0 95 45 50 15 403322 74 90 0 96 48 42 28 403323 74 98 0 94 50 78 31 403324 74 30 0 43 40 13 22 403325 69 34 0 91 38 41 18 408703 65 69 25 52 82 18 56 Notes: 1. The percentile represents a relative score for the indicators, in comparison to all census tracts in California. 2. Percentile values are rounded to the nearest one percent. 3. Based on amount of daily maximum 8-hour ozone concentration. 4. Based on annual mean of fine particulate matter concentrations. 5. Based on County-wide estimates for a July weekday. 6. Based on drinking water contaminant index for selected contaminants. The drinking water contaminant index is a combination of contaminant data that takes into account the relative concentrations of different contaminants and whether multiple contaminants are present. The drinking water contaminant index is not a measure of compliance with drinking water standards and does not indicate whether water is safe to drink. 7. Based on traffic volumes on road segments within 150 meters of the census tract boundary. 8. Based on the sum of weighted permitted hazardous waste facilities and hazardous waste generators within each census tract. 9. Based on average of percentiles from all pollution burden indicators. Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0, 2018 District (SCAQMD) (see Chapter 5 for further discussion and policies related to air quality and water quality); protecting sensitive populations such as young people and aging adults from environmental risks through appropriate land use planning and mitigation requirements such as adherence to SCAQMD’s air quality buffers as is referenced in Chapter 5; and ensuring that hazardous waste does not pose a threat to human health through appropriate land use and hazardous waste regulations, as outlined in Chapter 7: Public Safety. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 346 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-11 GOALS & POLICIES ACTIVE LIFESTYLE See Chapter 4: Circulation for additional policies regarding the promotion of multi-modal mobility. See Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services for additional policies regarding the provision of parks and public facilities. GOALS CHS-G-1 Support healthy and active lifestyles for all members of the community by integrating opportunities for active transportation and physical activity into daily life in Diamond Bar. CHS-G-2 Achieve more walkable, livable neighborhoods by expanding the multi- modal transportation system and creating a safe, pedestrian-oriented environment. CHS-G-3 Promote the use of public parks, recreational and other spaces for healthy exercise and physical activity. POLICIES CHS-P-1 Strive to ensure that all areas of the community have an equal distribution of public parks and public recreational facilities to maximize access. CHS-P-2 As resources become available and appropriated through the municipal budget process, improve signs directing residents and visitors to public parks and recreational facilities from all parts of the community. Integrate parks and recreation signage with bikeway and pedestrian-oriented signage systems throughout Diamond Bar. CHS-P-3 Promote physical activity and active transportation programs through events sponsored by the City, particularly the Parks & Recreation Department. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 347 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-12 CHS-P-4 Remove barriers and improve multi-modal mobility throughout the City for all community members by supporting transit, pedestrian, and bicycle connections between residential neighborhoods and major destinations, including parks, civic facilities, school campuses, other educational institutions, employment centers, shopping destinations, parks, and recreation areas, where appropriate. CHS-P-5 As opportunities and resource become available, implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments. CHS-P-6 Support efforts to improve the conditions for youth walking and bicycling in the areas surrounding schools. SOCIAL CONNECTION GOALS CHS-G-4 Embrace physical, cultural, language, and social diversity, sensitively integrating and welcoming newcomers into the established community. CHS-G-5 Enhance cultural and generational diversity and social connections through opportunities for volunteerism and civic engagement, public gathering places, public art, family-friendly activities, and events that connect residents to one another, helping them to stay socially active in the community. CHS-G-6 Provide safe and welcoming opportunities for meeting and gathering that encourage face-to-face interactions between people. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 348 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-13 GOALS & POLICIES POLICIES CHS-P-7 Continue to support and promote citywide events that integrate families, schools, and the greater community. CHS-P-8 Foster greater connectivity between neighborhoods and uses by reducing physical barriers and implementing strategies that improve comfort and safety, such as improved visibility, lighting, and walkability. CHS-P-9 Encourage and provide volunteer opportunities for residents to engage and support a wide variety of events and activities. CHS-P-10 Promote social engagement and healthy lifestyles for older adults by continuing to organize and offer appropriate cultural, recreational, and assistance programs, activities, and services. CHS-P-11 Encourage and facilitate incorporation of universal lifecycle design principles (design that promotes the ability to remain in one's house as one ages) in new residential development, allowing community members to stay in their homes and neighborhoods longer. CHS-P-12 Encourage public art installations that are diverse in content, media, and siting that help to create and reinforce the uniqueness of Diamond Bar and reflect an array of cultural influences. CHS-P-13 Support the provisions of spaces, programs and facilities across the community to provide opportunities for artistic and cultural engagement and expression for all members of the Diamond Bar community. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 349 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-14 CHS-P-14 Encourage the development of “destinations”—such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. CHS-P-15 Encourage the establishment of gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-16 Create safe public spaces through implementation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies. HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN SERVICES See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development for additional policies regarding the development of employment opportunities. GOALS CHS-G-7 Promote health equity, including equal access to health facilities, clinics, goods, services, and economic and educational opportunities, helping to ensure wellbeing for residents of all ages, abilities, and incomes. POLICIES CHS-P-17 Support the managed growth of complementary health services and medical facilities in Diamond Bar, including clinics, hospitals, medical offices, and medical laboratories. Work with hospitals, medical practices, and other health care providers to ensure widespread access to these services. CHS-P-18 Publicize existing health programs and assist residents in connecting with County and community-based health services and medical facilities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 350 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-15 GOALS & POLICIES CHS-P-19 Encourage the use of schools as community and neighborhood centers to provide a range of services and programs, such as evening courses related to healthy living, job-training and retraining programs, and other services for the community at large. HEALTHY FOOD GOALS CHS-G-8 Promote a healthy, balanced, functional, and equitable food system for the entire Diamond Bar community by reducing barriers and increasing access to locally-grown fruits and vegetables and increasing community-wide knowledge of healthy food choices and behaviors. POLICIES CHS-P-20 Continue to support and collaborate with local non-profit organization (such as the Greater La Puente Valley Meals on Wheels) to promote and provide food delivery to Diamond Bar residents who have difficulty preparing food or obtaining meals for themselves due to physical, mental, financial, or other conditions. CHS-P-21 Promote healthy food and beverages at City-sponsored events, programs, and recreation activities. Ensure that safe, clean drinking water is available for the public at all City-owned buildings where public programs occur. CHS-P-22 Consider opportunities to partner with regional Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as an alternative source of fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables for Diamond Bar residents, particularly those with limited mobility or income, or those farthest from existing grocery stores. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 351 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-16 CHS-P-23 Support home gardening efforts by considering a Home Gardening and Urban Agriculture Ordinance or otherwise ensuring that zoning does not prevent or restrict the use of residential properties as vegetable gardens. CHS-P-24 Explore opportunities as they arise to incorporate community gardens into City parks and open space areas, and encourage the Diamond Bar Community Garden and other organizations to facilitate the development, administration, and operation of additional community gardens in the City. PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GOALS CHS-G-9 Promote health equity and environmental justice in Diamond Bar to ensure the well-being of residents with the greatest vulnerability to health risks. CHS-P-10 As opportunities avail themselves, involve environmental groups, the business community, and the general public in the formulation and implementation of programs that enhance public health in the City and the region. POLICIES CHS-P-25 Cooperate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other agencies to monitor and maintain data related to Diamond Bar health outcomes and risk factors, and use this data to consider development or expansion of County and City programs to best serve and protect the Diamond Bar community. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 352 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-17 GOALS & POLICIES CHS-P-26 At such time that City staffing resources are available, monitor and maintain data from CalEPA related to pollution burdens and socioeconomic vulnerabilities in Diamond Bar, and use the data to consider development or expansion of programs and investments to reduce the risks of disadvantaged communities. CHS-P-27 Recognizing the adverse health impacts associated with compromised air quality, ensure the protection of sensitive receptors from exposure to hazardous concentrations of air pollutants when reviewing development proposals. CHS-P-28 To the extent feasible, manage, enhance, and improve the City's tree canopy as a valuable ecological and public health resource, particularly adjacent to and within sensitive use areas located in the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) 500-foot air quality buffer. CHS-P-29 Incorporate noise mitigation measures, which could include buffers, noise barriers, or natural open space, and vegetation, between new sensitive uses such as residential units and schools, and major noise polluters such as SR-57 and SR-60, the Metrolink Riverside rail line, and heavy industry. CHS-P-30 Support a better informed and civically engaged community by making information available both in print and electronic format, and, to the extent possible, provide this information in the languages predominantly spoken in the community. CHS-P-31 Encourage all segments of the Diamond Bar community, including residents, businesses, and organizations, to be involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of community health programs and activities. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 353 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-18 8.3 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Climate change impacts pose an immediate and growing threat to California’s economy, environment and public health. The effects of climate change in the San Gabriel Valley include increased temperatures, reduced precipitation, flooding, and reduced water supply. It is thus important that the Diamond Bar community build resilience to be able to adapt to these effects, and also promote the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate, or reduce their impacts. CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION In California, about 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. For example, the proximity between housing and job centers and the design of transportation networks determines the distance needed to travel between destinations and the transportation mode choices available. These factors directly influence the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Reducing vehicle miles traveled will help Diamond Bar reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate potential impacts of climate change, with the added benefit of reducing pollutants that affect public health issues related to air quality in the city and broader region. Climate change mitigation refers to the actions taken to limit the magnitude or rate of climate change and its corresponding effects, and focuses primarily on the reduction of GHG emissions. Given the relationship between transportation and greenhouse gas emissions in California and the dominance of single occupant vehicles in Diamond Bar, the most promising mitigation measures available to the City of Diamond Bar are those related to the reduction of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through land use and transportation planning that promotes compact growth and alternative modes of transportation. This General Plan provides a land use plan and corresponding land use and circulation policies that act as a framework for VMT reduction through compact, mixed-use development that provides greater access to shopping, employment and recreational destinations that do not require travelling long distances by car (see Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development and Chapter 4: Circulation). Other climate change mitigation strategies include energy efficiency and conservation, waste reduction and diversion, and green building and landscapes. Additional measures to promote climate change mitigation are outlined in the City’s Climate Action Plan. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 354 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-19 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY Diamond Bar is committed to helping reduce the effects of rapid climate change. The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) is designed to provide discrete actions to operationalize the General Plan policies that help with GHG reduction. The CAP outlines Diamond Bar’s overall strategy to reduce GHG emissions and identifies specific implementation measures the City will undertake and quantifies their impacts, in order to comply with State directives for reducing GHGs. The California Assembly Bill (AB) 32 2017 Scoping Plan seeks to bring California to a low carbon future, reducing emissions to no more than six metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita by 2030 and no more than two MTCO2e per capita by 2050. The AB 32 Scoping Plan also directs local governments to assist the state in meeting California’s emissions goals. The GHG emission targets proposed for the Diamond Bar CAP are based on the goals established by California Executive Order (EO) S-3-05 and SB 32, following the CAP guidelines established in the 2017 Scoping Plan. The horizon year for analysis in the proposed Diamond Bar CAP is 2040, corresponding with the General Plan update horizon. Thus, the CAP will include targets of six MTCO2e per capita per year by 2030 and four MTCO2e per capita per year by 2040 (derived from the Scoping Plan target of two MTCO2e per capita per year in 2050). It provides a community- based policy framework to address community-wide GHG emissions sources. Specifically, the CAP is designed to: • Translate high-level objectives and quantified goals into a realistic, understandable set of implementation actions; • Demonstrate that significant reductions in GHG emissions are attainable through local actions; • Inspire community members to work collectively to achieve these reductions; • Dovetail with General Plan policies that are required to address climate change impacts and adaptation, including those for land use, transportation, building design, and infrastructure; and • Provide a predictable approach to mitigation strategies for the compliance of future development projects with CEQA. The CAP will be the primary tool for implementing the General Plan’s climate change mitigation policies. CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 7.1.d Packet Pg. 355 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-20 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Many energy efficiency and conservation measures rely on individual decisions and incentives to make these decisions. The City is positioned to act as a model of energy efficiency and conservation through the establishment of city practices that reduce energy consumption, and to disseminate information on incentives such as energy upgrading financing options that will encourage the Diamond Bar community to conserve energy. Waste Reduction and Recycling Diverting waste from landfills by promoting reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting of materials can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and waste prevention programs reduce energy and transportation needed to manufacture and ship resource-intensive products and packing. Composting food and yard waste reduces the amount of methane produced in landfills. Green Building and Landscapes The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) was adopted in 2010. It was the first code of its kind to mandate green building design and construction in categories related to planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and air quality standards. The City’s Building Code was amended for consistency with CALGreen Building Code. CALGreen measures thus apply to all new buildings (residential and non- residential). In addition, Diamond Bar’s biological resources and ecosystems contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon storage and climate regulation. These ecosystem services will be particularly important as climate change contributes to higher temperatures and heat islands in urban areas. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS GHGs are those compounds in the Earth’s atmosphere that play a critical role in determining temperature near the Earth’s surface. More specifically, these gases allow high-frequency shortwave solar radiation to enter the Earth’s atmosphere, but retain some of the low frequency infrared energy which is radiated back from the Earth towards space, resulting in a warming of the atmosphere. GHGs result from human activities associated with industrial manufacturing, vehicle emissions, waste, and the use of electricity generated from fossil fuels. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 356 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 |COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-21 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE Although reducing GHGs is necessary to avoid the most catastrophic consequences of climate change, a certain amount of climate change within the planning horizon of this General Plan is unavoidable due to existing emissions and the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere. The Fourth California Climate Change Assessment, completed in 2018, projected that for the Los Angeles region, including Los Angeles County, changes in climate are likely to include: • Continued warming, with average maximum temperatures to increase 4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) by 2050; • Increases in extreme temperatures, with the hottest day of the year being up to 10 degrees F warmer for many locations by the end of the century and the number of extremely hot days also increasing; • Increases in both dry and wet extremes, with increases in precipitation on the wettest day of the year and increased frequency and severity of atmospheric river events; and • Increased frequency of wildfire. In the Planning Area, some residents will be more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. For example, young residents, seniors, persons with disabilities, lower- income households, those living in social isolation, and the homeless are at a much higher risk for health problems related to heat and wildfire smoke. Geographically, some locations in the Planning Area may be more susceptible to certain effects of climate change. Structures and residents located on hillsides and near open spaces will have greater wildfire risk. Intensively developed areas are more likely to experience “heat island” effects, in which urban development and human activities contribute to higher temperatures than those in surrounding unurbanized areas. Heat islands are typically the result of dark surfaces, building materials that absorb and radiate heat, loss of vegetation, and energy usage. In order to reduce the community’s vulnerability and build resiliency, the City can prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Strategies can include the following: • Plan for extreme weather events by incorporating the potential effects and threats of climate change into emergency management planning; • Use urban design as a tool to reduce heat island effects by planting trees and limiting the use of pavement, other urban 7.1.d Packet Pg. 357 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-22 materials, and human activities that concentrate the sun’s heat; • Create a system resilient to low water supplies by managing urban and agricultural water use efficiently; • Protect against failures of the transportation system by creating resilient transportation systems with redundant, multi- modal routes; and • Build preparedness within the community by ensuring that community members are aware of changing risks and have access to necessary support systems. Many policies throughout this chapter and other chapters of the General Plan are intended to increase the community’s resiliency by promoting stability of different ecological, social, built, and economic systems of the City. THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT Urban Heat Islands refer to developed areas that undergo higher warming of the surface and the atmosphere than surrounding rural or undeveloped areas. Research suggests that unmitigated Climate change will lead to higher temperatures and longer, more severe, and more frequent heat waves. Urban areas such as Diamond Bar already suffering from the heat island effect will bear the brunt of these harsher heat events, increasing the risk of illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly among older adults, young children, and those who work outdoors. Mitigation measures can include increasing the tree canopy, installing green roofs and cool pavements, and reducing the number of vehicles in an area. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 358 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-23 GOALS & POLICIES CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES See Chapter 4: Circulation for additional policies regarding the reduction of VMT and promotion of multi-modal mobility. See Chapter 5: Resource Conservation for additional policies regarding hillside conservation and open space preservation GOALS CHS-G-11 Consider initiatives to enhance sustainability by reducing the community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protecting natural open spaces which provide CO2 sequestration, and fostering green development patterns, buildings, sites, and landscapes. CHS-G-12 Conserve natural open spaces by prioritizing and supporting infill development to build healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities. CHS-G-13 Promote energy efficiency and conservation in the community. CHS-G-14 Encourage waste reduction and diversion practices to meet State targets and reduce GHG emissions. CHS-G-15 Increase the community’s resiliency and capacity to resist and recover from social, economic, and environmental disruption from climate change impacts. POLICIES Greenhouse Gas Emissions CHS-P-32 Continue to monitor the City's compliance with State-mandate GHG emissions, as provided for in the CAP. Make timely adjustments to City policies as required to continue meeting State GHG targets, and as changes in technology, federal and State programs, or other circumstances warrant. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 359 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-24 CHS-P-33 Encourage land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. CHS-P-34 Demonstrate City leadership in GHG emission reduction activities by considering incentives for proposals that reduce or minimize GHG production, or provide incentives for selecting climate friendly, or lower and/ or non-emission producing alternatives. E nergy Efficiency and Conservation CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform when considering measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. CHS-P-36 Support and cooperate with local, regional, State, and federal agencies on the monitoring and evaluation of energy resources as well as the identification of energy-efficient and alternative energy technologies and practices. CHS-P-37 As opportunities arise, work with appropriate federal, State, and private utility agencies to identify and facilitate utility rate revisions that would provide incentives for the conservation of energy. CHS-P-38 Consider the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through actions such as: a. Establishing incremental growth goals for solar power/alternative energy systems in Diamond Bar; b. Developing guidelines, recommendations, and examples for cost-effective solar and/or other alternative energy-based installation; and 7.1.d Packet Pg. 360 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-25 GOALS & POLICIES c. Installing solar/alternative energy technology on existing City facilities. CHS-P-39 Support Southern California Edison (SCE) and Southern California Gas Company's (SoCalGas) efforts to increase public awareness of energy conservation technology and best practices. CHS-P-40 Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy-efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities that establish public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes as safe, efficient, and desirable alternatives. CHS-P-41 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities. CHS-P-42 Seek funding and other assistance from the South Coast Air Quality Management District for installation of electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate locations throughout the City. CHS-P-43 Explore participating in new high efficiency technology programs such as LED lighting for City facilities, safety lighting in parks and other public spaces, and LED street lighting conversion for all City-owned street lights. CHS-P-44 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through the implementation of the Green Building Codes. CHS-P-45 Support and cooperate with the Walnut Valley Water District, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District in community education efforts to reduce the consumption of carbon- based fuels for conveyance and treatment of water and wastewater. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 361 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-26 Waste Reduction and Recycling CHS-P-46 In order to achieve compliance with the source reduction goals set forth under Assembly Bill (AB) 939 amendments thereto, incorporate solid waste diversion goal performance standards into the contracts with the City’s franchise waste haulers, and enforce the City’s Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance. CHS-P-47 Reduce the disposal of household hazardous wastes in landfills through continued cooperation with waste pick-up service providers, the County Sanitation Districts, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works in the provision of curbside pick-up and annual household waste round up events. CHS-P-48 Continue to promote the safe disposal of household hazardous waste through public education and incentives. CHS-P-49 Continue to educate residential, commercial, and industrial generators about source reduction and recycling programs and encourage their participation in these programs through promotional campaigns and incentives. CHS-P-50 Encourage generators of edible food to have contracts or agreements with food rescue organizations to minimize edible food from being disposed of or destroyed. CHS-P-51 Encourage residents and businesses to compost leaves, grass clippings, food waste, and other organic materials by promoting existing food waste pickup services, residential waste hauler rate composting discounts, and residential backyard composting. CHS-P-52 Collaborate with the City’s contract waste haulers to educate and encourage residents and businesses about waste reduction strategies. CHS-P-53 Support and cooperate with County and State regulatory agency efforts to require commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 362 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 | COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY 8.0 8-27 GOALS & POLICIES Climate Change Resiliency CHS-P-54 Incorporate updated information about future climate change hazards, particularly those related to extreme weather such as drought, storms, heat waves, and wildfires, into the City’s hazard mitigation and emergency planning processes. CHS-P-55 Encourage the protection and enhancement of areas identified as healthy functioning ecosystems that provide the ecological, cultural, public health and safety, and economic value of ecosystem services, or benefits. CHS-P-56 Prepare a Landscape Manual or otherwise incorporate landscape standards in the Municipal Code to mitigate urban heat island effects and contribute to long-term carbon storage through maximum tree canopy coverage and minimum asphalt and paving coverage particularly for denser areas like the planned Town Center and mixed-use neighborhoods, existing shopping centers, and industrial and other areas with expansive surface parking. Consider the reflectance of stone and rock ground cover in heat generation. CHS-P-57 Encourage water conservation, drought- tolerant landscaping and the use of greywater and reclaimed and recycled water, where appropriate, with a view to reducing water use. CHS-P-58 Encourage the installation of green roofs and cool (reflective) roofs to reduce temperatures of roof surfaces and the surrounding air. CHS-P-59 As resources become available, increase the efficiency of water usage in public places, such as irrigation in public parks, and utilize drought-tolerant landscaping in City parks and streetscapes. CHS-P-60 Promote a resilient transportation system that offers connectivity for multiple transportation modes in the face of extreme events related to climate change, such as storms and wildfires. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 363 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SUSTAINABILITY | Diamond Bar General Plan 20408-28 This page is intentionally left blank. 7.1.d Packet Pg. 364 7.1.d Packet Pg. 365 7.1.d Packet Pg. 366 CLIMATE AC TION PLAN 2040 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT | NOVEMBER 2019 7.1.e Packet Pg. 367 7.1.e Packet Pg. 368 CLIMATE AC TION PLAN 2040 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT | NOVEMBER 2019 Prepared by 7.1.e Packet Pg. 369 7.1.e Packet Pg. 370 Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................... ES-1 1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Scope and Purpose ............................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Overview ......................... 1-2 1.3 Effects of Climate Change on Diamond Bar ...................................... 1-6 1.4 California GHG Reduction Legal Framework ...................................... 1-8 1.5 Federal and State Emissions Reductions Strategies and Standards 1-10 1.6 Planning Process .................................................................................. 1-14 1.7 How to Use This Plan ............................................................................ 1-16 2 Emissions Inventory .................................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Methodology ......................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Emissions Inventory................................................................................. 2-3 3 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets and Forecasts ............................. 3-1 3.1 GHG Reduction Target.......................................................................... 3-1 3.2 Business as Usual Forecast with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System ................................................................................. 3-4 3.3 GHG Reductions to Forecast from State Actions ................................ 3-9 3.4 Modified Forecast: GHG Reductions from Additional General Plan Policies and Actions ............................................................................ 3-11 3.5 Modified Forecast ................................................................................ 3-19 4 Monitoring Progress and Optional Measures to Further Reduce Emissions ................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 Monitoring Progress ............................................................................... 4-1 4.2 Optional Measures to Further Reduce Emissions ................................. 4-3 Appendix A: Climate Change Informational Resources Appendix B: References Appendix C: Applicable General Plan Goals and Policies Appendix D: Potential Project Level GHG Reduction Measures 7.1.e Packet Pg. 371 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures Figure 1-1: Greenhouse Gas Effect ............................................................... 1-3 Figure 1-2: Change in Average Global Temperatures ................................ 1-5 Figure 2-1: 2016 GHG Emissions by Sector .................................................... 2-6 Figure 2-2: Electricity Emissions by Sector ..................................................... 2-8 Figure 2-3: Natural Gas Emissions by Sector ................................................. 2-9 Figure 3-1: 2016 Emissions and Emissions Targets .......................................... 3-3 Figure 3-2: Forecast with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System 3-8 Figure 3-3: Forecast with (1) General Plan Land Use and Circulation System and (2) State Actions ........................................................................... 3-11 Figure 3-4: Modified Forecast (Forecast Emissions with (1) General Plan Land Use and Circulation System, (2) State Actions, and (3) Additional General Plan Policies) ....................................................... 3-20 Figure 4-1: Process of Climate Action Planning .............................................. 2 7.1.e Packet Pg. 372 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN iii List of Tables Table ES-1: Emissions Inventory, Forecasts, and Targets ................................. 2 Table 2-1: Residential, Commercial, and Industrial (RCI) Inputs; 2016 ....... 2-3 Table 2-2: Residential and Commercial Waste Characterization; 2016 .... 2-4 Table 2-3: 2016 GHG Emissions (MTCO2e per year) ..................................... 2-7 Table 2-4: Electricity Emissions by Sector (MTCO2e per year) ..................... 2-7 Table 2-5: Natural Gas Emissions by Sector (MTCO2e per year) ................. 2-8 Table 3-1: 1990 GHG Emissions (MTCO2e per year) ..................................... 3-2 Table 3-2: 2016 Emissions and Emissions Targets ........................................... 3-3 Table 3-3: 2016 VMT and Projected 2030 and 2040 VMT............................. 3-6 Table 3-4: 2016 Water Demand and UWMP Projected 2030 and 2040 Water Demand ...................................................................................... 3-6 Table 3-5: 2016 Emissions and BAU Forecast Emissions by Sector, 2030 and 2040 (MTCO2e per year)........................................................................ 3-7 Table 3-5: RPS GHG Reductions .................................................................... 3-9 Table 3-6: Title 24 Building Efficiency Improvements GHG Reductions .... 3-10 Table 3-7: Forecast with State Actions ........................................................ 3-10 Table 3-8: GHG Reductions from Additional General Plan Policies and Actions (MTCO2e per year) ................................................................. 3-19 Table 3-9: Modified Forecast (Forecast Emissions with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System, State Actions, and Additional General Plan Policies) and Emissions Targets ................................................... 3-19 7.1.e Packet Pg. 373 TABLE OF CONTENTS This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 374 Executive Summary This Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan (CAP) is designed to reinforce the City’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and demonstrate how the City will comply with State of California’s GHG emission reduction standards. As a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, the CAP will also enable streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The CAP includes: ❖ An inventory of the City’s GHG emissions; ❖ Forecasts of future GHG emissions; ❖ Monitoring and reporting processes to ensure targets are met; and ❖ Options for reducing GHG emissions beyond State requirements that could be adopted at a future date, if so needed or desired. The CAP, which has been prepared concurrently with the updated Diamond Bar General Plan, provides an analysis of GHG emissions to the year 2040, which is the horizon year for the General Plan. State-Mandated Local GHG Emissions Targets and Guidelines The CAP reflects guidelines established in the 2017 Scoping Plan prepared by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Scoping Plan, designed to implement the State’s not-to-exceed GHG emission targets set in Executive Order S-3-15 and Senate Bill 32, recommends that local governments target 6 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita per year in 2030 and 2 MTCO2e per capita per year in 2050 in their CAPs. Emissions Inventory and Forecast The 2016 emissions inventory and 2030 and 2040 emissions forecasts cover direct GHG emissions from sources within the boundaries of Diamond Bar. 2016 is the most recent year for which all data is available. Indirect emissions associated with the consumption of energy that is generated outside the borders of the City, such as electricity, are also included. The emissions inventory and forecast tally emissions from nine sectors: residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, solid waste, water, wastewater, off-road equipment, and public lighting. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 375 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-2 The City’s General Plan includes closely integrated land use and transportation systems and policies designed to foster a more sustainable community. Table ES-1 shows the 2016 emissions inventory, along with 2030 and 2040 emissions forecasts that take into account planned State actions, and incorporating results of the traffic forecasts conducted for the General Plan Update, as well additional reductions from other policies contained in the General Plan. The analysis presented in Chapter 3 finds that Diamond Bar will meet its targets for 2030 and 2040 without any additional measures beyond those prescribed by the General Plan’s Goals and Policies, as summarized in Table ES-1 below. TABLE ES-1: EMISSIONS INVENTORY, FORECASTS, AND TARGETS Year Inventory/Forecast (MTCO2e per year) Inventory/Forecast (MTCO2e per capita per year) GHG Emissions Targets (not-to-exceed MTCO2e per capita per year) 2016 348,790 6.0 N/A 2030 254,209 4.2 6.0 2040 251,074 3.8 4.0 Monitoring and Reporting Progress The City will periodically monitor and report on progress towards achieving the emissions targets, potentially every five years, unless otherwise required more frequently by State law. The monitoring report will include information on the status of the federal and State level emissions reductions measures identified in Chapter 3 of this CAP, as well as any new efforts that may emerge in the reporting year. Updating the GHG Inventory and the CAP The City will update the GHG inventory periodically. If an updated inventory reveals that Diamond Bar is not making adequate progress toward meeting the GHG target, or that new technologies and programs emerge that warrant inclusion in the CAP, the City will adjust the CAP by modifying, adding, and/or replacing policies in the General Plan or elsewhere, or incorporating optional measure(s) to further reduce emissions outlined in Section 4.2 of this CAP. For illustration purposes, the CAP outlines several candidate measures, and quantifies the likely GHG emissions reductions resulting from them. The measures include: ❖ Photovoltaic systems; ❖ Energy efficiency retrofits; ❖ Electrification; ❖ Increased Zero-Emission Vehicle travel; ❖ Zero Waste; and ❖ Clean Power partnerships. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 376 1 Introduction 1.1 Scope and Purpose Background and Purpose The Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan (CAP) – the City’s first CAP – is designed to reinforce the City’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and demonstrate how the City will comply with State of California’s GHG emission reduction standards. As a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, the CAP will also enable streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The CAP has been prepared concurrently with the updated Diamond Bar General Plan, reflecting the City’s most current land use and transportation strategy, and GHG implications of various General Plan’s goals and policies. The General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) also serves as the EIR on the CAP, and the GHG analysis in the CAP is fully synchronized with the analysis in the EIR. The General Plan includes strategies such as transit-oriented and mixed-use development, integrated transportation and land use planning, promotion of bicycle and pedestrian movements, and parking and transportation demand management. It also includes goals and policies to promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource conservation and recycling. These strategies, goals, and policies would result in GHG reductions compared to baseline trends. As a document adopted by the City of Diamond Bar City Council, the CAP applies to the municipal limits of the City of Diamond Bar. All information and data presented in the CAP, unless otherwise noted, is for the area within the City’s municipal limits. The General Plan covers a larger Planning Area that includes part of Tonner Canyon, an undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches from SR-57 east to the San Bernardino county line. The General Plan does not propose any development within Tonner Canyon, which is designated as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) under the Diamond Bar General Plan and Los Angeles County SEA Program. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 377 1: INTRODUCTION 1-2 CAP Contents The CAP includes: ❖ An inventory of the City’s GHG emissions; ❖ Forecasts of future GHG emissions; ❖ Actions that demonstrate the City of Diamond Bar commitment to achieve State GHG reduction targets by monitoring and reporting processes to ensure targets are met; and ❖ Options for reducing GHG emissions beyond State requirements in effect as of the CAP’s adoption date. While there is no sunset year for the CAP, the CAP provides analysis of GHG emissions to the year 2040, which is the General Plan horizon year. Community Vision and Environmental Stewardship As part of the General Plan update visioning process, residents and other stakeholders were asked to describe those qualities that make Diamond Bar a great community, so that the common goal of preserving and enhancing those qualities may serve as a guide for all planning efforts. The resultant General Plan Vision incorporates environmental stewardship as a key tenet: “Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and preserving the strong connections and environmental resources that define its “country living” identity.” In addition, the General Plan reflects several high-level values that can be applied across several topics in the General Plan, and serve as the document’s organizing themes. Chapter 5 of the General Plan, Resource Conservation, highlights the City of Diamond Bar’s commitment to preservation and restoration of open spaces and sensitive habitat. Chapter 8 of the General Plan, Community Health and Sustainability, prioritizes actions that support environmental justice and reduction of greenhouse gases. 1.2 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Overview Greenhouse Effect and GHGs Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called “greenhouse gases” or GHGs. The greenhouse effect traps heat in the troposphere through a threefold process: Short-wave radiation emitted by the sun is absorbed by the earth; the earth emits a portion of this energy in the form of long-wave radiation; and GHGs in the upper atmosphere absorb this long-wave radiation, emitting some of it into space and the rest back toward the earth. This “trapping” of the long-wave 7.1.e Packet Pg. 378 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-3 (thermal) radiation emitted back toward the earth is the underlying process of the greenhouse effect (Figure 1-1). Principal GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), and water vapor (H2O). Some GHGs, such as CO2, CH4, and N2O, occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. Since different gases contribute to the greenhouse effect in different proportions, the term CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) is used to calibrate each of the different GHGs in terms of the amount of CO2 that would produce the same thermal effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that contributes to regulating the earth’s temperature. Without it, the temperature of the earth would be about 0°F (−18°C) instead of its present 59°F (15°C) and unlikely to support human life in its current form. Figure 1-1: Greenhouse Gas Effect Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2016. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 379 1: INTRODUCTION 1-4 Carbon Cycle and Global Temperatures The global carbon cycle is complex and incorporates natural sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide, including respiration of aerobic organisms, wildfires, and volcanic outgassing, and sinks such the removal of CO2 by land plants for photosynthesis, and absorption by the ocean. Data collected on global GHG concentrations over the past 800,000 years demonstrates that the concentration of CO2, the principal GHG, has increased dramatically since pre-industrial times, from approximately below 300 parts per million (ppm) in 1800, to about 353 ppm in 1990 and 404 ppm in 2016. Increased atmospheric concentrations of GHGs have led to a rise in average global temperatures. Figure 1-2 shows the increase in global temperatures from 1880 to 2019. While average global temperatures fluctuate on a yearly basis, the general trend shows a long-term temperature increase. Since 1976, every year has been warmer than the long-term average. In 2018, the average temperature across global land and ocean surfaces was 1.42°F (0.79°C) above the twentieth- century average. During 2018, 11 of 12 monthly global land and ocean temperature departures from average ranked among the five warmest for their respective months, giving way to the fourth warmest year in NOAA's 139-year record. The consensus among climate scientists is that earth’s climate system is unequivocally warming, and rigorous scientific research demonstrates that anthropogenic1 greenhouse gases are the primary driver. 1 Caused by human activities 7.1.e Packet Pg. 380 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-5 Figure 1-2: Change in Average Global Temperatures Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2018. Climate Change Global climate change concerns are focused on the potential effects of climate change resulting from excessive GHGs in the atmosphere and how communities can mitigate effects and adapt to change in the short and long term. Numerous observations document the impacts of global climate change, including increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, the widespread melting of snow and ice, more intense heat waves, and rising global average sea level. Scientists have high confidence that global temperatures will continue to rise in the foreseeable future, largely due to anthropogenic GHG emissions. In addition to the physical impacts to the environment from increased temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events, global climate change is predicted to continue to cause ecological and social impacts. Ecological impacts of climate change include greater risk of extinction of species, loss of species diversity, and alteration of global biogeochemical cycles, which play an essential role in nutrient distribution. The social impacts of climate change include impacts on agriculture, fisheries, energy, water resources, forestry, construction, insurance, financial services, tourism, and recreation. According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in North America, the regional impacts of climate change are a forecast of decreased snowpack in the western mountains; a 5 to 20 percent decrease in the yields of rain-fed agriculture in some regions; and increased frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in cities that currently experience them. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 381 1: INTRODUCTION 1-6 In California, the Climate Action Team (CAT)—a group of state agency secretaries and the heads of agencies, boards, and departments, led by the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency—synthesized current research on the environmental and economic impacts of climate change. The CAT found that climate changes are poised to affect virtually every sector of the state’s economy and most ecosystems. Key findings of the CAT include predicted decreases in water supply that could cause revenue losses of up to $3 billion per year in the agricultural sector by 2050, increases in statewide electricity demand of up to 55 percent by the end of the century, increased wildfire risk that may cause monetary impacts of up to $2 billion per year by 2050, and ecosystems impacts affecting California’s historic ranching culture and a source of local, grass-fed beef. The 2018 wildfire season alone cost the California fire department $1 billion and resulted in $11.4 billion in insurance claims. Higher temperatures, changes in precipitation, decreased water supplies accompanied by increased demand, increased risk of wildfire, a greater number of extremely hot days, the decline or loss of plant and animal species, and other impacts of climate change are expected to continue to affect Diamond Bar. 1.3 Effects of Climate Change on Diamond Bar Open Space and Biological Resources Although Diamond Bar is primarily developed as a residential community, open spaces and vegetated habitats have a large presence within the City’s hilly terrain. A diversity of native plant and animal species inhabit Diamond Bar’s open spaces, including coast live oak woodland and California walnut woodland. These species are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which can reduce available habitat through increased temperature, drier conditions, and increased wildfire frequency and intensity. Climate change can also worsen the endangered status of many native species within Diamond Bar. However, Diamond Bar’s open space is considered a valuable resource in the City’s fight against climate change. California’s oak woodlands act as carbon sinks, storing an estimated 675 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e). Riparian habitats and wetlands also act as climate sinks and are beneficial to ecological adaptation to climate change. Destruction of these habitats, both through land use decisions and the consequences of intensifying climate change, has the potential to release a significant amount of greenhouse gases. The Diamond Bar General Plan update includes multiple policies aimed at preserving open space and riparian habitat to encourage the health of the City’s biological resources, particularly oak and walnut woodlands, and applies land use designations that minimize impacts of development on these resources. Additionally, the General Plan includes policies that promote the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, which can reduce water use. Access to open space also benefits the human population of Diamond Bar. Increasing the tree canopy and preserving existing open space can reduce the 7.1.e Packet Pg. 382 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-7 urban heat island effect and therefore heat-related illnesses. Existing open space resources include multiple parks, the Diamond Bar Golf Course, and Tonner Canyon. The General Plan includes policies and mitigation explicitly aimed at increasing equitable access to open space and preservation of existing resources. Public Health and Environmental Justice Climate change threatens human health, including mental health, and access to clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and shelter. Diamond Bar residents who are already more vulnerable to health challenges are likely to be the most affected by climate change. These populations tend to be the young and the old, the poor, and those who are already sick. Increases in extreme heat events can increase the risk of heat-related illness or death, or the worsening of chronic health conditions. Food scarcity and higher food prices from impacts to agriculture can cause increased hunger and reduced availability of nutrition. The increased frequency of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, wildfires, and storm surges can cause injury or death, illness, and increases or shifts in infectious disease. Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Environmental justice is typically examined in the context of disadvantaged communities. The term “disadvantaged community” (DAC) is defined by the California Health and Safety Code, Section 39711, and refers to areas disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative public health effects, exposure to hazards, or environmental degradation, and socio-economic vulnerability, determined by concentrations of people that are of low income, high unemployment, low levels of homeownership, high rent burden, sensitive populations, or low levels of educational attainment. Disadvantaged communities can be disproportionately affected by climate change and may be less able than other to adapt to or recover from climate change impacts. While no disadvantaged communities have been identified by CalEPA in Diamond Bar or its Sphere of Influence as of 2019, the General Plan is drafted with an understanding that a community is only as resilient as its most vulnerable populations. Wildfire Climate change can exacerbate the frequency and intensity of wildfires. In recent years, the State of California has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons. In 2017 and 2018, devastating fires such as the Camp and Tubbs fires in Northern California, and the Woolsey and Thomas Fires in Southern California demonstrated the profound impact wildland fires can have on populated areas. As the wildland- urban interface continues to expand and changes in climate patterns become more apparent, wildfire risk management at the local level will become more and more important. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 383 1: INTRODUCTION 1-8 The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has mapped fire threat potential throughout California. CAL FIRE ranks fire threat according to the availability of fuel and the likelihood of an area burning (based on topography, fire history, and climate). Diamond Bar contains regions of very high fire severity, including most of the designated open space areas and much of the Diamond Bar Country Estates neighborhood. Areas with a higher frequency of wildfires have included the SOI and surrounding open spaces outside of the City. Since the 1980s, wildfires have occurred in locations near Peaceful Hills Road, Eldertree Drive, Diamond Knoll Lane, and Wagon Train Lane in the southern portion of the City; in and around the SOI; and near to but outside of the northern City limits. The General Plan includes multiple policies aimed at minimizing wildfire risk in Diamond Bar. Drought and Flooding Throughout history, the State of California has experienced many droughts, with the most recent drought period lasted between 2011 and 2017. Effects of drought can include increased susceptibility to wildfires, increased risk of flooding and landslide, habitat degradation, permanent loss of groundwater storage, and impacts to agriculture. California could be affected by significantly more dangerous and more frequent droughts in the near future as changes in weather patterns triggered by climate change block rainfall from reaching the state. Climate change can also increase the volatility of California’s climate, resulting in dramatic swings between dry and wet years and widespread flooding. While Diamond Bar is located outside of any flood hazard areas, a portion of its SOI is located within a 100-year flood plain, in which there is a one percent chance of flood event being equaled or exceeded in any given year. General Plan policies emphasize water conservation and drought-tolerant landscaping, which may alleviate future drought conditions in Diamond Bar. 1.4 California GHG Reduction Legal Framework California has taken an aggressive stance to reduce GHG emissions in order to combat the impacts of climate change; some of the State actions include the following. Governor’s Executive Order S-3-05 Executive Order S-3-05 (EO S-3-05) issued in 2005 recognizes California’s vulnerability to increased temperatures causing human health impacts, rising sea levels, and a reduced Sierra snowpack due to a changing climate. The Executive Order established targets to reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2010, to 1990 levels by 2020, and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 384 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-9 Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and 2008 CARB Scoping Plan The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32, or AB 32) codifies the targets set in EO S-3-05 of statewide reductions to 1990 emissions levels by 2020. AB 32 directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and implement a scoping plan and regulations to meet the 2020 target. CARB approved the Scoping Plan in 2008, which provides guidance for local communities to meet AB 32 and EO S-3-05 targets. The Scoping Plan adopted a quantified cap on GHG emission representing 1990 emission levels, instituted a schedule to meet the emission cap, and developed tracking, reporting, and enforcement tools to assist the State in meeting the required GHG emissions reductions. Governor’s Executive Order S-3-15 and 2017 CARB Scoping Plan Executive Order S-3-15 (EO S-3-15) issued in 2015 established an interim target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. In 2016, the Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 32, which codified the 2030 GHG emissions reduction target. To reflect this target, CARB’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update recommends that local governments target 6 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita per year in 2030 and 2 MTCO2e per capita per year in 2050. The CAP’s GHG emission targets are based on meeting the goals set in EO S-3-15 and SB 32, following the CAP guidelines established in the 2017 Scoping Plan. Governor’s Executive Order B-55-18 Executive Order B-55-18 (EO B-55-18) issued in 2018 established a statewide goal to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, and no later than 2045, and to achieve and maintain net negative emissions thereafter. EO B-55-18 is established in addition to the existing statewide targets of reducing GHG emissions. To achieve this target, remaining emissions must be offset by equivalent net removals of CO 2 from the atmosphere, including through sequestration in forests, soils and other natural landscapes. The CAP’s GHG emission targets are not based on the goals set in EO B-55-18 given the General Plan’s horizon date of 2040. However, strategies recommended in the CAP would contribute towards carbon sequestration goals established in EO B-55- 18. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 385 1: INTRODUCTION 1-10 1.5 Federal and State Emissions Reductions Strategies and Standards Several federal and state standards have been adopted to reduce GHG emissions, in addition to and in support of the targets set in EO S-3-15 and SB 32. As of August 2019, multiple federal programs have been challenged by the Trump administration and are discussed below. Federal Standards Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates and tests gas mileage or fuel economy in order to deter air pollution in the United States. Since the transportation sector produces 29 percent2 of GHG emissions in the U.S. as a whole, fuel economy regulations are an important way to reduce GHG emissions. The EPA’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards require vehicle manufacturers to comply with the gas mileage or fuel economy standards to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. The most recent CAFE GHG emissions standards were set in 2012, which will increase the fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon average for cars and light trucks by Model Year 2025, and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels per year. In August 2018, the EPA and Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a new plan for fuel efficiency called the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles rule (SAFE), which would freeze federal standards at the 2020 level through model year 2026. The proposed rule also revokes California’s ability to set its own, higher fuel efficiency standards. In June 2019, 17 worldwide automakers appealed to the White House and California to work together on a single national standard. In July 2019, California and four major automakers (BMW, VW, Ford, and Honda) signed a voluntary agreement that preempts this rollback and introduces an additional proposed successor to the existing fuel efficiency standards. This proposal would extend the current 2025 model year standard to 2026, and change the original year-over-year 4.7 percent GHG reduction over four years goal to 3.7 percent over five years (2022 through 2026). Additionally, the proposal would provide incentives to companies that sell electric vehicles and install GHG-reducing technologies. As of August 2019, the Trump administration has not finalized the fuel economy rollback and a coalition of 12 states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed rule. However, the Department of Transportation is still working to finalize its adjustments to this rule, and is proposing a freeze at 37 miles per gallon. 2 In 2017, GHG emissions from transportation were about 29 percent of the total 6,457 million metric tons CO2e. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 386 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-11 Gas Guzzler Tax The EPA imposes the Gas Guzzler Tax on manufacturers of new cars that do not meet required fuel economy levels, to discourage the production and purchase of fuel-inefficient vehicles. Renewable Fuel Standard Program The EPA established a renewable fuel standard to include a minimum volume of renewable fuel in 2017, which applies to all gasoline and diesel produced or imported. The EPA gradually increases new volume requirements annually for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. EO 13783 and Affordable Clean Energy Rule On August 3, 2015, the EPA finalized the Carbon Pollution Standards, which set national limits on the amount of carbon pollution that new, modified, and reconstructed power plants will be allowed to emit. On the same date, the EPA also finalized the Clean Power Plan, setting national limits on the amount of carbon pollution from existing power plants. The EPA also approved oil and natural gas air pollution standards in 2016 to reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Executive Order on Energy Independence (EO 13783), which calls for review and rewriting of the Clean Power Plan, Carbon Pollution Standards, regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, and the “social cost of carbon” estimate used to justify climate regulations; lifts the moratorium on federal coal leasing; repeals guidance for factoring climate change into NEPA reviews; rescinds multiple Obama-era executive orders and documents related to climate change; and instructs all federal agencies to review all rules inhibiting the development of domestic energy production. In June 2019, the Trump administration issued the Affordable Clean Energy Rule (ACE), which replaces the Clean Power Plan. The ACE would give individual states more authority to make their own plans for regulating GHG emissions from coal- fired power plants. In August 2019, a coalition of 29 states and cities filed a lawsuit to block the rule. State Standards California Senate Bill 375 SB 375 (2008) requires each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in the state to adopt a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) aimed at achieving a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system, including mass transit, highways, railroads, bicycles, and pedestrians, among other forms of transit. Each MPO is required to prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) which sets forth 7.1.e Packet Pg. 387 1: INTRODUCTION 1-12 forecast development patterns and describes the transportation system that achieve the regional GHG emission reduction targets set by CARB. CARB’s 2010 targets called for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region, the MPO in which Diamond Bar is located, to reduce per capita emissions by 8 percent by 2020 and 13 percent by 2035 based on a 2005 baseline. New targets were adopted in 2018, increasing SCAG’s 2035 per capita emissions reduction target to 19 percent. SCAG adopted its own RTP/SCS in April 2012. The SCS lays out how the region will meet GHG targets to reduce per capita emissions 9 percent by 2020 and 16 percent by 2035 based on a 2005 baseline. In April 2016, SCAG adopted targets of 8 percent, 18 percent, and 21 percent reduction per capita GHG emissions by 2020, 2035, and 2040, respectively, based on a 2005 baseline. As the SCS is focused on passenger vehicle emissions on a regional scale, it is considered separate from the reductions outlined in this CAP. Governor’s Executive Order S-1-07 (Low Carbon Fuel Standard) Executive Order S-1-07, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), requires a reduction of at least 10 percent in the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by 2020. The LCFS requires oil refineries and distributors to ensure that the mix of fuel sold in California meets this reduction. The reduction comes from production cycle (upstream) emissions from the production and distribution of transport fuels within the state, rather than the combustion cycle (tailpipe) emissions from the use of those transport fuels.3 Governor’s Executive Order S-1-07 (Low Carbon Fuel Standard) Executive Order S-1-07, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), requires a reduction of at least 10 percent in the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by 2020. Renewable Portfolio Standards California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), established in 2002 by the California State Senate in SB 1078, accelerated in 2006 and expanded in 2011, is one of the most ambitious renewable energy standards in the country. The RPS requires each energy provider to supply 33 percent of their electricity from eligible renewable energy resources by 2020. Signed in October 2015, SB 350 requires providers to supply 50 percent of their electricity from eligible renewable energy resources by 2030. Pavley Fuel Economy Standards (AB 1493) In 2009, CARB adopted amendments to the Pavley regulations to reduce GHG emissions in new passenger vehicles from 2009 to 2016. The standards became the model for the updated federal CAFE standards. 3 EMFAC2014 Volume III - Technical Documentation 7.1.e Packet Pg. 388 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-13 Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) Program In 2012, CARB adopted the ACC program, developed in coordination with the EPA. The components of the ACC program are the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) regulations that reduce GHG emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles, and the Zero-Emission Vehicle regulation, which requires manufacturers to produce an increasing number of battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, with provisions to also produce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the 2018 through 2025 model years. Title 24 Building Standards & CALGreen Title 24 is California’s Building Energy Code, which is updated every three years. In 2010, Title 24 was updated to include the “California Green Building Standards Code,” referred to as CALGreen. CALGreen requires that new buildings reduce water consumption, increase system efficiencies, divert construction waste from landfills, and install low pollutant-emitting finish materials. CALGreen has mandatory measures that apply to nonresidential and residential construction. The most recent 2019 CALGreen code was adopted in 2018 and will become effective in 2020. A notable change under this update is the requirement for installation of solar photovoltaics on all new residential buildings. CALGreen contains voluntary Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels, which are designed to exceed energy efficiency and other standards by 15 percent or 30 percent. 75 Percent Solid Waste Diversion In 2011, AB 341 set the goal of 75 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste by 2020 calling for the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to take a statewide approach to decreasing California’s reliance on landfills. This goal was an update to the former goal of 50 percent waste diversion set by AB 939. United States Climate Alliance On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced that the United States would cease all participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. In accordance with Article 28 of the Paris Agreement, the earliest possible effective withdrawal date by the United States cannot be before November 4, 2020. The United States Climate Alliance was formed on June 1, 2017 following President Trump’s announcement. The Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of states and unincorporated self-governing territories in the United States that are committed to upholding the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change within their borders by achieving the United States goal of reducing GHG economy-wide emissions 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025 and meeting or exceeding the targets of the federal Clean Power Plan. As of August 2019, the Alliance has 24 members, including the state of California. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 389 1: INTRODUCTION 1-14 100 Percent Clean Energy Act The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 (Senate Bill 100, or SB 100) sets a state policy that eligible renewable energy and zero-carbon resources supply 100 percent of all retail sales of electricity in California by 2045. SB 100 accelerates California’s RPS established under SB 350. In recognition that California retail sellers are well on their way to achieving the target in advance of the existing deadlines, SB 100 requires providers to supply 50 percent of their electricity from eligible renewable energy resources by 2026 and 60 percent by 2030. 1.6 Planning Process How This Plan Was Prepared The CAP reflects the City’s commitment to the core values presented in the General Plan, and links elements of the plan—including Land Use, Circulation, Resource Conservation, and Community Health and Sustainability—with the goal of GHG reduction. The CAP was prepared in 2019 in conjunction with the General Plan 2040 update. Relationship to the California Environmental Quality Act The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a statute that requires local agencies to identify significant environmental impacts of their actions and avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. In 2007, California’s lawmakers enacted SB 97, which expressly recognizes the need to analyze GHG emissions as part of the CEQA process. SB 97 required the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to develop recommended amendments to address GHG emissions as an environmental effect. In 2010, OPR’s amendments to the CEQA guidelines addressing GHG emissions became effective. Lead agencies are now obligated to describe, calculate or estimate the amount of GHG emissions resulting from a project, by using a model or methodology to quantify GHG emissions resulting from a project or relying on a qualitative analysis or performance based standards. The lead agency should determine whether a project’s GHG emissions significantly affect the environment by considering whether the project’s emissions, as compared to the existing environmental setting, exceeds a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project, and the extent to which the project complies with the regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions. In addition, the lead agency is required to impose feasible mitigation to eliminate or substantially reduce significant effects. In December 2018, OPR and the California Natural Resources Agency’s amendments to the CEQA guidelines, including changes to CEQA Guidelines section 15064.4, became effective. The revision of CEQA Guidelines section 15064.4 clarified several points on the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions. Lead 7.1.e Packet Pg. 390 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 1-15 agencies must analyze the greenhouse gas emissions of proposed projects and its effect on climate change, rather than simply quantifying emissions. The lead agency should consider the global and cumulative nature of greenhouse gas emissions and may consider a projects consistency with the State’s long-term climate goals or strategies. In addition, the lead agency has discretion to select the model or methodology it considers most appropriate to enable decision makers to intelligently take into account the project’s incremental contribution to climate change. The 2019 CEQA Guidelines also implement Senate Bill (SB) 743 traffic impact analysis, including guidance on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) screening thresholds, mitigation, and reduction. Using VMT to measure transportation impacts promotes the reduction of GHG emissions, the development of multimodal transportation networks, and a diversity of land uses in accordance with SB 743. The CAP will help the City comply with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b): Tiering and Streamlining the Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions4, which became effective in 2010. The required elements of a CAP, as cited in the guidelines, state that a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions should: ❖ Quantify greenhouse gas emissions, both existing and projected over a specified time period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area; ❖ Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable; ❖ Identify and analyze the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area; ❖ Specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by- project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level; ❖ Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels; and ❖ Be adopted in a public process following environmental review. 4 15183.5(b) of CEQA Guidelines states, “Plans for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Public agencies may choose to analyze and mitigate significant greenhouse gas emissions in a plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or similar document. A plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may be used in a cumulative impacts analysis as set forth below. Pursuant to sections 15064(h)(3) and 15130(d), a lead agency may determine that a project’s incremental contribution to a cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable if the project complies with the requirements in a previously adopted plan or mitigation program under specified circumstances.” 7.1.e Packet Pg. 391 1: INTRODUCTION 1-16 The CAP is intended to fulfill these requirements. The CAP also contains a Project Review Checklist, which allows for streamlined review of GHG emissions for projects that demonstrate consistency with the CAP, as described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b). Relationship to General Plan and Future Projects The City’s approach to addressing GHG emissions within the General Plan is parallel to the climate change planning process followed by numerous California jurisdictions. A General Plan is a project under CEQA, and projects under CEQA are required to estimate CO2 and other GHG emissions, as described above. The CAP is designed to provide discrete actions to operationalize the General Plan policies that help with GHG reduction. The preparation of a CAP is also consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 that allows jurisdictions to analyze and mitigate the significant effects of GHG at a programmatic level, by adopting a plan to reduce GHG emissions. Project-specific environmental documents prepared for projects consistent with the General Plan may rely on the programmatic analysis contained in the CAP and the EIR certified for the Diamond Bar General Plan. 1.7 How to Use This Plan The CAP is intended to be a tool for policy makers, community members and others to guide the implementation of actions that limit Diamond Bar’s GHG emissions. Ensuring that the CAP translates from policy language to on-the-ground results is critical to its success. Chapter 4 describes how the City can monitor progress in reducing emissions, and periodically revisit assumptions and key provisions of the plan. This chapter also outlines GHG emission reduction policies the City can implement if it wishes to reduce its emissions beyond the State- mandated targets. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 392 2 Emissions Inventory This chapter identifies the major sources and the overall magnitude of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Diamond Bar, pursuant to Sections 15183.5(b)(1)(A) and 15183.5(b)(1)(C) of the state CEQA Guidelines. As part of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) preparation effort, this GHG inventory was prepared to provide a recent measure of emissions and is summarized in this chapter. This GHG inventory is prepared for the year 2016, which is the most recent year for which all data was available. The inventory follows the standards developed by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) for community GHG inventories.5 The inventory methodology is described first, followed by the inputs, and results. 2.1 Methodology The emissions inventory covers direct GHG emissions6 from sources within the boundaries of Diamond Bar, including fuel combusted and solid waste generated within the City. Indirect emissions associated with the consumption of energy (such as electricity, with no end point emissions) that is generated outside the borders of the City are also included. The emissions inventory is calculated for the year 2016, which is the most recent year for which all data was available. The emissions inventory tallies emissions from nine sectors: ❖ Residential; ❖ Commercial; ❖ Industrial; ❖ Transportation; 5 According to the U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Version 1.1. 6 GHGs considered in the report are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The emissions have been converted to carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which converts the two other GHGs into the equivalent mass of carbon dioxide. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 393 2: EMISSIONS INVENTORY 2-2 ❖ Solid Waste; ❖ Water; ❖ Wastewater; ❖ Off-Road Equipment; and ❖ Public Lighting. ICLEI US Community Protocol assumptions were used to estimate emissions from solid waste disposal, process and fugitive emissions from wastewater treatment, and residential, commercial, industrial, and wastewater treatment natural gas use. The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) EMFAC20147 model was used to calculate transportation emissions, and CARB’s OFFROAD8 model was used for the off-road equipment sector. The majority of emissions were calculated using activity data and emissions factors. Activity data refers to a measurement of energy use or another GHG- generation process, such as residential electricity use, or vehicle miles traveled. Emissions factors are used to convert activity data to emissions, and are usually expressed as emissions per unit of activity data (e.g. metric tons carbon dioxide [CO2] per kilowatt hour of electricity). To estimate emissions, the following basic equation is used: [Activity Data] x [Emissions Factor] = Emissions As an example, multiplying the total amount of residential electricity use (activity data, expressed in kilowatt-hours) by the emissions factor (expressed as CO2e emissions per kilowatt-hour) produces the emissions in CO2e from residential energy use. The following section describes the inputs for the emissions inventory based on activity data (or usage). The baseline year for the CAP is 2016, which is the earliest year for which all activity data was available. For transportation trips that originate or end in Diamond Bar, emissions for half of the entire trip, not just for the miles traveled within Diamond Bar, are included; however, trips that just pass through the Diamond Bar are excluded, as their emissions would be reflected at their trip ends.9 Furthermore, although pass- through trips contribute a substantial amount to VMT totals, the City and the Diamond Bar community have limited ability to influence them. 7 The EMFAC2014 model was developed by CARB to measure various emissions from on-road vehicles. 8 The OFFROAD model was developed by CARB to measure various emissions from off-road vehicles. 9 For example, for a trip that begins in downtown Pomona and ends in Diamond Bar, the entire trip length is calculated for that trip. Half of the entire trip length is assigned to Diamond Bar, and the other half is assigned to the City of Pomona. Using half the trip length is standard ICLEI methodology for assigning regional VMT to a particular jurisdiction. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 394 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2-3 2.2 Emissions Inventory Residential, Commercial, and Industrial (RCI) Electricity and Natural Gas Usage Emissions from electricity consumption were calculated using electricity usage for the residential, commercial, and industrial (RCI) sectors, along with Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) 2016 GHG per unit of electricity provided in Edison International’s 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report: 0.24 metric tons CO2e per megawatt-hour (MTCO2e/MWh).10 Emissions from natural gas consumption were calculated using natural gas usage for the RCI sectors, along with emissions factors provided in Appendix C of the ICLEI Protocol for the RCI sectors: 0.0053 metric tons CO2e per therm (MTCO2e/therm). Table 2-1 shows RCI electricity and natural gas consumption, and the total citywide consumption of electricity and natural gas, for 2016. The residential sector has the largest electricity and natural gas consumption (primarily used for heating homes and water), followed by commercial and industrial. TABLE 2-1: RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL (RCI) INPUTS; 2016 Inputs Residential Electric (kWh per year) 131,937,635 Natural Gas (therms per year) 6,115,192 Commercial Electric (kWh per year) 89,460,434 Natural Gas (therms per year) 1,939,083 Industrial Electric (kWh per year) 972,126 Natural Gas (therms per year) 2,192 Total by Source Electricity (kWh per year) 222,370,195 Natural Gas (therms per year) 8,056,467 Source: Southern California Edison, 2017; Southern California Gas Company, 2017. Transportation Transportation emissions are based on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for on-road vehicles. The SCAG model consistent with the 2016 SCAG RTP/SCS growth projections was used to estimate the VMT generated by land uses in the Planning 10 Industrial electricity consumption did not meet the 15/20 Aggregation Rule for data requests (the data set must contain at least 15 customers, and no single customer can make up more than 20 percent of the total energy consumption). This is due to the extremely limited number of industrial facilities in Diamond Bar, as industrial uses account for less than one percent of all land uses in Diamond Bar. To estimate industrial electricity consumption for the purposes of the CAP emissions inventory, 2016 non-residential electricity consumption for Los Angeles County was multiplied by the ratio of existing industrial acreage in Diamond Bar to Los Angeles County non-residential acreage. Estimated industrial electricity consumption may be lower than actual. Industrial natural gas consumption was provided. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 395 2: EMISSIONS INVENTORY 2-4 Area. To assess the VMT generated in Diamond Bar, the production and attraction (PA) method was used which records all home-based production and home- based-work production and attraction vehicular trips generated by land uses in the Planning Area across the entire regional network. The total annual VMT in 2016 was 511,342,670 vehicle miles traveled. EMFAC2014 was used to find CO2 emission factors (emissions per VMT) for vehicles in the portion of Los Angeles County within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB). The emission factors were found for calendar year 2016; annual emissions (no season was chosen); and all model years, speeds, and fuels. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2014 was used to find national CH4 and N2O emission factors. Emissions were calculated by multiplying emission factors by VMT. Solid Waste CalRecycle provided waste characterization data as the percentage of organic residential and commercial waste from nine categories of waste, as shown in Table 2-2. TABLE 2-2: RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL WASTE CHARACTERIZATION; 2016 Waste Category Percentage Residential Waste Percentage Commercial Waste Newspaper 1.6 2.0 Office Paper 5.0 7.0 Corrugated Cardboard 1.7 12.1 Magazine/Third Class Mail 9.1 9.7 Food Scraps 18.4 17.3 Grass 3.35 5.4 Leaves 3.35 5.4 Branches 8.6 2.4 Dimensional Lumber 9.0 6.8 Total 100.00 100.00 Source: CalRecycle, 2019. Waste Management and Valley Vista Services also provided the amount of organic commercial and residential solid waste disposed of in landfills. 7,700 tons of commercial waste and 14,166 tons of residential waste were generated and disposed of within Diamond Bar. These data were multiplied by the State- mandated solid waste diversion rate and emissions factors used in the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM). Between 2007 and 2017, Diamond Bar consistently met its State-assigned per resident disposal rate (PPD) target of 4.6 and per employee disposal rate target of 17.3 every year for diversion of solid waste; therefore, continued achievement was assumed. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 396 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2-5 Water Emissions from supplying water were calculated using the 2016 electricity consumption input provided by Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) for potable and reclaimed water: 4,048,749 kWh and 186,291 kWh, respectively. Wastewater Treatment Emissions from electricity used during wastewater treatment in 2016 were calculated using total influent provided by the San Jose Creek East Water Reclamation Plant. Total wastewater volume was calculated by multiplying total influent by Diamond Bar’s existing population and 365 days, then converted to kWh electricity using the default wastewater treatment intensity factor, resulting in a total of 1,740,036 kWh electricity. Emissions from electricity consumption were calculated using SCE’s 2016 GHG per unit electricity factor. Nitrous oxide emissions from wastewater effluent and methane emissions from wastewater treatment and septic tank use were calculated using assumptions in the ICLEI Protocol. Off-Road Equipment Off-road emissions in Diamond Bar include lawn and garden equipment, construction equipment, and industrial equipment, in addition to other categories for which CARB’s OFFROAD2007 model generates emission outputs. The model generates emissions for a total of 16 categories across Los Angeles County. The CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions were calculated in short tons per day for the portion of the county that lies in SCAB. The emissions were found for calendar year 2016; Monday through Sunday; annual emissions (no season was chosen); and all equipment, fuels, and horsepowers. These emissions were then pro-rated by Diamond Bar’s share of the county population within SCAB, multiplied by 365 days, and converted to metric tons. Public Lighting This sector covers electricity consumed from streetlights in Diamond Bar, making up 3,231,978 kWh of electricity in 2016. Total Emissions The total GHG emissions were 348,790 MTCO2e per year in 2016. Table 2-3 summarizes the sources and quantities of emissions, and Figure 2-1 shows the emissions graphically by sector. The largest sector is transportation, at 70 percent, followed by residential (18 percent) and commercial (nine percent). 7.1.e Packet Pg. 397 2: EMISSIONS INVENTORY 2-6 Figure 2-1: 2016 GHG Emissions by Sector 19% 9% 0% 69% 2%0%0%1%0% Residential Commercial Industrial Transportation Solid Waste Water Wastewater Off-Road Equipment Public Lighting 7.1.e Packet Pg. 398 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2-7 TABLE 2-3: 2016 GHG EMISSIONS (MTCO2E PER YEAR) Sector Subsector Emissions Residential Electricity 31,659 Natural Gas 32,517 Total Residential 64,175 Commercial Electricity 21,466 Natural Gas 10,289 Total Commercial 31,755 Industrial Electricity 233 Natural Gas 12 Total Industrial 245 Transportation Gasoline 201,505 Diesel 40,502 Total Transportation 242,007 Solid Waste Residential 3,577 Commercial 2,603 Total Solid Waste 6,180 Water Total Water 1,016 Wastewater Total Wastewater 650 Off-Road Equipment Total Off-Road 1,985 Public Lighting Total Public Lighting 776 GRAND TOTAL 348,790 RCI Emissions by Source Electricity RCI electricity emissions account for 15 percent of the total emissions. Table 2-4 and Figure 2-2 show electricity use emissions by sector—the residential sector accounts for 57 percent of all electricity emissions in Diamond Bar, followed by the commercial sector, which accounts for 38 percent. TABLE 2-4: ELECTRICITY EMISSIONS BY SECTOR (MTCO2E PER YEAR) Sector 2016 Emissions Residential 31,659 Commercial 21,466 Industrial 233 7.1.e Packet Pg. 399 2: EMISSIONS INVENTORY 2-8 Figure 2-2: Electricity Emissions by Sector Natural Gas Natural gas use accounts for nine percent of total emissions in Diamond Bar. The residential sector accounts for 76 percent of natural gas use, while the commercial sector accounts for 24 percent. Table 2-5 and Figure 2-3 show natural gas use emissions by sector. TABLE 2-5: NATURAL GAS EMISSIONS BY SECTOR (MTCO2E PER YEAR) Sector 2016 Emissions Residential 32,517 Commercial 10,289 Industrial 12 59% 40% 1% Residential Commercial Industrial 7.1.e Packet Pg. 400 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2-9 Figure 2-3: Natural Gas Emissions by Sector 76% 24% 0% Residential Commercial Industrial 7.1.e Packet Pg. 401 2: EMISSIONS INVENTORY 2-10 This page intentionally left blank 7.1.e Packet Pg. 402 3 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets and Forecasts This chapter describes the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets provided by State law, provides a baseline forecast of GHG emissions, and models forecasts of future GHG emissions through 2040. The chapter also quantifies GHG reductions from (1) State actions and (2) the updated General Plan policies and actions, and applies these reductions to the emissions forecast. 3.1 GHG Reduction Target Governor’s Executive Orders S-3-05 and S-3-15 As discussed in Section 1.4 of the Introduction, in 2015 Executive Order S-3-15 established a target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, in addition to the target set by Executive Order S-3-05 of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The horizon year for analysis in this CAP is 2040, corresponding with the General Plan horizon. The CAP uses a linear trajectory in emissions reductions between 2030 and 2050 to determine a 2040 target in line with EO S-3-05 and EO S-3-15: reduce GHG emissions to 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2040. As 1990 emissions are not readily available on a local level, the City completed a “back-cast” to model GHG emissions in Diamond Bar in the year 1990. The 1990 emissions inventory was developed using the same methodology as described in Chapter 2 of the CAP and utilized data collected between 1990 and 1993 found in the 1995 Diamond Bar General Plan Environmental Impact Report. The total GHG emissions are estimated at 1,152,206 MTCO2e per year in 1990. Table 3-1 summarizes the sources and quantities of emissions. The significant decrease in emissions from 1990 to 2016 can be partially attributed to a reduction in VMT, improvements in fuel economy, and other regulations related to energy efficiency as discussed in Chapter 1. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 403 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-2 TABLE 3-1: 1990 GHG EMISSIONS (MTCO2E PER YEAR) Sector Subsector Emissions Residential Electricity 54,783 Natural Gas 66,197 Total Residential 120,980 Non-Residential Electricity 36,522 Natural Gas 11,611 Total Commercial 48,133 Transportation Gasoline 775,149 Diesel 156,465 Total Transportation 931,614 Solid Waste Residential 23,335 Commercial 11,389 Total Solid Waste 34,724 Water Total Water 2,472 Wastewater Total Wastewater 2,632 Off-Road Equipment Total Off-Road 10,015 Public Lighting Total Public Lighting 1,635 GRAND TOTAL 1,152,206 Compliance with the targets established in EO S-3-05 and EO S-3-15 would limit GHG emissions in the City of Diamond Bar to no more than 691,232 MTCO2e in 2030, 460,882 MTCO2e in 2040, and 230,441 MTCO2e in 2050. 2017 CARB Scoping Plan As discussed in Section 1.4, to reflect targets established in EO S-3-05 and EO S-3- 15, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recommends that local governments reduce their GHG emissions to 6 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita per year in 2030 and 2 MTCO2e per capita per year in 2050. The CAP uses a linear trajectory in emissions reductions between 2030 and 2050 to determine the 2040 target: 6 MTCO2e per capita per year. Table 3-2 summarizes these emissions targets in per capita and in MTCO2e (for comparison purposes) and the 2016 emissions. Figure 3-1 graphs the 2016 inventory emissions in MTCO2e per capita along with the emissions targets, following a linear trajectory, from 2030 to 2040. As can be seen, the 2016 emissions exceed the 2040 target but not the 2030 target. Additionally, the CARB emissions targets establish lower thresholds in MTCO2e than EO S-3-05 and EO S-3-15, and are therefore used in this CAP to provide a conservative analysis of potential impacts on GHG emissions and climate change in 2030 and 2040. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 404 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-3 TABLE 3-2: 2016 EMISSIONS AND EMISSIONS TARGETS Year GHG Emissions and Targets (MTCO2e per year) GHG Emissions and Targets (MTCO2e per capita per year) 2016 348,790 6.0 2030 377,112 6.0 2040 266,740 4.0 Figure 3-1: Comparison of 2016 Emissions to GHG Reduction Targets 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040MTCO2e Emissions perCapita per YearYear Baseline Targets (AB 32/EO S-3-15) 7.1.e Packet Pg. 405 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-4 3.2 Business as Usual Forecast with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System Methodology The business as usual (BAU) forecast estimates emissions through the year 2040. The BAU forecast assumes the General Plan land use and circulation system, but does not include the effects of the following State actions discussed in Section 1.5 of this CAP’s Introduction: the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the 2019 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. As AB 341 was adopted prior to 2016, the forecast accounts for the goal of 75 percent diversion of solid waste by 2020. The Pavley regulations and the Advanced Clean Cars program discussed in Section 1.5 of the Introduction are already accounted for in the transportation emission factors output by the EMFAC2014 model, so these are automatically included in the BAU forecast. Conversely, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is not included in the EMFAC2014 model because LCFS GHG reductions come from upstream emissions, rather than tailpipe emissions, as discussed in the EMFAC2014 Technical Documentation. Since upstream emissions from transportation fuels are not considered in this CAP, LCFS will not be included in Section 3.3, which quantifies state actions that reduce GHG emissions and incorporates these actions into the forecast. The forecast predicts all direct GHG emissions11 from sources within the boundaries of Diamond Bar, including fuel combusted in the City. Indirect emissions associated with the consumption of energy that is generated outside the borders of the City are also included. Other indirect or embodied emissions are not covered in the forecast, in accordance with International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives standards. The forecast tallies emissions from nine sectors: ❖ Residential; ❖ Commercial; ❖ Industrial; ❖ Transportation; ❖ Solid Waste; ❖ Water; ❖ Wastewater; ❖ Off-Road Equipment; and 11 GHGs considered in the report are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The emissions have been converted to carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which converts the three other GHGs into the equivalent mass of carbon dioxide. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 406 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-5 ❖ Public Lighting. The emissions projected in the forecast use the activity data (or usage) from the 2016 emissions inventory as an initial value. The predicted growth in each sector is projected to scale with various Diamond Bar characteristics, such as population growth and increase in commercial building square footage. The following section describes how the predicted growth in each section was determined. Inputs Residential Emissions from the residential sector are from electricity and natural gas demand. The growth in residential electricity and natural gas consumption was assumed to scale with housing unit growth, estimated at 0.76 percent per year through 2040, based on General Plan buildout estimates. Commercial The increase in commercial demand for electricity and natural gas was assumed to scale with the commercial building square footage growth, estimated at 1.42 percent per year through 2040. Industrial The decrease in industrial demand for electricity and natural gas was assumed to scale with the industrial building square footage reduction, estimated at 0.89 percent per year through 2040. Transportation—With General Plan Land Use and Circulation System Transportation emissions are based on the emissions associated with VMT. The SCAG model consistent with the 2016 SCAG RTP/SCS growth projections was used to estimate the VMT generated by land uses in the Planning Area. To assess the VMT generated in Diamond Bar, the production and attraction (PA) method was used which records all home-based production and home-based-work production and attraction vehicular trips generated by land uses in the Planning Area across the entire regional network. The VMT forecasts incorporate GHG reductions from General Plan land use projections and new roadway construction through 2040. These VMT forecasts reflect the General Plan land use patterns. The land use projections and new roadway construction are described in detail in the General Plan. Table 3-3 shows the Diamond Bar VMT for 2016 and projected VMT forecast, used to estimate transportation emissions. EMFAC2014 was used to find CO2 emission factors for calendar years 2030 and 2040. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990- 2014 was used to find national CH4 and N2O emission factors. Emissions were calculated by multiplying emission factors by VMT. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 407 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-6 TABLE 3-3: 2016 VMT AND PROJECTED 2030 AND 2040 VMT Year Vehicle Miles Traveled Per Year 2016 511,342,670 2030 556,317,340 2040 588,441,559 Solid Waste Waste emissions from solid waste generated in Diamond Bar and disposed of in landfills, was assumed to scale with population growth at 0.59 percent per year through 2040. Water The increased demand for electricity usage for supplying reclaimed and potable water was assumed to be proportional to the water demand projections for the City of Diamond Bar according to the 2015 Walnut Valley Water District Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). The UWMP includes the effect of conservation policies. Table 3-4 shows reclaimed and potable water demand used in the forecast, in addition to the 2016 water demand from the General Plan. Wastewater The UWMP was used to determine the growth in emissions from wastewater treatment. The demand for wastewater treatment was assumed to scale with total projected water demand listed in the UWMP. Table 3-4 shows water demand used in the forecast, in addition to the 2016 water demand. TABLE 3-4: 2016 WATER DEMAND AND UWMP PROJECTED 2030 AND 2040 WATER DEMAND Year Potable Water Delivery (acre-feet per year) Reclaimed Water Delivery (acre-feet per year) Total Water Delivery (acre-feet per year) 2016 9,282 516 9,799 2030 11,455 2,131 13,585 2040 12,153 2,937 15,090 Source: Walnut Valley Water District, 2016. Off-Road Equipment CARB’s OFFROAD2007 model was used to generate emission outputs for calendar years 2030 and 2040. Public Lighting Electricity use for public lighting was assumed to scale with population growth at 0.59 percent per year through 2040. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 408 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-7 Results Table 3-5 shows the BAU emissions from the forecast for each sector—residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, solid waste, water, wastewater, off-road equipment, and public lighting—and the total emissions. The forecast includes the effect of the General Plan land use and circulation system on transportation emissions but not the transportation-related policies discussed in Section 3.4 below. Section 3.4 quantifies the emissions reductions due to these policies. The Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan and CAP quantifies the reduction in VMT due to the General Plan in comparison to lower VMT under the 1995 General Plan (the No Project Alternative). The BAU forecast does not include the reduction from RPS, 2016 Title 24, or 75 percent solid waste diversion goals, which are quantified separately in Section 3.3 below. The greatest projected emissions continue to be from the transportation sector, which accounts for 60 percent of emissions in 2030 and 57 percent of emissions in 2040. Residential emissions are the next largest sector, with 23 percent of emissions in 2030 and 24 percent of the total in 2040. TABLE 3-5: 2016 EMISSIONS AND BAU FORECAST EMISSIONS BY SECTOR, 2030 AND 2040 (MTCO2E PER YEAR) Sector 2016 2030 2040 Residential 64,175 71,324 76,913 Commercial 31,755 38,696 44,564 Industrial 245 216 198 Transportation 242,007 185,253 181,651 Solid Waste 6,180 6,714 7,124 Water 1,016 1,383 1,526 Wastewater 650 885 980 Off-Road Equipment 1,985 2,441 2,811 Public Lighting 776 843 894 TOTAL 348,790 307,756 316,661 PER CAPITA 6.0 4.9 4.7 Figure 3-2 shows the change in modeled forecast emissions over time. Total emissions in the BAU scenario are projected to decrease from 348,790 MTCO2e per year in 2016 to 316,661 MTCO2e per year in 2040 (a decrease of nine percent). In 2030, the total emissions would be 307,756 MTCO2e per year, and using the General Plan-projected population growth rate (which gives a population of 62,852 in 2030), would result in 4.9 MTCO2e per capita per year. These 2030 BAU emissions are 1.1 MTCO2e per capita per year below the State target of 6.0 MTCO2e for that year. In 2040, the total emissions of 316,661 MTCO2e per year or, 7.1.e Packet Pg. 409 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-8 using the General Plan-projected population growth rate (which gives a population of 66,685 in 2040), 4.7 MTCO2e per capita per year. This would be 0.7 MTCO2e per capita per year above the State (interpolated) target of 4.0 MTCO2e for that year. The following section quantifies GHG reductions from ongoing State actions and applies them to the BAU emissions forecast. Figure 3-2: Forecast with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040MTCO2e Emissions per Capita per YearYear BAU Forecast with General Plan Land Use and Circulation Targets (AB 32/EO S-3-15) 7.1.e Packet Pg. 410 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-9 3.3 GHG Reductions to Forecast from State Actions Methodology GHG reductions from state actions and other trends to the forecast are quantified in this section. These reductions include the following: ❖ Renewable Portfolio Standard; ❖ Title 24 building efficiency improvements; and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) California’s RPS, discussed in Section 1.5 of this CAP’s Introduction, is one of the most ambitious renewable energy standards in the country. Following the adoption of SB 100, the RPS requires that investor-owned utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) supply 50 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2026 and 60 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Table 3-5 lists the reductions from the RPS in 2030 and 2040. These reductions were calculated based on SCE’s 2016 energy portfolio from Edison International’s 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report: 28.3 percent of the energy delivered to SCE’s customers was from renewable sources. To find the GHG emissions from electricity use accounting for RPS, the emission factor for electricity generated by SCE, discussed in Section 2.2 of this CAP, was adjusted for an energy portfolio of 60 percent renewable energy sources in 2030 and 2040: 0.13 MTCO2e per megawatt-hour. TABLE 3-5: RPS GHG REDUCTIONS Year MTCO2e Reductions per Year 2030 29,786 2040 33,010 Title 24 Building Efficiency Improvements Title 24, discussed in Section 1.5 of this CAP’s Introduction, is California’s Building Energy Code. The most recent Title 24 update (“2019 Update”) will become effective on January 1, 2020. The Title 24 building efficiency improvements’ effects on emissions through the 2013 update were automatically incorporated into the 2016 inventory since this code update was already in effect by 2016. To determine the 2019 Update’s effect on emissions from new buildings constructed between 2020 and 2040 for the GHG forecast, an impact analysis conducted by the California Energy Commission was used to find the electricity and natural gas usage differences between buildings constructed under the 2013 standards and those constructed according to the 2019 standards. Table 3-6 lists the GHG reductions from building efficiency improvements in new construction in 2030 and 2040. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 411 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-10 TABLE 3-6: TITLE 24 BUILDING EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS GHG REDUCTIONS Year MTCO2e Reductions per Year 2030 9,997 2040 19,080 RESULTS The annual reductions from the above State actions—RPS and Title 24 building efficiency improvements—were combined. Table 3-7 lists the total forecast in 2030 and 2040, juxtaposed with reductions from State actions. Figure 3-3 shows the forecast with General Plan land use and circulation system, as well as State actions. TABLE 3-7: FORECAST WITH STATE ACTIONS Year BAU Forecast Emissions with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System (MTCO2e per year) Renewable Portfolio Standard (MTCO2e per year) Title 24 Building Efficiency Improvements (MTCO2e per year) Total Forecast Emissions with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System & State Actions (MTCO2e per year) Total Forecast Emissions with General Plan Land Use and Circulation System & State Actions (MTCO2e per capita per year) 2030 307,756 29,786 9,997 267,973 4.26 2040 316,661 33,010 19,080 264,571 3.97 7.1.e Packet Pg. 412 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-11 Figure 3-3: Forecast with (1) General Plan Land Use and Circulation System and (2) State Actions 3.4 Modified Forecast: GHG Reductions from Additional General Plan Policies and Actions Methodology This section describes General Plan policies and actions that reduce GHG emissions, quantifies emissions reductions, and explains how these policies and actions will be implemented. These reductions are from policies and actions in addition to State regulations and the General Plan land use and circulation system, which incorporate reductions from “No Project” conditions that are already reflected in the modeling discussed previously. The General Plan policies and actions are organized according to the following categories: ❖ Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity; ❖ Bikeway System Improvements; ❖ Traffic Calming; ❖ Electric Vehicle Infrastructure; ❖ Parking Facilities and Policies; and ❖ Transportation Improvements. 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040MTCO2e Emissions per Capita per YearYear Forecast with (1) General Plan Land Use and Circulation and (2) State Actions Targets (AB 32/EO S-3-15) 7.1.e Packet Pg. 413 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-12 The California Air Pollution Control Officers Association’s (CAPCOA’s) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures report was developed as a resource for local governments to assess emissions reductions from GHG mitigation measures. This section uses the methodology outlined in the CAPCOA report for each category to quantify emissions reductions from the General Plan policies and actions.12 The reductions are applied to the emissions forecast in the following section to get the “modified forecast.” Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity General Plan Goals and Policies: LU-G-2, LU-G-14, LU-G-22, LU-G-23, LU- P-9, LU-P-13, LU-P-14, LU-P-17, LU-P-24, LU-P-26, LU-P-30, LU-P-31, LU-P-36, LU- P-37, LU-P-40, LU-P-41, LU-P-45, LU-P- 46, LU-P-47, LU-P-48, LU-P-49, LU-P-50, LU-P-51, ED-P-9, CC-G-1, CC-G-2, CC-G-3, CC-G-4, CC-G-5, CC-G-12, CC-G-13, CC-G-17, CC-P-4, CC-P-7, CC-P-9, CC-P-15, CC-P-18, CC-P-19, CC-P-20, CC-P-21, CC-P-29, C-P-31, CC-P-38, CC-P-39, CC-P-42, CC-P-44, CC-P-45, CC-P-50, CC-P-51, CC-P-54, CC-P-56, CC-P-57, CC-P-58, CC-P- 62, CC-P-63, CC-P-64, CR-G-3, CR-G- 11, CR-G-12, CR-P-1, CR-P-2, CR-P-3, CR-P-4, CR-P-9, CR-P-14, CR-P-30, CR- P-32, CR-P-33, CR-P-35, CR-P-36, CR- P-39, CR-P-40, CR-P-41, CR-P-44, CR- P-45, CR-P-49, CHS-G-2, CHS-P-2, CHS-P-4, CHS-P-40 2030 Reduction: 1,853 MTCO2e per Year 2040 Reduction: 1,817 MTCO2e per Year Policy/Action Description Pedestrian Improvements Diamond Bar’s pedestrian network consists of sidewalks and street crossings as well as off-road paths and trails. While most streets in Diamond Bar have sidewalks, the suburban layout with winding roads and high-speed arterials with narrow sidewalks and spread out crossings can present a difficult pedestrian environment. The General Plan includes policies that create more walkable, livable neighborhoods by expanding the multi-modal transportation system and creating a safe, pedestrian-oriented environment. 12 While many of the policies and actions quantified in the report are project-level in nature, much of the supporting literature is from studies on a citywide, countywide, or regional context. The methodology in this section is based on these regional studies, which is therefore applicable to the General Plan policies and actions listed in this section. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 414 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-13 Increased Connectivity The General Plan provides strategies for maximizing multi-modal accessibility to and connectivity within mixed use areas, including the Metrolink Station and new Town Center. These are intended as a foundation for realizing the goal of a connected, accessible, and active community by creating pedestrian- and transit-oriented mixed use areas that reflect each area’s existing assets and establish unique identities. Components of the strategy serve to improve connectivity between the proposed mixed use areas and the City’s existing neighborhoods; provide new jobs, housing, and entertainment opportunities in compact, walkable environments; support multiple modes of transit, car travel, walking and bicycling; and increase accessibility to and from surrounding cities. The General Plan also includes a number of other improvements to enhance connectivity for bicycles, pedestrians, and transit in Diamond Bar. Quantification Providing an improved pedestrian network and increasing connectivity encourages people to walk more and results in people driving less, causing a reduction in VMT. An estimate of a 1 percent reduction in VMT from pedestrian improvements and connectivity was assumed13, which corresponds to a reduction of 1,853 MTCO2e per year in 2030 and 1,817 MTCO2e per year in 2040. Implementation Pedestrian improvements and increased connectivity will occur through implementation of the General Plan. Bikeway System Improvements Bikeway System Improvements General Plan Goal and Policies: LU-P-14, LU-P-26, LU-P-31, LU-P-49, ED-P-9, CC-G-5, CC-P-7, CC-P-20, CC-P-56, CR-G-2, CR-G-3, CR-G-11, CR-P-3, CR-P-30, CR-P-31, CR-P-32, CR-P-33, CR-P-34, CR-P-35, CR-P-36, CR-P-39, CR-P-40, CR-P-41, CR-P-43, CR-P-44, CR-P-49, CR-P-67 2030 Reduction: 111 MTCO2e per year 2040 Reduction: 109 MTCO2e per year Policy/Action Description The City of Diamond Bar has made an effort to expand the ease of alternative transportation options for residents, recognizing both health and environmental benefits. This includes the introduction of bicycle facilities along roads such as Brea Canyon Road. However, existing bicycle facilities are limited and often disconnected. For example, bicycle lanes on Grand Avenue in neighboring Chino Hills to the east terminate at the City limits despite having sufficient right-of-way to 13 Center for Clean Air Policy. Transportation Emission Guidebook. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 415 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-14 continue. Bicycle lanes on Golden Springs Drive are discontinuous, with gaps on a number of segments through the City. Local neighborhood streets feeding onto roads such as Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue could benefit from designated bicycle routes. Finally, the standard of bicycle infrastructure in California has changed, skewing towards the provision of protected infrastructure where cyclists face higher vehicle volumes and speeds. The General Plan recommends the enhancement of the existing bicycle network with the implementation of 1.76 miles of new Class I and II, 22.95 miles of new Class III bike paths, and 22.95 miles of new Class IV bike paths. In total, the recommended enhancements will create a total of 45.58 miles of new bike paths, to result in a total of 48.3 miles of bike paths. Quantification An estimated 0.05 percent reduction in transportation GHG emissions is assumed to occur where there are 2 miles of bike lane per square mile and 0.09 percent reduction where there are 4 miles of bike lanes per square mile. The minimum density threshold given for these assumptions is 2,000 people per square mile.14 With the total bicycle improvements, there would be approximately 2.4 miles of bike lanes per square mile. Diamond Bar currently has approximately 2,840 people per square mile. This corresponds to a 0.06 percent reduction in VMT emissions, or 111 MTCO2e per year in 2030 and 109 MTCO2e per year15 in 2040. Implementation The bikeway system enhancements will occur through the implementation of the Diamond Bar Bicycle Master Plan and the General Plan. Traffic Calming Traffic Calming General Plan Policies: LU-P-26, CR-G-5, CR-P-4, CR-P-21, CR- P-22, CR-P-23, CR-P-39, CR-P-44 2030 Reduction: 463 MTCO2e per year 2040 Reduction: 454 MTCO2e per year Policy/Action Description The General Plan includes policies for “calming” traffic to make streets safer and more comfortable for pedestrian travel. Traffic calming devices include roundabouts, corner bulb-outs, speed cushions, surface textures, raised pavement, road narrowing, and other devices that encourage people to drive 14 Cambridge Systematics. Moving Cooler: An Analysis of Transportation Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. 15 In this chapter, reductions based on a portion of VMT have lower reductions in 2040 than in 2030 because they are assumed to decrease with greater vehicle efficiency standards over time. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 416 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-15 more slowly or to walk or bike instead of using a vehicle, especially for short trips in and around residential neighborhoods. Quantification CAPCOA’s Quantifying Greenhouse Mitigation Measures was used to quantify the effect of traffic calming devices. A 0.25 percent reduction in VMT was assumed to occur from these improvements, which corresponds to a reduction of 463 MTCO2e per year in 2030 and 454 MTCO2e per year in 2040. Implementation The traffic calming improvements will occur through the implementation of the General Plan. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Electric Vehicle Infrastructure General Plan Policies: CR-P-56, RC-P-37, CHS-P-41, CHS-P-42 2030 Reduction: 926 MTCO2e per year 2040 Reduction: 908 MTCO2e per year Policy/Action Description Installation of electric vehicle infrastructure will encourage Diamond Bar residents, businesses, and the City vehicle fleet to switch to clean fuel and electric vehicles in order to reduce energy use and cost and transportation related GHG emissions. The General Plan recommends that the City of Diamond Bar establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles and support the use of clean fuel and “climate friendly” vehicles by residents, businesses, and City government activities. The General Plan recommends Diamond Bar to seek funding opportunities for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the City and to convert the City fleet to zero emissions vehicles over time. Quantification CAPCOA’s Quantifying Greenhouse Mitigation Measures was used to quantify the effect of electric vehicle infrastructure and converting the City fleet to zero emissions over time. A 0.5 percent reduction in VMT was assumed to occur from these improvements, which corresponds to a reduction of 926 MTCO2e per year in 2030 and 908 MTCO2e per year in 2040. Implementation The electric vehicle infrastructure improvements will occur through the implementation of the General Plan and may require the City of Diamond Bar to apply for grants and funding opportunities. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 417 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-16 Parking Policies Parking Policies General Plan Policies: LU-P-15, LU-P-33, LU-P-43, CC-P-26, CC- P-49, CR-G-14, CR-P-24, CR-P-53, CR-P- 54, CR-P-56, CR-P-57 2030 Reduction: 9,263 MTCO2e per year 2045 Reduction: 9,083 MTCO2e per year Policy/Action Description Parking policies reflect both the necessity of providing for adequate and appropriately located vehicle and bicycle parking in existing and new development, and priorities related to safety, urban design, and transportation demand management. Inadequate parking is inconvenient and frustrating for businesses and residents. Too much parking underutilizes valuable land, results in lower density development, discourages use of other forms of transportation (such as public transit), spreads out land uses, and creates gaps in store fronts; thereby practically requiring the use of the automobile. Overly high parking requirements—particularly in downtown areas or urban cores—can impact the ability to renovate or repurpose older buildings and revitalize activity centers that can be better served and connected by enhancing facilities and amenities for bicyclists and pedestrians. More flexible parking standards for projects that provide VMT reduction and TDM measures such as shared parking lots, subsidized transit passes, or carshare help to reduce, development costs, remove pedestrian barriers, and create a more pedestrian-friendly and attractive built environment. Parking requirements are implemented primarily through Diamond Bar’s zoning regulations (Title 22 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code, or “Development Code”). To promote “right sizing” of parking facilities, the General Plan calls for the amendment of parking regulations in the Municipal Code to require lower parking minimums for developments with a mix of uses with different peak parking needs, as well as developments that implement enforceable residential parking demand reduction measures, such as parking permit and car share programs. The General Plan also recommends updating parking regulations to ensure that they are reflective of the community’s needs and incorporating criteria to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. The General Plan recommends implementing an overall parking strategy for the Transit- Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and revised parking ratios for the new Town Center. Additional strategies recommended by the General Plan include consolidation of parking lots, preferential carpool parking, park-n-ride facilities, parking pricing, and bicycle parking. General Plan policies also encourage designing parking facilities to minimize impacts on pedestrian, bicycles, and transit. Although there are additional parking strategies that are available and may become available in the future, most of the strategies work best in smart 7.1.e Packet Pg. 418 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-17 growth/mixed use development areas and will be necessary to accomplish the goals and visions identified in the General Plan. Quantification According to CAPCOA’s Quantifying GHG Mitigation Measures, parking strategies have estimated VMT reductions. Reduced parking standards and other policies reducing parking availability have an estimated 5 to 12.5 percent VMT reduction. Conservatively assuming the effect of General Plan parking reduction strategies would result in the lower end of VMT reduction, the cumulative reduction from implementations would result in a 5 percent VMT reduction to give an estimated 9,263 MTCO2e per year reduction in 2030, and a 9,083 MTCO2e per year reduction in 2040. Implementation The parking strategies will occur through the implementation of the Development Code and the General Plan. Transportation Improvements Transportation Improvements General Plan Policies: LU-G-4, LU-G-9, LU-G-19, LU-P-26, LU-P- 31, LU-P-49, ED-G-5, ED-P-9, CC-P-52, CR-G-13, PR-P-46, CR-P-47, CR-P-48, CR-P-49, CR-P-50, CR-P-51, CR-P-52 2030 Reduction: 1,149 MTCO2e per year 2040 Reduction: 1,126 MTCO2e per year Policy/Action Description Transit service can provide an alternative to automobile travel and is a critical mode of transportation for those who cannot drive (such as the elderly, youth, or disabled) or do not have access to a vehicle. Limited fixed-route service is provided within Diamond Bar, primarily along major arterials, operated by Foothill Transit and supported by two Caltrans park-and-ride lots on Diamond Bar Boulevard. Paratransit service is provided to qualifying residents by Access Services, a curb-to-curb paratransit program serving Los Angeles County residents unable to use regular bus service, and by the City’s Diamond Ride program, which is a subsidized cab program designed to supplement travel means for persons with disabilities and those age 60 and older residing in Diamond Bar. Diamond Bar residents are also served by the Metrolink Riverside Line along the northwestern boundary of the City. This line runs from Downtown Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and provides service Monday to Friday. Given that the majority of Diamond Bar is of a suburban, low-density character, the General Plan prioritizes providing high-quality service between employment centers and mixed-use destinations along the spines of the City, supplemented with features such as park-n-rides and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to create multi-modal transportation nodes. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 419 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-18 This Chapter’s policies also support Metrolink ridership by improving bus, bicycle, and pedestrian connections to the station and by introducing Transit-Oriented Mixed Use development around the station. Coordination with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service to increase Metrolink’s convenience and ridership amongst Diamond Bar residents would further increase transit ridership and reduce GHG emissions associated with automobile usage. Quantification Transportation system improvements can result in VMT reductions. According to CAPCOA’s Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures, transit system improvements can result in the following reductions: 0.1 to 8.2 percent VMT reduction from expanding the transit network, 0.5 to 24.6 percent VMT reduction from increasing transit accessibility, and 0.02 to 2.5 percent VMT reduction from increasing transit service frequency and speed. Conservatively assuming the combined effect of these strategies, summing the low end of the VMT reduction ranges gives a 0.62 percent reduction in VMT emissions, or estimated 1,149 MTCO2e per year reduction in 2030, and a 1,126 MTCO2e reduction per year in 2040. Implementation Transit improvements will occur through the implementation of the General Plan and by coordination with Foothill Transit, Metrolink, and other transit providers. Results Table 3-8 shows the GHG reductions from each of the above General Plan policies. The largest reduction comes from parking policies, followed by pedestrian improvement and increased connectivity, transportation improvements, electric vehicle infrastructure, traffic calming, and bikeway system improvements. VMT emissions are projected to fall in the future due to higher fuel efficiency standards. Therefore, despite VMT projections’ continuing to climb in the future, the effect of the VMT reductions are greater in 2030 than in 2040 for all General Plan policies considered in this section. For example, the reductions from pedestrian improvements in 2040 are 1,817 MTCO2e per year, which is less than the reduction in 2030 of 1,853 MTCO2e per year. The reductions from these policies are incorporated into the emissions forecast in the following section. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 420 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 3-19 TABLE 3-8: GHG REDUCTIONS FROM ADDITIONAL GENERAL PLAN POLICIES AND ACTIONS (MTCO2E PER YEAR) Year Bikeway System Improvements Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity Traffic Calming Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Parking Policies Transportation Improvements Total GHG Reductions from Additional General Plan Policies and Actions 2030 111 1,853 463 926 9,263 1,149 13,764 2040 109 1,817 454 908 9,083 1,126 13,497 3.5 Modified Forecast Table 3-10 shows the total emissions with the reductions from the following policies and actions: ❖ General Plan land use and circulation system; ❖ State actions; and ❖ Additional General Plan policies. Figure 3-4 shows the “modified forecast,” which incorporates the reductions discussed thus far in comparison to the emissions targets. Emissions drop steeply to 2030 from the combined effect of GHG reduction policies and actions and continue a gradual decline to 2040. The decline becomes more gradual because no increases in federal or State standards relating to renewable energy or other GHG reduction methods are assumed, even though these may well occur by that time. With the effect of all the GHG reductions considered in this chapter, the total forecast emissions are 254,209 MTCO2e in 2030, and 251,074 MTCO2e in 2040. Table 3-9 shows that Diamond Bar will meet its targets for 2030 and 2040 without any additional measures. TABLE 3-9: MODIFIED FORECAST (FORECAST EMISSIONS WITH GENERAL PLAN LAND USE AND CIRCULATION SYSTEM, STATE ACTIONS, AND ADDITIONAL GENERAL PLAN POLICIES) AND EMISSIONS TARGETS Year Total Modified Forecast (MTCO2e per year) Total Modified Forecast (MTCO2e per capita per year) GHG Emissions Targets (MTCO2e per capita per year) 2030 254,209 4.2 6.0 2040 251,074 3.8 4.0 7.1.e Packet Pg. 421 3: GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION 3-20 Figure 3-4: Modified Forecast (Forecast Emissions with (1) General Plan Land Use and Circulation System, (2) State Actions, and (3) Additional General Plan Policies) Conclusion The emissions target is met in the year 2030, with forecast emissions of 4.0 MTCO2e per capita per year, well below the target of 6.0 MTCO2e per capita per year. The emissions target is met in the year 2040 as well, with forecast emissions of 3.8 MTCO2e per capita per year, which is lower than the target of 4.0 MTCO2e per capita per year. Thus, Diamond Bar synergistic land use/transportation planning and other actions in the General Plan would enable the City to meet the standards outlined in California’s 2017 Scoping Plan, EO S-3-05, and EO S-3-15, and implementation of projects consistent with the General Plan would not require additional GHG analysis in accordance with CEQA. 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 MTCO2e Emissions per Capita per YearYear Forecast with (1) General Plan Land Use and Circulation, (2) State Actions, and (3) Additional General Plan Policies Targets (AB 32/EO S-3-15) 7.1.e Packet Pg. 422 4 Monitoring Progress and Optional Measures to Further Reduce Emissions The forecast emissions in Chapter 3 incorporate reductions from (1) State actions, (2) General Plan land use and circulation system, and (3) additional General Plan policies. This analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) 2017 Scoping Plan (adopted on December 14, 2017 by the CARB). Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not needed for Diamond Bar to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. This chapter describes steps to monitor progress, and potential additional measures that can be taken in the future should the City so desire. 4.1 Monitoring Progress This CAP provides a framework for the City of Diamond Bar to monitor progress toward GHG emissions and continue to meet emissions targets. Climate action planning, however, is an iterative and adaptive management process: it requires administration, public outreach, monitoring progress and measuring results, periodically revisiting assumptions and adjusting provisions when necessary. Monitoring will enable the City to make timely adjustments to existing policies, replace ineffective actions, and/or add new policies as changes in technology, federal and state programs, or other circumstances warrant. Figure 4-1 shows the steps in the process of climate action planning. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 423 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-2 Figure 4-1: Process of Climate Action Planning (Source: CoolCalifornia, http://www.coolcalifornia.org/local-government/toolkit) To continue the process of climate action planning, the City of Diamond Bar will follow the steps below. Monitoring and Reporting The City will periodically monitor and report on progress towards achieving the emissions targets, potentially every five years, unless otherwise required more frequently by State law. The monitoring report will include information on the status of the federal and State level emissions reductions measures identified in Chapter 3 of this CAP, as well as any new efforts that may emerge in the reporting year. The report will be presented to the City Council at a public meeting during which interested parties may comment on the report. Updating the GHG Inventory and the CAP The City will update the GHG inventory periodically. For continuity, the inventory updates will tally emissions from the same sectors analyzed in Chapter 2 of this CAP. If an updated inventory reveals that Diamond Bar is not making adequate progress toward meeting the GHG target, or that new technologies and programs emerge that warrant inclusion in the CAP, the City will adjust the CAP by modifying, adding, and/or replacing policies in the General Plan or elsewhere, or incorporating measure(s) outlined in Section 4.2. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 424 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 4-3 4.2 Optional Measures to Further Reduce Emissions The optional measures below are offered as a menu of choices should the City decide to more aggressively target GHG emissions at a future date. Measures can be undertaken independently or collectively. Measures and actions, and likely GHG emissions reductions that will result from them, are presented below. Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Option A: Promote Installation of Residential Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Goal: Promote installation of residential PV systems to increase solar capacity by 10.5 megawatts (MW) per year, or the equivalent of 15 percent of projected residential electricity supplied by Southern California Edison (SCE), by 2040. 2040 Reduction: 2,271 MTCO2e per year (approximately 0.9% of total projected GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Potential Actions: A-1: Temporarily—for a period of one year—consider suspending residential and commercial PV system permit fees, together with a publicity campaign to promote PV systems installation. (Short-term) A-2: On a continuing basis, ensure that regulatory provisions - such as complying with regulations for zoning, structure height, permit submittal and review, etc. - do not hinder residential and commercial PV system installation. (Short to Long-term) Target: The target increase in solar capacity from residential PV systems would be 10.5 MW16 per year in 2040, which is the equivalent amount of production to replace 15 percent of projected residential electricity supplied by SCE. GHG Reduction Option Description: PV systems convert solar energy into electricity. Producing renewable energy locally through residential, commercial, and industrial PV systems reduces the need to construct costly new power plants that produce air pollution, use natural resources, and impact the environment. The 2019 CALGreen Code requires new homes under three stories to install solar panels; Option A would enable existing residential units to install PV systems as well. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: 15 percent of the 2040 forecast emissions from residential electricity usage, after applying State regulations discussed in Chapter 3.3 of this CAP, was calculated to quantify emissions reductions for Option A. Responsibility and Implementation: The City of Diamond Bar currently participates in the Los Angeles County Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program and California HERO (Residential and Commercial). PACE programs provide financing 16 According to the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association’s (CAPCOA’s) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures report, the average generation per kW installed solar capacity in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the air district in which Diamond Bar is located, is 1,678 kWh/yr. Therefore, 10.5 MW converts to 17,617,802 kWh per year. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 425 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-4 to eligible property owners for sustainable energy projects, thereby offering a source of funding for residential PV systems. Property owners can finance PV system installations and energy efficiency improvements through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bills. Several other financing options are available to residents, including Federal Housing Financing Administration- (FHFA) insured Energy Efficient Mortgages, HUD Title 1 Home Improvements Loans, and FHA PowerSaver Loans. The City could temporarily suspend residential and commercial solar PV system permit fees to incentivize installation. The City could also ensure on a continuing basis that regulatory provisions—such as complying with regulations for zoning, structure height, permit submittal and review process, etc.—do not hinder PV panel installation. Costs and Benefits: Private: Private costs would come from the installation and maintenance of a residential PV system, which can be supported by PACE programs and other incentives. Benefits would accrue from reduced energy bills and increased property values. City: City costs would occur from the analysis of potential regulatory barriers and the evaluation of the feasibility of incentivizing new homes to install PV systems. Revenue would be lost when permit fees are temporarily suspended. Option B: Promote Installation of Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Goal: Promote installation of commercial and industrial PV systems to produce an additional 11 MW per year, or 15 percent of projected commercial and industrial electricity supplied by SCE, by 2040. 2040 Reduction: 2,380 MTCO2e per year (approximately 0.9% of total projected GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Potential Actions: (See also actions A1 and A2 above). B-1: Consider adopting a commercial energy conservation ordinance requiring all new nonresidential developments with more than 50 cars surface parked or on roofs of parking structures to use PV panels over at least half of the surface/roof-parked cars, or provide equivalent energy conservation/generation by other means (over and above other requirements). (Short-term) B-2: Consider adopting an ordinance requiring existing and new nonresidential developments to install PV panels to offset a portion of their energy use. (Mid-term) Target: The target is the PV production of 11 MW per year in 2040, which is the equivalent amount of production to replace 15 percent of projected commercial and industrial electricity supplied by SCE. GHG Reduction Option Description: PV systems convert solar energy into electricity. Option B promotes the installation of PV systems on commercial buildings to produce an additional 11 MW per year. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 426 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 4-5 Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: 15 percent of the 2040 forecast emissions from commercial and industrial electricity usage, after applying State regulations discussed in Chapter 3.3 of this CAP, was calculated to quantify emissions reductions for Option B. Responsibility and Implementation: See Option A (above) for implementation. Costs and Benefits: Private: Private costs would result from the installation and maintenance of commercial and industrial PV systems. Benefits would accrue from reduced energy bills and increased property values. City: City costs would occur from removing potential regulatory barriers and preparing and enforcing a nonresidential PV systems ordinance. Revenue would be lost when permit fees are temporarily suspended. Residential and Commercial Efficiency Retrofits Option C: Encourage Residential Energy Efficiency Retrofits Goal: Encourage residential efficiency retrofits with the goal of a 50 percent energy reduction compared to baseline in 30 percent of the total existing homes citywide by 2040 (5,674 homes out of a total of 18,913). 2040 Reduction: 6,098 MTCO2e per year (approximately 1.7% of total projected GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Potential Actions: C-1: Publicize available incentive and rebate programs, such as SCE’s and Southern California Gas Company’s (SCG’s) Home Energy Efficiency Rebate (HEER) program, on the City’s website and by other means. (Short-term) C-2: Create a citywide “Energy Challenge,” similar to the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, to promote cost-effective energy improvements, while having residents and building owners commit to reducing energy consumption. (Short-term) Target: The target is a 50 percent energy reduction in 30 percent of homes citywide by the year 2040. GHG Reduction Option Description: Diamond Bar is a residential city in nature. As homes use a large portion of the City’s total energy and older homes are substantially less efficient than newly constructed homes, there is a large opportunity to reduce GHG emissions through the retrofitting of existing homes. When a single-family homeowner seeks to make major improvements, the owner would be required to conduct an energy audit, and meet low-cost energy efficiency measures—such as improving insulation, providing weather stripping, promoting natural lighting and ventilation, and using “smart” thermostats to regulate energy use for heating and cooling. Multi-family residential retrofits are similar to single-family retrofits but can provide increased energy savings. For 7.1.e Packet Pg. 427 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-6 example, increasing insulation between residential units benefits both units. Other examples of multi-family residential retrofits include replacing incandescent and halogen lamps with LED or CFL lamps and installing energy-efficient windows and efficient appliances. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: 50 percent of the 2040 forecast emissions from 30 percent of residential energy usage, after applying State regulations discussed in Chapter 3.3 of this CAP, was calculated to quantify emissions reductions for Option C. Responsibility and Implementation: Homeowners and multi-family unit owners would implement this measure. The California Public Utilities Commission administers the Energy Upgrade California Program, which connects homeowners to multiple financing options for energy-saving upgrades. SCE and SCG offer the HEER program, which offers residential customers rebates to improve the efficiency of appliances, such as water heaters, air conditioners, and pool pumps. HEER also offers residential customers rebates for smart thermostats, attic and wall insulation, and efficient furnaces. The City will publicize this and related programs on its website and by other means. Costs and Benefits: Private: Private costs would come from residential unit owners conducting energy audits and implementing efficiency retrofits. The cost of these retrofits is frequently 1 percent or less of the total renovation cost. Benefits would occur through reduced energy costs. Rebates are available as described above. City: City costs would come from promoting incentive programs and creating an “Energy Challenge” program. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 428 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 4-7 Option D: Encourage Commercial Efficiency Retrofits Goal: Encourage commercial and industrial efficiency retrofits with the goal equivalent to a 25 percent energy reduction in 30 percent of commercial square footage citywide by 2040. 2040 Reduction: 2,268 MTCO2e per year (approximately 0.6% of total GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Potential Actions: D-1: Promote available incentive and rebate programs, such as SCE’s and SCG’s On-Bill Financing (OBF) programs, on the City’s website and by other means. (Short-term) D-2: Consider adopting a commercial and industrial energy conservation ordinance, which requires property owners to ensure that commercial and industrial buildings meet specified energy efficiency measures—such as requisite heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements, service water system requirements, and improved refrigeration equipm ent, at the time of conducting major renovations (as defined by the ordinance). (Short-term) Target: The target is equivalent to a 25 percent energy reduction in 30 percent of the projected amount of commercial and industrial square footage. GHG Reduction Option Description: Relatively straightforward fixes to commercial buildings can significantly reduce spending on fuel and electricity. Examples of retrofits include installing efficient boilers and equipment, high-quality windows, pipe insulation, and other building energy improvements. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: 25 percent of the 2040 forecast emissions from 30 percent of commercial and industrial energy usage, after applying State regulations discussed in Chapter 3.3 of this CAP, was calculated to quantify emissions reductions for Option D. Responsibility and Implementation: Building owners would implement this measure for commercial buildings.17 Funding is available through incentive and rebate programs, such as SCE’s and SCG’s OBF program. Costs and Benefits: Private: Private costs would come from building owners and business owners implementing efficiency retrofits. Benefits would occur through reduced energy costs. Costs could be offset through incentive and rebate programs. City: City costs would come from providing resources to help guide building owners to implement this measure, promoting available incentive and rebate programs, and adopting and enforcing a commercial energy conservation ordinance. 17 AB 1103, the California Nonresidential Building Energy Use Disclosure Program, requires an owner of a nonresidential building to benchmark the building’s energy use data and disclose the energy use prior to the sale of the building, or the lease and financing of the entire building. This benchmark data can be used to guide implementation of efficiency measures for buildings renovated after a recent sale. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 429 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-8 Residential Electrification Option E: Promote Switching from Natural Gas to Clean Electricity Goal: Promote conversion of residential natural gas water heaters to electric systems powered by solar energy with the goal of 50 percent replacement by 2040. 2040 Reduction: 13,669 MTCO2e per year (approximately 5% of total GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Actions: E-1: Publicize available incentive and rebate programs, such as Southern California Gas Company’s (SCG’s) California Solar Initiative (CSI-Thermal) Program, on the City’s website and by other means. (Short-term) E-2: Create a citywide “Energy Challenge,” similar to the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, to promote cost-effective energy improvements, while having residents and building owners commit to reducing energy consumption. (Short-term) Target: The target is to replace 50 percent of residential natural gas water heaters to electric models powered by solar thermal systems by 2040. GHG Reduction Option Description: Replace inefficient and expensive natural gas water heaters with more efficient solar water heating systems to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat homes, which will reduce the demand for natural gas and thus the amount of GHG emissions created by the natural gas power generation. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: An estimated 49 percent of residential natural gas in California is used for heating water.18 Applied to citywide natural gas use, this percentage corresponds to about 12,470 MTCO2e of forecast emissions in 2040 (after applying State regulations discussed in Chapter 3.3 of this CAP). In a typical year, an estimated 6.3 percent of existing homes replace natural gas water heaters, and 57 percent of replacements are electric models.19 This measure sets the target of replacing natural gas water heaters with electric models powered by solar thermal systems in 50 percent of existing homes by 2040. This would lead to an emissions reduction of 7,945 MTCO2e per year in 2040. Responsibility and Implementation: Homeowners and multi-family units would implement this measure. The California Public Utilities Commission administers the California Solar Initiative CSI-Thermal Program, which provides rebates on solar water heating systems for single-family residential customers and multi-family properties. The City will publicize this and related programs on its website and by other means. 18 CEC, Statewide Appliance Saturation Survey, 2009. 19 Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), 2011. Water Heater Market Update. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 430 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 4-9 Costs and Benefits: Private: Private costs would be from purchasing and maintaining electric water heaters. Regular maintenance can be as infrequent as every three to five years, and systems with electrical components usually require replacement parts after 10 years. Benefits would be from reduced energy costs. City: City costs would come from providing resources to help guide building owners to implement this measure and promoting available incentive and rebate programs. Increased Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Travel Option F: Promote an Increase in the Amount of Zero-Emissions Vehicle Travel Goal: Promote an increase in the amount of ZEV20 vehicle miles traveled to 15 percent of total vehicle miles traveled by 2040. 2040 Reduction: 26,837 MTCO2e per year (approximately 10.7% of total GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Actions: F-1: Working with industry partners, construct a “PV to EV” pilot project to install a PV charging station at a City facility (such as City Hall), to charge ZEVs. The purpose of the pilot project would be to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating more ZEVs into the City’s fleet. (Short- term) F-2: Prepare a community-wide charging station siting plan, which evaluates site visibility and exposure, EV driving ranges, high volume destinations, locations with high ownership or interest in EVs, and cost of construction. (Short-term) F-3: Construct ZEV charging stations based on the community -wide charging station siting plan described in G-2 above. The ZEV charging stations will be funded by grant funds when available, and the City will post signage directing ZEVs to charging stations described in G- 2 above. (Mid-term) F-4: Offer dedicated ZEV parking and provide charging stations adjacent to ZEV parking as identified in the community-wide charging station siting plan. (Mid-term) F-5: Adopt requirements for ZEV parking for new developments. (Short-term) F-6: Consider adopting a residential energy conservation ordinance requiring the installation of EV chargers or pre-wiring in new residential construction and major renovations. (Short-term) Target: The target is to increase the proportion of vehicle miles traveled to 15 percent by the year 2040. GHG Reduction Option Description: Driving ZEVs reduces carbon emissions by eliminating direct tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide and other GHGs. The production of electricity used to power electric vehicles generates GHGs; however, SCE electricity generates much less GHGs than the direct combustion of fossil fuels. Furthermore, electric vehicles can be charged at home or the 20 Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) is a vehicle that emits no tailpipe pollutants from the onboard source of power. ZEVs include electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and plug-in hybrids, when in electric mode. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 431 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-10 workplace using energy produced by PV panels, eliminating GHG emissions completely, at least for the months when PV panels produce the full amount of electricity needed for operations. The ability to provide entirely emissions-free transportation through the use of PV panels to charge ZEVs should be capitalized on whenever possible. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: The City of Diamond Bar and SCAQMD jointly host an annual National Drive Electric Week event. In 2018, 199 registered attendees reported 1,355,875 electric miles driven, which translates to approximately 0.3% of existing VMT assuming similar VMT in 2016 and 2018.21 Establishing a goal of increasing the proportion of ZEV vehicle miles traveled from 0.3% to 15 percent was calculated to quantify emissions reductions for Option F. Responsibility and Implementation: Option F would support policies in the General Plan aimed at increasing electric vehicle infrastructure. The City would promote an increase in the amount of electric vehicle travel by constructing ZEV charging stations using the community-wide station siting plan described in Action F-2 above. Grant funding for the construction of the ZEV charging stations can come from the California Energy Commission’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure grant, or other similar grant programs. The City would be responsible for operating (including electricity provision, for stations not using PV panels) and maintaining charging stations. The City would also promote the use of ZEVs by offering dedicated ZEV parking and adopting requirements for ZEV parking for new development. The City would create an ordinance requiring the installation of ZEV chargers or pre-wiring in new residential construction and major renovations.22 Costs and Benefits: Private: The private cost would be the purchase of an electric vehicle and the cost of electricity to power the electric vehicle, for community members who elect to purchase an electric vehicle. Costs may also occur from installing EV chargers or pre-wiring into new residential construction or major renovations. Available rebates for the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle include the California Vehicle Rebate Program administered by CARB and the Clean Fuel Reward Program administered by SCE. Benefits would accrue from reduced spending on gasoline. 21 Drive Electric, 2018. National Drive Electric Week – Diamond Bar. 22 Assembly Bill 1092 (2013) requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to propose minimum building standards for the installation of future electric vehicle charging infrastructure for parking spaces in multi-family dwellings and nonresidential development. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 432 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 4-11 City: City costs would be from planning for, constructing, operating (including providing electricity, for stations not using PV panels) and maintaining ZEV charging stations, which may be offset by potential user fees or grants from the California Energy Commission, or other similar agencies. City costs may occur from developing ordinances to require the installation of ZEV chargers in new residential construction and major renovations. City costs may also occur from fleet purchases of ZEV vehicles. Benefits would accrue from reduced spending on gasoline. Establish a Zero-Waste Framework Option G: Establish a Zero-Waste Framework Goal: Consider a Zero Waste Ordinance with the goal of 90% diversion by 2040. 2040 Reduction: 26,837 MTCO2e per year (approximately 10.7% of total GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Actions: G-1: Adopt a Citywide zero waste ordinance to reduce waste sent to landfill. (Short-term) G-2: Adopt requirements for recycling and composting facilities in new developments. (Short- term) G-3: Continue and expand specialized recycling programs. (Mid-term) G-4: Expand network of recycling and composting bins in public spaces, including implementation of smart bins such as BigBelly. (Mid-term) Target: The target is to increase waste diversion by 90 percent by 2040. GHG Reduction Option Description: Reducing waste sent to landfills reduces GHG emissions from landfill methane and decreases Diamond Bar’s reliance on landfills. AB 341 has set a goal of 75 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste by 2040. Exceeding this goal by establishing a Zero Waste Ordinance has the potential to reduce consumption of raw materials, reuse materials, reduce GHG emissions, minimize production of toxic materials, and support a culture of low waste and sustainability in Diamond Bar. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: In 2016, 47 percent of Diamond Bar’s waste was diverted from the landfill. Emissions totals assume achievement of the AB 341 goal of 75 percent diversion by 2040. Establishment of a Zero Waste Ordinance, assuming 90 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste by 2040, would result in a reduction of 1,069 MTCO2e per year by 2040. Responsibility and Implementation: The City would be responsible for adopting and promoting a Zero Waste Ordinance to increase diversion of solid waste and reduce associated emissions. The City currently offers a number of specialized recycling programs in addition to its residential trash/recycling program, including a free recycling bins for businesses programs. The City also offers residential waste hauler rate discounts. Success of the Zero Waste Ordinance would require 7.1.e Packet Pg. 433 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-12 continued implementation and expansion of these programs to promote residential and commercial recycling and composting. New developers would be responsible for providing recycling and composting options to reduce overall waste as described in Action G-2 above. Should the City take Action G-4, the City would be responsible for expanding recycling and composting alternatives throughout the City through the placement of easily accessible bins or smart bins such as BigBelly bins, which are solar powered. Costs and Benefits: Private: The private cost to new developers would be the provision of recycling and composting facilities, should they not qualify for the free recycling container application. Businesses would be required to establish and oversee a recycling program to qualify for free bins. Qualified residents may apply for residential waste hauler rate discounts to reduce costs associated with recycling and composting. Costs may also occur from switching to increased refuse and recycling service should rates stay stable. For businesses, reducing the disposal of solid waste would reduce trash container fees. Benefits may accrue from a reduction in overall waste and the cost of regular garbage pickup and disposal. City: City costs may occur from developing ordinances to require achievement of Zero Waste Goals. City costs would also occur from continuing recycling programs, including the continued cost of providing free recycling bins to businesses. City costs would also occur from adding recycling and composting containers in public spaces. Benefits may accrue from a reduction in overall waste and the cost of regular garbage pickup and disposal. Clean Energy Option H: Promote and Maximize Utility Clean Energy Offerings Goal: Join the Clean Power Alliance to offer 100% renewable energy to Diamond Bar residents and businesses. 2040 Reduction: 15,503 MTCO2e per year (approximately 6% of total GHG emissions in Diamond Bar) Actions: H-1: Join the Clean Power Alliance, choosing the default rate of 100% Green Power. (Short to mid-term) H-2: Publicize available rate options and information about renewable energy on the City’s website or by other means. (Short-term) Target: The target is to join the Clean Power Alliance at the default rate of 100% Green Power to offer renewable energy to Diamond Bar residents and businesses. GHG Reduction Option Description: The Clean Power Alliance serves approximately three million customers and one million customer accounts across 31 communities throughout southern California including unincorporated Los Angeles County and nearby cities such as Claremont, South Pasadena, and 7.1.e Packet Pg. 434 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 4-13 Whittier. Utilizing renewable energy reduces electric sector GHG emissions, promotes energy efficiency and demand reduction programs, and is cost competitive with existing services. The Clean Power Alliance offers three default options of electric power generation mix. The 100% Green Power option provides 100% renewable energy content, derived from solar power, and the Clean Power (50%) and Lean Power (36%) provide a mix of renewable, including solar and wind energy, and non-renewable energy content. 100% Green Power is offered at a 7 to 9 percent overall bill premium to SCE’s standard rates and 5 percent less than SCE’s 100 percent renewables rate. Clean Power and Lean Power options are cost-comparable or more affordable than SCE’s standard rates. Providing the option for renewable energy will allow Diamond Bar to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases associated with electricity generation in 2040. Quantification of GHG Emissions Reductions: The Clean Power Alliance is committed to providing zero-carbon electricity through the 100% Green Power option. Typical opt-out rates for enrolled communities are as low as 1.5 percent. For a conservative analysis, quantification of GHG emissions reductions assumes that 50 percent of Diamond Bar residents and businesses opt out of the 100% Green Power Option entirely or downgrade to the Clean Power or Lean Power options (comparable to emissions from electricity supplied by SCE, which is required to supply 60 percent of electricity from renewable resources by 2030 under SB 100). 50 percent enrollment in the 100% Green Power option provided by the Clean Power Alliance would result in an emissions reduction of 6 percent, or 15,503 MTCO2e in 2040. Assuming the typical opt-out rate of 1.5 percent, Diamond Bar could reduce GHG emissions associated with electricity consumption by as much as 12 percent, or 30,540 MTCO2e in 2040. Responsibility and Implementation: City Council would be responsible for approving Diamond Bar’s entry into the Clean Power Alliance. The City would also be responsible for promoting the Clean Power Alliance, providing information on renewable energy, and providing sufficient notice and information regarding alternative options on its website and by other means. SCE would continue to deliver power, and the Clean Power Alliance would provide enrollment notices and provide electric generation. Residents and businesses would be responsible for choosing to participate in or opt out of the Clean Power Alliance service once they receive an enrollment notice. Costs and Benefits: Private: The private cost of the 100% Green Power option would be 7 to 9 percent higher than SCE’s standard rates for electricity service, but 5 percent or more lower than SCE’s 100 percent renewable rates. The private cost for the Clean Power option would be similar to SCE’s standard rates, and one to two percent lower 7.1.e Packet Pg. 435 4: MONITORING PROGRESS AND OPTIONAL MEASURES 4-14 than standard rates for the Lean Power option. Benefits would accrue from reduced energy costs for the lower-tier options, and Clean Power Alliance customers would still be eligible to obtain rebates from SCE for energy efficiency and solar electric systems. City: City costs would be from coordinating approval of and enrollment in the Clean Power Alliance. City costs would occur from providing resources to help residents and businesses to navigate this new system and promoting enrollment in the 100% Green Power default. Benefits would accrue from reduced electricity emissions and promotion of Diamond Bar’s sustainable choices. Other Measures Other measures that may be implemented on a project-level basis or are difficult to quantify are listed in Appendix D. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 436 Appendix A Climate Change Informational Resources Combating climate change requires education and personal action. This section contains resources on climate change and its impacts, calculating individual carbon footprints, and ways to reduce individual carbon footprints. Education The evidence is clear that climate change is happening. Humans are largely responsible for recent climate change. International scientific bodies, federal agencies, and state agencies have numerous resources that summarize the current scientific understanding of climate change and the latest projections of climate change impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change: ❖ http://www.ipcc.ch/ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has documented recent impacts and future trends of climate change: ❖ http://climate.nasa.gov/effects The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has information of climate change, and its effects: ❖ https://www.climate.gov/teaching/resources/climate-change-basics Cal-Adapt, a product of the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program, funded by the California Energy Commission, provides California-specific climate change research, including interactive climate tools: ❖ http://cal-adapt.org/ 7.1.e Packet Pg. 437 APPENDIX A: INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES A-2 Carbon Footprint A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of GHG emissions produced by an individual. It can be thought of as a personal inventory of one’s impacts on climate change. There are a number of online calculators that estimate personal carbon footprints. Individuals can use the following carbon footprint calculators as a guide to help reduce personal carbon emissions. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ❖ https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/ Cool California ❖ https://coolcalifornia.arb.ca.gov/calculator-households-individuals Cool Climate Network ❖ https://coolclimate.org/calculator Nature Conservancy ❖ https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/consider-your- impact/carbon-calculator/ Carbon Footprint ❖ http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator1.html Global Footprint Network ❖ https://www.footprintnetwork.org/resources/footprint-calculator/ Reducing your Carbon Footprint Reducing one’s personal carbon footprint saves money, decreases impact on the environment, and helps fight climate change. The following links provide resources on changes one can make in his or her day-to-day life to diminish GHG emissions. U.S Department of Energy: Save energy, save money ❖ http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver California Air Resources Board: Low emissions vehicles ❖ https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/topics/clean-cars Carbon Fund: Reduce what you can, offset what you can’t ❖ https://carbonfund.org/reduce/ 7.1.e Packet Pg. 438 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN A-3 New York Times: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint ❖ https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-reduce- your-carbon-footprint 7.1.e Packet Pg. 439 APPENDIX A: INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES A-4 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 440 Appendix B References California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA). 2010. Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures. Available: http://www.capcoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/CAPCOA- Quantification-Report-9-14-Final.pdf. Accessed on: June 7, 2019. California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA). 2008. CEQA and Climate Change, Evaluating and Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Projects Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. Available: http://www.capcoa.org/wp- content/uploads/downloads/2010/05/CAPCOA-White-Paper.pdf. Accessed on: June 7, 2019. California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2007. Off-Road Motor Vehicles. Available: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/mobile-source-emissions- inventory/msei-modeling-tools. Accessed on: March 23, 2018. CARB. 2015. EMFAC2014 Volume III – Technical Documentation. Available: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msei/downloads/emfac2014/emfac2014-vol3- technical-documentation-052015.pdf. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. CARB. 2016. EMFAC2014 Web Database. Available: https://www.arb.ca.gov/emfac/2014/. Accessed on: March 23, 2018. CARB. 2017. California’s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. Available: https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/scopingplan.htm. Accessed on: April 23, 2018. California Energy Commission (CEC). 2006. Refining Estimates of Water-Related Energy Use in California. Available: https://calisphere.org/item/ark:/86086/n2hq3xr1/. Accessed on: September 5, 2019. CEC. 2009. 2009 Residential Appliance Saturation Study (RAAS). Available: https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/appliances/rass/previous_rass.html. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 441 APPENDIX B: REFERENCES B-2 CEC. 2015. Impact Analysis 2016 Update to the California Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings. Available: https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/title24/2016standards/rulemaking/documents /15-day_language/impact_analysis/2016_Impact_Analysis_2015-06-03.pdf. Accessed on: April 23, 2019. CEC. 2016. Electricity Consumption by County. Available: https://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx. Accessed on: April 30 2019. California Energy Commission. 2019. Impact Analysis 2019 Update to the California Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings. Available: https://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2019standards/post_adoption/docum ents/2019_Impact_Analysis_Final_Report_2018-06-29.pdf. Accessed on: April 23, 2019. California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. 2018. Discussion Draft: CEQA and Climate Change Advisory. Available: http://opr.ca.gov/docs/20181228- Discussion_Draft_Climate_Change_Adivsory.pdf. Accessed on: September 5, 2019. California Public Utilities Commission. 2011. California’s Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. “Chapter 13: Lighting.” Available: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/General.aspx?id=4125. Accessed on: April 11, 2017. CalRecycle. 2019. Residential Waste Stream by Material Type. Available: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/WasteCharacterization/ResidentialStrea ms?lg=170&cy=19. Accessed on: June 7, 2019. Cambridge Systematics. Moving Cooler: An Analysis of Transportation Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Technical Appendices. Prepared for the Urban Land Institute. Center for Clean Air Policy. 2014. Transportation Emission Guidebook. Available: http://www.ccap.org/safe/guidebook/guide_complete.html. Accessed on: September 5, 2019. City of Diamond Bar. 1995. General Plan Environmental Impact Report and Addendum. City of Diamond Bar. 2019. Going Green in Diamond Bar. Available: https://www.diamondbarca.gov/342/Going-Green-in-Diamond-Bar. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 442 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN B-3 City of Diamond Bar. 2019. Draft General Plan. Clean Power Alliance. 2019. Frequently Asked Questions. Available: https://cleanpoweralliance.org/customer-support/faqs/. Accessed on: August 30, 2019. Edison International. 2016. 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report. Available: https://www.sce.com/about-us/who-we-are/corporate-responsibility. Accessed on: December 20, 2018. Go Solar California. 2019. California Solar Initiative CSI-Thermal Program. Available: https://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/solarwater/. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)–Local Governments for Sustainability USA. 2013. U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Available: http://icleiusa.org/ghg-protocols/. Accessed on: March 23, 2018. Levine, Jake and Poloncarz, Kevin. 2018. California Legislature Passes Bill Putting State on Path to 100% Renewable and Zero-Carbon Power. Available: https://www.insideenergyandenvironment.com/2018/08/california- legislature-passes-bill-putting-state-on-path-to-100-renewable-and-zero- carbon-power/. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. 2013. Industry and Labor Market Intelligence for Los Angeles County. Available: https://laedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Industry-and-Labor- Market-Intelligence_LAC_FINAL.pdf. Accessed on: June 4, 2019. National Drive Electric Week. 2018. National Drive Electric Week – Diamond Bar. Available: https://driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=1351. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 2018. Climate Change: Global Temperature. Available: https://www.climate.gov/news- features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature. Accessed on: September 5, 2019. NOAA. 2019. Trends in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide. Available: https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. Newsom, Gavin. 2019. California and Major Automakers Reach Groundbreaking Framework Agreement on Clean Emission Standards. Available: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/07/25/california-and-major-automakers- 7.1.e Packet Pg. 443 APPENDIX B: REFERENCES B-4 reach-groundbreaking-framework-agreement-on-clean-emission- standards/. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). 2012. 2011 Water Heater Market Update. Available: https://neea.org/img/uploads/2011WaterHeaterMarketUpdateA273DBB87 CA3.pdf. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. Plumer, Brad. Vox. 2017. Trump’s big new executive order to tear up Obama’s climate policies, explained. Available: https://www.vox.com/energy-and- environment/2017/3/27/14922516/trump-executive-order-climate. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. Roberts, David. Vox. 2019. The 6 things you most need to know about Trump’s new climate plan. Available: https://www.vox.com/science-and- health/2019/8/19/20812243/trump-epa-climate-plan-ace-cpp-6-things. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County. 2016. San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Annual Monitoring Report, NPDES No. CA0053911. Southern California Edison (SCE). 2019. Go Electric, Get a Rebate. Available: https://evrebates.sce.com/. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2016. Climate Change Indicators in the United States. Available: https://www.epa.gov/climate- indicators/downloads-indicators-report. Accessed on: September 5, 2019. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2018. “Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources- greenhouse-gas-emissions. Accessed on: August 29, 2019. USEPA. 2016. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2014. Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse- gas-emissions-and-sinks-1990-2014. Accessed on: January 30, 2019. USEPA. 2016. Climate Change, Health, and Environmental Justice. Available: https://www.cmu.edu/steinbrenner/EPA%20Factsheets/ej-health-climate- change.pdf. Accessed on: August 30, 2019. Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD). 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. Available: https://www.wvwd.com/wp- content/uploads/2018/08/201520UWMP.pdf. Accessed on: March 23, 2018. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 444 Appendix C Applicable General Plan Policies Pedestrian Improvements and Increased Connectivity LU-G-2. Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of natural open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and Tres Hermanos Ranch; and enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-14. Foster development of nodes or clusters of mixed-use centers to promote city and neighborhood identity, improve accessibility to stores, parks, natural open spaces, and services, and promote walkable, pedestrian-scaled retail and dining destinations. LU-G-22. Promote and support the commercial area on both sides of Diamond Bar Boulevard from Golden Springs Drive to SR-60 as a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented Town Center that serves as Diamond Bar's primary specialty retail and dining destination and is accessible to all Diamond Bar residents.’ LU-G-23. Ensure an inviting and comfortable public realm to encourage pedestrian activity in the Town Center area. LU-P-9. Incorporate architectural and landscape design features in new development that create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, such as orientation to the street; set-back, or detached garages; tree-lined streets; and landscaped parkways between streets and sidewalks. LU-P-14. Improve vehicular accessibility, traffic flow, and parking availability as well as pedestrian and bicycle access and amenities within office, commercial, and industrial areas. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 445 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-2 LU-P-17. Promote site designs that create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. LU-P-24. Buildings located along corridors should be designed to face the street and define the public realm with a mix of building patterns, ground floor transparency for commercial uses, and pedestrian- oriented elements such as building entrances and public outdoor spaces. LU-P-26. Maximize multi-modal (transit, automobile, cycling, and pedestrian) connections to other destinations in Diamond Bar, such as schools, parks, job centers, and community gathering spaces like the Town Center by: a. Filling gaps in and expanding and/or upgrading the bikeway network to ensure safe and efficient bicycle mobility. Gaps that could be addressed in this area include the northern ends of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. b. Improving pedestrian comfort and safety by implementing traffic calming measures on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Sunset Crossing Road, providing shading through the addition of street trees along Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, and encouraging pedestrian-oriented elements on buildings and street furniture on Diamond Bar Boulevard. LU-P-30. Ensure that building frontages and streetscaping define the public realm and encourage pedestrian activity and comfort with a mix of building patterns, ground floor transparency for commercial uses, and pedestrian-oriented elements such as building entrances and public outdoor spaces. LU-P-31. Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar such as schools, the Town Center, and parks. LU-P-36. Prioritize and support renovation, infill, and reuse of the existing commercial center. Require, where appropriate, redesign and modernization of architectural treatment and the introduction of finer-grained pedestrian network, as well as utilization of parking lots to create central gathering spaces and make the Town Center more pedestrian-friendly. LU-P-37. Utilize buildings and streetscapes to define the public realm and encourage pedestrian activity and comfort. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 446 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-3 To further promote these objectives, incorporate attractive landscaping elements and usable outdoor green paces, and discourage new drive through uses. LU-P-40. Study, as necessary, the implementation of safe pedestrian connectivity between the north and south sections of the Town Center Mixed-Use project site and at Lorbeer Middle School. Potential strategies for achieving safe pedestrian connectivity may include traffic calming measures along the roadways, crosswalk visibility improvements, ensuring adequate time for walk signals, refuge islands, bulb-outs, bridges, and others. LU-P-41. Maximize accessibility for transit, automobiles, cyclists, and pedestrians to the Town Center from surrounding neighborhoods, the Metrolink station, and other Diamond Bar destinations. LU-P-45. Prepare a master plan or specific plan for any future development within the Community Core Overlay area that creates mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. Approximately 100 acres north of Grand Avenue is to support a park or consolidated golf course along with additional community or civic uses. The southern portion is to accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. LU-P-46. Where appropriate, require development to provide courtyards and plazas, public art, and landscaped open spaces and pathways between buildings that promote safe and convenient pedestrian movement. LU-P-47. Buildings should be designed to define the public realm and promote sidewalk activity and neighborhood interaction in public spaces. LU-P-48. Create a fine-grained (shorter blocks), pedestrian-scaled street network, and require buildings and streetscapes to encourage pedestrian activity and comfort. LU-P-49. Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 447 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-4 LU-P-50. Where practicable, consolidate and locate parking in a manner that encourages pedestrian activity. Avoid expanses of surface parking (see Chapter 3, Community Character and Placemaking). LU-P-51. Provide streetscape and intersection improvements along Golden Springs Drive to enhance comfort and safety for all modes of travel and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. ED-P-9. Promote the use of multi-modal connections to serve commercial and office uses within Diamond Bar, thereby enhancing transit, ride- sharing, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure opportunities, and reducing automobile congestion within the City. CC-G-1. Foster and maintain a distinctive city identity that values the community’s “country living” character by preserving the city’s open spaces, physical features, and environmental resources, and focusing new development into accessible, pedestrian-oriented areas integrated with existing neighborhoods, augmented with parks, and connected by an attractive and safe street network. CC-G-2. Encourage development within mixed-use areas that is inviting to pedestrians, promotes community interaction and activity, and contributes to an engaging street environment. CC-G-3. Encourage rehabilitation and façade improvements of existing commercial centers to ensure commercial vitality and pedestrian- oriented design. CC-G-4. Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods and ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. CC-G-5. Provide an expanded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure network to improve connectivity throughout the city where topography and technology permit. CC-G-12. Establish an inviting and comfortable public realm that encourages pedestrian activity in the Town Center focus area. CC-G-13. Establish a new pedestrian-oriented "Main Street" within the Town Center focus area lined with retail uses. CC-G-17. Create a new master-planned destination with vibrant, mixed-use, pedestrian oriented uses for the community and region. CC-P-4. Continue to support community identity with streetscape improvement and beautification projects in both existing residential 7.1.e Packet Pg. 448 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-5 areas and commercial centers, as well as new mixed-use areas that incorporate unified landscaping and pedestrian amenities. Amenities should include seating, bus shelters, pedestrian safety treatments such as sidewalk bulb-outs and widening and improved crosswalks, and city-branded decorative elements such as street lighting, concrete pavers, tree grates, and theme rails. CC-P-7. Ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of roadways, bicycle routes and paths, and pedestrian connections within and between neighborhoods that are safe, comfortable, and accessible sidewalks for people of all ages and abilities. CC-P-9. Encourage pedestrian orientation in mixed-use development using a variety of site planning and architectural strategies, such as locating and orienting buildings to street frontages, plazas, or pedestrian paseos; providing visual transparency through fenestration; entries and arcades close to the street edge and sidewalk; and/or incorporating porches, patios, or outdoor spaces that overlook or interact with front yards or sidewalks. CC-P-15. Where public space fronts the sidewalk, ensure that it is primarily open and free of walls or other obstructions (not including trees, lights, and steps). Use landscaping strategically to identify pedestrian entrances and articulate edges for plazas and courtyards. CC-P-18. As large vacant or underutilized sites are developed or redeveloped, maximize multi-modal accessibility with fine-grained street networks and walkable block sizes. Generally limit new block sizes to a maximum of about 400 feet in length. Mid-block plazas or alleys may be considered if the intent is to ensure fine-grained patterns where pedestrian access can be accommodated in intervals no more than 400 feet apart. CC-P-19. Through development review, ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of streets and pedestrian paths with connections within and between neighborhoods. CC-P-20. Create pedestrian-and bicycle-only pathways to enhance neighborhood interconnectivity where street connections are limited due to existing cul-de-sac or dead-end conditions, grade separation, property ownership, or topographical challenges. CC-P-21. Site plans should be designed to create pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods that follow these guidelines: a. Buildings should be oriented to the street; 7.1.e Packet Pg. 449 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-6 b. Garages and parking areas should be screened and/or located at the side or rear of properties wherever possible; and c. Landscaping, sidewalk conditions, and other streetscape elements should be improved during rehabilitation and new construction. CC-P-29. Promote the revitalization of existing commercial centers by encouraging property owners to maintain and improve the appearance of individual buildings and commercial centers through building façade improvements, landscaping, and pedestrian improvements. CC-P-31. Ensure that commercial uses are designed to incorporate ground floor transparency and pedestrian activity. CC-P-38. Enhance the pedestrian experience along the east side of Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Neighborhood Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers. Front setbacks should function as an extension of the sidewalk, with publicly-accessible and usable open space. CC-P-39. Enhance pedestrian comfort on the west side of North Diamond Bar Boulevard through enhanced landscaping and improved fencing. CC-P-42. Prioritize retail and other uses that promote pedestrian activity on the ground floor of buildings. CC-P-44. As the Town Center redevelops, enhance pedestrian connectivity throughout the district through the incorporation of a new "Main Street" within the western portion of the focus area that is off of or set back from Diamond Bar Boulevard. CC-P-45. The design of new development should be pedestrian-oriented, with the majority of building frontages located at the new street edge and with entrances located along the roadway or along pedestrian pathways or public spaces. CC-P-50. Where possible, above-grade parking structures should be wrapped with pedestrian uses where they front onto active streets. If active uses are not feasible, frontages should be architecturally attractive. This may include unique designs and materials such as glass, articulated masonry, murals, or landscaping setbacks. CC-P-51. Enhance the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, 7.1.e Packet Pg. 450 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-7 and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers. CC-P-54. Encourage all new development within a quarter-mile radius of the transit facilities to focus building design, massing, and landscaping toward the pedestrian experience through: a. Limiting block lengths between streets generally to a maximum of 400 feet, and encouraging four-way intersections; b. Providing space for enhanced pedestrian connections such as internal semi-public pathways; c. Building design that focuses on street-orientation; d. Extensive landscaping and street trees; e. Pedestrian furniture and site elements (for example, benches and trash receptacles); f. Street lighting; and g. Wayfinding signage. CC-P-56. Provide high-visibility pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station, making use of existing infrastructure that connects South Brea Canyon Road to the station. CC-P-57. Promote the pedestrian comfort and safety of crosswalks along South Brea Canyon Road and South Lemon Avenue. CC-P-58. Enhance the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian scaled lighting, where feasible. CC-P-62. Create a fine-grained pedestrian-scaled street network and ensure that buildings and streetscapes to encourage pedestrian activity and comfort. CC-P-63. Parking should be consolidated and located in a manner that encourages pedestrian activity. Avoid expanses of surface parking. CC-P-64. Provide streetscape and intersection improvements along Golden Springs Drive to enhance comfort and safety for all modes of travel and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. CR-G-3. Strive to achieve a finer grained network of streets and pedestrian/bicycle connections as development occurs, especially in focus areas such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 451 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-8 CR-G-11. Expand and strengthen existing pedestrian and cyclist network and facilities. CR-G-12. Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. CR-P-1. When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by considering elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe pedestrian- friendly crossings/intersections, lighting at the pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2. Promote new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-3. Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian-scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. CR-P-4. Develop traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive in order to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian-friendly environment along and through the Neighborhood Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use areas. CR-P-9. Develop a plan for managing limited curb space throughout the City’s commercial, mixed-use, and higher density areas to accommodate efficient package and food deliveries; delivery of goods to restaurants/retail; pick-up/drop-off of passengers by transit, taxis, and on-demand shared ride services; and the safe movement of pedestrians and bicyclists. CR-P-14. Prioritize pedestrian movement and safety—through wider sidewalks, more frequent pedestrian crossings, sidewalk bulbouts, median pedestrian refuges etc.—rather than LOS in Community Character Priority Areas, which are areas designated for higher density mixed-use development in the General Plan. CR-P-30. Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a more detailed implementation strategy. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 452 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-9 CR-P-32. Promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul-de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33. Ensure that new development integrates with Diamond Bar’s bicycle and pedestrian networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-35. Develop bicycle and pedestrian facility standards for pavement design, signage, and roadway and intersection striping for each functional roadway classification, so streets are accessible by all users and modes. CR-P-36. Where appropriate, plant street trees and provide landscaping along major pedestrian and bicycle routes to provide shade and barriers between cyclists and motorists, as well as enhance aesthetics. CR-P-39. Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; b. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds, striping and signage along Diamond Bar Boulevard; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR-60 on/off ramps; and e. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-40. Provide for a vibrant Town Center that encourages pedestrian activity and comfort within the Town Center Mixed Use area while accommodating through traffic along Diamond Bar Boulevard through the following strategies: a. Establishing a new pedestrian-oriented main street or pedestrian pathway in the Town Center; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, 7.1.e Packet Pg. 453 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-10 attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Improving crosswalks at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and where Diamond Bar Boulevard intersects with the driveway to the Town Center; and e. Strengthening cyclist and pedestrian connections between the Town Center area and nearby schools to provide safe and convenient routes to the Town Center for students by identifying barriers such as safety hazards and gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian networks and implementing improvements to address those barriers. f. address those barriers. CR-P-41. Promote a fine-grained network of safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle connections in the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use area, emphasizing connectivity to the Metrolink station through the following strategies: a. Improving crosswalks along Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian-scaled lighting, where feasible; c. Providing high-visibility pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station; d. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development; and e. Studying the potential for shuttle, bikeshare, and/or other linkages to improve the convenience of travel within the mixed- use area. CR-P-44. Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort where feasible through means such as: a. Introducing bicycle- and pedestrian-level street lighting to improve safety at night; b. Furnishing intersections with crosswalks on all legs of the intersection; c. Improving pedestrian safety with intersection design features such as improved signal timing, sidewalk bulb-outs, pedestrian refuge islands with “noses” that extend past the crosswalks, 7.1.e Packet Pg. 454 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-11 advance vehicle stop bars, high visibility crosswalk striping or decorative paving; d. Improving bicycle safety with intersection design features such as bicycle detection and signalization, painted bike boxes, and intersection crossing markings; e. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture; and f. Implementing traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and congestion. CR-P-45. Routinely review pedestrian and cyclist collision data for type, location, severity, and cause, and develop strategies to prevent these collisions. CR-P-49. Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. CHS-G-2. Achieve more walkable, livable neighborhoods by expanding the multi-modal transportation system and creating a safe, pedestrian- oriented environment. CHS-P-2. As resources become available and appropriated through the municipal budget process, improve signs directing residents and visitors to public parks and recreational facilities from all parts of the community. Integrate parks and recreation signage with bikeway and pedestrian-oriented signage systems throughout Diamond Bar. CHS-P-4. Remove barriers and improve multi-modal mobility throughout the City for all community members by supporting transit, pedestrian, and bicycle connections between residential neighborhoods and major destinations, including parks, civic facilities, school campuses, other educational institutions, employment centers, shopping destinations, parks, and recreation areas, where appropriate. CHS-P-40. Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy- efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities that establish public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes as safe, efficient, and desirable alternatives. Bikeway System Improvements LU-P-14. Improve vehicular accessibility, traffic flow, and parking availability as well as pedestrian and bicycle access and amenities within office, commercial, and industrial areas. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 455 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-12 LU-P-26. Maximize multi-modal (transit, automobile, cycling, and pedestrian) connections to other destinations in Diamond Bar, such as schools, parks, job centers, and community gathering spaces like the Town Center by: c. Filling gaps in and expanding and/or upgrading the bikeway network to ensure safe and efficient bicycle mobility. Gaps that could be addressed in this area include the northern ends of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. d. Improving pedestrian comfort and safety by implementing traffic calming measures on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Sunset Crossing Road, providing shading through the addition of street trees along Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, and encouraging pedestrian-oriented elements on buildings and street furniture on Diamond Bar Boulevard. LU-P-31. Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar such as schools, the Town Center, and parks. LU-P-49. Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. ED-P-9. Promote the use of multi-modal connections to serve commercial and office uses within Diamond Bar, thereby enhancing transit, ride- sharing, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure opportunities, and reducing automobile congestion within the City. CC-G-5. Provide an expanded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure network to improve connectivity throughout the city where topography and technology permit. CC-P-7. Ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of roadways, bicycle routes and paths, and pedestrian connections within and between neighborhoods that are safe, comfortable, and accessible sidewalks for people of all ages and abilities. CC-P-20. Create pedestrian-and bicycle-only pathways to enhance neighborhood interconnectivity where street connections are limited due to existing cul-de-sac or dead-end conditions, grade separation, property ownership, or topographical challenges. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 456 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-13 CC-P-56. Promote pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station, making use of existing infrastructure that connects South Brea Canyon Road to the station. CR-G-2. Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role of streets as corridors for movement but also reflects a Complete Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and complementary to adjacent land uses, including neighborhood schools. CR-G-3. Strive to achieve a finer grained network of streets and pedestrian/bicycle connections as development occurs, especially in focus areas such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas. CR-G-11. Expand and strengthen existing pedestrian and cyclist network and facilities. CR-P-3. Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian-scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. CR-P-30. Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a more detailed implementation strategy. CR-P-31. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan using community input and best practices to identify bicycle infrastructure needs such as gaps in the network, prioritize facilities and improvements, and identify funding for proposed facilities. Review and update the plan as necessary. CR-P-32. Promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul-de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33. Ensure that new development integrates with Diamond Bar’s bicycle and pedestrian networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 457 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-14 CR-P-34. As opportunities arise, collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions and colleges such as Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College to establish a safe and efficient bicycle route between Diamond Bar and these institutions. CR-P-35. Develop bicycle and pedestrian facility standards for pavement design, signage, and roadway and intersection striping for each functional roadway classification, so streets are accessible by all users and modes. CR-P-36. Where appropriate, plant street trees and provide landscaping along major pedestrian and bicycle routes to provide shade and barriers between cyclists and motorists, as well as enhance aesthetics. CR-P-39. Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; b. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds, striping and signage along Diamond Bar Boulevard; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR-60 on/off ramps; and e. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-40. Provide for a vibrant Town Center that encourages pedestrian activity and comfort within the Town Center Mixed Use area while accommodating through traffic along Diamond Bar Boulevard through the following strategies: a. Establishing a new pedestrian-oriented main street or pedestrian pathway in the Town Center; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; 7.1.e Packet Pg. 458 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-15 d. Improving crosswalks at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and where Diamond Bar Boulevard intersects with the driveway to the Town Center; and e. Strengthening cyclist and pedestrian connections between the Town Center area and nearby schools to provide safe and convenient routes to the Town Center for students by identifying barriers such as safety hazards and gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian networks and implementing improvements to address those barriers. f. address those barriers. CR-P-41. Promote a fine-grained network of safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle connections in the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use area, emphasizing connectivity to the Metrolink station through the following strategies: f. Improving crosswalks along Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue; g. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian-scaled lighting, where feasible; h. Providing high-visibility pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station; i. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development; and j. Studying the potential for shuttle, bikeshare, and/or other linkages to improve the convenience of travel within the mixed- use area. CR-P-43. When planning capital improvement programs, consider projects that strengthen the protection of cyclists in bike lanes by implementing improvements such as increasing visibility of lane markings and signage, increasing bike lane widths, raising lanes, designing safer intersection crossings and turns, and buffering lanes from traffic wherever feasible, prioritizing bicycle lanes along arterials. CR-P-44. Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort where feasible through means such as: g. Introducing bicycle- and pedestrian-level street lighting to improve safety at night; 7.1.e Packet Pg. 459 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-16 h. Furnishing intersections with crosswalks on all legs of the intersection; i. Improving pedestrian safety with intersection design features such as improved signal timing, sidewalk bulb-outs, pedestrian refuge islands with “noses” that extend past the crosswalks, advance vehicle stop bars, high visibility crosswalk striping or decorative paving; j. Improving bicycle safety with intersection design features such as bicycle detection and signalization, painted bike boxes, and intersection crossing markings; k. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture; and l. Implementing traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and congestion. CR-P-49. Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. CR-P-67. Ensure that trucks do not interfere with cyclist or pedestrian activity by: a. Incorporating off-street or buffered bike lanes and walking paths where truck routes overlap with bicycle routes or streets with heavy pedestrian traffic; and b. Designing driveways and curb cuts to avoid maneuvering on sidewalks or in street traffic, while also facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trucks. Traffic Calming LU-P-26. Maximize multi-modal (transit, automobile, cycling, and pedestrian) connections to other destinations in Diamond Bar, such as schools, parks, job centers, and community gathering spaces like the Town Center by: a. Filling gaps in and expanding and/or upgrading the bikeway network to ensure safe and efficient bicycle mobility. Gaps that could be addressed in this area include the northern ends of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. b. Improving pedestrian comfort and safety by implementing traffic calming measures on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Sunset Crossing Road, providing shading through the addition of street trees along Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, and encouraging 7.1.e Packet Pg. 460 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-17 pedestrian-oriented elements on buildings and street furniture on Diamond Bar Boulevard. CR-G-5. Develop neighborhood streets and alleys that encourage walking, biking, and outdoor activity through engineering and urban design principles that reduce the potential for speeding and cut-through traffic, which may include traffic calming measures. CR-P-4. Develop traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive in order to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian-friendly environment along and through the Neighborhood Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use areas. CR-P-21. On an ongoing basis, examine opportunities to avoid delay, spillover, or cut-through traffic onto Diamond Bar’s roadways through techniques such as adaptive traffic control systems along major corridors and traffic calming measures along cut-through routes that would reduce speeds and discourage drivers from electing to drive on them. Consider financial and technological feasibility and community priorities to determine whether and how strategies should be implemented. CR-P-22. Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets and prioritize these measures over congestion management where appropriate and feasible. CR-P-23. Maintain the integrity of existing residential areas and discourage cut-through traffic by retaining cul-de-sacs and implementing other traffic calming measures that promote safe driving at speeds appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood, particularly at Prospectors Road, Chaparral Drive, Sunset Crossing Road, Lycoming Street, and Washington Street. CR-P-39. Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; b. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds, striping and signage along Diamond Bar Boulevard; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar 7.1.e Packet Pg. 461 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-18 Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR-60 on/off ramps; and e. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-44. Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort where feasible through means such as: a. Introducing bicycle- and pedestrian-level street lighting to improve safety at night; b. Furnishing intersections with crosswalks on all legs of the intersection; c. Improving pedestrian safety with intersection design features such as improved signal timing, sidewalk bulb-outs, pedestrian refuge islands with “noses” that extend past the crosswalks, advance vehicle stop bars, high visibility crosswalk striping or decorative paving; d. Improving bicycle safety with intersection design features such as bicycle detection and signalization, painted bike boxes, and intersection crossing markings; e. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture; and f. Implementing traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and congestion. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure CR-P-56. Encourage dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. RC-P-37. Seek grants and other external funding opportunities to convert the City fleet to zero emissions vehicles over time and in a manner that is fiscally neutral in comparison to conventional fuel vehicles. CHS-P-41. Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities. CHS-P-42. Seek funding and other assistance from the South Coast Air Quality Management District for installation of electric vehicle charging stations at appropriate locations throughout the City. Parking Policies 7.1.e Packet Pg. 462 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-19 LU-P-15. Encourage mixed-use development in infill areas by providing incentives such as reduced parking requirements and/or opportunities for shared parking. LU-P-33. Consider amendments to the Development Code parking regulations as needed to allow lower parking minimums for developments with a mix of uses with different peak parking needs, as well as developments that implement enforceable residential parking demand reduction measures, such as parking permit and car share programs. LU-P-43. When updating the Development Code’s parking standards or preparing specific plans, evaluate parking ratios for the Town Center to balance the financial feasibility of development projects with the provision of adequate parking for visitors. Coordinate with developers and transit agencies to provide alternative modes of transportation to allow for reduced parking requirements. CC-P-26. Establish reduced minimum commercial parking requirements for all development within new mixed-use land use designations. Reduced parking requirements should be supported by proximity to transit, shared parking, and technologies that, once mainstreamed, would reduce the need for conventional parking layouts. CC-P-49. Encourage reductions in surface parking and allow for the development of consolidated parking structures, provided that they are screened from view from Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. CR-G-14. Provide adequate parking for all land use types, while balancing this against the need to promote walkable, mixed-use districts and neighborhoods in targeted areas, and promoting ride-sharing and alternative transportation modes. CR-P-24. As opportunities arise, coordinate with local, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, parking pricing, on-site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit passes, and ridesharing. CR-P-53. Consider updating parking standards in the Development Code to ensure that they are reflective of the community’s needs, using current data on parking demand and taking into consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 463 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-20 CR-P-54. Consider incorporating criteria in the Development Code to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-56. Encourage dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. CR-P-57. Consider incentives to encourage carpooling, such as preferential parking for high-occupancy vehicles. Transportation Improvements LU-G-4. Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth principles. LU-G-9. Provide for the concentration of office and commercial uses near regional access routes, transit stations, and existing and proposed employment centers. LU-G-19. Leverage the proximity of the City of Industry Metrolink station and Foothill Transit facility to create an engaging, compact, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages multi-modal transportation and responds to a diversity of housing needs. LU-P-26. Maximize multi-modal (transit, automobile, cycling, and pedestrian) connections to other destinations in Diamond Bar, such as schools, parks, job centers, and community gathering spaces like the Town Center by: a. Filling gaps in and expanding and/or upgrading the bikeway network to ensure safe and efficient bicycle mobility. Gaps that could be addressed in this area include the northern ends of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. b. Improving pedestrian comfort and safety by implementing traffic calming measures on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Sunset Crossing Road, providing shading through the addition of street trees along Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, and encouraging pedestrian-oriented elements on buildings and street furniture on Diamond Bar Boulevard. LU-P-31. Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods and other 7.1.e Packet Pg. 464 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN C-21 destinations within Diamond Bar such as schools, the Town Center, and parks. LU-P-49. Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. ED-G-5. Support the use of Metrolink and local transit connections as a means for non-residents to commute to employment opportunities in Diamond Bar. ED-P-9. Promote the use of multi-modal connections to serve commercial and office uses within Diamond Bar, thereby enhancing transit, ride- sharing, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure opportunities, and reducing automobile congestion within the City. CC-P-52. Highlight gateways and access to the transit facilities through landscape and signage improvements. CR-G-13. Maximize the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of public transit service. CR-P-46. Where feasible, integrate transit nodes and connections with adjacent existing and proposed developments and destinations— such as employment centers, commercial centers, major attractions, and public pedestrian spaces—to make them more accessible to transit users. CR-P-47. As opportunities arise, coordinate with Foothill Transit, Metrolink, and other transit providers to incorporate real-time information systems at transit stops so that passengers will know when their vehicle is expected to arrive. CR-P-48. As opportunities arise, work with Foothill Transit to maintain and improve bus stops and shelters, as well as identify areas where service can be improved or expanded to increase system use. CR-P-49. Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. CR-P-50. As opportunities arise, coordinate with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service at the City of Industry station, including service for shorter trips, to increase the convenience and use of transit. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 465 APPENDIX C: APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES C-22 CR-P-51. Support, where feasible, privately funded local transit systems that are accessible for seniors, youths, and individuals with disabilities, to ensure that all community members have the ability to travel while decreasing congestion. CR-P-52. In areas or on routes between destinations that have been determined to be infeasible for public transit providers to serve, explore the use of programs that subsidize the use of TNCs, alternative transit services, or the City’s Diamond Ride program, particularly for populations with special needs, such as seniors, youths, or persons with disabilities, until such a time as mass transit becomes feasible. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 466 Appendix D Potential Project Level GHG Reduction Measures In addition to the potential programmatic measures contained in this Climate Action Plan, the following is a non-exclusive list of potential additional measures that can be applied at the project level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It should be noted that these measures are not essential for the City to meet its GHG reduction targets, but are presented here for information purpose. Sources for additional potential measures include those listed in CAPCOA’s “CEQA and Climate Change, Evaluating and Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Projects Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (January 2008)” and OPR’s “CEQA and Climate Change: Addressing Climate Change Through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)”. Please see Appendix B for complete references. Renewable Energy ❖ Provide onsite renewable energy system(s). Nonpolluting and renewable energy potential includes solar, wind, geothermal, low-impact hydro, biomass and bio-gas strategies ❖ Include in new buildings facilities to support the use of low/zero carbon fueled vehicles, such as the charging of electric vehicles from green electricity sources Green Building ❖ Meet recognized green building and energy efficiency benchmarks such as LEED and ENERGY STAR ❖ Incorporate materials which are resource efficient, recycled, with long life cycles and manufactured in an environmentally friendly way 7.1.e Packet Pg. 467 APPENDIX D: POTENTIAL PROJECT LEVEL GHG MITIGATION MEASURES D-2 Energy Efficiency ❖ Exceed Diamond Bar Green Building Code (Title 24) mandatory efficiency requirements by 15% or more ❖ Install light colored “cool” roofs (e.g. Energy Star roofing) or other highly reflective, highly emissive roofing materials ❖ Install a vegetated (“green”) roof that covers at least 50% of roof area ❖ Design project to maximize solar orientation (i.e., 75% or more building face north or south; include roof overhangs that block high summer sun, but not lower winter sun, from penetrating south-facing windows ❖ Plant trees and vegetation near structures to shade buildings and reduce energy requirements for heating/cooling ❖ Install energy-reducing ceiling/whole-house fans ❖ Install energy efficient lighting (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), heating and cooling systems, appliances, equipment, and control systems. (e.g., Energy Star) ❖ Install energy-reducing programmable thermostats that automatically adjust temperature settings Transportation ❖ Develop commute trip reduction plans that encourage employees who commute alone to consider alternative transportation modes ❖ Create an online ridesharing program that matches potential carpoolers immediately through email ❖ Provide fair-share funding of transportation improvements ❖ Provide shuttle service or public transit incentives such as transit passes to decrease work-related auto trips ❖ Provide “end-of-trip” facilities including showers, lockers, and changing space (nonresidential projects) ❖ Incorporate public transit into project design ❖ Incorporate bicycle lanes, routes and facilities into street systems, new subdivisions, and large developments ❖ Provide amenities for non-motorized transportation, such as secure and convenient bicycle parking ❖ Provide plentiful short- and long-term bicycle parking facilities (nonresidential projects) ❖ Provide long-term bicycle parking is provided at apartment complexes or condominiums without garages 7.1.e Packet Pg. 468 DIAMOND BAR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN D-3 ❖ Create pedestrian (and/or bicycle) access network that internally links all uses and connects to all existing/planned external streets and pedestrian (and/or bicycle) facilities contiguous with the project site ❖ Provide a parking lot design that includes clearly marked and shaded pedestrian pathways between transit facilities and building entrances ❖ Provide parking for EVs/CNG vehicles ❖ Install EV charging facilities Water Conservation ❖ Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances such as low-flow fixtures, dual flush toilets, and other water efficient appliances ❖ Install water-efficient irrigation systems and devices, such as soil moisture- based irrigation controls and use water-efficient irrigation methods ❖ Implement low-impact development practices that maintain the existing hydrology of the site to manage storm water and protect the environment ❖ Incorporate recycled/reclaimed water for landscape irrigation and other non-potable water use needs ❖ Incorporate rain barrels and gray water systems for landscape irrigation Landscaping ❖ Incorporate into landscapes drought resistant native trees, trees with low emissions and high carbon sequestration potential ❖ Provide parking lot areas with 50% tree cover within 10 years of construction, in particular low emitting, low maintenance, native drought resistant trees. Reduces urban heat island effect ❖ Dedicate space for neighborhood gardening ❖ Establish an urban tree planting program Solid Waste Measures ❖ Reuse and recycle construction and demolition waste (including, but not limited to, soil, vegetation, concrete, lumber, metal, and cardboard) ❖ Provide interior and exterior storage areas for recyclables and green waste and adequate recycling containers located in public areas ❖ Provide education and publicity about reducing waste and available recycling services 7.1.e Packet Pg. 469 APPENDIX D: POTENTIAL PROJECT LEVEL GHG MITIGATION MEASURES D-4 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.e Packet Pg. 470 7.1.e Packet Pg. 471 7.1.e Packet Pg. 472 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NOVEMBER 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 473 7.1.f Packet Pg. 474 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NOVEMBER 2019 Prepared by 7.1.f Packet Pg. 475 7.1.f Packet Pg. 476 Table of Contents 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1-1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................................1-1 CEQA Process ....................................................................................................................................1-1 New Information in the Final EIR .....................................................................................................1-2 Organization ........................................................................................................................................1-3 2 Comments on the Draft EIR ................................................................................... 2-1 3 Responses to Comments ......................................................................................... 3-1 4 Revisions to the Draft EIR ....................................................................................... 4-1 Executive Summary.............................................................................................................................4-1 Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics .....................................................................................................................4-3 Chapter 3.2: Air Quality ....................................................................................................................4-5 Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources ...................................................................................................4-8 Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources .............................................. 4-19 Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases............................................... 4-19 Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity................................................................................. 4-23 Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire ....................................................... 4-25 Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................... 4-27 Chapter 3.9: Land Use and Housing ............................................................................................. 4-31 Chapter 3.10: Noise ........................................................................................................................ 4-33 Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation ............................................................................ 4-34 Chapter 3.12: Transportation ........................................................................................................ 4-40 Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems ................................................................................ 4-44 7.1.f Packet Pg. 477 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 478 1 Introduction This Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) has been prepared by the City of Diamond Bar in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). The Draft EIR analyzes potential environmental impacts of the adoption and implementation of the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan, Project This Final EIR provides responses to comments on the Draft EIR as well as corrections and clarifications to the Draft EIR. The City of Diamond Bar is the lead agency responsible for ensuring that the proposed General Plan complies with CEQA. responsibility for carrying out or approving a project which may have a significant effect upon the Purpose This document, combined with the Draft EIR, published September 16, 2019, constitutes the Final EIR on the Proposed Project as described in Chapter 2: Project Description of the Draft EIR. The primary purpose of the Final EIR is to revise and refine the environmental analysis in the Draft EIR in response to comments received during the public review period. The public review period for the Draft EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2018051066) lasted for 45 days, from Monday, September 16, 2019 to Thursday, October 31, 2019. This Final EIR amends and incorporates by reference the Draft EIR. This document includes comments and responses to comments on the Draft EIR, and corrections and clarifications to the Draft EIR. The EIR is intended to disclose to City of Diamond Bar decision makers, responsible agencies, organizations, and the general public the potential impacts of implementing the Proposed Project using a program level of analysis. The Draft EIR, Public Review Draft Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, and Public Review Draft Climate Action Plan are available for review at the City of Diamond Bar General Plan website (http://www.diamondbargp.com/). CEQA Process Before the City may approve the various discretionary actions needed to implement the Proposed Project, it must independently review and consider the informatio n contained in the Final EIR, certifying that the Final EIR adequately discloses the environmental effects of the Proposed Project, that the Final EIR has been completed in conformance with CEQA, and that the decision -making body of the Lead Agency independently reviewed and considered the information contained in the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 479 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-2 Final EIR. Certification of the Final EIR would indicate the C adequately evaluates the environmental impacts that could be associated with the Proposed Project. For impacts identified in the EIR that cannot be reduced to a level that is less than significant, the City must make findings and prepare a Statement of Overriding Considerations for approval of the Proposed Project if specific social, economic, or other factors justify the Proposed unavoidable adverse environmental effects. If the City decides to approve the Proposed Project for which the Final EIR has been prepared, it will issue a Notice of Determ ination. The City of Diamond Bar has prepared this document pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15132 , which specifies that the Final EIR shall consist of: • The Draft EIR or a revision of the Draft; • A list of persons, organizations, and public agencies comm enting on the Draft EIR; • Comments and recommendations received on the Draft EIR; • The response of the Lead Agency to significant environmental points raised in the review process; and • Any other information added by the Lead Agency. This Final EIR incorporates comments from public agencies and the general public. It also contains The Final EIR can also be accessed through the City of Diamond Bar General Plan website. New Information in the Final EIR If significant new information is added to an EIR after notice of public review has been given, but before final certification of the EIR, the Lead Agency must issue a new notice and recirculate the EIR for further comments and consultation. Significant new i nformation is that which discloses that: • A new significant environmental impact would result from the project or from a new mitigation measure proposed to be implemented; • A substantial increase in the severity of an environmental impact would result unles s mitigation measures are adopted that reduce the impact to a level of insignificance; • A feasible project alternative or mitigation measure considerably different from others previously analyzed would clearly lessen the significant environmental impacts o f the • The Draft EIR was so fundamentally and basically inadequate and conclusory in nature that meaningful public review and comment were precluded. Corrections or clarifications to the Draft EIR identified in Chapter 3 of this document do not constitute significant new information pursuant to Section 15088.5 of the CEQA Guidelines; this 7.1.f Packet Pg. 480 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-3 new information merely clarifies and makes insignificant changes to an adequate EIR. Information presented in the Draft EIR and this document support this determination. Organization This document contains the following components: • Chapter 1 • Chapter 2 lists all of the agencies, organizations and individuals that submitted written comments on the Draft EIR; reproduces all comments; and provides a unique number for each comment in the page margin. • Chapter 3 provides numbered responses to comments on the Draft EIR keyed to the comment letters included in Chapter 2 . Revisions are acknowledged where necessary to clarify or amplify, and are included in Chapter 4. • Chapter 4 provides an errata sheet with revisions to the Draft EIR where necessary to clarify or amplify. Revisions are organized by Draft EIR section and by page nu mber. Where such revisions are warranted in response to comments on the Draft EIR, deletions are shown in strikethrough and additions are shown underlined in the matrix of comments and responses. Map revisions required in response to comments are included at the end of this chapter. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 481 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-4 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 482 2 Comments on the Draft EIR This chapter contains copies of the comment letters received on the Draft EIR. A total of 1 9 comment letters and emails were received during the 45-day comment period. This chapter includes a letter from th Clearinghouse review requirements pursuant to CEQA and stating which comments were submitted by State agencies. Comments received are listed in Table 2 -1. Each letter is identified by a d Letters sent by the same commenter are -Specific comments within each letter are identified by a designator in the page margin that reflects the se quence of the - Comments are organized by public agency comments and responses (Section A) and individual comments and responses (Section B). Within each category, comments are listed in chronological order according to the date on the letter. Comment letters submitted on the same date are organized by topic area, such as biological resources, where feasible. Table 2-1: Comments Received on the Draft EIR Letter # Date Commenter Agency/Organization Section A: Agencies (Federal, State, Regional, Local) A1 October 17, 2019 Michael Y. Takeshita, Acting Chief, Forestry Division Prevention Services Bureau County of Los Angeles Fire Department A2 October 30, 2019 Alina Bokde, Deputy Director County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation A3 October 30, 2019 Erinn Wilson, Environmental Program Manager I California Department of Fish and Wildlife A4 October 31, 2019 Miya Edmonson, IGR/CEQA Branch Chief California Department of Transportation 7.1.f Packet Pg. 483 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Comments on the Draft EIR 2-2 Table 2-1: Comments Received on the Draft EIR Letter # Date Commenter Agency/Organization A5 October 31, 2019 Shine Ling, Transit Oriented Communities Manager Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) A6 October 31, 2019 Robert C. Ferrante, Chief Engineer and General Manager Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County A7 October 31, 2019 Scott Morgan, Director Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit Section B: Individuals B1-A October 8, 2019 Douglas Barcon Individual B1-B October 9, 2019 Douglas Barcon Individual B1-C October 29, 2019 Douglas Barcon Individual B1-D October 31, 2019 Douglas Barcon Individual B2 October 29, 2019 Claire Schlotterbeck, Executive Director Hills for Everyone B3 October 31, 2019 Robert A. Hamilton Hamilton Biological, Inc. B4-A October 31, 2019 Lee Paulson, President Responsible Land Use B4-B October 31, 2019 Lee Paulson, President Responsible Land Use B5 October 31, 2019 Janet Cobb, CWF Executive Director and Angela Moskow, CO Manager California Wildlife Foundation and California Oaks Coalition B6 October 31, 2019 C. Robin Smith, Chair Diamond Bar Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force, Angeles Chapter B7 October 31, 2019 Diego Tamayo Individual B8 October 31, 2019 Chia Teng , President Diamond Bar Preservation Alliance B9 October 31, 2019 Gary Busteed Individual 7.1.f Packet Pg. 484 7.1.f Packet Pg. 485 7.1.f Packet Pg. 486 7.1.f Packet Pg. 487 7.1.f Packet Pg. 488 7.1.f Packet Pg. 489 7.1.f Packet Pg. 490 COUNTYOFLOSANGELESDEPARTMENTOFPARKSANDRECREATION“ParksMakeLifeBetter!”JohnWicker,DirectorNormaE.Garcia,ChiefDeputyDirectorOctober30,2019Ms.GraceS.LeeSeniorPlannerCityofDiamondBar,PlanningDivision21810CopleyDriveDiamondBar,CA91765DearMs.Lee:NOTICEOFAVAILABILITYOFDRAFTENVIRONMENTALIMPACTREPORTFORTHEDIAMONDBARGENERALPLANANDCLIMATEACTIONPLAN2040IamwritingwithregardstotheDraftEnvironmentalImpactReport(DEIR)fortheDiamondBarGeneralPlanandClimateActionPlan2040.LocatedwithinthePlanningAreaaretwoLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofParksandRecreation(DPR)facilities:DiamondBarGolfCourseandtheproposedSchabarumExtensionTrail.PleasefindbelowDPR’scommentsandquestions:DiamondBarGolfCourseDiamondBarGolfCourse(DBGC)wasestablishedasapublicgolfcoursein1964andwillcontinuetoserveassuchintheforeseeablefuture.ThegolfcourseisprotectedpublicparklandunderthePublicParkPreservationActof1971.ThedraftGeneralPlanincludesa“CommunityCore”focusareathatoverlaysDBGC(page2-8).The“CommunityCore”focusareaproposesamixofusesemphasizingdestinationandspecialtyretail,dining,andentertainmentonthesouthernportionoftheDBGCsite.ThisproposaldoesnotseemtotakeintoconsiderationtheParkPreservationActwhichcontainsspecificrequirementsthatmustbemetinordertoconvertpublicparklandintonon-parkuse(s).Also,theCityofDiamondBardoesnothavejurisdictionoverthisCounty-ownedgolfcourse.AnyproposednewusesontheDBGCsiteshouldbediscussedandcoordinatedwiththeCounty.TheLosAngelesCountyBoardofSupervisorshasthesolediscretiontoapprovedevelopmentonCounty-ownedproperties.Assuch,anyproposednewuse(s)ontheDBGCwouldrequirereviewandapprovalbytheBoard.PlanningandDevelopmentAgency•1000S.FremontAvenue,Unit#40,Alhambra,CA91803•(626)588-53227.1.fPacket Pg. 491 Ms.GraceS.LeeOctober31,2019Page2SchabarumExtensionTrail(proposed)TheproposedSchabarumExtensionTrailconnectstheDPR-operatedRowlandHeightsLoopTrailintheunincorporatedcommunityofRowlandHeightstoSanBernardinoCountythroughpreservedopenspace.Thisten-milesegmentofproposedmulti-usetrail(hiking,biking,andhorsebackriding)utilizesportionsofunpavedSouthernCaliforniaEdisonright-of-wayandprovidesintermittentaccesstocommunitieswithintheCityofDiamondBarviarecordedtraileasements.PleasefindbelowsomequestionsandeditsregardingthediscussionoftrailsintheDEIR.Page3.11-12•ArethereanytrailsplannedontheTresHermanosRanchproperty?Page3.11-13•AreequestriansaccommodatedonCitytrails?IftheproposedSchabarumExtensionTrailweredeveloped,itwouldbecomeamulti-usetrailthatwouldservehikers,mountainbikers,andequestrians.Table3.11-6:ExistingandProposedTrailNetwork(2019)•WhichagencyhasproposedtheTonnerCanyonTrail?•PleasecorrectthenameoftheCountytrail.“SchabarumTrail(SkylineExtension)”shouldbecorrectedas“ScharabrumExtensionTrail”.TheSchabarumExtensionandTonnerCanyonTrailsare“ProposedTrails,”not“ExistingTrails.”Page3.11-14•PleasenotethattheSchabarum-SkylineTrailisoperatedbytheCountyofLosAngelesDepartmentofParksandRecreationandis29.7mileslong.•Pleaserevisethesentenceasfollows:“Thetrailallowsrccrcationaluscrsandcommutershikers,mountainbikers,andequestrianstoconnecttoavarietyofothertrailsinthearea”•Pleaseincludeanoteonthispagethatthedevelopmentofstagingareasandtrallheadswillbeconsideredatstrategiclocationstoaccommodatemulti-usetrailusers.7.1.fPacket Pg. 492 Ms.GraceS.LeeOctober31,2019Page3NotificationPleasenotethatDPRwasnotformallynotifiedoftheGeneralPlanupdateeventhoughthe“CommunityCore”overlaywasproposedontheDBGCsite.WeonlyreceivedtheNoticeofAvailabilityaftersigningupfore-mailnotificationontheproject’swebsiteseveralmonthsago.Thankyouforyourconsiderationofourcomments.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorwishtodiscussfurther,pleasecontactClementLau,DepartmentalFacilitiesPlanner,ofmystaffat(626)588-5301orbyemailatclau@parks.lacounty.gov.Sicerely,AlmaBokdeDeputyDirectorAB:cL:JIc:ZL:nrc:CountyCounsel(C.Yourn)ParksandRecreation(J.Badel,W.Leary,C.Lau,L.Barocas,M.O’Connor,Z.Likins,J.Chien)7.1.fPacket Pg. 493 7.1.f Packet Pg. 494 7.1.f Packet Pg. 495 7.1.f Packet Pg. 496 7.1.f Packet Pg. 497 7.1.f Packet Pg. 498 7.1.f Packet Pg. 499 7.1.f Packet Pg. 500 7.1.f Packet Pg. 501 7.1.f Packet Pg. 502 7.1.f Packet Pg. 503 7.1.f Packet Pg. 504 7.1.f Packet Pg. 505 7.1.f Packet Pg. 506 Page 1 of 4 October 31, 2019 Grace S. Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar, Planning Division 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Sent by Email:glee@diamondbarca.gov RE: Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan (CAP) – Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Dear Ms. Lee: Thank you for coordinating with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) regarding the proposed General Plan Update and CAP (Plan), located in the City of Diamond Bar (City). Metro is committed to working with local municipalities, developers, and other stakeholders across Los Angeles County on transit-supportive developments to grow ridership, reduce driving, and promote walkable neighborhoods. Transit Oriented Communities (TOCs) are places (such as corridors or neighborhoods) that, by their design, allow people to drive less and access transit more. TOCs maximize equitable access to a multi-modal transit network as a key organizing principle of land use planning and holistic community development. Within the Plan area, Metro funds Metrolink commuter rail service operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA). The purpose of this letter is to briefly describe the proposed Plan (based on the DEIR’s project description), outline recommendations from Metro concerning issues that are germane to our agency’s statutory responsibility in relation to Metrolink facilities and services that may be affected by the proposed Plan, and help identify opportunities in the Plan to support transit ridership. Plan Description The Plan includes the Diamond Bar Plan 2040, which is a long-term document expressing the goals, objectives, and policies necessary to guide the community toward achieving its vision over a 20-year period. The Plan also includes a CAP, which is a comprehensive plan for addressing a community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 507 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and CAP DEIR – Metro Comments October 31, 2019 Page 2 of 4 Transit Service Considerations 1.Coordination Resource: To improve coordination between the City, adjacent development and Metro, Metro would like to provide the City with a user-friendly resource, the Metro Adjacent Development Handbook (attached), which provides an overview of common concerns for development adjacent to Metrolink ROW. This document and additional resources are available at www.metro.net/devreview/. Metro encourages the City to provide this document as a resource to all development projects adjacent to Metro ROW. 2.Rail Operations, Noise & Vibration: Metrolink operates within the Plan area, serving Industry Station. Metrolink operates in and out of revenue service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Considering the proximity of the Plan area to Metrolink, it is expected that rail operations may produce noise and vibration. 3.Plan Policies to address Transit: To further address the land use and noise compatibility of future development in the vicinity of Industry Station, Metro recommends that the Plan include policies to require future development projects in the Station’s vicinity to record a notice to property owners and tenants to advise of the presence of railway noise and vibration sources. Any noise mitigation required for future development projects must be borne by the project applicants and not Metrolink. 4.Climate Action Planning: Metro encourages the City to review the Plan’s consistency with Metro’s 2019 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and the Southern California Association of Governments’ 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy to ensure the Plan will not conflict with those plans. Metro’s 2019 CAP is available at http://media.metro.net/projects_studies/sustainability/images/Climate_Action_Plan.pdf. Transit Orientation Considerations Considering the Plan area’s proximity to the Industry Station, Metro would like to identify the potential synergies associated with transit-oriented development: 1.Transit-Supportive Planning: To achieve Metro’s program objectives, Metro strongly recommends that the City review the Transit-Supportive Planning Toolkit which identifies 10 elements of transit-supportive places and applied collectively, has been shown to reduce vehicle miles traveled by establishing community-scaled density, diverse land use mix, combination of affordable housing, and infrastructure projects for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people of all ages and abilities. This resource is available at https://www.metro.net/projects/tod-toolkit. 2.Land Use: Metro supports development of commercial and residential properties near transit stations and understands that increasing development near stations represents a mutually beneficial opportunity to increase ridership and enhance transportation options for the users of 7.1.f Packet Pg. 508 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and CAP DEIR – Metro Comments October 31, 2019 Page 3 of 4 developments. Metro encourages the City to be mindful of the Plan’s proximity to the Industry Station, including orienting pedestrian pathways towards the station. 3.Transit Connections: a.Transfer Activity: Given the Plan’s proximity to the Industry Station, proposed project design should consider and accommodate transfer activity between bus and rail lines that will occur along the sidewalks and public spaces. Metro has completed the Metro Transfers Design Guide, a best practices document on transit improvements. This can be accessed online at https://www.metro.net/projects/systemwidedesign. b.Access: The Plan should address first-last mile connections to transit, encouraging development that is transit-accessible with bicycle and pedestrian-oriented street design that connects transportation with housing and employment centers. The City is also encouraged to support these connections with wayfinding signage inclusive of all modes of transportation. For reference, please review the First Last Mile Strategic Plan, authored by Metro and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), available on-line at: http://media.metro.net/docs/sustainability_path_design_guidelines.pdf 4.Active Transportation: Metro strongly encourages the City to install project features that help facilitate safe and convenient connections for pedestrians, people riding bicycles, and transit users to/from the Industry Station and nearby destinations. The City should consider requiring the installation of such features as part of the conditions of approval for proposed projects. These features can include the following: a.Walkability: The installation of wide sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, a continuous canopy of shade trees, enhanced crosswalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps, and other amenities along all public street frontages of the development site to improve pedestrian safety and comfort to access the nearby rail station. b.Bicycle Use: The provision of adequate short-term bicycle parking, such as ground level bicycle racks, and secure, access-controlled, enclosed long-term bicycle parking for residents, employees and guests. Bicycle parking facilities should be designed with best practices in mind, including highly visible siting, effective surveillance, easy to locate, and equipment installed with preferred spacing dimensions, so they can be safely and conveniently accessed. 5.Parking: Metro encourages the incorporation of transit-oriented, pedestrian-oriented parking provision strategies such as the reduction or removal of minimum parking requirements for specific areas and the exploration of shared parking opportunities. These strategies could be pursued to reduce automobile-orientation in design and travel demand. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 509 Diamond Bar General Plan Update and CAP DEIR – Metro Comments October 31, 2019 Page 4 of 4 Metro looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the City to effectuate policies and implementation activities that promote transit oriented communities. If you have any questions regarding this response, please contact me by phone at 213-922-2671, by email at devreview@metro.net, or by mail at the following address: Metro Development Review One Gateway Plaza MS 99-22-1 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952 Sincerely, Shine Ling, AICP Manager, Transit Oriented Communities Attachments and links: Adjacent Development Handbook:https://www.metro.net/projects/devreview/ 7.1.f Packet Pg. 510 Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transport ation Authority me tro adjacent development handbook a guide for cities and developers MAY 2018 7.1.f Packet Pg. 511 i Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Introduction 2 Who is Metro? 2 Why is Metro Interested in Adjacent Development? 5 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 6 What are the Goals of the Handbook? 6 Who Should Use the Handbook? 6 How Should the Handbook be Used? 7 Types of Metro ROW and Transit Assets 8 Metro Adjacent Development Review 9 Metro Review Phases 9 Metro Coordination 11 Best Practices for Municipality Coordination 11 Best Practices for Developer Coordination 11 1: Site Planning & Design 14 1.1 Supporting Transit Oriented Communities 15 1.2 Enhancing Access to Transit 16 1.3 Building Setback 17 1.4 Shared Barrier Construction & Maintenance 18 1.5 Project Orientation & Noise Mitigation 19 1.6 Sightlines at Crossings 20 1.7 Transit Envelope Clearance 21 1.8 Bus Stops & Zones Design 22 1.9 Driveway/Access Management 23 Table of Contents 7.1.f Packet Pg. 512 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook ii 2: Engineering 26 2.1 Excavation Support System Design 27 2.2 Proximity to Stations & Tunnels 28 2.3 Protection from Explosion/Blast 29 3: Construction Safety & Monitoring 32 3.1 Pre-Construction Coordination 33 3.2 Track Access and Safety 34 3.3 Construction Hours 35 3.4 Excavation/Drilling Monitoring 36 3.5 Crane Operations 37 3.6 Construction Barriers & Overhead Protection 38 3.7 Pedestrian & Emergency Access 39 3.8 Impacts to Bus Routes & Stops 40 3.9 Utility Coordination 41 3.10 Air Quality & Ventilation Protection 42 Resources 43 Metro Contact Information 43 Metro Adjacent Development Review Tools 43 Metro Right-of-Way GIS Data 43 Metro Design Criteria & Standards 44 Metrolink Standards & Procedures 44 Metro Policies & Plans 44 Metro Programs & Toolkits 45 Useful Policies & Resources 45 Glossary 47 Table of Contents 7.1.f Packet Pg. 513 1 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 514 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 2 The Metro Adjacent Development Handbook provides guidance to local jurisdictions and developers constructing on, adjacent, over, or under Metro right of way, non-revenue property, or transit facilities to support transit-oriented communities, reduce potential conflicts, and facilitate clearance for building permits. The Handbook should be used for guidance purposes only. The Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual and Metro Rail Design Criteria are documents that shall be strictly adhered to for obtaining approval for any construction adjacent to Metro facilities. Who is Metro? The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) plans, funds, builds, and operates rail and bus service throughout Los Angeles County. Metro moves close to 1.3 million riders on buses and trains daily, traversing many jurisdictions in Los Angeles County. With funding from the passage of Measure R (2008) and Measure M (2016), the Metro system will expand significantly, adding over 100 miles of new transit corridors and up to 60 new stations. New and expanded transit lines will improve mobility across Los Angeles County, connecting riders to more destinations and expanding opportunities for adjacent construction and Transit Oriented Communities (TOCs). Metro’s bus and rail service spans over 1,433 square miles and includes the following transit service: Metro Rail connects close to 100 stations along 98.5 miles of track and operates underground in tunnels, at grade within roadways and dedicated rights-of-way (ROW), and above grade on aerial guideways. The Metro Rail fleet includes heavy rail and light rail vehicles. Heavy rail vehicles are powered by a third rail through a conductor along the tracks and light rail vehicles are powered by an overhead catenary system (OCS). To operate rail service, Metro owns traction power substations, maintenance yards and shops, and supporting infrastructure. Metro Bus-Rapid-Transit (BRT) operates accelerated bus transit, which serves as a hybrid between rail and traditional bus service. BRT operates along a dedicated ROW, separated from vehicular traffic to provide rapid service. Metro BRT may run within the center of a freeway or may be separated from traffic in its own corridor. BRT station footprints vary from integrated, more spacious stations to compact boarding areas along streets. Metro Bus serves 15,967 bus stops, operates 170 routes and covers 1,433 square miles with a fleet of 2,228 buses. Metro “Local” and “Rapid” bus service runs within the street, typically alongside vehicular traffic, though occasionally in “bus-only” lanes. Metro bus stops are typically located on sidewalks within the public right-of-way, which is owned and maintained by local jurisdictions. Metrolink/Regional Rail: Metro owns much of the ROW within Los Angeles County on which the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) operates Metrolink service. Metrolink is a commuter rail system with seven lines that span 388 miles throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and North San Diego counties. As a SCRRA member agency and property owner, Metro reviews development activity adjacent to Metrolink ROW. Introduction 7.1.f Packet Pg. 515 3 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Metro and Regional Rail Map Metro is currently undertaking the largest rail infrastructure expansion effort in the United States. A growing fixed guideway system presents new adjacency challenges, but also new opportunities to catalyze land use investment and shape livable communities along routes and around stations. Introduction 7.1.f Packet Pg. 516 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 4 Metro Bus and Rail System Map (Excerpt) As a street-running transit service, Metro’s “Rapid” and “Local” buses share the public ROW with other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, and travel through the diverse landscapes of Los Angeles County’s 88 cities and unincorporated areas. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 517 5 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Why is Metro Interested in Adjacent Development? Metro Supports Transit Oriented Communities Metro is redefining the role of the transit agency by expanding mobility options, promoting sustainable urban design, and helping transform communities throughout Los Angeles County. Leading in this effort is Metro’s vision to create TOCs, a mobility and development approach that is community-focused and context-responsive at its core. The TOC approach goes beyond the traditional transit oriented development (TOD) model to focus on shaping vibrant places that are compact, walkable, and bikeable community spaces, and acknowledge mobility as an integral part of the urban fabric. Adjacent Development Leads to Transit Oriented Communities Metro supports private development adjacent to transit as this presents a mutually beneficial opportunity to enrich the built environment and expand mobility options for users of developments. By connecting communities, destinations, and amenities through improved access to public transit, adjacent developments have the potential to reduce car dependency and greenhouse gas emissions; promote walkable and bikeable communities that accommodate more healthy and active lifestyles; improve access to jobs and economic opportunities; and create more opportunities for mobility – highly desirable features in an increasingly urbanized environment. Metro is committed to working with stakeholders across the County to support the development of a sustainable, welcoming, and well-designed environment around its transit services and facilities. Acknowledging an unprecedented opportunity to influence how the built environment throughout Los Angeles County develops along and around transit and its facilities, Metro has created this Handbook – a resource for municipalities, developers, architects, and engineers to use in their land use planning, design, and development efforts. This Handbook presents a crucial first step in active collaboration with local stakeholders; finding partnerships that leverage Metro initiatives and support TOCs across Los Angeles County; and ensuring compatibility with transit infrastructure to minimize operational, safety, and maintenance issues. Introduction 7.1.f Packet Pg. 518 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 6 What are the Goals of the Handbook? Metro is committed to partnering with local jurisdictions and providing information to developers early in project planning to identify potential synergies associated with building next to transit and reduce potential conflicts with transit infrastructure and services. Specifically, the Handbook is intended to guide the design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of structures within 100 feet of Metro ROW, including underground easements, on which Metro operates or plans to operate service, as well as in close proximity to or on Metro-owned non-revenue property and transit facilities. Metro is interested in reviewing projects within 100 feet of its ROW – measured from the edge of the ROW outward – both to maximize integration opportunities with adjacent development and to ensure the structural safety of existing or planned transit infrastructure. As such, the Handbook seeks to: • Improve communication, coordination, and understanding between developers, municipalities, and Metro. • Streamline the development review process by coordinating a seamless, comprehensive agency review of all proposed developments near Metro facilities and properties. • Highlight Metro operational needs and requirements to ensure safe, continuous service. • Identify common concerns associated with developments adjacent to Metro ROW. • Prevent potential impacts to Metro transit service or infrastructur e. • Maintain access to Metro facilities for patrons and operational staff. • Avoid preventable conflicts resulting in increased development costs, construction delays, and safety impacts. • Make project review transparent, clear, and more efficient. • Assist in the creation of overall marketable and desirable developments. Who Should Use the Handbook? The Handbook is intended to be used by: • Local jurisdictions who review, entitle, and permit development projects and/or develop policies related to land use, development standards, and mobility • Developers, Project sponsors, architects, and engineers • Entitlement consultants • Property owners • Builders/contractors • Real estate agents • Utility owners • Environmental consultants Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 519 7 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook How Should the Handbook be Used? The Handbook complements requirements housed in the Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual, which accompanies the Metro Rail Design Criteria (MRDC) and other governing documents that make up the Metro Design Criteria and Standards. This Handbook provides an overview and guide related to opportunities, common concerns, and issues for adjacent development and is organized into three categories to respond to different stages of the development process: Each page of the Handbook focuses on a specific issue and provides best practices to avoid potential conflicts and/or create compatibility with the Metro transit system. Links to additional resources listed at the bottom of each page may be found under Resources at the end of the Handbook. Definitions for words listed in italics may also be found at the end of this Handbook in the Glossary. Metro will continue to revise the Handbook, as needed, to capture input from all parties and reflect evolving Best Practices in safety, operations, and transit-supportive development. Site Planning & Design 1 Engineering 2 Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 520 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 8 Types of Metro ROW & Transit Assets Conditions Description Common Concerns for Metro with Adjacent Development UNDERGROUND ROW Transit operates below ground in tunnels. • Excavation support/tiebacks • Underground utilities • Shoring and structures • Ventilation shafts and street/sidewalk surface penetrations • Appendages (emergency exits, vents, etc.) • Surcharge loading of adjacent construction • Explosions • Noise and vibration/ground movement ELEVATED ROW Transit operates on elevated structures, typically supported by columns. • Upper level setbacks • Excavation support/tiebacks • Clearance from the OCS • Crane swings & overhead protection • Column foundations OFF-STREET ROW Transit operates in dedicated ROW at street level, typically separated from private property or roadway by a fence or wall. • Building setbacks from ROW • Travel sight distance/cone of visibility • Clearance from OCS • Crane swings & overhead protection • Storm water drainage for low impact development • Noise/vibration • Trackbed stability ON-STREET ROW Transit operates within roadway at street level and is separated by fencing or a mountable curb. • Setbacks from ROW • Travel sight distance/cone of visibility impeded by structures near ROW • Clearance from OCS • Crane swings & overhead protection • Driveways near ROW crossings • Noise/vibration • Trackbed stability ON-STREET BUSES Metro buses operate on city streets. Bus stops are located on public sidewalks. • Lane closures and re-routing • Bus stop access and temporary relocation NON-REVENUE/ OPERATIONAL ASSETS Metro owns and maintains non- operational ROW and property used to support the existing and planned transit system (e.g. bus and rail maintenance facilities, transit plazas, traction power substations, park-and-ride lots). • Adjacent structure setbacks • Adjacent excavation support/tiebacks • Ground movement • Underground utilities • Drainage • Metro access 7.1.f Packet Pg. 521 9 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Metro Review Phases To facilitate early and continuous coordination with development teams and municipalities, and to maximize opportunities for project-transit synergy, Metro employs a four-phase development review process for projects within 100 feet of its ROW and properties: PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION Project sponsor submits Metro In-Take Form and conceptual plans. Metro reviews and responds with preliminary considerations. 1. Project information is routed to impacted Metro departments for review and comment. 2. Metro coordinates a meeting at the request of the project sponsor or if Metro determines it necessary following preliminary review. 3. Metro submits comment letter with preliminary considerations for municipality and/or project sponsor. Metro recorded drawings and standards are provided as necessary. 2 Weeks ENTITLEMENT Metro receives CEQA notice from local municipality and responds with comments and considerations. 1. If project has not previously been reviewed, Metro routes project information to stakeholder departments for review and comment. If Project has been reviewed, Metro transmits the correspondence to departments to determine if additional comments are warranted. Municipality and project sponsor are contacted if additional information is required. 2. Metro coordinates design review meetings at the request of the project sponsor or if Metro determines them necessary following drawings review. 3. Metro prepares comment letter in response to CEQA notice and submits to municipality. Metro Engineering coordinates with project sponsor as necessary to approve project drawings. 2-4 Weeks Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 522 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 10 ENGINEERING & REFINEMENT Dependent on the nature of the adjacent development, project sponsor submits architectural plans and engineering calculations for Metro review and approval. 1. Metro Engineering reviews project plans, calculations, and other materials. Review fees are paid as required. 2. Metro Engineering provides additional comments for further consideration or approves project drawings. 3. If required, Metro and project sponsor host additional meetings and maintain on-going coordination to ensure project design does not adversely impact Metro operations and facilities. 2-4 Weeks CONSTRUCTION SAFETY & MONITORING Dependent on the nature of the adjacent development, Metro coordinates with project sponsor to facilitate and monitor construction near transit services and structures. 1. As requested by Metro, project sponsor submits a Construction Work Plan for review and approval. 2. Project sponsor coordinates with Metro to temporarily relocate bus stops, reroute bus service, allocate track, and/or complete safety procedures in preparation for construction. 3. Metro representative monitors construction and maintains communication with project sponsor to administer the highest degree of construction safety provisions near Metro facilities. Varies 7.1.f Packet Pg. 523 11 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Best Practices for Municipality Coordination Metro suggests that local jurisdiction s take the following steps to streamline the coordination process: 1. Update GIS instruments with Metro ROW: Integrate Metro ROW files into City GIS and/or Google Earth Files for all planning and development review staff. 2. Flag Parcels: Create an overlay zone through Specific Plans and/or Zoning Ordinance that “tags” parcels within 100’ from Metro ROW to require coordination with Metro early during the development process [e.g. City of Los Angeles Zone Information and Map Access System (ZIMAS)]. 3. Provide Resources: Direct all property owners and developers interested in parcels within 100’ from Metro ROW to Metro resources (e.g. website, Handbook, In-Take Form, etc.). Best Practices for Developer Coordination Metro suggests that developers of projects adjacent to Metro ROW take the following steps to facilitate Metro project review and approval: 1. Review Metro resources and policies: The Metro Adjacent Development Review webpage and Handbook provide important resources for those interested in constructing on, adjacent, over, or under Metro right of way, non - revenue property, or transit facilities. Developers should familiarize themselves with these resources and keep in mind common adjacency concerns when planning a project. 2. Contact Metro early during design process: Metro welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback early in project design, allowing for detection and resolution of important adjacency issues, identification of urban design and system integration opportunities, and facilitation of permit approval. 3. Maintain communication: Frequent communication with stakeholder Metro departments during project design and construction will reinforce relationships and allow for timely project completion. Metro Coordination 7.1.f Packet Pg. 524 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 12 7.1.f Packet Pg. 525 13 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 526 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 14 Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 527 15 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 1.1 Supporting Transit Oriented Communities Adjacent development plays a crucial role in shaping TOCs along and around Metro transit services and facilities. TOCs require an intentional orchestration of physical, aesthetic, and operational elements, and close coordination by all stakeholders , including Metro, developers, and municipalities. Recommendation: Conceive projects as an integrated system that acknowledges context, builds on user needs and desires, and implements elements of placemaking. Metro is interested in collaborating with projects and teams that, in part or wholly: • Integrate a mix of uses to create lively, vibrant places that are active day and night. • Include a combination of buildings and public spaces to define unique and memorable places. • Explore a range of densities and massing to optimize building functionality while acknowledging context-sensitive scale and architectural form. • Activate ground floor with retail and outdoor seating/activities to bring life to the public environment. • Prioritize pedestrian scaled elements to create spaces that are comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. • Provide seamless transitions between uses to encourage non-motorized mobility, improve public fitness and health, and reduce road congestion. • Reduce and hide parking to focus on pedestrian activity. • Prevent crime through environmental design. • Leverage regulatory TOD incentives to design a more compelling project that capitalizes on transit adjacency and economy of scales. • Utilize Metro policies and programs supporting a healthy, sustainable, and welcoming environment around transit service and facilities. Links to Metro policies and programs may be found in the Resources Section of this Handbook. The Wilshire/Vermont Metro Joint Development project leveraged existing transit infrastructure to catalyze a dynamic and accessible urban environment. The project accommodates portal access into the Metro Rail system and on-street bus facilities. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 528 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 16 1.2 Enhancing Access to Transit Metro seeks to create a comprehensive, integrated transportation network and supports infrastructure and design that allows safe and convenient access to its multimodal services. Projects in close proximity to Metro’s services and facilities present an opportunity to enhance the public realm and connections to/from these services for transit patrons as well as users of the developments. Recommendation: Design projects with transit access in mind. Project teams should capitalize on the opportunity to improve the built environment and enhance the public realm for pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, seniors, children, and users of green modes. Metro recommends that projects: • Orient major entrances to transit service, making access and travel intuitive and convenient. • Plan for a continuous canopy of shade trees along all public right-of-way frontages to improve pedestrian comfort to transit facilities. • Add pedestrian lighting along paths to transit facilities and nearby destinations. • Integrate wayfinding and signage into project design. • Enhance nearby crosswalks and ramps. • Ensure new walkways and sidewalks are clear of any obstructions, including utilities, traffic control devices, trees, and furniture. • Design for seamless, multi-modal pedestrian connections, making access easy, direct, and comfortable. Additional Resources: Metro Active Transportation Strategic Plan Metro Complete Streets Policy Metro First/Last Mile Strategic Plan Metro Transit Supportive Planning Toolkit The City of Santa Monica leveraged investments in rail transit and reconfigured Colorado Avenue to form a multi-modal first/last mile gateway to the waterfront from the Expo Line Station. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 529 17 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 1.3 Building Setback Buildings and structures with a zero lot setback abutting Metro ROW are of prime concern to Metro. Encroachment onto Metro property to construct or maintain buildings is strongly discouraged as this presents safety hazards and may disrupt transit service and/or damage Metro infrastructure. Recommendation:Metro strongly encourages development plans include a minimum setback of five (5) feet to buildings from the Metro ROW property line to accommodate the construction and maintenance of structures without the need to encroach upon Metro property. As local jurisdictions also have building setback requirements, new developments should comply with the greater of the two requirements. Entry into the ROW by parties other than Metro and its affiliated partners requires written approval. Should construction or maintenance of a development necessitate temporary or ongoing access to Metro ROW, a Metro Right of Entry Permit must be requested and obtained from Metro Real Estate for every instance access is required. Permission to enter the ROW is granted solely at Metro’s discretion. Refer to Section 3.2 –Track Access and Safety for additional information pertaining to ROW access in preparation for construction activities. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual A minimum setback of five (5) feet between an adjacent structure and Metro ROW is strongly encouraged. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 530 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 18 1.4 Shared Barrier Construction & Maintenance In areas where Metro ROW abuts private property, barrier construction and maintenance responsibilities can rise to be a point of contention with property owners. When double barriers are constructed, the gap created between the Metro-constructed fence and a private property owner’s fence can accumulate trash and make regular maintenance challenging without accessing the other party’s property. Recommendation: Metro strongly prefers a single barrier condition along its ROW property line. With an understanding that existing conditions along ROW boundaries vary throughout Los Angeles County, Metro recommends the following, in order of preference: 1. Enhance existing Metro barrier: if structural capacity allows, private property owners and developers should consider physically affixing improvements onto and building upon Metro’s existing barrier. Metro is amenable to barrier enhancements such as increasing barrier height and allowing private property owners to apply architectural finishes to their side of Metro’s barrier. 2. Replace existing barrier(s): if conditions are not desirable, remove and replace any existing barrier(s), including Metro’s, with a new single barrier built on the property line. Metro is amenable to sharing costs for certain improvements that allow for clarity in responsibilities and adequate ongoing maintenance from adjacent property owners without entering Metro’s property. Metro Real Estate should be contacted with case-specific questions and will need to approve shared barrier design, shared-financing, and construction. Double barrier conditions allow trash accumulation and create maintenance challenges for Metro and adjacent property owners. Metro prefers a single barrier condition along its ROW property line. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 531 19 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 1.5 Project Orientation & Noise Mitigation Metro may operate in and out of revenue service 24 hours per day, every day of the year, and can create noise and vibration (i.e. horns, power washing). Transit service and maintenance schedules cannot be altered to avoid noise for adjacent developments. However, no ise and vibration impacts can be reduced through building design and orientation. Recommendations: Use building orientation, programming, and design techniques to reduce noise and vibration for buildings along Metro ROW: • Locate “back of house” rooms (e.g. bathrooms, stairways, laundry rooms) along ROW, rather than noise sensitive rooms (e.g. bedrooms and family rooms) • Use upper level setbacks and locate living spaces away from ROW. • Enclose balconies. • Install double-pane windows. • Include language disclosing potential for noise, vibration, and other impacts due to transit proximity in terms and conditions for building lease/sale agreements to protect building owners/sellers from tenant/buyer complaints. Developers are responsible for any noise mitigation required, which may include engineering designs for mitigation recommended by Metro or otherwise required by local municipalities. A recorded Noise Easement Deed in favor of Metro may be required for projects within 100’ of Metro ROW to ensure notification to tenants and owners of any proximity issues. Additional Resources: Noise Easement Deed MRDC, Section 2 – Environmental Considerations Building orientation can be designed to face away from tracks, reducing the noise and vibration impacts. Strategic placement of podiums and upper- level setbacks on developments near Metro ROW can reduce noise and vibration impacts. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 532 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 20 1.6 Sightlines at Crossings Developments adjacent to Metro ROW can present visual barriers to transit operators approaching vehicular and pedestrian crossings. Buildings and structures in close proximity to transit corridors can reduce sightlines and create blind corners where operators cannot see pedestrians. This requires operations to reduce train speeds, which decreases the efficiency of transit service. Recommendation: Design buildings to maximize transit service sightlines at crossings, leaving a clear cone of visibility to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Metro Operations will review, provide guidance, and determine the extent of operator visibility for safe operations. If the building envelope overlaps with the visibility cone near pedestrian and vehicular crossings, a building setback may be needed to ensure safe transit service. The cone of visibility at crossings and required setback will be determined based on vehicle approach speed. Additional Resources: MRDC, Section 4 – Guideway and Trackwork MRDC, Section 12 – Safety, Security, & System Assurance Limited sightlines for trains approaching street crossings create unsafe conditions. Visibility cones allow train operators to respond to safety hazards. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 533 21 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 1.7 Transit Envelope Clearance Metro encourages density along and around transit service as well as greening of the urban environment through the addition of street trees and landscaping. However, building appurtenances, such as balconies, facing rail ROW may pose threats to Metro service as clothing or other décor could blow into the OCS. Untended landscaping and trees can also grow into the OCS above light rail lines, creating electrical safety hazards as well as visual and physical impediments for trains. Recommendation:Project elements facing or located adjacent to the ROW should be designed to avoid potential conflicts with Metro transit vehicles and infrastructure. Metro recommends that projects: • Maintain building appurtenances and landscaping at a minimum distance of ten (10) feet from the OCS and support structures. • Plan for landscape maintenance from private property and not allow growth into the Metro ROW. Property owners will not be permitted to access Metro property to maintain private development. • Design buildings such that balconies do not provide direct access to ROW access. Additional Resources: MRDC, Section 4 – Guideway and Trackwork MRDC, Section 6 – Architectural MRDC, Section 12 – Safety, Security, & System Assurance Adjacent structures and landscaping should be sited to avoid conflicts with the rail OCS. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 534 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 22 1.8 Bus Stops & Zones Design Metro Bus serves 15,967 bus stops throughout the diverse landscape that is Los Angeles County. Typically located on sidewalks within the public right-of-way owned and maintained by local jurisdictions, existing bus stop conditions vary from well-lit and sheltered spaces to uncomfortable and unwelcoming zones. Metro is interested in working with developers and local jurisdiction to create a vibrant public realm around new developments by strengthening multi-modal access to/from Metro transit stops and enhancing the pedestrian experience. Recommendation:When designing around existing or proposed bus stops, Metro recommends project teams: • Review Metro’s Transit Service Policy: Appendix D, which provides standards for design and operation of bus stops and zones for near-side, far-side, and mid-block stops. In particular, adjacent projects should: o Accommodate 6’ x 8’ landing pads at bus doors. o Install a concrete bus pad within each bus stop zone to avoid asphalt damage. • Replace stand-alone bus stop signs with bus shelters that include benches and adequate lighting. • Design wide sidewalks (15’ preferred) that accommodate bus landing pads as well as street furniture, landscape, and user travel space. • Ensure final design of stops and surrounding sidewalk allows passengers with disabilities a clear path of travel. • Place species of trees in quantities and spacing that will provide a continuous shade canopy in paths of travel to access transit stops. These must be placed far enough away from the curb and adequately maintained to prevent visual and physical impediments for buses when trees reach maturity. • Locate and design driveways to avoid conflicts with on -street services and pedestrian traffic. Additional Resources: Metro Transit Service Policy Well-designed and accessible bus stops are beneficial amenities for both transit riders and users of adjacent developments. Site Planning & Design 1 Sidewalk finish at stop Bus sign located per city and bus operation requirements Minimum overhead clearance 8’ clear sidewalk to accommodate 8’ x 5’ pad at bus doors 4’ minimum at shelter structure 7.1.f Packet Pg. 535 23 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 1.9 Driveways/Access Management Driveways adjacent to on-street bus stops can create conflict for pedestrians walking to/from or waiting for transit. Additionally, driveways accessing parking and loading at project sites near Metro Rail and BRT crossings can create queuing issues along city streets and put vehicles in close proximity with fast moving trains and buses. Recommendation:Metro encourages new developments to promote a lively public space mutually beneficial to the project and Metro by providing safe, comfortable, convenient, and direct connections to transit. Metro recommends that projects: • Place driveways along side streets and alleys, away from on- street bus stops and transit crossings to minimize safety conflicts between active tracks, transit vehicles, and people, as well as queuing on streets. • Locate vehicular driveways away from transit crossings or areas that are likely to be used as waiting areas for transit services. • Program loading docks away from sidewalks where transit bus stop activity is/will be present. • Consolidate vehicular entrances and reduce width of driveways. • Raise driveway crossings to be flush with the sidewalk, slowing automobiles entering and prioritizing pedestrians. • Separate pedestrian walkways to minimize conflict with vehicles and encourage safe non-motorized travel. Additional Resources: Metro First/Last Mile Strategic Plan MRDC, Section 3 – Civil Driveways in close proximity to each other compromise safety for those walking to/from transit and increase the potential for vehicle- pedestrian conflicts. A consolidated vehicular entrance greatly reduces the possibility for vehicle-pedestrian conflicts. Site Planning & Design 1 7.1.f Packet Pg. 536 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 24 7.1.f Packet Pg. 537 25 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 538 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 26 Engineering 2 7.1.f Packet Pg. 539 27 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 2.1 Excavation Support System Design Excavation near Metro ROW has the potential to disturb adjoining soils and jeopardize the support of existing Metro infrastructure. Any excavation which occurs within the geotechnical foul zone is subject to Metro review and approval. The geotechnical zone of influence shall be defined as the area below the track-way as measured from a 45-degree angle from the edge of the rail track ballast. Construction within this vulnerable area poses a potential risk to Metro service and safety and triggers additional safety regulations. Recommendation:Coordinate with Metro Engineering staff for review and approval of structural and support of excavation drawings prior to the start of excavation or construction. Tie backs encroaching into Metro ROW may require a tie back easement or license, at Metro’s discretion. Any excavation/shoring within Metrolink operated and maintained ROW would require compliance with Metrolink Engineering standards and guidelines. Additional Resources: Metrolink Engineering & Construction Requirements MRDC, Section 3 – Civil MRDC, Section 5 – Structural/Geotechnical An underground structure located within the ROW foul zone would require additional review by Metro. Engineering 2 7.1.f Packet Pg. 540 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 28 2.2 Proximity to Stations & Tunnels Metro supports development of commercial and residential properties near transit services and understands that increasing development near stations represents a mutually beneficial opportunity to increase ridership and enhance transportation options for the users of the developments. However, construction adjacent to, over, or under underground Metro facilities (tunnels, stations and appendages) is of great concern and should be coordinated closely with Metro Engineering. Recommendation:Dependent on the nature of the adjacent construction, Metro will need to review the geotechnical report, structural foundation plans, sections, shoring plan sections and calculations. Metro typically seeks to maintain a minimum eight (8) foot clearance from existing Metro facilities to new construction (shoring or tiebacks). It will be incumbent upon the developer to demonstrate, to Metro’s satisfaction, that both the temporary support of construction and the permanent works do not adversely affect the structural integrity, safety or continued efficient operation of Metro facilities. Metro may require monitoring where such work will either increase or decrease the existing overburden (i.e. weight) to which the tunnels or facilities are subjected. When required, the monitoring will serve as an early indication of excessive structural strain or movement. Additional information regarding monitoring requirements, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis, may be found in Section 3.4, Excavation Drilling/Monitoring. Additional Resources: MRDC, Section 3 – Civil MRDC, Section 5 – Structural/Geotechnical Underground tunnels in close proximity to adjacent basement structure. Engineering 2 7.1.f Packet Pg. 541 29 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 2.3 Protection from Explosion/Blast Metro is obligated to ensure the safety of public transit infrastructure from potential explosive sources which could originate from adjacent underground structures or from at grade locations, situated below elevated guideways or stations. Blast protection setbacks or mitigation may be required for large projects constructed near critical Metro facilities. Recommendation:Avoid locating underground parking or basement structures within twenty (20) feet from an existing Metro tunnel or facility (exterior face of wall to exterior face of wall). Adjacent developments which are within this 20-foot envelope may be required to undergo a Threat Assessment and Blast/Explosion Study subject to Metro review and approval. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual MRDC, Section 3 – Civil MRDC, Section 5 – Structural/Geotechnical An underground structure proposed within twenty (20) feet of a Metro structure may require a threat assessment and blast/explosion study. Engineering 2 7.1.f Packet Pg. 542 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 30 7.1.f Packet Pg. 543 31 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 7.1.f Packet Pg. 544 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 32 Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 545 33 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 3.1 Pre-Construction Coordination Metro is concerned with impacts on service requiring single tracking, line closures, speed restrictions, and bus bridging occurring as a result of adjacent project construction. Projects that will require work over, under, adjacent, or on Metro property or ROW and include operation of machinery, scaffolding, or any other potentially hazardous work are subject to evaluation in preparation for and during construction to maintain safe operations and passenger wellbeing. Recommendation:Following an initial screening of the project, additional coordination may be determined to be necessary. Dependent on the nature of the adjacent construction, developers may be requested to perform the following as determined on a case- by-case basis: • Submit a construction work plan and related project drawings and specifications for Metro review. • Submit a contingency plan, show proof of insurance coverage, and issue current certificates. • Provide documentation of contractor qualifications. • Complete pre-construction surveys, perform baseline readings, and install movement instrumentation. • Complete readiness review and perform practice run of shutdown per contingency plan. • Confirm a ROW observer or other safety personnel and an inspector from the parties. • Establish a coordination process for access and work in or adjacent to ROW for the duration of construction. Project teams will be responsible for the costs of adverse impacts on Metro transit operations caused by work on adjacent developments, including remedial work to repair damage to Metro property, facilities, or systems. Additionally, a review fee may be assed based on an estimate of required level of effort provided by Metro. All projects adjacent to Metrolink infrastructure will require compliance with SCRRA Engineering Standards and Guidelines. Metro staff oversees construction for the Purple Line extension. Additional Resources: Metrolink Engineering & Construction Requirements Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 546 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 34 3.2 Track Access and Safety Permission is needed from Metro to enter Metro property for construction and maintenance along, above, or under Metro ROW as these activities can interfere with Metro utilities and service and pose a safety hazard to construction teams and transit riders. Track access is solely at Metro’s discretion and is discouraged to prevent electrocution and collisions with construction workers or machines. Recommendation:To work in or adjacent to Metro ROW, the following must be obtained and/or completed: • Right-of-Entry Permit/Temporary Construction Easement: All access to and activity on Metro property, including easements necessary for construction of adjacent projects, must be approved through a Right-of-Entry Permit and/or a Temporary Construction Easement obtained from Metro Real Estate and may require a fee. • Track Allocation: All work on Metro Rail ROW must receive prior approval from Metro Rail Operations Control. Track Allocation identifies, reserves, and requests changes to normal operations for a specific track section, line, station, location, or piece of equipment to allow for safe use by a non-Metro entity. • Safety Training: All members of the project construction team will be required to attend Metro Safety Training in advance of work activity. • Construction Work Plan: Dependent on the nature of adjacent construction, Metro may request a construction work plan, which describes means and methods and other construction plan details, to ensure the safety of transit operators and patrons. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual Safety Training Track Allocation Trained flaggers ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians and workers of an adjacent development. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 547 35 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 3.3 Construction Hours To maintain public safety and access for Metro riders, construction should be planned, scheduled, and carried out in a way to avoid impacts to Metro service and maintenance. Metro may limit hours of construction which impact Metro ROW to night or off-peak hours so as not to interfere with Metro revenue service. Recommendations:In addition to receiving necessary construction approvals from the local municipality, all construction work on or in close proximity to Metro ROW must be scheduled through the Track Allocation Process, detailed in Section 3.2. Metro prefers that adjacent construction that has the potential to impact normal, continuous Metro operations take place during non - revenue hours (approximately 1:00a.m.-4:00a.m.) or during non-peak hours to minimize impacts to service. The project sponsor may be responsible for additional operating costs resulting from disruption to normal Metro service. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual MRDC, Section 10 – Operations Track Allocation Construction during approved hours ensures the steady progress of adjacent development construction as well as performance of Metro’s transit service. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 548 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 36 3.4 Excavation/Drilling Monitoring Excavation is among the most hazardous construction activities and can pose threats to the structural integrity of Metro’s transit infrastructure. Recommendation:Excavation and shoring plans adjacent to the Metro ROW shall be reviewed and approved by Metro Engineering prior to commencing construction. Geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring will be required for all excavations occurring within Metro’s geotechnical zone of influence, where there is potential for adversely affecting the safe and efficient operation of transit vehicles. Monitoring of Metro facilities due to adjacent construction may include the following as determined on a case-by-case basis: • Pre- and post-construction condition surveys • Extensometers • Inclinometers • Settlement reference points • Tilt-meters • Groundwater observation wells • Movement arrays • Vibration monitoring Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual MRDC, Section 3 – Civil MRDC, Section 5 – Structural/Geotechnical Rakers and tiebacks provide temporary support during construction. A soldier pile wall supports adjacent land during construction. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 549 37 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 3.5 Crane Operations Construction activities adjacent to Metro ROW will often require moving large, heavy loads of building materials and machinery by cranes. Cranes referred to in this section include all power operated equipment that can hoist, lower, and horizontally move a suspended load. There are significant safety issues to be considered for the operators of crane devices as well as Metro patrons and operators. Recommendations:Per California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) standards, cranes operated near the OCS must maintain a twenty (20) foot clearance from the OCS. In the event that a crane or its load needs to enter the 20-foot envelope, OCS lines must be de-energized. Construction activities which involve swinging a crane and suspended loads over Metro facilities or bus passenger areas shall not be performed during revenue hours. The placement and swing of this equipment are subject to Metro review and possible work plan. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual Cal/OSHA Construction adjacent to the Pico Rail Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Construction adjacent to the Chinatown Rail Station. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 550 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 38 3.6 Construction Barriers & Overhead Protection During construction, falling objects can damage Metro facilities, and pose a safety concern to the patrons accessing them. Recommendations:Vertical construction barriers and overhead protection compliant with Metro and Cal OSHA requirements shall be constructed to prevent objects from falling into the Metro ROW or areas designed for public access to Metro facilities. A protection barrier shall be constructed to cover the full height of an adjacent project and overhead protection from falling objects shall be provided over Metro ROW as necessary. Erection of the construction barriers and overhead protection for these areas shall be done during Metro non-revenue hours. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual A construction barrier is built at the edge of the site to protect tracks from adjacent work. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 551 39 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 3.7 Pedestrian & Emergency Access Metro’s ridership relies on the consistency and reliability of access and wayfinding to/from stations, stops, and facilities. Construction on adjacent developments must not obstruct fire department access, emergency egress, or otherwise present a safety hazard to Metro operations, its employees, patrons, and the general public. Fire access and safe escape routes within all Metro stations, stops, and facilities must be maintained. Recommendations:The developer shall ensure pedestrian access to Metro stations, stops, and transit facilities is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and maintained during construction: • Temporary fences, barricades, and lighting should be installed and watchmen provided for the protection of public travel, the construction site, adjacent public spaces, and existing Metro facilities. • Temporary signage should be installed where necessary and in compliance with the latest California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and in coordination with Metro Art and Design Standards. • Emergency exists shall be provided and be clear of obstructions at all times. • Access shall be maintained for utilities such as fire hydrants, stand pipes/connections, and fire alarm boxes as well as Metro- specific infrastructure such as fan and vent shafts. Additional Resources: California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual Metro Signage Standards Sidewalk access is blocked for construction project, forcing pedestrians into street or to use less direct paths to the Metro facility. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 552 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 40 3.8 Impacts to Bus Routes & Stops During construction, bus stops and routes may need to be temporarily relocated. Metro needs to be informed of activities that require removal and/or relocation in order to ensure uninterrupted service. Recommendations:During construction, existing bus stops must be maintained or relocated consistent with the needs of Metro Bus Operations. Design of temporary and permanent bus stops and surrounding sidewalk area must be ADA-compliant and allow passengers with disabilities a clear path of travel to the transit service. Metro Bus Operations Control Special Events and Metro Stops & Zones Department should be contacted at least 30 days in advance of initiating construction activities Additional Resources: Metro Transit Service Policy MRDC, Section 3 – Civil Temporary and permanent relocation of bus stops and layover zones will require coordination between developers, Metro, and other municipal bus operators, and local jurisdictions. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 553 41 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 3.9 Utility Coordination Construction has the potential to interrupt utilities that Metro relies on for safe operations and maintenance. Utilities of concern to Metro include but are not limited to: condenser water piping, potable/fire water, and storm and sanitary sewer lines, as well as electrical/telecommunication services. Recommendations:Temporary and permanent utility impacts and relocation near Metro facilities should be addressed during project design and engineering to avoid conflicts during construction. The contractor shall protect existing aboveground and underground Metro utilities during construction and coordinate with Metro to receive written approval for any utilities pertinent to Metro facilities that may be verified, used, interrupted, or disturbed. When electrical power outages or support functions are required, the approval must be obtained through Metro Track Allocation. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual Coordination of underground utilities is critical. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 554 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 42 3.10 Air Quality & Ventilation Protection Hot or foul air, fumes, smoke, steam, and dust from adjacent construction activities can negatively impact Metro facilities, service, and users. Recommendation:Hot or foul air, fumes, smoke, and steam from adjacent facilities must not be discharged within 40 feet of existing Metro facilities, including but not limited to: ventilation system intake shafts or station entrances. Should fumes be discharged within 40 feet of Metro intake shafts, a protection panel around each shaft shall be required. Additional Resources: Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual MRDC, Section 8 – Mechanical A worker breaks up concrete creating a cloud of silica dust. Construction Safety & Monitoring 3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 555 43 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Metro encourages developers and municipalities to leverage digital resources and data sets to maximize opportunities inherent in transit adjacency. The following provides Metro contact information and a list of programs, policies, and online resources that should be considered when planning projects within 100 feet of Metro ROW – including underground easements – and in close proximity to non-revenue transit facilities and property: Metro Adjacent Development Contact Information & Resources Please direct any questions to the Metro Adjacent Development team at: • 213-418-3484 • DevReview@metro.net Metro Adjacent Development Review Webpage: https://www.metro.net/projects/devreview/ Metro Right-of-Way GIS Data Metro maintains a technical resource website housing downloadable data sets and web services. Developers and municipalities should utilize available Metro right-of-way GIS data to appropriately plan and coordinate with Metro when proposing projects within 100’ of Metro right-of-way: https://developer.metro.net/portfolio-item/metro-right-of-way-gis-data/ Metro Design Criteria & Standards Metro standard documents are periodically updated and are available upon request: • Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual • Metro Rail Design Criteria (MRDC) • Metro Rail Directive Drawings • Metro Rail Standard Drawings • Metro Signage Standards Resources 7.1.f Packet Pg. 556 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 44 Metrolink Standards & Procedures Engineering & Construction https://www.metrolinktrains.com/about/agency/engineering-- construction/ Metro Policies & Plans Active Transportation Strategic Plan, 2016 https://www.metro.net/projects/active-transportation-strategic-plan/ Complete Streets Policy, 2014 https://www.metro.net/projects/countywide-planning/metros-complete- streets-policy-requirements/ Countywide Sustainability Planning Policy & Implementation Plan, 2012 https://media.metro.net/projects_studies/sustainability/images/countywid e_sustainability_planning_policy.pdf First/Last Mile Strategic Plan, 2014 https://media.metro.net/docs/First_Last_Mile_Strategic_Plan.pdf Transit Service Policy, 2015 https://media.metro.net/images/service_changes_transit_service_policy.p df Major construction at the Metrolink San Bernardino Station. Metro Complete Streets Policy 7.1.f Packet Pg. 557 45 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Metro Bike Hub at Los Angeles Union Station Metro Programs & Toolkits Bike Hub https://bikehub.com/metro/ Bike Share for Business https://bikeshare.metro.net/for-business/ Green Places Toolkit https://www.metro.net/interactives/greenplaces/index.html Transit Oriented Communities https://www.metro.net/projects/transit-oriented-communities/ Transit Passes Annual and Business Access Passes https://www.metro.net/riding/eapp/ College/Vocational Monthly Pass https://www.metro.net/riding/fares/collegevocational/ Transit Supportive Planning Toolkit https://www.metro.net/projects/tod-toolkit/ Useful Policies & Resources ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010 U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. State of California Department of Transportation http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/tcd/signcharts.html California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) State of California Department of Industrial Relations http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/ Resources Resources 7.1.f Packet Pg. 558 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 46 7.1.f Packet Pg. 559 47 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook Cone of Visibility – a conical space at the front of moving transit vehicles allowing for clear visibility of travel way and/or conflicts. Construction Work Plan (CWP) – project management document outlining the definition of work tasks, choice of technology, estimation of required resources and duration of individual tasks, and identification of interactions among the different work tasks. Flagger/Flagman – person who controls traffic on and through a construction project. Flaggers must be trained and certified by Metro Rail Operations prior to any work commencing in or adjacent to Metro ROW. Geotechnical Foul Zone – area below a track-way as measured from a 45-degree angle from the edge of the rail track ballast. Guideway – a channel, track, or structure along which a transit vehicle moves. Heavy Rail Transit (HRT) – Metro HRT systems include exclusive ROW (mostly subway) trains up to six (6) cars long (450’) and utilize a contact rail for traction power distribution (e.g. Metro Red Line). Light Rail Transit (LRT) – Metro LRT systems include exclusive, semi-exclusive, or street ROW trains up to three (3) cars long (270’) and utilize OCS for traction power distribution (e.g. Metro Blue Line). Measure R – half-cent sales tax for Los Angeles County approved in November 2008 to finance new transportation projects and programs. The tax expires in 2039. Measure M – half-cent sales tax for LA County approved in November 2016 to fund transportation improvements, operations and programs, and accelerate projects already in the pipeline. The tax will increase to one percent in 2039 when Measure R expires. Metrolink – a commuter rail system with seven lines throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and North San Diego counties governed by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority. Metro Adjacent Construction Design Manual – Volume III of the Metro Design Criteria & Standards which outlines the Metro adjacent development review procedure as well as operational requirements when constructing over, under, or adjacent to Metro facilities, structures, and property. Metro Bus – Metro “Local” and “Rapid” bus service runs within the street, typically alongside vehicular traffic, though occasionally in “bus-only” lanes. Metro Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – high quality bus service that provides faster and convenient service through the use of dedicated ROW, branded vehicles and stations, high frequency and intelligent transportation systems, all door boarding, and intersection crossing priority. Metro BRT generally runs within the center of freeways and/or within dedicated corridors. Metro Design Criteria and Standards – a compilation of documents that govern how Metro transit service and facilities are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained. Metro Rail – urban rail system serving Los Angeles County consisting of six lines, including two subway lines (Red and Purple Lines) and four light rail lines (Blue, Green, Gold, and Expo Lines). Metro Rail Design Criteria (MRDC) – Volume IV of the Metro Design Criteria & Standards which establishes design criteria for preliminary engineering and final design of a Metro Project. Metro Transit Oriented Communities – land use planning and community development program that seeks to Glossary 7.1.f Packet Pg. 560 Metro Adjacent Development Handbook 48 maximize access to transportation as a key organizing principle and promote equity and sustainable living by offering a mix of uses close to transit to support households at all income levels, as well as building densities, parking policies, urban design elements and first/last mile facilities that support ridership and reduce auto dependency. Noise Easement Deed – easement completed by property owners abutting Metro ROW acknowledging use and possible results of transit vehicle operation on the ROW. Overhead Catenary System (OCS) – one or more electrified wires (or rails, particularly in tunnels) situated over a transit ROW that transmit power to light rail trains via pantograph, a current collector mounted on the roof of an electric vehicle. Metro OCS is supported by hollow poles placed between tracks or on the outer edge of parallel tracks. Right of Entry Permit – written approval granted by Metro Real Estate to enter Metro ROW and property. Right of Way (ROW) –the composite total requirement of all interests and uses of real property needed to construct, maintain, protect, and operate the transit system. Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) – a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. SCRRA governs and operates Metrolink service. Threat Assessment and Blast/Explosion Study – analysis performed when adjacent developments are proposed within twenty (20) feet from an existing Metro tunnel or facility. Track Allocation/Work Permit – permit granted by Metro Rail Operations Control to allocate a section of track and perform work on Metro Rail ROW. This permit should be submitted for any work that could potentially foul the envelope of a train. Wayfinding – signs, maps, and other graphic or audible methods used to convey location and directions to travelers. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 561 7.1.f Packet Pg. 562 7.1.f Packet Pg. 563 7.1.f Packet Pg. 564 6d SANITATION DISTR ICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY ~ Converting Waste Into Resources Ms. Grace S. Lee, Senior Planner Planning Division City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Dear Ms. Lee: Robert C. Ferrante Chief Engineer and General Manager 1955 Workman Mill Road , Whittier, CA 90601-1400 Mailing Address: P.O . Box 4998 , Whittier, CA 90607-4998 (562) 699-7411 • www.lacsd.org October 3 I , 2019 Ref. DOC 5311089 DEIR Response to the Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (Districts) received a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the subject project on September 20 , 2019. The City of Diamond Bar (City) is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of District No . 21. We offer the following comments : 1. Future Development , page 2-26, paragraph one -The Districts should review individual developments within the City in order to determine whether or not sufficient trunk sewer capacity exists to serve each project and if Districts ' facilities will be affected by the project. 2 . Table 2.3-2 , page 2-26, Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) -The table lists 3,264 housing units as future development within the City and breaks it down to 142 single-family residential units and 3,122 multi-family residential units . The expected average wastewater flow from 142 single family homes is 36,920 gallons per day (gpd). Depending on the type of multi- family unit , the expected average wastewater flow from 3,122 multi-family residential units could range from 487 ,032 gpd to 608 ,790 gpd . For a copy of the Districts ' average wastewater generation factors , go to www.lacsd.org . Wastewater & Sewer Systems , click on Will Serve Program , and click on the Table 1, Loadings for Each Class of Land Use link . 3 . Table 2.3-3 , page 2-26, Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) -The table breaks down non-residential by square feet listin g future development as 607 ,283 square feet of retail development, 519,892 square feet of office space , removal of203 ,00I square feet of industrial use structure, and 693 ,409 square feet within the "other" category . The expected average wastewater flow for the non -residential future development is 400 ,282 gpd, after all scheduled industrial structures on the project site are demolished . 4. Impact 3 .6-5 ,page 3. 6-32 , paragraph four-It should also be noted that the Districts are empowered by the California Health and Safety Code to charge a fee for the privilege of connecting (directly or indirectly) to the Districts' Sewerage System for increasing the strength or quantity of wastewater discharged from connected facilities . This connection fee is a capital facilities fee that DOC 536 1522.D2 l Printed on •~ Recycled Paper t.: 7.1.f Packet Pg. 565 Ms. Grace S . Lee -2-October 3 I , 2019 is imposed in an amount sufficient to construct an incremental expansion of the Sewerage System to accommodate the proposed project. Payment of a connection fee will be required before this project is permitted to discharge to the Districts ' Sewerage System. All other information concerning Districts ' facilities and sewerage service contained in the document is current. If you have any question s, please contact the undersigned at (562) 908-4288 , extension 2717 . AR:ar DOC 536 I 522 .02 1 Very truly yours, tf+rlucm/L Adriana Raza Customer Service Specialist Facilities Planning Depa,tment 7.1.f Packet Pg. 566 7.1.fPacket Pg. 567 Diamond Bar General Plan EIR comment October 8, 2019 Section 3 Transit Noise, Section 3.1 Noise of the 2018 Metrics Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual by the Federal Transit Administration: Railroad sound levels were measured using A-weighting that approximates typical human hearing and reported as dBA from the Google Earth reported distance from the railroad tracks with passing locomotives and rail cars to the receiving location near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar. The actual Sound Level Exposure (SEL) 50 feet from the source would require additional information and calculations or measurement at the source, which is easier than calculations. Note that Table 3-1 describes a human-perceived 10 dB increase above the actual measurements between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Therefore, a sound level of 60 dBA would be perceived as 70 dBA, and a 10 dB increase is perceived as a doubling of sound levels by the human ear. Section 3.3 Paths of Transit Noise from Source to Receiver This section states: “Sound paths from source to receiver are predominantly through the air. Along these paths, sound reduces with distance due to divergence, absorption/diffusion, and shielding.” Per Figure 3-3 below, the approximate attenuation of the generator SEL at 50 feet would decrease by 20 dBA at 800 feet from the source and this is a logarithmic decrease. Instead of calculating the attenuation, it is somewhat easier to extrapolate from Figure 3-3. It is estimated that there is a 30 dBA attenuation at 2,000 feet from the source. However, when one considers Figure 3-4 attenuation over soft ground, it is clear that height above terrain determines attenuation, and the neighborhoods south of Dry Creek are more than 40 feet above the source and would have negligible sound level attenuation by the ground. This corresponds reasonably well with trains passing west, northwest, and north of the receiving location, but not trains passing further west by the warehouses along Ferrero Parkway in the City of Industry. Direction of travel is critical in determining cumulative sound levels. Figure 3-3 Attenuation Due to Distance (Divergence) In the section on shielding, it is noted that noise barriers are one of the most effective means of mitigating noise, such as a wall. Walls also reflect sound. When the City of Industry permitted warehouses with flat vertical walls to be built along Ferrero Parkway near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, railroad sound was amplified and reflected south and southeast into the Diamond Bar neighborhoods along Sunset Crossing Road and Prospectors Road. The noise intrudes into homes. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 568 Figure 3-4 Attenuation Due to Soft Ground Note that the time period when locomotives pass by those warehouses, sound is further amplified and reflected. There is no mitigation of that reflected sound. Possible mitigation could include sound deadening treatment of the warehouse walls. Further, when buildings are built on the flat-topped hill south of the railroad tracks, railroad noise would be reflected to the northwest and north and then reflected again off the walls of warehouses (in ellipse) along Ferrero Parkway. Whether phasing of that sound will amplify or attenuate the railroad noise is unknown. Sound/noise mitigation is warranted. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 569 When it comes to community annoyance to the noise, Figure 3-7 describes it well, and no further discussion on annoyance is warranted. Figure 3-7 Community Annoyance Due to Noise Lastly, none of this means anything without actual data to assess the situation and how the Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report will address the situation. Since there is no supporting data, I collected some from near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar, as specified in the table below. Note the time of collection, the distance from the railroad tracks, and the decibel measurements. It should be possible to estimate the noise levels at distances closer to the passing trains. Train Noise @ N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr., Diamond Bar Baseline Level < 50 dB A-Weighting 500 Hz – 10 kHz Fast Date Time Location Distance (ft) Source Level (dBA) 9/15/19 0240 WB N. Track 3400 Train 56 dB max 9/15/19 0301-0306 EB S. Track 2100-2600 Train 56 dB - 64dB 9/16/19 0110 WB S. Track 2700 Train+Horn 75 dB 9/16/19 0146 WB S. Track 2400 Train 58 dB 9/16/19 0215 WB S. Track 2100-2700 Train 56 dB - 58dB 9/16/19 0220 WB S. Track 2400 Train 58 dB - 62 dB 9/16/19 0226 EB S. Track 2100-2700 Train 57 dB Sustain 7.1.f Packet Pg. 570 Date Time Location Distance (ft) Source Level (dBA) 9/17/19 0050 WB N. Track 3400 Train+Horn 53 dB - 60 dB 9/17/19 0255 WB S. Track 2200 Train 60 dB 9/17/19 0300 WB S. Track 2400 Train 64 dB 9/17/19 0308 WB. S. Track 2400 Train 60 dB 9/17/19 0343-0347 WB/EB S. Track 2300 Train 58 dB - 62 dB 9/17/19 0359-0403 WB/EB S. Track 2300 Train 56 dB 9/17/19 1600 WB S. Track 2200 Train 57 dB 10/8/19 1118-1124 EB S. Track 2100-2700 Train * 52 dB – 62 dB Measurement Equipment: Realistic Sound Level Meter No: 33-2050 * Note: The very long train on 10/8/2019 also had a locomotive in the middle and two at the end. Freight trains have no posted schedule and pass at random times. During the measurement period, there were no EB heavy load trains and no braking. Only one very loud horn was measured (9/16/2019 at 0110), and it was west of the receiving location and directed west. Levels hover around reported values within 1-2 dB. Where levels are a range, the upper level is a peak. Data captured and logged by Douglas Barcon Submitted by: Dr. Douglas Barcon 7.1.f Packet Pg. 571 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and EIR Comment—Updated October 9, 2019 The following is based on Section 3 Transit Noise; Section 3.1 Noise Metrics of the 2018 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual by the Federal Transit Administration, which was provided as a reference in Chapter 3.10 Noise in the EIR and Chapter 7.8 in the 2040 General Plan. Railroad sound levels were measured using A-weighting that approximates typical human hearing and reported as dBA from the Google Earth reported distance from the railroad tracks with passing locomotives and rail cars to the receiving location near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar. The actual Sound Level Exposure (SEL) 50 feet from the source would require additional information and calculations or measurement at the source, which is easier than calculations. Note that Table 3-1 describes a human-perceived 10 dB increase above the actual measurements between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Therefore, a sound level of 60 dBA would be perceived as 70 dBA, and a 10 dB increase is perceived as a doubling of sound levels by the human ear. Section 3.3 Paths of Transit Noise from Source to Receiver This section states: “Sound paths from source to receiver are predominantly through the air. Along these paths, sound reduces with distance due to divergence, absorption/diffusion, and shielding.” Per Figure 3-3 below, the approximate attenuation of the generator SEL at 50 feet would decrease by 20 dBA at 800 feet from the source and this is a logarithmic decrease. Instead of calculating the attenuation, it is somewhat easier to extrapolate from Figure 3-3. It is estimated that there is a 30 dBA attenuation at 2,000 feet from the source. However, when one considers Figure 3-4 attenuation over soft ground, it is clear that height above terrain determines attenuation, and the neighborhoods south of Dry Creek are more than 40 feet above the source and would have negligible sound level attenuation by the ground. This corresponds reasonably well with trains passing west, northwest, and north of the receiving location, but not trains passing further west by the warehouses along Ferrero Parkway in the City of Industry. Direction of travel is critical in determining cumulative sound levels. Figure 3-3 Attenuation Due to Distance (Divergence) In the section on shielding, it is noted that noise barriers are one of the most effective means of mitigating noise, such as a wall. Walls also reflect sound. When the City of Industry permitted warehouses with flat vertical walls to be built along Ferrero Parkway near the Union Pacific railroad 7.1.f Packet Pg. 572 tracks, railroad sound was amplified and reflected south and southeast into the Diamond Bar neighborhoods along Sunset Crossing Road and Prospectors Road. The noise intrudes into homes. Figure 3-4 Attenuation Due to Soft Ground Note that the time period when locomotives pass by those warehouses, sound is further amplified and reflected. There is no mitigation of that reflected sound. Possible mitigation could include sound deadening treatment of the warehouse walls. Further, when buildings are built on the flat-topped hill south of the railroad tracks, railroad noise would be reflected to the northwest and north and then reflected again off the walls of warehouses (in ellipse) along Ferrero Parkway. Whether phasing of that sound will amplify or attenuate the railroad noise is unknown. Sound/noise mitigation is warranted as addressed in General Plan 2040 Chapter 7.8; policy PS-P-51 and Chapter 8.0; policy CHS-P-29. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 573 When it comes to community annoyance to the noise, Figure 3-7 describes it well, and no further discussion on annoyance is warranted. Figure 3-7 Community Annoyance Due to Noise Lastly, none of this means anything without actual data to assess the situation and how the Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report will address the situation. Since there is no supporting data, I collected some from near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar, as specified in the table below. Note the time of collection, the distance from the railroad tracks, and the decibel measurements. It should be possible to estimate the noise levels at distances closer to the passing trains, such as along Big Falls Drive and Strongbow Drive. Train Noise @ N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr., Diamond Bar Baseline Level < 50 dB A-Weighting 500 Hz – 10 kHz Fast Date Time Location Distance (ft) Source Level (dBA) 9/15/19 0240 WB N. Track 3400 Train 56 dB max 9/15/19 0301-0306 EB S. Track 2100-2600 Train 56 dB - 64dB 9/16/19 0110 WB S. Track 2700 Train+Horn 75 dB 9/16/19 0146 WB S. Track 2400 Train 58 dB 9/16/19 0215 WB S. Track 2100-2700 Train 56 dB - 58dB 9/16/19 0220 WB S. Track 2400 Train 58 dB - 62 dB 9/16/19 0226 EB S. Track 2100-2700 Train 57 dB Sustain 7.1.f Packet Pg. 574 Date Time Location Distance (ft) Source Level (dBA) 9/17/19 0050 WB N. Track 3400 Train+Horn 53 dB - 60 dB 9/17/19 0255 WB S. Track 2200 Train 60 dB 9/17/19 0300 WB S. Track 2400 Train 64 dB 9/17/19 0308 WB. S. Track 2400 Train 60 dB 9/17/19 0343-0347 WB/EB S. Track 2300 Train 58 dB - 62 dB 9/17/19 0359-0403 WB/EB S. Track 2300 Train 56 dB 9/17/19 1600 WB S. Track 2200 Train 57 dB 10/8/19 1118-1124 EB S. Track 2100-2700 Train * 52 dB - 62 dB Measurement Equipment: Realistic Sound Level Meter No: 33-2050 * Note: The very long train on 10/8/2019 also had a locomotive in the middle and two at the end. There was a parallel train parked on the closer track that attenuated the noise level somewhat. Freight trains have no posted schedule and pass at random times. During the measurement period, there were no EB heavy load trains and no braking. Only one very loud horn was measured (9/16/2019 at 0110), and it was west of the receiving location and directed west. Levels hover around reported values within 1-2 dB. Where levels are a range, the upper level is a peak. As a final point, in Chapter 7.8 of the 2040 General Plan, Figure 7-11 on page 7-41, the map shows existing noise contours in 2016 but does not show any railroad noise contour in the neighborhood bordered by SR 57 on the east, City of Industry on the west, and the SR 57/SR 60 confluence on the south. The same map is present in Chapter 3.10 of the EIR as Figure 3.10-2. The sound levels I measured and noted in the table above show that this residential area should have a noise contour included on the map and on the projected 2040 noise contour shown in Figure 7-12 on page 7-42 of the General Plan and in Figure 3.10-2 (or a revision) in the EIR. I will postulate that the railroad noise levels will decrease to the south of the highest points on Red Cloud Drive and Prospectors Road as both roads descend. Data captured and logged by Douglas Barcon Submitted by: Dr. Douglas Barcon Diamond Bar Resident 7.1.f Packet Pg. 575 Dr. Douglas Barcon XXXX N. Rock River Dr. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Grace Lee Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 October 29, 2019 Dear Grace, Please add this additional information to my previous comment on railroad noise for the draft EIR. Since I submitted my comment on the subject of railroad noise in Chapter 3.10 Noise in the EIR and Chapter 7.8 in the 2040 General Plan, I was able to measure the sound levels of an additional Union Pacific freight train early morning on October 24, 2019. This was one of the trains where the locomotive horn was excessively loud and measured 82 dBA 2200 - 2500 feet from the source locomotive, which was facing west away from the homes in Diamond Bar in the area around N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. It was the loudest train horn I was able to measure. Occasional other trains have a horn sound level that the human ear can sense is even louder. In comparison to the 82 dBA sound level, I will estimate the loudest horn sound level to be in the range of 86 - 88 dBA. Some of these horns also sound at night when the ambient sound level is in the 40 dBA range. There are no roads where the locomotives sound their horns, so a quiet zone designation could mitigate the horn sounding without spending millions of dollars modifying intersections. A quiet zone will not impact the other railroad noises. Date Time Location Distance (ft) Source Level (dBA) 10/24/19 0143-0149 WB S. Track 2200 - 2500 Train 60 dB – 62 dB Sustain + Horn 82 dB Measurement Equipment: Realistic Sound Level Meter No: 33-2050 Respectfully, Dr. Douglas Barcon Data captured and logged by Douglas Barcon 7.1.f Packet Pg. 576 Dr. Douglas Barcon XXXX N. Rock River Dr. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Grace Lee Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 October 31, 2019 Re: Draft Environmental Impact Report Dear Ms. Lee, I have been reviewing the draft Environmental Impact Report and have additional comments on other topics beyond those I have previously submitted regarding railroad noise. In the Executive Summary of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measurers in section 3.6 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology starting on page ES-46 shows no mitigation measures are necessary for section 3.6-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project and would not result in significant development located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. I must question the statement that mitigation is not necessary. Specifically, I am addressing the mixed-use area on North Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Sunset Crossing Road. This is the area next to the Diamond Bar Boulevard exit from the westbound SR-60. The area in question is shown in the excerpt Figure 3.6-1: Steep Slopes below. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 577 Note the green areas (steep slopes) beside the Diamond Bar Boulevard off-ramp (red-brown) from the WB SR-60 and along the right side of Diamond Bar Boulevard (gray line parallel to SR-57) toward Sunset Crossing Road. There are homes at the top of those slopes. The beige area at the off-ramp and extending to Sunset Crossing Road is flat land sandwiched between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the steep slopes in green. This flat land has been incorporated into the North Diamond Bar Boulevard mixed-use area. Civil engineers have previously stated that the slopes can be damaged, and their stability compromised by cutting into them to develop the narrow ribbon of flat land to the right of Diamond Bar Boulevard north of the off-ramp. Further, building a driveway adjacent to a busy freeway off-ramp is a safety issue that can lead to collisions and injuries. The flat land should remain as open space that could be landscaped, providing weeds on the hillsides can be removed to mitigate fire danger to the houses above. Developers should not be permitted to develop a property that jeopardizes the environment and creates a risk to others. Such development of this property is also addressed in section 3.6-4, which also states no mitigation measures are required. The direct risk is a possible collapse of the hillside by carving into it a non- specified distance to enlarge the flat pad. This area should be removed from the mixed-use designation in the General Plan Update and left as open space, perhaps with landscaping. Policies LU-P-55, LU-P-56, PS-G-1, and PS-P-2 address some of this. The colors shown in Figure 3.8-1: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map on page 3.8-5 are incorrect. Diamond Bar is shown in white on the map, but the map key shows it is cream-colored. The key currently indicates that white is a county boundary. In Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing, the 2040 projections on page 3.9-7 state that Diamond Bar’s population will increase to 66,685 residents from the current 57,853 residents or an increase of 8,832 residents according to SCAG. At a population of 3.16 persons per occupied unit, that equates to 2,795 new residential units. Where are these units going to be built, and what is their impact on circulation, land use, and public safety? Transit-oriented-development and mixed-use will accommodate some of these units. If the city intends to preserve open space, it may not be possible with the SCAG projected growth. Table 3.12-11: Commuter Mode Split in Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas on page 3.12-4 indicates that Diamond Bar currently had 0.7% of the population commuting by bicycle and walking compared to 3.6% in Los Angeles County. Figure 3.12-2: Proposed Bicycle Network on page 3.12-11 is a map that shows the proposed bicycle network in Diamond Bar. The location of Diamond Bar to jobs and the hilly area probably explains the variation. The likelihood of bicycling and walking increasing by even 2 percent over the next 20 years is questionable regardless of any state mandates. The state cannot dictate how a person commutes or travels. The draft general plan has proposed bike lanes where bike travel is difficult, such as up Sunset Crossing Road to Golden Springs Drive and up Gold Rush Drive from Diamond Bar Boulevard to the top of the hill at Leyland. Traffic mitigation is also planned for Gold Rush Drive. Bicycle riders are at risk of injury on either of these routes, and the likelihood of a bicycle rider using such bike lanes is minimal. Type IV bikeways are impractical on Sunset Crossing Road or Gold Rush Drive, so any bicyclists are not protected from motor vehicle traffic. It is the same issue along Prospectors Road because cars are parked along the sides of the road where a bike lane also exists. It is not practical to eliminate street parking to accommodate bicycles. Various policies in 7.1.f Packet Pg. 578 Circulation address bicycles. Providing expanded bike lanes is reasonable, but expanding bike lanes into areas where they are impractical and can result in increased risk and injury to the bicycle rider should be reconsidered. The concept of bicycle riders switching to motorized bicycles has DMV licensing issues and additional safety issues and is not an answer to riding a bicycle up a steep roadway. There are lofty goals in the Circulation policies that are not practical regardless of whether the wording uses encourage instead of another word. Circulation policy CR- P-4 cited on page 3.12-33 will have minimal impact on the few pedestrians who walk from Temple Avenue to Sunset Crossing Road, but it will have a significant impact on vehicular traffic. The southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard to SR-60 is bordered by SR-57 to the right; there is nothing built on that side of the street. Traffic calming serves no purpose on that side of the street, but it will impact a bike lane on that side of the street if there are bump-outs placed that require a bicycle rider to navigate around and move them closer to vehicular traffic. Respectfully, Dr. Douglas Barcon 7.1.f Packet Pg. 579 October 29, 2019 Submitted via email to: GLee@DiamondBarCA.Gov Grace Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar California 91765 RE: Comments on the Diamond Bar General Plan Update and EIR Dear Ms. Lee: I’m writing on behalf of Hills For Everyone (HFE), to provide comments on the City of Diamond Bar’s (City) General Plan Update (GPU). HFE is a non-profit organization that strives to protect, preserve, and restore the environmental resources and natural environs of the Puente- Chino Hills and surrounding areas for the enjoyment of current and succeeding generations. We are closely following the City’s GPU as there are natural lands within the city proper and its sphere of influence. Public Process Comments This letter serves as a follow up to our comment letter from July 6, 2018 and focuses on the policies in the new General Plan. It is our understanding from the Diamond Bar General Plan Update website (http://www.diamondbargp.com/) that the documents (Environmental Impact Report, GPU, and Climate Action Plan) were released for a 45 day review period beginning September 16, 2019 and set to end October 31, 2019. In our 2018 letter, we specifically requested notification per Public Resources Code §21092.2 to receive updates about the project. However, it appears that two meetings (listed as Study Sessions on the website) from September 25 and October 8, 2019 literally changed the documents we were reviewing during the public comment period. These Study Sessions and document changes should have occurred prior to the document’s release for public review. We have accessed the changes published on the website, but must relay our dismay at the public process. As a governmental entity, as public officials, and as planners you should know better. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 580 2 We do not understand why after release for public review, these documents were then significantly modified. This is exactly the type of poor public process that confuses the public, limits engagement, clouds transparency, and leads to distrust toward government. We request that you officially re-notice and recirculate the entire suite of documents (with the updates from September and October 2019 included) for a new 45-day review period. Further, it appears that most of the modifications made essentially eliminate any enforceability of the General Plan policies. The General Plan needs to be the document that sets the ground rules for the future of the city. When you change “require” to “encourage,” there is too much flexibility in the policy. Using the flexible policy language implies interest in the policy, but no real commitment to it or its enforcement. Flexible policy language does not carry the force of law. According to the General Plan Guidelines developed by the comprehensive state planning agency, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), “It is better to adopt no policy than to adopt a policy with no backbone.” (Office of Planning and Research. “General Plan Guidelines.” 15.) In addition, for a policy to be counted towards “mitigating of a plan’s impacts,” it must be expressed as mandatory. We urge you to reconsider the edits made in September and October 2019 and require enforceability through stronger policy language. General Plan Policy Comments Hills For Everyone provided a suite of topics to consider during the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the GPU. These bulleted items relay what we noticed from the draft GPU. • We support the focus of infill and preservation of open space (LU-G-2 and -4) and we support the plan’s attempt to limit impacts to existing residential areas by ensuring there are compatible adjacent land uses (LU-P-8 and -9).1 LU-P-10 is a good goal (incentivize affordable housing) and should help (if implemented) meet the new Regional Housing Needs Assessment numbers for Diamond Bar. • The inclusion of density and massing in several policies and setting a maximum dwelling unit/acre for the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use designation is appreciated. This should help stable residential neighborhoods understand what may or may not be possible to build next to them. • Ensuring existing vistas of significant hillside features are preserved will help maintain Diamond Bar’s character. This sets a good tone for the community too. • In LU-P-2, we appreciate your inclusion of sensitive species and wildlife corridors. Further, RC-P-11 2 helps maintain more natural characteristics of wildland areas especially with the inclusion of wildlife movement linkages, reduced night lighting, and vegetative buffering. These policies should help the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor lands function and maintain their integrity across multiple counties and multiple cities. 1 The policies have since been modified to a less enforceable policy; we instead support the original language. 2 Ibid. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 581 3 • We appreciate the inclusion of language to not only acknowledge Significant Ecological Areas, but also to maintain, protect and preserve those biologically significant lands (RC- G-4 and RC-P-8). 3 Missed Opportunities We noticed that there were no opportunities for streamlined permitting for land uses like mixed use. This could help Diamond Bar residents reduce their single occupancy vehicle use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We encourage Diamond Bar to consider adding streamlined/incentivized permitting for mixed use and transit-oriented projects. With new legislation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Diamond Bar missed a chance to memorialize policies related to ADUs. This should be considered and incorporated so that it is vertically consistent with the zoning code (§22.42.120). We again recommend defining what a “major project” is in this document (either by the number of units, project size, acreage, or amount of grading). For example, this applies to LU-P-4: “Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of major proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments...” What exactly triggers this “monitoring and evaluating?” We recommend, again, setting consistent guidelines that link density, massing, and design. It would make the document more consistent throughout and set the tone for the City. Errors in the Document We again remind you that the area labeled Firestone Scout Reservation on several figures in the document are not accurate. Firestone Scout Reservation was the former name, but that land has been owned by the City of Industry since 2001. This naming error should be corrected on Figures 1-1, 5-1, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 7-9, and Table 5.2 (in two places). Additionally, this land is not designated parks/open space. We recommend labeling this land as Significant Ecological Area instead. Thank you for the opportunity to provide substantive feedback on the GPU. To reiterate, we urge the City to re-notice and recirculate the documents. Should you have any questions, I can be reached at 714-996-0502. Sincerely, Claire Schlotterbeck Executive Director 3 Ibid. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 582 H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL October 31, 2019 Mr. Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: COMMENTS ON DRAFT EIR DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Dear Mr. Gubman, Working on behalf of a consortium of Diamond Bar residents, including Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation, Responsible Land Use, and the Diamond Bar/Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force, Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) pro- vides these comments on a proposed update to the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) General Plan. My comments focus on Chapter 3.3 (Biological Resources) and Chapter 5.0 (Conservation Element). As described in the attached Curriculum Vitae, Hamilton Biological specializes in third- party review of technical biological reports and CEQA documentation. Relevant to this project, Hamilton Biological prepared the following documents that were submitted to the City in February 2019: • Biological Resources Report, City of Diamond Bar. Report dated February 25, 2019, prepared for a consortium of Diamond Bar residents and submitted to Mr. Greg Gubman, Director of Community Development, City of Diamond Bar. 35 pp. plus Appendix A (Methods and Technical Information). • Cover letter dated February 21, 2019, accompanying the above-referenced Biologi- cal Resources Report, submitted to Mr. Greg Gubman, Director of Community De- velopment, City of Diamond Bar. 10 pp. plus Curriculum Vitae. [copy attached] This letter addresses Chapter 3.3 (Biological Resources) and Chapter 5.0 (Conservation Element). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 583 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 2 of 34 EIR’S CONTENT AND ANALYSES STRAY FROM THE STATED METHODS The DEIR does not identify the biologist(s) responsible for preparing its analyses, but Steve Nelson of ESA has served as the City’s biological consultant during public meet- ings and Chapter 7.1 lists him as a preparer of the DEIR, so it appears that Mr. Nelson and ESA was responsible for the analyses contained in Chapter 3.3 (Biological Re- sources) and Chapter 5.0 (Conservation Element). Page 3-3.1 of the DEIR states: The assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, as discussed below, rather than on the Existing Conditions Report. If the EIR’s assessment of these core issues were truly based upon the Hamilton Biologi- cal Resources Report, with certain modifications based upon the EIR preparer’s review of the relevant literature, my comments on the DEIR would be few and mostly compli- mentary. Such is not the case. As a start, the DEIR fails to incorporate numerous records of special-status species doc- umented in the City limits during recent years. For example, Dan Cooper’s records of California Gnatcatchers at Pantera Park was available on the California Natural Diver- sity Database (CNDDB) as of February 27, 2019, and on eBird (http://ebird.org) in 2017. Records of several Red-diamond Rattlesnakes at Summitridge Park from 2014 to 2017 were available on the CNDDB on March 22, 2019. The EIR preparer claims to have re- viewed both the CNDDB and eBird in “May 2019,” yet these records are missing from Figure 5.4 in the DEIR (Special Status Animals). The CNDDB has not yet entered my ob- servations of special-status birds from January 2019, but they have been available on eBird since that month. My cover letter to the City dated February 21, 2019, provided specific following links to eBird checklists that report/document the relevant following records, including UTM coordinates: • California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens — Steep Canyon near Diamond Bar Boulevard, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51322203 • Cactus Wrens — Pantera Park, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324514 • California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wrens — vic. northwestern part of Tres Her- manos Ranch, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324625 • California Gnatcatchers — vic. Diamond Ranch High School, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324760 • Northern Harrier — Tres Hermanos Ranch north of Grand Avenue, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324857 • California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens, plus Golden Eagle seen soaring over Tres Hermanos Ranch — Summitridge Trail, 1/8/19: https://ebird.org/check- list/S51487531 7.1.f Packet Pg. 584 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 3 of 34 Sources: COO09F0038 COOPER, D. (COOPER ECOLOGICAL MONITORING, INC.) - FIELD SURVEY FORM FOR POLIOPTILA CALIFORNICA CALIFORNICA 2009-03-10 COO17F0026 COOPER, D. - FIELD SURVEY FORM FOR POLIOPTILA CALIFORNICA CALIFORNICA 2017-06-12 COO17U0002 COOPER, D. ET AL. - CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHERS IN DIAMOND BAR. 2017-06-12 KUS12D0002 KUS, B. (U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY-WESTERN ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH CENTER) - GEODATABASE FOR NETTED CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER LOCATIONS DURING NON-PROTOCOL SURVEYS IN 2012 2012-XX-XX Map Index Number:B2404 EO Index:114336 Key Quad:San Dimas (3411717)Element Code:ABPBJ08081 Occurrence Number:963 Occurrence Last Updated:2019-02-27 Scientific Name:Polioptila californica californica Common Name:coastal California gnatcatcher Listing Status:Federal:Threatened Rare Plant Rank: State:None CNDDB Element Ranks:Global:G4G5T2Q State:S2 Other Lists:CDFW_SSC-Species of Special Concern NABCI_YWL-Yellow Watch List General Habitat:Micro Habitat: OBLIGATE, PERMANENT RESIDENT OF COASTAL SAGE SCRUB BELOW 2500 FT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. LOW, COASTAL SAGE SCRUB IN ARID WASHES, ON MESAS AND SLOPES. NOT ALL AREAS CLASSIFIED AS COASTAL SAGE SCRUB ARE OCCUPIED. Last Date Observed:2017-06-12 Occurrence Type:Natural/Native occurrence Last Survey Date:2017-06-12 Occurrence Rank:Fair Owner/Manager:CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Trend:Unknown Presence:Presumed Extant Location: PANTERA PARK, ABOUT 0.25 MI SE OF PANTERA DR AT BOWERCREEK DR & 1.3 MI SW OF HWY 60 AT PHILLIPS RANCH RD, DIAMOND BAR. Detailed Location: MAPPED TO COORDINATES PROVIDED FOR DETECTION LOCATIONS. SURVEYOR NOTED THAT THIS SPECIES COULD WELL BE IN SIMILAR HABITAT THROUGHOUT DIAMOND BAR. Ecological: LUSH, INTACT COASTAL SAGE SCRUB DOMINATED BY ARTEMISIA CALIFORNICA ON RIDGELINE WITH SMALL PARK/OPEN SPACE TO WEST, PRIVATELY OWNED OPEN SPACE TO EAST, AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS BEYOND. HEAVY RECREATIONAL USE. EVIDENCE OF BRUSH CLEARING (2017). Threats: BRUSH CLEARANCE, DISCING OF HILLSIDES, DOG-WALKERS, FIRE (ARSON) (2017). General: 1 HEARD CALLING ON 10 MAR 2009. AT LEAST 2 DETECTED IN 2012. FAMILY GROUP OF 2 ADULTS AND 2 RECENTLY FLEDGED YOUNG HEARD AND SEEN ON 12 JUN 2017. PLSS:T02S, R09W, Sec. 11, NE (S)Accuracy:specific area Area (acres):11 1,335Elevation (feet):Latitude/Longitude:34.01241 / -117.78903UTM:Zone-11 N3763813 E427145 Los Angeles San Dimas (3411717) Quad Summary:County Summary: Report Printed on Thursday, October 17, 2019 Page 12 of 61Commercial Version -- Dated September, 29 2019 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 3/29/2020 Occurrence Report California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database 7.1.f Packet Pg. 585 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 4 of 34 Sources: HER16D0001 HERP, INC. - HERPETOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (HERP) DATABASE. FORMERLY A PROJECT OF THE NORTH AMERICAN FIELD HERPING ASSOCIATION 2016-10-11 HER17D0001 HERP, INC. - HERPETOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROJECT (HERP) DATABASE, 2017 UPDATES 2017-12-27 SMI17F0007 SMITH, C. ET AL. - FIELD SURVEY FORM FOR CROTALUS RUBER 2017-07-05 Map Index Number:B2709 EO Index:114643 Key Quad:San Dimas (3411717)Element Code:ARADE02090 Occurrence Number:191 Occurrence Last Updated:2019-03-22 Scientific Name:Crotalus ruber Common Name:red-diamond rattlesnake Listing Status:Federal:None Rare Plant Rank: State:None CNDDB Element Ranks:Global:G4 State:S3 Other Lists:CDFW_SSC-Species of Special Concern USFS_S-Sensitive General Habitat:Micro Habitat: CHAPARRAL, WOODLAND, GRASSLAND, & DESERT AREAS FROM COASTAL SAN DIEGO COUNTY TO THE EASTERN SLOPES OF THE MOUNTAINS. OCCURS IN ROCKY AREAS AND DENSE VEGETATION. NEEDS RODENT BURROWS, CRACKS IN ROCKS OR SURFACE COVER OBJECTS. Last Date Observed:2017-07-05 Occurrence Type:Natural/Native occurrence Last Survey Date:2017-07-05 Occurrence Rank:Good Owner/Manager:CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Trend:Unknown Presence:Presumed Extant Location: SUMMIT RIDGE PARK & AREA TO N, 0.1-0.6 MI NW OF GRAND AVE AT SUMMITRIDGE DR & 0.2-0.6 MI SW OF SUNNYHILL PL AT PEAK CT. Detailed Location: MAPPED TO PROVIDED COORDINATES. Ecological: COASTAL SAGE SCRUB AND CACTUS SCRUB ON PUBLIC OPEN SPACE (SUMMIT RIDGE PARK) SURROUNDED BY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. Threats: VEHICLE COLLISIONS. General: 7 ADULTS & 1 ROADKILLED JUVENILE OBSERVED, MAR -MAY 2014. 6 ADULTS OBSERVED, MAR-APR 2015. 1 ADULT OBSERVED ON 15 MAR, 1 ADULT PHOTOGRAPHED ON 5 JUL 2017. PLSS:T02S, R09W, Sec. 14, SW (S)Accuracy:specific area Area (acres):46 1,032Elevation (feet):Latitude/Longitude:34.00162 / -117.80001UTM:Zone-11 N3762624 E426121 Los Angeles Yorba Linda (3311787), San Dimas (3411717) Quad Summary:County Summary: Report Printed on Thursday, October 17, 2019 Page 32 of 61Commercial Version -- Dated September, 29 2019 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 3/29/2020 Occurrence Report California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database 7.1.f Packet Pg. 586 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 5 of 34 Photos from my eBird reports, showing special-status species recorded in the City: Photo 1. California Gnatcatcher, Diamond Ranch High School, January 4, 2019. UTM 428495 3764853 Photo: Robert A. Hamilton Photo 2. California Gnatcatcher, Summitridge Park, January 8, 2019. UTM 425808 3762536 Photo: Robert A. Hamilton Photo 3. Cactus Wren pair, Summitridge Park, January 8, 2019. UTM 425811 3762529 Photo: Robert A. Hamilton 7.1.f Packet Pg. 587 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 6 of 34 Chapter 6 of the DEIR shows that the EIR preparer’s “literature review” for biological resources includes only seven entries: Beier, P. and R.H. Barrett. 1993. The cougar in the Santa Ana Mountain Range, California. Final report. Or- ange County Cooperative Mountain Lion Study, Department of Forestry and Resource Management, University of California, Berkeley, USA. Beier, P.1993. Determining minimum habitat areas and habitat corridors for cougars. Conservation Biology 7:94 108. California Native Plant Society. 2019. Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of Cali- fornia. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/. Accessed May 2019. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2019. California Natural Diversity Database: Rarefind. https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB. Accessed May 2019. eBird. 2019. Explore Species. https://ebird.org/explore. Accessed May 2019. Hamilton Biological, Inc. 2019. Biological Resources Report for the City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles Audubon. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. http://plan- ning.lacounty.gov/site/sea/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LA-Countys-Sensitive-Bird-Species.pdf. Ac- cessed May 2019. As demonstrated previously, the EIR preparer’s reviews of the CNDDB and eBird, which reportedly took place in “May 2019,” failed to turn up documented records of several special-status species from within the City limits. Furthermore, this short list of basic references is grossly inadequate for a biological assessment and analysis covering the City of Diamond Bar and its extensive Sphere of Influence in Tonner Canyon. Page 3.3-2 of the DEIR states: However, it should be noted that site specific assessments and focused surveys have been conducted in areas of future development anticipated by the Proposed Project where the occurrence of special status species do exist. The Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan, South Pointe West Specific Plan, and Site D Specific Plan previously completed assessments of bi- ological resources located within their planning areas. The City of Industry has completed multiple site specific assessments of Tonner Canyon. None of these reports is cited in the DEIR, and no relevant biological information ap- pears to have been obtained from them, or from any other biological assessments and analyses prepared for projects in and around the City of Diamond Bar. Numerous rele- vant citations from the scientific literature on habitat loss, habitat degradation, and hab- itat fragmentation and their effects on plant and wildlife populations, are also missing. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 588 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 7 of 34 GENERAL PLAN SHOULD FOCUS ON GUIDING CEQA REVIEW PROCESS The Hamilton Biological Resources Report is intentionally geared toward making con- nections between resources and conservation policies, with the ultimate goal of assist- ing the City in its ongoing role as a CEQA lead agency. Note that the Hamilton Biologi- cal Resources Report did not map the plant communities within the area covered in the General Plan. Instead, my report: 1. Mapped the areas of natural open space in the City and its Sphere of Influence. 2. Described the general types of plant communities found in each area. 3. Identified the methods that should be used to implement project-level investiga- tions (e.g., characterizing plant communities, conducting focused surveys for spe- cial-status species). 4. Developed reasonable policies designed to effectively protect any biologically sen- sitive resources that might be found in the project-level investigations. The report’s final section, Natural Resource Conservation Policies, specifically builds upon existing policies from the current draft version of the General Plan update, adapt- ing them to facilitate efforts to identify and protect areas of particular ecological concern in the City and its Sphere of Influence. Given the DEIR’s explicit statement that the “assessment of sensitive habitats and wa- tersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report,” the City should adopt Hamilton Biological’s rational, factual, defensible ap- proach to these issues. MIS-MAPPING OF PLANT COMMUNITIES Figure 3.3-1 on page 3-3-10 of the DEIR maps some very small areas in the northeastern part of the City as “Coast Live Oak Woodland,” and some extensive areas in Tonner Canyon (areas very unlikely to be developed in the future) as “California Walnut Woodland/Coast Live Oak Woodland.” But, as in the Existing Conditions Report (that was explicitly not used to for the EIR’s assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds), nearly all woodlands within City limits are mapped as “California Walnut Woodland.” As stated on page 3.3-2 of the DEIR: ESA (Environmental Science Associates) biologists conducted a reconnaissance survey on August 25, 2016, to develop a broad-scale classification of the vegetation communities within the Planning Area. Prior to field surveys, a desktop analysis was conducted to obtain contex- tual information relevant to the area. Mapping and habitat types were compiled based on a desktop analysis of 2015 aerial imagery, as well as the reconnaissance survey to confirm natural communities as interpreted from aerial imagery (Google Maps 2015) and the recon- naissance-level inspection. A single survey day is clearly inadequate to accurately map all of the plant communities in the City of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, even at a broad scale. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 589 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 8 of 34 I addressed the issue of erroneous mapping of oak resources on page 5 of my letter to the City dated February 21, 2019: Natural Communities Mis-Mapped Part of my study involved identifying the main natural communities occurring in natural open space areas scattered throughout the Study Area. As shown in Figure 7, below, oak wood- lands occur extensively throughout the undeveloped parts of the Study Area: Figure 7. Excerpt from Figure 3 in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conser- vation Management Plan Guide1 showing the southeastern part of the County and accurately depicting extensive oak wood- lands in the Study Area. Beige polygons represent oak woodlands. During my own field work I have observed that, throughout the Study Area, oak woodlands cover much larger areas than do walnut woodlands. The Dyett & Bhatia Report provides no explanation for the contrary findings depicted in their Figure 2-1 [which has been recycled as Figure 3-3.1 in the DEIR]. Dyett & Bhatia’s claim of 1,189.9 acres of California Walnut Woodland in the Study Area, compared with only 206.9 acres of Coast Live Oak Woodland and 585.4 acres of walnut/oak woodlands, represents an error that grossly under-represents the extent of oak woodlands in the Study Area. If the City determines that large-scale mapping of natural communities is needed for the General Plan update, the mapping provided in the Dyett & Bhatia report must be completely revised and carefully field-checked for accuracy. Especially in light of the recent unpermitted removal of numerous large oaks in Dia- mond Bar2, the City should be cognizant of the serious problems that could be precipi- tated by misrepresenting the distribution of oaks. The City should have adequately considered my comments, and those of others, and re- quired the EIR preparer to carefully evaluate the plant community mapping. 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 2 https://www.diamondbarca.gov/724/Millennium-Development-TR-53430 7.1.f Packet Pg. 590 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 9 of 34 As an example, consider Steep Canyon: Excerpt from Figure 3.3-1, Vegetation Communities. The DEIR maps all of the woodland in the bottom of Steep Canyon east of Diamond Bar Boulevard as California Walnut Woodland (yellow screen). Blue arrow added to show where the photo below was taken from. Photo: Robert A. Hamilton Photograph taken on January 4, 2019, showing classic oak/sycamore wood- land in the bottom of Steep Canyon (i.e., in the area mapped above as “California Walnut Woodland”). Photo: Robert A. Hamilton I could provide numerous other similar examples. Instead of correcting the problem, the City and EIR preparer have “doubled down” by reproducing the same vegetation map in the DEIR that was provided as Figure 2-1 in the Existing Conditions Report, adding an odd canard on page 3.3-5: As can be seen in the above description of these alliances, there can be misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed from a distance or in aerial photography, particularly in the winter when the winter-deciduous California walnut has no leaves. For this reason, the map- ping of these alliances in Figure 3.3-1 should be viewed as being subject to site-specific in- vestigations. Biologists do not have nearly as much trouble seeing walnut trees in winter as this state- ment suggests. The standard caveat that broad-scale mapping contained in a General Plan should not be used for CEQA review of individual projects does not alleviate the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 591 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 10 of 34 need to avoid misrepresenting the distributions of sensitive resources in the General Plan. The City’s unwillingness to comply with multiple requests for accurate represen- tation of oak woodlands within the City limits — contrasted with widespread mapping of oaks in the unincorporated Sphere of Influence — raises questions about whether oaks and oak woodlands will be adequately protected under the revised General Plan. RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING NATURAL COMMUNITIES Since the mid-1990s, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and its partners, including the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), have been working on classifying vegetation types using standards embodied in the Survey of California Veg- etation, which comply with the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS; http://usnvc.org/explore-classification/). The NVCS is a hierarchical classification, with the most granular level being the Association. Associations are grouped into Alliances, Alli- ances into Groups, and upward, as follows: Formation Class > Formation Subclass > Formation > Division > Macrogroup > Group > Alliance > Association. For CEQA re- view of specific projects, Appendix A to the Hamilton Biological Resources Report rec- ommends classification and mapping of Natural Communities at the more detailed Alli- ance or Association level. The method recommended by CDFW for classifying Natural Communities and conducting CEQA review reads as follows: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: 1. Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 2. Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. 3. Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates com- pletion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant community. 4. Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 592 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 11 of 34 5. Vegetation types that are not on the state’s sensitive list but that may be con- sidered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Regional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. IDENTIFYING SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), at its VegCAMP page, pro- vides guidance on appropriate methods for “Addressing Sensitive Natural Communi- ties in Environmental Review”: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities#sensitive%20natural%20communities The State’s guidance consists of the following steps: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: o Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. o Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. o Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates com- pletion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant community. o Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. • Vegetation types that are not on the State’s sensitive list but that may be considered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 593 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 12 of 34 • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Di- ana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guid- ance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Re- gional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. • The Department’s document, Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (PDF) provides information on reporting. As recommended in the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, the City should adopt the above-specified methods, consistent with State guidance. Doing so would help to ensure the thoroughness and adequacy of CEQA documentation completed within the City and its Sphere of Influence. FAILURE TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL FOR NATIVE GRASSLANDS The DEIR characterizes all grasslands in the City and the Sphere of Influence as “semi- natural herbaceous stands,” and fails to identify any potential for the occurrence of per- ennial native grasslands, which are identified as sensitive by CDFW. Nevertheless, as stated on page 10 of the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, pockets of native grass- land almost certainly occur within the non-native annual grasslands: Areas of perennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non-trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. As examples, the Nassella spp. – Melica spp. herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least 2–5 percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses3; and the Bromus carinatus – Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover.4 It is likely that vernal pools/seasonal ponds occur in the site’s grasslands, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other Natural Communities. The DEIR should identify the potential for areas of native grassland to occur within the Study Area, and should recognize any such areas as biologically “sensitive” in their own right (independent of the occurrence of special-status plants or wildlife). The Gen- eral Plan’s resource-protection policies should address avoidance and/or mitigation of impacts to native grasslands. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON PRESERVED HABITAT AREAS An important goal of a General Plan, far from realized in the DEIR, is to guide future development so as to minimize adverse effects upon natural communities and declining native plant and wildlife populations, to the extent feasible. Beyond the outright 3 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/536 4 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/499 7.1.f Packet Pg. 594 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 13 of 34 removal of natural areas, which obviously impacts natural resources, nearby develop- ment inevitably degrades and fragments preserved habitat along the urban/wildland interface. These secondary, or indirect, impacts have been subject to intensive study in recent years, to (a) understand and characterize them, and (b) develop strategies for minimizing and mitigating them. The DEIR, citing only two published articles from the peer-reviewed literature, fails to adequately acknowledge the range of issues that must be considered when planning future development in and around Diamond Bar’s re- maining natural areas. The following discussions, including citations from the scientific literature, were provided in Appendix A to the Hamilton Biological Resources Report. Although the DEIR identifies this report as providing the basis for “assessment of sensi- tive habitats and watersheds in this EIR,” most of this important underlying infor- mation has been omitted from the DEIR and its analyses. To the contrary, the following information should be taken into account when developing the General Plan’s land-use policies concerning edge and fragmentation effects. Urbanization typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and road-related de- velopment. At the perimeter of the built environment is an area known as the ur- ban/wildland interface, or “development edge.” Edges are places where natural com- munities interface, vegetation or ecological conditions within natural communities in- teract (Noss 1983), or patches with differing qualities abut one another (Ries and Sisk 2004). “Edge effects” are spillover effects from the adjacent human-modified matrix that cause physical gradients in light, moisture, noise, etc. (Camargo and Kapos 1995; Mur- cia 1995, Sisk et al. 1997) and/or changes in biotic factors such as predator communities, density of human-adapted species, and food availability (Soulé et al. 1988; Matlack 1994; Murcia 1995; Ries and Sisk 2004). Loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat due to urbanization are the most pervasive threats to biodiversity in southern California (Soulé 1991). Edge-related impacts may include: • Introduction/expansion of invasive exotic vegetation carried in from vehicles, peo- ple, animals or spread from backyards or fuel modification zones adjacent to wildlands. • Increased frequency and/or severity of fire as compared to natural fire cycles or in- tensities. • Companion animals (pets) that often act as predators of, and/or competitors with, native wildlife. • Creation and use of trails that often significantly degrade intact ecosystems through such changes as increases in soil disturbance, vegetation damage, and noise. • Introduction of exotic animals which compete with or prey on native animals. • Pesticide exposure can be linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive ef- fects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and developmental changes in a wide range of species, from insects to top predators. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 595 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 14 of 34 • Influence on earth systems and ecosystem processes, such as solar radiation, soil richness and erosion, wind damage, hydrologic cycle, and water pollution that can affect the natural environment. Any of these impacts, individually or in combination, can result in the effective loss or degradation of habitats used for foraging, breeding or resting, with concomitant effects on population demographic rates of sensitive species. The coastal slope of southern California is among the most highly fragmented and ur- banized regions in North America (Atwood 1993). Urbanization has already claimed more than 90 percent of the region’s coastal sage scrub habitat, 99 percent of the coastal prairie, and 95 percent of the vernal pools (McCaull 1994; Mattoni & Longcore 1997; Bauder & McMillan 1998). A review of studies completed by Harrison and Bruna (1999) identified a general pattern of reduction of biological diversity in fragmented habitats compared with more intact ones, particularly with regard to habitat specialists. While physical effects associated with edges were predominant among species impacts, they found evidence for indirect effects including altered ecological interactions. Fletcher et al. (2007) found that distance from edge had a stronger effect on species than did habitat patch size, but they acknowledged the difficulty in separating those effects empirically. Many southern California plant and animal species are known to be sensitive to frag- mentation and edge effects; that is, their abundance declines with fragment size and proximity to an edge (Wilcove 1985; Soulé et al. 1992; Bolger et al. 1997a,b; Suarez et al. 1998; Burke and Nol 2000). Wildlife populations are typically changed in proximity to edges, either by changes in their demographic rates (survival and fecundity), or through behavioral avoidance of or attraction to the edge (Sisk et al. 1997; Ries and Sisk 2004). For example, coastal sage scrub areas within 250 meters of urban edges consistently contain significantly less bare ground and more coarse vegetative litter than do more “intermediate” or “interior” ar- eas, presumably due increased human activity/disturbance of the vegetation structure near edges (Kristan et al. 2003). Increases in vegetative litter often facilitate growth of non-native plants (particularly grasses), resulting in a positive feedback loop likely to enhance plant invasion success (Wolkovich et al. 2009). In another coastal southern Cali- fornia example, the abundance of native bird species sensitive to disturbance is typi- cally depressed within 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1640 feet) of an urban edge, and the abundance of disturbance-tolerant species is elevated up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) from an urban edge, depending on the species (Bolger et al. 1997a). Habitat fragmentation is usually defined as a landscape scale process involving habitat loss and breaking apart of habitats (Fahrig 2003). Habitat fragmentation is among the most important of all threats to global biodiversity; edge effects (particularly the diverse physical and biotic alterations associated with the artificial boundaries of fragments) are dominant drivers of change in many fragmented landscapes (Laurance and Bierregaard 1997; Laurance et al. 2007). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 596 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 15 of 34 Fragmentation decreases the connectivity of the landscape while increasing both edge and remnant habitats. Urban and agricultural development often fragments wildland ecosystems and creates sharp edges between the natural and human-altered habitats. Edge effects for many species indirectly reduce available habitat use or utility in sur- rounding remaining areas; these species experience fine-scale functional habitat losses (e.g., see Bolger et al. 2000; Kristan et al. 2003; Drolet et al. 2016). Losses of coastal sage scrub in southern California have increased isolation of the remaining habitat fragments (O’Leary 1990) and led to calls to preserve and restore landscape connectivity to permit long-term persistence of native species with low vagility (e.g., Vandergast et al. 2006). Fragmentation has a greater relative negative impact on specialist species (e.g., coastal populations of the Cactus Wren) that have strict vegetation structure and area habitat requirements (Soulé et al. 1992). Specialist species have an increased risk of extirpation in isolated habitat remnants because the specialized vegetative structures and/or inter- specific relationships on which they depend are more vulnerable to disruption in these areas (Vaughan 2010). In studies of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral systems of coastal southern California, fragment area and age (time since isolation) were the most important landscape predictors of the distribution and abundance of native plants (Soulé et al. 1993), scrub-breeding birds (Soulé et al. 1988; Crooks et al. 2001), native ro- dents (Bolger et al. 1997b), and invertebrates (Suarez et al. 1998; Bolger et al. 2000). Edge effects that emanate from the human-dominated matrix can increase the extinction probability of isolated populations (Murcia 1995; Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). In studies of coastal sage scrub urban fragments, exotic cover and distance to the urban edge were the strongest local predictors of native and exotic carnivore distribution and abundance (Crooks 2002). These two variables were correlated, with more exotic cover and less native shrub cover closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). The increased presence of human-tolerant “mesopredators” in southern California rep- resents an edge effect of development; they occur within the developed matrix and are thus more abundant along the edges of habitat fragments, and they are effective preda- tors on birds, bird nests, and other vertebrates in coastal sage scrub and chaparral sys- tems and elsewhere (Crooks and Soulé 1999). The mammalian carnivores more typically detected in coastal southern California habitat fragments are resource generalists that likely benefit from the supplemental food resources (e.g., garden fruits and vegetables, garbage, direct feeding by humans) associated with residential developments. As a re- sult, the overall mesopredator abundance, of such species as raccoons, opossums, and domestic cats, increases at sites with more exotic plant cover and closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). Although some carnivores within coastal sage scrub fragments seem tolerant of disturbance, many fragments have (either actually or effectively) al- ready lost an entire suite of predator species, including mountain lion, bobcats, spotted skunks, long-tailed weasels, and badgers (Crooks 2002). Most “interior” sites within such fragments are still relatively near (within 250 meters of) urban edges (Crooks 2002). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 597 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 16 of 34 Fragmentation generally increases the amount of edge per unit land area, and species that are adversely affected by edges can experience reduced effective area of suitable habitat (Temple and Cary 1988), which can lead to increased probability of extirpa- tion/extinction in fragmented landscapes (Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). For example, diversity of native bees (Hung et al. 2015) and native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b) is lower, and decomposition and nutrient cycling are significantly reduced (Treseder and McGuire 2009), within fragmented coastal sage scrub ecosystems as compared to larger core reserves. Similarly, habitat fragmentation and alterations of sage scrub habitats likely have reduced both the genetic connectivity and diversity of coastal-slope popula- tions of the Cactus Wren in southern California (Barr et al. 2015). Both Bell’s Sparrows and California Thrashers show strong evidence of direct, negative behavioral responses to edges in coastal sage scrub; that is, they are edge-averse (Kristan et al. 2003), and Cal- ifornia Thrashers and California Quail were found to be more vulnerable to extirpation with smaller fragment size of the habitat patch (Bolger et al. 1991), demonstrating that both behavioral and demographic parameters can be involved. Other species in coastal sage scrub ecosystems, particularly the Cactus Wren and likely the California Gnat- catcher and San Diego Pocket Mouse, are likely vulnerable to fragmentation, but for these species the mechanism is likely to be associated only with extirpation vulnerabil- ity from habitat degradation and isolation rather than aversion to the habitat edge (Kris- tan et al. 2003). Bolger (et al. 1997b) found that San Diego coastal sage scrub and chapar- ral canyon fragments under 60 acres that had been isolated for at least 30 years support very few populations of native rodents, and they suggested that fragments larger than 200 acres in size are needed to sustain native rodent species populations. The penetration of exotic species into natural areas can reduce the effective size of a re- serve in proportion to the distance they penetrate within the reserve: Argentine Ants serve as an in-depth example of edge effects and fragmentation. Spatial patterns of Ar- gentine Ant abundance in scrub communities of southern California indicate that they are likely invading native habitats from adjacent developed areas, as most areas sam- pled greater than 200 to 250 meters from an urban edge contained relatively few or no Argentine Ants (Bolger 2007, Mitrovich et al. 2010). The extent of Argentine Ant inva- sions in natural environments is determined in part by inputs of urban and agricultural water run off (Holway and Suarez 2006). Native ant species were more abundant away from edges and in areas with predominately native vegetation. Post-fragmentation edge effects likely reduce the ability of fragments to retain native ant species; fragments had fewer native ant species than similar-sized plots within large unfragmented areas, and fragments with Argentine ant-free refugia had more native ant species than those with- out refugia (Suarez et al. 1998). They displace nearly all surface-foraging native ant spe- cies (Holway and Suarez 2006) and strongly affect all native ant communities within about 150 to 200 meters from fragment edges (Suarez et al. 1998; Holway 2005; Fisher et al. 2002; Bolger 2007; Mitrovich et al. 2010). Argentine Ants are widespread in frag- mented coastal scrub habitats in southern California, and much of the remaining poten- tial habitat for Blainville’s horned lizards is effectively unsuitable due to the penetration of Argentine ants and the subsequent displacement of the native ant species that Coastal Horned Lizards need as prey (Fisher et al. 2002). Invasion of Argentine ants into 7.1.f Packet Pg. 598 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 17 of 34 coastal sage scrub has also shown a strong negative effect on the abundance of the gray shrew (Laakkonen et al. 2001). An evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) concluded that each of ten of the most common active ingredients in rodenticides “poses significant risks to non-target wildlife when applied as grain-based bait products. The risks to wildlife are from primary exposure (direct consumption of rodenticide bait) for all compounds and secondary exposure (consumption of prey by predators or scavengers with rodenticide stored in body tissues) from the anticoagulants.” Thus, the common practice of setting out bait within or near natural areas can be expected to have adverse effects upon a range of native wildlife species. Finally, in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, populations of such na- tive amphibians as the California newt and California treefrog were found to decline with urbanization of as little as 8% of a given watershed (Riley et al. 2005). Such faunal community changes appear to be related to changes in physical stream habitat, such as fewer pool and more run habitats and increased water depth and flow. These changes are associated with increased erosion and with invasion by damaging exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish. Given the spectrum of indirect effects known to adversely affect sensitive populations of native plants and wildlife, it is incumbent upon planning documents, such as the up- dated Diamond Bar General Plan, to (1) acknowledge, (2) adequately describe, and (3) adequately mitigate these adverse effects. The DEIR fails to achieve these goals. INADEQUATE ANALYSIS OF LOCAL WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ISSUES Page 6 of Hamilton Biological’s letter to the City dated February 21, 2019, criticized the Existing Conditions Report for its “ineffective and incomplete discussion of wildlife movement.” Apparently in response, the DEIR provides additional descriptions of dif- ferent issues related to wildlife movement and habitat connectivity. Page 3.3-14 identi- fies three “types of corridors and habitats” that exist within the City and its Sphere of Influence and that “provide habitat connectivity” to varying degrees: These include current open space areas and the natural areas of City parks and the SOI and, to a lesser degree mature ornamental woodlands. Connectivity can be broken the physical relation- ship between landscape elements whereas functional connectivity describes the degree to which landscapes actually facilitate or impede the movement of organisms and processes. Functional connectivity is a product of both landscape structure and the response of organisms and pro- cesses to this structure. Thus, functional connectivity or corridor permeability is both species and landscape-specific. Distinguishing between these two types of connectivity is important because structural connectivity does not imply functional connectivity. That is, in contrast to landscape connectivity which characterizes the capacity of individual species to move between areas of habitat via corridors and habitat linkage zones permeability refers to the degree to which regional landscapes, encompassing a variety of natural, semi-natural and developed land cover types, are conducive to wildlife movement and sustain ecological processes. Major roadway arterials, sub- urban development and areas of intense human activity are examples of non-natural features that can result in a corridor being highly impermeable to many wildlife species. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 599 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 18 of 34 This generalized discussion, culminating in a negative statement about how roads and other human activities can negatively affect the movement of wildlife between patches of natural habitat, does not represent a useful or coherent analysis of local wildlife movement and habitat connectivity issues in and around the City of Diamond Bar. The Hamilton Biological Resources Report provided relevant information designed to help the City address this important large-scale CEQA planning and resource-manage- ment issue. Figures 3a–3d in the report depict 13 areas of extensive (>25 acres) na- tive/naturalized habitat in Diamond Bar. The figures show potential habitat connec- tions/choke points for wildlife movement between blocks of natural open space. Figures 3a–3d, reproduced on the following pages, provide a practical and useful basis for characterizing the existing ecological conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. If the EIR sincerely intends to base its assessment on the Hamilton Biologi- cal Resources Report, the following maps must be acknowledged and fully incorpo- rated into the CEQA analysis. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 600 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 19 of 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 601 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 20 of 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 602 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 21 of 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 603 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 22 of 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 604 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 23 of 34 The DEIR provides no similar exhibits that help to contextualize the concepts of local- ized wildlife movement and habitat connectivity in relation to actual areas of natural habitat within the City limits. Given the DEIR’s explicit statement that “The assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report,” the EIR preparer is not justified in omitting this critically important information in favor of a generalized statement about negative ef- fects of roads and other development on wildlife movement and connectivity. The EIR’s policy approach for mitigating adverse effects of development upon local wildlife movement and habitat connectivity is provided in RC-P-11: Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid, to the greatest extent feasible, significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new de- velopment proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Protect wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; The above-listed policy prescriptions may appear reasonable, but they are not specific to any given area and have no teeth. In fact, while the DEIR was out for review, the City has already added “to the greatest extent feasible” to the first sentence of the proposed policy, further weakening the proposed policy. They are the type of guidelines often satisfied in some superficial way, such as planting vegetation along roadsides, and in many cases these types of guidelines are completely ignored without any repercussions. They are unlikely to meaningfully improve the ecological condition of natural areas scattered throughout the City that are becoming increasingly degraded and fragmented by ongoing development. If the City sincerely intends to, for example, “protect wildlife movement linkages” and to facilitate “wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means,” then the updated General Plan should incorporate my Figures 3a–3d, which highlight numerous “Potential Habitat Linkages/Choke Points” throughout the City — specific areas identified as warranting additional scrutiny and consideration when devising fu- ture plans and subjecting them to CEQA review. See also the following discussion of Table A, from the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, which identifies appropriate Resource Conservation policy approaches for each substantial area of natural open space mapped in Figures 3a–3d. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 605 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 24 of 34 RESOURCE PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS OMITTED Referring again to Figures 3a–3d, the Hamilton Biological Resources Report describes and characterizes the ecological characteristics of each mapped natural open space area at a general level of detail appropriate for a General Plan. The report also makes recom- mendations for the establishment of biological protection overlays for sensitive habitat areas with high ecological values (e.g., native woodlands and coastal sage scrub), with recognition that more detailed, project-specific surveys would be required to accurately and adequately describe the ecological resources found in any open space area. The DEIR ignores this approach in favor of generalized policy prescriptions that are, in my experience, less likely to produce good planning results. I provide below Table A from my report, which lays the foundation for my recommended planning approach. Table A. Resource Protection Recommendations Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 1 926 Largest block of natural open space in Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habi- tat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, (c) wetland and riparian habitats, and (d) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connec- tions and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 2 64 Only large block of natural open space in Diamond Bar north of 60 Freeway. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Human-altered Habi- tats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native wood- lands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 3 72 “Island” of natural open space between Charmingdale Road and Armitos Place. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native wood- lands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 4 438 Includes Summitridge Park and Steep Canyon/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Hab- itats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 606 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 25 of 34 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 5 62 Includes Sycamore Canyon Park/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Hab- itats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 6 196 Slopes east of City Hall. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human-altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah; mini- mize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habi- tat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7 154 Includes Larkstone Park. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Oak Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Riparian, Grass- land, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 8 231 West of 57 Freeway, south of Pathfinder Road. Oak Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Grassland, Human- altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah, and na- tive scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 9 27 Southwestern corner. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, frag- mentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 10 712 Tonner Canyon tributaries. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement op- portunities. 11 39 Southwestern section of The Country; part of Significant Ecological Area 15. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, frag- mentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 607 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 26 of 34 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 12 197 Slopes west of Ridge Line Road. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human-al- tered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 13 100 Northeastern part of The Country, adjacent to Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habi- tats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habi- tat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wet- land and riparian habitats, and (c) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natu- ral Communities. Diamond Bar GC 174 Golf course that provides wildlife habitat. Riparian, Human-altered Habitats (including man-made pond). Conserve wetland and riparian habitats; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. Sphere of Influence 3,513 Large and important area of natural open space south of Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch; heart of Significant Ecological Area 15. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Riparian, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habi- tat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wet- land and riparian habitats, (c) native woodlands, and (d) native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. The practical benefit of this approach is that it focuses planning attention on the issues of greatest relevance within different geographic areas of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. Planners can refer to Table A, in conjunction with Figures 3a–3d, and bet- ter evaluate whether a proposed project is compatible with the General Plan’s resource protection recommendations for that particular area. Certainly, nothing is lost by in- cluding this level of detail in the General Plan, so why is this information from the Hamilton Biological Resources Report omitted from the DEIR? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 608 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 27 of 34 CURRENT INTERPRETATION OF MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT (MBTA) Page 3.3-34 of the DEIR provides an outdated interpretation of this federal legislation, and the impact analysis on page 3.3-44 states, “Disturbing or destroying active nests is a violation of the MBTA and nests and eggs are protected by Fish and Game Code, Sec- tion 3503.” The MBTA of 1918 implemented the 1916 Convention between the U.S. and Great Brit- ain (for Canada) for the protection of migratory birds. Later amendments implemented treaties between the U.S. and Mexico, the U.S. and Japan, and the U.S. and the Soviet Union (now Russia). At the heart of the MBTA is this language: Establishment of a Federal prohibition, unless permitted by regulations, to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment, ship, cause to be shipped, deliver for transportation, transport, cause to be transported, carry, or cause to be carried by any means whatever, receive for shipment, transportation or carriage, or export, at any time, or in any manner, any migratory bird, included in the terms of this Convention . . . for the protection of migratory birds . . . or any part, nest, or egg of any such bird.” (16 U.S.C. 703) For many years, the MBTA was subject to broad interpretation, which in some cases led to prosecution for violations that were incidental to otherwise lawful activities. On De- cember 22, 2017, the “Principal Deputy Solicitor Exercising the Authority of the Solicitor Pursuant to Secretary’s Order 3345” issued revised guidance on the MBTA5 that reached the following conclusion: The text, history, and purpose of the MBTA demonstrate that it is a law limited in relevant part to affirmative and purposeful actions, such as hunting and poaching, that reduce migra- tory birds and their nests and eggs, by killing or capturing, to human control. Even assuming that the text could be subject to multiple interpretations, courts and agencies are to avoid interpreting ambiguous laws in ways that raise grave Constitutional doubts if alternative in- terpretations are available. Interpreting the MBTA to criminalize incidental takings raises se- rious due process concerns and is contrary to the fundamental principle that ambiguity in criminal statutes must be resolved in favor of defendants. Based upon the text, history, and purpose of the MBTA, and consistent with decisions in the Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Eighth, and Ninth circuits, there is an alternative interpretation that avoids these concerns. Thus, based on the foregoing, we conclude that the MBTA’s prohibition on pursuing, hunting, taking, capturing, killing, or attempting to do the same applies only to direct and affirmative purposeful actions that reduce migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests, by killing or captur- ing, to human control. Although federal guidance could change again in the future, the DEIR should acknowledge and describe the current interpretation of the MBTA. 5 https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/m-37050.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 609 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 28 of 34 TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE Pages 3.3-37 and 3.3-38 of the DEIR reviews the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Proposed General Plan Policy RC-P-10, on page 3.3-46, identifies a need to periodically review and update the Ordinance “as necessary to reflect current best prac- tices.” In the attached letter, dated October 31, 2019, Hamilton Biological proposes changes to the City’s existing ordinance, with reference to several areas of concern: • Corrections of outdated references (e.g., the National Arborists Association no longer exists, having been replaced by the Tree Care Industry Association) and ty- pographical errors. • Changes to bring the City’s ordinance into alignment with current industry stand- ards. For example, the County of Los Angeles’ current Oak Woodlands Conserva- tion Management Plan Guide6 requires seven years of maintenance and monitoring of all oak mitigation plantings, which reflects the experience of the County that oak plantings may survive for a few years after planting, only to fail shortly thereafter. • Ensuring that funds paid to the City for tree planting are used to promptly replace impacted trees, and to prevent against tree mitigation funds being diverted to other uses. • Establishing a City-administered program to ensure that replacement trees are planted in areas suited to their long-term survival, and not in sensitive habitat areas, such as coastal sage scrub, where they could cause adverse ecological effects. Consistent with proposed General Plan Policy RC-P-10, Hamilton Biological requests that the City consider the proposed changes, to reflect current best practices. COMMENT ON MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-I This measure would require a habitat evaluation in cases where a listed species could potentially be impacted. “If no suitable habitat for listed species is identified within 300 feet of construction or maintenance activities, no further measures would be required in association with the project.” This is not an appropriate mitigation measure to incorporate into a General Plan, be- cause under CEQA, evaluation of potential biological impacts of a proposed action is not limited to species listed as threatened or endangered by State and/or federal gov- ernments. To comply with CEQA, any project with potential to adversely affect special- status species should be evaluated, on its own merits, to determine whether project im- plementation could result in significant impacts to any biological resources. Such im- pacts could include impacts to California Species of Special Concern, such as the “coastal” Cactus Wren; loss or degradation of plant communities that the State identi- fies as Sensitive, such as native grasslands; impairment of a wildlife movement corridor 6 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 610 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 29 of 34 or habitat linkage; or various other categories of impact that do not necessarily involve potential “take” of a listed species. CEQA is much more than a “scorecard” for evaluat- ing whether a given action might impact a listed species. MITIGATION RATIOS INADEQUATE Mitigation Measures BIO-2, BIO-4, and BIO-5 all identify inadequate mitigation ratios for impacts to sensitive native plant communities, including coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, and walnut woodland. For each of these ecologically sensitive communities, some of which are recognized as sensitive resources in their own right, the General Plan should strongly encourage avoidance of direct and indirect impacts. If impacts cannot be avoided, and existing off-site habitat is to be purchased as mitiga- tion for the loss of a given area of sensitive habitat, the minimum ratio should be on the scale of 5:1, and certainly not 1:1. The ratio of 1:1 for purchase of existing habitat equates to a net 50% reduction of community, as no new habitat is being restored on dis- turbed/degraded land to replace the valuable sensitive habitat being lost. For impacts to sensitive natural communities that cannot be feasibly avoided, and if 5:1 off-site habitat cannot be purchased and set aside in perpetuity, the off-site mitigation requirement should be to restore degraded habitat in the Chino/Puente Hills, under the auspices of the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (PHHPA)7, at a minimum ratio of 3:1. Restoring habitat at a ratio above 1:1 mitigates for: • The temporal loss of habitat associated with impacting one area before another is restored. • The effects of fragmentation and edge-associated degradation of preserved habitat areas near the proposed development. • The possibility that the restoration effort will fail, partly or entirely. A higher mitigation ratio also helps to incentive avoidance of the impact. The DEIR’s approach to this topic would leave the City vulnerable to legal challenge due to provid- ing inadequate mitigation to offset significant adverse impacts to sensitive natural re- sources. 7 The PHHPA is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and management of open space in the Puente Hills for preservation of the land in perpetuity, with the primary purpose to protect biological diversity. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 611 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 30 of 34 COMMENTS ON MM-BIO-6 Planning of any future development in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence should take exceptional care to preserve and enhance the viability of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The authoritative “Missing Middle” analysis (Conservation Biology Institute 2005) identified the following wildlife movement issues specifically relevant to the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Tonner Canyon Bridge represents the only viable location for deer, mountain lions, bobcats, and other species to pass under the 57 Freeway. • Any development in middle and especially lower Tonner Canyon could have se- vere impacts on corridor function, especially if wildlife access to Tonner Canyon Bridge is reduced. Any development that blocks access through the bridge area would make the 57 Freeway a complete barrier to many species and would likely lead to wildlife extirpations in segments farther west. • An earlier plan to build a road running the length of Tonner Canyon would have split the Chino-Tonner “subcore” in two, potentially rendering dysfunctional the critical Tonner Bridge wildlife undercrossing for wide-ranging species such as the mountain lion, bobcat, and mule deer. • At least the middle and lower portions of Tonner Canyon should be conserved, in- cluding a prohibition on any new road or other development that would fragment this critical habitat block. • No project should be approved that would increase traffic under the Tonner Bridge or add any new impediments (structures, lights, noise, etc.) to the vicinity of the bridge. • Restore riparian vegetation along Tonner Creek, where degraded by oil develop- ment activities. • Fencing may be warranted along the 57 Freeway if monitoring suggests road mor- tality is high. Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-6 should be amended to incorporate each of these specific conservation requirements, which are necessary to maintain the viability of this criti- cally important habitat linkage/wildlife corridor that passes through Diamond Bar’s Sphere of Influence. COMMENTS ON THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION ELEMENT Figure 5-1 shows the City open space network, defined as including “designated open spaces, parks, and the Diamond Bar Golf Course, which, while developed, serves a number of open space functions.” Figure 5-1 fails to account for other open space areas that currently function as de facto components of the City’s open space network. Wildlife species do not distinguish between public and private open spaces, and many native species are incapable of surviving in a highly diminished, fragmented, and degraded 7.1.f Packet Pg. 612 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 31 of 34 landscape. Planning for the future necessarily involves considering the entire extant network of natural open spaces, public and private. Figures 3a–3d from the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, reproduced on pages 19– 22 of this report, provide a practical and useful basis for characterizing the existing eco- logical conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. The EIR should in- corporate these figures, and the accompanying Table A, which identifies appropriate Resource Conservation policy approaches for each substantial area of natural open space mapped in Figures 3a–3d. MIS-MAPPING OF NATURAL COMMUNITIES Figure 5-2 on page 5-11 of the DEIR is identical to Figure 3.3-1 on page 3-3-10 of the DEIR. As discussed at length previously in this letter, these maps grossly misrepresent the distribution of oak and walnut woodlands in Diamond Bar. Both maps must be cor- rected in the General Plan. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION I appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments to the City of Diamond Bar re- garding this important update to the General Plan. If you have questions, or wish to dis- cuss any matters, please do not hesitate to call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com Attached: Curriculum Vitae Proposed Amendments to Tree Protection Ordinance (10/31/19) Letter to Greg Gubman, City of Diamond Bar (2/21/29) Cc: Victoria Tang and Andrew Valand, CDFW Christine Medak, USFWS Robin Smith, Chair, Diamond Bar-Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force 7.1.f Packet Pg. 613 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 32 of 34 LITERATURE CITED Barr, K. R., B. E. Kus, K. L. Preston, S. Howell, E. Perkins, and A. G. Vandergast. 2015. Habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California disrupts genetic connectivity in the Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brun- neicapillus). Molecular Ecology 24:2349–2363. Bauder, E. T., and S. McMillan. 1998. Current distribution and historical extent of vernal pools in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Pp. 56–70 in Ecology, Conservation and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems (C. W. Witham, E. T. Bauder, D. Belk, W. R. Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduffm, edi- tors). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Bolger, D. T. 2007. Spatial and temporal variation in the Argentine ant edge effect: implications for the mechanism of edge limitation. Biological Conservation 136:295–305. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, and M. E. Soulé. 1991. Occurrence patterns of bird species in habitat fragments: sampling, extinction, and nested species subsets. The American Naturalist 137(2):155–166. Bolger, D. T., T. A. Scott, and J. T. Rotenberry. 1997a. Breeding bird abundance in an urbanizing landscape in coastal southern California. Conservation Biology 11(2):406–421. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, R. M. Sauvajot, P. Potenza, C. McCalvin, D. Tran, S. Mazzoni, and M. E. Soulé. 1997b. Response of rodents to habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California. Ecological Applica- tions 7(2):552–563. Bolger, D. T., A. V. Suarez, K. R. Crooks, S. A. Morrison, and T. J. Case. 2000. Arthropods in urban habitat fragments in southern California: area, age, and edge effects. Ecological Applications 10(4):1230-1248. Burke, D. M., and E. Nol. 2000. Landscape and fragment size effects on reproductive success of forest- breeding birds in Ontario. Ecological Applications 10(6):1749–1761. Camargo, J. L. C., and V. Kapos. 1995. Complex edge effects on soil moisture and microclimate in central Amazonian forest. Journal of Tropical Ecology 11(2):205–221. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/me- dia/reports/files/pcmissingmiddle.pdf Crooks, K. R. 2002. Relative sensitivities of mammalian carnivores to habitat fragmentation. Conservation Biology 16(2):488–502. Crooks, K. R., and M. E. Soulé. 1999. Mesopredator release and avian extinctions in a fragmented system. Nature 400:563–566. Crooks, K. R., A. V. Suarez, D. T. Bolger, and M. E. Soulé. 2001. Extinction and colonization of birds on habitat islands. Conservation Biology 15(1):159–172. Drolet, A., C. Dussault, and S. D. Côté. 2016. Simulated drilling noise affects the space use of a large terres- trial mammal. Wildlife Biology 22(6):284–293. Fahrig, L. 2003. Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 34:487–515. Fisher, R. N., A. V. Suarez, and T. J. Case. 2002. Spatial patterns in the abundance of the Coastal Horned Lizard. Conservation Biology 16(1):205–215. Fletcher Jr., R. J., L. Ries, J. Battin, and A. D. Chalfoun. 2007. The role of habitat area and edge in frag- mented landscapes: definitively distinct or inevitably intertwined? Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:1017–1030. Haas, C., and K. Crooks. 1999. Carnivore Abundance and Distribution Throughout the Puente-Chino Hills, Final Report – 1999. Report prepared for The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and State of California Department of Transportation. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 614 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 33 of 34 Haas, C., and G. Turschak. 2002. Responses of Large and Medium-bodied Mammals to Recreation Activities: the Colima Road Underpass. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority. Haas, C. D., A. R. Backlin, C. Rochester, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Monitoring Reptiles and Amphibians at Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring Stations: the Puente-Chino Hills. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority, and California State Parks. Harrison, S., and E. Bruna. 1999. Habitat fragmentation and large-scale conservation: what do we know for sure? Ecography 22(3):225–232. Holway, D. A. 2005. Edge effects of an invasive species across a natural ecological boundary. Biological Conservation 121:561–567. Holway, D. A. and A. V. Suarez. 2006. Homogenization of ant communities in Mediterranean California: the effects of urbanization and invasion. Biological Conservation 127:319–326. Hung, K. J., J. S. Ascher, J. Gibbs, R. E. Irwin, and D. T. Bolger. 2015. Effects of fragmentation on a distinc- tive coastal sage scrub bee fauna revealed through incidental captures by pitfall traps. Journal of Insect Conservation DOI 10.1007. Kristan, W. B. III, A. J. Lynam, M. V. Price, and J. T. Rotenberry. 2003. Alternative causes of edge-abundance relationships in birds and small mammals of California coastal sage scrub. Ecography 26:29–44. Laakkonen, J., R. N. Fisher, and T. J. Case. 2001. Effect of land cover, habitat fragmentation and ant colonies on the distribution and abundance of shrews in southern California. Journal of Animal Ecology 70(5):776–788. Laurance, W. F., and R. O. Bierregaard Jr., eds. 1997. Tropical forest remnants: ecology, management, and conservation of fragmented communities. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Laurance, W. F., H. E. M. Nascimento, S. G. Laurance, A. Andrade, R. M. Ewers, K. E. Harms, R. C. C. Luizão, and J. E. Ribeiro. 2007. Habitat fragmentation, variable edge effects, and the landscape-diver- gence hypothesis. PLoS ONE 2(10):e1017. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. Described as a “resource for assisting County staff when processing development applications that are not exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and may impact oak woodlands. The Guide includes definitions, application proce- dures, case processing, project mitigation and mitigation monitoring.” http://planning.lacounty.gov/as- sets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf Matlack, G. R. 1994. Vegetation dynamics of the forest edge – trends in space and successional time. Journal of Ecology 82(1):113–123. Mattoni, R., and T. Longcore. 1997. The Los Angeles coastal prairie, a vanished community. Crossosoma 23:71–102. McCaull, J. 1994. The natural community conservation planning program and the coastal sage scrub ecosys- tem of southern California. In Environmental Policy and Biodiversity (R. E. Grumbine, editor). Island Press, Washington, D.C. Mitrovich, M., T. Matsuda, K. H. Pease, and R. N. Fisher. 2010. Ants as a measure of effectiveness of habitat conservation planning in southern California. Conservation Biology 24:1239–1248. Murcia, C. 1995. Edge effects in fragmented forests: implications for conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evo- lution 10(2):58–62. Noss, R. F. 1983. A regional landscape approach to maintain diversity. BioScience 33(11):700–706. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 615 Comments, Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Biological Resource Issues Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 34 of 34 O’Leary, J. F. 1990. California coastal sage scrub: general characteristics and considerations for biological conservation. In: A. A. Schoenherr (ed.). Endangered Plant Communities of Southern California, South- ern California Botanists Special Publication No. 3. Ries, L., and T. D. Sisk. 2004. A predictive model of edge effects. Ecology 85(11):2917–2926. Riley, S. P. D., G. T. Busteed, L. B. Kats, T. L. Vandergon, L. F. S. Lee, R. G. Dagit, J. L. Kerby, R. N. Fisher, and R. M. Sauvajot. 2005. Effects of urbanization on the distribution and abundance of amphibians and invasive species in southern California streams. Conservation Biology 19:1894–1907. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. A Manual of California Vegetation, second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Sisk, T. D., N. M. Haddad, and P. R. Ehrlich. 1997. Bird assemblages in patchy woodlands: modeling the effects of edge and matrix habitats. Ecological Applications 7(4):1170–1180. Soulé, M. E. 1991. Theory and strategy. In: W. E. Hudson (ed.). Landscape Linkages and Biodiversity. Island Press, Covello, CA. Soulé, M. E., A. C. Alberts, and D. T. Bolger. 1992. The effects of habitat fragmentation on chaparral plants and vertebrates. Oikos 63(1):39–47. Soulé, M. E., D. T. Bolger, A. C. Alberts, J. Wright, M. Sorice, and S. Hill. 1988. Reconstructed dynamics of rapid extinctions of chaparral-requiring birds in urban habitat islands. Conservation Biology 2(1):75–92. Suarez, A. V., D. T. Bolger and T. J. Case. 1998. Effects of fragmentation and invasion on native ant commu- nities in coastal southern California. Ecology 79(6):2041–2056. Temple, S. A., and J. R. Cary. 1988. Modeling dynamics of habitat-interior bird populations in fragmented landscapes. Conservation Biology 2(4):340–347. Treseder, K. K., and K. L. McGuire. 2009. Links Between Plant and Fungal Diversity in Habitat Fragments of Coastal Sage Scrub. The 94th ESA Annual Meeting, 2009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Risk mitigation decision for ten rodenticides. Report dated May 28, 2008. https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0764 Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopel- matus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. Vaughan, J. R. 2010. Local Geographies of the Coastal Cactus Wren and the Coastal California Gnatcatcher on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Master of Science thesis, San Diego State University, San Di- ego, California. 97 pp. Wilcove, D. S. 1985. Nest predation in forest tracks and the decline of migratory songbirds. Ecology 66(4)1211–1214. Wolkovich, E. M., D. T. Bolger, and K. L. Cottingham. 2009. Invasive grass litter facilitates native shrubs through abiotic effects. Journal of Vegetation Science 20:1121–1132. Woodroffe, R., and J. R. Ginsberg. 1998. Edge effects and the extinction of populations inside protected ar- eas. Science 280:2126–2128. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 616 Appendix A Expertise Endangered Species Surveys General Biological Surveys CEQA Analysis Population Monitoring Vegetation Mapping Construction Monitoring Noise Monitoring Open Space Planning Natural Lands Management Education 1988. Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine Professional Experience 1994 to Present. Independent Biological Consultant, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 1988 to 1994. Biologist, LSA Associates, Inc. Permits Federal Permit No. TE-799557 to survey for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher MOUs with the California Dept. of Fish and Game to survey for Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Coastal Cactus Wren. California Scientific Collecting Permit No. SC-001107 Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. Robert A. Hamilton has been providing biological consulting services in southern California since 1988. He spent the formative years of his career at the firm of LSA Associates in Irvine, where he was a staff biologist and project manager. He has worked as an independent and on-call consultant since 1994, incorporating his business as Hamilton Biological, Inc., in 2009. The consultancy specializes in the practical application of environmental policies and regulations to land management and land use decisions in southern California. A recognized authority on the status, distribution, and identification of birds in California, Mr. Hamilton is the lead author of two standard references describing aspects of the state’s avifauna: The Birds of Orange County: Status & Distribution and Rare Birds of California. Mr. Hamilton has also conducted extensive studies in Baja California, and for seven years edited the Baja California Peninsula regional reports for the journal North American Birds. He served ten years on the editorial board of Western Birds and regularly publishes in peer-reviewed journals. He is a founding member of the Coastal Cactus Wren Working Group and in 2011 updated the Cactus Wren species account for The Birds of North America Online. Mr. Hamilton’s expertise includes vegetation mapping. From 2007 to 2010 he worked as an on-call biological analyst for the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning. From 2010 to present he has conducted construction monitoring and focused surveys for special-status bird species on the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP). He is a former member of the Los Angeles County Significant Ecological Areas Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC). Mr. Hamilton conducts general and focused biological surveys of small and large properties as necessary to obtain various local, state, and federal permits, agreements, and clearances. He also conducts landscape- level surveys needed by land managers to monitor songbird populations. Mr. Hamilton holds the federal and state permits and MOUs listed to the left, and he is recog- nized by federal and state resource agencies as being highly qualified to survey for the Least Bell’s Vireo. He also provides nest-monitoring services in compliance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish & Game Code Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 617 Curriculum Vitae for Robert A. Hamilton Page 2 of 7 Board Memberships, Advisory Positions, Etc. Friends of Colorado Lagoon, Board Member (2014–present) Coastal Cactus Wren Working Group (2008–present) Los Angeles County Significant Ecological Areas Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC) (2010–2014) American Birding Association: Baja Calif. Peninsula Regional Editor, North American Birds (2000–2006) Western Field Ornithologists: Associate Editor of Western Birds (1999–2008) California Bird Records Committee (1998–2001) Nature Reserve of Orange County: Technical Advisory Committee (1996–2001) California Native Plant Society, Orange County Chapter: Conservation Chair (1992–2003) Professional Affiliations American Ornithologists’ Union Cooper Ornithological Society Institute for Bird Populations California Native Plant Society Southern California Academy of Sciences Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology Mr. Hamilton is an expert photographer, and typically provides photo-documentation and/or video documentation as part of his services. Drawing upon a robust, multi-disciplinary understanding of the natural history and ecology of his home region, Mr. Hamilton works with private and public land owners, as well as governmental agencies and interested third parties, to apply the local, state, and federal land use policies and regulations applicable to each particular situation. Mr. Hamilton has amassed extensive experience in the preparation and independent review of CEQA documents, from relatively simple Negative Declarations to complex supplemental and recirculated Environmental Impact Reports. In addition to his knowledge of CEQA and its Guidelines, Mr. Hamilton understands how each Lead Agency brings its own interpretive variations to the CEQA review process. Representative Project Experience From 2008 to present, Mr. Hamilton has served as the main biological consultant for the Banning Ranch Conservancy, a local citizens’ group that successfully defeated efforts to implement a large proposed residential and commercial project on the 400-acre Banning Ranch property in Newport Beach. Mr. Hamilton reviewed, analyzed, and responded to numerous biological reports prepared by the project proponent, and testified at multiple public hearings of the California Coastal Commission. In September 2016, the Commission denied the application for a Coastal Development Permit for the project, citing, in part, Mr. Hamilton’s analysis of biological issues. In March 2017, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion (Banning Ranch Conservancy v. City of Newport Beach) holding that the EIR prepared by the City of Newport Beach improperly failed to identify areas of the site that might qualify as “environmentally sensitive habitat areas” under the California Coastal Act. In nullifying the certification of the EIR, the Court found that the City “ignored its obligation to integrate CEQA review with the requirements of the Coastal Act.” 7.1.f Packet Pg. 618 Curriculum Vitae for Robert A. Hamilton Page 3 of 7 Insurance $3,000,000 professional liability policy (Hanover Insurance Group) $2,000,000 general liability policy (The Hartford) $1,000,000 auto liability policy (State Farm) Other Relevant Experience Field Ornithologist, San Diego Natural History Museum Scientific Collecting Expedition to Central and Southern Baja California, October/November 1997 and November 2003. Field Ornithologist, Island Conservation and Ecology Group Expedition to the Tres Marías Islands, Nayarit, Mexico, 23 January to 8 February 2002. Field Ornithologist, Algalita Marine Research Foundation neustonic plastic research voyages in the Pacific Ocean, 15 August to 4 September 1999 and 14 to 28 July 2000. Field Assistant, Bird Banding Study, Río Ñambí Reserve, Colombia, January to March 1997. References Provided upon request. In 2014/2015, on behalf of Audubon California, Mr. Hamilton collaborated with Dan Cooper on A Conservation Vision for the Los Cerritos Wetlands, Los Angeles County/Orange County, California. The goals of this comprehensive review of ongoing conceptual restoration planning by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority were (a) to review the conceptual planning and the restoration work that had been completed to date, and (b) to set forth additional conservation priorities for the more intensive phases of restoration that were being contemplated. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Hamilton collaborated with Dan Cooper on A Conservation Analysis for the Santa Monica Mountains “Coastal Zone” in Los Angeles County, and worked with Mr. Cooper and the County of Los Angeles to secure a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) for 52,000 acres of unincorporated County lands in the Santa Monica Mountains coastal zone. The work involved synthesizing large volumes of existing baseline information on the biological resources of the study area, evaluating existing land use policies, and developing new policies and guidelines for future development within this large, ecologically sensitive area. A coalition of environmental organizations headed by the Surfrider Foundation selected this project as the “Best 2014 California Coastal Commission Vote” (http://www.surfrider.org/images/uploads/2014CCC_Vote_Chart_FINAL.pdf). In 2010, under contract to CAA Planning, Mr. Hamilton served as principal author of the Conservation & Management Plan for Marina del Rey, Los Angeles County, California. This comprehensive planning document has two overarching goals: (1) to promote the long-term conservation of all native species that exist in, or that may be expected to return to, Marina del Rey, and (2) to diminish the potential for conflicts between wildlife populations and both existing and planned human uses of Marina del Rey (to the benefit of humans and wildlife alike). After peer-review, the Plan was accepted by the Coastal Commission as an appropriate response to the varied challenges posed by colonial waterbirds and other biologically sensitive resources colonizing urban areas once thought to have little resource conservation value. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 619 Curriculum Vitae for Robert A. Hamilton Page 4 of 7 Contact Information Robert A. Hamilton, President Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 (office, mobile) robb@hamiltonbiological.com http://hamiltonbiological.com Third Party Review of CEQA Documents Under contract to cities, conservation groups, homeowners’ associations, and other interested parties, Mr. Hamilton has reviewed EIRs and other project documentation for the following projects: • Otay Village 13 (residential, County of San Diego) • Otay Village 14, Planning Areas 16/19 (residential, County of San Diego) • Western Snowy Plover Management Plan (resource management, City of Newport Beach) • Sanderling Waldorf School (commercial, City of Encinitas) • Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan (open space planning, City of Diamond Bar) • UC San Diego Long-range Development Plan (institutional, UC Regents) • El Monte Sand Mining Project (resource extraction, County of San Diego) • Faria/Southwest Hills Annexation Project (residential, City of Pittsburg) • Los Cerritos Oil Consolidation/Wetland Restoration Project (resource extraction/habitat restoration, City of Long Beach) • Safari Highlands Ranch (residential, City of Escondido) • Newland Sierra (residential, County of San Diego) • Harmony Grove Village South (residential, County of San Diego) • Vegetation Treatment Program (statewide fire management plan, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) • Watermark Del Mar Specific Plan (residential, City of Del Mar) • Newport Banning Ranch (residential/commercial, City of Newport Beach) • Davidon/Scott Ranch (residential, City of Petaluma) • Mission Trails Regional Park Master Plan Update (open space planning, City of San Diego) • Esperanza Hills (residential, County of Orange) • Warner Ranch (residential, County of San Diego) • Dog Beach, Santa Ana River Mouth (open space planning, County of Orange) • Gordon Mull subdivision (residential, City of Glendora) • The Ranch at Laguna Beach (resort, City of Laguna Beach) • Sunset Ridge Park (city park, City of Newport Beach) • The Ranch Plan (residential/commercial, County of Orange) • Southern Orange County Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Project (Foothill South Toll Road, County of Orange) • Gregory Canyon Landfill Restoration Plan (proposed mitigation, County of San Diego) • Montebello Hills Specific Plan EIR (residential, City of Montebello; 2009 and 2014 circulations) • Cabrillo Mobile Home Park Violations (illegal wetland filling, City of Huntington Beach) • Newport Hyatt Regency (timeshare conversion project, City of Newport Beach) • Lower San Diego Creek “Emergency Repair Project” (flood control, County of Orange) • Tonner Hills (residential, City of Brea) • The Bridges at Santa Fe Units 6 and 7 (residential, County of San Diego) • Villages of La Costa Master Plan (residential/commercial, City of Carlsbad) • Whispering Hills (residential, City of San Juan Capistrano) • Santiago Hills II (residential/commercial, City of Orange) • Rancho Potrero Leadership Academy (youth detention facility/road, County of Orange) • Saddle Creek/Saddle Crest (residential, County of Orange) • Frank G. Bonelli Regional County Park Master Plan (County of Los Angeles) 7.1.f Packet Pg. 620 Curriculum Vitae for Robert A. Hamilton Page 5 of 7 Selected Presentations Hamilton, R. A. Birds of Colorado Lagoon. 2018-2019. 60-minute multimedia presentation on the history and avifauna of Colorado Lagoon in southeastern Long Beach, given at Audubon Society chapter meetings. Hamilton, R. A. Six Legs Good. 2012-2017. 90-minute multimedia presentation on the identification and photography of dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, and other invertebrates, given at Audubon Society chapter meetings, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, etc. Hamilton, R. A., and Cooper, D. S. 2016. Nesting Bird Policies: We Can Do Better. Twenty-minute multimedia presentation at The Wildlife Society Western Section Annual Meeting, February 23, 2016. Hamilton, R. A. 2012. Identification of Focal Wildlife Species for Restoration, Coyote Creek Watershed Master Plan. Twenty-minute multimedia presentation given at the Southern California Academy of Sciences annual meeting at Occidental College, Eagle Rock, 4 May. Abstract published in the Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences No. 111(1):39. Hamilton, R. A., and Cooper, D. S. 2009-2010. Conservation & Management Plan for Marina del Rey. Twenty-minute multimedia presentation given to different governmental agencies and interest groups. Hamilton, R. A. 2008. Cactus Wren Conservation Issues, Nature Reserve of Orange County. One- hour multimedia presentation for Sea & Sage Audubon Society, Irvine, California, 25 November. Hamilton, R. A., Miller, W. B., Mitrovich, M. J. 2008. Cactus Wren Study, Nature Reserve of Orange County. Twenty-minute multimedia presentation given at the Nature Reserve of Orange County’s Cactus Wren Symposium, Irvine, California, 30 April 2008. Hamilton, R. A. and K. Messer. 2006. 1999-2004 Results of Annual California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren Monitoring in the Nature Reserve of Orange County. Twenty-minute multimedia presentation given at the Partners In Flight meeting: Conservation and Management of Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Birds and Habitats, Starr Ranch Audubon Sanctuary, 21 August 2004; and at the Nature Reserve of Orange County 10th Anniversary Symposium, Irvine, California, 21 November. Publications Gómez de Silva, H., Villafaña, M. G. P., Nieto, J. C., Cruzado, J., Cortés, J. C., Hamilton, R. A., Vásquez, S. V., and Nieto, M. A. C. 2017. Review of the avifauna of The Tres Marías Islands, Mexico, including new and noteworthy records. Western Birds 47:2–25. Hamilton, R. A. 2014. Book review: The Sibley Guide to Birds, Second Edition. Western Birds 45:154– 157. Cooper, D. S., R. A. Hamilton, and S. D. Lucas. 2012. A population census of the Cactus Wren in coastal Los Angeles County. Western Birds 43:151–163. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 621 Curriculum Vitae for Robert A. Hamilton Page 6 of 7 Hamilton, R. A., J. C. Burger, and S. H. Anon. 2012. Use of artificial nesting structures by Cactus Wrens in Orange County, California. Western Birds 43:37–46. Hamilton, R. A., Proudfoot, G. A., Sherry, D. A., and Johnson, S. 2011. Cactus Wren (Campylorhyn-chus brunneicapillus), in The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, ed.). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. Hamilton, R. A. 2008. Cactus Wrens in central & coastal Orange County: How will a worst-case scenario play out under the NCCP? Western Tanager 75:2–7. Erickson, R. A., R. A. Hamilton, R. Carmona, G. Ruiz-Campos, and Z. A. Henderson. 2008. Value of perennial archiving of data received through the North American Birds regional reporting system: Examples from the Baja California Peninsula. North American Birds 62:2–9. Erickson, R. A., R. A. Hamilton, and S. G. Mlodinow. 2008. Status review of Belding’s Yellowthroat Geothlypis beldingi, and implications for its conservation. Bird Conservation International 18:219–228. Hamilton, R. A. 2008. Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor). Pp. 68-73 in California Bird Species of Special Concern: A ranked assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California (Shuford, W. D. and T. Gardali, eds.). Studies of Western Birds 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, CA, and California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. California Bird Records Committee (R. A. Hamilton, M. A. Patten, and R. A. Erickson, editors.). 2007. Rare Birds of California. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, CA. Hamilton, R. A., R. A. Erickson, E. Palacios, and R. Carmona. 2001–2007. North American Birds quarterly reports for the Baja California Peninsula Region, Fall 2000 through Winter 2006/2007. Hamilton, R. A. and P. A. Gaede. 2005. Pink-sided × Gray-headed Juncos. Western Birds 36:150–152. Mlodinow, S. G. and R. A. Hamilton. 2005. Vagrancy of Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda. North American Birds 59:172–183. Erickson, R. A., R. A. Hamilton, S. González-Guzmán, G. Ruiz-Campos. 2002. Primeros registros de anidación del Pato Friso (Anas strepera) en México. Anales del Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Serie Zoología 73(1):67–71. Hamilton, R. A. and J. L. Dunn. 2002. Red-naped and Red-breasted sapsuckers. Western Birds 33:128– 130. Hamilton, R. A. and S. N. G. Howell. 2002. Gnatcatcher sympatry near San Felipe, Baja California, with notes on other species. Western Birds 33:123–124. Hamilton, R. A. 2001. Book review: The Sibley Guide to Birds. Western Birds 32:95–96. Hamilton, R. A. and R. A. Erickson. 2001. Noteworthy breeding bird records from the Vizcaíno Desert, Baja California Peninsula. Pp. 102-105 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. Hamilton, R. A. 2001. Log of bird record documentation from the Baja California Peninsula archived at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Pp. 242–253 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. Hamilton, R. A. 2001. Records of caged birds in Baja California. Pp. 254–257 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 622 Curriculum Vitae for Robert A. Hamilton Page 7 of 7 Erickson, R. A., R. A. Hamilton, and S. N. G. Howell. 2001. New information on migrant birds in northern and central portions of the Baja California Peninsula, including species new to Mexico. Pp. 112–170 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. Howell, S. N. G., R. A. Erickson, R. A. Hamilton, and M. A. Patten. 2001. An annotated checklist of the birds of Baja California and Baja California Sur. Pp. 171–203 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. Ruiz-Campos, G., González-Guzmán, S., Erickson, R. A., and Hamilton, R. A. 2001. Notable bird specimen records from the Baja California Peninsula. Pp. 238–241 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. Wurster, T. E., R. A. Erickson, R. A. Hamilton, and S. N. G. Howell. 2001. Database of selected observations: an augment to new information on migrant birds in northern and central portions of the Baja California Peninsula. Pp. 204–237 in Monographs in Field Ornithology No. 3. American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, CO. Erickson, R. A. and R. A. Hamilton, 2001. Report of the California Bird Records Committee: 1998 records. Western Birds 32:13–49. Hamilton, R. A., J. E. Pike, T. E. Wurster, and K. Radamaker. 2000. First record of an Olive-backed Pipit in Mexico. Western Birds 31:117–119. Hamilton, R. A. and N. J. Schmitt. 2000. Identification of Taiga and Black Merlins. Western Birds 31:65–67. Hamilton, R. A. 1998. Book review: Atlas of Breeding Birds, Orange County, California. Western Birds 29:129–130. Hamilton, R. A. and D. R. Willick. 1996. The Birds of Orange County, California: Status and Distribution. Sea & Sage Press, Sea & Sage Audubon Society, Irvine. Hamilton, R. A. 1996–98. Photo Quizzes. Birding 27(4):298-301, 28(1):46-50, 28(4):309-313, 29(1): 59-64, 30(1):55–59. Erickson, R. A., and Hamilton, R. A. 1995. Geographic distribution: Lampropeltis getula californiae (California Kingsnake) in Baja California Sur. Herpetological Review 26(4):210. Bontrager, D. R., R. A. Erickson, and R. A. Hamilton. 1995. Impacts of the October 1993 Laguna fire on California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens. in J. E. Keeley and T. A. Scott (editors). Wildfires in California Brushlands: Ecology and Resource Management. International Association of Wildland Fire, Fairfield, Washington. Erickson, R. A., R. A. Hamilton, S. N. G. Howell, M. A. Patten, and P. Pyle. 1995. First record of Marbled Murrelet and third record of Ancient Murrelet for Mexico. Western Birds 26: 39–45. Erickson, R. A., and R. A. Hamilton. 1993. Additional summer bird records for southern Mexico. Euphonia 2(4): 81–91. Erickson, R. A., A. D. Barron, and R. A. Hamilton. 1992. A recent Black Rail record for Baja California. Euphonia 1(1): 19–21. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 623 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL October 31, 2019 Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO DIAMOND BAR TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE Dear Mr. Gubman, A consortium of Diamond Bar residents retained Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) to address a range of biological issues as the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) prepares to update its General Plan. This letter addresses per- ceived inadequacies of the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter 22.38 of the City of Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances). Proposed changes refer to the following areas of concern: • Corrections of outdated references (e.g., the National Arborists Association no longer exists, having been replaced by the Tree Care Industry Association) and ty- pographical errors. • Changes to bring the City’s ordinance into alignment with current industry stand- ards. For example, the County of Los Angeles’ current Oak Woodlands Conserva- tion Management Plan Guide1 requires seven years of maintenance and monitoring of all oak mitigation plantings, which reflects the experience of the County that oak plantings may survive for a few years after planting, only to fail shortly thereafter. • Ensuring that funds paid to the City for tree planting are used to promptly replace impacted trees, and to prevent against tree mitigation funds being diverted to other uses. • Establishing a City-administered program to ensure that replacement trees are planted in areas suited to their long-term survival, and not in sensitive habitat areas, such as coastal sage scrub, where they could cause adverse ecological effects. 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 624 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 2 of 9 Proposed Amendments to the Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance The following amendments, identified in “track changes,” are proposed to Chapter 22.38 of the City of Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances. Sections not proposed for chang- es are not reproduced herein. Sec. 22.38.030. - Protected trees. A protected tree is any of the following: 1. Native oak, walnut, sycamore and willow trees with a diameter at 4.5 feet above mean natural grade of five inches or greater (consistent with California Public Re- sources Code 21083.4a); 2. (2) Trees of significant historical or value as designated by the council; 3. (3) Any tree required to be preserved or relocated as a condition of approval for a discretionary permit; 4. (4) Any tree required to be planted as a condition of approval for a discretionary permit; and 5. (5) A stand of trees, the nature of which makes each tree dependent upon the oth- ers for survival. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9-16-03; Ord. No. 04(2012), § 9, 4-17-12) Sec. 22.38.040. - Damaging protected trees prohibited. Except as provided in section 22.38.060 (Exemptions), no person shall cut, prune, re- move, relocate, or otherwise destroy a protected tree. All work must be performed by a Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester in compliance with ANSI A300 standards. The topping of protected trees is prohibited. No reduction of the tree crown shall be permitted without a tree pruning permit and then only by “thinning out” selected. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.050. - Tree removal permit or tree pruning permit required. No person shall remove or relocate a protected tree or develop within the protection zone of a protected tree, or stand of trees comprising native oak woodland or walnut woodland, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the director. No person shall prune a protected tree without first obtaining a tree pruning permit from the di- rector if branches are to be pruned that are over four inches in diameter at the point of the cut. The maximum amount allowed for the pruning of a protected tree shall be 20 percent over a one-year period, except for oak trees which shall be ten percent over a one-year period. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Deleted: O Deleted: breast height (DBH) Deleted: eight Deleted: guidelines published by the National Arborists Association.… 7.1.f Packet Pg. 625 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 3 of 9 Sec. 22.38.060. - Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1. Trees, except those designated by the city council as a historical or cultural tree and trees required to be preserved, relocated, or planted as a condition of approval of a discretionary permit, located on all developed properties prior to adoption of this Development Code. 2. Trees held for sale by licensed nurseries or tree farms or the removal or transplant- ing of trees for the purpose of operating a nursery or tree farm. 3. A tree that is so damaged, diseased or in danger of falling (as verified by a Certified Arborist) that it cannot be effectively preserved, or its presence is a threat to other protected trees or existing or proposed structures. 4. Trees within public rights-of-way where their removal, pruning or relocation is necessary to obtain adequate line-of-site distances or to keep streets and sidewalks clear of obstructions as required by the city engineer. 5. Trees that present a dangerous condition requiring emergency action to preserve the public health, safety and welfare as determined by the director. 6. The maintenance of trees that interfere with a public utility’s ability to protect or maintain an electric power or communication line, or other property of a public utility, so long as the work conforms to ANSI A300 standards and the utilities ob- tain an annual, revocable permit from the city. 7. The pruning of branches not to exceed four inches in diameter or compensatory pruning, in compliance with ANSI A300 standards, intended to ensure the contin- ued health of a protected tree. 8. Native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow, or pepper trees located upon a lot one-half acre or less located on the flat pad, are exempted from these regulations. Trees over the ridgeline, growing on the natural slope are not exempt. 9. Any native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow or naturalized pepper trees planted sub- sequent to the subdivision of property of any size are exempted from these regula- tions. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9-16-03) Sec. 22.38.080. - Application submittal requirements. (a) Applications for a tree removal permit or a tree pruning permit shall be filed with the department. The department will consider an application complete when all necessary application forms, materials and exhibits, as established by the department, have been provided and accepted as ade- quate and all necessary fees have been paid. (b) The director may require the submittal of a Certified Arborist’s report be- fore accepting the application for filing. The Certified Arborist’s report Deleted: n arborist Deleted: n arborist Deleted: s 7.1.f Packet Pg. 626 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 4 of 9 shall be paid for by the applicant and may be required to include specific information as required by the director. This information may include but is not limited to: The impact on existing trees, the health and structural stability of existing trees and any remedial measures or mitigation rec- ommended. (c) Applications shall contain a justification statement for the permit; signa- ture of the property owner; and a site map containing the location of all trees located on the property, including species and diameter 4.5 feet above mean natural grade, and the protection zone of every protected tree. Applications can contain mitigation information; alternatively, a sep- arate mitigation report, including inspection requirements, can be pre- pared separately. (d) The director may require additional information when deemed necessary for permit processing. Any request for the removal or relocation of a pro- tected tree proposed in conjunction with an application for another discre- tionary permit shall be subject to approval by the same hearing body as the discretionary permit. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.110. - Findings for approval. In order to approve an application for a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit, it shall be necessary that one or more of the following findings be made, otherwise the application shall be denied: The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1. The tree is so poorly formed due to stunted growth that its preservation would not result in any substantial benefits to the community. 2. The tree interferes with utility services, or streets and highways, either within or outside of the subject property, and no reasonable alternative exists other than re- moval or pruning of the tree(s). 3. The tree is a potential public health and safety hazard due to the risk of it falling and its structural instability cannot be remediated. 4. The tree is a public nuisance by causing damage to improvements (e.g., building foundations, retaining walls, roadways/driveways, patios, and decks). 5. The tree is host to an organism which is parasitic to another species of tree which is in danger of being exterminated by the parasite. 6. The tree belongs to a species which is known to be highly flammable and has been identified as a public safety hazard by a Certified Arborist or Certified Urban For- ester. 7. Preservation of the tree is not feasible and would compromise the property owner’s reasonable use and enjoyment of property or surrounding land and appropriate Deleted: a pyrophitic or 7.1.f Packet Pg. 627 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 5 of 9 mitigation measures will be implemented in compliance with section 22.38.130 (Tree replacement/relocation standards) below. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.120. - Tagging. In the process of preparing an application for a tree removal permit or tree report, each tree is required to be physically marked for identification by consecutively numbered tags. The following method of tagging shall be used to identify and locate applicable trees: 1. A permanent tag, a minimum of two inches in length, shall be used for identifying applicable trees. The tag shall be made from a noncorrosive, all-weather material and be permanently attached to the tree in a manner preserving its health and via- bility. 2. Tags shall be located on the north side of the tree at a height of 4.5 feet above natu- ral grade. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.130. - Tree replacement/relocation standards. (a) Replacement trees shall be either the same species as that being replaced or a protected tree species indigenous to Diamond Bar. (b) Replacement trees shall be planted at a minimum 2:1 ratio for residential properties less than 20,000 square feet. Residential parcels greater than 20,000 square feet and commercial and industrial properties shall be planted at a minimum 3:1 ratio. The director or commission may grant ex- ceptions to these requirements or may require additional replacement trees based on the following considerations: 1. The vegetative character of the subject property. 2. The number of protected trees which are proposed to be removed in re- lation to the number of protected trees currently existing on the subject property. 3. The anticipated effectiveness of the replacement of trees, as determined by Certified Arborist’s report submitted by the applicant. (c) Replacement trees shall be a minimum box size of 24 inches for six or few- er replacement trees. For greater than six replacement trees, the sizes shall be determined by the director. Smaller container sizes may be approved by the director or commission when additional replacement trees are pro- vided significantly exceeding the required replacement ratios. (d) Tree relocation or replacement shall be on the same site to the extent feasi- ble. A written report by an arborist is required concerning the methodolo- gy and feasibility of transplanting trees. Deleted: four and one-half Deleted: indigenous to the area whenever feasible as determined by an arborist Deleted: arborists’ 7.1.f Packet Pg. 628 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 6 of 9 (e) Where site conditions preclude the long-term success of replacement trees, the director or commission may require either or both of the following al- ternatives: 1. Planting replacement trees on public property (e.g., designated open space areas or public parks); and/or 2. Payment of an in-lieu fee into a city-administered Tree Mitigation Pro- gram. 3. The city shall retain a qualified biologist and Certified Arborist or Certi- fied Urban Forester to establish a Tree Mitigation Program to ensure that replacement trees are planted on public property in areas that (a) shall not impact any existing sensitive habitat areas; (b) are appropriate for the long-term survival of native trees planted as mitigation; and (c) shall be maintained and preserved by the city, in perpetuity, as natural open space for the mitigation trees and any associated understory species deemed appropriate to provide valuable woodland habitat. 4. The in-lieu fee amount shall be determined by the city based upon the cost of establishing and administering the above-referenced Tree Mitiga- tion Program. 5. The city shall demonstrate that all tree replacement plantings take place within one year (365 days) of tree removal. (f) The applicant may be required as a condition of permit approval to enter into a tree maintenance agreement prior to removal of any protected tree or commencement of construction activities that may adversely affect the health and survival of trees to be preserved. The maintenance agreement may include provisions for the submittal of arborist’s reports during and after construction activities, installation of replacement trees and irrigation systems by or under the supervision of a certified arborist, replacement of trees that die during or after construction phases, periodic fertilizing and pruning, and submittal of a security deposit as may be necessary to ensure the health and survival of the affected trees during the effective date of the tree maintenance agreement. The performance security shall be required for a minimum of seven years from the date of the approval or as deter- mined by the director. The amount of the performance security deposit shall be equal to 125 percent of the cost of a nursery grown tree and instal- lation by a qualified professional. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Deleted: Monetary donation Deleted: to a tree replacement fund in the amount equal to the value of required replacement trees, and the cost of installation as established by an arborist’s Deleted: may Deleted: three 7.1.f Packet Pg. 629 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 7 of 9 Sec. 22.38.140. - Tree protection requirements. The director shall determine during project review whether and to what extent measures will be required to protect the existing trees during construction. This deci- sion shall be based upon the proximity of the area of construction activity to existing protected trees. The protective measures shall include but are not limited to the follow- ing: 1. The existing trees to be retained shall be enclosed by chain link fencing with a min- imum height of five feet or by another protective barrier approved by the director prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit and prior to commencement of work. 2. Barriers shall be placed at least ten feet outside the drip line of trees to be protect- ed. A lesser distance may be approved by the director if appropriate to the species and the adjacent construction activity, and if all appropriate measures are taken to minimize potential impacts (e.g., use of steel plates over a mulch base to reduce soil compaction in the critical root zone). 3. No grade changes shall be made within the protective barriers without prior ap- proval by the director. Where roots greater than one inch in diameter are damaged or exposed, the roots shall be cleanly saw cut and covered with soil in conform- ance with industry standards. 4. Excavation or landscape preparation within the protective barriers shall be limited to the use of hand tools and small hand-held power tools and shall not be of a depth that could cause root damage. 5. No attachments or wires other than those of a protective or nondamaging nature shall be attached to a protected tree. 6. No equipment or debris of any kind shall be placed within the protective barriers. No fuel, paint, solvent, oil, thinner, asphalt, cement, grout or any other construc- tion chemical shall be stored or allowed in any manner to enter within the protect- ed barrier. 7. If access within the protection zone of a protected tree is required during the con- struction process, the route shall be covered in a six-inch mulch bed in the drip line area and the area shall be aerated and fertilized at the conclusion of the con- struction. 8. When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be raised, drain tiles shall be laid over the soil to drain liquids away from the trunk. The number of drains shall depend upon the soil material. Lighter sandy soils and porous gravelly material re- quire fewer drains than heavy nonporous soils like clay. Dry wells shall be large enough to allow for maximum growth of the tree trunk. Dry well walls shall be constructed of materials that permit passage of air and water. 9. When the existing grade around a tree is to be lowered, either by terracing or a re- taining wall, a combination may be used to lower grade. With either method, the Deleted: five 7.1.f Packet Pg. 630 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 8 of 9 area within the drip line shall be left at the original grade. The retaining wall shall be porous to allow for aeration. 10. Trees that have been destroyed or that have received major damage during con- struction shall be replaced prior to final inspection. Any trees damaged or de- stroyed shall be replaced in kind, and a 7-year maintenance period shall be re- quired to ensure establishment. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.150. - Post decision procedures. (a) Appeals. Decisions of the director shall be considered final unless an ap- peal is filed in compliance with chapter 22.74 (Appeals). The decision of the director may be appealed to the planning commission. The decision of the commission may be appealed to the council. (b) Expiration/extension. A tree removal permit or tree pruning permit shall be exercised within one year from the date of approval or other time frame that may be established with a discretionary permit approval. Time exten- sions, for up to a total of two additional years, may be granted in compli- ance with chapter 22.66 (Permit Implementation and Time Extensions). If a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit is not exercised within the established time frame, and a time extension is not granted, the provisions of chapter 22.66 (Permit Implementation and Time Extensions) shall ap- ply. (c) Construction monitoring. Monitoring of tree protection and restoration measures specified as conditions of approval shall be performed by site inspection conducted by the director, or by a Certified Arborist or Certi- fied Urban Forester . (d) Revocation. A tree removal permit or tree pruning permit may be revoked or modified, in compliance with chapter 22.76 (Revoca- tions/Modifications), if it is found that the tree removal, relocation or pro- tection activities: 1. Resulted from misrepresentation or fraud; 2. Have not been implemented in a timely manner; 3. Have not met, or has violated, any conditions of approval; 4. Are in violation of any code, law, ordinance or statute; 5. Are detrimental to public health, safety or welfare; or 6. Constitute a nuisance. Deleted: an arborist Deleted: Has Deleted: Has Deleted: Is Deleted: Is Deleted: s 7.1.f Packet Pg. 631 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. October 31, 2019 Page 9 of 9 (e) Enforcement. 1. Any person who cuts, damages, or moves a protected tree in violation of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor in compliance with section 22.78.060 (Legal Remedies). 2. Violation of this chapter during construction activity may result in an immediate stop-work order issued by the city, until permits are obtained along with proper mitigation. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.160. - Tree replacement fund. Moneys received by the city in lieu of replacement trees as provided for in section 22.38.130 (Tree Replacement/Relocation Standards), or as civil penalties for violations of this chapter shall be deposited in a tree replacement fund and the city’s general fund, respectively. Funds collected by the city for the tree replacement fund and interest earned thereon shall be used solely for the planting of trees or other vegetation on pub- licly owned property, under the auspices of the Tree Mitigation Program provided for in section 22.38.130(e). (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) CONCLUSION Hamilton Biological appreciates the opportunity to propose amendments to the Dia- mond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. If you have questions, please call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com 7.1.f Packet Pg. 632 H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL February 21, 2019 Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT FOR OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION ELEMENT DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Dear Mr. Gubman, Working on behalf of a consortium of Diamond Bar residents, including Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation, Responsible Land Use, and the Diamond Bar/Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force, Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) has prepared a biological resources report (hereafter the “Hamilton Biological Report”) for you to consider incorporating into an Open Space and Conservation Element for the forthcoming update to the General Plan for the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”). As explained on page III-1 of the 1995 General Plan, the City did not include an Open Space and Conservation Element in the last iteration of the General Plan: Open Space Elements and Conservation Elements were first required to be a part of city and county General Plans in 1970. Within Diamond Bar, many issues dealing with conservation also overlap issues related to open space, such as “open space for the preservation of natu- ral resources” and “open space for the managed production of resources” (State of Califor- nia General Plan Guidelines). As a result of this overlap and interdependency, these two General Plan requirements have been combined into a Resource Management Element, which is permitted under State law. My clients, long-time residents of Diamond Bar, believe that this “resource manage- ment” approach has been inadequately protective of sensitive resources and natural open space areas. They retained Hamilton Biological to address these specific concerns. As described in the attached Curriculum Vitae, I have been working as a consultant in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas since 1988. My company, Hamilton Biologi- cal, specializes in third-party review of technical biological reports and CEQA docu- mentation. I am familiar with the prior work of PCR and ESA, the consultants responsi- ble for the biological resources section of the Redline Draft Existing Conditions Report, Volume 3, Environmental Constraints and Opportunities; and Public Facilities, Services, and Utilities, dated February 21, 2017 (hereafter the “Redline Draft” or the “Dyett & Bhatia Report”). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 633 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 2 of 10 The information and analyses contained in this biological resources report are proposed to be incorporated into the updated General Plan that the City is preparing. In compli- ance with State law, the General Plan should contain a complete Open Space and Con- servation Element that addresses such topics as hazardous materials, air quality, and climate change, in addition to the biological resource issues addressed in Hamilton Bio- logical’s report. The first part of this letter provides two examples of recent lapses in CEQA review and land-use planning that highlight the need for expanded and improved General Plan policies. The second part reviews some important deficiencies in Section 2.2 of the Dyett & Bhatia Report, inadequacies that prevent that report from serving as the biological resources section of the Open Space and Conservation Element of an updated Diamond Bar General Plan. GENERAL PLAN MUST IDENTIFY AND PROTECT SENSITIVE RESOURCES The 1995 General Plan provides the City no clear direction for identifying and protect- ing sensitive natural resources. As a result, ecologically damaging actions have been taken without adequate CEQA review, a process designed to identify and avoid signifi- cant adverse effects upon sensitive habitat areas and associated special-status species. As recent examples, in Pantera Park, the City established a dog park adjacent to a high- ly sensitive hillside of coastal sage scrub occupied by California Gnatcatchers and Cac- tus Wrens, and along Summitridge Trail the City created another major trail through the same type of habitat, where the same species are known to occur (see Figures 1–6 on the following pages). Under CEQA, the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of sensitive natural communi- ties, such as coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, and associated special-status species, such as the California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, should be identified as significant adverse effects. Under CEQA such effects must be avoided, to the extent feasible. Any unavoidable significant impacts must be mitigated, and if potentially significant effects remain after mitigation the CEQA lead agency must issue findings of overriding con- siderations. In the following examples, it appears that the City failed to subject ecologically damag- ing actions to any legitimate form of CEQA review. This abdication of stewardship not only violates the public trust, it also leaves the City vulnerable to potentially costly legal challenges. As the City contemplates the first update to its General Plan in 24 years, it is in everyone’s best interest to incorporate up-to-date resource management policies that (a) protect against further loss, fragmentation, and degradation of sensitive habitats, and (b) establish formal procedures and a bureaucratic structure to ensure faithful exe- cution of the City’s responsibilities as a CEQA lead agency. In cases where significant adverse effects cannot be completely avoided, necessitating habitat restoration or pay- ment of in-lieu fees as mitigation, the City must be able to demonstrate and substantiate the promised ecological benefits of the mitigation actions to the public and deci- 7.1.f Packet Pg. 634 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 3 of 10 sionmakers. Figure 1. Photo, facing northeast, show- ing the Pantera Park dog park, estab- lished in 2013, and a trail established in 2017. The City appears not to have prepared an EIR to evaluate potential impacts to California Gnatcatchers, Cactus Wrens, or other special-status species known to occur in this park. Robert A. Hamilton, 1/4/19. Figure 2. Aerial image from Google Earth, dated March 7, 2011, showing largely intact stands of coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub pre-project. Figure 3. Aerial image from Google Earth, dated June 8, 2018, showing the post-project condition of the dog park and trail area. Substantial areas of coastal sage scrub were removed, fragmented, and degraded by increased levels of human/canine disturbance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 635 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 4 of 10 Figure 4. Photo, facing north, showing a trail established at Summitridge Trail in 2017. The City appears not to have prepared an EIR to evaluate potential impacts to California Gnatcatchers, Cactus Wrens, and other special-status species in this area. Robert A. Hamil- ton, 1/8/19. Figures 5, 6. Aerial images from Google Earth, dated April 23, 2014 (left) and June 8, 2018 (right), showing the area of intact cactus scrub where a major trail was established in 2014/2015. Substantial areas of this sensitive community were removed, fragmented, and degraded by increased levels of human disturbance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 636 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 5 of 10 REVIEW OF DYETT & BHATIA REPORT Methods Not Described, Literature Not Cited The Dyett & Bhatia Report fails to describe the methods by which the authors defined and categorized biological resources present, or potentially present, in the City and its Sphere of Influence (hereafter the “Study Area”). For example, a note below Table 2-2 on page 11 (Vegetation Communities Within Diamond Bar) states that this information was provided by “Environmental Science Associates, Reconnaissance Survey, 2016”. The report fails to specify the methods by which the vegetation communities were mapped and field-checked, the number of days were spent in the field, etc. Since the re- port lacks a Literature Cited section, a reader cannot determine whether this infor- mation might be provided elsewhere. Some sections of the report, such as “General Land Cover in the Planning Area” and “Wildlife Movement,” address the City plus its Sphere of Influence (i.e., the Study Ar- ea). Other sections, such as “Special Status Species and Habitats,” limit consideration strictly to the city limits. No explanation is given for this inconsistency. Natural Communities Mis-Mapped Part of my study involved identifying the main natural communities occurring in natu- ral open space areas scattered throughout the Study Area. As shown in Figure 7, below, oak woodlands occur extensively throughout the undeveloped parts of the Study Area: Figure 7. Excerpt from Figure 3 in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide1 showing the southeastern part of the County and accurately depicting exten- sive oak woodlands in the Study Area. Beige polygons represent oak wood- lands. During my own field work I have observed that, throughout the Study Area, oak wood- lands cover much larger areas than do walnut woodlands. The Dyett & Bhatia Report provides no explanation for the contrary findings depicted in their Figure 2-1. Dyett & Bhatia’s claim of 1,189.9 acres of California Walnut Woodland in the Study Area, com- pared with only 206.9 acres of Coast Live Oak Woodland and 585.4 acres of walnut/oak woodlands, represents an error that grossly under-represents the extent of oak wood- 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan- guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 637 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 6 of 10 lands in the Study Area. If the City determines that large-scale mapping of natural communities is needed for the General Plan update, the mapping provided in the Dyett & Bhatia report must be completely revised and carefully field-checked for accuracy. Ineffective and Incomplete Discussion of Wildlife Populations On Pages 16–17, under the heading “Common Wildlife,” the Dyett & Bhatia Report states: The plant communities discussed above provide wildlife habitat. While a few wildlife spe- cies are entirely dependent on a single natural community or on only a few of these com- munities, other wildlife species use most or all of the entire mosaic of all the plant commu- nities within the city and adjoining areas. Other species are highly tolerant of urban and suburban environments and proliferate within developed areas. Following is a discussion of wildlife populations within the city, segregated by taxonomic group. This vague discussion provides no useful information about wildlife populations, common or otherwise, and no analyses relevant to CEQA planning. The “discussion of wildlife populations within the city, segregated by taxonomic group,” is nowhere to be found in the report. Ineffective and Incomplete Discussion of Wildlife Movement The discussion of wildlife movement on page 17 of the Dyett & Bhatia Report mentions the important Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, and cites several the studies con- ducted therein, but fails to identify any management actions or land-use policies that would ensure the continued viability of this regionally important corridor. Further- more, the report fails to discuss or evaluate wildlife movement or habitat connectivity issues at the local level. Failure to provide for habitat connectivity in the past has led to the current situation, in which large areas of preserved natural open space in the City either lack any connection to the larger natural open space system, or maintain only tenuous connections across roads or other barriers. To avoid further isolating large are- as of natural habitat, responsible planning must prioritize preservation and enhance- ment of habitat linkages between natural open space blocks within the city limits. Inadequate and Inaccurate Discussion of Sensitive Communities Page 18 of the Dyett & Bhatia Report identifies “three plant communities considered sensitive by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)” that occur “within city boundaries”: Venturan coastal sage scrub, southern willow scrub, and California walnut woodland. The three CDFW-sensitive communities identified in the Dyett & Bhatia Report ex- cludes the various California Sycamore plant associations that occur in the area, all of which are designated as sensitive by the CDFW. It also ignores four coast live oak woodland associations present, or potentially present, that CDFW designates as sensi- tive (Quercus agrifolia/Juglans californica; Q. agrifolia/Q. berberidifolia/x acutidens; Q. agri- folia/Salvia leucophylla – Artemisia californica; Q. agrifolia/Salix lasiolepis). The Dyett & 7.1.f Packet Pg. 638 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 7 of 10 Bhatia Report also fails to note that all oak woodlands within the unincorporated Sphere of Influence are recognized as sensitive under the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan2, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21083. Furthermore, the Dyett & Bhatia Report assumes that no perennial native grasslands identified as sensitive by CDFW occur in the Study Area, even though pockets almost certainly occur within the non-native annual grasslands. As discussed in my report: Areas of perennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non-trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. As examples, the Nassella spp. – Melica spp. herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least 2–5 percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses3; and the Bromus carinatus – Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover.4 It is likely that vernal pools/seasonal ponds occur in the site’s grasslands, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other Natural Communities. In these ways, the Dyett & Bhatia Report misrepresents the extent and variety of sensi- tive natural communities present, or potentially present, within the Study Area. Inadequate and Inaccurate Treatment of Special-Status Species Tables 2-3 and 2-4 in the Dyett & Bhatia Report identifies seven special-status plant spe- cies and 27 special-status wildlife species as having potential to occur in Diamond Bar (Sphere of Influence is ignored in this part of the report). Not a single special-status plant or wildlife species is reported as having been documented within city limits. For plants, Table 2-3 considers only the rarest species (i.e., listed species and those with California Native Plant Society [CNPS] rankings of 1A, 1B, and 2), excluding many un- common species, such as those with CNPS rank 4 (watch-list plants). The Dyett & Bhatia Report identifies four plants with “low” potential to occur and three with “mod- erate” potential to occur. By contrast, Hamilton Biological’s methodology includes all species identified in the Study Area includes all CNPS-ranked species. Based on thorough review of the patterns of occurrence of special-status plant species in the region (see mapping at https://www.calflora.org), the Hamilton Biological Report identifies 19 special-status plant species that are either known from the Study Area (four species), or that possess low, moderate, or high potential to occur there (15 species). 2 http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/bc/162273_official_20110620_oak-woodlands.pdf 3 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/536 4 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/499 7.1.f Packet Pg. 639 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 8 of 10 Note that Table 2-3 in the Dyett & Bhatia Report fails to mention that their own report depicts two special-status plant species — intermediate mariposa-lily (Calochortus weedii ssp. intermedius) and Robinson’s pepper-grass (Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii) — as occurring very close to the southern city limits. See Figure 8, below. Figure 8. Excerpt from Figure 2-2 in the Dyett & Bhatia Re- port showing two known popu- lations special-status plant spe- cies known from the Study Ar- ea, including populations of Robinson’s pepper-grass along the southern city limit. I have observed intermediate maripo- sa lily in the same area where the pepper-grass is mapped. For wildlife, Table 2-4 in the Dyett & Bhatia Report includes listed species, Fully Pro- tected Species, and California Species of Special Concern, as well as CDFW “watch list” species. As mentioned previously, their report identifies 27 special-status wildlife spe- cies as having potential to occur in the city (excluding the Sphere of Influence). Based on thorough review of the patterns of occurrence of special-status wildlife species in the region, the Hamilton Biological Report identifies 44 special-status wildlife species that are either known from the Study Area, or that possess potential to occur there. Species documented within city limits include the Golden Eagle, federally threatened California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, and Tricolored Blackbird. The Hamilton Biological Report identifies three native invertebrate species — two shoulderband snails and a bumblebee — that NatureServe ranks as Imperiled and/or Critically Imperiled at global and/or state levels as having high potential to occur in Diamond Bar. The Dyett & Bhatia Report does not include species based upon Nature- Serve rankings. As explained in my report: In some cases, species have not been granted special status by state or federal agencies, but they may be recognized as ecologically sensitive by the California Natural Diversity Data- base (CNDDB), which uses a ranking methodology maintained by NatureServe. Species are given a Global rank (G-rank) that applies to the taxon’s entire distribution, and a State rank (S-rank) that applies to the taxon’s state distribution. Taxa with rankings of G1, G2, G3, S1, S2, or S3 may be considered “sensitive” and potentially worthy of special consideration in resource planning. The Dyett & Bhatia Report also excludes species that the Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group has identified as sensitive at the county level: http://planning.lacounty.gov/site/sea/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LA-Countys-Sensitive-Bird-Species.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 640 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 9 of 10 As discussed on page E6 of the above-referenced publication: The members of our Working Group regard all species on this list as being at risk of extirpa- tion from Los Angeles County, and therefore as warranting explicit consideration as part of impact analyses conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Biolo- gists undertaking surveys in Los Angeles County for purposes of CEQA documentation should ensure that their survey protocols are adequate to determine the presence or ab- sence of these species if potentially suitable habitat is present on or near a survey site. Find- ings of potentially significant impacts, and hence the provision of mitigation, may be war- ranted for proposed actions that adversely affect species on this list or their habitats. The Hamilton Biological Report identifies ten county-sensitive bird species as occurring, or likely occurring, in the Study Area. The Dyett & Bhatia Report does not indicate that field surveys were conducted to look for special-status species. During two field visits, on January 4 and 8, 2019, I observed multiple pairs of California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens, as well as a Northern Har- rier and a Golden Eagle. The following links to eBird checklists report/document these relevant sightings: • California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens — Steep Canyon near Diamond Bar Boulevard, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51322203 • Cactus Wrens — Pantera Park, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324514 • California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wrens — vic. northwestern part of Tres Her- manos Ranch, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324625 • California Gnatcatchers — vic. Diamond Ranch High School, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324760 • Northern Harrier — Tres Hermanos Ranch north of Grand Avenue, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324857 • California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens, plus Golden Eagle seen soaring over Tres Hermanos Ranch — Summitridge Trail, 1/8/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324857 Providing a Basis for Development of Resource Protection Policies The Dyett & Bhatia Report provides no recommendations for resource protection poli- cies, and no real basis for making any specific recommendations. As discussed herein, the plant community mapping is grossly inaccurate, and the report fails to make con- nections between natural resources that exist within the Study Area and policies de- signed to prioritize protection and enhancement of the most ecologically sensitive areas. By contrast, the Hamilton Biological Report is intentionally geared toward making con- nections between resources and conservation policies, with the ultimate goal of assist- ing the City in its ongoing role as a CEQA lead agency. The report’s final section, Natu- ral Resource Conservation Policies, specifically builds upon existing policies from the current draft version of the General Plan update, adapting them to facilitate efforts to 7.1.f Packet Pg. 641 Cover Letter, Biological Resources Report for Diamond Bar General Plan Update Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 10 of 10 identify and protect areas of particular ecological concern in the City and its Sphere of Influence. If the City considers accurate mapping of natural communities throughout the Study Area to be a necessary step toward updating the General Plan, this step could be completed quickly and incorporated into Hamilton Biological’s analysis. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION I appreciate the opportunity to provide technical assistance to the City of Diamond Bar as you work on this important update to your General Plan. If you have questions, or wish to discuss any matters, please do not hesitate to call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e- mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com Attached: Curriculum Vitae 7.1.f Packet Pg. 642 1 www.responsiblelanduse.org October 31, 2019 Submitted via email to: GLee@DiamondBarCA.Gov Grace Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar California 91765 RE: Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report, Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan 2040 Dear Ms. Lee: Diamond Bar is a place we all call home, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to participate in this public process. Responsible Land Use (RLU) has reviewed the proposed Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), Diamond Bar General Plan (DBGP), and Climate Action Plan 2040 (CAP). Attached to this letter is a table of our suggested edits, comments, and questions on the DEIR as well as our general comments, suggestions and concerns described here. In general, our members of RLU noted common issues and concerns:  Proposed or Preferred Project was not described in the draft EIR  Reasonable alternatives were not discussed and described, or were erroneously written off as infeasible and not given further consideration, or  We noted errors and incomplete analysis in coverage of the CEQA criteria.  Alternatives described are infeasible due to assumptions that cannot be fully analyzed for impacts.  Subsequent release of language changes not reflected in existing DEIR or DBGP.  Significant impacts were not mitigated, and were considered un-mitigatable when reasonable and feasible alternatives could be proposed. Proposed or Preferred Project was not described in the draft EIR The Executive Summary should have a general or high-level description of the Proposed Project and Community Core Overlay. The Alternatives are described, however, it is 7.1.f Packet Pg. 643 2 difficult to make a comparison to the Proposed Project to the other Alternatives on page ES-10. The document is making a determination that the Proposed Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative, but because of the lack of a description it is unclear why. The EIR should be a stand alone document that does not rely on a description to be provided separately in the DBGP. In the final EIR, we request that a Project Description be provided in both the Executive Summary and Section 2. Reasonable alternatives were not discussed and described Include a description of the existing Town Center Commercial Area at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand with existing EIR mitigation measures and planning as a viable alternative-- which is not the same as the No Project Alternative. Description of the existing town center utilizing the new EIR mitigation measure requirements and General Plan policies should also be a reasonable and feasible alternative for this CEQA analysis. In the context of comparing impacts, keeping the city center at Diamond Bar and Grand also has the potential to have less environmental impact as compared to your preferred alternative. For example, Vehicles Miles Traveled would be less, because it is more centrally located for DB residents in terms of travel to local areas business and therefore should be described. Also, compared to the Proposed Alternative the existing city center would not have a Community Core Overlay and would not be an impact to the golf course, which would make the existing City Center area a potentially environmentally superior to the Proposed Alternative. This alternative should be described and discussed as to why it does not meet the City’s purpose and need as described in the EIR. Significant impacts were not mitigated, and were considered un-mitigatable when reasonable and feasible alternatives could be proposed We understand that impacts to Air Quality may be significant and un-mitigatable, however why does the City not suggest building standards and other reasonable mitigation that would at least contribute to reductions in air quality impacts? We disagree that there are no feasible mitigation measures. The City of Diamond Bar should propose mitigation measures that would reduce emissions even if it would not reduce those impacts to below significant thresholds. Planning requirements like LEED Building Certification or planning requirements that would include vehicle charging infrastructure would address these air quality impacts, as well as GHG emissions, and energy efficiency, and are feasible and cost effective mitigation. The City of Long Beach has building codes regarding LEED building policies to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions as well as EV Charging Infrastructure. Although, impacts may be less than significant or un-mitigatable, the city should provide policies or mitigation measures that reasonably reduce its carbon footprint. “A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable.” We also disagree with this statement that the impact is unavoidable or un- mitagatable. How does the Core Community Overlay address recreation opportunities sufficiently such that the City can be in alignment with the Quimby Act and meet its ratio of 5 acres per 1000 residents? According to LU-P-54, the City of Diamond Bar should 7.1.f Packet Pg. 644 3 consider other public uses for public agency lands, such as the county owned Golf Course. In the event that the County of Los Angeles wanted to make this land more broadly available to the general public for recreation, there should be a Community Park Overlay which identifies a use of the golf course to address the shortage of recreation lands to less than significant. Other options, should also be considered such as greater mitigation ratios (6 acres: 1000 residents) for new developments, or policies that create mitigation banks that specifically address and identify city opportunities for future recreation land development. Errors and Incomplete Analysis of the CEQA Criteria We noted that on page 1-4, Diamond Bar only listed a portion of the CEQA Criteria for the environmental analysis. This is not appropriate, the CEQA analysis does not just include what was received during the scoping period or an initial analysis. The CEQA analysis includes the criteria listed in 2019 CEQA Appendix G Checklist of the California Environmental Quality Act Statutes and Guidelines such as Mineral Resources, Agriculture, Population and Housing, Public Services, Wildfire and Energy. There should be a discussion on these topics, are they considered significant or not and why and what mitigation measures are being proposed to mitigate significant impacts. Additionally, noise impacts under 3.10 of the Executive Summary Table is incomplete and topics under 3.11 Noise is an error and should be described as Public Services and Recreational impacts. Agriculture and Mineral Resources are also randomly discussed at the end of the table. Please revise this table organized based on the CEQA Checklist and address all the Appendix G items. DEIR Choice of alternatives are infeasible due to assumptions that cannot be fully analyzed for impacts The Golf Course Overlay is a contingency plan which, because of all the unknowns associated with its implementation cannot be fully analyzed at this time. Therefore, any attempt to incorporate specific areas of the Golf Course into the current general plan analysis meets the definition of infeasible in CEQA Guideline § 15364. Should the Golf Course land ever become available to the city, a specific plan to implement the overlay will be required, along with a separate EIR. Therefore, we question why General Plan Alternative 2 was incorporated as an Alternative in the DEIR. Alternative 2, as shown on Figure 4.2-3, and described on DEIR page 4-5, discusses a possible town center located in the southern portion of Diamond Bar’s Golf Course. It is interesting that DEIR author(s) chose this location as one of three alternatives because this land is currently owned by Los Angeles County. The ability for this particular location to become a truly viable DEIR alternative is dependent upon two undisclosed assumptions. The two assumptions are: 1) The county will eventually close or reduce the size of the Golf Course. 2) The county will not require mitigation or compensation for the loss of a county property that provides a recreational service to the local community. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 645 4 There are a number of reasons those assumptions may never come to pass, several of which are outlined below: 1. It is impossible to predict at this time when and if the County will ever, or might ever, decide to discontinue Golf Course operations. 2. Two, the County has a general plan with its own parkland requirements to maintain. Specifically, on page 178, Los Angeles County’s general plan, Chapter 10, states: “As specified in P/R Policy 3.1, the County standard for the provision of parkland is 4 acres of local parkland per 1,000 residents of the population in the unincorporated areas, and 6 acres of regional parkland per 1,000 residents of the total population of Los Angeles County.” http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch10.pdf In order to maintain its own parkland requirements, the County might therefore reasonably decide to keep the land for itself and develop its own park in place of the Golf Course. One hundred and seventy some odd acres would make a nice regional County park. 3. Were the County to ever close the golf course, has there been any precedence set where the County of Los Angeles deeded lands without adequate compensation or mitigation for the loss in services? Indeed, for quite a number of years, any hope the city of Diamond Bar might have had of taking over the golf course property has been contingent upon the City providing another, fully developed, functioning golf course facility to the County in exchange. Should the county ever terminate golf course operation, it is therefore reasonable to fully expect the county to demand compensation in some as yet undetermined form in exchange for deeding the golf course property over to the city. 4. It is also possible the County, might decide to use the property for County purposes other than recreation. As long as the County, being a governmental entity, uses the property for appropriate governmental purposes, those uses would not fall under the jurisdiction of Diamond Bar’s general plan. Diamond Bar would have no say in the County’s land use decision. Question: given that the conversion of the Golf Course property was a condition of Alternative 2, why were the specific conditions, costs, environmental impacts, and required mitigations of obtaining the golf course property omitted from the DEIR? Question: Please explain, in light of the above evidence, how the City justifies the inclusion of Alternative 2 as a viable Alternative. All of the uncertainties, as offered by the evidence above, make fully analyzing the odds, details, costs and environmental impacts of Diamond Bar acquiring the Golf Course property “infeasible.” The uncertainty surrounding the acquisition of the property upon 7.1.f Packet Pg. 646 5 which Alternative 2 is based, therefore makes Alternative 2 “infeasible” to even consider as a viable alternative at this time. CEQA Guideline §15364, “Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, legal, social, and technological factors. It is important to note that, that the DEIR, on page 3.11-44, also came to a similar conclusion when it analyzed the potential for increasing parkland acreage the using the Golf Course property: “The proposed General Plan includes several policies and land use changes aimed at increasing available and accessible parkland and open space. However, total parkland at buildout falls severely short of achieving the parkland ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, and no mitigation is feasible that can make up this gap. Calculation of the parkland ratio does not include the 134.9 acres of parkland from the Country Park, which is a private amenity, or the proposed 100 acres of parkland associated with the Community Core Overlay, given that Los Angeles County has not ceased operation of the golf course. Conversion of these two areas would increase the parkland ratio but is not feasible at the time of analysis. A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable.” Question: please explain the internal DEIR’s internal discrepancy between the conversion of the Golf Course property as a condition to Alternative 2 and the statement on page 3.11-44, quoted above, that because the Golf Course has not ceased operation, conversion of the Golf Course property for additional parkland is not feasible at this time? Lack of viable alternatives presented makes the DIER “fundamentally and basically inadequate” This DEIR presents only three alternatives. One, a no action alternative. Two, an appropriate alternative placing Diamond Bar’s future “downtown” at the existing Sprouts location. And three, “Alternative 2,” whose land acquisition issues were discussed above make it infeasible. Striking Alternative 2, from the DEIR document would leave only two alternatives. This is a problem. CEQA Guideline §15126.6 requires that: An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 647 6 Clearly, one alternative, besides a no action alternative, is not a “reasonable” set of alternatives. Attempting to analyze the project with only two alternatives, one of which being infeasible or status quo, makes it impossible for this DEIR to select an alternative which is environmentally superior. Question: Given that CEQA Guideline § 15126.6 specifies that an EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project. How many alternatives does the city believe an EIR needs in order to be in compliance with this Guideline? The fact that the city has failed under CEQA guidelines to present a “reasonable” number of alternatives therefore makes this DEIR subject to CEQA §15088.5 (a)(4). Recirculation of the DEIR is required when: The draft EIR was so fundamentally and basically inadequate and conclusory in nature that meaningful public review and comment were precluded. (Mountain Lion Coalition v. Fish and Game.) It is therefore incumbent upon the City to withdraw the current DEIR, replace it with a new version which includes a “reasonable” number of “feasible” alternatives, and then recirculate it according to CEQA §15088.5. Each of the alternatives should avoid or lessen one or more of the significant effects identified as resulting from the proposed general plan. A reasonable range of alternatives would typically include different levels of density and compactness, different locations and types of uses for future development, and different general plan policies. The alternatives should not all have the same level of impacts. This discussion of alternatives will enable environmental considerations to influence the ultimate design of the general plan. General Plan Language Revisions during the public review period The General Plan Action Committee spent the last three years finding consensus on general plan policy and goal language with citizens, the city, and themselves. They gave their final, approved policy language to the city at their final meeting last March. The city then wrote the draft general plan using that language with minimal changes, and presented it, along with the DEIR, to the public for a 45-day comment period on Sept 16. Then, on September 25, in the middle of the comment period, Diamond Bar's City Council and Planning Commission held a joint "study" session. During that session, city council members complained the draft general plan language was not "flexible enough." They ordered the city manager to give them a revised language proposal which removed the word "require" from general plan policies, and "soften" any policy language which was “non-flexible.” At the next "study" session on October 8, the city manager offered 40 or so pages of revised policy changes to the city council. The actual language revisions were not made public until 72 hours before the subsequent “study” session on October 8. The revisions, which were part of the second “study” session’s agenda and staff report, were spread throughout all elements of the general plan document. All in all, over 170 policies were revised or deleted. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 648 7 One or two policy changes might be considered “insignificant.” However, large numbers of “insignificant” changes, in this case, over 170, spread throughout the entire general plan document, easily add up to and meet CEQA guideline §15088.5's definition of “significant” change. It is unquestionably the right of the city council to amend general plan language. If the city planned on having “study” sessions which might include language revisions by the City Council, those study sessions should have occurred before placing the draft General Plane and EIR our for public review. Revising that much policy language in the middle of the 45-day comment period places the public, Responsible Agencies, Trustee agencies, and state, federal, and local agencies which may have jurisdiction over the project, in an impossible position for several reasons: 1, besides being part of the draft general plan language, many of the policies revised are also found in the DEIR as important mitigation policies. DEIR comments, submitted before the adopted language revisions, were therefore made on the basis of mitigation policy language which no longer exists. Those commenters deserve the right and a reasonable amount of time, specifically another 45-day comment period, at the very minimum, in which to consider the import of the language revisions with respect to their comments, and change their comments as necessary. 2, even for those few who might actually be aware of the general plan language revisions, and are considering making comments, evaluating mitigation measures potentially based upon 170 plus revised policies, which are spread across the 691- page DEIR document, is no trivial task. Especially when one must check every single general plan policy listed in the DEIR as a mitigation against the “study” session’s staff report to see which ones have, in fact, been revised. All of the extra effort required to sort out those language revisions places those individuals and agencies under an unreasonable burden during the few remaining days of the comment period. Those individuals and agencies deserve more time to wade through all of the confusion, specifically, another 45-day comment period to reconsider their comments. 3, the city has made no effort to inform the public, and agencies who were not physically present at the second “study” session, that such a large number of general plan policy revisions were, in fact, made. No where, on the general plan’s website can one find the news that general plan policy and goal revisions have, in fact, been adopted. To the interested, but uninformed, web site visitor, the fact of those adopted language revisions would remain a mystery. Any reasonable individual would have expected the city to at least notify, according to California Public Resources Code § 21092.2, the affected agencies and the general public of the general plan language revisions. Those individuals deserve the right to make their own determination about whether or not the policy revisions are indeed, “insignificant.” This is especially so, considering the importance of the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 649 8 document in question: a brand new general plan, the first in over twenty years, with a projected life span to the year 2040. 4, Adopting those language revisions during what was purported to be a “study” session in the middle of the comment period was disingenuous. It is true that the city widely publicized the date and time of the “study” sessions. That said, many residents, especially those who had spent so much time involved in the general plan language creation process, took the title of the meetings, “study sessions,” to mean just that: study. They believed the sessions were intended to “study” the general plan and DEIR documents, and have the city staff explain the contents of those documents. No one who saw any of the “study” session announcement information ever dreamed that the city council would make such drastic language revisions during those “study sessions.” The fact that such sweeping general plan policy revisions were adopted, in such an unexpected manner, with respect to the public’s and affected agencies’ expectations, in the middle of the public comment period, at a misidentified meeting, those facts, all this evidence, adds up to and meets the conditions of CEQA Guideline §15088.5 (Recirculation of an EIR Prior to Certification). That article should be, must be invoked according to CEQA Guideline §15086. The newly adopted language changes must be incorporated into the draft general plan and DEIR language, with all of the revisions clearly shown. The general plan, along with the entire DEIR must be then recirculated for another 45-day comment period. Finally, it should be noted, in this regard, that §15088.5 (e) specifically states: “a decision not to recirculate an EIR must be supported by substantial evidence in the administrative record.” The fact that such evidence simply does not exist, should be enough, all by itself, to require the DEIR, with mitigation policy language revisions clearly marked, to be recirculated according to the above statues for another 45-day comment period. General Plan language revisions impact DEIR and CAP mitigations Impact 3.5-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. (less than significant) We question the DEIR’s conclusion that the proposed project’s impact on climate change and greenhouse gases will have a less than a significant impact and does not require mitigation. The finding is based on the projected reductions that were calculated using the General Plan policies and CAP policies that were abruptly revised 3 weeks after publication of the DEIR. The DEIR maintains: The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy,” enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, General Plan land use and circulation systems, and additional General Plan Policies. This analysis shows the projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction 7.1.f Packet Pg. 650 9 actions are not required for the City to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. (3.5-47) The tables presented in the CAP (3-12 to 3-19) provide quantified reductions in MTCO2e to justify that the Project will meet regulatory targets. The CAP Table 3-8 which forecast GHG reductions attributes “the largest reduction from parking policies, followed by pedestrian improvement and increased connectivity, transportation improvements, electric vehicle infrastructure, traffic calming, and bikeway system improvements” (CAP 3-18). However, it is not possible to fully analyze and fully verify the validity of these calculations in the narrow window of time since the policies were revised by the City Council at the October 8, 2019 Study Session. Properly evaluating the validity of the revised CAP is critical since “once adopted, [it] will serve as the Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects in accordance with CEQA” (3.5-39). How is this still true after the changes in the relevant language? Will additional mitigation policies be provided to support streamlining the CEQA process? A significant number of the recently revised general plan policies were cited (to improve walkability, reduce VMT, promote electric vehicle infrastructure, improve bikeways and calm traffic) to support this calculation. Here are some examples:  LU-P-17: Promote Require that site designs that create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs.  LU-P-42: Avoid expanses of surface parking and require encourage the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings where appropriate.  LU-P-48: Promote Require convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar.  CC-P-57: Improve Promote the pedestrian comfort and safety of crosswalks along South Brea Canyon Road and South Lemon Avenue.  CR-P-55: Consider the establishment of Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses—including multifamily residential and office—in the Municipal Code.  CR-P-56: Establish requirements to provide Encourage dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles.  RC-P-20: Require Encourage the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments.  RC-P-21: RequireEnsure builders developers to- provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought- tolerant planting concepts.  CHS-P-5: As opportunities and resource become available, implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments where appropriate and feasible. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 651 10  CHS-P-14: Encourage the development of Develop and incorporate "destinations"—such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit- Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas.  CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for Encourage the establishment of gathering areas in new neighborhoods.  CHS-P-33 Plan Encourage land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly.  CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform when considering for outlining and implementing measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. As we have noted in a previous document submission to the public record, according to the General Plan Guidelines developed by the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), “It is better to adopt no policy than to adopt a policy with no backbone.” (Office of Planning and Research. “General Plan Guidelines.” 382.) In addition, for a policy to be counted towards “mitigating of a plan’s impacts,” it must be expressed as mandatory. (Office of Planning and Research. “General Plan Guidelines.” 382.) The above changes lead us to specifically ask, what is the likelihood of these policies being implemented? How do they support the CAP’s calculations that expected targets would be met? What additional mitigation policies could be provided if the targets are not met and the impacts become significant? After all, encouragement, consideration, and promotion are not enforceable forms of policy. They suggest a lack of commitment by the city to pursue these goals. We also question the forecasted construction emissions that are “based on an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total build-out area that could be potentially developed in any year” (3.5-28). What policies provide the foundation for this expectation? The DEIR also acknowledges that it is a “conservative estimate” and “projects would extend for more than one year, and therefore, would increase total project emissions” (3.5-29). In addition, the report acknowledges that “development anticipated by the Proposed Project could result in a significant impact, if the per capita emissions from the 2030 and 2030 (buildout) years exceed the reduction targets identified in the CAP” (3.5-33). With the revisions to the policy language, how is it certain that the city will achieve the projected targets? What mitigation measures will be provided since there is the possibility that impacts could become significant? Why not provide these at this point rather than assume it will not be necessary? Moreover, the DEIR assumes “implementation of the Proposed Project’s policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions and would ensure that the City’s 2030 and 2040 levels 7.1.f Packet Pg. 652 11 of GHG emissions would not exceed the respective emission targets” (3.5-35). However, the same project has “the potential to convert oak woodland to developed areas” (3.5- 38). The report identifies potential areas of development that would disrupt woodland and that “for every acre of forest removed, an average of 0.85 MTCO2 sequestration is lost” (3.5-35). Therefore, the DEIR should also calculate the amount of MTCO2 sequestration the loss of mature trees could cost the city. We would also suggest including the trees in the Golf Course. Doing so would properly evaluate the benefit of these biological resources to the reduction of GHG and climate change. The DEIR’s claim that the impact would be less than significant relies on calculations in the CAP that were based on different policy language. As such, how would other responsible agencies be able to vet this claim is still true or provide well-informed comments since they may not be aware of the policy language changes made at the October 8th Joint Meeting? It would be reasonable to expect that the DEIR and General Plan/CAP (with its revisions clearly marked with strike-outs) should be recirculated for an additional comment period. Please explain how the organizations and agencies outlined in CEQA Guideline § 15086, who, because no specific announcement was made about the October 8th language revisions on Diamond Bar’s General Plan website, might reasonably be able to make informed comments as a result of the general plan language revisions. Concerns expressed about the haste with which language revisions were made While we respect concerns about the need for appropriate general plan policy language flexibility, we believe the language balance has swung too far the other way. We urge that the Planning Commission and the City Council take the time to carefully consider and fully understand the value of strategically making the determination of where flexible language is appropriate, and specific language is needed. The General Plan document under consideration will guide the city for the next 20 years. We believe it is appropriate, nay imperative, that we take the time to rethink the hastily revised language, and other issues mentioned above, and then recirculate the draft General Plan and DEIR for another 45 days. Thank you, for the opportunity to participate and comment on the DBGP, EIR and CAP. If you have any questions or comments on any of the comments provided, we are available to discuss or provide any clarifications. Sincerely, R Lee Paulson President 7.1.f Packet Pg. 653 7.1.f Packet Pg. 654 7.1.f Packet Pg. 655 1 Responsible Land Use DIAMOND BAR Draft Environmental Impact Report – Comments Page DEIR Language Recommended Change Reason/Comments General Comments ES-1 Executive Summary Proposed Project A general description of the Proposed Project and the Community Core Overlay Review the Chino Hills Final EIR for examples which describes several elements: ● Change from the previous General Plan ● Existing conditions of the city in terms of development...concerns and visions. ● Overview of Design Elements Could discuss limitations such as the Golf Course and the Community Core Overlay and why The Executive Summary should have a general or high-level description of the Proposed Project and Community Core Overlay. The Alternatives are described, however it is difficult to make a comparison to the Proposed Project to the other Alternatives on page ES-10. There needs to be a description of the Proposed Project as a part of the Executive Summary. Question: Why was the general or high-level description of the Proposed Project and Community Core Overlay omitted from the DEIR? The document is making a determination that the Proposed Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative, but because of the lack of a description it is unclear why. Question: How does the city plan to create a clear description of why the Proposed Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative? ES-5 No Project Alternative Include a description of the existing Town Center at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand with existing EIR mitigation measures and planning as a viable alternative. Description of the existing town center utilizing the new EIR requirements should also be a reasonable and feasible alternative for this CEQA analysis. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 656 2 Responsible Land Use It may not be a preferred option for the City, but it is a reasonable and feasible alternative. Question: Why was the existing town center with existing EIR mitigation measures and planning not considered as a viable alternative? Also, in the context of comparing impacts, keeping the city center at Diamond Bar and Grand also has the potential to have less environmental impact as compared to your preferred alternative. For example, Vehicles Miles Traveled would be less, because it is more centrally located for DB residents in terms of travel to local areas business and therefore should be described. Question: Why was creating a city center at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand not considered as a viable alternative for the DEIR? Also, compared to the Proposed Alternative there would not be an impact to the golf course, which would make the existing City Center area environmentally superior to the Proposed Alternative. ES-7 Areas of Controversy Add insufficient Park and Recreation Opportunities Another topic that was discussed in General Planning Meetings was the lack of recreational space for residents. ES-8 As discussed, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed SCAQMD daily emissions thresholds for CO which could adversely affect a We disagree that there are no feasible mitigation measures. The City of Diamond Bar should propose mitigation measures that would reduce emissions even if it would not reduce those impacts to below significant thresholds. Planning requirements like LEED Building Certification or 7.1.f Packet Pg. 657 3 Responsible Land Use substantial number of people. While future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, and no further mitigation is feasible. planning requirements that would include vehicle charging infrastructure would address these air quality impacts and are feasible and cost-effective mitigation. Question: We understand that impacts to Air Quality may be significant and un-mitigatable, however why does the City not suggest building standards and other reasonable mitigation that would at least contribute to reductions in air quality impacts? ES-10 Public Facilities A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable We agree with the DEIR on this. Any discussion about using Golf Course land for parks is, at this time, purely speculative. All that can be safely stated in the DEIR is that should the Golf Course land become available to the city of Diamond Bar, allocating a substantial portion of that site for parkland purposes should be seriously considered and part of the specific plan and EIR for the site. ES-11 Reduced development and population growth under Alternative 1 may slightly reduce impacts of the Proposed Project; however, implementation of Alternative 1 would not be sufficient to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, and VMT to a level that is less than Alternative 1 does not have a Community Core Overlay, and has less environmental impacts than the proposed project. Therefore, it is the Environmentally Superior Alternative. Question: why has Alternative 1 been considered Environmentally inferior, given it has less environmental impacts than other alternatives? This also does not take into consideration a third alternative which could be implementation of the new environmental requirements for the existing city center at the intersection of Diamond Bar Blvd 7.1.f Packet Pg. 658 4 Responsible Land Use significant. and Grand, which would have less impacts for VMT. ES-11 Most significantly, Alternative 1 would not include the Community Core overlay, which would require a master plan to ensure comprehensive implementation of reuse of the Golf Course should the County of Los Angeles choose to discontinue its operation This statement is unclear. Question: why is the Preferred or Proposed Alternative’s Community Core Overlay is not fully analyzed for this alternative? The conversion or loss of the County Golf Course would have to be mitigated for under existing county requirements. Therefore, the full connected actions and environmental impacts cannot be fully described in this analysis if there is no discussion of the impacts associated with the replacement for the existing golf course. The preferred alternative’s Community Core Overlay would have to undergo a separate CEQA analysis. It is premature to assume that the Preferred Alternative is Environmentally Superior to other Alternatives if the Community Core Overlay is not fully analyzed, both for the impacts to potential onsite resources or the associated mitigation for a golf course relocation. Question: why is the Preferred Alternative considered Environmentally Superior to other Alternatives if the Community Core Overlay is not fully analyzed, both for the impacts to potential onsite resources or the associated mitigation for a golf course relocation? Question: why is the language at the left even in the DEIR? Additionally, the General Plan describes 7.1.f Packet Pg. 659 5 Responsible Land Use Environmental Justice issues particularly exposure to pollution such as Ozone, Diesel, Traffic etc. The census tract that includes the Golf Course is very high for these elements in the CalEnviroScreen 3.0. Therefore, future residential development would cause greater exposure to these future residents and should be discussed in this document. Question: Why was greater exposure to pollution such as Ozone, Diesel, Traffic etc, not discussed with respect to potential residential development in this area? ES-12 Table ES-3 There needs to be an existing City Center Alternative (Diamond Bar and Grand) that is different from the No Project Alternative. This is a reasonable alternative that has not been discussed but has the potential for being environmentally superior. Question: what the existing City Center at Diamond Bar and Grand not considered as another alternative? ES-12 Table ES-3 State Scenic Highway Question: Are there no impacts associated with the eligible State Scenic Highway along Highway 57 in Tonner Canyon? ES-12 Table ES-3 Source: Dyett and Bhatia, 2019 I did not find any reference to this source? Question: Where are the references to this source? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 660 6 Responsible Land Use ES-55 ES-56 Noise The noise impacts under 3.10 of the Table is incomplete in that it does not include all the 2019 CEQA Appendix G Checklist Items. Additionally, the items under 3.11 Noise is an error and should be described as Public Services and Recreational impacts. (see Appendix G of 2019 CEQA Checklist) ES-57 Transportation The criteria listed in the table only show three criteria, but the CEQA Checklist Appendix G includes six criteria. Therefore, this table in incomplete. Question: Why aren’t the complete list of criteria in CEQA Checklist Appendix G included in the table referenced here? ES-57 Utilities and Service Systems This is also incomplete. There are more criteria in Appendix G. Globally please review the entire checklist to complete the EIR analysis. Question: Why wasn’t the entire list of criteria in Appendix G listed here? ES-59 Impacts Not Potentially Significant What is this? This table clearly attempts to identify the CEQA Appendix G Checklist. However, this section just throws Agriculture, Mineral Resources at the end randomly. Please revise this table to organize base on the CEQA Checklist and address all the Appendix G items, whether or not there are significant impacts, and what mitigation measures are being proposed to mitigate those impacts. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 661 7 Responsible Land Use Why was this table formatted in a way that does not follow a similar format from the CEQA Checklist? 1-4 Environmental Issue Areas Based on the initial analysis of environmental setting and baseline conditions and comments received during the EIR Scoping Period, the following issues are analyzed in this EIR: This is not appropriate, the CEQA analysis does not just include what was received during the scoping period. The CEQA analysis includes the criteria listed in Appendix G and also includes Mineral Resources, Agriculture, Population and Housing, Public Services, etc. There should be a discussion on these topics, even though they are either no impacts or they are considered not significant. Question: why does the existing analysis only include those items mentioned in the Scoping Comments? Question: Why was a full CEQA analysis of all criteria not done here? 2-1 Project Description Add pagination to enable comments. This section does not include a description of the Project. There is also no description of the project in the Executive Summary. The EIR should describe the Proposed Project without having to flip to the General Plan as a reference and description. Question: Why was a complete description of the Project placed in the Executive Summary? 1-6 Mitigated Monitoring and Reporting Program We ask for an opportunity to review and comment on the MMRP. It is important to understand the city’s expectations of developers and the city’s responsibility in compliance oversight to ensure that the Mitigation Measures are complied with. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 662 8 Responsible Land Use Question: To what extent will the public have the ability to review and comment on the MMRP? 2-1 Project Description This EIR analyzes the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 (General Plan) and the proposed Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan (CAP), together referred to as the "Proposed Project." Under California Government Code Section 65300 et. seq., cities are required to prepare a general plan that establishes policies and standards for future development, circulation, housing affordability, and resource protection for the entire planning area. By law, a general plan must be an integrated, internally consistent statement of city policies. California Government Code Section 65302 requires that the general plan include the following seven elements: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. State law allows cities to include additional (or optional) elements in general plans as well. Optional elements included in the proposed General Plan address community values related to economic development, community character, community health, and sustainability. All elements of the Proposed Project have equal weight, and no one element supersedes another. The Proposed Project includes six of the seven elements. The Housing Element, which is subject to a separate, State-mandated Question: Why are the laws and regulations being used here in the Project Description? This is all being described in Chapter 1. Should move this statement into Chapter 1 and include a Project Description. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 663 9 Responsible Land Use eight-year update cycle, was last updated in 2014, and is not part of the Proposed Project. Aesthetics No Comments. Noise There needs to be a map identifying the obvious noise sensitive receptors: schools, hospitals, places of worship. This would be feasible to do in this document, but an analysis for a project should also be done at the time of a proposal to the planning commission if there are any sensitive receptors within a reasonable radius. Question: where is the map that identifies the obvious noise sensitive receptors? 3.10-9 Noise Table 3.10-1 Question: At what time of day are these noise levels assumed? 3.10-30 Noise – Figure 3.10-3 The noise contours should include the freeways. The freeways are the loudest and constant source of noise in the City. Question: Why are the freeways not included in this section’s analysis? 3.10-32 PS-P-46 Use the noise and land use compatibility matrix (Table 7-1)2 and Projected Noise Contours map as criteria to determine the acceptability of a given proposed land use, including the improvement/construction of Please ensure that the map also includes the freeways as well. This Proposed General Plan will need to take into consideration freeway improvements and reasonable mitigation such as sound walls as mitigation. Question: Will the final EIR ensure the map also includes the freeways? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 664 10 Responsible Land Use streets, railroads, freeways, and highways Question: Will the final EIR take into consideration freeway improvements and reasonable mitigation such as sound walls? 3.10-32 PS-P-47 Locate new noise‐ sensitive uses including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and homes away from sources of excessive noise unless proper mitigation measures are in place. Mitigation Measure: In areas identified as Noise Sensitive Receptors, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship measures to mitigate noise generated that exceed XX will include measures such as sound barriers or other methods to reduce noise generation below significant levels. From another EIR: The following are typical practices for construction equipment selection (or preferences) and expected function that can help reduce noise. Pneumatic impact tools and equipment used at the construction site would have intake and exhaust mufflers recommended by the manufacturers thereof, to meet relevant noise limitations. Provide impact noise producing equipment (i.e., jackhammers and pavement breaker[s]) with noise attenuating shields, shrouds or portable barriers or enclosures, to reduce operating noise. Line or cover hoppers, storage bins, and chutes with sound- deadening material (e.g., apply wood or rubber liners to metal bin impact surfaces). Provide upgraded mufflers, acoustical lining, or acoustical paneling for other noisy equipment, including internal combustion engines. Use alternative No mitigation is offered for Noise Sensitive Receptors such as schools and places of worship. Below on page 3.10-33 you state no mitigation measures are required. We have offered additional mitigation measure language that can reasonably reduce noise impacts around residents and noise sensitive receptors. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 665 11 Responsible Land Use procedures of construction and select a combination of techniques that generate the least overall noise and vibration. Use construction equipment manufactured or modified to reduce noise and vibration emissions, such as: Electric instead of diesel-powered equipment. - Hydraulic tools instead of pneumatic tools. - Electric saws instead of air- or gasoline-driven saws. 3.10-13 In extreme cases, the vibration can cause damage to buildings. Question: At what levels are construction vibration noises impacting structures, and what mitigation is recommended? Look at Caltrans 2013 Vibration Guidance Manual as a reference. Air Quality ES-16 CR-P-56: Establish requirements to provide Encourage dedicated parking and charging stations for Electric Vehicles We noted that CR-P-56 was modified since the draft EIR was released for public comment. Globally we recommend all edits that were implemented after the draft EIR release be documented similarly so that the public is aware of any edits that occurred. Question: will all edits which were implemented after the draft EIR release be documented as they were in the Study Session Staff Report? We strongly suggest that the language for CR-P- 56 be retained as originally written. Question: Will the language for CR-P-56 be reconsidered in light of evidence presented below? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 666 12 Responsible Land Use The implementation or installation of electrical infrastructure is reasonable if built into the cost of construction for new business and parking lots. However, businesses are reluctant to install charging station infrastructure after parking lot completion because of the cost of tearing up the parking lot and getting separate permits for installation. Other cities, such as the City of Long Beach, have implemented policies or ordinances that required planning for this type of electrical vehicle infrastructure as part of the permitting process. Similarly, the City of Diamond Bar should include the requirement of LEED Certification or equivalent to encourage energy efficiency and reduction of GHG for new construction. Question: Will the city include the requirement of LEED Certification or equivalent to encourage energy efficiency and reduction of GHG for new construction? ES-16 3.2-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. The Community Overlay if implemented to include high density housing would occur in an area already deemed an area of high-level pollutant impacts along the 60 and 57 freeway, please refer to the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 for this Census Tracs in this area. Certain elements like diesel emissions are already at very high levels, with the City of Industry Census tract 6,037,403,312 already at a Pollution Burden Level of 93%. Question: Will the final EIR take the above evidence into consideration, should the Community Overlay still be seriously considered in that document? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 667 13 Responsible Land Use 3.2-10 California Air Resources Board (GARBCARB) Was this supposed to be CARB? Also fix citation at bottom of table. 3.2-15 As a conservative estimate of impacts, sensitive receptors are anticipated to be located directly adjacent to new development. Within this paragraph you mention the types of sensitive receptors such as schools, long-term care facilities. These entities do exist, and since you mention them, it is feasible to identify them. Particularly public schools. You also have identified development areas in your planning for land use changes or future development, therefore it would be feasible and practical to identify those sensitive resources in the vicinity of areas proposed for land use changes (eg. schools near high density residential). Question: Will the final EIR document identify and map sensitive receptors such as schools, long- term care facilities? 3.2-19 Table 3.2-4 Question: What are you showing here? This table is incomplete and does not show any data. 3.2-32 3.2-37 The applicable land use strategies include: planning for growth around livable corridors; providing more options for short trips/neighborhood mobility areas; supporting zero emission vehicles & expanding vehicle charging stations; supporting local sustainability planning. These are good goals to try and achieve in the City’s General Plan. The following LU and CRs do provide the appropriate language: LU-G-4; LU-G-9; CR-P-33; CR-P-56; RC-P-28; RC-P- 33;RC-P-34; RC-P-35 and others. However, not all of these General Plan Policies relate to reduction of air quality impacts, such as RC-P-19. It is not clear that this is a General Plan Policy that improves air quality. Or is it possibly a measure to reduce increased pressure on Utilities? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 668 14 Responsible Land Use 3.2-35 RC-P-30 Ensure that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. Ensure Require that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. The language to ensure puts the onus on the Planning Commission to check with AQMP. Requiring that the development project has to comply with SCAQMD puts the requirement on the developer and not the Diamond Bar Planning Commission. Question: Does the city agree that it is incumbent upon developers to design and implement project consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan? Question: Therefore, is it reasonable to require them to do that? Question: Will the final EIR change the general plan language back to its original form? If not, how will this affect the Planning Commission? 3.2-35 RC-P-33. Consult with SCAQMD when citing new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Require proposed land uses that produce TACs to incorporate setbacks and design features that reduce TACs at the source to minimize potential impacts from TACs. For new or modified land uses that RC-P-33. New development projects are required to Consult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Require proposed land uses that produce TACs to incorporate setbacks and design features that reduce TACs at the source to minimize potential impacts from TACs. For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed This language should put the requirement on the developer to consult and provide that documentation with the Planning Commission regarding their consultation with the SCAQMD. It is not clear who, the City of DB or the developer must consult with the SCAQMD. Question: Is it not reasonable to require developers to consult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors? Question: Will the EIR final draft then require this? How? Also, the sensitive receptors should be identified, where feasible in this document so that it can be 7.1.f Packet Pg. 669 15 Responsible Land Use have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. (New from SCAQMD Guidance) use prior to business license or building permit issuance. (New from SCAQMD Guidance) determined whether the newly provided land use changes would potentially impact sensitive receptors such as schools. This language is pushing that requirement on a case by case basis without the opportunity to comment here. Also, this is left to the developer to determine where there are sensitive receptors. However, it is feasible to identify existing sensitive receptors in 2020. Also, knowing where the known sensitive receptors exist will assist the Planning Commission determine whether notification to the SCAQMD is required. 3.2-33 Future development in the City of Diamond Bar that is consistent with the General Plan Update would increase vehicle trips and VMT that would result in emissions of ozone precursors and particulate matter. Individual projects under the General Plan Update would be required to undergo subsequent environmental review pursuant to CEQA, and would be required to demonstrate compliance with the AQMP. We like this statement. This says that every project needs to go through some sort of consistency review to ensure that it meets compliance with AQMP. (AQMD?) 3.2-37 Mitigation Measures None Required. Mitigation Measures With the implementation of the Proposed General Plan Policies, impacts are less than significant and therefore additional mitigation measures are not None required. The General Plan Policies are proposed measures to address impacts and reduce impacts to Air and GHG emissions. However, many policies are now worded as optional rather than mandatory to implement. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 670 16 Responsible Land Use Question: How will the revised policies, which have been softened, still qualify as mitigations for impacts to AIR and CHG emissions under CEQA? 3.2-37 Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet USEPA Tier 4 final off-road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. This DPF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet current USEPA standards, which are currently Tier 4 final off-road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. This DPF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. This mitigation measure should reflect the changing standards for USEPA from 2020-2040. Question: How does the city plan to make this mitigation measure reflect the changing standards for USEPA from 2020-2040? 3.2-37 MM-AQ-2: Future development Require dripless irrigation and irrigation sensor units that prevent watering during rainstorms. It is not clear how this measure addresses air quality impacts. Is this meant for reduction of impacts of water use? Question: How does this measure address air quality impacts? Is this instead meant for reduction of impacts of water use? Biological Resources 3.3-1 Table 3.3-1 Formatting issues with the table. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 671 17 Responsible Land Use Figure 3.3-2 Brea Canyon that is referenced on page 3.3-8 as it leaves the channel in the City of Diamond Bar and enters the SOI is not identified in figure 3.3-2. Nor is the channelized portion of the creek. Question: How will the EIR final draft fix this oversight? 3.3-12 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for listed plant or wildlife species does not occur within the Planning Area. The nearest critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the Puente- Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in the City of Puente Hills located to the southwest of the SOI. Additional critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the City of Walnut but is not adjacent to the Planning Area boundaries. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for listed plant or wildlife species does not occur within the Planning Area. The nearest critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the southwest corner of the SOI and extends through the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in the City of Puente Hills located to the southwest of the SOI. Additional critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the City of Walnut and within Chino Hills State Park but is not adjacent to the Planning Area boundaries. Modified the existing language to be more descriptive of where known CAGN Critical Habitat exists. A map would be more helpful. 3.3-45 Promote the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical. Promote Require the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, site stablization and restoration where practical to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into natural open spaces. The EIR acknowledges that the spread of invasive species can take over or outcompete native vegetation. Therefore, the requirement should be clear that native seed mixes or plantings should be used in both landscaping, site stabilization for SWPPP, and revegetation purposes. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 672 18 Responsible Land Use Question: How will the EIR final draft clarify this requirement with the proposed language changes or the equivalent? Also, the statement should be clearer to the developer what is expected of them and why. Question: Will the EIR final draft clarify what is expected of the developer in this requirement? How? Although the language of where practical is included for flexibility, native vegetation should be considered first. 3.3-45 RC-P-9 Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist, requiring that time- specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential Require, as part of the environmental review process, prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist., Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of the target species. requiring that time- specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants Wildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site following at least one site visit as well as We suggest language that is clear on the steps needed to be able to adequately identify sensitive resources and proposal of measures specifically that would avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to species present or potentially present. These requirements are common on most development projects in areas impacting potentially sensitive habitats. Question: How will the EIR final draft clarify the language here with the proposed revisions or the equivalent? Question: If the final EIR does not plan to clarify the language here with the proposed revisions or the equivalent, what are the city’s reasons for not doing so? That is, by deciding not to clarify the language, is the city suggesting that adequately identifying sensitive resources and proposal of measures specifically that would avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to species present or potentially present not important? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 673 19 Responsible Land Use for significant adverse impacts on biological resources, and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non- significant level. the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources. The report and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. 3.3-47 MM-BIO-1A To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. MM-BIO-1A To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June and reference populations checked. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. Suggest adding language on checking reference populations. This will ensure accuracy of detecting the target species. This requirement is not burdensome and often can be determined by a phone call to a local botanist or checking websites and providing that documentation. Question: will the final EIR draft include the revised language suggestions to ensure accuracy of detecting the target species? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 674 20 Responsible Land Use 3.3-47 MM-BIO-1B At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, a two- year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. MM-BIO-1B At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off- site seeding or installation methods, an adaptive two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. In the event, that the City of DB determines that agreed success criteria are not met, additional remediation may be required beyond the two-year maintenance/monitoring period to ensure mitigation requirements are met. We believe that there needs to be assurance that the developer has met obligations. In the two years of monitoring, there should be adaptive management of the site to ensure success. If the mitigation measure conditions are not met in the established two-year timeframe, it should be the developer’s obligation to meet those mitigation measure requirements. If it is not clear to the developer on what the requirements are, the City of Diamond Bar risks being the responsible party for the additional restoration expense, or the establishment of exotic weed species that could exacerbate the potential for wildfire. Question: will the EIR final draft ensure that If the mitigation measure conditions are not met in the established two-year time frame, that it will be the developer’s obligation to meet those mitigation measure requirements? Question: if the answer to the above question is yes, how, specifically, will the EIR final draft ensure this? 3.3-53 B10-4: Oak Woodlands. In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide. If a future project cannot be redesigned to avoid impacts on oak woodland, then one Can this MM BIO-4 align with the City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Chapter 22.38 - Tree Preservation and Protection? (Page 3.3-38) There are described restoration ratios that are inconsistent with BIO-4. We believe the ratios described are more reasonable biologically. Question: will this also reference the Oak Woodland Protection Act 2016? If the answer to the above question is no, why not? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 675 21 Responsible Land Use of the following measures shall be implemented: • On-site restoration of a ratio of at least I:I should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent oak woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded oak woodlands There are several examples of city documents that reference oak tree mitigation ratios based on diameter at breast height and the ratio of replacement. We request an ordinance or policy for a no net policy of trees for the city. A sufficient ratio for tree replacement based on size or canopy cover should be established. Please consult references such as Urban Forestry Program Manual. Or suggest elements in a MM on elements that need to be addressed in an ordinance to enable this MM to mitigate impacts to less than significant. Although RC-P-10 - development of a mature native tree ordinance. We should request to review and comment on the measures in that ordinance. 3.3-48 MM-BIO-1D Environmental Awareness Program The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention of the program shall be to encourage active The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Training Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention purpose of the program shall be to inform developers, city workers and residents. The program shall address safety, environmental resource sensitivities and impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness This language reads as voluntary. Question: What requirements will there be for City Workers or Developers to review the online program? We recommend that an Environmental and Safety Awareness Training be developed that is tailored and specific to each project based on resource or safety concerns. It would be the responsibility of the contractor or developer to ensure that the workers have taken the awareness training and provide documentation if requested by the City of Diamond Bar. Question, given the need for all individuals at all 7.1.f Packet Pg. 676 22 Responsible Land Use conservation efforts among the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: Program shall include the following components: encourage Provide, on the City website, information about proactive conservation efforts among for the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: levels of responsibility to be trained, will the city make the proposed language revisions? Question: if the answer to the above question is no, what are the reasons for that decision? 3.3-48 MM-BIO-1D For informational purposes, the City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of plant species to avoid in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities. For informational purposes, The City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of sensitive plant and tree species to avoid impacting as well as suggested plant palettes to be used in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities Not only is it important to suggest the types of plants to avoid, it is also important to identify sensitive plant and tree species that are protected by statute or ordinance, and that would require additional consultation with the city if found onsite. Question: Does the city agree that it is also important to identify sensitive plant and tree species that are protected by statute or ordinance, and that would require additional consultation with the city if found onsite? Question: if the answer to the above question is yes, will the city agree to the suggested language revisions or the equivalent? Question: if the answer to the above question is no, why not? MM-BIO-1E Preconstruction Surveys for Preconstruction Surveys for Special- Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior There are circumstances, such as burrowing owl, where an active nesting burrow can be seasonally 7.1.f Packet Pg. 677 23 Responsible Land Use Special-Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) flag the area for avoidance and discuss possible seasonal avoidance measures with the developer. If avoidance is not feasible, the Project Biologist, with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. avoided until a more reasonable time period can be determined for the species to be relocated and the burrow collapsed. Question: will the final EIR include clarifying language such as that suggested or its equivalent in the final EIR draft? If the answer to the above question is no, then why not? 3.3-50 MM-BIO-1H Protection of Eagle Nests: No development or project activities shall be permitted within one-half mile of a Protection of Eagle Nests: No development or project activities shall be permitted within one-half mile, if not in line of site of a proposed activity, one mile if line of site of a proposed Question: were the most recent laws and regulations used for this section? If so, please specify which ones were used. We believe the recommendation is to not have 7.1.f Packet Pg. 678 24 Responsible Land Use historically active or active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified biologist. 10 In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. activityof a historically active or determined active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified biologist. 10 In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. activity within a mile of a nest that is determined active between December-July. A half mile buffer is used for active nests that are not in line of sight or have been determined by a biologist (in consultation with CDFW) will not impact the active nest. Eagles are considered fully protected and there are no take authorizations for this species. 3.3-52 Therefore, impacts to oak woodlands and other native woodlands could be significant and unavoidable This statement is confusing and is contradictory to the assumption of Impact 3.3-2 on page 3.3-51 that it is Less than Significant with Mitigation. Cultural, Hist, Tribal 3.4-25 In the event that human remains or suspected human remains are identified, the city shall comply with California law (Heath and Safety Code § 7050.5; PRC §§ 5097.94, 5097.98, and 5097.99). The For Impact 3.4-3 there were no mitigation measures offered. Question: why was there no mitigation measure offered for an inadvertent discovery of human 7.1.f Packet Pg. 679 25 Responsible Land Use area shall be flagged off and all construction activities within 100 feet (30 meters) of the find shall immediately cease. The Qualified Archaeologist shall be immediately notified, and the Qualified Archaeologist shall examine the find. If the Qualified Archaeologist determines that there may be human remains, they shall immediately contact the Medical Examiner at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. If the Medical Examiner believes the remains are Native American, he/she shall notify the NAHC within 24 hours. If the remains are not believed to be Native American, the appropriate local law enforcement agency shall be notified. The NAHC shall immediately notify the person it believes to be the most likely descendant (MLD) of the remains, and the MLD has 48 hours of being granted access to the site to visit the discovery and make recommendations to the landowner or representative for the respectful treatment or disposition of the human remains and any associated grave goods. If the MLD does not make recommendations within 48 hours of being granted access to the site, the remains shall be reinterred in the location they were discovered and the area of the property shall be secured from further disturbance. If there are disputes between the landowners and the MLD, the NAHC shall mediate the dispute and attempt to find a solution. If the mediation fails to provide measures remains? This is generally not anticipated, and although it may be not considered significant, there should be a measure in place that a developer and the city should generally follow. We provided an example of a MM that addressed inadvertent discoveries 7.1.f Packet Pg. 680 26 Responsible Land Use acceptable to the landowner, the landowner or their representative shall reinter the remains and associated grave goods and funerary objects in an area of the property secure from further disturbance. The location of any reburial of Native American human remains shall not be disclosed to the public and shall not be governed by public disclosure requirements of the California Public Records Act, California Government Code § 6250 et seq., unless otherwise required by law. The Medical Examiner shall withhold public disclosure of information related to such reburial pursuant to the specific exemption set forth in California Government Code § 6254(r). Energy, Climate Change, GHG 3.5-33 3.5-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. (less than significant) Construction emissions may be more significant since the report admits it is a “conservative assumption” based on “an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total buildout area” would develop in a year (3.5-28, 3.5-29) It considers this impact as less than significant with no mitigation. However, it is based on assumptions: 3.5: “construction emissions were forecasted based on an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total build-out area that could be potentially developed in any year.” but also acknowledges that “it is likely that some projects 7.1.f Packet Pg. 681 27 Responsible Land Use would extend for more than one year, and therefore, would increase total project emissions” and so the “analysis uses a conservative estimate of total project emissions” (3.5-28- 3.5-29) It also claims that “policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions” (3.5-35). Question: given that it is intended that “policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions,” then why are the related general plan policies for VMT are not mandatory? It also states the “Amount of oak woodland that would be converted” or replaced are unknown, the ‘quantification of emissions from conversion ...was not included in the emissions calculations.” The claim that the impact is less than significant are based on unreliable assumptions. (3.5-35) Question: given that the “Amount of oak woodland that would be converted” or replaced are unknown, the ‘quantification of emissions from conversion ...was not included in the emissions calculations,” and since the amount of oak woodland that would be converted or replaced are unknown, then how can the claim be justified that the impact is less than significant? Question: why were the reasons and justifications for the less than significant claims not included in the DEIR document? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 682 28 Responsible Land Use The report does have a specific measure: “for every acre of forest removed, an average of 0.85 MTCO2 sequestration is lost”. Question: how many acres of forest could be developed in this plan? The amount of sequestration that could be lost can be calculated and included to fully evaluate its impact on GHG/climate change. 3.5-39 “The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA Several policies included in the CAP are no longer mandatory due to revisions to the General Plan language in the middle of the comment period. Question: How are the assumed reductions in MTCO2 still valid? Question: What measures will be added to the CAP to enable the expected streamlined environmental review under CEQA? 3.5-28 Significance Criteria Global comment: This document should follow the 2019 CEQA Guidelines. Greenhouse Gas now only has two criteria under Appendix G. The other two are now covered under Section VI Energy. Question: Why does the EIR not account for the recent change to the CEQA 2019 Statutes and Guidelines? How will this be addressed? 3.5-38 CHS-P-44 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through City of Diamond Bar, should adopt similar policies as the City of Long Beach regarding LEED building policies to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions. Although, it may be less 7.1.f Packet Pg. 683 29 Responsible Land Use the implementation of the Green Building Codes. than significant impacts the city should provide policies or mitigation measures to further reduce its carbon footprint and energy efficiency, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources. See link below: http://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/sustainability/media- library/documents/urban-living/builidings-and- neighborhoods/greenbuildingpolicy Question: Will the city plan to adopt policies as discussed above which are similar to those adopted by the city of Long Beach? CHS-P-41 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities. We like the policies that the City of Long Beach described with some goals that they would try and achieve. http://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/sustainability/media- library/documents/nature-initiatives/action-plan/scap-final A land use plan element should require that new commercial, mixed use or transit oriented developments include the design and installation of electrical infrastructure to promote the installation for current or future EV charging infrastructure. Current general plan language changes have made those policies optional. How will the city be able to achieve the expected reduction in GHG and meet its emissions targets for automobiles? Question: Does the city plan to revise those policies and make them mandatory? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 684 30 Responsible Land Use Geology, Soils, Seism, Pale. No Comments. Hazards, Haz. Mtrs, Wildfire No Comments. Hydrology and Water Qlty No Comments. Land Use/Housing No Comments. Noise Criteria 1 There is no discussion under Criteria 1 in regard to Sensitive Receptors to noise, such as schools. Sensitive receptors should be included and identified under this criteria. And MM should be suggested that would limit activities during these hours, or use of noise attenuation measures such as noise blankets or walls to temporarily reduce decibel levels in proximity to these sensitive receptors. Recreation and Parks LU-P-53. Ensure adequate parkland to serve the recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents by providing for a range of park sizes and amenities, equitably distributed throughout the city. Where necessary to adequately expand the park system and/or provide specialized recreational facilities and Question: what elements exist in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that address the potential mitigation to increase the availability of parks? Question: Are there open spaces within the city that have been identified? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 685 31 Responsible Land Use programming as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, actively pursue the acquisition of additional parkland. 3.11-29 LU-P-54. When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer needed, advocate for the property to first be offered to other agencies, including the City of Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. According to LU-P-54, then City of Diamond Bar should consider other public uses for public agency lands. Such as the County owned Golf Course. Question: How does the Core Community Overlay address recreation opportunities sufficiently such that the City can be in alignment with the Quimby Act and meet its ratio of 5 acres per 1000 residents? 3.11-44 Impact 3.11-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. (Less than Significant) This EIR identified several potential new trails: Tonner Canyon, Crooked Creek etc. We support the development of trails and access to views of the open space in the SOI. We would just like consideration and mitigation measures to address any potential impacts if and when those trails are developed. Question: Why was there no discussion or consideration of environmental impacts under this Criteria for the potential new trails? Transportation No Comments Utilities and Service Syst. No Comments. Alternatives 7.1.f Packet Pg. 686 32 Responsible Land Use At 4-6 Figure 4.2-2 Alternative 1 In the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Area it shows both mobile home parks included. The newly revised area ends at the east end of the western mobile home park. Please revise the map to reflect the currently correct size. At 4-6 Figure 4.2-3 Alternative 2 In the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Area it shows both mobile home parks included. The newly revised area ends at the east end of the western mobile home park. Please revise the map to reflect the currently correct size. Alternatives should also include existing Town Center at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Ave with the new General Plan and Climate Action Plan. It is a reasonable alternative that was not described. Question: Given that Alternative 2 is not a viable alternative, why were other alternatives, such as the location mentioned above considered as alternatives in the DEIR? 4-13 Implementation of Alternatives 1 or 2 would have similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project. The difference between the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 is a Core Community Overlay, which if developed, would result in an undetermined environmental impact to offset the loss of the existing County Golf Course--as would Alt 2. This impact, which cannot be adequately quantified at this time, would in fact have a potentially and significant environmental impact. Therefore, it is not clear how the Proposed Alternative is similar in impact to Alt 1. If the Core Community Overlay has to be determined at a later time, and may be determined infeasible due to environmental considerations, then you have currently only proposed two alternatives in addition to the No 7.1.f Packet Pg. 687 33 Responsible Land Use Project Alternative. Question: Given the reliance of Alternative 2 on the Community Core Overlay being invoked, and given the fact that the Golf Course is indeed in operation, and given the fact that it is “infeasible,” as defined by CEQA Guideline §15364, at this time to determine the complete extent of environmental impacts and mitigations necessary to have obtained the Golf Course property, why was Alternative 2 even suggested as a viable alternative in the DEIR? Environmentally Superior Alternative No Comments. Impacts not Pot. Signif. No Comments. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 688 October 31, 2019 Grace S. Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar, Planning Division 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Transmitted via email: glee@diamondbarca.gov Re: Draft Environmental Impact Report, City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, and Climate Action Plan, SCH# 2018051066 Dear Ms. Lee: The California Oaks program of California Wildlife Foundation (CWF/CO) works to conserve oak ecosystems because of their critical role in sequestering carbon, maintaining healthy watersheds, providing habitat, and sustaining cultural values. CWF/CO has reviewed the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, Climate Action Plan, and the environmental analysis presented in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). Comments pertain to mapping of biological resources, fire hazards, greenhouse gas and air quality impacts associated with the implementation of the General Plan, and the city’s tree ordinance. Additionally, CWF/CO offers that the language throughout the plan about the importance of the natural resources is simply aspirational absent strong measures combined with enforcement and monitoring. Mapping data for biological resources: In the letter to the City of Diamond Bar dated July 3, 2018 CWF/CO stated: “We have also been informed that the habitat mapping used in the General Plan materials do not accurately represent the city’s oak resources.” Other letters also addressed this issue, and the letter from Hills For Everyone suggested that the city utilize more current mapping data. Diamond Bar citizens continue to express concern that the mapping remains inadequate. CWF/CO understands that Hamilton Biological, Inc. prepared a biological resources report in February 2019 to correct the deficiencies. The delivery of the Hamilton report may have been after the comment period closed. That said, CWF/CO notes the caution in the DEIR on pages 3.3-5 and 3.3- 6, which indicates a need for finer-scale analysis of the mapped vegetation (emphasis added with boldface text): As with the native oak and walnut woodlands, there can be considerable overlap and mixing of shrubland and scrub alliances, which can lead to misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed from a distance or in aerial photography, particularly in the summer when many scrub species are deciduous. For this reason, the mapping of these alliances and their mixtures in Figure 3.3-1 should be considered to be subject to site- specific investigations. As noted on page 2 of Appendix A of the biological resources report: “Mr. Hamilton conducted reconnaissance field surveys on January 4 and 8, and February 4 and 8, 2019, 7.1.f Packet Pg. 689 California Wildlife Foundation/California Oaks Comment Letter, October 31, 2019 2 to field-check the mapping and to observe the existing conditions throughout most of Diamond Bar.” Fire Hazards: The section, Wildfire Management Strategies, on page 7-16 of the draft General Plan discusses approaches for mitigating fire risk: As the State prepares for more such incidents as the wildland-urban interface (WUI) continues to expand and changes in climate patterns become more apparent, wildfire risk management at the local level will become increasingly important. Strategies tend to cluster around two main approaches: maintaining defensible space around structures, and ensuring that structures are resistant to fire. CWF/CO recommends the City of Diamond Bar restrict development in areas designated by CAL FIRE to pose very high or extreme fire threat as detailed in Figure 7-5 on page 7- 18 and very high fire hazard severity zones as detailed in Figure 7-6 on page 7-19. Such restrictions would enhance safety and also conserve financial and natural resources. At the very least, CFW/CO urges the City of Diamond Bar to promulgate citywide fire risk disclosure requirements for housing developments. Amador County building code requires the county to make information available to project applicants and real estate agents on the risks of wildland fire, available levels of fire and emergency response, and wildland fire prevention methods; and to provide that same information when property changes hands in areas designated as high and very high fire severity. That information is posted on the county’s website. CWF/CO commends the City of Diamond Bar for the language in PS-P-21 presented on page 3.11-39 of the DEIR, which is protective of natural vegetation. As stated above, a prohibition of development in these regions would result in further protections. Greater specificity is needed in the language below to detail how natural ecosystems will be protected: Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that properties in and adjacent to High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as indicated in Figure 7-6 are adequately protected from wildland fire hazards in a manner that minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation and ecosystems through inspection and enforcement. Update Figure 7-6 as new information becomes available from CAL FIRE. Greenhouse gas impacts: Page 1-6 of the Climate Action Plan recognizes the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of the conversion of oak woodlands and other natural environments that sequester carbon (boldface text used for emphasis): California’s oak woodlands act as carbon sinks, storing an estimated 675 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e). Riparian habitats and wetlands also act as climate sinks and are beneficial to ecological adaptation to climate change. Destruction of these habitats, both through land use decisions and the consequences of intensifying climate change, has the potential to release a significant amount of greenhouse gases. The Diamond Bar General Plan update includes multiple policies aimed at preserving open space and riparian habitat to encourage the health of the City’s biological resources, particularly oak and walnut woodlands, and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 690 California Wildlife Foundation/California Oaks Comment Letter, October 31, 2019 3 applies land use designations that minimize impacts of development on these resources. California law requires the assessment of GHG impacts of proposed oak removals, yet Appendix D does not include such calculations. California Environmental Quality Act § 15364.5 states that “Greenhouse gas” or “greenhouse gases” includes but is not limited to: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. California’s Senate Bill 1383 (2016) designated methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbon short-lived climate pollutants. Upon the disposal of impacted vegetation, the decomposition of biomass results in CO2 and CH4 emissions, and the combustion of biomass does in all cases result in CO2, CH4, N2O, and black carbon.1 CEQA does not differentiate between anthropogenic and biogenic GHG emissions.2 The following 2009 Natural Resources Agency response to the California Wastewater Climate Change Group proves the point: Response 95-1: “Regarding the comment that the Guidelines should distinguish between anthropogenic and biogenic carbon dioxide emissions, the Natural Resources Agency notes that SB 97 did not distinguish between the sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it would not be appropriate for the Natural Resources Agency to treat the different categories of emissions differently absent a legislative intent that the Guidelines do so. Neither AB 32 nor the Air Resources Board’s Scoping Plan distinguishes between biogenic and anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas emissions. On the contrary, the Scoping Plan identifies methane from, among other sources, organic wastes decomposing in landfills as a source of emissions that should be controlled. (Scoping Plan, pages 62-63).” The total biomass weight of the impacted overstory/understory vegetation must be known and the means of biomass disposal identified to accurately and fully account for natural land conversion GHG emissions.3 The following questions must be addressed in order for the environmental documentation to be complete: • What is the estimated total biomass weight of the impacted overstory and understory vegetation by 2020, 2030 and 2050? • Due to the presumed transport of disposed biomass off-site, what are the estimated CO2, CH4, N2O, and black carbon emissions? Lastly, on page 8-23 of General Plan, measure CHS-G-11 (boldface text added for emphasis) is to: “Undertake initiatives to enhance sustainability by reducing the community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protecting natural open spaces which provide CO2 sequestration, and fostering green development patterns, buildings, sites, and landscapes.” The City of Diamond Bar needs to add clear language to the General 1 Decomposition: "Anaerobic digestion, chemical process in which organic matter is broken down by 2 "... the combustion of biomass does in all cases result in net additions of CH4 and N2O to the atmosphere, and therefore emissions of these two greenhouse gases as a result of biomass combustion should be accounted for in emission inventories under Scope 1" (at p. 11). World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development (2005). 3 EPA/USDA FS, 2015. Forest Biomass Components: https://cfpub.epa.gov/roe/indicator.cfm?i=86. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 691 California Wildlife Foundation/California Oaks Comment Letter, October 31, 2019 4 Plan to articulate how natural open space protections will be achieved, enforced, and monitored. Tree Ordinance: The July 2018 letter by CWF/CO urged “the City of Diamond Bar to strengthen the tree ordinance by applying it to parcels of one-half acre and smaller, and to extend individual tree protections to trees smaller than eight inches diameter at breast- height (DBH).” The DEIR discusses the tree ordinance in the summary of Areas of Controversy on page ES-7: Many of the comments addressed impacts to important biological resources, particularly oak woodlands. Inadequacy of the City of Diamond Bar’s existing tree ordinance and the Existing Conditions Report led to community concern over the protection of open space and special-status species. Anticipated development under the Proposed Project could reduce existing open space and viable habitat. Unfortunately, the proposed Resource Conservation policy (RC-P-10) for the impact does not include an improved tree ordinance: Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. Lastly, the DEIR Mitigation Measure Bio-4 presented in table ES-4 on page ES-29 of the DEIR states that: “In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide.” Restoration ratios detailed in the table differ (and are weaker in some cases) from those in the City of Diamond Bar’s tree ordinance section 22.38.130. For example, the county restoration ratio may be 1:1 in certain circumstances whereas the City of Diamond Bar’s tree replacement/relocation standards state: “Replacement trees shall be planted at a minimum 2:1 ratio for residential properties less than 20,000 square feet. Residential parcels greater than 20,000 square feet and commercial and industrial properties shall be planted at a minimum 3:1 ratio…” The City of Diamond Bar needs to clarify how the tree ordinance and mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide are to be reconciled. Air Quality: Section 5.6 of the General Plan discusses the South Coast Air Basin’s poor air quality. American Lung Association assigned the grade of F to Los Angeles County’s air for ozone and particle pollution (24-hour and annual) (see http:// www.lung.org/our- initiatives/healthy-air/sota/city-rankings/states/california/los-angeles.html). Resource Conservation-Policy-29 presented on page 5-41 of the General Plan is to: “Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation, recognizing the role of these resources in the reduction and mitigation of air pollution impacts, and the promotion of CO2 sequestration.” However, as stated in the introductory comments, without specific language and clear protections, there is no reason to believe Diamond Bar’s natural resource values will be upheld through the implementation of the General Plan. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 692 California Wildlife Foundation/California Oaks Comment Letter, October 31, 2019 5 Thank you for your consideration of these comments. CWF/CO is available, should additional information be needed. Sincerely, Janet Cobb Angela Moskow Executive Officer Manager, California Oaks Coalition 7.1.f Packet Pg. 693 1 Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force Angeles Chapter October 31, 2019 TO: Ms. Grace Lee, Senior Planner, City of Diamond Bar [delivered electronically] CC: City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Director, Mr. Greg Gubman RE: City of Diamond Bar, General Plan, DEIR Comments Dear Ms. Lee, The purpose and goals of the Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force, Angeles Chapter, are dedicated to local conservation: to educate environmental literacy to all, especially the youth; to explore, enjoy and protect local wildlife habitats, to advocate biodiversity, natural open spaces and sustainable communities. Our group activities and contributions are locally focused. We are grateful for the opportunity to comment on the General Plan 2040/DEIR. We think forward-thinking, community-based partnerships are foundational to guard against error and to reach for extraordinary levels of quality and economic productivity in conservation planning. Here are our concerns, which also include a personal point of input: 1. Wildlife Habitat and Circulation: The Resource Conservation element and DEIR fails to regard or thoroughly explain wildlife circulation throughout the mid and northern part of the city. Example: my own property which is mapped as oak woodland on DEIR figure 5.2 is partially correct (because the coastal scrub is missing) has been a consistent “wildlife corridor” these 30 years past (or more?). There is an established “game trail” where we routinely observe deer families arrive from traversing the native green belt tracing throughout the Diamond Ridge neighborhood near Pantera Park. The Hamilton report accurately depicts this region as area #3, in the natural communities map. Therefore, Hamilton’s approach to mapping natural communities according to their existence rather than human boundaries is correct. Please explain what scientific basis the city claims wildlife circulation only happens at the Puente Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor? Recall, 2013 Diamond Bar city hall sighted a mountain lion, which may have arrived from Upper Tonner Canyon/Tres Hermanos or Powder Canyon. Here are pictures of my own property, north face ridgeline, oak/walnut, sage scrub habitat. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 694 2 2. The DEIR city environmental location description is inadequate. There appears to be no geomorphic, geological or floristic references to where the city of Diamond Bar is. For example, Dibblee maps indicate the city of Diamond Bar is located in: Brea Canyon, in the Puente Hills, which are at the tip of the Peninsular Ranges, in the Southern California Mountains & Valleys Ecoregion. These terms hold meaningful descriptions by which to assess, soils, native plant communities, climate patterns. How else can specific ecological features and conditions be discovered or understood? Will the city of Diamond Bar update the environmental location of the city in all general plan documents? 3. Geologic Constraints: The DEIR omits describing geologic constraints of the city. Example: The City’s landscape comprises a system of canyons, streams, floodplains, ridges, and hillsides. Prominent knolls and ridges reach elevations of 1,300 to 1,400 feet above sea level. Most hillsides contain slopes in excess of 25%. These hillside areas are underlain by bedrock of the Puente Formation. The rocks of this formation are folded and dip between 10 and 20 degrees horizontal. Locally, beds of Puente Formation dip as steep as 45 to 60 degrees. The folded nature of these rocks combined with the steepness of the terrain makes Diamond Bar one of the most landslide-prone areas in Southern California. I cannot located descriptions which help us to understand safety risk, such as landslide potential. 4. Is it meaningful to include the California Deep Landslide Inventory? If not, why not? Again, isn’t this relevant to safety concerns and mitigation solutions? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 695 3 5. Proposal for new city tree codes including recommendations for oak woodland protection, walnut woodland protections and productive measures to improve the city urban canopy. Existing codes are sorely outdated. Based on current science of natural communities and alliances, per the California Vegetation Manual, Hamilton Biologic analyzed in February 2019, a new proposed tree code. Attached. A year previous, a red line draft of the previous tree codes was performed by State Urban Forester, John Melvin’s recommended local urban forester, David Haas to assist me in analyzing and correcting/improving the city’s existing tree codes. Attached. I respectfully request the city review this material to achieve updated tree codes to serve the quality of life in the City of Diamond Bar; and to preserve best practice. Respectfully, C. Robin Smith C. Robin Smith, Chair References: Dibblee Maps, Peninsular Ranges, Ecoregion map Cc: Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, Senior Chapter Director, George Watland DBPV Sierra Club Task Force, Vice Chair, David Warren Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter, Conservation Chair, Angelica Gonzales Sierra Club, San Gabriel Valley Task Force, Chair, Joan Licari 7.1.f Packet Pg. 696 Biological Resources Report City of Diamond Bar 7.1.f Packet Pg. 697 “This work is dedicated to the City of Diamond Bar, to its residents --- especially the children.” Dedicated & Funded by a consortium of Diamond Bar residents and: Cover Photo by Diamond Bar Resident, Eraina Olson, 2019. Photos for Resource Protection Recommendations, by Robert Hamilton 2019. February, 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 698 Biological Resources Report City of Diamond Bar Prepared By Hamilton Biological, Inc. Robert A. Hamilton, President 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 http://hamiltonbiological.com February 25, 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 699 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................. II INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1 METHODS & TECHNICAL INFORMATION ........................................................... 2 VISIONS, GOALS, OBJECTIVES .......................................................................... 2 HISTORY & LAND USE ................................................................................... 5 SCENIC RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 5 HYDROLOGY/WATERWAYS ........................................................................ 6 DIAMOND BAR WATERSHEDS ......................................................................... 8 FLOODING ................................................................................................... 9 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ........................................................................... 9 NATURAL COMMUNITIES ................................................................................ 9 Annual and Perennial Grasslands, Vernal Pools/Seasonal Pools ............ 10 Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub .......................................................... 10 Chaparral .............................................................................................. 11 Coast Live Oak Woodland, Savannah ................................................... 11 California Walnut Woodland, Savannah ............................................... 11 Riparian Scrub and Woodlands ............................................................. 12 Human-altered Habitats ........................................................................ 12 NATURAL OPEN SPACE AREAS ....................................................................... 12 RESOURCE PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................. 17 SENSITIVE RESOURCES .................................................................................. 19 Sensitive Natural Communities ............................................................. 20 Special-Status Species ........................................................................... 20 EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES .................... 29 EDGE/FRAGMENTATION EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ............................... 30 Wildlife Movement Issues in the Puente-Chino Hills ............................. 30 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION POLICIES .................................... 32 GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT ........... 32 LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................... 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 700 III FIGURES 1: Waterways ............................................................................................. 6 2: Lower San Gabriel River Watershed ....................................................... 7 3a: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 1 ........................................................ 13 3b: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 2 ........................................................ 14 3c: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 3 ........................................................ 15 3d: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 4 ........................................................ 16 TABLES A: Resource Protection Recommendations ................................................ 17 B: Special Status Species ........................................................................... 22 APPENDICES A: Methods & Technical Information 7.1.f Packet Pg. 701 1 INTRODUCTION Hamilton Biological, Inc., was retained by a consortium of Diamond Bar residents to prepare this biological resources report addressing the conservation and preservation of sensitive biological resources in the City of Diamond Bar (City) and its Sphere of Influence. It is intended that the City incorporate the information and analyses in this report into the next update of its general plan, currently in preparation. Sections 65302(d) and 65302(e) of the California Government Code states that a city’s general plan shall include goals and policies for management of open spaces, including natural lands and recreation areas. The Open Space Element addresses such categories as preservation of natural resources and managed production of resources. The Conservation Element addresses protection and maintenance of natural resources, including soils, water, plants, wildlife, and mineral resources. Recognizing that the subjects covered under the Open Space Element and Conservation Element substantially overlap, Appendix 1 to the California Government Code allows these two elements to be combined in one section of the General Plan. The Open Space and Conservation Element identifies and describes the irreplaceable biotic resources that make up the natural environment that people rely upon for breathable air, clean water, viable populations of native plants and wildlife, and the natural beauty that pervades and defines Diamond Bar. The Open Space and Conservation Element guides city decision-makers and the public in their efforts to take the natural world into account during deliberations over development proposals, as required to realize the overall vision laid out in the General Plan. The Open Space and Conservation Element guides the development and implementation of programs involving conservation of open space, biological resources, visual resources, and parks and recreation. Approaches for managing environmental impacts are identified, with particular emphasis on contributing to achievement of the General Plan’s stated goals, including: • Create and retain an open space system which will conserve natural resources, preserve scenic beauty, promote a healthy community atmosphere, provide open space for outdoor recreation, and protect the public safety. • Identify limits on the natural resources needed to support urban and rural development within the City and its Sphere of Influence, and ensure that those resources are used wisely and not abused. • Provide a park, recreation and open space system which enhances the livability of urban and suburban areas by providing parks for residential neighborhoods; preserving significant natural, scenic, and other open space resources; and meeting the open space and recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 702 2 Methods & Technical Information Please refer to Appendix A, which describes the methods for preparing this biological resources report, as well as providing technical information that underpins the analyses, conclusions, and policies contained herein. Visions, Goals, Objectives The General Plan identifies “a strongly held goal among the residents to maintain and protect the distinctive physical attributes of Diamond Bar which make it a desirable place in which to live.” To achieve this overarching goal of safeguarding open spaces and significant natural features, as well as retaining the City’s distinctive natural character, the Open Space and Conservation Element focuses on supporting the following visions, goals and objectives, building upon language contained in the original 1995 General Plan: • Vision 1. Retention of the rural/country living community character. There is a strong, long-held goal among residents to maintain and protect the distinctive, physical attributes of Diamond Bar which make it a desirable place in which to live, through a careful balance of housing, businesses and services, public facilities, and preservation of natural environmental resources. • Vision 2. Preservation of open space. Significant privately and publicly owned natural lands that remain in Diamond Bar and its 3,591-acre Sphere of Influence support numerous rare species and perform important ecological functions. The preservation of sensitive natural resources contributes to the goal of retaining the City’s distinctive rustic character and offers unique educational and recreational opportunities. The County of Los Angeles has identified the Sphere of Influence and adjacent lands, some of which lie within the City, as Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15. SEA 15 is recognized as a major significant ecological asset to the community. The City will play a proactive role in the preservation of SEA 15 by assuring that extensive analysis and review precede any changes from its current uses and possibilities. o Goal 1. Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of Diamond Bar residents, providing a balance of development and preservation of significant open space areas to assure both economic viability and retention of distinctive natural features of the community. § Objective 1.1 Establish a land use classification system to guide the public and private use of land within the City and its Sphere of Influence. § Objective 1.2 Preserve and maintain the quality of existing residential neighborhoods while offering a variety of housing opportunities, including mixed land uses. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 703 3 § Objective 1.3 Designate adequate land for retail and service commercial, professional services, and other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City’s needs. § Objective 1.4 Designate adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. § Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the community by identifying and preserving an adequate amount of open land. § Objective 1.6 Consistent with the Vision Statement, provide flexibility in the planning of new development as a means of encouraging superior land use by means such as open space and public amenities. o Goal 2. Consistent with the Vision Statement, manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development. Maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services which achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources. § Objective 2.1 Promote land use patterns and intensities which are consistent with the Resource Management Element and Circulation Element. § Objective 2.2 Maintain an organized pattern of land use which minimizes conflicts between adjacent land uses. § Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the availability and adequacy of public services and facilities. o Goal 3. Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as being a community with a well- planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment. § Objective 3.1 Create visual points of interest as a means of highlighting community identity. § Objective 3.2 Ensure that new development, and intensification of existing development, yields a pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. § Objective 3.3 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensure that hillside development does not create unsafe conditions. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 704 4 o Goal 4. Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the Quality of Life for Diamond Bar residents. § Objective 4.1 Promote and cooperate in efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and transportation/circulation planning programs. o Goal 5. Consistent with the Vision Statement, recognize that oak trees, oak woodlands, and associated habitats have intrinsic aesthetic, environmental, ecological, wildlife, and economic values; that conservation of oak- dominated landscapes is important to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Diamond Bar1; that that the General Plan must contain adequate policies to protect the oak habitats from unnecessary damage, removal or destruction; that native oak trees should be planted, where appropriate, to enhance or restore damaged or degraded oak woodland habitats and mitigate unavoidable losses. § Objective 5.1 Protect and extend the diversity of oak woodlands and associated habitats (defined as lands on which the majority of the trees are of the genus Quercus) through site design and land use regulations. § Objective 5.2 Reduce in scale, redesign, modify, or if no other alternative exists, deny any project which cannot sufficiently mitigate significant adverse impacts to oak woodlands. § Objective 5.3 Encourage property owners to establish Open Space Easements or deed restrictions for areas containing oak woodlands, and to allow access to enable scientific study. § Objective 5.4 Encourage concentration of development on minimum number of acres (density exemptions) in exchange for maximizing long term open space. § Objective 5.5 As a mitigation option, allow as a condition of development approval, restoration of any area of oak woodland that is in a degraded condition, with the magnitude of restoration to be commensurate with the scope of the project. This may include planting of oak trees and removal of non-native species, with consideration for long-term viability, management, and protection, and/or modification of existing land uses. The object of habitat restoration shall be to enhance the ecological function of the oak woodland and to restore it to a condition where it can be self-sustaining through natural occurrences such as fire, natural hydrological processes, etc. 1 Woodlands are defined as lands with tree cover of at least 10%, and oak woodlands exist where the majority of trees are of the genus Quercus. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 705 5 History & Land Use Set within the Puente Hills of southeastern Los Angeles County, the City of Diamond Bar covers 14.9 square miles. Neighboring cities include Walnut, Pomona, Industry, La Puente, Rowland Heights, Brea, and Chino Hills. The region now occupied by Diamond Bar was inhabited by the Kizh people until the mid-eighteenth century, when the Spaniards settled in the area, establishing Mission San Gabriel in 1771 (City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society 2014; Housing element 2014). The land experienced a series of ownership changes involving various land grants and purchases (e.g., the Los Nogales Grant; purchases by Luz Linares, Vejar and Palomares, Louis Phillip, Frederick E. Lewis II, William Bartholome), eventually growing into one of the largest and respected ranches in southern California and gaining its name. This lasted until 1956, during which two subsidiaries of Transamerica Corporation (Christiana Oil Corp and the Capital Oil Company) purchased the area, aiming to make it among the first and largest master-planned community in Los Angeles County (City of Diamond and Diamond Bar Historical Society 2014). Despite initial intentions as a “master-planned” community, uncoordinated patterns of development through the late twentieth century have introduced areas of incongruence, such as single- and detached multi-family residential tracts being established alongside limited commercial and other non-residential sections. Most suburban construction was already established prior to the city’s incorporation in 1989, and commercial development has continued expand within the city limit. A few blocks away from the primary arterials (57 and 60 Freeways) the majority of retail and housing space is largely concealed by the natural topography, contributing to Diamond Bar’s quiet, semi-rural character and pleasant atmosphere. Scenic Resources Today, Diamond Bar is primarily a hillside residential community, composed of steep and moderate sloping hills separated by ridges and flat plateaus. Although most of the land was developed prior to the city’s incorporation, its remaining natural hillsides and ridgelines provide a picturesque backdrop and strong visual ties to the area’s long history of ranching. The views from these natural areas comprise powerful and valuable scenic resources, adding ambiance and aesthetics that give Diamond Bar a unique and compelling visual identity. In addition, views of trees, rolling hills and the pine- and often snow-covered peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains are visible in the distance from the 57 and 60 Freeways. Planning decisions must recognize the existing aesthetic value of the city’s open space as well as the external viewsheds of the surrounding region. These include the oak and walnut wooded ridgelines, unique topography, and natural open spaces at the edges of the community. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 706 6 HYDROLOGY/WATERWAYS Diamond Bar lies within of the San Gabriel River watershed, which is the largest watershed in the drainage system of the San Gabriel Mountains at 441,000 acres (Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group 2015). The San Gabriel River is one of seven major watersheds partly or completely within Los Angeles County. Most of the river lies in southeastern Los Angeles County, but a portion of this watershed originates in northern Orange County. The northern portion of the San Gabriel River, where it emerges from the mountains, has retained some natural features, such as a sandy bottom and native vegetation. Farther south, however, flood-control and channel stabilization measures needed to accommodate intensive urbanization led to the river being lined with concrete (US Army Corps of Engineers 1991; Neal 2011). Water runs through Diamond Bar via numerous channels, creeks and canyons. A small part of the northwestern part of the city drains to the San Gabriel River via the San Jose Creek channel, which follows the route of Valley Boulevard west from Diamond Bar. Most of Diamond Bar drains south to the San Gabriel River through the Coyote Creek watershed (see Figure 1). Figure 1, Waterways. Diamond Bar lies mostly within the watershed of Coyote Creek, but the northwestern part of the city discharges to the west, through the San Jose Creek channel. Source: National Hydrology Dataset. http://www.horizon-systems.com/nhdplus/NHDPlusV1download.php 7.1.f Packet Pg. 707 7 Coyote Creek and San Jose Creek drain approximately 165 square miles and 83 square miles, respectively, of highly urbanized commercial, residential, and industrial zones, plus limited natural open space areas (Sheng & Wilson 2000, using Horton–Strahler Stream Order). In 2013, Diamond Bar joined 12 other cities and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to develop a Watershed Monitoring Program (WMP) and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) to address the lower portion of the San Gabriel River, which includes Reaches 1 and 2 of the San Gabriel River Watershed and portions of Coyote Creek that originate from jurisdictions within Los Angeles County, including the City of Diamond Bar. A small portion of Diamond Bar that discharges to the San Gabriel River via San Jose Creek is also addressed by this CIMP. See Figure 2, below. Figure 2, Lower San Gabriel River Watershed. Diamond Bar occupies the most northeasterly part of the Lower San Gabriel River Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program. Source: Gateway Water Management Authority. https://gatewaywater.org/services/lsgr/ 7.1.f Packet Pg. 708 8 Diamond Bar Watersheds Diamond Bar is served by four watersheds, all with some channelization/urbanization: Tonner Canyon Creek, Diamond Bar Creek, Brea Canyon Creek, and San Jose Creek. Each system supports riparian habitat that provides resources for protected/special- status species. The following discussions describe each of these four drainage systems. 1. Tonner Canyon With a watershed of 5,000 acres and very little development, Tonner Canyon ranks among the most ecologically significant, unchannelized, largely undisturbed drainages in the Los Angeles area (HFE 2018). Occupying parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange Counties, Tonner Canyon drains the southeastern side of Diamond Bar and the northwestern side of the City of Chino Hills. The flow rate, controlled by natural rills, gullies and washes, varies throughout the year. The canyon’s headwaters lie in a bowl of low hills just south of Diamond Ranch High School. Roughly 1.4 miles downstream, Grand Avenue cuts across the watershed, and just downstream from that road crossing lies the small Arnold Reservoir. Below the reservoir’s dam, water flows southwest through natural open space lands the City of Industry has purchased from the Boy Scouts of America in recent years. After flowing for approximately a mile through open, rolling hills, the creek then enters a narrower canyon, with steeper hills on either side. At that point, the willow-, sycamore-, and oak-dominated riparian vegetation becomes more developed. The creek flows another six miles south and west to empty into Brea Creek, located near the 57 Freeway in the Coyote Creek drainage basin of Orange County. 2. Diamond Bar Creek Originating in the neighborhoods west of Diamond Ranch High School, Diamond Bar Creek runs approximately 1.2 miles to the west, through Sycamore Canyon Park, and then continues west of Golden Springs Road through Diamond Bar Golf Course, and from there underneath the 57 and 60 Freeways, to a channel east of the freeway that is tributary to San Jose Creek. The upper segment, from Leyland Drive through the Sycamore Canyon Park, supports well-developed native sycamore/oak/willow riparian woodlands. The segment passing through Diamond Bar Golf Course supports broken, partially native riparian habitat. 3. Brea Canyon Creek The southwestern part of Diamond Bar, including the “Brea Canyons” neighborhood east of the 57 Freeway, drains south toward Coyote Creek via Brea Canyon Creek. Most of this watershed is fully developed within the limits of Diamond Bar, but the southernmost portion, near the terminus of Castle Rock Road, is a soft-bottomed perennial creek that supports riparian vegetation. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 709 9 4. San Jose Creek – South Branch/Fork Located at Diamond Bar’s northwestern edge, the southern branch of San Jose Creek is a concrete-lined, trapezoidal channel that collects a small portion of urban runoff that is discharged north of the intersection of Sunset Crossing Road and North Diamond Bar Blvd. Runoff collected from catch basins drains west toward San Jose Creek in the City of Industry. At the eastern terminus of Back Lot Lane, in the City of Walnut, lies very small patch of riparian vegetation consisting of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Flooding Flood insurance maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)2, showing areas that may be subject to flooding in 100-year storm events, indicate that Diamond Bar is at low risk for major flood events. Only a limited section of the City, located north of SR-60 (Reed Canyon Channel at Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street) are a slightly elevated flood potential. Surrounding areas at potentially elevated risk of flooding include locations north of the 57 Freeway (across Baker Parkway) and an area covering roughly 2,000 acres near the border with Pomona. An extensive system of concrete-lined drainages, many of which are independent of the natural streambeds, carries runoff through the City. Areas considered to be at elevated risk of flooding may require maintenance of drainage channels, which can include removal of native wetland and riparian vegetation, to maintain the flow of water through the stormwater system. Diamond Bar’s generally low risk for flooding allows for native riparian vegetation to be retained in natural streambeds, which can develop into important habitat for various wildlife species. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Natural Communities This section briefly describes the Natural Communities (also known as “plant communities” or “vegetation types”) that occur in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence (i.e., Tonner Canyon/Significant Ecological Area 15, located in unincorporated Los Angeles County south of the city limits). The following discussions of Natural Communities refer to Natural Open Space Areas in the City and its Sphere of Influence, which are mapped subsequently (see Figures 3a–3d, starting on page 12). Please refer also to Appendix A, which describes the State-recommended methods used to classify Natural Communities for this report. 2 Los Angeles county Flood Zone Definitions, See http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wmd/floodzone/docs/FZDLegend.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 710 10 ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL GRASSLANDS, VERNAL POOLS/SEASONAL POOLS Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, Sphere of Influence The bottom of Tonner Canyon supports extensive grasslands. Most alliances of the widespread “California annual grassland” are not identified as Sensitive by CDFW, as they generally represent areas disturbed over long periods (e.g., by grazing) that no longer support many native plant species. Among the most prevalent alliances in the Diamond Bar area is “annual brome grassland.” Dominant species include ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), foxtail brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), wild oats (Avena fatua), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), black mustard (Brassica nigra), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Some disturbance-adapted native forbs, such as common fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) and arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus), may also occur. Areas of perennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non-trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. As examples, the Nassella spp. – Melica spp. herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least 2–5 percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses3; and the Bromus carinatus – Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover.4 It is likely that vernal pools/seasonal ponds occur in the site’s grasslands, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other Natural Communities. Special-status species known to occur in Diamond Bar’s grasslands, or that have potential to occur there, include Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus catalinae) small- flowered microseris (Microseris douglasii ssp. platycarpha), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). COASTAL SAGE SCRUB, CACTUS SCRUB Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, Sphere of Influence Hillsides throughout the Puente Hills support stands of coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, and this includes the dry, exposed slopes of Diamond Bar. Dominant native shrubs species in coastal sage scrub include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Within the Study Area, cactus scrub is dominated by a combination of coastal prickly-pear (Opuntia littoralis) and shrubs characteristic of coastal sage scrub. The CDFW recognizes most of these scrub/cactus 3 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/536 4 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/499 7.1.f Packet Pg. 711 11 alliances as Sensitive Natural Communities5 in their own right, and they often support special-status plant and/or wildlife species, such as intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii ssp. intermedius), Hubby’s phacelia (Phacelia hubbyi), Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), and Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus). CHAPARRAL Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Sphere of Influence On Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes, coastal sage scrub is replaced by taller and denser shrubs and trees with greater requirements for moisture and shade. The mosaic consists of three main Natural Communities: chaparral, oak woodland, and walnut woodland. The lowland form of chaparral found in the study area is dominated by such species as laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), sugarbush (Rhus ovata), chaparral honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Special-status species associated potentially found in chaparral in Diamond Bar include Fish’s milkwort (Polygala cornuta var. fishiae) and the San Bernardino Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus). COAST LIVE OAK WOODLAND, SAVANNAH Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, Sphere of Influence Coast Live Oak Woodland, several associations of which are recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, is characterized by stands of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and in some areas Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), often growing together with chaparral and walnut woodland, on Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes, as well as in the bottoms of some drainage courses. Oak savannah, characterized by scattered oaks growing in grassland, occurs in limited pockets and may be associated with human disturbance of oak woodlands. Coast live oaks are valuable to a variety of native wildlife, and are frequently utilized by nesting owls and hawks. Special-status species that may be found in oak woodlands in the Study Area include the Southern California Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta tudiculata), Trask’s Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta traskii), and Long-eared Owl (Asio otus). CALIFORNIA WALNUT WOODLAND, SAVANNAH Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, Sphere of Influence This Natural Community, recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, is characterized by stands of southern California black walnut (Juglans californica) growing in association with chaparral and coast live oak woodland on Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes. Walnut savannah, characterized by scattered walnuts growing in grassland, occurs in limited pockets and may be associated with human disturbance of walnut woodlands. 5 https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=153609 7.1.f Packet Pg. 712 12 Special-status species that may be found in walnut woodlands and walnut savannah in Diamond Bar include the species indicated previously for oak woodlands and chaparral. RIPARIAN SCRUB AND WOODLANDS Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Sphere of Influence Various forms of riparian scrub and woodland, nearly all of them recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, grow along streambeds in Diamond Bar. The dominant vegetation consists of willows, such as arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) and red willow (S. laevigata), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), southern California black walnut (Juglans californica), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Special-status species that may be found in riparian woodlands in Diamond Bar include the rough hedge-nettle (Stachys rigida var. rigida), Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata), Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens), and Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). HUMAN-ALTERED HABITATS Developed areas, such as turfed/landscaped parks and the Diamond Bar Golf Course, generally do not support Natural Communities, but these areas may nevertheless play important ecological roles. For example, the golf course includes large number of ornamental trees that comprise a non-native woodland that supports a wide variety of resident and migratory native birds, presumably including nesting raptors, and the man-made lake provides habitat for migratory and resident ducks and other waterfowl. Natural Open Space Areas Figures 3a–3d, starting on the next page, depict 13 areas of extensive (>25 acres) native/naturalized habitat in Diamond Bar. Also depicted are Diamond Bar Golf Course and Tonner Canyon/Significant Ecological Area 15, within the city’s Sphere of Influence. The figures also show potential habitat connections/choke points for wildlife movement between blocks of natural open space. Figures 3a–3d provide a basis for generally characterizing the existing ecological conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 713 13 7.1.f Packet Pg. 714 14 7.1.f Packet Pg. 715 15 7.1.f Packet Pg. 716 16 7.1.f Packet Pg. 717 Resource Protection Recommendations 7.1.f Packet Pg. 718 17 Resource Protection Recommendations Table A, below, describes and characterizes the ecological characteristics of each mapped natural open space area at a general level of detail appropriate for a General Plan. Recommendations are made for the establishment of biological protection overlays for sensitive habitat areas with high ecological values (e.g., native woodlands and coastal sage scrub). Note that sensitive natural resources (e.g., special-status species) and/or important ecological functions (e.g., movement of wildlife) could also occur outside of the identified areas. More detailed, project-specific surveys would be required to accurately and adequately describe the ecological resources found in any open space area. Table A. Resource Protection Recommendations Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 1 926 Largest block of natural open space in Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, (c) wetland and riparian habitats, and (d) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 2 64 Only large block of natural open space in Diamond Bar north of 60 Freeway. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 3 72 “Island” of natural open space between Charmingdale Road and Armitos Place. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 4 438 Includes Summitridge Park and Steep Canyon/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 719 18 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 5 62 Includes Sycamore Canyon Park/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 6 196 Slopes east of City Hall. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human-altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7 154 Includes Larkstone Park. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Oak Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 8 231 West of 57 Freeway, south of Pathfinder Road. Oak Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Grassland, Human- altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 9 27 Southwestern corner. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 10 712 Tonner Canyon tributaries. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 11 39 Southwestern section of The Country; part of Significant Ecological Area 15. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 720 19 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 12 197 Slopes west of Ridge Line Road. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human- altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 13 100 Northeastern part of The Country, adjacent to Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wetland and riparian habitats, and (c) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. Diamond Bar GC 174 Golf course that provides wildlife habitat. Riparian, Human-altered Habitats (including man-made pond). Conserve wetland and riparian habitats; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. Sphere of Influence 3,513 Large and important area of natural open space south of Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch; heart of Significant Ecological Area 15. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Riparian, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wetland and riparian habitats, (c) native woodlands, and (d) native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. Sensitive Resources This biological resources report acknowledges federal, state, and local laws and ordinances designed to protect and conserve sensitive resources, and identifies City policies designed to help achieve this objective. For purposes of this report, a sensitive resource refers to any of the following: • A Natural Community recognized as having special-status by federal, State, and/or local governments, and requiring a permit or agreement prior to its disturbance. • A plant or animal species identified by federal or state governments as endangered, threatened, rare, protected, sensitive, or a Species of Special Concern. • A plant or animal that listed by a state or federal agency as a candidate species or proposed for state or federal listing. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 721 20 SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES The State of California identifies as “Sensitive” the following Natural Communities that occur in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Native Grasslands. • Coastal Sage Scrub. • Coast Live Oak Woodland (Q. agrifolia/Juglans californica; Q. agrifolia/Q. berberidifolia/x acutidens; Q. agrifolia/Salvia leucophylla – Artemisia californica; Q. agrifolia/Salix lasiolepis)6. • California Walnut Woodland. • Riparian Scrub and Woodland. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES In the following Table B, special-status plants and wildlife judged to have potential to occur within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence are identified and briefly discussed. The potential for occurrence (low, moderate, high, or known to be present) is based upon consideration of the species’ habitat requirements and the distribution of previous verified or highly credible records. Table B uses the following abbreviations: • E Endangered (listed by State or Federal governments). “Take” of the species or disturbance of occupied habitat are prohibited unless specifically authorized. • FP Fully Protected by the State of California. These species may not be taken or possessed at any time, although take may be authorized for necessary scientific research. • T Threatened (listed by State or Federal governments). “Take” of the species or disturbance of occupied habitat are prohibited unless specifically authorized. • SSC Species of Special Concern. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated certain vertebrate species as Species of Special Concern because declining population levels, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats have made them vulnerable to extinction. The goal of designating species as Species of Special Concern is to halt or reverse their decline by 6 In addition to the four coast live oak associations designated as “Sensitive” by CDFW, oak woodlands within the unincorporated Sphere of Influence are subject to the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21083 (requires a county, when acting as a CEQA Lead Agency, to determine whether a proposed project “may result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment”). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 722 21 calling attention to their plight and addressing the issues of concern early enough to secure their long term viability. Not all Species of Special Concern have declined equally; some species may be just starting to decline, while others may have already reached the point where they meet the criteria for listing as a Threatened or Endangered species under the State and/or Federal Endangered Species Acts. • CNPS California Native Plant Society. Table B includes plant species assigned the following ranks by CNPS: o 1B.1, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat). o 1B.2, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; moderately threatened in California (20-80% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 1B.3, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 2B.2, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; moderately threatened in California (20- 80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.1, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; moderately threatened in California (>80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.2, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; moderately threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.3, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known). • NatureServe Element Rankings. In some cases, species have not been granted special status by state or federal agencies, but they may be recognized as ecologically sensitive by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which uses a ranking methodology maintained by NatureServe. Species are given a Global rank (G-rank) that applies to the taxon’s entire distribution, and a State rank (S-rank) that applies to the taxon’s state distribution. Taxa with rankings of G1, G2, G3, S1, S2, or S3 may be considered “sensitive” and potentially worthy of special consideration in resource planning. NatureServe Element Rankings are identified in Table B only for taxa that have no other federal or state special status. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 723 22 NatureServe Ranks: o G1, Critically Imperiled, referring to taxa at very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity ( often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. o G2, Imperiled, referring to taxa at high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. o G3, Vulnerable, referring to taxa at moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. o S1, Critically Imperiled, referring to taxa critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. o S2, Imperiled, referring to taxa imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. o S3, Vulnerable, referring to taxa vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Table B. Special-Status Species Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Plants Astragalus brauntonii Braunton’s Milk-Vetch E — 1B.1 Associated with calcareous soils. Unrecorded in the Puente Hills, but populations to the northwest (San Gabriel Mts.) and southeast (Chino Hills, Santa Ana Mts.). Moderate potential to occur in calcareous substrate, if present. Detectable only after fire or other disturbance. Brodiaea filifolia Thread- leaved Brodiaea — — 1B.1 Associated with clay soils. Unrecorded in the Puente Hills, but populations to the north (San Gabriel Mts.) and southeast (Santiago Hills). Low potential to occur in vernal pools, grasslands, or openings in coastal sage scrub. Calochortus catalinae Catalina Mariposa Lily — — 4.2 Widespread in region, occurring in clay soils. Occurs in grasslands or openings in coastal scrub or chaparral. Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis Slender Mariposa Lily — — 1B.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; popu- lations to the north- west (San Gabriel Mts.). Low potential to occur in openings in coastal scrub or chaparral. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 724 23 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Calochortus plummerae Plummer’s Mariposa Lily — — 4.2 Several recent records of C. weedii intermedius from hills south of Diamond Bar, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, may be C. plummerae hybrids. Potentially present. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Calochortus weedii var. intermedius Intermediate Mariposa Lily — — 1B.2 Several recent records from hills south of Diamond Bar, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, identified as C. weedii intermedius, but with potential for hybridization with C. plummerae. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Convolvulus simulans Small- flowered Morning- glory — — 4.2 Scattered records from the region, including an old record from 1 mile east of Brea. Moderate potential to occur in grasslands or openings in coastal sage scrub. Found in moist areas. Dudleya multicaulis Many- stemmed Dudleya — — 1B.2 Recorded close to Diamond Bar, in west Pomona. Moderate potential to occur in openings in coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula Mesa Horkelia — — 1B.1 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; scattered records across the region. Low to moderate potential to occur in sandy openings in chaparral and oak woodland. Juglans californica Southern California Black Walnut — — 4.2 Widespread in region, including Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. Walnut and oak/walnut woodlands occur throughout Diamond Bar and surrounding hills. Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii Robinson’s Peppergrass — — 4.3 Numerous historical records from the county’s interior foothills, including the western Puente Hills; a few recent records in and near Diamond Bar. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Microseris douglasii ssp. platycarpha Small- flowered Microseris — — 4.2 Recorded in Diamond Bar, south of Diamond Ranch High School. Occurs in grasslands. Phacelia hubbyi Hubby’s Phacelia — — 4.2 Several recent records from Pomona, Whittier, and the Santa Ana Mountain foothills. High potential to occur in openings in chaparral or coastal scrub, such as along edges of roads and trails. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 725 24 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Piperia cooperi Cooper’s Rein-Orchid — — 4.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; historical records from as close as Claremont and the Santa Ana River Canyon. Low potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands, chaparral, or coastal sage scrub. Polygala cornuta var. fishiae Fish’s Milkwort — — 4.3 Recorded in Chino Hills State Park and San Gabriel Mts. Moderate to high potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands or chaparral. Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum White Rabbit- tobacco — — 2B.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; few recent records from surrounding areas. Low potential to occur in any sandy wash habitat that may exist in the study area. Quercus engelmannii Engelmann Oak — — 4.2 Recorded in the Chino/Puente Hills, La Habra and Yorba Linda USGS quads. Moderate potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands. Senecio aphanactis California Groundsel — — 2B.2 Historical records from San Dimas; few recent records from surrounding areas. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, oak/walnut woodlands, or coastal sage scrub. Symphyotrichum defoliatum San Bernardino Aster — — 1B.2 Historical records from southeastern Los Angeles County. Presumed extirpated. Very low potential to occur in moist areas, meadows. Invertebrates Bombas crotchii Crotch’s Bumblebee — S1S2 — Historical and recent records scattered around southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Helminthoglypta tudiculata Southern California Shoulder- band Snail — S1S2 — Numerous records from coastal slope of southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Helminthoglypta traskii traskii Trasks’s Shoulder- band Snail — G1G2 S1 — Numerous records from coastal slope of southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Amphibians Taricha torosa Coast Range Newt — SSC — Not known from Chino Hills. Nearest records in San Gabriel Mts. Low potential to occur in and around permanent water. Spea hammondii Western Spadefoot — SSC — Widespread in region but limited to expansive natural open space areas. Moderate to high potential to occur in extensive grasslands and adjacent communities with temporary rain-pools for breeding. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 726 25 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Reptiles Emys marmorata Western Pond Turtle — SSC — Found in expansive natural areas, in and around permanent water that lacks non- native turtles or exotic predators. Large population known from Brea Creek; probably occurs elsewhere in the study area. Occurs in creeks and ponds; lays eggs in nearby uplands. Phrynosoma blainvillii Coast Horned Lizard — SSC — Found in expansive natural areas with sandy openings and native harvester ants. High potential to occur in areas of extensive chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland. Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal Whiptail — SSC — Widespread in the region, in various habitats. Occurs in chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Anniella stebbinsi So. California Legless Lizard — SSC — Local in a variety of habitats with sandy soil or deep leaf- litter. Moderate potential in chaparral and chaparral/oak habitats. Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego Mountain Kingsnake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in various habitats. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and along streams. Arizona elegans occidentalis California Glossy Snake — SSC — Widespread, but uncommon, in habitats with soil loose enough for easy burrowing. Moderate potential to occur in areas that have extensive patches of loose soil. Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Coast Patch- nosed Snake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in brushy and rocky habitats. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and along streams. Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped Garter Snake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in and around perennial water. Moderate potential to occur near perennial water. Crotalus ruber Red Diamond Rattlesnake — SSC — Widespread in the region. Occurs in cactus scrub, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Birds Geococcyx californianus Greater Roadrunner — — — Widespread in expansive natural areas with shrub cover. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Resident in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 727 26 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle — FP — Formerly widespread in many habitats, but now limited to expansive natural areas. Nests on cliffs and in tall trees away from settlements. Regularly observed foraging in northeastern part of study area. Pair appears to be resident in the Chino Hills/Diamond Bar area; nesting status unknown. Additional birds may occur during migration/winter. Circus hudsonius Northern Harrier — SSC — Nests on the ground in expansive open space areas; more widespread during migration and winter. Winters in open grassland habitats. Moderate potential to nest in the northeastern and southern parts of study area. Elanus leucurus White-tailed Kite — FP — Nests in trees within expansive open space areas; more widespread during migration and winter. Forages in rangelands and marshy areas. One or more observed near Diamond Ranch High School on unspecified date (Sage Environmental Group 2012). High potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Moderate potential to nest in the northeastern or southeastern parts of the study area. Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk — — — Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Moderate to high potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Athene cunicularia Burrowing Owl — SSC — Nesting population west of the deserts nearly extirpated. Winters rarely and locally, usually in expansive open space areas. Likely extirpated as nesting species in Diamond Bar area. Moderate potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Asio otus Long-eared Owl — SSC — Resident in oak woodlands, typically >1 km from urban areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low to moderate potential to occur in woodlands in southeastern part of study area. Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl — SSC — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 728 27 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Falco mexicanus Prairie Falcon — — — Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Nests on remote cliffs. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low to moderate potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Unlikely to nest due to lack of remote cliffs. Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher E E — Does not nest in the local area. Uncommon during migration. No potential for nesting. Species occurs in the study area regularly during migration periods. Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike — SSC — Nests rarely in the region, in expansive open space areas; more widespread in migration and winter. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Low to moderate potential to nest in the study area. Vireo bellii bellii Least Bell’s Vireo E E — Nests uncommonly in riparian scrub and woodlands, often in mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) or willow (Salix spp.). Moderate potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark — — — Nests and winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of study area. Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Cactus Wren, coastal populations — SSC — Rare and declining resident of cactus scrub habitat. Resident in well-developed cactus scrub, including Summitridge Park, Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School. Polioptila californica californica Coastal California Gnatcatcher T SSC — Uncommon resident in coastal sage scrub habitat, favoring shallow slopes and elevations below 1,500 feet. Resident in coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, including Summitridge Park, Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School. Sialia currucoides Mountain Bluebird — — — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur, at least during some winters, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Icteria virens Yellow- breasted Chat — SSC — Nests uncommonly in riparian scrub and woodlands. High potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 729 28 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler — SSC — Nests in riparian woodlands. High potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow — — — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow — SSC — Nests in expansive grasslands and rangelands. High potential to nest in open grassland and rangeland habitat. Several eBird records from the Diamond Bar area in the 1990s; lack of recent records probably reflects lack of survey effort. Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark — — — Nests rarely in the region, in expansive open space areas; widespread in migration and winter. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Occurs in open areas throughout the study area; moderate potential to nest in the northeastern or southern parts of study area. Agelaius tricolor Tricolored Blackbird — SSC — Nests in wetlands adjacent to expansive grasslands and rangelands required for foraging. Winters in rangelands and parks. Low potential to nest in the study area. Moderate potential to forage in open grassland and rangeland habitat during the nesting season. Recorded in winter at parks in the study area. Mammals Antrozous pallidus Pallid Bat None SSC — Widespread in chaparral and similar habitats, foraging on the ground and in vegetation. Roosts in rock crevices and under tree bark. Maternal roosts active between March and August. High potential; chaparral and scrub on the site are potentially suitable for foraging and oaks provide potential roosting sites under exfoliating bark and in cavities. Eumops perotis californicus Western Mastiff Bat None SSC — Roosts in cliff crevices and in buildings. Low potential; the species may fly over the site occasionally while foraging, but suitable cliff roosting habitat probably absent. Lasiurus blossevillii Western Red Bat None SSC — Roosts in foliage of many types of tree; feeds over a wide variety of habitats. Moderate potential to roost in oak woodlands or landscape trees; high potential to forage over undeveloped areas. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 730 29 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Lasiurus xanthinus Western Yellow Bat None SSC — Roosts primarily or entirely in palms; often forages over water. Moderate potential to roost in palm trees and to forage over water features. Chaetodipus fallax fallax NW San Diego Pocket Mouse None SSC — Scrub habitats with sandy or gravelly soils. High potential to occur in cactus scrub and coastal sage scrub habitats with sutiable soils. Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego Desert Woodrat None SSC — Widespread in scrub habitats, especially those with cactus. High potential to occur in cactus-containing scrub. Lepus californicus bennettii San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit None SSC — Occurs in various open habitats, usually in expansive open space areas. Low potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. Taxidea taxus American Badger None SSC Occurs in various habitats, usually in expansive open space areas. Moderate to high potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The capacity for a given natural open space area to maintain its ecological integrity (e.g., its resistance to invasion by exotic species, capacity to support special-status species) depends upon such considerations as (a) size, with larger natural areas generally possessing greater ecological value than do smaller ones; (b) plant communities represented, with relatively undisturbed native communities generally being more valuable than disturbed non-native communities; and (c) proximity to adjacent open spaces, with areas linked to other natural areas generally possessing greater ecological value compared with areas of similar size that are functionally isolated from other natural areas. A small, functionally isolated area that provides habitat for a rare plant or wildlife species may have some ecological value, but conservation of such areas may prove to be practically infeasible due to habitat degradation that often occurs near development edges. Ecologically damaging “edge effects” include repeated clearing of habitat for fuel modification leading to replacement of native plants with disturbance-adapted exotic weeds; invasion of natural habitat by exotic ants facilitated by artificial irrigation near homes; predation of birds, reptiles, and mammals by outdoor cats; and changes in wildlife patterns associated with exterior lighting. To avoid perpetuating damaging patterns of development that result in ever-smaller blocks of functionally isolated habitat, the Open Space and Conservation Element must contain land-use policies that encourage the preservation, restoration, and appropriate management of larger blocks of well-connected habitat. Readers seeking detailed information on these topics, with relevant citations from the scientific literature, should refer to Appendix A. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 731 30 Edge/Fragmentation Effects on Wildlife Movement Constricting the movement of wildlife and plant seeds increases the risk of local extinctions. Habitat fragmentation consequently threatens the viability of native plant and wildlife populations in preserved areas. Large areas of habitat, or narrower linkages of habitat between large areas, provide movement opportunities for wildlife. Movement serves to facilitate the geographic distribution of genetic material, thus maintaining a level of variability in the gene pool of an animal population. Influxes of animals from nearby larger populations contribute to the genetic diversity of a local population, helping to ensure the population’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This is mainly accomplished through the dispersal of juveniles from their natal territories, but may also involve movements in response to drought or other adverse environmental conditions, or in response to wildfires or other catastrophic events. Many plant species that depend on relatively sedentary insects for pollination also benefit from habitat linkages that allow for genetic exchange and dispersal. Likewise, plant seeds and propagules can be transported via the feces, fur, or feathers of birds or mammals. Fragmentation effects are not limited to the physical severing of movement routes, such as through the construction of a road or housing development, but can include “edge effects” reviewed and described above. For example, increases in night lighting and noise can disrupt the movement patterns of species not well-adapted to such effects. WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ISSUES IN THE PUENTE-CHINO HILLS The Puente-Chino Hills ecosystem encompasses portions of four counties, and the open space network in this area is sometimes referred to as the “Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor.” Preserving land in the corridor has been a cooperative endeavor with other public agencies and many nonprofit organizations. An important analysis by the Conservation Biology Institute (2005), Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, describes the situation as follows (page v): The Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor is a peninsula of mostly undeveloped hills jutting about 42 km (26 miles) from the Santa Ana Mountains into the heart of the densely urbanized Los Angeles Basin. Intense public interest in conserving open space here has created a series of reserves and parks along most of the corridor’s length, but significant gaps in protection remain. These natural habitat areas support a surprising diversity of native wildlife, from mountain lions and mule deer to walnut groves, roadrunners, and horned lizards. But maintaining this diversity of life requires maintaining functional connections along the entire length of the corridor, so that wildlife can move between reserves—from one end of the hills to the other. Already the corridor is fragmented by development and crossed by numerous busy roads, which create hazards and in some cases barriers to wildlife movement. Proposed developments threaten to further degrade or even sever the movement corridor, especially within its so-called “Missing Middle.” This mid-section of the corridor system, stretching from Tonner Canyon on the east to Harbor Boulevard on the west, includes several large properties proposed for new housing, roads, golf courses, and reservoirs. Such 7.1.f Packet Pg. 732 31 developments would reduce habitat area and the capacity to support area-dependent species and, if poorly designed, could block wildlife movement through the corridor. The above-quoted report considered numerous studies of wildlife movement conducted in the Puente-Chino Hills, and other relevant literature on wildlife movement corridors, and recommended “conservation and management actions to prevent further loss of ecological connectivity and retain native species.” The “Missing Middle” analysis identified the following wildlife movement issues specifically relevant to Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Tonner Canyon Bridge represents the only viable location for deer, mountain lions, bobcats, and other species to pass under the 57 Freeway. • Any development in middle and especially lower Tonner Canyon could have severe impacts on corridor function, especially if wildlife access to Tonner Canyon Bridge is reduced. Any development that blocks access through the bridge area would make the 57 Freeway a complete barrier to many species and would likely lead to wildlife extirpations in segments farther west. • An earlier plan to build a road running the length of Tonner Canyon would have split the Chino-Tonner “subcore” in two, potentially rendering dysfunctional the critical Tonner Bridge wildlife undercrossing for wide-ranging species such as the mountain lion, bobcat, and mule deer. • At least the middle and lower portions of Tonner Canyon should be conserved, including a prohibition on any new road or other development that would fragment this critical habitat block. • No project should be approved that would increase traffic under the Tonner Bridge or add any new impediments (structures, lights, noise, etc.) to the vicinity of the bridge. • Restore riparian vegetation along Tonner Creek, where degraded by oil development activities. • Fencing may be warranted along the 57 Freeway if monitoring suggests road mortality is high. Planning of any future development in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence should take exceptional care to preserve and enhance the viability of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Regional Planning in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor Two agencies are specifically involved in planning development and taking conservation actions in and around the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) was established to provide for the proper planning, conservation, environmental protection, and maintenance of lands 7.1.f Packet Pg. 733 32 within and around the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Its goal is to assure that sufficient continuity of habitat can be preserved to maintain a functioning wildlife corridor made up of about 40,000 acres of land located between the Santa Ana Mountains and Whittier Hills. The governing board of the WCCA consists of representatives from the cities of Brea, Whittier, Diamond Bar, La Habra Heights, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Fish and Game (ex officio member), Los Angeles County, and two public members. A large Advisory Committee meets separately to provide input. The WCCA consistently provides comments on development proposals and other projects to support environmentally sensitive activities in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (PHHPA) is a public agency, Joint Powers Authority, with a Board of Directors consisting of the City of Whittier, County of Los Angeles, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association. The jurisdiction of the PHHPA extends from the intersection of the 605 and 60 Freeways east to Harbor Boulevard. The PHHPA is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and management of open space in the Puente Hills for preservation of the land in perpetuity, with the primary purpose to protect the biological diversity. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION POLICIES The City of Diamond Bar has developed a suite of conservation measures, presented in this section, designed to allow for the planned growth of the City while protecting and conserving irreplaceable natural communities and their component species. These policies align the local approach to development with the conservation regulations and policies set forth by the federal government (e.g., the federal Endangered Species Act); the State of California (e.g., the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Fish and Game Code); and local entities (e.g., the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Plan; see Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance 2011, Los Angeles County Dept. of Regional Planning 2014). Prioritizing the identification and protection of sensitive natural resources facilitates efforts of City planners and elected officials to ensure that Diamond Bar remains a beautiful and desirable place to live. Goals and Policies of the Open Space and Conservation Element • RC-I-1. Obtain and designate Open Space land through acquisition techniques, such as: a. Design new development projects emphasizing preservation of sensitive natural resources, natural geological features, and wildlife corridors and habitat linkages, through site design approaches that include greenbelts, landscaping with locally native, drought-adapted plants, and dedication of a portion of the site as natural open space. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 734 33 b. Allow for acquisition of open space lands during the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. c. Identify ecologically sensitive/unique habitats, including habitat linkages and choke-points, within the City of Diamond Bar and prioritize their acquisition/preservation/restoration as a preferred form of mitigation for future development. d. Collaborate with land trusts, joint-power authorities, and other conservation groups to acquire and restore open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements and conservation plans. • RC-I-2. As future parks are developed or open space is acquired/dedicated: a. Preserve sensitive natural communities to maintain ecological integrity and provide for passive recreation opportunities, such as hiking and bird-watching. b. Site trails to avoid removal or fragmentation of sensitive natural communities and to minimize erosion. c. Prohibit the application of use of outdoor pesticide bait stations, or similar, within 500 feet of any natural open space. • RC-G-4. Provide recreational and cultural opportunities to the public in a manner that maintains, restores, protects, and preserves sensitive natural resources in the City of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. • RC-I-12. Support and cooperate with efforts to identify and preserve environmentally sensitive and strategically located canyon areas and hillsides that serve as wildlife corridors and habitat linkages/choke points within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, including components of the Puente- Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural habitats and biological resources. a. Establish appropriate resource protection overlays for ecologically sensitive areas (see page 18 of this report). b. Require adequate biological resources surveys as part of planning of development proposed in any area with potential for special-status species or sensitive natural communities to occur. c. Discourage development in areas with identified sensitive natural resources, natural geological features, and wildlife corridors and habitat linkages/choke points, in order to preserve them in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities (except as may be desirable for purposes of habitat restoration and/or facilitation of wildlife movement). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 735 34 d. Preserve and restore native woodlands in perpetuity, with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands, through compliance with Chapter 22.38 of the Diamond Bar – Tree Preservation and Protection. e. In the unincorporated Sphere of Influence, require that impacts to native oak trees be treated in a manner consistent with Section 22.46.2100 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances, except that in-lieu fees shall not be accepted as mitigation for removal of regulated oaks. If replacement of oaks is determined to be necessary, this should be conducted under a City- administered Tree Mitigation Program developed in consultation with a qualified biologist and Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester to establish a to ensure that replacement trees are planted on public property in areas that (a) shall not impact any existing sensitive habitat areas; (b) are appropriate for the long-term survival of native trees planted as mitigation; and (c) shall be maintained and preserved by the city, in perpetuity, as natural open space for the mitigation trees and any associated understory species deemed appropriate to provide valuable woodland habitat. f. For development proposed adjacent to natural open space, require use of highly fire-resistant building materials and methods, which minimize fuel modification treatments. g. In areas adjacent to natural open space, require use of highly fire-resistant building materials and architecture for public safety and to minimize requirements for damaging fuel modification treatments. h. Fuel modification adjacent to natural open spaces should employ exclusively native plant species approved for use in fuel modification zones, which provide important habitat for native wildlife and minimize ongoing irrigation and disturbance of the exterior slopes, reducing the potential for exotic ants and weeds to become established on the site and then spread to nearby natural open space areas. • RC-I-28.5. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation, recognizing their roles in the reduction and mitigation of air pollution impacts, and the promotion of carbon sequestration. LITERATURE CITED Allen, L. W., and Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3):E1–E11. City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society. 2014. Images of America, Diamond Bar. Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, South Carolina. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/media/reports/files/pcmissingmiddle.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 736 35 Dyett & Bhatia. 2017. City of Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Existing Conditions Report – Volume III. Redline draft dated February 21, 2017, prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan- guide.pdf Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance. 2011. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan. Report dated May 2011. http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/bc/162273_official_20110620_oak-woodlands.pdf Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group. 2015. Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Management Program. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb4/waterissues/programs/stormwater/municipal/watershedman agement/sangabriel/lowersangabriel/LowerSGRiverFinalWMP.pdf Neal, S. 2011. Brea History – the Brea Creek. Brea Historical Society Brea Museum & Heritage Center. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sheng, J. and J. P. Wilson. 2008. The Green Visions Plan for 21st Century Southern California. 16. Watershed Assets Assessment Report. University of Southern California GIS Research Laboratory and Center for Sustainable Cities, Los Angeles, CA. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1991. Los Angeles County Drainage Area Review, Final Feasibility Study, Interim Report and Environmental Impact Statement. Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: Phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopelmatus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 737 H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL February 20, 2019 Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: APPENDIX A TO OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE METHODS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION Dear Mr. Gubman, A consortium of Diamond Bar residents retained Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) to prepare an Open Space and Conservation Element for the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) to consider incorporating into a forthcoming update to its General Plan. This letter describes the methods used to prepare the pro- posed Open Space and Conservation Element, and provides technical biological infor- mation that underpins the report’s findings and recommendations. METHODS Literature Review As an initial step, Robert Hamilton, President of Hamilton Biological, reviewed the Bio- logical Resources section of Dyett & Bhatia (2017) and a partial rough draft of an Open Space and Conservation Element prepared by Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc. Mr. Hamilton also reviewed a biological report prepared by Sage Environmental Group (2012) for an Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project proposed on a site covering 78 acres in the northeastern part of the City, near Diamond Ranch High School. Special-status species with potential to occur in Diamond Bar and adjacent areas were identified through review of the California Natural Diversity Database (2018a, 2018b, 2018c) and searches of eBird (https://ebird.org); California Native Plant Society’s Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (www.rareplants.cnps.org); review of the list of Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species (Allen et al. 2009; https://losangelesaudubon.org/images/stories/pdf/WesternTanager_pdfs/Vol.75/vo l75no03jan-feb2009.pdf); the Consortium of California Herbaria web page (www.ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium); Sage Environmental Group (2012); Dyett & 7.1.f Packet Pg. 738 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 2 of 9 Bhatia (2017); and the online Flora of the Skyline Trail, Puente Hills, Los Angeles County (Muns, B., 1982; http://tchester.org/plants/muns/pr/skyline_trail.html). Mapping and Field Surveys Robert A. Hamilton mapped the natural open space areas throughout the City and its Sphere of Influence using Google Earth Pro. Potential habitat linkages and/or choke- points for wildlife movement were identified by examination of aerial imagery. Mr. Hamilton conducted reconnaissance field surveys on January 4 and 8, and February 4 and 8, 2019, to field-check the mapping and to observe the existing conditions through- out most of Diamond Bar. Mr. Hamilton has visited the portion of Tonner Canyon that lies within the City’s Sphere of Influence on numerous occasions in recent years, and thus has viewed the natural resources found in that part of the study area, as well. Classification of Natural Communities Since the mid-1990s, CDFW and its partners, including the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), have been working on classifying vegetation types using standards embodied in the Survey of California Vegetation, which comply with the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS; http://usnvc.org/explore-classification/). The NVCS is a hierarchical classification, with the most granular level being the Association. Associations are grouped into Alliances, Alliances into Groups, and upward, as follows: Formation Class > Formation Subclass > Formation > Division > Macrogroup > Group > Alliance > Association. For purposes of this Open Space and Conservation Element, Natural Communities are generally classified at the more generalized levels (e.g., Group), but for environmental review of specific projects in Diamond Bar, Natural Communities should be classified and mapped at the more detailed Alliance or Association level. The method recommended by CDFW for classifying Natural Communities and conducting CEQA review reads as follows: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: 1. Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 739 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 3 of 9 2. Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. 3. Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant com- munity. 4. Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. 5. Vegetation types that are not on the state’s sensitive list but that may be con- sidered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Regional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. Identifying Sensitive Natural Communities The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), at its VegCAMP page, pro- vides guidance on appropriate methods for “Addressing Sensitive Natural Communi- ties in Environmental Review”: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities#sensitive%20natural%20communities The State’s guidance consists of the following steps: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: o Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 740 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 4 of 9 o Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. o Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant com- munity. o Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. • Vegetation types that are not on the State’s sensitive list but that may be considered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guid- ance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Re- gional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. • The Department’s document, Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (PDF) provides information on reporting. The City of Diamond Bar should employ the above-described methods to ensure the thoroughness and adequacy of CEQA documentation completed within the City and its Sphere of Influence. Important Considerations for Oak Woodlands As of January 2005, California Public Resources Code Section 21083.4 (2004 Senate Bill 1334) requires that when a county is determining the applicability of CEQA to a project, it must determine whether that project “may result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment.” If such effects (either individual impacts or cumulative) are identified, the law requires that they be mitigated. Accepta- ble mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, conservation of other oak wood- lands through the use of conservation easements and planting replacement trees, which must be maintained for seven years. Diamond Bar’s Sphere of Influence, south of the city limits, lies within unincorporated Los Angeles County, and thus the City’s General Plan should acknowledge that the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning issued in 2014 an Oak Wood- lands Conservation Management Plan Guide1, with three important objectives: (1) pri- 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 741 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 5 of 9 oritize the preservation of oak woodlands; (2) promote conservation by integrating oak woodlands into the development process in a sustainable manner; and (3) effectively mitigate the loss of oak woodlands. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON PRESERVED HABITAT AREAS One purpose of a General Plan is to guide future development so as to minimize ad- verse effects upon sensitive Natural Communities and declining native plant and wild- life populations, to the extent feasible. Beyond the outright removal of natural areas, which obviously impacts natural resources, development projects inevitably degrade and fragment habitats along the urban/wildland interface. Such secondary, or indirect, impacts have been subject to intensive study in recent years, to (a) understand and characterize them, and (b) develop strategies for minimizing and mitigating them. The following discussions, including citations from the scientific literature, provide the basis for the General Plan’s land-use policies concerning edge and fragmentation effects. Urbanization typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and road-related development. At the perimeter of the built environment is an area known as the ur- ban/wildland interface, or “development edge.” Edges are places where natural com- munities interface, vegetation or ecological conditions within natural communities in- teract (Noss 1983), or patches with differing qualities abut one another (Ries and Sisk 2004). “Edge effects” are spillover effects from the adjacent human-modified matrix that cause physical gradients in light, moisture, noise, etc. (Camargo and Kapos 1995; Murcia 1995, Sisk et al. 1997) and/or changes in biotic factors such as predator commu- nities, density of human-adapted species, and food availability (Soulé et al. 1988; Matlack 1994; Murcia 1995; Ries and Sisk 2004). Loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat due to urbanization are the most pervasive threats to biodiversity in southern California (Soulé 1991). Edge-related impacts may include: • Introduction/expansion of invasive exotic vegetation carried in from vehicles, peo- ple, animals or spread from backyards or fuel modification zones adjacent to wildlands. • Increased frequency and/or severity of fire as compared to natural fire cycles or in- tensities. • Companion animals (pets) that often act as predators of, and/or competitors with, native wildlife. • Creation and use of trails that often significantly degrade intact ecosystems through such changes as increases in soil disturbance, vegetation damage, and noise. • Introduction of or increased use by exotic animals which compete with or prey on native animals. • Pesticide exposure can be linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive ef- fects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and developmental changes in a wide range of species, from insects to top predators. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 742 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 6 of 9 • Influence on earth systems and ecosystem processes, such as solar radiation, soil richness and erosion, wind damage, hydrologic cycle, and water pollution that can affect the natural environment. Any of these impacts, individually or in combination, can result in the effective loss or degradation of habitats used for foraging, breeding or resting, with concomitant effects on population demographic rates of sensitive species. The coastal slope of southern California is among the most highly fragmented and ur- banized regions in North America (Atwood 1993). Urbanization has already claimed more than 90 percent of the region’s coastal sage scrub habitat, 99 percent of the coastal prairie, and 95 percent of the vernal pools (McCaull 1994; Mattoni & Longcore 1997; Bauder & McMillan 1998). A review of studies completed by Harrison and Bruna (1999) identified a general pattern of reduction of biological diversity in fragmented habitats compared with more intact ones, particularly with regard to habitat specialists. While physical effects associated with edges were predominant among species impacts, they found evidence for indirect effects including altered ecological interactions. Fletcher et al. (2007) found that distance from edge had a stronger effect on species than did habitat patch size, but they acknowledged the difficulty in separating those effects empirically. Many southern California plant and animal species are known to be sensitive to frag- mentation and edge effects; that is, their abundance declines with fragment size and proximity to an edge (Wilcove 1985; Soulé et al. 1992; Bolger et al. 1997a,b; Suarez et al. 1998; Burke and Nol 2000). Wildlife populations are typically changed in proximity to edges, either by changes in their demographic rates (survival and fecundity), or through behavioral avoidance of or attraction to the edge (Sisk et al. 1997; Ries and Sisk 2004). For example, coastal sage scrub areas within 250 meters of urban edges consistently contain significantly less bare ground and more coarse vegetative litter than do more “intermediate” or “interior” are- as, presumably due increased human activity/disturbance of the vegetation structure near edges (Kristan et al. 2003). Increases in vegetative litter often facilitate growth of non-native plants (particularly grasses), resulting in a positive feedback loop likely to enhance plant invasion success (Wolkovich et al. 2009). In another coastal southern Cali- fornia example, the abundance of native bird species sensitive to disturbance is typical- ly depressed within 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1640 feet) of an urban edge, and the abun- dance of disturbance-tolerant species is elevated up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) from an urban edge, depending on the species (Bolger et al. 1997a). Habitat fragmentation is usually defined as a landscape scale process involving habitat loss and breaking apart of habitats (Fahrig 2003). Habitat fragmentation is among the most important of all threats to global biodiversity; edge effects (particularly the diverse physical and biotic alterations associated with the artificial boundaries of fragments) are dominant drivers of change in many fragmented landscapes (Laurance and Bierregaard 1997; Laurance et al. 2007). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 743 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 7 of 9 Fragmentation decreases the connectivity of the landscape while increasing both edge and remnant habitats. Urban and agricultural development often fragments wildland ecosystems and creates sharp edges between the natural and human-altered habitats. Edge effects for many species indirectly reduce available habitat use or utility in sur- rounding remaining areas; these species experience fine-scale functional habitat losses (e.g., see Bolger et al. 2000; Kristan et al. 2003; Drolet et al. 2016). Losses of coastal sage scrub in southern California have increased isolation of the remaining habitat fragments (O’Leary 1990) and led to calls to preserve and restore landscape connectivity to permit long-term persistence of native species with low vagility (e.g., Vandergast et al. 2006). Fragmentation has a greater relative negative impact on specialist species (e.g., coastal populations of the Cactus Wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) that have strict vege- tation structure and area habitat requirements (Soulé et al. 1992). Specialist species have an increased risk of extirpation in isolated habitat remnants because the specialized vegetative structures and/or interspecific relationships on which they depend are more vulnerable to disruption in these areas (Vaughan 2010). In studies of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral systems of coastal southern California, fragment area and age (time since isolation) were the most important landscape predictors of the distribution and abundance of native plants (Soulé et al. 1993), scrub-breeding birds (Soulé et al. 1988; Crooks et al. 2001), native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b), and invertebrates (Suarez et al. 1998; Bolger et al. 2000). Edge effects that emanate from the human-dominated matrix can increase the extinction probability of isolated populations (Murcia 1995; Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). In studies of coastal sage scrub urban fragments, exotic cover and distance to the urban edge were the strongest local predictors of native and exotic carnivore distribution and abundance (Crooks 2002). These two variables were correlated, with more exotic cover and less native shrub cover closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). The increased presence of human-tolerant “mesopredators” in southern California rep- resents an edge effect of development; they occur within the developed matrix and are thus more abundant along the edges of habitat fragments, and they are effective preda- tors on birds, bird nests, and other vertebrates in coastal sage scrub and chaparral sys- tems and elsewhere (Crooks and Soulé 1999). The mammalian carnivores more typically detected in coastal southern California habitat fragments are resource generalists that likely benefit from the supplemental food resources (e.g., garden fruits and vegetables, garbage, direct feeding by humans) associated with residential developments. As a re- sult, the overall mesopredator abundance, of such species as raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and domestic cats (Felis catus), increases at sites with more exotic plant cover and closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). Although some carnivores within coastal sage scrub fragments seem tolerant of disturbance, many fragments have (either actually or effectively) already lost an entire suite of predator species, including mountain lion, bobcats (Lynx rufus), spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis), long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), and badgers (Taxidea taxus) (Crooks 2002). Most 7.1.f Packet Pg. 744 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 8 of 9 “interior” sites within such fragments are still relatively near (within 250 meters of) ur- ban edges (Crooks 2002). Fragmentation generally increases the amount of edge per unit land area, and species that are adversely affected by edges can experience reduced effective area of suitable habitat (Temple and Cary 1988), which can lead to increased probability of extirpa- tion/extinction in fragmented landscapes (Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). For example, diversity of native bees (Hung et al. 2015) and native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b) is lower, and decomposition and nutrient cycling are significantly reduced (Treseder and McGuire 2009), within fragmented coastal sage scrub ecosystems as compared to larger core reserves. Similarly, habitat fragmentation and alterations of sage scrub habitats likely have reduced both the genetic connectivity and diversity of coastal-slope popula- tions of the Cactus Wren in southern California (Barr et al. 2015). Both Bell’s Sparrows (Artemisiospiza belli) and California Thrashers (Toxostoma redivivum) show strong evi- dence of direct, negative behavioral responses to edges in coastal sage scrub; that is, they are edge-averse (Kristan et al. 2003), and California Thrashers and California Quail (Callipepla californica) were found to be more vulnerable to extirpation with smaller fragment size of the habitat patch (Bolger et al. 1991), demonstrating that both behav- ioral and demographic parameters can be involved. Other species in coastal sage scrub ecosystems, particularly the Cactus Wren and likely the California Gnatcatcher and San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax), are likely vulnerable to fragmentation, but for these species the mechanism is likely to be associated only with extirpation vulnerabil- ity from habitat degradation and isolation rather than aversion to the habitat edge (Kris- tan et al. 2003). Bolger (et al. 1997b) found that San Diego coastal sage scrub and chapar- ral canyon fragments under 60 acres that had been isolated for at least 30 years support very few populations of native rodents, and they suggested that fragments larger than 200 acres in size are needed to sustain native rodent species populations. The penetration of exotic species into natural areas can reduce the effective size of a re- serve in proportion to the distance they penetrate within the reserve: Argentine Ants serve as an in-depth example of edge effects and fragmentation. Spatial patterns of Ar- gentine Ant abundance in scrub communities of southern California indicate that they are likely invading native habitats from adjacent developed areas, as most areas sam- pled greater than 200 to 250 meters from an urban edge contained relatively few or no Argentine Ants (Bolger 2007, Mitrovich et al. 2010). The extent of Argentine Ant inva- sions in natural environments is determined in part by inputs of urban and agricultural water run off (Holway and Suarez 2006). Native ant species were more abundant away from edges and in areas with predominately native vegetation. Post-fragmentation edge effects likely reduce the ability of fragments to retain native ant species; fragments had fewer native ant species than similar-sized plots within large unfragmented areas, and fragments with Argentine ant-free refugia had more native ant species than those with- out refugia (Suarez et al. 1998). They displace nearly all surface-foraging native ant spe- cies (Holway and Suarez 2006) and strongly affect all native ant communities within about 150 to 200 meters from fragment edges (Suarez et al. 1998; Holway 2005; Fisher et al. 2002; Bolger 2007; Mitrovich et al. 2010). Argentine Ants are widespread in frag- 7.1.f Packet Pg. 745 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 9 of 9 mented coastal scrub habitats in southern California, and much of the remaining poten- tial habitat for Blainville’s Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma blainvillii) is effectively unsuita- ble due to the penetration of Argentine ants and the subsequent displacement of the na- tive ant species that Coastal Horned Lizards need as prey (Fisher et al. 2002). Invasion of Argentine Ants into coastal sage scrub has also shown a strong negative effect on the abundance of the gray shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) (Laakkonen et al. 2001). An evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) concluded that each of ten of the most common active ingredients in rodenticides “poses significant risks to non-target wildlife when applied as grain-based bait products. The risks to wildlife are from primary exposure (direct consumption of rodenticide bait) for all compounds and secondary exposure (consumption of prey by predators or scavengers with rodenticide stored in body tissues) from the anticoagulants.” Thus, the common practice of setting out bait within or near natural areas can be expected to have adverse effects upon a range of native wildlife species. Finally, in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, populations of such na- tive amphibians as the California newt (Taricha torosa) and California treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina) were found to decline with urbanization of as little as 8% of a given watershed (Riley et al. 2005). Such faunal community changes appear to be relat- ed to changes in physical stream habitat, such as fewer pool and more run habitats and increased water depth and flow. These changes are associated with increased erosion and with invasion by damaging exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish (Procam- barus clarkii). CONCLUSION I appreciate the opportunity to provide this technical informtion in support of the Open Space and Conservation Element for the Diamond Bar General Plan. If you have ques- tions, please call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com Attached: Literature Cited 7.1.f Packet Pg. 746 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited LITERATURE CITED Allen, L. W., and Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3):E1–E11. Barr, K. R., B. E. Kus, K. L. Preston, S. Howell, E. Perkins, and A. G. Vandergast. 2015. Habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California disrupts genetic connectivity in the Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brun- neicapillus). Molecular Ecology 24:2349–2363. Bauder, E. T., and S. McMillan. 1998. Current distribution and historical extent of vernal pools in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Pp. 56–70 in Ecology, Conservation and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems (C. W. Witham, E. T. Bauder, D. Belk, W. R. Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduffm, edi- tors). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Bolger, D. T. 2007. Spatial and temporal variation in the Argentine ant edge effect: implications for the mechanism of edge limitation. Biological Conservation 136:295–305. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, and M. E. Soulé. 1991. Occurrence patterns of bird species in habitat fragments: sampling, extinction, and nested species subsets. The American Naturalist 137(2):155–166. Bolger, D. T., T. A. Scott, and J. T. Rotenberry. 1997a. Breeding bird abundance in an urbanizing landscape in coastal southern California. Conservation Biology 11(2):406–421. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, R. M. Sauvajot, P. Potenza, C. McCalvin, D. Tran, S. Mazzoni, and M. E. Soulé. 1997b. Response of rodents to habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California. Ecological Applica- tions 7(2):552–563. Bolger, D. T., A. V. Suarez, K. R. Crooks, S. A. Morrison, and T. J. Case. 2000. Arthropods in urban habitat fragments in southern California: area, age, and edge effects. Ecological Applications 10(4):1230-1248. Burke, D. M., and E. Nol. 2000. Landscape and fragment size effects on reproductive success of forest- breeding birds in Ontario. Ecological Applications 10(6):1749–1761. California Natural Diversity Database. 2018a. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Current list of vegetative taxa considered to be rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise “sensitive” by the State of California. List dated November 2018. California Natural Diversity Database. 2018b. Special Animals List. Current list of wildlife taxa considered to be rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise “sensitive” by the State of California. List dated November 2018. California Natural Diversity Data Base. 2018c. Rarefind data accessed online on July 6, 2018, for the U.S. Geologic Survey’s Yorba Linda, San Dimas, Ontario, and Prado Dam 7.5’ topographic quadrangles. Camargo, J. L. C., and V. Kapos. 1995. Complex edge effects on soil moisture and microclimate in central Amazonian forest. Journal of Tropical Ecology 11(2):205–221. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/media/reports/files/pc_missing_middle.pdf Crooks, K. R. 2002. Relative sensitivities of mammalian carnivores to habitat fragmentation. Conservation Biology 16(2):488–502. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 747 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited Crooks, K. R., and M. E. Soulé. 1999. Mesopredator release and avian extinctions in a fragmented system. Nature 400:563–566. Crooks, K. R., A. V. Suarez, D. T. Bolger, and M. E. Soulé. 2001. Extinction and colonization of birds on habitat islands. Conservation Biology 15(1):159–172. Drolet, A., C. Dussault, and S. D. Côté. 2016. Simulated drilling noise affects the space use of a large terres- trial mammal. Wildlife Biology 22(6):284–293. Dyett & Bhatia. 2017. City of Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Existing Conditions Report – Volume III. Redline draft dated February 21, 2017, prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Fahrig, L. 2003. Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 34:487–515. Fisher, R. N., A. V. Suarez, and T. J. Case. 2002. Spatial patterns in the abundance of the Coastal Horned Lizard. Conservation Biology 16(1):205–215. Fletcher Jr., R. J., L. Ries, J. Battin, and A. D. Chalfoun. 2007. The role of habitat area and edge in fragment- ed landscapes: definitively distinct or inevitably intertwined? Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:1017– 1030. Haas, C., and K. Crooks. 1999. Carnivore Abundance and Distribution Throughout the Puente-Chino Hills, Final Report – 1999. Report prepared for The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and State of California Department of Transportation. Haas, C., and G. Turschak. 2002. Responses of Large and Medium-bodied Mammals to Recreation Activities: the Colima Road Underpass. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority. Haas, C. D., A. R. Backlin, C. Rochester, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Monitoring Reptiles and Amphibians at Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring Stations: the Puente-Chino Hills. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority, and California State Parks. Harrison, S., and E. Bruna. 1999. Habitat fragmentation and large-scale conservation: what do we know for sure? Ecography 22(3):225–232. Holway, D. A. 2005. Edge effects of an invasive species across a natural ecological boundary. Biological Conservation 121:561–567. Holway, D. A. and A. V. Suarez. 2006. Homogenization of ant communities in Mediterranean California: the effects of urbanization and invasion. Biological Conservation 127:319–326. Hung, K. J., J. S. Ascher, J. Gibbs, R. E. Irwin, and D. T. Bolger. 2015. Effects of fragmentation on a distinc- tive coastal sage scrub bee fauna revealed through incidental captures by pitfall traps. Journal of Insect Conservation DOI 10.1007. Kristan, W. B. III, A. J. Lynam, M. V. Price, and J. T. Rotenberry. 2003. Alternative causes of edge-abundance relationships in birds and small mammals of California coastal sage scrub. Ecography 26:29–44. Laakkonen, J., R. N. Fisher, and T. J. Case. 2001. Effect of land cover, habitat fragmentation and ant colonies on the distribution and abundance of shrews in southern California. Journal of Animal Ecology 70(5):776–788. Laurance, W. F., and R. O. Bierregaard Jr., eds. 1997. Tropical forest remnants: ecology, management, and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 748 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited conservation of fragmented communities. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Laurance, W. F., H. E. M. Nascimento, S. G. Laurance, A. Andrade, R. M. Ewers, K. E. Harms, R. C. C. Luizão, and J. E. Ribeiro. 2007. Habitat fragmentation, variable edge effects, and the landscape- divergence hypothesis. PLoS ONE 2(10):e1017. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. Described as a “resource for assisting County staff when processing development applications that are not exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and may impact oak woodlands. The Guide includes definitions, application proce- dures, case processing, project mitigation and mitigation monitoring.” http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf Matlack, G. R. 1994. Vegetation dynamics of the forest edge – trends in space and successional time. Journal of Ecology 82(1):113–123. Mattoni, R., and T. Longcore. 1997. The Los Angeles coastal prairie, a vanished community. Crossosoma 23:71–102. McCaull, J. 1994. The natural community conservation planning program and the coastal sage scrub ecosys- tem of southern California. In Environmental Policy and Biodiversity (R. E. Grumbine, editor). Island Press, Washington, D.C. Mitrovich, M., T. Matsuda, K. H. Pease, and R. N. Fisher. 2010. Ants as a measure of effectiveness of habitat conservation planning in southern California. Conservation Biology 24:1239–1248. Murcia, C. 1995. Edge effects in fragmented forests: implications for conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evo- lution 10(2):58–62. Noss, R. F. 1983. A regional landscape approach to maintain diversity. BioScience 33(11):700–706. O’Leary, J. F. 1990. California coastal sage scrub: general characteristics and considerations for biological conservation. In: A. A. Schoenherr (ed.). Endangered Plant Communities of Southern California, South- ern California Botanists Special Publication No. 3. Ries, L., and T. D. Sisk. 2004. A predictive model of edge effects. Ecology 85(11):2917–2926. Riley, S. P. D., G. T. Busteed, L. B. Kats, T. L. Vandergon, L. F. S. Lee, R. G. Dagit, J. L. Kerby, R. N. Fisher, and R. M. Sauvajot. 2005. Effects of urbanization on the distribution and abundance of amphibians and invasive species in southern California streams. Conservation Biology 19:1894–1907. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. A Manual of California Vegetation, second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Sisk, T. D., N. M. Haddad, and P. R. Ehrlich. 1997. Bird assemblages in patchy woodlands: modeling the effects of edge and matrix habitats. Ecological Applications 7(4):1170–1180. Soulé, M. E. 1991. Theory and strategy. In: W. E. Hudson (ed.). Landscape Linkages and Biodiversity. Island Press, Covello, CA. Soulé, M. E., A. C. Alberts, and D. T. Bolger. 1992. The effects of habitat fragmentation on chaparral plants and vertebrates. Oikos 63(1):39–47. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 749 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited Soulé, M. E., D. T. Bolger, A. C. Alberts, J. Wright, M. Sorice, and S. Hill. 1988. Reconstructed dynamics of rapid extinctions of chaparral-requiring birds in urban habitat islands. Conservation Biology 2(1):75–92. Suarez, A. V., D. T. Bolger and T. J. Case. 1998. Effects of fragmentation and invasion on native ant commu- nities in coastal southern California. Ecology 79(6):2041–2056. Temple, S. A., and J. R. Cary. 1988. Modeling dynamics of habitat-interior bird populations in fragmented landscapes. Conservation Biology 2(4):340–347. Treseder, K. K., and K. L. McGuire. 2009. Links Between Plant and Fungal Diversity in Habitat Fragments of Coastal Sage Scrub. The 94th ESA Annual Meeting, 2009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Risk mitigation decision for ten rodenticides. Report dated May 28, 2008. https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0764 Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopel- matus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. Vaughan, J. R. 2010. Local Geographies of the Coastal Cactus Wren and the Coastal California Gnatcatcher on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Master of Science thesis, San Diego State University, San Die- go, California. 97 pp. Wilcove, D. S. 1985. Nest predation in forest tracks and the decline of migratory songbirds. Ecology 66(4)1211–1214. Wolkovich, E. M., D. T. Bolger, and K. L. Cottingham. 2009. Invasive grass litter facilitates native shrubs through abiotic effects. Journal of Vegetation Science 20:1121–1132. Woodroffe, R., and J. R. Ginsberg. 1998. Edge effects and the extinction of populations inside protected are- as. Science 280:2126–2128. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 750 7.1.f Packet Pg. 751 7.1.f Packet Pg. 752 Page 1 CHAPTER 22.38. - TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION Redline Draft April 2016 Comments in red input David Haas/CalFire Urban Forester, John Melvin, CalFire, Yellow input Cynthia Smith Sec. 22.38.010. - Purpose. 099 One of the city's most important resources is the beauty of its natural environment. Native trees are a significant part of this environment. While impacted by development over the years, several areas in the city still contain native oak, walnut, and riparian woodlands which support species of trees important to our natural heritage. Trees are an important natural resource, contributing to the environment by replenishing oxygen and counteracting air pollution, controlling soil erosion, and providing wildlife habitat. Trees are an aesthetic asset which provide scale, color, aroma, shade, visual buffers between land uses, and increased property value. It is essential to the public peace, health, and welfare that such trees be protected from random removal or cutting, especially where such trees are associated with a proposal for development. [The] general plan, as the overall policy document for the city, requires the preservation and maintenance of native trees including oak, walnut, sycamore, willow, signi ficant trees of cultural or historical value and pepper trees where appropriate. The purpose of this chapter is to protect and preserve these trees and when removal is allowed as a result of new development to require their replacement. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9-16-03) Sec. 22.38.020. - Applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall apply in all zoning districts to the removal, relocation or pruning of protected trees as provided in section 22.38.030 (Protected trees). Ex ceptions to the provisions of this chapter are outlined in section 22.38.060 (Exemptions). (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.030. - Protected trees. A protected tree is any of the following: (1) Native Oak, walnut, sycamore and willow trees w ith a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight five inches or greater; (per SB 1334) (2) Trees of significant historical value as designated by the council; (3) Any tree required to be preserved or relocated as a condition of approval for a discretionary permit; (4) Any tree required to be planted as a condition of approval for a discretionary permit; and (5) A stand of trees, the nature of which makes each tree dependent upon the others for survival. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9-16-03; Ord. No. 04(2012), § 9, 4-17-12) Sec. 22.38.040. - Damaging protected trees prohibited. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 753 Page 2 Except as provided in section 22.38.060 (Exemptions), no person shall cut, prune, remove, relocate, or otherwise destroy a protected tree. The topping of protected trees is prohibited. No reduction of the tree crown shall be permitted without a tree pruning permit and then only by "thinning out" selected branches in compliance with guidelines published by the National Arborists Association. No longer exists, now Tree Care Industry Association. Current nationwide tree care and maintenance guidelines are ANSI A300 standards. For sake of ease, a statement can be made stating all tree work done must conform to AN SI A300 standards. Also, include all work must be performed by Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.050. - Tree removal permit or tree pruning permit required. No person shall remove or relocate a protected tree or develop within the protection zone of a protected tree, or stand of trees identified as native oak or walnut woodland, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the director. No person shall prune a protected tree without first ob taining a tree pruning permit from the director if branches are to be pruned that are over four inches in diameter at the point of the cut. The maximum amount allowed for the pruning of a protected tree shall be 20 percent over a one-year period, except for oak trees which shall be ten percent over a one-year period. SB 1334 (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.060. - Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: (1) Trees, except those designated by the city council as a historical or cultural tree and trees required to be preserved, relocated, or planted as a condition of approval of a discretionary permit, located on all developed properties prior to adoption of this Development Code. (2) Trees held for sale by licensed nurseries or tree farms or the removal or transplanting of trees for the purpose of operating a nursery or tree farm. (3) A tree that is so damaged, diseased or in danger of falling (as verified by an arborist) that it cannot be effectively preserved, or its presence is a threat to other protected trees or existing or proposed structures. (4) Trees within public rights-of-way where their removal, pruning or relocation is necessary to obtain adequate line-of-site distances or to keep streets and sidewalks clear of obstructions as required by the city engineer. (5) Trees that present a dangerous condition requiring emergency actio n to preserve the public health, safety and welfare as determined by the director. (6) The maintenance of trees that interfere with a public utility's ability to protect or maintain an electric power or communication line, or other property of a public ut ility. Requiring utilities to obtain an annual, revocable permit and conformance with ANSI A300 standards ensures good working practices. (7) The pruning of branches not to exceed four inches in diameter or compensatory pruning in compliance with guidelines published by the National Arborists Association see above, intended to ensure the continued health of a protected tree. (8) Native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow, or pepper trees located upon a lot one -half acre or less located on the flat pad, are exempted from these regulations. Trees over the ridgeline, growing on the natural slope are not exempt. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 754 Page 3 (9) Any native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow or naturalized California Pepper trees planted subsequent to the subdivision of property of any size are exempted from these regulations. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9-16-03) Sec. 22.38.070. - Tree removal in conjunction with a discretionary permit. When the removal or relocation of a protected tree is proposed in connection with a n application for another discretionary permit, the director may waive the requirement of a separate tree removal permit and require necessary information to be submitted as part of the discretionary permit application. All of the standards of this chapter, including section 22.38.130 (Tree replacement/relocation standards) and section 22.38.140 (Tree protection standards) shall apply to the approval of a discretionary permit. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.080. - Application submittal requirements. (a) Applications for a tree removal permit or a tree pruning permit shall be filed with the department. The department will consider an application complete when all necessary application forms, materials and exhibits, as established by the department, have been provided and accepted as adequate and all necessary fees have been paid. (b) The director may require the submittal of an arborist report before accepting the application for filing. Arborist reports shall be paid for by the applicant and may be required to include specific information as required by the director. This information may include but is not limited to: The impact on existing trees, the health and structural stability of existing trees and any remedial measures or mitigation recommended. Applications should contain at least a justification statement for the permit, signature of the property owner, a tree site map containing the location of all trees located on the property including species and DBH, and the protection zone of every protected tree. Applications can contain mitigation information, or a separate mitigation report, including inspection requirements, can be prepared separately. (c) The director may require additional information when deemed necessary for permit proce ssing. Any request for the removal or relocation of a protected tree proposed in conjunction with an application for another discretionary permit shall be subject to approval by the same hearing body as the discretionary permit. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.090. - Action on application. An application for a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit shall be approved, conditionally approved or denied by the director. Where the director finds that significant policy questions are at issue, the director may refer the application to the commission for action. If an application is denied, the reasons shall be provided to the applicant in writing. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.100. - Conditions of approval. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 755 Page 4 In approving an application for a tree permit or tree pruning permit, the director or commission may require the applicant to meet certain conditions in order to secure the purpose of this chapter. Conditions may include, but are not limited to, measures designed to protect and preserve protected trees remaining on the site and the restoration of protected trees removed from the site. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.110. - Findings for approval. In order to approve an application for a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit, it shall be necessary that one or more of the following findings be made, otherwise the application shall be denied: (1) The tree is so poorly formed due to stunted growt h that its preservation would not result in any substantial benefits to the community. (2) The tree interferes with utility services, or streets and highways, either within or outside of the subject property, and no reasonable alternative exists other than removal or pruning of the tree(s). (3) The tree is a potential public health and safety hazard due to the risk of it falling and its structural instability cannot be remediated. (4) The tree is a public nuisance by causing damage to improvements (e.g., building foundations, retaining walls, roadways/driveways, patios, and decks). (5) The tree is host to an organism which is parasitic to another species of tree which is in danger of being exterminated by the parasite. (6) The tree belongs to a species which is known to be a pyrophitic or highly flammable and has been identified as a public safety hazard. Define pyrophytic or highly flammable standard and who has authority to ID as a public safety hazard (7) Preservation of the tree is not feasible and would compromise the property owner's reasonable use and enjoyment of property or surrounding land and appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented in compliance with section 22.38.130 (Tree replacement/relocation standards) below. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.120. - Tagging. In the process of preparing a tree report tree report not described or referenced anywhere else, each tree is required to be physically marked for identification by consecutively numbered tags. The following method of tagging shall be used to identify and locate applicable trees: (1) A permanent tag, a minimum of two inches in length, shall be used for identifying applicable trees. The tag shall be made from a noncorrosive, all-weather material and be permanently attached to the tree in a manner preserving its health and viability. (2) Tags shall be located on the north side of th e tree at a height of four and one-half feet above natural grade. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.130. - Tree replacement/relocation standards. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 756 Page 5 (a) Replacement trees shall be indigenous to the area whenever feasible as determined by an arbor ist. Replacement trees should be same species as, or from list of, protected tree species (b) Replacement trees shall be planted at a minimum 2:1 ratio for residential properties less than 20,000 square feet. Residential parcels greater than 20,000 square feet and commercial and industrial properties shall be planted at a minimum 3:1 ratio. The director or commission may grant exceptions to these requirements or may require additional replacement trees based on the following considerations: (1) The vegetative character of the subject property. (2) The number of protected trees which are proposed to be removed in relation to the number of protected trees currently existing on the subject property. (3) The anticipated effectiveness of the replacement of tr ees, as determined by arborists' report submitted by the applicant. (c) Replacement trees shall be a minimum box size of 24 inches for six or fewer replacement trees. For greater than six replacement trees, the sizes shall be determined by the director. S maller container sizes may be approved by the director or commission when additional replacement trees are provided significantly exceeding the required replacement ratios. (d) Tree relocation or replacement shall be on the same site to the extent feasibl e. A written report by an arborist is required concerning the methodology and feasibility of transplanting trees. (e) Where site conditions preclude the long-term success of replacement trees, the director or commission may require either or both of the following alternatives: (1) Planting replacement trees on public property (e.g., designated open space areas or public parks); and/or (2) Monetary donation to a tree replacement fund in the amount equal to the value of required replacement trees, and the cost of installation as established by an arborist's report. (f) The applicant may be required as a condition of permit approval to enter into a tree maintenance agreement prior to removal of any protected tree or commencement of construction activities t hat may adversely affect the health and survival of trees to be preserved. The maintenance agreement may include provisions for the submittal of arborist reports during and after construction activities, installation of replacement trees and irrigation systems by or under the supervision of a certified arborist, replacement of trees that die during or after construction phases, periodic fertilizing and pruning, and submittal of a security deposit as may be necessary to ensure the health and survival of the affected trees during the effective date of the tree maintenance agreement. The performance security may be required for three years from the date of the approval or as determined by the director. The amount of the performance security deposit shall be equal to 125 percent of the cost of a nursery grown tree and installation by a qualified professional. Any permit-required tree replacement should require planting of a protected tree species to ensure protected status trees are maintained in perpetuity. Tree replacement or relocation whether on-site, off-site, or on public property should require at least 3 years of maintenance to ensure successful establishment, as well as enforcement of maintenance. Monetary donation to a tree replacement fund should include the value of required replacement trees, the cost of installation, and the cost of at least 3 years of maintenance. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.140. - Tree protection requirements. The director shall determine during project review whether and to what extent measures will be required to protect the existing trees during construction. This decision shall be based upon the proximity 7.1.f Packet Pg. 757 Page 6 of the area of construction activity to existing prot ected trees. The protective measures shall include but are not limited to the following: (1) The existing trees to be retained shall be enclosed by chain link fencing with a minimum height of five feet or by another protective barrier approved by the director prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit and prior to commencement of work. (2) Barriers shall be placed at least five feet outside the drip line of trees to be protected. A lesser distance may be approved by the director if appropriate to the species and the adjacent construction activity. The generally accepted distance of protection zones is 2-3x the width of the dripline (3) No grade changes shall be made within the protective barriers without prior approval by the director. Where roots greater than one inch in diameter are damaged or exposed, the roots shall be cleanly saw cut and covered with soil in conformance with industry standards. (4) Excavation or landscape preparation within the protective barriers shall be limite d to the use of hand tools and small hand-held power tools and shall not be of a depth that could cause root damage. (5) No attachments or wires other than those of a protective or nondamaging nature shall be attached to a protected tree. (6) No equipment or debris of any kind shall be placed within the protective barriers. No fuel, paint, solvent, oil, thinner, asphalt, cement, grout or any other construction chemical shall be stored or allowed in any manner to enter within the protected barrier. (7) If access within the protection zone of a protected tree is required during the construction process, the route shall be covered in a six -inch mulch bed in the drip line area and the area shall be aerated and fertilized at the conclusion of the construction. (8) When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be raised, drain tiles shall be laid over the soil to drain liquids away from the trunk. The number of drains shall depend upon the soil material. Lighter sandy soils and porous gravelly material require fewer drains than heavy nonporous soils like clay. Dry wells shall be large enough to allow for maximum growth of the tree trunk. Dry well walls shall be constructed of materials that permit passage of air and water. (9) When the existing grade around a tree is to be lowered, either by terracing or a retaining wall, a combination may be used to lower grade. With either method, the area within the drip line shall be left at the original grade. The retaining wall shall be porous to allow for aeration . (10) Trees that have been destroyed or that have received major damage during construction shall be replaced prior to final inspection. Species damaged/destroyed should be replaced in kind and include a 3-year maintenance period to ensure establishment. Include punishment for destruction/damage as deterrence (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.150. - Post decision procedures. (a) Appeals. Decisions of the director shall be considered final unless an appeal is filed in compliance with chapter 22.74 (Appeals). The decision of the director may be appealed to the planning commission. The decision of the commission may be appealed to the council. (b) Expiration/extension. A tree removal permit or tree pruning permit shall be exercised within one ye ar from the date of approval or other time frame that may be established with a discretionary permit approval. Time extensions, for up to a total of two additional years, may be granted in compliance with chapter 22.66 (Permit Implementation and Time Extensions). If a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit is not exercised within the established time frame, and a time extension is not granted, the provisions of chapter 22.66 (Permit Implementation and Time Extensions) shall apply. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 758 Page 7 (c) Construction monitoring. Monitoring of tree protection and restoration measures specified as conditions of approval shall be performed by site inspection conducted by the director, or by an arborist. (d) Revocation. A tree removal permit or tree pruning permit may be revoked or modified, in compliance with chapter 22.76 (Revocations/Modifications), if it is found that the tree removal, relocation or protection activities: (1) Resulted from misrepresentation or fraud; (2) Has not been implemented in a timely manner; (3) Has not met, or has violated, any conditions of approval; (4) Is in violation of any code, law, ordinance or statute; (5) Is detrimental to public health, safety or welfare; or (6) Constitutes a nuisance. (e) Enforcement. (1) Any person who cuts, damages, or moves a protected tree in violation of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor in compliance with section 22.78.060 (Legal Remedies). (2) Violation of this chapter during construction activity may result in an immediate stop -work order issued by the city, until permits are obtained along with proper mitigation. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.160. - Tree replacement fund. Moneys received by the city in lieu of replacement trees as provided for in section 22.38.130 (Tree Replacement/Relocation Standards), or as civil penalties for violations of this chapter shall be deposited in a tree replacement fund and the city's general fund, respectively. Funds collected by the city for the tree replacement fund and interest earned thereon shall be used solely for the planting of trees or other vegetation on publicly owned property. Tree replacement fund should be spent only on trees, not other vegetation, and trees planted should be protected species (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.170. - Buyers awareness package. When a project contains trees that have been protected or planted under the requirements of this chapter, the developer shall provide buyers with information regarding the proper care of the t rees. The information shall be specific to different tree species and include information on proper pruning techniques, pest and disease control, fertilization requirements, watering needs, and other pertinent information about the particular tree species. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) 7.1.f Packet Pg. 759 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL February 20, 2019 Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO DIAMOND BAR TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE Dear Mr. Gubman, A consortium of Diamond Bar residents retained Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) to address a range of biological issues as the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) prepares to update its General Plan. This letter addresses per- ceived inadequacies of the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance (Chapter 22.38 of the City of Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances). Proposed changes refer to the following areas of concern: • Corrections of outdated references (e.g., the National Arborists Association no longer exists, having been replaced by the Tree Care Industry Association) and typographical errors. • Changes to bring the City’s ordinance into alignment with current industry standards. For example, the County of Los Angeles’ current Oak Woodlands Conservation Man- agement Plan Guide1 requires seven years of maintenance and monitoring of all oak mitigation plantings, which reflects the experience of the County that oak plantings may survive for a few years after planting, only to fail shortly thereafter. • Ensuring that funds paid to the City for tree planting are used to promptly replace im- pacted trees, and to prevent against tree mitigation funds being diverted to other uses. • Establishing a City-administered program to ensure that replacement trees are planted in areas suited to their long-term survival, and not in sensitive habitat areas, such as coastal sage scrub, where they could cause adverse ecological effects. 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 760 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 2 of 10 Proposed Amendments to the Tree Preservation & Protection Ordinance The following amendments, identified in “track changes,” are proposed to Chapter 22.38 of the City of Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances. Sections not proposed for chang- es are not reproduced herein. Sec. 22.38.030. - Protected trees. A protected tree is any of the following: 1. Native oOak, walnut, sycamore and willow trees with a diameter at 4.5 feet above mean natural gradebreast height (DBH) of eight five inches or greater (consistent with Califor- nia Public Resources Code 21083.4a); 2. (2) Trees of significant historical or value as designated by the council; 3. (3) Any tree required to be preserved or relocated as a condition of approval for a dis- cretionary permit; 4. (4) Any tree required to be planted as a condition of approval f or a discretionary permit; and 5. (5) A stand of trees, the nature of which makes each tree dependent upon the others for survival. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9-16-03; Ord. No. 04(2012), § 9, 4-17-12) Sec. 22.38.040. - Damaging protected trees prohibited. Except as provided in section 22.38.060 (Exemptions), no person shall cut, prune, re- move, relocate, or otherwise destroy a protected tree. All work must be performed by a Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester in compliance with ANSI A300 standards. The topping of protected trees is prohibited. No reduction of the tree crown shall be permitted without a tree pruning permit and then only by “thinning out” selected.guidelines published by the National Arborists Associa- tion. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.050. - Tree removal permit or tree pruning permit required. No person shall remove or relocate a protected tree or develop within the protection zone of a protected tree, or stand of trees comprising native oak woodland or walnut woodland, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the director. No person shall prune a protected tree without first obtaining a tree pruning permit from the di- rector if branches are to be pruned that are over four inches in diameter at the point of the cut. The maximum amount allowed for the pruning of a protected tree shall be 20 percent over a one-year period, except for oak trees which shall be ten percent over a one-year period. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) 7.1.f Packet Pg. 761 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 3 of 10 Sec. 22.38.060. - Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1. Trees, except those designated by the city council as a historical or cultural tree and trees required to be preserved, relocated, or planted as a condition of approval of a dis- cretionary permit, located on all developed properties prior to adoption of this Devel- opment Code. 2. Trees held for sale by licensed nurseries or tree farms or the removal or transplanting of trees for the purpose of operating a nursery or tree farm. 3. A tree that is so damaged, diseased or in danger of falling (as verified by a Certified Ar- boristn arborist) that it cannot be effectively preserved, or its presence is a threat to other protected trees or existing or proposed structures. 4. Trees within public rights-of-way where their removal, pruning or relocation is necessary to obtain adequate line-of-site distances or to keep streets and sidewalks clear of ob- structions as required by the city engineer. 5. Trees that present a dangerous condition requiring emergency action to preserve the public health, safety and welfare as determined by the director. 6. The maintenance of trees that interfere with a public utility’s ability to protect or main- tain an electric power or communication line, or other property of a public utility, so long as the work conforms to ANSI A300 standards and the utilities obtain an annual, revocable permit from the city. 7. The pruning of branches not to exceed four inches in diameter or compensatory prun- ing, in compliance with ANSI A300 standards, intended to ensure the continued health of a protected tree. 8. Native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow, or pepper trees located upon a lot one-half acre or less located on the flat pad, are exempted from these regulations. Trees over the ridgeline, growing on the natural slope are not exempt. 9. Any native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow or naturalized pepper trees planted subse- quent to the subdivision of property of any size are exempted from these regulations. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11 -3-98; Ord. No. 02(2003), 9 -16-03) Sec. 22.38.080. - Application submittal requirements. (a) Applications for a tree removal permit or a tree pruning permit shall be filed with the department. The department will consider an application complete when all necessary application forms, materials and exhibits, as established by the department, have been provided and accepted as ade- quate and all necessary fees have been paid. (b) The director may require the submittal of a Certified Arborist’sn arborist report before accepting the application for filing. The Certified Arborist’s reports shall be paid for by the applicant and may be required to include 7.1.f Packet Pg. 762 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 4 of 10 specific information as required by the director. This information may in- clude but is not limited to: The impact on existing trees, the health and structural stability of existing trees and any remedial measures or mitiga- tion recommended. (c) Applications shall contain a justification statement for the permit; signa- ture of the property owner; and a site map containing the location of all trees located on the property, including species and diameter 4.5 feet above mean natural grade, and the protection zone of every protected tree. Applications can contain mitigation information; alternatively, a sep- arate mitigation report, including inspection requirements, can be pre- pared separately. (c)(d) The director may require additional information when deemed necessary for permit processing. Any request for the removal or relocation of a pro- tected tree proposed in conjunction with an application for another discre- tionary permit shall be subject to approval by the same hearing body as the discretionary permit. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.110. - Findings for approval. In order to approve an application for a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit, it shall be necessary that one or more of the following findings be made, otherwise the application shall be denied: The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1. The tree is so poorly formed due to stunted growth that its preservation would not re- sult in any substantial benefits to the community. 2. The tree interferes with utility services, or streets and highways, either within or outside of the subject property, and no reasonable alternative exists other than removal or pruning of the tree(s). 3. The tree is a potential public health and safety hazard due to the risk of it falling and its structural instability cannot be remediated. 4. The tree is a public nuisance by causing damage to improvements (e.g., building founda- tions, retaining walls, roadways/driveways, patios, and decks). 5. The tree is host to an organism which is parasitic to another species of tree which is in danger of being exterminated by the parasite. 6. The tree belongs to a species which is known to be a pyrophitic or highly flammable and has been identified as a public safety hazard by a Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester. 7. Preservation of the tree is not feasible and would compromise the property owner’s reasonable use and enjoyment of property or surrounding land and appropriate mitiga- 7.1.f Packet Pg. 763 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 5 of 10 tion measures will be implemented in compliance with section 22.38.130 (Tree re- placement/relocation standards) below. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.120. - Tagging. In the process of preparing an application for a tree removal permit or tree report, each tree is required to be physically marked for identification by consecutively numbered tags. The following method of tagging shall be used to identify and locate applicable trees: 1. A permanent tag, a minimum of two inches in length , shall be used for identifying appli- cable trees. The tag shall be made from a noncorrosive, all-weather material and be permanently attached to the tree in a manner preserving its health and viability. 2. Tags shall be located on the north side of the tree at a height of four and one-half4.5 feet above natural grade. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.130. - Tree replacement/relocation standards. (a) Replacement trees shall be either the same species as that being replaced or a indigenous to the area whenever feasible as determined by an arborist protected tree species indigenous to Diamond Bar. (b) Replacement trees shall be planted at a minimum 2:1 ratio for residential properties less than 20,000 square feet. Residential parcels greater than 20,000 square feet and commercial and industrial properties shall be planted at a minimum 3:1 ratio. The director or commission may grant ex- ceptions to these requirements or may require additional replacement trees based on the following considerations: 1. The vegetative character of the subject property. 2. The number of protected trees which are proposed to be removed in rela- tion to the number of protected trees currently existing on the subject property. 3. The anticipated effectiveness of the replacement of trees, as determined by Certified Arborist’s arborists’ report submitted by the applicant. (c) Replacement trees shall be a minimum box size of 24 inches for six or few- er replacement trees. For greater than six replacement trees, the sizes shall be determined by the director. Smaller container sizes may be approved by the director or commission when additional replacement trees are pro- vided significantly exceeding the required replacement ratios. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 764 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 6 of 10 (d) Tree relocation or replacement shall be on the same site to the extent feasi- ble. A written report by an arborist is required concerning the methodolo- gy and feasibility of transplanting trees. (e) Where site conditions preclude the long-term success of replacement trees, the director or commission may require either or both of the following al- ternatives: 1. Planting replacement trees on public property (e.g., designated open space areas or public parks); and/or 2. Payment of an iMonetary donationn-lieu fee to a tree replacement fund in the amount equal to the value of required replacement trees, and the cost of installation as established by an arborist’s report.into a city-administered Tree Mitigation Program. 3. The city shall retain a qualified biologist and Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester to establish a Tree Mitigation Program to ensure that re- placement trees are planted on public property in areas that (a) shall not im- pact any existing sensitive habitat areas; (b) are appropriate for the long- term survival of native trees planted as mitigation; and (c) shall be main- tained and preserved by the city, in perpetuity, as natural open space for the mitigation trees and any associated understory species deemed appropriate to provide valuable woodland habitat. 4. The in-lieu fee amount shall be determined by the city based upon the cost of establishing and administering the above-referenced Tree Mitigation Pro- gram. 5. The city shall demonstrate that all tree replacement plantings take place within one year (365 days) of tree removal. (f) The applicant may be required as a condition of permit approval to enter into a tree maintenance agreement prior to removal of any protected tree or commencement of construction activities that may adversely affect the health and survival of trees to be preserved. The maintenance agreement may include provisions for the submittal of arborist’s reports during and after construction activities, installation of replacement trees and irrigation systems by or under the supervision of a certified arborist, replacement of trees that die during or after construction phases, periodic fertilizing and pruning, and submittal of a security deposit as may be necessary to ensure the health and survival of the affected trees during the effective date of the tree maintenance agreement. The performance security may shall be re- quired for a minimum of three seven years from the date of the approval or as determined by the director. The amount of the performance security deposit shall be equal to 125 percent of the cost of a nursery grown tree and installation by a qualified professional. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 765 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 7 of 10 (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) 7.1.f Packet Pg. 766 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 8 of 10 Sec. 22.38.140. - Tree protection requirements. The director shall determine during project review whether and to what extent measures will be required to protect the existing trees during construction. This deci- sion shall be based upon the proximity of the area of construction activity to existing protected trees. The protective measures shall include but are not limited to the follow- ing: 1. The existing trees to be retained shall be enclosed by chain link fencing with a minimum height of five feet or by another protective barrier approved by the director prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit and prior to commencement of work. 2. Barriers shall be placed at least five ten feet outside the drip line of trees to be protect- ed. A lesser distance may be approved by the director if appropriate to the species and the adjacent construction activity, and if all appropriate measures are taken to minimize potential impacts (e.g., use of steel plates over a mulch base to reduce soil compaction in the critical root zone). 3. No grade changes shall be made within the protective barriers without prior approval by the director. Where roots greater than one inch in diameter are damaged or exposed, the roots shall be cleanly saw cut and covered with soil in conformance with industry standards. 4. Excavation or landscape preparation within the protective barriers shall be limited to the use of hand tools and small hand-held power tools and shall not be of a depth that could cause root damage. 5. No attachments or wires other than those of a protective or nondamaging nature shall be attached to a protected tree. 6. No equipment or debris of any kind shall be placed within the protective barriers. No fuel, paint, solvent, oil, thinner, asphalt, cement, grout or any other construction chemi- cal shall be stored or allowed in any manner to enter within the protected barrier. 7. If access within the protection zone of a protected tree is required during the construc- tion process, the route shall be covered in a six-inch mulch bed in the drip line area and the area shall be aerated and fertilized at the conclusion of the construction. 8. When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be raised, drain tiles shall be laid over the soil to drain liquids away from the trunk. The number of drains shall depend upon the soil material. Lighter sandy soils and porous gravelly material require fewer drains than heavy nonporous soils like clay. Dry wells shall be large enough to allow for maximum growth of the tree trunk. Dry well walls shall be constructed of materials that permit passage of air and water. 9. When the existing grade around a tree is to be lowered, either by terracing or a retain- ing wall, a combination may be used to lower grade. With either method, the area with- in the drip line shall be left at the original grade. The retaining wall shall be porous to al- low for aeration. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 767 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 9 of 10 10. Trees that have been destroyed or that have received major damage during construc- tion shall be replaced prior to final inspection. Any trees damaged or destroyed shall be replaced in kind, and a 7-year maintenance period shall be required to ensure estab- lishment. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.150. - Post decision procedures. (a) Appeals. Decisions of the director shall be considered final unless an ap- peal is filed in compliance with chapter 22.74 (Appeals). The decision of the director may be appealed to the planning commission. The decision of the commission may be appealed to the council. (b) Expiration/extension. A tree removal permit or tree pruning permit shall be exercised within one year from the date of approval or other time frame that may be established with a discretionary permit approval. Time exten- sions, for up to a total of two additional years, may be granted in compli- ance with chapter 22.66 (Permit Implementation and Time Extensions). If a tree removal permit or tree pruning permit is not exercised within the established time frame, and a time extension is not granted, the provisions of chapter 22.66 (Permit Implementation and Time Extensions) shall ap- ply. (c) Construction monitoring. Monitoring of tree protection and restoration measures specified as conditions of approval shall be performed by site inspection conducted by the director, or by an arborista Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester . (d) Revocation. A tree removal permit or tree pruning permit may be revoked or modified, in compliance with chapter 22.76 (Revoca- tions/Modifications), if it is found that the tree removal, relocation or pro- tection activities: 1. Resulted from misrepresentation or fraud; 2. Has Have not been implemented in a timely manner; 3. Has Have not met, or has violated, any conditions of approval; 4. Is Are in violation of any code, law, ordinance or statute; 5. Is Are detrimental to public health, safety or welfare; or 6. Constitutes a nuisance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 768 Proposed Amendments to Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 10 of 10 (e) Enforcement. 1. Any person who cuts, damages, or moves a protected tree in violation of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor in compli- ance with section 22.78.060 (Legal Remedies). 2. Violation of this chapter during construction activity ma y result in an imme- diate stop-work order issued by the city, until permits are obtained along with proper mitigation. (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) Sec. 22.38.160. - Tree replacement fund. Moneys received by the city in lieu of replacement trees as provided for in section 22.38.130 (Tree Replacement/Relocation Standards), or as civil penalties for violations of this chapter shall be deposited in a tree replacement fund and the city’s general fund, respectively. Funds collected by the city for the tree replacement fund and interest earned thereon shall be used solely for the planting of trees or other vegetation on pub- licly owned property, under the auspices of the Tree Mitigation Program provided for in section 22.38.130(e). (Ord. No. 02(1998), § 2, 11-3-98) CONCLUSION Hamilton Biological appreciates the opportunity to propose amendments to the Dia- mond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. If you have questions, please call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com 7.1.f Packet Pg. 769 7.1.f Packet Pg. 770 7.1.f Packet Pg. 771 7.1.f Packet Pg. 772 7.1.f Packet Pg. 773 7.1.f Packet Pg. 774 263A 342B 341F 341D M261E M261A M261D M261B M261G M261C M261F 262A M262B M262A 322A 322B 322C 261B 261A USDA Ecoregion ProvincesUSDA Ecoregion Sections Ecological Sections of California California Coastal C haparral Forest and Shrub261A: Central California Coast 261B: Southern California Coast California Coastal R ange Shrub - Forest - MeadowM262A: C entral California Coast Ranges M262B: Southern California Mountains and Valleys California Coastal Steppe - Mixed Forest - Redwood Forest263A: Northern C alifornia Coast Sierran Forest - A lpine MeadowsM261A: K lamath Mountains M261B: N orthern California C oast Ranges M261C: N orthern California Interior Coast Ranges M261D: Southern Cascades M261E: Sierra Nevada M261F: Sierra Nevada Foothills M261G: Modoc Plateau American Semi-Desert and Desert322A: Mojave Desert 322B: Sonoran Desert 322C: Colorado Desert Intermountain Semi-Desert and Desert341D: Mono 341F: Southeastern Great Basin Intermountain Semi-Desert342B: Northwestern Basin and Range California Dr y Steppe262A: Great Valley 7.1.f Packet Pg. 775 Oct. 31, 2019 Comments for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, DEIR To: Grace Lee, City Senior Planner Dear Ms. Lee: It is good to see the City of Diamond Bar finally acknowledge in the general plan and EIR, the rare and sensitive species and natural communities, we are privileged to have here. The Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club is a local conservation group. Our work involves exploring, enjoying and protecting wildlife habitats and ecosystems in our city and the surrounding areas. Our “community science” activities have come up with some exciting findings. Since the Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club has been working on an on-going “Diamond Bar Natural History” project these past three years, I submit some of our findings – which has been and is being mapped on iNaturalist, eBird and the CNDDB. We are also communicating with the Los Angeles Natural History Museum staff in assisting to map our findings of the rare and critically imperiled Los Angeles County Shouldband snail, which has been found distributed throughout Diamond Bar. My overall comments about the draft environmental report are concerned with the missing bits of important biotic information, as well as the incomplete or incorrect information in mitigation plans or reported species. Here is a list of my questions and concerns: Cultural Findings, page 45-52, Resource Conservation Chpt. 5 1. The DEIR does not mention the (approximate) 40 boxes of stone artifacts recovered at the Pulte Home development project (gated community, located off Crest View and Diamond Bar Blvd.) in 2006. Our group spoke with Dr. Beardsley and curator, Anne Collier at University of La Verne, where the findings are stored, in 2017. Q: Why are these findings missing from pg. 49’s chart? Will the City of Diamond Bar correct this omission? What will the city do to restore these findings to the city’s historical society and rightly honor the Kizh Nation? 2. The south end of the city at the “Cathay View” development, a registered “sacred Kizh oak woodland” land was officially registered June 13, 2017: N-CAN 33. Q: Why is this listing missing from the Cultural Resources, Resource Conservation, chapter 5, page 49 chart? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 776 Vegetation Communities: Figure 5.2 3. Oak woodland natural communities are under reported in the DEIR habitat map. At least the designation ought to be: southern oak/walnut woodland. California walnut trees are not dominant throughout the city. Please view my pictures of Steep Canyon, Sycamore Canyon and show me where the walnut trees are the dominant species. (posted in the following natural history draft report I submit here.) 4. Opuntia litoralis, cactus scrub is not named in the DEIR, though it is a dedicated alliance in the Manuel of California Vegetation, second edition, Sawyer, Keeler-Wolf, Evans. https://calscape.org/Opuntia-littoralis-(Coast-Prickly-Pear)?srchcr=sc5708872f8cdd6 Diamond Bar has dominant patches of this natural community distributed throughout onDEIR? Will the city correct the omission? 5. Sycamore Canyon Park is designated by the USGS as a “sycamore riparian” habitat due to Diamond Bar Creek passing through it from Steep Canyon. Q: Why is Sycamore Canyon Park colored yellow/walnut woodland, with non-native grasses? See the picture attached and explain how the city came up with such an incorrect report. Wildlife Circulation/Corridor Activity 6. Deer, coyote, bobcat and cougar have been regularly sighted, circulating throughout Diamond Bar. The northern areas (see Hamilton Report map, area #3 especially.) Mountain lion was encountered at city hall in 2013, routine resident sightings in The DB Country Estates, and a recent report from a hiker near Tres Hermanos/Phillips Ranch area, 2019. Residents in area #3, Hamilton report map, have observed regular visits of deer families, circulating throughout this green area, comprised of grassland, oak/walnut woodland and coastal scrub. The deer travel in and round Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, Sycamore Canyon and Summitridge trail, and frequently observed browsing on the side of Diamond Bar Blvd., near Crest View and Gold Rush avenues. (see photos in my gallery). Q: What support will the city lend to the wildlife circulation WITHIN the city neighborhoods? Q: Why is there no mention of wildlife circulation in the mid-northern portions? Has the city considered the Hamilton report’s wildlife corridor map? 7. Sensitive species like California Gnatcatcher, burrowing owl, golden eagle, red rattlesnake, cactus wren are observed throughout the trail and wildland areas in the city. I have personally observed the gnatcatcher in Steep Canyon area (see pic.) Hikers and residents regularly contact our Sierra Club with their pictures and reports. One hiker submitted a photo of a burrowing owl located near a Diamond Bar trail. (see pic.) Q: Why is the information incomplete in the Resource Conservation and DEIR document? What effort will the city do to officially report the presence of these species to state conservation trustee agencies like the CDFW and USFWS? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 777 Q: Why does Figure 5.2 use the term “vegetation communities”? The official term used by the California Vegetation text book, is “natural communities”, indicating natural ecosystems – not supported by man-made interventions like automated irrigation, fertilizer, pesticides, tilling or discing. Q: Will the city correct the misleading term, “vegetation” communities? Specific Details and a Program EIR In summary, the general plan and DEIR explains it is a general assessment and not specific, promising that each future development project will examine biological resources in detail. Yet, it also mentions during the detailed survey of a project, it is allowed to depend on the general plan/EIR. Does this mean there is a loop hole in performing CDFW protocol surveys for projects in the “wild edge” or other sensitive ecological areas? How will mitigation monitoring be handled? Will the Public be apprised of who are the monitors and how monitoring procedures are implemented? Q: How can accurate surveys and conservation be accomplished of the DEIR is vague and general, then promises specific assessments be accomplished in future developments if at the core, there are no specific declarations like “Diamond Bar Creek traversing Sycamore Canyon Park”? Thank you for reading and answering my questions. The attached “Diamond Bar Natural History” project gallery is one of my on-going tasks. Please notice, pictures of resident’s input are included, as our Sierra Club helps to explore and help local wildlife and encourage residents to follow city wildlife interaction guidelines. My references follow. Thank you. Diego Tamayo, Diamond Bar student, resident, Youth Field Intern/Sierra Club Email: diegonaturalist@gmail.com References: Hamilton Biological Report, City of Diamond Bar; Natural Communities Map 2019 California Vegetation Manual www.veg.cnps.org L.A. County Oak Woodland Conservation Plan Guide http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation- management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 778 7.1.f Packet Pg. 779 #230 | diegonaturalist@gmail.com ANGELES CHAPTER 7.1.f Packet Pg. 780 The Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task ForceBioBlitz! Eco-education Trail Hike, Summitridge Trail May 2018 L.A. County Biologist, Joe DecruyenaereBiologist, Dan Cooper Teach Interested Hikers Biodiversity in Diamond Bar 7.1.f Packet Pg. 781 Black Chinned HummingbirdDB resident R. Cortez KestrelDB resident R. Martin 7.1.f Packet Pg. 782 Checkerspot ButterflySummitridge Trail Shoulderband SnailSycamore Canyon Park 7.1.f Packet Pg. 783 White Tailed Mule DeerOpuntia scrub, Steep Canyon Gold Rush Ave + Diamond Bar Blvd. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 784 California Gnatcatcher, Steep CanyonD. Tamayo Burrowing Owl 2017Ridge Trail Hiker J. Goldman 7.1.f Packet Pg. 785 Golden Eagle, Tres Hermanos/DBD. Cooper Dusky Wood Rat Nest, Steep CanyonD. Tamayo 7.1.f Packet Pg. 786 Bats in Diamond Bar!Resident V. Young + R. 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Photos for Resource Protection Recommendations, by Robert Hamilton 2019. February, 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 793 Biological Resources Report City of Diamond Bar Prepared By Hamilton Biological, Inc. Robert A. Hamilton, President 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 http://hamiltonbiological.com February 25, 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 794 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................. II INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1 METHODS & TECHNICAL INFORMATION ........................................................... 2 VISIONS, GOALS, OBJECTIVES .......................................................................... 2 HISTORY & LAND USE ................................................................................... 5 SCENIC RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 5 HYDROLOGY/WATERWAYS ........................................................................ 6 DIAMOND BAR WATERSHEDS ......................................................................... 8 FLOODING ................................................................................................... 9 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ........................................................................... 9 NATURAL COMMUNITIES ................................................................................ 9 Annual and Perennial Grasslands, Vernal Pools/Seasonal Pools ............ 10 Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub .......................................................... 10 Chaparral .............................................................................................. 11 Coast Live Oak Woodland, Savannah ................................................... 11 California Walnut Woodland, Savannah ............................................... 11 Riparian Scrub and Woodlands ............................................................. 12 Human-altered Habitats ........................................................................ 12 NATURAL OPEN SPACE AREAS ....................................................................... 12 RESOURCE PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................. 17 SENSITIVE RESOURCES .................................................................................. 19 Sensitive Natural Communities ............................................................. 20 Special-Status Species ........................................................................... 20 EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES .................... 29 EDGE/FRAGMENTATION EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ............................... 30 Wildlife Movement Issues in the Puente-Chino Hills ............................. 30 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION POLICIES .................................... 32 GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT ........... 32 LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................... 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 795 III FIGURES 1: Waterways ............................................................................................. 6 2: Lower San Gabriel River Watershed ....................................................... 7 3a: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 1 ........................................................ 13 3b: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 2 ........................................................ 14 3c: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 3 ........................................................ 15 3d: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 4 ........................................................ 16 TABLES A: Resource Protection Recommendations ................................................ 17 B: Special Status Species ........................................................................... 22 APPENDICES A: Methods & Technical Information 7.1.f Packet Pg. 796 1 INTRODUCTION Hamilton Biological, Inc., was retained by a consortium of Diamond Bar residents to prepare this biological resources report addressing the conservation and preservation of sensitive biological resources in the City of Diamond Bar (City) and its Sphere of Influence. It is intended that the City incorporate the information and analyses in this report into the next update of its general plan, currently in preparation. Sections 65302(d) and 65302(e) of the California Government Code states that a city’s general plan shall include goals and policies for management of open spaces, including natural lands and recreation areas. The Open Space Element addresses such categories as preservation of natural resources and managed production of resources. The Conservation Element addresses protection and maintenance of natural resources, including soils, water, plants, wildlife, and mineral resources. Recognizing that the subjects covered under the Open Space Element and Conservation Element substantially overlap, Appendix 1 to the California Government Code allows these two elements to be combined in one section of the General Plan. The Open Space and Conservation Element identifies and describes the irreplaceable biotic resources that make up the natural environment that people rely upon for breathable air, clean water, viable populations of native plants and wildlife, and the natural beauty that pervades and defines Diamond Bar. The Open Space and Conservation Element guides city decision-makers and the public in their efforts to take the natural world into account during deliberations over development proposals, as required to realize the overall vision laid out in the General Plan. The Open Space and Conservation Element guides the development and implementation of programs involving conservation of open space, biological resources, visual resources, and parks and recreation. Approaches for managing environmental impacts are identified, with particular emphasis on contributing to achievement of the General Plan’s stated goals, including: • Create and retain an open space system which will conserve natural resources, preserve scenic beauty, promote a healthy community atmosphere, provide open space for outdoor recreation, and protect the public safety. • Identify limits on the natural resources needed to support urban and rural development within the City and its Sphere of Influence, and ensure that those resources are used wisely and not abused. • Provide a park, recreation and open space system which enhances the livability of urban and suburban areas by providing parks for residential neighborhoods; preserving significant natural, scenic, and other open space resources; and meeting the open space and recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 797 2 Methods & Technical Information Please refer to Appendix A, which describes the methods for preparing this biological resources report, as well as providing technical information that underpins the analyses, conclusions, and policies contained herein. Visions, Goals, Objectives The General Plan identifies “a strongly held goal among the residents to maintain and protect the distinctive physical attributes of Diamond Bar which make it a desirable place in which to live.” To achieve this overarching goal of safeguarding open spaces and significant natural features, as well as retaining the City’s distinctive natural character, the Open Space and Conservation Element focuses on supporting the following visions, goals and objectives, building upon language contained in the original 1995 General Plan: • Vision 1. Retention of the rural/country living community character. There is a strong, long-held goal among residents to maintain and protect the distinctive, physical attributes of Diamond Bar which make it a desirable place in which to live, through a careful balance of housing, businesses and services, public facilities, and preservation of natural environmental resources. • Vision 2. Preservation of open space. Significant privately and publicly owned natural lands that remain in Diamond Bar and its 3,591-acre Sphere of Influence support numerous rare species and perform important ecological functions. The preservation of sensitive natural resources contributes to the goal of retaining the City’s distinctive rustic character and offers unique educational and recreational opportunities. The County of Los Angeles has identified the Sphere of Influence and adjacent lands, some of which lie within the City, as Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15. SEA 15 is recognized as a major significant ecological asset to the community. The City will play a proactive role in the preservation of SEA 15 by assuring that extensive analysis and review precede any changes from its current uses and possibilities. o Goal 1. Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of Diamond Bar residents, providing a balance of development and preservation of significant open space areas to assure both economic viability and retention of distinctive natural features of the community. § Objective 1.1 Establish a land use classification system to guide the public and private use of land within the City and its Sphere of Influence. § Objective 1.2 Preserve and maintain the quality of existing residential neighborhoods while offering a variety of housing opportunities, including mixed land uses. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 798 3 § Objective 1.3 Designate adequate land for retail and service commercial, professional services, and other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City’s needs. § Objective 1.4 Designate adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. § Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the community by identifying and preserving an adequate amount of open land. § Objective 1.6 Consistent with the Vision Statement, provide flexibility in the planning of new development as a means of encouraging superior land use by means such as open space and public amenities. o Goal 2. Consistent with the Vision Statement, manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development. Maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services which achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources. § Objective 2.1 Promote land use patterns and intensities which are consistent with the Resource Management Element and Circulation Element. § Objective 2.2 Maintain an organized pattern of land use which minimizes conflicts between adjacent land uses. § Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the availability and adequacy of public services and facilities. o Goal 3. Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as being a community with a well- planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment. § Objective 3.1 Create visual points of interest as a means of highlighting community identity. § Objective 3.2 Ensure that new development, and intensification of existing development, yields a pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. § Objective 3.3 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensure that hillside development does not create unsafe conditions. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 799 4 o Goal 4. Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the Quality of Life for Diamond Bar residents. § Objective 4.1 Promote and cooperate in efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and transportation/circulation planning programs. o Goal 5. Consistent with the Vision Statement, recognize that oak trees, oak woodlands, and associated habitats have intrinsic aesthetic, environmental, ecological, wildlife, and economic values; that conservation of oak- dominated landscapes is important to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Diamond Bar1; that that the General Plan must contain adequate policies to protect the oak habitats from unnecessary damage, removal or destruction; that native oak trees should be planted, where appropriate, to enhance or restore damaged or degraded oak woodland habitats and mitigate unavoidable losses. § Objective 5.1 Protect and extend the diversity of oak woodlands and associated habitats (defined as lands on which the majority of the trees are of the genus Quercus) through site design and land use regulations. § Objective 5.2 Reduce in scale, redesign, modify, or if no other alternative exists, deny any project which cannot sufficiently mitigate significant adverse impacts to oak woodlands. § Objective 5.3 Encourage property owners to establish Open Space Easements or deed restrictions for areas containing oak woodlands, and to allow access to enable scientific study. § Objective 5.4 Encourage concentration of development on minimum number of acres (density exemptions) in exchange for maximizing long term open space. § Objective 5.5 As a mitigation option, allow as a condition of development approval, restoration of any area of oak woodland that is in a degraded condition, with the magnitude of restoration to be commensurate with the scope of the project. This may include planting of oak trees and removal of non-native species, with consideration for long-term viability, management, and protection, and/or modification of existing land uses. The object of habitat restoration shall be to enhance the ecological function of the oak woodland and to restore it to a condition where it can be self-sustaining through natural occurrences such as fire, natural hydrological processes, etc. 1 Woodlands are defined as lands with tree cover of at least 10%, and oak woodlands exist where the majority of trees are of the genus Quercus. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 800 5 History & Land Use Set within the Puente Hills of southeastern Los Angeles County, the City of Diamond Bar covers 14.9 square miles. Neighboring cities include Walnut, Pomona, Industry, La Puente, Rowland Heights, Brea, and Chino Hills. The region now occupied by Diamond Bar was inhabited by the Kizh people until the mid-eighteenth century, when the Spaniards settled in the area, establishing Mission San Gabriel in 1771 (City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society 2014; Housing element 2014). The land experienced a series of ownership changes involving various land grants and purchases (e.g., the Los Nogales Grant; purchases by Luz Linares, Vejar and Palomares, Louis Phillip, Frederick E. Lewis II, William Bartholome), eventually growing into one of the largest and respected ranches in southern California and gaining its name. This lasted until 1956, during which two subsidiaries of Transamerica Corporation (Christiana Oil Corp and the Capital Oil Company) purchased the area, aiming to make it among the first and largest master-planned community in Los Angeles County (City of Diamond and Diamond Bar Historical Society 2014). Despite initial intentions as a “master-planned” community, uncoordinated patterns of development through the late twentieth century have introduced areas of incongruence, such as single- and detached multi-family residential tracts being established alongside limited commercial and other non-residential sections. Most suburban construction was already established prior to the city’s incorporation in 1989, and commercial development has continued expand within the city limit. A few blocks away from the primary arterials (57 and 60 Freeways) the majority of retail and housing space is largely concealed by the natural topography, contributing to Diamond Bar’s quiet, semi-rural character and pleasant atmosphere. Scenic Resources Today, Diamond Bar is primarily a hillside residential community, composed of steep and moderate sloping hills separated by ridges and flat plateaus. Although most of the land was developed prior to the city’s incorporation, its remaining natural hillsides and ridgelines provide a picturesque backdrop and strong visual ties to the area’s long history of ranching. The views from these natural areas comprise powerful and valuable scenic resources, adding ambiance and aesthetics that give Diamond Bar a unique and compelling visual identity. In addition, views of trees, rolling hills and the pine- and often snow-covered peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains are visible in the distance from the 57 and 60 Freeways. Planning decisions must recognize the existing aesthetic value of the city’s open space as well as the external viewsheds of the surrounding region. These include the oak and walnut wooded ridgelines, unique topography, and natural open spaces at the edges of the community. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 801 6 HYDROLOGY/WATERWAYS Diamond Bar lies within of the San Gabriel River watershed, which is the largest watershed in the drainage system of the San Gabriel Mountains at 441,000 acres (Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group 2015). The San Gabriel River is one of seven major watersheds partly or completely within Los Angeles County. Most of the river lies in southeastern Los Angeles County, but a portion of this watershed originates in northern Orange County. The northern portion of the San Gabriel River, where it emerges from the mountains, has retained some natural features, such as a sandy bottom and native vegetation. Farther south, however, flood-control and channel stabilization measures needed to accommodate intensive urbanization led to the river being lined with concrete (US Army Corps of Engineers 1991; Neal 2011). Water runs through Diamond Bar via numerous channels, creeks and canyons. A small part of the northwestern part of the city drains to the San Gabriel River via the San Jose Creek channel, which follows the route of Valley Boulevard west from Diamond Bar. Most of Diamond Bar drains south to the San Gabriel River through the Coyote Creek watershed (see Figure 1). Figure 1, Waterways. Diamond Bar lies mostly within the watershed of Coyote Creek, but the northwestern part of the city discharges to the west, through the San Jose Creek channel. Source: National Hydrology Dataset. http://www.horizon-systems.com/nhdplus/NHDPlusV1download.php 7.1.f Packet Pg. 802 7 Coyote Creek and San Jose Creek drain approximately 165 square miles and 83 square miles, respectively, of highly urbanized commercial, residential, and industrial zones, plus limited natural open space areas (Sheng & Wilson 2000, using Horton–Strahler Stream Order). In 2013, Diamond Bar joined 12 other cities and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to develop a Watershed Monitoring Program (WMP) and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) to address the lower portion of the San Gabriel River, which includes Reaches 1 and 2 of the San Gabriel River Watershed and portions of Coyote Creek that originate from jurisdictions within Los Angeles County, including the City of Diamond Bar. A small portion of Diamond Bar that discharges to the San Gabriel River via San Jose Creek is also addressed by this CIMP. See Figure 2, below. Figure 2, Lower San Gabriel River Watershed. Diamond Bar occupies the most northeasterly part of the Lower San Gabriel River Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program. Source: Gateway Water Management Authority. https://gatewaywater.org/services/lsgr/ 7.1.f Packet Pg. 803 8 Diamond Bar Watersheds Diamond Bar is served by four watersheds, all with some channelization/urbanization: Tonner Canyon Creek, Diamond Bar Creek, Brea Canyon Creek, and San Jose Creek. Each system supports riparian habitat that provides resources for protected/special- status species. The following discussions describe each of these four drainage systems. 1. Tonner Canyon With a watershed of 5,000 acres and very little development, Tonner Canyon ranks among the most ecologically significant, unchannelized, largely undisturbed drainages in the Los Angeles area (HFE 2018). Occupying parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange Counties, Tonner Canyon drains the southeastern side of Diamond Bar and the northwestern side of the City of Chino Hills. The flow rate, controlled by natural rills, gullies and washes, varies throughout the year. The canyon’s headwaters lie in a bowl of low hills just south of Diamond Ranch High School. Roughly 1.4 miles downstream, Grand Avenue cuts across the watershed, and just downstream from that road crossing lies the small Arnold Reservoir. Below the reservoir’s dam, water flows southwest through natural open space lands the City of Industry has purchased from the Boy Scouts of America in recent years. After flowing for approximately a mile through open, rolling hills, the creek then enters a narrower canyon, with steeper hills on either side. At that point, the willow-, sycamore-, and oak-dominated riparian vegetation becomes more developed. The creek flows another six miles south and west to empty into Brea Creek, located near the 57 Freeway in the Coyote Creek drainage basin of Orange County. 2. Diamond Bar Creek Originating in the neighborhoods west of Diamond Ranch High School, Diamond Bar Creek runs approximately 1.2 miles to the west, through Sycamore Canyon Park, and then continues west of Golden Springs Road through Diamond Bar Golf Course, and from there underneath the 57 and 60 Freeways, to a channel east of the freeway that is tributary to San Jose Creek. The upper segment, from Leyland Drive through the Sycamore Canyon Park, supports well-developed native sycamore/oak/willow riparian woodlands. The segment passing through Diamond Bar Golf Course supports broken, partially native riparian habitat. 3. Brea Canyon Creek The southwestern part of Diamond Bar, including the “Brea Canyons” neighborhood east of the 57 Freeway, drains south toward Coyote Creek via Brea Canyon Creek. Most of this watershed is fully developed within the limits of Diamond Bar, but the southernmost portion, near the terminus of Castle Rock Road, is a soft-bottomed perennial creek that supports riparian vegetation. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 804 9 4. San Jose Creek – South Branch/Fork Located at Diamond Bar’s northwestern edge, the southern branch of San Jose Creek is a concrete-lined, trapezoidal channel that collects a small portion of urban runoff that is discharged north of the intersection of Sunset Crossing Road and North Diamond Bar Blvd. Runoff collected from catch basins drains west toward San Jose Creek in the City of Industry. At the eastern terminus of Back Lot Lane, in the City of Walnut, lies very small patch of riparian vegetation consisting of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Flooding Flood insurance maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)2, showing areas that may be subject to flooding in 100-year storm events, indicate that Diamond Bar is at low risk for major flood events. Only a limited section of the City, located north of SR-60 (Reed Canyon Channel at Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street) are a slightly elevated flood potential. Surrounding areas at potentially elevated risk of flooding include locations north of the 57 Freeway (across Baker Parkway) and an area covering roughly 2,000 acres near the border with Pomona. An extensive system of concrete-lined drainages, many of which are independent of the natural streambeds, carries runoff through the City. Areas considered to be at elevated risk of flooding may require maintenance of drainage channels, which can include removal of native wetland and riparian vegetation, to maintain the flow of water through the stormwater system. Diamond Bar’s generally low risk for flooding allows for native riparian vegetation to be retained in natural streambeds, which can develop into important habitat for various wildlife species. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Natural Communities This section briefly describes the Natural Communities (also known as “plant communities” or “vegetation types”) that occur in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence (i.e., Tonner Canyon/Significant Ecological Area 15, located in unincorporated Los Angeles County south of the city limits). The following discussions of Natural Communities refer to Natural Open Space Areas in the City and its Sphere of Influence, which are mapped subsequently (see Figures 3a–3d, starting on page 12). Please refer also to Appendix A, which describes the State-recommended methods used to classify Natural Communities for this report. 2 Los Angeles county Flood Zone Definitions, See http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wmd/floodzone/docs/FZDLegend.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 805 10 ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL GRASSLANDS, VERNAL POOLS/SEASONAL POOLS Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, Sphere of Influence The bottom of Tonner Canyon supports extensive grasslands. Most alliances of the widespread “California annual grassland” are not identified as Sensitive by CDFW, as they generally represent areas disturbed over long periods (e.g., by grazing) that no longer support many native plant species. Among the most prevalent alliances in the Diamond Bar area is “annual brome grassland.” Dominant species include ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), foxtail brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), wild oats (Avena fatua), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), black mustard (Brassica nigra), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Some disturbance-adapted native forbs, such as common fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) and arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus), may also occur. Areas of perennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non-trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. As examples, the Nassella spp. – Melica spp. herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least 2–5 percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses3; and the Bromus carinatus – Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover.4 It is likely that vernal pools/seasonal ponds occur in the site’s grasslands, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other Natural Communities. Special-status species known to occur in Diamond Bar’s grasslands, or that have potential to occur there, include Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus catalinae) small- flowered microseris (Microseris douglasii ssp. platycarpha), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). COASTAL SAGE SCRUB, CACTUS SCRUB Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, Sphere of Influence Hillsides throughout the Puente Hills support stands of coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, and this includes the dry, exposed slopes of Diamond Bar. Dominant native shrubs species in coastal sage scrub include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Within the Study Area, cactus scrub is dominated by a combination of coastal prickly-pear (Opuntia littoralis) and shrubs characteristic of coastal sage scrub. The CDFW recognizes most of these scrub/cactus 3 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/536 4 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/499 7.1.f Packet Pg. 806 11 alliances as Sensitive Natural Communities5 in their own right, and they often support special-status plant and/or wildlife species, such as intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii ssp. intermedius), Hubby’s phacelia (Phacelia hubbyi), Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), and Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus). CHAPARRAL Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Sphere of Influence On Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes, coastal sage scrub is replaced by taller and denser shrubs and trees with greater requirements for moisture and shade. The mosaic consists of three main Natural Communities: chaparral, oak woodland, and walnut woodland. The lowland form of chaparral found in the study area is dominated by such species as laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), sugarbush (Rhus ovata), chaparral honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Special-status species associated potentially found in chaparral in Diamond Bar include Fish’s milkwort (Polygala cornuta var. fishiae) and the San Bernardino Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus). COAST LIVE OAK WOODLAND, SAVANNAH Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, Sphere of Influence Coast Live Oak Woodland, several associations of which are recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, is characterized by stands of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and in some areas Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), often growing together with chaparral and walnut woodland, on Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes, as well as in the bottoms of some drainage courses. Oak savannah, characterized by scattered oaks growing in grassland, occurs in limited pockets and may be associated with human disturbance of oak woodlands. Coast live oaks are valuable to a variety of native wildlife, and are frequently utilized by nesting owls and hawks. Special-status species that may be found in oak woodlands in the Study Area include the Southern California Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta tudiculata), Trask’s Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta traskii), and Long-eared Owl (Asio otus). CALIFORNIA WALNUT WOODLAND, SAVANNAH Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, Sphere of Influence This Natural Community, recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, is characterized by stands of southern California black walnut (Juglans californica) growing in association with chaparral and coast live oak woodland on Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes. Walnut savannah, characterized by scattered walnuts growing in grassland, occurs in limited pockets and may be associated with human disturbance of walnut woodlands. 5 https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=153609 7.1.f Packet Pg. 807 12 Special-status species that may be found in walnut woodlands and walnut savannah in Diamond Bar include the species indicated previously for oak woodlands and chaparral. RIPARIAN SCRUB AND WOODLANDS Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Sphere of Influence Various forms of riparian scrub and woodland, nearly all of them recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, grow along streambeds in Diamond Bar. The dominant vegetation consists of willows, such as arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) and red willow (S. laevigata), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), southern California black walnut (Juglans californica), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Special-status species that may be found in riparian woodlands in Diamond Bar include the rough hedge-nettle (Stachys rigida var. rigida), Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata), Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens), and Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). HUMAN-ALTERED HABITATS Developed areas, such as turfed/landscaped parks and the Diamond Bar Golf Course, generally do not support Natural Communities, but these areas may nevertheless play important ecological roles. For example, the golf course includes large number of ornamental trees that comprise a non-native woodland that supports a wide variety of resident and migratory native birds, presumably including nesting raptors, and the man-made lake provides habitat for migratory and resident ducks and other waterfowl. Natural Open Space Areas Figures 3a–3d, starting on the next page, depict 13 areas of extensive (>25 acres) native/naturalized habitat in Diamond Bar. Also depicted are Diamond Bar Golf Course and Tonner Canyon/Significant Ecological Area 15, within the city’s Sphere of Influence. The figures also show potential habitat connections/choke points for wildlife movement between blocks of natural open space. Figures 3a–3d provide a basis for generally characterizing the existing ecological conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 808 13 7.1.f Packet Pg. 809 14 7.1.f Packet Pg. 810 15 7.1.f Packet Pg. 811 16 7.1.f Packet Pg. 812 Resource Protection Recommendations 7.1.f Packet Pg. 813 17 Resource Protection Recommendations Table A, below, describes and characterizes the ecological characteristics of each mapped natural open space area at a general level of detail appropriate for a General Plan. Recommendations are made for the establishment of biological protection overlays for sensitive habitat areas with high ecological values (e.g., native woodlands and coastal sage scrub). Note that sensitive natural resources (e.g., special-status species) and/or important ecological functions (e.g., movement of wildlife) could also occur outside of the identified areas. More detailed, project-specific surveys would be required to accurately and adequately describe the ecological resources found in any open space area. Table A. Resource Protection Recommendations Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 1 926 Largest block of natural open space in Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, (c) wetland and riparian habitats, and (d) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 2 64 Only large block of natural open space in Diamond Bar north of 60 Freeway. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 3 72 “Island” of natural open space between Charmingdale Road and Armitos Place. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 4 438 Includes Summitridge Park and Steep Canyon/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 814 18 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 5 62 Includes Sycamore Canyon Park/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 6 196 Slopes east of City Hall. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human-altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7 154 Includes Larkstone Park. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Oak Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 8 231 West of 57 Freeway, south of Pathfinder Road. Oak Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Grassland, Human- altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 9 27 Southwestern corner. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 10 712 Tonner Canyon tributaries. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 11 39 Southwestern section of The Country; part of Significant Ecological Area 15. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 815 19 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 12 197 Slopes west of Ridge Line Road. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human- altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 13 100 Northeastern part of The Country, adjacent to Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wetland and riparian habitats, and (c) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. Diamond Bar GC 174 Golf course that provides wildlife habitat. Riparian, Human-altered Habitats (including man-made pond). Conserve wetland and riparian habitats; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. Sphere of Influence 3,513 Large and important area of natural open space south of Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch; heart of Significant Ecological Area 15. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Riparian, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wetland and riparian habitats, (c) native woodlands, and (d) native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. Sensitive Resources This biological resources report acknowledges federal, state, and local laws and ordinances designed to protect and conserve sensitive resources, and identifies City policies designed to help achieve this objective. For purposes of this report, a sensitive resource refers to any of the following: • A Natural Community recognized as having special-status by federal, State, and/or local governments, and requiring a permit or agreement prior to its disturbance. • A plant or animal species identified by federal or state governments as endangered, threatened, rare, protected, sensitive, or a Species of Special Concern. • A plant or animal that listed by a state or federal agency as a candidate species or proposed for state or federal listing. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 816 20 SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES The State of California identifies as “Sensitive” the following Natural Communities that occur in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Native Grasslands. • Coastal Sage Scrub. • Coast Live Oak Woodland (Q. agrifolia/Juglans californica; Q. agrifolia/Q. berberidifolia/x acutidens; Q. agrifolia/Salvia leucophylla – Artemisia californica; Q. agrifolia/Salix lasiolepis)6. • California Walnut Woodland. • Riparian Scrub and Woodland. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES In the following Table B, special-status plants and wildlife judged to have potential to occur within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence are identified and briefly discussed. The potential for occurrence (low, moderate, high, or known to be present) is based upon consideration of the species’ habitat requirements and the distribution of previous verified or highly credible records. Table B uses the following abbreviations: • E Endangered (listed by State or Federal governments). “Take” of the species or disturbance of occupied habitat are prohibited unless specifically authorized. • FP Fully Protected by the State of California. These species may not be taken or possessed at any time, although take may be authorized for necessary scientific research. • T Threatened (listed by State or Federal governments). “Take” of the species or disturbance of occupied habitat are prohibited unless specifically authorized. • SSC Species of Special Concern. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated certain vertebrate species as Species of Special Concern because declining population levels, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats have made them vulnerable to extinction. The goal of designating species as Species of Special Concern is to halt or reverse their decline by 6 In addition to the four coast live oak associations designated as “Sensitive” by CDFW, oak woodlands within the unincorporated Sphere of Influence are subject to the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21083 (requires a county, when acting as a CEQA Lead Agency, to determine whether a proposed project “may result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment”). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 817 21 calling attention to their plight and addressing the issues of concern early enough to secure their long term viability. Not all Species of Special Concern have declined equally; some species may be just starting to decline, while others may have already reached the point where they meet the criteria for listing as a Threatened or Endangered species under the State and/or Federal Endangered Species Acts. • CNPS California Native Plant Society. Table B includes plant species assigned the following ranks by CNPS: o 1B.1, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat). o 1B.2, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; moderately threatened in California (20-80% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 1B.3, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 2B.2, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; moderately threatened in California (20- 80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.1, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; moderately threatened in California (>80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.2, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; moderately threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.3, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known). • NatureServe Element Rankings. In some cases, species have not been granted special status by state or federal agencies, but they may be recognized as ecologically sensitive by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which uses a ranking methodology maintained by NatureServe. Species are given a Global rank (G-rank) that applies to the taxon’s entire distribution, and a State rank (S-rank) that applies to the taxon’s state distribution. Taxa with rankings of G1, G2, G3, S1, S2, or S3 may be considered “sensitive” and potentially worthy of special consideration in resource planning. NatureServe Element Rankings are identified in Table B only for taxa that have no other federal or state special status. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 818 22 NatureServe Ranks: o G1, Critically Imperiled, referring to taxa at very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity ( often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. o G2, Imperiled, referring to taxa at high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. o G3, Vulnerable, referring to taxa at moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. o S1, Critically Imperiled, referring to taxa critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. o S2, Imperiled, referring to taxa imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. o S3, Vulnerable, referring to taxa vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Table B. Special-Status Species Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Plants Astragalus brauntonii Braunton’s Milk-Vetch E — 1B.1 Associated with calcareous soils. Unrecorded in the Puente Hills, but populations to the northwest (San Gabriel Mts.) and southeast (Chino Hills, Santa Ana Mts.). Moderate potential to occur in calcareous substrate, if present. Detectable only after fire or other disturbance. Brodiaea filifolia Thread- leaved Brodiaea — — 1B.1 Associated with clay soils. Unrecorded in the Puente Hills, but populations to the north (San Gabriel Mts.) and southeast (Santiago Hills). Low potential to occur in vernal pools, grasslands, or openings in coastal sage scrub. Calochortus catalinae Catalina Mariposa Lily — — 4.2 Widespread in region, occurring in clay soils. Occurs in grasslands or openings in coastal scrub or chaparral. Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis Slender Mariposa Lily — — 1B.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; popu- lations to the north- west (San Gabriel Mts.). Low potential to occur in openings in coastal scrub or chaparral. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 819 23 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Calochortus plummerae Plummer’s Mariposa Lily — — 4.2 Several recent records of C. weedii intermedius from hills south of Diamond Bar, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, may be C. plummerae hybrids. Potentially present. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Calochortus weedii var. intermedius Intermediate Mariposa Lily — — 1B.2 Several recent records from hills south of Diamond Bar, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, identified as C. weedii intermedius, but with potential for hybridization with C. plummerae. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Convolvulus simulans Small- flowered Morning- glory — — 4.2 Scattered records from the region, including an old record from 1 mile east of Brea. Moderate potential to occur in grasslands or openings in coastal sage scrub. Found in moist areas. Dudleya multicaulis Many- stemmed Dudleya — — 1B.2 Recorded close to Diamond Bar, in west Pomona. Moderate potential to occur in openings in coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula Mesa Horkelia — — 1B.1 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; scattered records across the region. Low to moderate potential to occur in sandy openings in chaparral and oak woodland. Juglans californica Southern California Black Walnut — — 4.2 Widespread in region, including Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. Walnut and oak/walnut woodlands occur throughout Diamond Bar and surrounding hills. Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii Robinson’s Peppergrass — — 4.3 Numerous historical records from the county’s interior foothills, including the western Puente Hills; a few recent records in and near Diamond Bar. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Microseris douglasii ssp. platycarpha Small- flowered Microseris — — 4.2 Recorded in Diamond Bar, south of Diamond Ranch High School. Occurs in grasslands. Phacelia hubbyi Hubby’s Phacelia — — 4.2 Several recent records from Pomona, Whittier, and the Santa Ana Mountain foothills. High potential to occur in openings in chaparral or coastal scrub, such as along edges of roads and trails. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 820 24 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Piperia cooperi Cooper’s Rein-Orchid — — 4.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; historical records from as close as Claremont and the Santa Ana River Canyon. Low potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands, chaparral, or coastal sage scrub. Polygala cornuta var. fishiae Fish’s Milkwort — — 4.3 Recorded in Chino Hills State Park and San Gabriel Mts. Moderate to high potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands or chaparral. Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum White Rabbit- tobacco — — 2B.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; few recent records from surrounding areas. Low potential to occur in any sandy wash habitat that may exist in the study area. Quercus engelmannii Engelmann Oak — — 4.2 Recorded in the Chino/Puente Hills, La Habra and Yorba Linda USGS quads. Moderate potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands. Senecio aphanactis California Groundsel — — 2B.2 Historical records from San Dimas; few recent records from surrounding areas. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, oak/walnut woodlands, or coastal sage scrub. Symphyotrichum defoliatum San Bernardino Aster — — 1B.2 Historical records from southeastern Los Angeles County. Presumed extirpated. Very low potential to occur in moist areas, meadows. Invertebrates Bombas crotchii Crotch’s Bumblebee — S1S2 — Historical and recent records scattered around southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Helminthoglypta tudiculata Southern California Shoulder- band Snail — S1S2 — Numerous records from coastal slope of southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Helminthoglypta traskii traskii Trasks’s Shoulder- band Snail — G1G2 S1 — Numerous records from coastal slope of southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Amphibians Taricha torosa Coast Range Newt — SSC — Not known from Chino Hills. Nearest records in San Gabriel Mts. Low potential to occur in and around permanent water. Spea hammondii Western Spadefoot — SSC — Widespread in region but limited to expansive natural open space areas. Moderate to high potential to occur in extensive grasslands and adjacent communities with temporary rain-pools for breeding. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 821 25 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Reptiles Emys marmorata Western Pond Turtle — SSC — Found in expansive natural areas, in and around permanent water that lacks non- native turtles or exotic predators. Large population known from Brea Creek; probably occurs elsewhere in the study area. Occurs in creeks and ponds; lays eggs in nearby uplands. Phrynosoma blainvillii Coast Horned Lizard — SSC — Found in expansive natural areas with sandy openings and native harvester ants. High potential to occur in areas of extensive chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland. Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal Whiptail — SSC — Widespread in the region, in various habitats. Occurs in chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Anniella stebbinsi So. California Legless Lizard — SSC — Local in a variety of habitats with sandy soil or deep leaf- litter. Moderate potential in chaparral and chaparral/oak habitats. Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego Mountain Kingsnake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in various habitats. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and along streams. Arizona elegans occidentalis California Glossy Snake — SSC — Widespread, but uncommon, in habitats with soil loose enough for easy burrowing. Moderate potential to occur in areas that have extensive patches of loose soil. Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Coast Patch- nosed Snake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in brushy and rocky habitats. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and along streams. Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped Garter Snake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in and around perennial water. Moderate potential to occur near perennial water. Crotalus ruber Red Diamond Rattlesnake — SSC — Widespread in the region. Occurs in cactus scrub, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Birds Geococcyx californianus Greater Roadrunner — — — Widespread in expansive natural areas with shrub cover. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Resident in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 822 26 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle — FP — Formerly widespread in many habitats, but now limited to expansive natural areas. Nests on cliffs and in tall trees away from settlements. Regularly observed foraging in northeastern part of study area. Pair appears to be resident in the Chino Hills/Diamond Bar area; nesting status unknown. Additional birds may occur during migration/winter. Circus hudsonius Northern Harrier — SSC — Nests on the ground in expansive open space areas; more widespread during migration and winter. Winters in open grassland habitats. Moderate potential to nest in the northeastern and southern parts of study area. Elanus leucurus White-tailed Kite — FP — Nests in trees within expansive open space areas; more widespread during migration and winter. Forages in rangelands and marshy areas. One or more observed near Diamond Ranch High School on unspecified date (Sage Environmental Group 2012). High potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Moderate potential to nest in the northeastern or southeastern parts of the study area. Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk — — — Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Moderate to high potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Athene cunicularia Burrowing Owl — SSC — Nesting population west of the deserts nearly extirpated. Winters rarely and locally, usually in expansive open space areas. Likely extirpated as nesting species in Diamond Bar area. Moderate potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Asio otus Long-eared Owl — SSC — Resident in oak woodlands, typically >1 km from urban areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low to moderate potential to occur in woodlands in southeastern part of study area. Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl — SSC — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 823 27 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Falco mexicanus Prairie Falcon — — — Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Nests on remote cliffs. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low to moderate potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Unlikely to nest due to lack of remote cliffs. Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher E E — Does not nest in the local area. Uncommon during migration. No potential for nesting. Species occurs in the study area regularly during migration periods. Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike — SSC — Nests rarely in the region, in expansive open space areas; more widespread in migration and winter. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Low to moderate potential to nest in the study area. Vireo bellii bellii Least Bell’s Vireo E E — Nests uncommonly in riparian scrub and woodlands, often in mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) or willow (Salix spp.). Moderate potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark — — — Nests and winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of study area. Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Cactus Wren, coastal populations — SSC — Rare and declining resident of cactus scrub habitat. Resident in well-developed cactus scrub, including Summitridge Park, Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School. Polioptila californica californica Coastal California Gnatcatcher T SSC — Uncommon resident in coastal sage scrub habitat, favoring shallow slopes and elevations below 1,500 feet. Resident in coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, including Summitridge Park, Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School. Sialia currucoides Mountain Bluebird — — — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur, at least during some winters, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Icteria virens Yellow- breasted Chat — SSC — Nests uncommonly in riparian scrub and woodlands. High potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 824 28 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler — SSC — Nests in riparian woodlands. High potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow — — — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow — SSC — Nests in expansive grasslands and rangelands. High potential to nest in open grassland and rangeland habitat. Several eBird records from the Diamond Bar area in the 1990s; lack of recent records probably reflects lack of survey effort. Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark — — — Nests rarely in the region, in expansive open space areas; widespread in migration and winter. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Occurs in open areas throughout the study area; moderate potential to nest in the northeastern or southern parts of study area. Agelaius tricolor Tricolored Blackbird — SSC — Nests in wetlands adjacent to expansive grasslands and rangelands required for foraging. Winters in rangelands and parks. Low potential to nest in the study area. Moderate potential to forage in open grassland and rangeland habitat during the nesting season. Recorded in winter at parks in the study area. Mammals Antrozous pallidus Pallid Bat None SSC — Widespread in chaparral and similar habitats, foraging on the ground and in vegetation. Roosts in rock crevices and under tree bark. Maternal roosts active between March and August. High potential; chaparral and scrub on the site are potentially suitable for foraging and oaks provide potential roosting sites under exfoliating bark and in cavities. Eumops perotis californicus Western Mastiff Bat None SSC — Roosts in cliff crevices and in buildings. Low potential; the species may fly over the site occasionally while foraging, but suitable cliff roosting habitat probably absent. Lasiurus blossevillii Western Red Bat None SSC — Roosts in foliage of many types of tree; feeds over a wide variety of habitats. Moderate potential to roost in oak woodlands or landscape trees; high potential to forage over undeveloped areas. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 825 29 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Lasiurus xanthinus Western Yellow Bat None SSC — Roosts primarily or entirely in palms; often forages over water. Moderate potential to roost in palm trees and to forage over water features. Chaetodipus fallax fallax NW San Diego Pocket Mouse None SSC — Scrub habitats with sandy or gravelly soils. High potential to occur in cactus scrub and coastal sage scrub habitats with sutiable soils. Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego Desert Woodrat None SSC — Widespread in scrub habitats, especially those with cactus. High potential to occur in cactus-containing scrub. Lepus californicus bennettii San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit None SSC — Occurs in various open habitats, usually in expansive open space areas. Low potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. Taxidea taxus American Badger None SSC Occurs in various habitats, usually in expansive open space areas. Moderate to high potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The capacity for a given natural open space area to maintain its ecological integrity (e.g., its resistance to invasion by exotic species, capacity to support special-status species) depends upon such considerations as (a) size, with larger natural areas generally possessing greater ecological value than do smaller ones; (b) plant communities represented, with relatively undisturbed native communities generally being more valuable than disturbed non-native communities; and (c) proximity to adjacent open spaces, with areas linked to other natural areas generally possessing greater ecological value compared with areas of similar size that are functionally isolated from other natural areas. A small, functionally isolated area that provides habitat for a rare plant or wildlife species may have some ecological value, but conservation of such areas may prove to be practically infeasible due to habitat degradation that often occurs near development edges. Ecologically damaging “edge effects” include repeated clearing of habitat for fuel modification leading to replacement of native plants with disturbance-adapted exotic weeds; invasion of natural habitat by exotic ants facilitated by artificial irrigation near homes; predation of birds, reptiles, and mammals by outdoor cats; and changes in wildlife patterns associated with exterior lighting. To avoid perpetuating damaging patterns of development that result in ever-smaller blocks of functionally isolated habitat, the Open Space and Conservation Element must contain land-use policies that encourage the preservation, restoration, and appropriate management of larger blocks of well-connected habitat. Readers seeking detailed information on these topics, with relevant citations from the scientific literature, should refer to Appendix A. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 826 30 Edge/Fragmentation Effects on Wildlife Movement Constricting the movement of wildlife and plant seeds increases the risk of local extinctions. Habitat fragmentation consequently threatens the viability of native plant and wildlife populations in preserved areas. Large areas of habitat, or narrower linkages of habitat between large areas, provide movement opportunities for wildlife. Movement serves to facilitate the geographic distribution of genetic material, thus maintaining a level of variability in the gene pool of an animal population. Influxes of animals from nearby larger populations contribute to the genetic diversity of a local population, helping to ensure the population’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This is mainly accomplished through the dispersal of juveniles from their natal territories, but may also involve movements in response to drought or other adverse environmental conditions, or in response to wildfires or other catastrophic events. Many plant species that depend on relatively sedentary insects for pollination also benefit from habitat linkages that allow for genetic exchange and dispersal. Likewise, plant seeds and propagules can be transported via the feces, fur, or feathers of birds or mammals. Fragmentation effects are not limited to the physical severing of movement routes, such as through the construction of a road or housing development, but can include “edge effects” reviewed and described above. For example, increases in night lighting and noise can disrupt the movement patterns of species not well-adapted to such effects. WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ISSUES IN THE PUENTE-CHINO HILLS The Puente-Chino Hills ecosystem encompasses portions of four counties, and the open space network in this area is sometimes referred to as the “Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor.” Preserving land in the corridor has been a cooperative endeavor with other public agencies and many nonprofit organizations. An important analysis by the Conservation Biology Institute (2005), Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, describes the situation as follows (page v): The Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor is a peninsula of mostly undeveloped hills jutting about 42 km (26 miles) from the Santa Ana Mountains into the heart of the densely urbanized Los Angeles Basin. Intense public interest in conserving open space here has created a series of reserves and parks along most of the corridor’s length, but significant gaps in protection remain. These natural habitat areas support a surprising diversity of native wildlife, from mountain lions and mule deer to walnut groves, roadrunners, and horned lizards. But maintaining this diversity of life requires maintaining functional connections along the entire length of the corridor, so that wildlife can move between reserves—from one end of the hills to the other. Already the corridor is fragmented by development and crossed by numerous busy roads, which create hazards and in some cases barriers to wildlife movement. Proposed developments threaten to further degrade or even sever the movement corridor, especially within its so-called “Missing Middle.” This mid-section of the corridor system, stretching from Tonner Canyon on the east to Harbor Boulevard on the west, includes several large properties proposed for new housing, roads, golf courses, and reservoirs. Such 7.1.f Packet Pg. 827 31 developments would reduce habitat area and the capacity to support area-dependent species and, if poorly designed, could block wildlife movement through the corridor. The above-quoted report considered numerous studies of wildlife movement conducted in the Puente-Chino Hills, and other relevant literature on wildlife movement corridors, and recommended “conservation and management actions to prevent further loss of ecological connectivity and retain native species.” The “Missing Middle” analysis identified the following wildlife movement issues specifically relevant to Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Tonner Canyon Bridge represents the only viable location for deer, mountain lions, bobcats, and other species to pass under the 57 Freeway. • Any development in middle and especially lower Tonner Canyon could have severe impacts on corridor function, especially if wildlife access to Tonner Canyon Bridge is reduced. Any development that blocks access through the bridge area would make the 57 Freeway a complete barrier to many species and would likely lead to wildlife extirpations in segments farther west. • An earlier plan to build a road running the length of Tonner Canyon would have split the Chino-Tonner “subcore” in two, potentially rendering dysfunctional the critical Tonner Bridge wildlife undercrossing for wide-ranging species such as the mountain lion, bobcat, and mule deer. • At least the middle and lower portions of Tonner Canyon should be conserved, including a prohibition on any new road or other development that would fragment this critical habitat block. • No project should be approved that would increase traffic under the Tonner Bridge or add any new impediments (structures, lights, noise, etc.) to the vicinity of the bridge. • Restore riparian vegetation along Tonner Creek, where degraded by oil development activities. • Fencing may be warranted along the 57 Freeway if monitoring suggests road mortality is high. Planning of any future development in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence should take exceptional care to preserve and enhance the viability of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Regional Planning in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor Two agencies are specifically involved in planning development and taking conservation actions in and around the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) was established to provide for the proper planning, conservation, environmental protection, and maintenance of lands 7.1.f Packet Pg. 828 32 within and around the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Its goal is to assure that sufficient continuity of habitat can be preserved to maintain a functioning wildlife corridor made up of about 40,000 acres of land located between the Santa Ana Mountains and Whittier Hills. The governing board of the WCCA consists of representatives from the cities of Brea, Whittier, Diamond Bar, La Habra Heights, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Fish and Game (ex officio member), Los Angeles County, and two public members. A large Advisory Committee meets separately to provide input. The WCCA consistently provides comments on development proposals and other projects to support environmentally sensitive activities in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (PHHPA) is a public agency, Joint Powers Authority, with a Board of Directors consisting of the City of Whittier, County of Los Angeles, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association. The jurisdiction of the PHHPA extends from the intersection of the 605 and 60 Freeways east to Harbor Boulevard. The PHHPA is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and management of open space in the Puente Hills for preservation of the land in perpetuity, with the primary purpose to protect the biological diversity. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION POLICIES The City of Diamond Bar has developed a suite of conservation measures, presented in this section, designed to allow for the planned growth of the City while protecting and conserving irreplaceable natural communities and their component species. These policies align the local approach to development with the conservation regulations and policies set forth by the federal government (e.g., the federal Endangered Species Act); the State of California (e.g., the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Fish and Game Code); and local entities (e.g., the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Plan; see Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance 2011, Los Angeles County Dept. of Regional Planning 2014). Prioritizing the identification and protection of sensitive natural resources facilitates efforts of City planners and elected officials to ensure that Diamond Bar remains a beautiful and desirable place to live. Goals and Policies of the Open Space and Conservation Element • RC-I-1. Obtain and designate Open Space land through acquisition techniques, such as: a. Design new development projects emphasizing preservation of sensitive natural resources, natural geological features, and wildlife corridors and habitat linkages, through site design approaches that include greenbelts, landscaping with locally native, drought-adapted plants, and dedication of a portion of the site as natural open space. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 829 33 b. Allow for acquisition of open space lands during the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. c. Identify ecologically sensitive/unique habitats, including habitat linkages and choke-points, within the City of Diamond Bar and prioritize their acquisition/preservation/restoration as a preferred form of mitigation for future development. d. Collaborate with land trusts, joint-power authorities, and other conservation groups to acquire and restore open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements and conservation plans. • RC-I-2. As future parks are developed or open space is acquired/dedicated: a. Preserve sensitive natural communities to maintain ecological integrity and provide for passive recreation opportunities, such as hiking and bird-watching. b. Site trails to avoid removal or fragmentation of sensitive natural communities and to minimize erosion. c. Prohibit the application of use of outdoor pesticide bait stations, or similar, within 500 feet of any natural open space. • RC-G-4. Provide recreational and cultural opportunities to the public in a manner that maintains, restores, protects, and preserves sensitive natural resources in the City of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. • RC-I-12. Support and cooperate with efforts to identify and preserve environmentally sensitive and strategically located canyon areas and hillsides that serve as wildlife corridors and habitat linkages/choke points within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, including components of the Puente- Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural habitats and biological resources. a. Establish appropriate resource protection overlays for ecologically sensitive areas (see page 18 of this report). b. Require adequate biological resources surveys as part of planning of development proposed in any area with potential for special-status species or sensitive natural communities to occur. c. Discourage development in areas with identified sensitive natural resources, natural geological features, and wildlife corridors and habitat linkages/choke points, in order to preserve them in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities (except as may be desirable for purposes of habitat restoration and/or facilitation of wildlife movement). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 830 34 d. Preserve and restore native woodlands in perpetuity, with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands, through compliance with Chapter 22.38 of the Diamond Bar – Tree Preservation and Protection. e. In the unincorporated Sphere of Influence, require that impacts to native oak trees be treated in a manner consistent with Section 22.46.2100 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances, except that in-lieu fees shall not be accepted as mitigation for removal of regulated oaks. If replacement of oaks is determined to be necessary, this should be conducted under a City- administered Tree Mitigation Program developed in consultation with a qualified biologist and Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester to establish a to ensure that replacement trees are planted on public property in areas that (a) shall not impact any existing sensitive habitat areas; (b) are appropriate for the long-term survival of native trees planted as mitigation; and (c) shall be maintained and preserved by the city, in perpetuity, as natural open space for the mitigation trees and any associated understory species deemed appropriate to provide valuable woodland habitat. f. For development proposed adjacent to natural open space, require use of highly fire-resistant building materials and methods, which minimize fuel modification treatments. g. In areas adjacent to natural open space, require use of highly fire-resistant building materials and architecture for public safety and to minimize requirements for damaging fuel modification treatments. h. Fuel modification adjacent to natural open spaces should employ exclusively native plant species approved for use in fuel modification zones, which provide important habitat for native wildlife and minimize ongoing irrigation and disturbance of the exterior slopes, reducing the potential for exotic ants and weeds to become established on the site and then spread to nearby natural open space areas. • RC-I-28.5. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation, recognizing their roles in the reduction and mitigation of air pollution impacts, and the promotion of carbon sequestration. LITERATURE CITED Allen, L. W., and Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3):E1–E11. City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society. 2014. Images of America, Diamond Bar. Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, South Carolina. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/media/reports/files/pcmissingmiddle.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 831 35 Dyett & Bhatia. 2017. City of Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Existing Conditions Report – Volume III. Redline draft dated February 21, 2017, prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan- guide.pdf Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance. 2011. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan. Report dated May 2011. http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/bc/162273_official_20110620_oak-woodlands.pdf Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group. 2015. Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Management Program. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb4/waterissues/programs/stormwater/municipal/watershedman agement/sangabriel/lowersangabriel/LowerSGRiverFinalWMP.pdf Neal, S. 2011. Brea History – the Brea Creek. Brea Historical Society Brea Museum & Heritage Center. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sheng, J. and J. P. Wilson. 2008. The Green Visions Plan for 21st Century Southern California. 16. Watershed Assets Assessment Report. University of Southern California GIS Research Laboratory and Center for Sustainable Cities, Los Angeles, CA. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1991. Los Angeles County Drainage Area Review, Final Feasibility Study, Interim Report and Environmental Impact Statement. Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: Phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopelmatus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 832 H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL February 20, 2019 Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: APPENDIX A TO OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE METHODS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION Dear Mr. Gubman, A consortium of Diamond Bar residents retained Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) to prepare an Open Space and Conservation Element for the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) to consider incorporating into a forthcoming update to its General Plan. This letter describes the methods used to prepare the pro- posed Open Space and Conservation Element, and provides technical biological infor- mation that underpins the report’s findings and recommendations. METHODS Literature Review As an initial step, Robert Hamilton, President of Hamilton Biological, reviewed the Bio- logical Resources section of Dyett & Bhatia (2017) and a partial rough draft of an Open Space and Conservation Element prepared by Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc. Mr. Hamilton also reviewed a biological report prepared by Sage Environmental Group (2012) for an Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project proposed on a site covering 78 acres in the northeastern part of the City, near Diamond Ranch High School. Special-status species with potential to occur in Diamond Bar and adjacent areas were identified through review of the California Natural Diversity Database (2018a, 2018b, 2018c) and searches of eBird (https://ebird.org); California Native Plant Society’s Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (www.rareplants.cnps.org); review of the list of Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species (Allen et al. 2009; https://losangelesaudubon.org/images/stories/pdf/WesternTanager_pdfs/Vol.75/vo l75no03jan-feb2009.pdf); the Consortium of California Herbaria web page (www.ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium); Sage Environmental Group (2012); Dyett & 7.1.f Packet Pg. 833 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 2 of 9 Bhatia (2017); and the online Flora of the Skyline Trail, Puente Hills, Los Angeles County (Muns, B., 1982; http://tchester.org/plants/muns/pr/skyline_trail.html). Mapping and Field Surveys Robert A. Hamilton mapped the natural open space areas throughout the City and its Sphere of Influence using Google Earth Pro. Potential habitat linkages and/or choke- points for wildlife movement were identified by examination of aerial imagery. Mr. Hamilton conducted reconnaissance field surveys on January 4 and 8, and February 4 and 8, 2019, to field-check the mapping and to observe the existing conditions through- out most of Diamond Bar. Mr. Hamilton has visited the portion of Tonner Canyon that lies within the City’s Sphere of Influence on numerous occasions in recent years, and thus has viewed the natural resources found in that part of the study area, as well. Classification of Natural Communities Since the mid-1990s, CDFW and its partners, including the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), have been working on classifying vegetation types using standards embodied in the Survey of California Vegetation, which comply with the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS; http://usnvc.org/explore-classification/). The NVCS is a hierarchical classification, with the most granular level being the Association. Associations are grouped into Alliances, Alliances into Groups, and upward, as follows: Formation Class > Formation Subclass > Formation > Division > Macrogroup > Group > Alliance > Association. For purposes of this Open Space and Conservation Element, Natural Communities are generally classified at the more generalized levels (e.g., Group), but for environmental review of specific projects in Diamond Bar, Natural Communities should be classified and mapped at the more detailed Alliance or Association level. The method recommended by CDFW for classifying Natural Communities and conducting CEQA review reads as follows: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: 1. Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 834 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 3 of 9 2. Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. 3. Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant com- munity. 4. Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. 5. Vegetation types that are not on the state’s sensitive list but that may be con- sidered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Regional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. Identifying Sensitive Natural Communities The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), at its VegCAMP page, pro- vides guidance on appropriate methods for “Addressing Sensitive Natural Communi- ties in Environmental Review”: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities#sensitive%20natural%20communities The State’s guidance consists of the following steps: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: o Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 835 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 4 of 9 o Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. o Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant com- munity. o Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. • Vegetation types that are not on the State’s sensitive list but that may be considered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guid- ance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Re- gional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. • The Department’s document, Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (PDF) provides information on reporting. The City of Diamond Bar should employ the above-described methods to ensure the thoroughness and adequacy of CEQA documentation completed within the City and its Sphere of Influence. Important Considerations for Oak Woodlands As of January 2005, California Public Resources Code Section 21083.4 (2004 Senate Bill 1334) requires that when a county is determining the applicability of CEQA to a project, it must determine whether that project “may result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment.” If such effects (either individual impacts or cumulative) are identified, the law requires that they be mitigated. Accepta- ble mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, conservation of other oak wood- lands through the use of conservation easements and planting replacement trees, which must be maintained for seven years. Diamond Bar’s Sphere of Influence, south of the city limits, lies within unincorporated Los Angeles County, and thus the City’s General Plan should acknowledge that the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning issued in 2014 an Oak Wood- lands Conservation Management Plan Guide1, with three important objectives: (1) pri- 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 836 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 5 of 9 oritize the preservation of oak woodlands; (2) promote conservation by integrating oak woodlands into the development process in a sustainable manner; and (3) effectively mitigate the loss of oak woodlands. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON PRESERVED HABITAT AREAS One purpose of a General Plan is to guide future development so as to minimize ad- verse effects upon sensitive Natural Communities and declining native plant and wild- life populations, to the extent feasible. Beyond the outright removal of natural areas, which obviously impacts natural resources, development projects inevitably degrade and fragment habitats along the urban/wildland interface. Such secondary, or indirect, impacts have been subject to intensive study in recent years, to (a) understand and characterize them, and (b) develop strategies for minimizing and mitigating them. The following discussions, including citations from the scientific literature, provide the basis for the General Plan’s land-use policies concerning edge and fragmentation effects. Urbanization typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and road-related development. At the perimeter of the built environment is an area known as the ur- ban/wildland interface, or “development edge.” Edges are places where natural com- munities interface, vegetation or ecological conditions within natural communities in- teract (Noss 1983), or patches with differing qualities abut one another (Ries and Sisk 2004). “Edge effects” are spillover effects from the adjacent human-modified matrix that cause physical gradients in light, moisture, noise, etc. (Camargo and Kapos 1995; Murcia 1995, Sisk et al. 1997) and/or changes in biotic factors such as predator commu- nities, density of human-adapted species, and food availability (Soulé et al. 1988; Matlack 1994; Murcia 1995; Ries and Sisk 2004). Loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat due to urbanization are the most pervasive threats to biodiversity in southern California (Soulé 1991). Edge-related impacts may include: • Introduction/expansion of invasive exotic vegetation carried in from vehicles, peo- ple, animals or spread from backyards or fuel modification zones adjacent to wildlands. • Increased frequency and/or severity of fire as compared to natural fire cycles or in- tensities. • Companion animals (pets) that often act as predators of, and/or competitors with, native wildlife. • Creation and use of trails that often significantly degrade intact ecosystems through such changes as increases in soil disturbance, vegetation damage, and noise. • Introduction of or increased use by exotic animals which compete with or prey on native animals. • Pesticide exposure can be linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive ef- fects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and developmental changes in a wide range of species, from insects to top predators. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 837 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 6 of 9 • Influence on earth systems and ecosystem processes, such as solar radiation, soil richness and erosion, wind damage, hydrologic cycle, and water pollution that can affect the natural environment. Any of these impacts, individually or in combination, can result in the effective loss or degradation of habitats used for foraging, breeding or resting, with concomitant effects on population demographic rates of sensitive species. The coastal slope of southern California is among the most highly fragmented and ur- banized regions in North America (Atwood 1993). Urbanization has already claimed more than 90 percent of the region’s coastal sage scrub habitat, 99 percent of the coastal prairie, and 95 percent of the vernal pools (McCaull 1994; Mattoni & Longcore 1997; Bauder & McMillan 1998). A review of studies completed by Harrison and Bruna (1999) identified a general pattern of reduction of biological diversity in fragmented habitats compared with more intact ones, particularly with regard to habitat specialists. While physical effects associated with edges were predominant among species impacts, they found evidence for indirect effects including altered ecological interactions. Fletcher et al. (2007) found that distance from edge had a stronger effect on species than did habitat patch size, but they acknowledged the difficulty in separating those effects empirically. Many southern California plant and animal species are known to be sensitive to frag- mentation and edge effects; that is, their abundance declines with fragment size and proximity to an edge (Wilcove 1985; Soulé et al. 1992; Bolger et al. 1997a,b; Suarez et al. 1998; Burke and Nol 2000). Wildlife populations are typically changed in proximity to edges, either by changes in their demographic rates (survival and fecundity), or through behavioral avoidance of or attraction to the edge (Sisk et al. 1997; Ries and Sisk 2004). For example, coastal sage scrub areas within 250 meters of urban edges consistently contain significantly less bare ground and more coarse vegetative litter than do more “intermediate” or “interior” are- as, presumably due increased human activity/disturbance of the vegetation structure near edges (Kristan et al. 2003). Increases in vegetative litter often facilitate growth of non-native plants (particularly grasses), resulting in a positive feedback loop likely to enhance plant invasion success (Wolkovich et al. 2009). In another coastal southern Cali- fornia example, the abundance of native bird species sensitive to disturbance is typical- ly depressed within 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1640 feet) of an urban edge, and the abun- dance of disturbance-tolerant species is elevated up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) from an urban edge, depending on the species (Bolger et al. 1997a). Habitat fragmentation is usually defined as a landscape scale process involving habitat loss and breaking apart of habitats (Fahrig 2003). Habitat fragmentation is among the most important of all threats to global biodiversity; edge effects (particularly the diverse physical and biotic alterations associated with the artificial boundaries of fragments) are dominant drivers of change in many fragmented landscapes (Laurance and Bierregaard 1997; Laurance et al. 2007). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 838 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 7 of 9 Fragmentation decreases the connectivity of the landscape while increasing both edge and remnant habitats. Urban and agricultural development often fragments wildland ecosystems and creates sharp edges between the natural and human-altered habitats. Edge effects for many species indirectly reduce available habitat use or utility in sur- rounding remaining areas; these species experience fine-scale functional habitat losses (e.g., see Bolger et al. 2000; Kristan et al. 2003; Drolet et al. 2016). Losses of coastal sage scrub in southern California have increased isolation of the remaining habitat fragments (O’Leary 1990) and led to calls to preserve and restore landscape connectivity to permit long-term persistence of native species with low vagility (e.g., Vandergast et al. 2006). Fragmentation has a greater relative negative impact on specialist species (e.g., coastal populations of the Cactus Wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) that have strict vege- tation structure and area habitat requirements (Soulé et al. 1992). Specialist species have an increased risk of extirpation in isolated habitat remnants because the specialized vegetative structures and/or interspecific relationships on which they depend are more vulnerable to disruption in these areas (Vaughan 2010). In studies of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral systems of coastal southern California, fragment area and age (time since isolation) were the most important landscape predictors of the distribution and abundance of native plants (Soulé et al. 1993), scrub-breeding birds (Soulé et al. 1988; Crooks et al. 2001), native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b), and invertebrates (Suarez et al. 1998; Bolger et al. 2000). Edge effects that emanate from the human-dominated matrix can increase the extinction probability of isolated populations (Murcia 1995; Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). In studies of coastal sage scrub urban fragments, exotic cover and distance to the urban edge were the strongest local predictors of native and exotic carnivore distribution and abundance (Crooks 2002). These two variables were correlated, with more exotic cover and less native shrub cover closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). The increased presence of human-tolerant “mesopredators” in southern California rep- resents an edge effect of development; they occur within the developed matrix and are thus more abundant along the edges of habitat fragments, and they are effective preda- tors on birds, bird nests, and other vertebrates in coastal sage scrub and chaparral sys- tems and elsewhere (Crooks and Soulé 1999). The mammalian carnivores more typically detected in coastal southern California habitat fragments are resource generalists that likely benefit from the supplemental food resources (e.g., garden fruits and vegetables, garbage, direct feeding by humans) associated with residential developments. As a re- sult, the overall mesopredator abundance, of such species as raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and domestic cats (Felis catus), increases at sites with more exotic plant cover and closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). Although some carnivores within coastal sage scrub fragments seem tolerant of disturbance, many fragments have (either actually or effectively) already lost an entire suite of predator species, including mountain lion, bobcats (Lynx rufus), spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis), long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), and badgers (Taxidea taxus) (Crooks 2002). Most 7.1.f Packet Pg. 839 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 8 of 9 “interior” sites within such fragments are still relatively near (within 250 meters of) ur- ban edges (Crooks 2002). Fragmentation generally increases the amount of edge per unit land area, and species that are adversely affected by edges can experience reduced effective area of suitable habitat (Temple and Cary 1988), which can lead to increased probability of extirpa- tion/extinction in fragmented landscapes (Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). For example, diversity of native bees (Hung et al. 2015) and native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b) is lower, and decomposition and nutrient cycling are significantly reduced (Treseder and McGuire 2009), within fragmented coastal sage scrub ecosystems as compared to larger core reserves. Similarly, habitat fragmentation and alterations of sage scrub habitats likely have reduced both the genetic connectivity and diversity of coastal-slope popula- tions of the Cactus Wren in southern California (Barr et al. 2015). Both Bell’s Sparrows (Artemisiospiza belli) and California Thrashers (Toxostoma redivivum) show strong evi- dence of direct, negative behavioral responses to edges in coastal sage scrub; that is, they are edge-averse (Kristan et al. 2003), and California Thrashers and California Quail (Callipepla californica) were found to be more vulnerable to extirpation with smaller fragment size of the habitat patch (Bolger et al. 1991), demonstrating that both behav- ioral and demographic parameters can be involved. Other species in coastal sage scrub ecosystems, particularly the Cactus Wren and likely the California Gnatcatcher and San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax), are likely vulnerable to fragmentation, but for these species the mechanism is likely to be associated only with extirpation vulnerabil- ity from habitat degradation and isolation rather than aversion to the habitat edge (Kris- tan et al. 2003). Bolger (et al. 1997b) found that San Diego coastal sage scrub and chapar- ral canyon fragments under 60 acres that had been isolated for at least 30 years support very few populations of native rodents, and they suggested that fragments larger than 200 acres in size are needed to sustain native rodent species populations. The penetration of exotic species into natural areas can reduce the effective size of a re- serve in proportion to the distance they penetrate within the reserve: Argentine Ants serve as an in-depth example of edge effects and fragmentation. Spatial patterns of Ar- gentine Ant abundance in scrub communities of southern California indicate that they are likely invading native habitats from adjacent developed areas, as most areas sam- pled greater than 200 to 250 meters from an urban edge contained relatively few or no Argentine Ants (Bolger 2007, Mitrovich et al. 2010). The extent of Argentine Ant inva- sions in natural environments is determined in part by inputs of urban and agricultural water run off (Holway and Suarez 2006). Native ant species were more abundant away from edges and in areas with predominately native vegetation. Post-fragmentation edge effects likely reduce the ability of fragments to retain native ant species; fragments had fewer native ant species than similar-sized plots within large unfragmented areas, and fragments with Argentine ant-free refugia had more native ant species than those with- out refugia (Suarez et al. 1998). They displace nearly all surface-foraging native ant spe- cies (Holway and Suarez 2006) and strongly affect all native ant communities within about 150 to 200 meters from fragment edges (Suarez et al. 1998; Holway 2005; Fisher et al. 2002; Bolger 2007; Mitrovich et al. 2010). Argentine Ants are widespread in frag- 7.1.f Packet Pg. 840 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 9 of 9 mented coastal scrub habitats in southern California, and much of the remaining poten- tial habitat for Blainville’s Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma blainvillii) is effectively unsuita- ble due to the penetration of Argentine ants and the subsequent displacement of the na- tive ant species that Coastal Horned Lizards need as prey (Fisher et al. 2002). Invasion of Argentine Ants into coastal sage scrub has also shown a strong negative effect on the abundance of the gray shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) (Laakkonen et al. 2001). An evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) concluded that each of ten of the most common active ingredients in rodenticides “poses significant risks to non-target wildlife when applied as grain-based bait products. The risks to wildlife are from primary exposure (direct consumption of rodenticide bait) for all compounds and secondary exposure (consumption of prey by predators or scavengers with rodenticide stored in body tissues) from the anticoagulants.” Thus, the common practice of setting out bait within or near natural areas can be expected to have adverse effects upon a range of native wildlife species. Finally, in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, populations of such na- tive amphibians as the California newt (Taricha torosa) and California treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina) were found to decline with urbanization of as little as 8% of a given watershed (Riley et al. 2005). Such faunal community changes appear to be relat- ed to changes in physical stream habitat, such as fewer pool and more run habitats and increased water depth and flow. These changes are associated with increased erosion and with invasion by damaging exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish (Procam- barus clarkii). CONCLUSION I appreciate the opportunity to provide this technical informtion in support of the Open Space and Conservation Element for the Diamond Bar General Plan. If you have ques- tions, please call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com Attached: Literature Cited 7.1.f Packet Pg. 841 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited LITERATURE CITED Allen, L. W., and Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3):E1–E11. Barr, K. R., B. E. Kus, K. L. Preston, S. Howell, E. Perkins, and A. G. Vandergast. 2015. Habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California disrupts genetic connectivity in the Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brun- neicapillus). Molecular Ecology 24:2349–2363. Bauder, E. T., and S. McMillan. 1998. Current distribution and historical extent of vernal pools in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Pp. 56–70 in Ecology, Conservation and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems (C. W. Witham, E. T. Bauder, D. Belk, W. R. Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduffm, edi- tors). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Bolger, D. T. 2007. Spatial and temporal variation in the Argentine ant edge effect: implications for the mechanism of edge limitation. Biological Conservation 136:295–305. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, and M. E. Soulé. 1991. Occurrence patterns of bird species in habitat fragments: sampling, extinction, and nested species subsets. The American Naturalist 137(2):155–166. Bolger, D. T., T. A. Scott, and J. T. Rotenberry. 1997a. Breeding bird abundance in an urbanizing landscape in coastal southern California. Conservation Biology 11(2):406–421. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, R. M. Sauvajot, P. Potenza, C. McCalvin, D. Tran, S. Mazzoni, and M. E. Soulé. 1997b. Response of rodents to habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California. Ecological Applica- tions 7(2):552–563. Bolger, D. T., A. V. Suarez, K. R. Crooks, S. A. Morrison, and T. J. Case. 2000. Arthropods in urban habitat fragments in southern California: area, age, and edge effects. Ecological Applications 10(4):1230-1248. Burke, D. M., and E. Nol. 2000. Landscape and fragment size effects on reproductive success of forest- breeding birds in Ontario. Ecological Applications 10(6):1749–1761. California Natural Diversity Database. 2018a. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Current list of vegetative taxa considered to be rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise “sensitive” by the State of California. List dated November 2018. California Natural Diversity Database. 2018b. Special Animals List. Current list of wildlife taxa considered to be rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise “sensitive” by the State of California. List dated November 2018. California Natural Diversity Data Base. 2018c. Rarefind data accessed online on July 6, 2018, for the U.S. Geologic Survey’s Yorba Linda, San Dimas, Ontario, and Prado Dam 7.5’ topographic quadrangles. Camargo, J. L. C., and V. Kapos. 1995. Complex edge effects on soil moisture and microclimate in central Amazonian forest. Journal of Tropical Ecology 11(2):205–221. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/media/reports/files/pc_missing_middle.pdf Crooks, K. R. 2002. Relative sensitivities of mammalian carnivores to habitat fragmentation. Conservation Biology 16(2):488–502. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 842 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited Crooks, K. R., and M. E. Soulé. 1999. Mesopredator release and avian extinctions in a fragmented system. Nature 400:563–566. Crooks, K. R., A. V. Suarez, D. T. Bolger, and M. E. Soulé. 2001. Extinction and colonization of birds on habitat islands. Conservation Biology 15(1):159–172. Drolet, A., C. Dussault, and S. D. Côté. 2016. Simulated drilling noise affects the space use of a large terres- trial mammal. Wildlife Biology 22(6):284–293. Dyett & Bhatia. 2017. City of Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Existing Conditions Report – Volume III. Redline draft dated February 21, 2017, prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Fahrig, L. 2003. Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 34:487–515. Fisher, R. N., A. V. Suarez, and T. J. Case. 2002. Spatial patterns in the abundance of the Coastal Horned Lizard. Conservation Biology 16(1):205–215. Fletcher Jr., R. J., L. Ries, J. Battin, and A. D. Chalfoun. 2007. The role of habitat area and edge in fragment- ed landscapes: definitively distinct or inevitably intertwined? Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:1017– 1030. Haas, C., and K. Crooks. 1999. Carnivore Abundance and Distribution Throughout the Puente-Chino Hills, Final Report – 1999. Report prepared for The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and State of California Department of Transportation. Haas, C., and G. Turschak. 2002. Responses of Large and Medium-bodied Mammals to Recreation Activities: the Colima Road Underpass. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority. Haas, C. D., A. R. Backlin, C. Rochester, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Monitoring Reptiles and Amphibians at Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring Stations: the Puente-Chino Hills. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority, and California State Parks. Harrison, S., and E. Bruna. 1999. Habitat fragmentation and large-scale conservation: what do we know for sure? Ecography 22(3):225–232. Holway, D. A. 2005. Edge effects of an invasive species across a natural ecological boundary. Biological Conservation 121:561–567. Holway, D. A. and A. V. Suarez. 2006. Homogenization of ant communities in Mediterranean California: the effects of urbanization and invasion. Biological Conservation 127:319–326. Hung, K. J., J. S. Ascher, J. Gibbs, R. E. Irwin, and D. T. Bolger. 2015. Effects of fragmentation on a distinc- tive coastal sage scrub bee fauna revealed through incidental captures by pitfall traps. Journal of Insect Conservation DOI 10.1007. Kristan, W. B. III, A. J. Lynam, M. V. Price, and J. T. Rotenberry. 2003. Alternative causes of edge-abundance relationships in birds and small mammals of California coastal sage scrub. Ecography 26:29–44. Laakkonen, J., R. N. Fisher, and T. J. Case. 2001. Effect of land cover, habitat fragmentation and ant colonies on the distribution and abundance of shrews in southern California. Journal of Animal Ecology 70(5):776–788. Laurance, W. F., and R. O. Bierregaard Jr., eds. 1997. Tropical forest remnants: ecology, management, and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 843 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited conservation of fragmented communities. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Laurance, W. F., H. E. M. Nascimento, S. G. Laurance, A. Andrade, R. M. Ewers, K. E. Harms, R. C. C. Luizão, and J. E. Ribeiro. 2007. Habitat fragmentation, variable edge effects, and the landscape- divergence hypothesis. PLoS ONE 2(10):e1017. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. Described as a “resource for assisting County staff when processing development applications that are not exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and may impact oak woodlands. The Guide includes definitions, application proce- dures, case processing, project mitigation and mitigation monitoring.” http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf Matlack, G. R. 1994. Vegetation dynamics of the forest edge – trends in space and successional time. Journal of Ecology 82(1):113–123. Mattoni, R., and T. Longcore. 1997. The Los Angeles coastal prairie, a vanished community. Crossosoma 23:71–102. McCaull, J. 1994. The natural community conservation planning program and the coastal sage scrub ecosys- tem of southern California. In Environmental Policy and Biodiversity (R. E. Grumbine, editor). Island Press, Washington, D.C. Mitrovich, M., T. Matsuda, K. H. Pease, and R. N. Fisher. 2010. Ants as a measure of effectiveness of habitat conservation planning in southern California. Conservation Biology 24:1239–1248. Murcia, C. 1995. Edge effects in fragmented forests: implications for conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evo- lution 10(2):58–62. Noss, R. F. 1983. A regional landscape approach to maintain diversity. BioScience 33(11):700–706. O’Leary, J. F. 1990. California coastal sage scrub: general characteristics and considerations for biological conservation. In: A. A. Schoenherr (ed.). Endangered Plant Communities of Southern California, South- ern California Botanists Special Publication No. 3. Ries, L., and T. D. Sisk. 2004. A predictive model of edge effects. Ecology 85(11):2917–2926. Riley, S. P. D., G. T. Busteed, L. B. Kats, T. L. Vandergon, L. F. S. Lee, R. G. Dagit, J. L. Kerby, R. N. Fisher, and R. M. Sauvajot. 2005. Effects of urbanization on the distribution and abundance of amphibians and invasive species in southern California streams. Conservation Biology 19:1894–1907. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. A Manual of California Vegetation, second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Sisk, T. D., N. M. Haddad, and P. R. Ehrlich. 1997. Bird assemblages in patchy woodlands: modeling the effects of edge and matrix habitats. Ecological Applications 7(4):1170–1180. Soulé, M. E. 1991. Theory and strategy. In: W. E. Hudson (ed.). Landscape Linkages and Biodiversity. Island Press, Covello, CA. Soulé, M. E., A. C. Alberts, and D. T. Bolger. 1992. The effects of habitat fragmentation on chaparral plants and vertebrates. Oikos 63(1):39–47. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 844 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited Soulé, M. E., D. T. Bolger, A. C. Alberts, J. Wright, M. Sorice, and S. Hill. 1988. Reconstructed dynamics of rapid extinctions of chaparral-requiring birds in urban habitat islands. Conservation Biology 2(1):75–92. Suarez, A. V., D. T. Bolger and T. J. Case. 1998. Effects of fragmentation and invasion on native ant commu- nities in coastal southern California. Ecology 79(6):2041–2056. Temple, S. A., and J. R. Cary. 1988. Modeling dynamics of habitat-interior bird populations in fragmented landscapes. Conservation Biology 2(4):340–347. Treseder, K. K., and K. L. McGuire. 2009. Links Between Plant and Fungal Diversity in Habitat Fragments of Coastal Sage Scrub. The 94th ESA Annual Meeting, 2009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Risk mitigation decision for ten rodenticides. Report dated May 28, 2008. https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0764 Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopel- matus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. Vaughan, J. R. 2010. Local Geographies of the Coastal Cactus Wren and the Coastal California Gnatcatcher on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Master of Science thesis, San Diego State University, San Die- go, California. 97 pp. Wilcove, D. S. 1985. Nest predation in forest tracks and the decline of migratory songbirds. Ecology 66(4)1211–1214. Wolkovich, E. M., D. T. Bolger, and K. L. Cottingham. 2009. Invasive grass litter facilitates native shrubs through abiotic effects. Journal of Vegetation Science 20:1121–1132. Woodroffe, R., and J. R. Ginsberg. 1998. Edge effects and the extinction of populations inside protected are- as. Science 280:2126–2128. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 845 7.1.f Packet Pg. 846 7.1.f Packet Pg. 847 Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation 664 Armitos Place Diamond Bar, CA 91765-1863 501c3, Non-profit, for Public Benefit Dr. Chia Teng, President Oct. 31, 2019 To: City of Diamond Bar, Senior Planner Ms. Grace Lee RE: Comments, General Plan 2040 and DEIR Dear Ms. Lee, I am grateful to comment on the City of Diamond Bar, general plan and DEIR. Here are my main observation and concerns. 1. A failed mitigation project, Millennium Diamond Road Partners, has gripped our community with doubt that the Lead Agency has demonstrated CEQA adherence or understanding to a due diligent process and best practice. Today, we see numerous permit violations and apparently no relief to the failed mitigation at Bonelli Park. Question: How will the DEIR monitoring and mitigation plans assure the public of efficiency to avoid such future failure? The language in the document is not specific. Will there be a training manual, educating the public how dependable city procedures are to protect the community from environmental damage, and loss? 2. Mitigation options in the DEIR suggest there is a successful mitigation possible by replacing the removal of old growth, mature oak trees (which sequester 55 thousand pounds of carbon, per tree each year, with young oak trees. How is this possible if science teaches oaks must mature to at least 50 years old to perform carbon capture of that level. Meaning, it would take fi fty years to restore the lost ecosystem services provided by oaks – and especially if the oaks were mitigated “off-site” and perhaps far away. The local community is at a loss of the benefits, so mitigation can truly not be achieved. What does the city say about this realization? (see oak woodland conservation guide) 3. Enclosed is a picture of the southern oak riparian woodland/walnut woodland that was destroyed by scorch earth grading (December 2017) violating permits and causing a city issued Cease/Desist. Why does the DEIR “vegetation community” map depict walnut woodlands only, in this area? Notice my picture is a strand of riparian oak woodland which survived rogue bulldozing. Please tell me, where are the walnut trees. Where are they? Why is this habitat omitted and misrepresented in the Resource Conservation figure 5.2? 4. The oak woodland preservation language in the DEIR “sounds” good, but it appears there is little solid commitment to conservation. City wording feels tentative and sounds vague. Will the city consider abiding by the 2011 and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 848 Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation 664 Armitos Place Diamond Bar, CA 91765-1863 501c3, Non-profit, for Public Benefit Dr. Chia Teng, President 2014 Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide? If so, will the city depend on CalFIRE Urban Forestry leads to guide preservation of oak woodlands in the city? http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation - management-plan-guide.pdf I was also disappointed the city council chose to affect an d change the general plan and DEIR document, in special meetings Sept. 25 and Oct. 8th, while at the same time it was out for Public Review (Sept. 14-Oct.31) There were approximately 60 language changes processed . Were the members of the public including stakeholders notified, other than meeting agendas posted on the general plan website? Many of us had no idea what was happening unless we attended the Sept 25 and Oct. 8th special meetings. How the lack of informing the public comports with CEQA guidelines? Millennium Diamond Road project, Diamond Bar, 2017. Oak woodland riparian, foreground. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 849 Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation 664 Armitos Place Diamond Bar, CA 91765-1863 501c3, Non-profit, for Public Benefit Dr. Chia Teng, President In conclusion, the efforts of the Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation and Alliance aim to protect our community from suffering devastating environmental damage ever again. We are also interested in habitat restoration and promoting native plant landscapes, so to restore the California beauty our neighborhood is famous for and that we cherish. I am eager to learn how the city intends to impl ement better practices in preserving the natural character of Diamond Bar. Thank you for review my letter and material and answering my questions. Sincerely , Dr. Chia Teng President, Attachments: Hamilton Biological Report & Map, attached L.A. Oak Woodland Conservation Plan Guide link http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation- management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 850 7.1.f Packet Pg. 851 7.1.f Packet Pg. 852 Biological Resources Report City of Diamond Bar 7.1.f Packet Pg. 853 “This work is dedicated to the City of Diamond Bar, to its residents --- especially the children.” Dedicated & Funded by a consortium of Diamond Bar residents and: Cover Photo by Diamond Bar Resident, Eraina Olson, 2019. Photos for Resource Protection Recommendations, by Robert Hamilton 2019. February, 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 854 Biological Resources Report City of Diamond Bar Prepared By Hamilton Biological, Inc. Robert A. Hamilton, President 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 http://hamiltonbiological.com February 25, 2019 7.1.f Packet Pg. 855 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................. II INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1 METHODS & TECHNICAL INFORMATION ........................................................... 2 VISIONS, GOALS, OBJECTIVES .......................................................................... 2 HISTORY & LAND USE ................................................................................... 5 SCENIC RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 5 HYDROLOGY/WATERWAYS ........................................................................ 6 DIAMOND BAR WATERSHEDS ......................................................................... 8 FLOODING ................................................................................................... 9 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ........................................................................... 9 NATURAL COMMUNITIES ................................................................................ 9 Annual and Perennial Grasslands, Vernal Pools/Seasonal Pools ............ 10 Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub .......................................................... 10 Chaparral .............................................................................................. 11 Coast Live Oak Woodland, Savannah ................................................... 11 California Walnut Woodland, Savannah ............................................... 11 Riparian Scrub and Woodlands ............................................................. 12 Human-altered Habitats ........................................................................ 12 NATURAL OPEN SPACE AREAS ....................................................................... 12 RESOURCE PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................. 17 SENSITIVE RESOURCES .................................................................................. 19 Sensitive Natural Communities ............................................................. 20 Special-Status Species ........................................................................... 20 EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES .................... 29 EDGE/FRAGMENTATION EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ............................... 30 Wildlife Movement Issues in the Puente-Chino Hills ............................. 30 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION POLICIES .................................... 32 GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT ........... 32 LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................... 34 7.1.f Packet Pg. 856 III FIGURES 1: Waterways ............................................................................................. 6 2: Lower San Gabriel River Watershed ....................................................... 7 3a: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 1 ........................................................ 13 3b: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 2 ........................................................ 14 3c: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 3 ........................................................ 15 3d: Natural Open Space Areas, Part 4 ........................................................ 16 TABLES A: Resource Protection Recommendations ................................................ 17 B: Special Status Species ........................................................................... 22 APPENDICES A: Methods & Technical Information 7.1.f Packet Pg. 857 1 INTRODUCTION Hamilton Biological, Inc., was retained by a consortium of Diamond Bar residents to prepare this biological resources report addressing the conservation and preservation of sensitive biological resources in the City of Diamond Bar (City) and its Sphere of Influence. It is intended that the City incorporate the information and analyses in this report into the next update of its general plan, currently in preparation. Sections 65302(d) and 65302(e) of the California Government Code states that a city’s general plan shall include goals and policies for management of open spaces, including natural lands and recreation areas. The Open Space Element addresses such categories as preservation of natural resources and managed production of resources. The Conservation Element addresses protection and maintenance of natural resources, including soils, water, plants, wildlife, and mineral resources. Recognizing that the subjects covered under the Open Space Element and Conservation Element substantially overlap, Appendix 1 to the California Government Code allows these two elements to be combined in one section of the General Plan. The Open Space and Conservation Element identifies and describes the irreplaceable biotic resources that make up the natural environment that people rely upon for breathable air, clean water, viable populations of native plants and wildlife, and the natural beauty that pervades and defines Diamond Bar. The Open Space and Conservation Element guides city decision-makers and the public in their efforts to take the natural world into account during deliberations over development proposals, as required to realize the overall vision laid out in the General Plan. The Open Space and Conservation Element guides the development and implementation of programs involving conservation of open space, biological resources, visual resources, and parks and recreation. Approaches for managing environmental impacts are identified, with particular emphasis on contributing to achievement of the General Plan’s stated goals, including: • Create and retain an open space system which will conserve natural resources, preserve scenic beauty, promote a healthy community atmosphere, provide open space for outdoor recreation, and protect the public safety. • Identify limits on the natural resources needed to support urban and rural development within the City and its Sphere of Influence, and ensure that those resources are used wisely and not abused. • Provide a park, recreation and open space system which enhances the livability of urban and suburban areas by providing parks for residential neighborhoods; preserving significant natural, scenic, and other open space resources; and meeting the open space and recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 858 2 Methods & Technical Information Please refer to Appendix A, which describes the methods for preparing this biological resources report, as well as providing technical information that underpins the analyses, conclusions, and policies contained herein. Visions, Goals, Objectives The General Plan identifies “a strongly held goal among the residents to maintain and protect the distinctive physical attributes of Diamond Bar which make it a desirable place in which to live.” To achieve this overarching goal of safeguarding open spaces and significant natural features, as well as retaining the City’s distinctive natural character, the Open Space and Conservation Element focuses on supporting the following visions, goals and objectives, building upon language contained in the original 1995 General Plan: • Vision 1. Retention of the rural/country living community character. There is a strong, long-held goal among residents to maintain and protect the distinctive, physical attributes of Diamond Bar which make it a desirable place in which to live, through a careful balance of housing, businesses and services, public facilities, and preservation of natural environmental resources. • Vision 2. Preservation of open space. Significant privately and publicly owned natural lands that remain in Diamond Bar and its 3,591-acre Sphere of Influence support numerous rare species and perform important ecological functions. The preservation of sensitive natural resources contributes to the goal of retaining the City’s distinctive rustic character and offers unique educational and recreational opportunities. The County of Los Angeles has identified the Sphere of Influence and adjacent lands, some of which lie within the City, as Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15. SEA 15 is recognized as a major significant ecological asset to the community. The City will play a proactive role in the preservation of SEA 15 by assuring that extensive analysis and review precede any changes from its current uses and possibilities. o Goal 1. Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain a mix of land uses which enhance the quality of life of Diamond Bar residents, providing a balance of development and preservation of significant open space areas to assure both economic viability and retention of distinctive natural features of the community. § Objective 1.1 Establish a land use classification system to guide the public and private use of land within the City and its Sphere of Influence. § Objective 1.2 Preserve and maintain the quality of existing residential neighborhoods while offering a variety of housing opportunities, including mixed land uses. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 859 3 § Objective 1.3 Designate adequate land for retail and service commercial, professional services, and other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City’s needs. § Objective 1.4 Designate adequate land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. § Objective 1.5 Maintain a feeling of open space within the community by identifying and preserving an adequate amount of open land. § Objective 1.6 Consistent with the Vision Statement, provide flexibility in the planning of new development as a means of encouraging superior land use by means such as open space and public amenities. o Goal 2. Consistent with the Vision Statement, manage land use with respect to the location, density and intensity, and quality of development. Maintain consistency with the capabilities of the City and special districts to provide essential services which achieve sustainable use of environmental and manmade resources. § Objective 2.1 Promote land use patterns and intensities which are consistent with the Resource Management Element and Circulation Element. § Objective 2.2 Maintain an organized pattern of land use which minimizes conflicts between adjacent land uses. § Objective 2.3 Ensure that future development occurs only when consistent with the availability and adequacy of public services and facilities. o Goal 3. Consistent with the Vision Statement, maintain recognition within Diamond Bar and the surrounding region as being a community with a well- planned and aesthetically pleasing physical environment. § Objective 3.1 Create visual points of interest as a means of highlighting community identity. § Objective 3.2 Ensure that new development, and intensification of existing development, yields a pleasant living, working, or shopping environment, and attracts interest of residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors as the result of consistent exemplary design. § Objective 3.3 Protect the visual quality and character of remaining natural areas, and ensure that hillside development does not create unsafe conditions. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 860 4 o Goal 4. Consistent with the Vision Statement, encourage long-term and regional perspectives in local land use decisions, but not at the expense of the Quality of Life for Diamond Bar residents. § Objective 4.1 Promote and cooperate in efforts to provide reasonable regional land use and transportation/circulation planning programs. o Goal 5. Consistent with the Vision Statement, recognize that oak trees, oak woodlands, and associated habitats have intrinsic aesthetic, environmental, ecological, wildlife, and economic values; that conservation of oak- dominated landscapes is important to the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Diamond Bar1; that that the General Plan must contain adequate policies to protect the oak habitats from unnecessary damage, removal or destruction; that native oak trees should be planted, where appropriate, to enhance or restore damaged or degraded oak woodland habitats and mitigate unavoidable losses. § Objective 5.1 Protect and extend the diversity of oak woodlands and associated habitats (defined as lands on which the majority of the trees are of the genus Quercus) through site design and land use regulations. § Objective 5.2 Reduce in scale, redesign, modify, or if no other alternative exists, deny any project which cannot sufficiently mitigate significant adverse impacts to oak woodlands. § Objective 5.3 Encourage property owners to establish Open Space Easements or deed restrictions for areas containing oak woodlands, and to allow access to enable scientific study. § Objective 5.4 Encourage concentration of development on minimum number of acres (density exemptions) in exchange for maximizing long term open space. § Objective 5.5 As a mitigation option, allow as a condition of development approval, restoration of any area of oak woodland that is in a degraded condition, with the magnitude of restoration to be commensurate with the scope of the project. This may include planting of oak trees and removal of non-native species, with consideration for long-term viability, management, and protection, and/or modification of existing land uses. The object of habitat restoration shall be to enhance the ecological function of the oak woodland and to restore it to a condition where it can be self-sustaining through natural occurrences such as fire, natural hydrological processes, etc. 1 Woodlands are defined as lands with tree cover of at least 10%, and oak woodlands exist where the majority of trees are of the genus Quercus. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 861 5 History & Land Use Set within the Puente Hills of southeastern Los Angeles County, the City of Diamond Bar covers 14.9 square miles. Neighboring cities include Walnut, Pomona, Industry, La Puente, Rowland Heights, Brea, and Chino Hills. The region now occupied by Diamond Bar was inhabited by the Kizh people until the mid-eighteenth century, when the Spaniards settled in the area, establishing Mission San Gabriel in 1771 (City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society 2014; Housing element 2014). The land experienced a series of ownership changes involving various land grants and purchases (e.g., the Los Nogales Grant; purchases by Luz Linares, Vejar and Palomares, Louis Phillip, Frederick E. Lewis II, William Bartholome), eventually growing into one of the largest and respected ranches in southern California and gaining its name. This lasted until 1956, during which two subsidiaries of Transamerica Corporation (Christiana Oil Corp and the Capital Oil Company) purchased the area, aiming to make it among the first and largest master-planned community in Los Angeles County (City of Diamond and Diamond Bar Historical Society 2014). Despite initial intentions as a “master-planned” community, uncoordinated patterns of development through the late twentieth century have introduced areas of incongruence, such as single- and detached multi-family residential tracts being established alongside limited commercial and other non-residential sections. Most suburban construction was already established prior to the city’s incorporation in 1989, and commercial development has continued expand within the city limit. A few blocks away from the primary arterials (57 and 60 Freeways) the majority of retail and housing space is largely concealed by the natural topography, contributing to Diamond Bar’s quiet, semi-rural character and pleasant atmosphere. Scenic Resources Today, Diamond Bar is primarily a hillside residential community, composed of steep and moderate sloping hills separated by ridges and flat plateaus. Although most of the land was developed prior to the city’s incorporation, its remaining natural hillsides and ridgelines provide a picturesque backdrop and strong visual ties to the area’s long history of ranching. The views from these natural areas comprise powerful and valuable scenic resources, adding ambiance and aesthetics that give Diamond Bar a unique and compelling visual identity. In addition, views of trees, rolling hills and the pine- and often snow-covered peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains are visible in the distance from the 57 and 60 Freeways. Planning decisions must recognize the existing aesthetic value of the city’s open space as well as the external viewsheds of the surrounding region. These include the oak and walnut wooded ridgelines, unique topography, and natural open spaces at the edges of the community. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 862 6 HYDROLOGY/WATERWAYS Diamond Bar lies within of the San Gabriel River watershed, which is the largest watershed in the drainage system of the San Gabriel Mountains at 441,000 acres (Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group 2015). The San Gabriel River is one of seven major watersheds partly or completely within Los Angeles County. Most of the river lies in southeastern Los Angeles County, but a portion of this watershed originates in northern Orange County. The northern portion of the San Gabriel River, where it emerges from the mountains, has retained some natural features, such as a sandy bottom and native vegetation. Farther south, however, flood-control and channel stabilization measures needed to accommodate intensive urbanization led to the river being lined with concrete (US Army Corps of Engineers 1991; Neal 2011). Water runs through Diamond Bar via numerous channels, creeks and canyons. A small part of the northwestern part of the city drains to the San Gabriel River via the San Jose Creek channel, which follows the route of Valley Boulevard west from Diamond Bar. Most of Diamond Bar drains south to the San Gabriel River through the Coyote Creek watershed (see Figure 1). Figure 1, Waterways. Diamond Bar lies mostly within the watershed of Coyote Creek, but the northwestern part of the city discharges to the west, through the San Jose Creek channel. Source: National Hydrology Dataset. http://www.horizon-systems.com/nhdplus/NHDPlusV1download.php 7.1.f Packet Pg. 863 7 Coyote Creek and San Jose Creek drain approximately 165 square miles and 83 square miles, respectively, of highly urbanized commercial, residential, and industrial zones, plus limited natural open space areas (Sheng & Wilson 2000, using Horton–Strahler Stream Order). In 2013, Diamond Bar joined 12 other cities and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to develop a Watershed Monitoring Program (WMP) and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) to address the lower portion of the San Gabriel River, which includes Reaches 1 and 2 of the San Gabriel River Watershed and portions of Coyote Creek that originate from jurisdictions within Los Angeles County, including the City of Diamond Bar. A small portion of Diamond Bar that discharges to the San Gabriel River via San Jose Creek is also addressed by this CIMP. See Figure 2, below. Figure 2, Lower San Gabriel River Watershed. Diamond Bar occupies the most northeasterly part of the Lower San Gabriel River Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program. Source: Gateway Water Management Authority. https://gatewaywater.org/services/lsgr/ 7.1.f Packet Pg. 864 8 Diamond Bar Watersheds Diamond Bar is served by four watersheds, all with some channelization/urbanization: Tonner Canyon Creek, Diamond Bar Creek, Brea Canyon Creek, and San Jose Creek. Each system supports riparian habitat that provides resources for protected/special- status species. The following discussions describe each of these four drainage systems. 1. Tonner Canyon With a watershed of 5,000 acres and very little development, Tonner Canyon ranks among the most ecologically significant, unchannelized, largely undisturbed drainages in the Los Angeles area (HFE 2018). Occupying parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange Counties, Tonner Canyon drains the southeastern side of Diamond Bar and the northwestern side of the City of Chino Hills. The flow rate, controlled by natural rills, gullies and washes, varies throughout the year. The canyon’s headwaters lie in a bowl of low hills just south of Diamond Ranch High School. Roughly 1.4 miles downstream, Grand Avenue cuts across the watershed, and just downstream from that road crossing lies the small Arnold Reservoir. Below the reservoir’s dam, water flows southwest through natural open space lands the City of Industry has purchased from the Boy Scouts of America in recent years. After flowing for approximately a mile through open, rolling hills, the creek then enters a narrower canyon, with steeper hills on either side. At that point, the willow-, sycamore-, and oak-dominated riparian vegetation becomes more developed. The creek flows another six miles south and west to empty into Brea Creek, located near the 57 Freeway in the Coyote Creek drainage basin of Orange County. 2. Diamond Bar Creek Originating in the neighborhoods west of Diamond Ranch High School, Diamond Bar Creek runs approximately 1.2 miles to the west, through Sycamore Canyon Park, and then continues west of Golden Springs Road through Diamond Bar Golf Course, and from there underneath the 57 and 60 Freeways, to a channel east of the freeway that is tributary to San Jose Creek. The upper segment, from Leyland Drive through the Sycamore Canyon Park, supports well-developed native sycamore/oak/willow riparian woodlands. The segment passing through Diamond Bar Golf Course supports broken, partially native riparian habitat. 3. Brea Canyon Creek The southwestern part of Diamond Bar, including the “Brea Canyons” neighborhood east of the 57 Freeway, drains south toward Coyote Creek via Brea Canyon Creek. Most of this watershed is fully developed within the limits of Diamond Bar, but the southernmost portion, near the terminus of Castle Rock Road, is a soft-bottomed perennial creek that supports riparian vegetation. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 865 9 4. San Jose Creek – South Branch/Fork Located at Diamond Bar’s northwestern edge, the southern branch of San Jose Creek is a concrete-lined, trapezoidal channel that collects a small portion of urban runoff that is discharged north of the intersection of Sunset Crossing Road and North Diamond Bar Blvd. Runoff collected from catch basins drains west toward San Jose Creek in the City of Industry. At the eastern terminus of Back Lot Lane, in the City of Walnut, lies very small patch of riparian vegetation consisting of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Flooding Flood insurance maps issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)2, showing areas that may be subject to flooding in 100-year storm events, indicate that Diamond Bar is at low risk for major flood events. Only a limited section of the City, located north of SR-60 (Reed Canyon Channel at Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street) are a slightly elevated flood potential. Surrounding areas at potentially elevated risk of flooding include locations north of the 57 Freeway (across Baker Parkway) and an area covering roughly 2,000 acres near the border with Pomona. An extensive system of concrete-lined drainages, many of which are independent of the natural streambeds, carries runoff through the City. Areas considered to be at elevated risk of flooding may require maintenance of drainage channels, which can include removal of native wetland and riparian vegetation, to maintain the flow of water through the stormwater system. Diamond Bar’s generally low risk for flooding allows for native riparian vegetation to be retained in natural streambeds, which can develop into important habitat for various wildlife species. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Natural Communities This section briefly describes the Natural Communities (also known as “plant communities” or “vegetation types”) that occur in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence (i.e., Tonner Canyon/Significant Ecological Area 15, located in unincorporated Los Angeles County south of the city limits). The following discussions of Natural Communities refer to Natural Open Space Areas in the City and its Sphere of Influence, which are mapped subsequently (see Figures 3a–3d, starting on page 12). Please refer also to Appendix A, which describes the State-recommended methods used to classify Natural Communities for this report. 2 Los Angeles county Flood Zone Definitions, See http://dpw.lacounty.gov/wmd/floodzone/docs/FZDLegend.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 866 10 ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL GRASSLANDS, VERNAL POOLS/SEASONAL POOLS Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, Sphere of Influence The bottom of Tonner Canyon supports extensive grasslands. Most alliances of the widespread “California annual grassland” are not identified as Sensitive by CDFW, as they generally represent areas disturbed over long periods (e.g., by grazing) that no longer support many native plant species. Among the most prevalent alliances in the Diamond Bar area is “annual brome grassland.” Dominant species include ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), foxtail brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), wild oats (Avena fatua), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), black mustard (Brassica nigra), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Some disturbance-adapted native forbs, such as common fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) and arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus), may also occur. Areas of perennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non-trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. As examples, the Nassella spp. – Melica spp. herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least 2–5 percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses3; and the Bromus carinatus – Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover.4 It is likely that vernal pools/seasonal ponds occur in the site’s grasslands, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other Natural Communities. Special-status species known to occur in Diamond Bar’s grasslands, or that have potential to occur there, include Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus catalinae) small- flowered microseris (Microseris douglasii ssp. platycarpha), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). COASTAL SAGE SCRUB, CACTUS SCRUB Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, Sphere of Influence Hillsides throughout the Puente Hills support stands of coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, and this includes the dry, exposed slopes of Diamond Bar. Dominant native shrubs species in coastal sage scrub include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Within the Study Area, cactus scrub is dominated by a combination of coastal prickly-pear (Opuntia littoralis) and shrubs characteristic of coastal sage scrub. The CDFW recognizes most of these scrub/cactus 3 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/536 4 http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/499 7.1.f Packet Pg. 867 11 alliances as Sensitive Natural Communities5 in their own right, and they often support special-status plant and/or wildlife species, such as intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii ssp. intermedius), Hubby’s phacelia (Phacelia hubbyi), Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), and Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus). CHAPARRAL Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Sphere of Influence On Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes, coastal sage scrub is replaced by taller and denser shrubs and trees with greater requirements for moisture and shade. The mosaic consists of three main Natural Communities: chaparral, oak woodland, and walnut woodland. The lowland form of chaparral found in the study area is dominated by such species as laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), sugarbush (Rhus ovata), chaparral honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Special-status species associated potentially found in chaparral in Diamond Bar include Fish’s milkwort (Polygala cornuta var. fishiae) and the San Bernardino Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus). COAST LIVE OAK WOODLAND, SAVANNAH Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, Sphere of Influence Coast Live Oak Woodland, several associations of which are recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, is characterized by stands of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and in some areas Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), often growing together with chaparral and walnut woodland, on Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes, as well as in the bottoms of some drainage courses. Oak savannah, characterized by scattered oaks growing in grassland, occurs in limited pockets and may be associated with human disturbance of oak woodlands. Coast live oaks are valuable to a variety of native wildlife, and are frequently utilized by nesting owls and hawks. Special-status species that may be found in oak woodlands in the Study Area include the Southern California Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta tudiculata), Trask’s Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta traskii), and Long-eared Owl (Asio otus). CALIFORNIA WALNUT WOODLAND, SAVANNAH Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, Sphere of Influence This Natural Community, recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, is characterized by stands of southern California black walnut (Juglans californica) growing in association with chaparral and coast live oak woodland on Diamond Bar’s north- and east-facing slopes. Walnut savannah, characterized by scattered walnuts growing in grassland, occurs in limited pockets and may be associated with human disturbance of walnut woodlands. 5 https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=153609 7.1.f Packet Pg. 868 12 Special-status species that may be found in walnut woodlands and walnut savannah in Diamond Bar include the species indicated previously for oak woodlands and chaparral. RIPARIAN SCRUB AND WOODLANDS Natural Open Space Areas: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Sphere of Influence Various forms of riparian scrub and woodland, nearly all of them recognized as Sensitive by CDFW, grow along streambeds in Diamond Bar. The dominant vegetation consists of willows, such as arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) and red willow (S. laevigata), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), southern California black walnut (Juglans californica), and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Special-status species that may be found in riparian woodlands in Diamond Bar include the rough hedge-nettle (Stachys rigida var. rigida), Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata), Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens), and Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). HUMAN-ALTERED HABITATS Developed areas, such as turfed/landscaped parks and the Diamond Bar Golf Course, generally do not support Natural Communities, but these areas may nevertheless play important ecological roles. For example, the golf course includes large number of ornamental trees that comprise a non-native woodland that supports a wide variety of resident and migratory native birds, presumably including nesting raptors, and the man-made lake provides habitat for migratory and resident ducks and other waterfowl. Natural Open Space Areas Figures 3a–3d, starting on the next page, depict 13 areas of extensive (>25 acres) native/naturalized habitat in Diamond Bar. Also depicted are Diamond Bar Golf Course and Tonner Canyon/Significant Ecological Area 15, within the city’s Sphere of Influence. The figures also show potential habitat connections/choke points for wildlife movement between blocks of natural open space. Figures 3a–3d provide a basis for generally characterizing the existing ecological conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 869 13 7.1.f Packet Pg. 870 14 7.1.f Packet Pg. 871 15 7.1.f Packet Pg. 872 16 7.1.f Packet Pg. 873 Resource Protection Recommendations 7.1.f Packet Pg. 874 17 Resource Protection Recommendations Table A, below, describes and characterizes the ecological characteristics of each mapped natural open space area at a general level of detail appropriate for a General Plan. Recommendations are made for the establishment of biological protection overlays for sensitive habitat areas with high ecological values (e.g., native woodlands and coastal sage scrub). Note that sensitive natural resources (e.g., special-status species) and/or important ecological functions (e.g., movement of wildlife) could also occur outside of the identified areas. More detailed, project-specific surveys would be required to accurately and adequately describe the ecological resources found in any open space area. Table A. Resource Protection Recommendations Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 1 926 Largest block of natural open space in Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, (c) wetland and riparian habitats, and (d) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 2 64 Only large block of natural open space in Diamond Bar north of 60 Freeway. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 3 72 “Island” of natural open space between Charmingdale Road and Armitos Place. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 4 438 Includes Summitridge Park and Steep Canyon/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats with documented populations of California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 875 18 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 5 62 Includes Sycamore Canyon Park/Diamond Bar Creek. Coastal Sage Scrub, Cactus Scrub, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 6 196 Slopes east of City Hall. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human-altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 7 154 Includes Larkstone Park. Coast Live Oak Woodland, Oak Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 8 231 West of 57 Freeway, south of Pathfinder Road. Oak Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Grassland, Human- altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands and savannah, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 9 27 Southwestern corner. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 10 712 Tonner Canyon tributaries. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian, Grassland, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native scrub habitats, wetland and riparian habitats, and native woodlands and savannah; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 11 39 Southwestern section of The Country; part of Significant Ecological Area 15. Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 876 19 Area Acres Description/Main Communities/ Resource Protection Recommendations 12 197 Slopes west of Ridge Line Road. Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Chaparral, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Human- altered Habitats, Riparian. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve native woodlands, wetland and riparian habitats, and native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. 13 100 Northeastern part of The Country, adjacent to Tres Hermanos Ranch. Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Riparian, Human-altered Habitats. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wetland and riparian habitats, and (c) native woodlands; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. Diamond Bar GC 174 Golf course that provides wildlife habitat. Riparian, Human-altered Habitats (including man-made pond). Conserve wetland and riparian habitats; maintain and fortify habitat connections and wildlife movement opportunities. Sphere of Influence 3,513 Large and important area of natural open space south of Diamond Bar, including Pantera Park and northern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch; heart of Significant Ecological Area 15. Chaparral, Oak Woodland, Walnut Woodland, Oak/Walnut Savannah, Riparian, Grassland, Coastal Sage Scrub. Establish biological protection overlay to conserve (a) large blocks of contiguous natural habitat for Golden Eagles, Mountain Lions, and other species with large foraging areas, (b) wetland and riparian habitats, (c) native woodlands, and (d) native scrub habitats; minimize loss, fragmentation, and degradation of Natural Communities. Sensitive Resources This biological resources report acknowledges federal, state, and local laws and ordinances designed to protect and conserve sensitive resources, and identifies City policies designed to help achieve this objective. For purposes of this report, a sensitive resource refers to any of the following: • A Natural Community recognized as having special-status by federal, State, and/or local governments, and requiring a permit or agreement prior to its disturbance. • A plant or animal species identified by federal or state governments as endangered, threatened, rare, protected, sensitive, or a Species of Special Concern. • A plant or animal that listed by a state or federal agency as a candidate species or proposed for state or federal listing. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 877 20 SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES The State of California identifies as “Sensitive” the following Natural Communities that occur in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Native Grasslands. • Coastal Sage Scrub. • Coast Live Oak Woodland (Q. agrifolia/Juglans californica; Q. agrifolia/Q. berberidifolia/x acutidens; Q. agrifolia/Salvia leucophylla – Artemisia californica; Q. agrifolia/Salix lasiolepis)6. • California Walnut Woodland. • Riparian Scrub and Woodland. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES In the following Table B, special-status plants and wildlife judged to have potential to occur within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence are identified and briefly discussed. The potential for occurrence (low, moderate, high, or known to be present) is based upon consideration of the species’ habitat requirements and the distribution of previous verified or highly credible records. Table B uses the following abbreviations: • E Endangered (listed by State or Federal governments). “Take” of the species or disturbance of occupied habitat are prohibited unless specifically authorized. • FP Fully Protected by the State of California. These species may not be taken or possessed at any time, although take may be authorized for necessary scientific research. • T Threatened (listed by State or Federal governments). “Take” of the species or disturbance of occupied habitat are prohibited unless specifically authorized. • SSC Species of Special Concern. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has designated certain vertebrate species as Species of Special Concern because declining population levels, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats have made them vulnerable to extinction. The goal of designating species as Species of Special Concern is to halt or reverse their decline by 6 In addition to the four coast live oak associations designated as “Sensitive” by CDFW, oak woodlands within the unincorporated Sphere of Influence are subject to the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21083 (requires a county, when acting as a CEQA Lead Agency, to determine whether a proposed project “may result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment”). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 878 21 calling attention to their plight and addressing the issues of concern early enough to secure their long term viability. Not all Species of Special Concern have declined equally; some species may be just starting to decline, while others may have already reached the point where they meet the criteria for listing as a Threatened or Endangered species under the State and/or Federal Endangered Species Acts. • CNPS California Native Plant Society. Table B includes plant species assigned the following ranks by CNPS: o 1B.1, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat). o 1B.2, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; moderately threatened in California (20-80% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 1B.3, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 2B.2, referring to species CNPS considers to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; moderately threatened in California (20- 80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.1, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; moderately threatened in California (>80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.2, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; moderately threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat). o 4.3, referring to species of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area in California, whose status should be monitored regularly; not very threatened in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known). • NatureServe Element Rankings. In some cases, species have not been granted special status by state or federal agencies, but they may be recognized as ecologically sensitive by the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which uses a ranking methodology maintained by NatureServe. Species are given a Global rank (G-rank) that applies to the taxon’s entire distribution, and a State rank (S-rank) that applies to the taxon’s state distribution. Taxa with rankings of G1, G2, G3, S1, S2, or S3 may be considered “sensitive” and potentially worthy of special consideration in resource planning. NatureServe Element Rankings are identified in Table B only for taxa that have no other federal or state special status. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 879 22 NatureServe Ranks: o G1, Critically Imperiled, referring to taxa at very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity ( often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. o G2, Imperiled, referring to taxa at high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. o G3, Vulnerable, referring to taxa at moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. o S1, Critically Imperiled, referring to taxa critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. o S2, Imperiled, referring to taxa imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. o S3, Vulnerable, referring to taxa vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Table B. Special-Status Species Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Plants Astragalus brauntonii Braunton’s Milk-Vetch E — 1B.1 Associated with calcareous soils. Unrecorded in the Puente Hills, but populations to the northwest (San Gabriel Mts.) and southeast (Chino Hills, Santa Ana Mts.). Moderate potential to occur in calcareous substrate, if present. Detectable only after fire or other disturbance. Brodiaea filifolia Thread- leaved Brodiaea — — 1B.1 Associated with clay soils. Unrecorded in the Puente Hills, but populations to the north (San Gabriel Mts.) and southeast (Santiago Hills). Low potential to occur in vernal pools, grasslands, or openings in coastal sage scrub. Calochortus catalinae Catalina Mariposa Lily — — 4.2 Widespread in region, occurring in clay soils. Occurs in grasslands or openings in coastal scrub or chaparral. Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis Slender Mariposa Lily — — 1B.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; popu- lations to the north- west (San Gabriel Mts.). Low potential to occur in openings in coastal scrub or chaparral. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 880 23 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Calochortus plummerae Plummer’s Mariposa Lily — — 4.2 Several recent records of C. weedii intermedius from hills south of Diamond Bar, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, may be C. plummerae hybrids. Potentially present. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Calochortus weedii var. intermedius Intermediate Mariposa Lily — — 1B.2 Several recent records from hills south of Diamond Bar, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, identified as C. weedii intermedius, but with potential for hybridization with C. plummerae. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Convolvulus simulans Small- flowered Morning- glory — — 4.2 Scattered records from the region, including an old record from 1 mile east of Brea. Moderate potential to occur in grasslands or openings in coastal sage scrub. Found in moist areas. Dudleya multicaulis Many- stemmed Dudleya — — 1B.2 Recorded close to Diamond Bar, in west Pomona. Moderate potential to occur in openings in coastal sage scrub or chaparral. Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula Mesa Horkelia — — 1B.1 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; scattered records across the region. Low to moderate potential to occur in sandy openings in chaparral and oak woodland. Juglans californica Southern California Black Walnut — — 4.2 Widespread in region, including Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. Walnut and oak/walnut woodlands occur throughout Diamond Bar and surrounding hills. Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii Robinson’s Peppergrass — — 4.3 Numerous historical records from the county’s interior foothills, including the western Puente Hills; a few recent records in and near Diamond Bar. Occurs in openings in coastal sage scrub and chaparral. Microseris douglasii ssp. platycarpha Small- flowered Microseris — — 4.2 Recorded in Diamond Bar, south of Diamond Ranch High School. Occurs in grasslands. Phacelia hubbyi Hubby’s Phacelia — — 4.2 Several recent records from Pomona, Whittier, and the Santa Ana Mountain foothills. High potential to occur in openings in chaparral or coastal scrub, such as along edges of roads and trails. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 881 24 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Piperia cooperi Cooper’s Rein-Orchid — — 4.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; historical records from as close as Claremont and the Santa Ana River Canyon. Low potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands, chaparral, or coastal sage scrub. Polygala cornuta var. fishiae Fish’s Milkwort — — 4.3 Recorded in Chino Hills State Park and San Gabriel Mts. Moderate to high potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands or chaparral. Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum White Rabbit- tobacco — — 2B.2 Unrecorded in the Puente Hills; few recent records from surrounding areas. Low potential to occur in any sandy wash habitat that may exist in the study area. Quercus engelmannii Engelmann Oak — — 4.2 Recorded in the Chino/Puente Hills, La Habra and Yorba Linda USGS quads. Moderate potential to occur in oak/walnut woodlands. Senecio aphanactis California Groundsel — — 2B.2 Historical records from San Dimas; few recent records from surrounding areas. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, oak/walnut woodlands, or coastal sage scrub. Symphyotrichum defoliatum San Bernardino Aster — — 1B.2 Historical records from southeastern Los Angeles County. Presumed extirpated. Very low potential to occur in moist areas, meadows. Invertebrates Bombas crotchii Crotch’s Bumblebee — S1S2 — Historical and recent records scattered around southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Helminthoglypta tudiculata Southern California Shoulder- band Snail — S1S2 — Numerous records from coastal slope of southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Helminthoglypta traskii traskii Trasks’s Shoulder- band Snail — G1G2 S1 — Numerous records from coastal slope of southern California. High potential to occur in various habitats. Amphibians Taricha torosa Coast Range Newt — SSC — Not known from Chino Hills. Nearest records in San Gabriel Mts. Low potential to occur in and around permanent water. Spea hammondii Western Spadefoot — SSC — Widespread in region but limited to expansive natural open space areas. Moderate to high potential to occur in extensive grasslands and adjacent communities with temporary rain-pools for breeding. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 882 25 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Reptiles Emys marmorata Western Pond Turtle — SSC — Found in expansive natural areas, in and around permanent water that lacks non- native turtles or exotic predators. Large population known from Brea Creek; probably occurs elsewhere in the study area. Occurs in creeks and ponds; lays eggs in nearby uplands. Phrynosoma blainvillii Coast Horned Lizard — SSC — Found in expansive natural areas with sandy openings and native harvester ants. High potential to occur in areas of extensive chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland. Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal Whiptail — SSC — Widespread in the region, in various habitats. Occurs in chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Anniella stebbinsi So. California Legless Lizard — SSC — Local in a variety of habitats with sandy soil or deep leaf- litter. Moderate potential in chaparral and chaparral/oak habitats. Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego Mountain Kingsnake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in various habitats. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and along streams. Arizona elegans occidentalis California Glossy Snake — SSC — Widespread, but uncommon, in habitats with soil loose enough for easy burrowing. Moderate potential to occur in areas that have extensive patches of loose soil. Salvadora hexalepis virgultea Coast Patch- nosed Snake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in brushy and rocky habitats. Moderate potential to occur in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and along streams. Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped Garter Snake — SSC — Widespread in the region, in and around perennial water. Moderate potential to occur near perennial water. Crotalus ruber Red Diamond Rattlesnake — SSC — Widespread in the region. Occurs in cactus scrub, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Birds Geococcyx californianus Greater Roadrunner — — — Widespread in expansive natural areas with shrub cover. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Resident in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 883 26 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle — FP — Formerly widespread in many habitats, but now limited to expansive natural areas. Nests on cliffs and in tall trees away from settlements. Regularly observed foraging in northeastern part of study area. Pair appears to be resident in the Chino Hills/Diamond Bar area; nesting status unknown. Additional birds may occur during migration/winter. Circus hudsonius Northern Harrier — SSC — Nests on the ground in expansive open space areas; more widespread during migration and winter. Winters in open grassland habitats. Moderate potential to nest in the northeastern and southern parts of study area. Elanus leucurus White-tailed Kite — FP — Nests in trees within expansive open space areas; more widespread during migration and winter. Forages in rangelands and marshy areas. One or more observed near Diamond Ranch High School on unspecified date (Sage Environmental Group 2012). High potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Moderate potential to nest in the northeastern or southeastern parts of the study area. Buteo regalis Ferruginous Hawk — — — Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Moderate to high potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Athene cunicularia Burrowing Owl — SSC — Nesting population west of the deserts nearly extirpated. Winters rarely and locally, usually in expansive open space areas. Likely extirpated as nesting species in Diamond Bar area. Moderate potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Asio otus Long-eared Owl — SSC — Resident in oak woodlands, typically >1 km from urban areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low to moderate potential to occur in woodlands in southeastern part of study area. Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl — SSC — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 884 27 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Falco mexicanus Prairie Falcon — — — Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Nests on remote cliffs. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low to moderate potential to occur in migration and winter, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Unlikely to nest due to lack of remote cliffs. Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher E E — Does not nest in the local area. Uncommon during migration. No potential for nesting. Species occurs in the study area regularly during migration periods. Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike — SSC — Nests rarely in the region, in expansive open space areas; more widespread in migration and winter. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur in migration and winter, especially in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Low to moderate potential to nest in the study area. Vireo bellii bellii Least Bell’s Vireo E E — Nests uncommonly in riparian scrub and woodlands, often in mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) or willow (Salix spp.). Moderate potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark — — — Nests and winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Low potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of study area. Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Cactus Wren, coastal populations — SSC — Rare and declining resident of cactus scrub habitat. Resident in well-developed cactus scrub, including Summitridge Park, Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School. Polioptila californica californica Coastal California Gnatcatcher T SSC — Uncommon resident in coastal sage scrub habitat, favoring shallow slopes and elevations below 1,500 feet. Resident in coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, including Summitridge Park, Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School. Sialia currucoides Mountain Bluebird — — — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur, at least during some winters, in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Icteria virens Yellow- breasted Chat — SSC — Nests uncommonly in riparian scrub and woodlands. High potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 885 28 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler — SSC — Nests in riparian woodlands. High potential to nest in riparian habitats, especially in Tonner Canyon. Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow — — — Winters in expansive open areas. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). High potential to occur in northeastern and southern parts of study area. Does not nest in the region. Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow — SSC — Nests in expansive grasslands and rangelands. High potential to nest in open grassland and rangeland habitat. Several eBird records from the Diamond Bar area in the 1990s; lack of recent records probably reflects lack of survey effort. Sturnella neglecta Western Meadowlark — — — Nests rarely in the region, in expansive open space areas; widespread in migration and winter. Sensitive species in Los Angeles County (Allen et al. 2009). Occurs in open areas throughout the study area; moderate potential to nest in the northeastern or southern parts of study area. Agelaius tricolor Tricolored Blackbird — SSC — Nests in wetlands adjacent to expansive grasslands and rangelands required for foraging. Winters in rangelands and parks. Low potential to nest in the study area. Moderate potential to forage in open grassland and rangeland habitat during the nesting season. Recorded in winter at parks in the study area. Mammals Antrozous pallidus Pallid Bat None SSC — Widespread in chaparral and similar habitats, foraging on the ground and in vegetation. Roosts in rock crevices and under tree bark. Maternal roosts active between March and August. High potential; chaparral and scrub on the site are potentially suitable for foraging and oaks provide potential roosting sites under exfoliating bark and in cavities. Eumops perotis californicus Western Mastiff Bat None SSC — Roosts in cliff crevices and in buildings. Low potential; the species may fly over the site occasionally while foraging, but suitable cliff roosting habitat probably absent. Lasiurus blossevillii Western Red Bat None SSC — Roosts in foliage of many types of tree; feeds over a wide variety of habitats. Moderate potential to roost in oak woodlands or landscape trees; high potential to forage over undeveloped areas. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 886 29 Latin name Common name Fed. State CNPS Local and/or Regional Status Discussion Lasiurus xanthinus Western Yellow Bat None SSC — Roosts primarily or entirely in palms; often forages over water. Moderate potential to roost in palm trees and to forage over water features. Chaetodipus fallax fallax NW San Diego Pocket Mouse None SSC — Scrub habitats with sandy or gravelly soils. High potential to occur in cactus scrub and coastal sage scrub habitats with sutiable soils. Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego Desert Woodrat None SSC — Widespread in scrub habitats, especially those with cactus. High potential to occur in cactus-containing scrub. Lepus californicus bennettii San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit None SSC — Occurs in various open habitats, usually in expansive open space areas. Low potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. Taxidea taxus American Badger None SSC Occurs in various habitats, usually in expansive open space areas. Moderate to high potential to occur in the northeastern and southern parts of the study area. EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The capacity for a given natural open space area to maintain its ecological integrity (e.g., its resistance to invasion by exotic species, capacity to support special-status species) depends upon such considerations as (a) size, with larger natural areas generally possessing greater ecological value than do smaller ones; (b) plant communities represented, with relatively undisturbed native communities generally being more valuable than disturbed non-native communities; and (c) proximity to adjacent open spaces, with areas linked to other natural areas generally possessing greater ecological value compared with areas of similar size that are functionally isolated from other natural areas. A small, functionally isolated area that provides habitat for a rare plant or wildlife species may have some ecological value, but conservation of such areas may prove to be practically infeasible due to habitat degradation that often occurs near development edges. Ecologically damaging “edge effects” include repeated clearing of habitat for fuel modification leading to replacement of native plants with disturbance-adapted exotic weeds; invasion of natural habitat by exotic ants facilitated by artificial irrigation near homes; predation of birds, reptiles, and mammals by outdoor cats; and changes in wildlife patterns associated with exterior lighting. To avoid perpetuating damaging patterns of development that result in ever-smaller blocks of functionally isolated habitat, the Open Space and Conservation Element must contain land-use policies that encourage the preservation, restoration, and appropriate management of larger blocks of well-connected habitat. Readers seeking detailed information on these topics, with relevant citations from the scientific literature, should refer to Appendix A. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 887 30 Edge/Fragmentation Effects on Wildlife Movement Constricting the movement of wildlife and plant seeds increases the risk of local extinctions. Habitat fragmentation consequently threatens the viability of native plant and wildlife populations in preserved areas. Large areas of habitat, or narrower linkages of habitat between large areas, provide movement opportunities for wildlife. Movement serves to facilitate the geographic distribution of genetic material, thus maintaining a level of variability in the gene pool of an animal population. Influxes of animals from nearby larger populations contribute to the genetic diversity of a local population, helping to ensure the population’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This is mainly accomplished through the dispersal of juveniles from their natal territories, but may also involve movements in response to drought or other adverse environmental conditions, or in response to wildfires or other catastrophic events. Many plant species that depend on relatively sedentary insects for pollination also benefit from habitat linkages that allow for genetic exchange and dispersal. Likewise, plant seeds and propagules can be transported via the feces, fur, or feathers of birds or mammals. Fragmentation effects are not limited to the physical severing of movement routes, such as through the construction of a road or housing development, but can include “edge effects” reviewed and described above. For example, increases in night lighting and noise can disrupt the movement patterns of species not well-adapted to such effects. WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ISSUES IN THE PUENTE-CHINO HILLS The Puente-Chino Hills ecosystem encompasses portions of four counties, and the open space network in this area is sometimes referred to as the “Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor.” Preserving land in the corridor has been a cooperative endeavor with other public agencies and many nonprofit organizations. An important analysis by the Conservation Biology Institute (2005), Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, describes the situation as follows (page v): The Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor is a peninsula of mostly undeveloped hills jutting about 42 km (26 miles) from the Santa Ana Mountains into the heart of the densely urbanized Los Angeles Basin. Intense public interest in conserving open space here has created a series of reserves and parks along most of the corridor’s length, but significant gaps in protection remain. These natural habitat areas support a surprising diversity of native wildlife, from mountain lions and mule deer to walnut groves, roadrunners, and horned lizards. But maintaining this diversity of life requires maintaining functional connections along the entire length of the corridor, so that wildlife can move between reserves—from one end of the hills to the other. Already the corridor is fragmented by development and crossed by numerous busy roads, which create hazards and in some cases barriers to wildlife movement. Proposed developments threaten to further degrade or even sever the movement corridor, especially within its so-called “Missing Middle.” This mid-section of the corridor system, stretching from Tonner Canyon on the east to Harbor Boulevard on the west, includes several large properties proposed for new housing, roads, golf courses, and reservoirs. Such 7.1.f Packet Pg. 888 31 developments would reduce habitat area and the capacity to support area-dependent species and, if poorly designed, could block wildlife movement through the corridor. The above-quoted report considered numerous studies of wildlife movement conducted in the Puente-Chino Hills, and other relevant literature on wildlife movement corridors, and recommended “conservation and management actions to prevent further loss of ecological connectivity and retain native species.” The “Missing Middle” analysis identified the following wildlife movement issues specifically relevant to Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Tonner Canyon Bridge represents the only viable location for deer, mountain lions, bobcats, and other species to pass under the 57 Freeway. • Any development in middle and especially lower Tonner Canyon could have severe impacts on corridor function, especially if wildlife access to Tonner Canyon Bridge is reduced. Any development that blocks access through the bridge area would make the 57 Freeway a complete barrier to many species and would likely lead to wildlife extirpations in segments farther west. • An earlier plan to build a road running the length of Tonner Canyon would have split the Chino-Tonner “subcore” in two, potentially rendering dysfunctional the critical Tonner Bridge wildlife undercrossing for wide-ranging species such as the mountain lion, bobcat, and mule deer. • At least the middle and lower portions of Tonner Canyon should be conserved, including a prohibition on any new road or other development that would fragment this critical habitat block. • No project should be approved that would increase traffic under the Tonner Bridge or add any new impediments (structures, lights, noise, etc.) to the vicinity of the bridge. • Restore riparian vegetation along Tonner Creek, where degraded by oil development activities. • Fencing may be warranted along the 57 Freeway if monitoring suggests road mortality is high. Planning of any future development in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence should take exceptional care to preserve and enhance the viability of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Regional Planning in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor Two agencies are specifically involved in planning development and taking conservation actions in and around the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) was established to provide for the proper planning, conservation, environmental protection, and maintenance of lands 7.1.f Packet Pg. 889 32 within and around the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Its goal is to assure that sufficient continuity of habitat can be preserved to maintain a functioning wildlife corridor made up of about 40,000 acres of land located between the Santa Ana Mountains and Whittier Hills. The governing board of the WCCA consists of representatives from the cities of Brea, Whittier, Diamond Bar, La Habra Heights, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Fish and Game (ex officio member), Los Angeles County, and two public members. A large Advisory Committee meets separately to provide input. The WCCA consistently provides comments on development proposals and other projects to support environmentally sensitive activities in the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (PHHPA) is a public agency, Joint Powers Authority, with a Board of Directors consisting of the City of Whittier, County of Los Angeles, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association. The jurisdiction of the PHHPA extends from the intersection of the 605 and 60 Freeways east to Harbor Boulevard. The PHHPA is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and management of open space in the Puente Hills for preservation of the land in perpetuity, with the primary purpose to protect the biological diversity. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION POLICIES The City of Diamond Bar has developed a suite of conservation measures, presented in this section, designed to allow for the planned growth of the City while protecting and conserving irreplaceable natural communities and their component species. These policies align the local approach to development with the conservation regulations and policies set forth by the federal government (e.g., the federal Endangered Species Act); the State of California (e.g., the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Fish and Game Code); and local entities (e.g., the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Plan; see Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance 2011, Los Angeles County Dept. of Regional Planning 2014). Prioritizing the identification and protection of sensitive natural resources facilitates efforts of City planners and elected officials to ensure that Diamond Bar remains a beautiful and desirable place to live. Goals and Policies of the Open Space and Conservation Element • RC-I-1. Obtain and designate Open Space land through acquisition techniques, such as: a. Design new development projects emphasizing preservation of sensitive natural resources, natural geological features, and wildlife corridors and habitat linkages, through site design approaches that include greenbelts, landscaping with locally native, drought-adapted plants, and dedication of a portion of the site as natural open space. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 890 33 b. Allow for acquisition of open space lands during the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. c. Identify ecologically sensitive/unique habitats, including habitat linkages and choke-points, within the City of Diamond Bar and prioritize their acquisition/preservation/restoration as a preferred form of mitigation for future development. d. Collaborate with land trusts, joint-power authorities, and other conservation groups to acquire and restore open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements and conservation plans. • RC-I-2. As future parks are developed or open space is acquired/dedicated: a. Preserve sensitive natural communities to maintain ecological integrity and provide for passive recreation opportunities, such as hiking and bird-watching. b. Site trails to avoid removal or fragmentation of sensitive natural communities and to minimize erosion. c. Prohibit the application of use of outdoor pesticide bait stations, or similar, within 500 feet of any natural open space. • RC-G-4. Provide recreational and cultural opportunities to the public in a manner that maintains, restores, protects, and preserves sensitive natural resources in the City of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. • RC-I-12. Support and cooperate with efforts to identify and preserve environmentally sensitive and strategically located canyon areas and hillsides that serve as wildlife corridors and habitat linkages/choke points within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, including components of the Puente- Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural habitats and biological resources. a. Establish appropriate resource protection overlays for ecologically sensitive areas (see page 18 of this report). b. Require adequate biological resources surveys as part of planning of development proposed in any area with potential for special-status species or sensitive natural communities to occur. c. Discourage development in areas with identified sensitive natural resources, natural geological features, and wildlife corridors and habitat linkages/choke points, in order to preserve them in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities (except as may be desirable for purposes of habitat restoration and/or facilitation of wildlife movement). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 891 34 d. Preserve and restore native woodlands in perpetuity, with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands, through compliance with Chapter 22.38 of the Diamond Bar – Tree Preservation and Protection. e. In the unincorporated Sphere of Influence, require that impacts to native oak trees be treated in a manner consistent with Section 22.46.2100 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances, except that in-lieu fees shall not be accepted as mitigation for removal of regulated oaks. If replacement of oaks is determined to be necessary, this should be conducted under a City- administered Tree Mitigation Program developed in consultation with a qualified biologist and Certified Arborist or Certified Urban Forester to establish a to ensure that replacement trees are planted on public property in areas that (a) shall not impact any existing sensitive habitat areas; (b) are appropriate for the long-term survival of native trees planted as mitigation; and (c) shall be maintained and preserved by the city, in perpetuity, as natural open space for the mitigation trees and any associated understory species deemed appropriate to provide valuable woodland habitat. f. For development proposed adjacent to natural open space, require use of highly fire-resistant building materials and methods, which minimize fuel modification treatments. g. In areas adjacent to natural open space, require use of highly fire-resistant building materials and architecture for public safety and to minimize requirements for damaging fuel modification treatments. h. Fuel modification adjacent to natural open spaces should employ exclusively native plant species approved for use in fuel modification zones, which provide important habitat for native wildlife and minimize ongoing irrigation and disturbance of the exterior slopes, reducing the potential for exotic ants and weeds to become established on the site and then spread to nearby natural open space areas. • RC-I-28.5. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation, recognizing their roles in the reduction and mitigation of air pollution impacts, and the promotion of carbon sequestration. LITERATURE CITED Allen, L. W., and Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3):E1–E11. City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society. 2014. Images of America, Diamond Bar. Arcadia Publishing, Charleston, South Carolina. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/media/reports/files/pcmissingmiddle.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 892 35 Dyett & Bhatia. 2017. City of Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Existing Conditions Report – Volume III. Redline draft dated February 21, 2017, prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan- guide.pdf Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance. 2011. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan. Report dated May 2011. http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/bc/162273_official_20110620_oak-woodlands.pdf Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group. 2015. Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Management Program. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb4/waterissues/programs/stormwater/municipal/watershedman agement/sangabriel/lowersangabriel/LowerSGRiverFinalWMP.pdf Neal, S. 2011. Brea History – the Brea Creek. Brea Historical Society Brea Museum & Heritage Center. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sheng, J. and J. P. Wilson. 2008. The Green Visions Plan for 21st Century Southern California. 16. Watershed Assets Assessment Report. University of Southern California GIS Research Laboratory and Center for Sustainable Cities, Los Angeles, CA. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1991. Los Angeles County Drainage Area Review, Final Feasibility Study, Interim Report and Environmental Impact Statement. Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: Phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopelmatus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 893 H AMILTON B IOLOGICAL February 20, 2019 Greg Gubman Director of Community Development City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: APPENDIX A TO OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE METHODS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION Dear Mr. Gubman, A consortium of Diamond Bar residents retained Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) to prepare an Open Space and Conservation Element for the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) to consider incorporating into a forthcoming update to its General Plan. This letter describes the methods used to prepare the pro- posed Open Space and Conservation Element, and provides technical biological infor- mation that underpins the report’s findings and recommendations. METHODS Literature Review As an initial step, Robert Hamilton, President of Hamilton Biological, reviewed the Bio- logical Resources section of Dyett & Bhatia (2017) and a partial rough draft of an Open Space and Conservation Element prepared by Cooper Ecological Monitoring, Inc. Mr. Hamilton also reviewed a biological report prepared by Sage Environmental Group (2012) for an Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project proposed on a site covering 78 acres in the northeastern part of the City, near Diamond Ranch High School. Special-status species with potential to occur in Diamond Bar and adjacent areas were identified through review of the California Natural Diversity Database (2018a, 2018b, 2018c) and searches of eBird (https://ebird.org); California Native Plant Society’s Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (www.rareplants.cnps.org); review of the list of Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species (Allen et al. 2009; https://losangelesaudubon.org/images/stories/pdf/WesternTanager_pdfs/Vol.75/vo l75no03jan-feb2009.pdf); the Consortium of California Herbaria web page (www.ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium); Sage Environmental Group (2012); Dyett & 7.1.f Packet Pg. 894 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 2 of 9 Bhatia (2017); and the online Flora of the Skyline Trail, Puente Hills, Los Angeles County (Muns, B., 1982; http://tchester.org/plants/muns/pr/skyline_trail.html). Mapping and Field Surveys Robert A. Hamilton mapped the natural open space areas throughout the City and its Sphere of Influence using Google Earth Pro. Potential habitat linkages and/or choke- points for wildlife movement were identified by examination of aerial imagery. Mr. Hamilton conducted reconnaissance field surveys on January 4 and 8, and February 4 and 8, 2019, to field-check the mapping and to observe the existing conditions through- out most of Diamond Bar. Mr. Hamilton has visited the portion of Tonner Canyon that lies within the City’s Sphere of Influence on numerous occasions in recent years, and thus has viewed the natural resources found in that part of the study area, as well. Classification of Natural Communities Since the mid-1990s, CDFW and its partners, including the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), have been working on classifying vegetation types using standards embodied in the Survey of California Vegetation, which comply with the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS; http://usnvc.org/explore-classification/). The NVCS is a hierarchical classification, with the most granular level being the Association. Associations are grouped into Alliances, Alliances into Groups, and upward, as follows: Formation Class > Formation Subclass > Formation > Division > Macrogroup > Group > Alliance > Association. For purposes of this Open Space and Conservation Element, Natural Communities are generally classified at the more generalized levels (e.g., Group), but for environmental review of specific projects in Diamond Bar, Natural Communities should be classified and mapped at the more detailed Alliance or Association level. The method recommended by CDFW for classifying Natural Communities and conducting CEQA review reads as follows: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: 1. Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 895 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 3 of 9 2. Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. 3. Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant com- munity. 4. Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. 5. Vegetation types that are not on the state’s sensitive list but that may be con- sidered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Regional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. Identifying Sensitive Natural Communities The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), at its VegCAMP page, pro- vides guidance on appropriate methods for “Addressing Sensitive Natural Communi- ties in Environmental Review”: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities#sensitive%20natural%20communities The State’s guidance consists of the following steps: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: o Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian set- tings. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 896 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 4 of 9 o Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. o Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant com- munity. o Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. • Vegetation types that are not on the State’s sensitive list but that may be considered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler-Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guid- ance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Re- gional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. • The Department’s document, Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (PDF) provides information on reporting. The City of Diamond Bar should employ the above-described methods to ensure the thoroughness and adequacy of CEQA documentation completed within the City and its Sphere of Influence. Important Considerations for Oak Woodlands As of January 2005, California Public Resources Code Section 21083.4 (2004 Senate Bill 1334) requires that when a county is determining the applicability of CEQA to a project, it must determine whether that project “may result in a conversion of oak woodlands that will have a significant effect on the environment.” If such effects (either individual impacts or cumulative) are identified, the law requires that they be mitigated. Accepta- ble mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, conservation of other oak wood- lands through the use of conservation easements and planting replacement trees, which must be maintained for seven years. Diamond Bar’s Sphere of Influence, south of the city limits, lies within unincorporated Los Angeles County, and thus the City’s General Plan should acknowledge that the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning issued in 2014 an Oak Wood- lands Conservation Management Plan Guide1, with three important objectives: (1) pri- 1 http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 897 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 5 of 9 oritize the preservation of oak woodlands; (2) promote conservation by integrating oak woodlands into the development process in a sustainable manner; and (3) effectively mitigate the loss of oak woodlands. ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON PRESERVED HABITAT AREAS One purpose of a General Plan is to guide future development so as to minimize ad- verse effects upon sensitive Natural Communities and declining native plant and wild- life populations, to the extent feasible. Beyond the outright removal of natural areas, which obviously impacts natural resources, development projects inevitably degrade and fragment habitats along the urban/wildland interface. Such secondary, or indirect, impacts have been subject to intensive study in recent years, to (a) understand and characterize them, and (b) develop strategies for minimizing and mitigating them. The following discussions, including citations from the scientific literature, provide the basis for the General Plan’s land-use policies concerning edge and fragmentation effects. Urbanization typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and road-related development. At the perimeter of the built environment is an area known as the ur- ban/wildland interface, or “development edge.” Edges are places where natural com- munities interface, vegetation or ecological conditions within natural communities in- teract (Noss 1983), or patches with differing qualities abut one another (Ries and Sisk 2004). “Edge effects” are spillover effects from the adjacent human-modified matrix that cause physical gradients in light, moisture, noise, etc. (Camargo and Kapos 1995; Murcia 1995, Sisk et al. 1997) and/or changes in biotic factors such as predator commu- nities, density of human-adapted species, and food availability (Soulé et al. 1988; Matlack 1994; Murcia 1995; Ries and Sisk 2004). Loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat due to urbanization are the most pervasive threats to biodiversity in southern California (Soulé 1991). Edge-related impacts may include: • Introduction/expansion of invasive exotic vegetation carried in from vehicles, peo- ple, animals or spread from backyards or fuel modification zones adjacent to wildlands. • Increased frequency and/or severity of fire as compared to natural fire cycles or in- tensities. • Companion animals (pets) that often act as predators of, and/or competitors with, native wildlife. • Creation and use of trails that often significantly degrade intact ecosystems through such changes as increases in soil disturbance, vegetation damage, and noise. • Introduction of or increased use by exotic animals which compete with or prey on native animals. • Pesticide exposure can be linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive ef- fects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and developmental changes in a wide range of species, from insects to top predators. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 898 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 6 of 9 • Influence on earth systems and ecosystem processes, such as solar radiation, soil richness and erosion, wind damage, hydrologic cycle, and water pollution that can affect the natural environment. Any of these impacts, individually or in combination, can result in the effective loss or degradation of habitats used for foraging, breeding or resting, with concomitant effects on population demographic rates of sensitive species. The coastal slope of southern California is among the most highly fragmented and ur- banized regions in North America (Atwood 1993). Urbanization has already claimed more than 90 percent of the region’s coastal sage scrub habitat, 99 percent of the coastal prairie, and 95 percent of the vernal pools (McCaull 1994; Mattoni & Longcore 1997; Bauder & McMillan 1998). A review of studies completed by Harrison and Bruna (1999) identified a general pattern of reduction of biological diversity in fragmented habitats compared with more intact ones, particularly with regard to habitat specialists. While physical effects associated with edges were predominant among species impacts, they found evidence for indirect effects including altered ecological interactions. Fletcher et al. (2007) found that distance from edge had a stronger effect on species than did habitat patch size, but they acknowledged the difficulty in separating those effects empirically. Many southern California plant and animal species are known to be sensitive to frag- mentation and edge effects; that is, their abundance declines with fragment size and proximity to an edge (Wilcove 1985; Soulé et al. 1992; Bolger et al. 1997a,b; Suarez et al. 1998; Burke and Nol 2000). Wildlife populations are typically changed in proximity to edges, either by changes in their demographic rates (survival and fecundity), or through behavioral avoidance of or attraction to the edge (Sisk et al. 1997; Ries and Sisk 2004). For example, coastal sage scrub areas within 250 meters of urban edges consistently contain significantly less bare ground and more coarse vegetative litter than do more “intermediate” or “interior” are- as, presumably due increased human activity/disturbance of the vegetation structure near edges (Kristan et al. 2003). Increases in vegetative litter often facilitate growth of non-native plants (particularly grasses), resulting in a positive feedback loop likely to enhance plant invasion success (Wolkovich et al. 2009). In another coastal southern Cali- fornia example, the abundance of native bird species sensitive to disturbance is typical- ly depressed within 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1640 feet) of an urban edge, and the abun- dance of disturbance-tolerant species is elevated up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) from an urban edge, depending on the species (Bolger et al. 1997a). Habitat fragmentation is usually defined as a landscape scale process involving habitat loss and breaking apart of habitats (Fahrig 2003). Habitat fragmentation is among the most important of all threats to global biodiversity; edge effects (particularly the diverse physical and biotic alterations associated with the artificial boundaries of fragments) are dominant drivers of change in many fragmented landscapes (Laurance and Bierregaard 1997; Laurance et al. 2007). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 899 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 7 of 9 Fragmentation decreases the connectivity of the landscape while increasing both edge and remnant habitats. Urban and agricultural development often fragments wildland ecosystems and creates sharp edges between the natural and human-altered habitats. Edge effects for many species indirectly reduce available habitat use or utility in sur- rounding remaining areas; these species experience fine-scale functional habitat losses (e.g., see Bolger et al. 2000; Kristan et al. 2003; Drolet et al. 2016). Losses of coastal sage scrub in southern California have increased isolation of the remaining habitat fragments (O’Leary 1990) and led to calls to preserve and restore landscape connectivity to permit long-term persistence of native species with low vagility (e.g., Vandergast et al. 2006). Fragmentation has a greater relative negative impact on specialist species (e.g., coastal populations of the Cactus Wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) that have strict vege- tation structure and area habitat requirements (Soulé et al. 1992). Specialist species have an increased risk of extirpation in isolated habitat remnants because the specialized vegetative structures and/or interspecific relationships on which they depend are more vulnerable to disruption in these areas (Vaughan 2010). In studies of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral systems of coastal southern California, fragment area and age (time since isolation) were the most important landscape predictors of the distribution and abundance of native plants (Soulé et al. 1993), scrub-breeding birds (Soulé et al. 1988; Crooks et al. 2001), native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b), and invertebrates (Suarez et al. 1998; Bolger et al. 2000). Edge effects that emanate from the human-dominated matrix can increase the extinction probability of isolated populations (Murcia 1995; Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). In studies of coastal sage scrub urban fragments, exotic cover and distance to the urban edge were the strongest local predictors of native and exotic carnivore distribution and abundance (Crooks 2002). These two variables were correlated, with more exotic cover and less native shrub cover closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). The increased presence of human-tolerant “mesopredators” in southern California rep- resents an edge effect of development; they occur within the developed matrix and are thus more abundant along the edges of habitat fragments, and they are effective preda- tors on birds, bird nests, and other vertebrates in coastal sage scrub and chaparral sys- tems and elsewhere (Crooks and Soulé 1999). The mammalian carnivores more typically detected in coastal southern California habitat fragments are resource generalists that likely benefit from the supplemental food resources (e.g., garden fruits and vegetables, garbage, direct feeding by humans) associated with residential developments. As a re- sult, the overall mesopredator abundance, of such species as raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and domestic cats (Felis catus), increases at sites with more exotic plant cover and closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). Although some carnivores within coastal sage scrub fragments seem tolerant of disturbance, many fragments have (either actually or effectively) already lost an entire suite of predator species, including mountain lion, bobcats (Lynx rufus), spotted skunks (Spilogale gracilis), long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), and badgers (Taxidea taxus) (Crooks 2002). Most 7.1.f Packet Pg. 900 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 8 of 9 “interior” sites within such fragments are still relatively near (within 250 meters of) ur- ban edges (Crooks 2002). Fragmentation generally increases the amount of edge per unit land area, and species that are adversely affected by edges can experience reduced effective area of suitable habitat (Temple and Cary 1988), which can lead to increased probability of extirpa- tion/extinction in fragmented landscapes (Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). For example, diversity of native bees (Hung et al. 2015) and native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b) is lower, and decomposition and nutrient cycling are significantly reduced (Treseder and McGuire 2009), within fragmented coastal sage scrub ecosystems as compared to larger core reserves. Similarly, habitat fragmentation and alterations of sage scrub habitats likely have reduced both the genetic connectivity and diversity of coastal-slope popula- tions of the Cactus Wren in southern California (Barr et al. 2015). Both Bell’s Sparrows (Artemisiospiza belli) and California Thrashers (Toxostoma redivivum) show strong evi- dence of direct, negative behavioral responses to edges in coastal sage scrub; that is, they are edge-averse (Kristan et al. 2003), and California Thrashers and California Quail (Callipepla californica) were found to be more vulnerable to extirpation with smaller fragment size of the habitat patch (Bolger et al. 1991), demonstrating that both behav- ioral and demographic parameters can be involved. Other species in coastal sage scrub ecosystems, particularly the Cactus Wren and likely the California Gnatcatcher and San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax), are likely vulnerable to fragmentation, but for these species the mechanism is likely to be associated only with extirpation vulnerabil- ity from habitat degradation and isolation rather than aversion to the habitat edge (Kris- tan et al. 2003). Bolger (et al. 1997b) found that San Diego coastal sage scrub and chapar- ral canyon fragments under 60 acres that had been isolated for at least 30 years support very few populations of native rodents, and they suggested that fragments larger than 200 acres in size are needed to sustain native rodent species populations. The penetration of exotic species into natural areas can reduce the effective size of a re- serve in proportion to the distance they penetrate within the reserve: Argentine Ants serve as an in-depth example of edge effects and fragmentation. Spatial patterns of Ar- gentine Ant abundance in scrub communities of southern California indicate that they are likely invading native habitats from adjacent developed areas, as most areas sam- pled greater than 200 to 250 meters from an urban edge contained relatively few or no Argentine Ants (Bolger 2007, Mitrovich et al. 2010). The extent of Argentine Ant inva- sions in natural environments is determined in part by inputs of urban and agricultural water run off (Holway and Suarez 2006). Native ant species were more abundant away from edges and in areas with predominately native vegetation. Post-fragmentation edge effects likely reduce the ability of fragments to retain native ant species; fragments had fewer native ant species than similar-sized plots within large unfragmented areas, and fragments with Argentine ant-free refugia had more native ant species than those with- out refugia (Suarez et al. 1998). They displace nearly all surface-foraging native ant spe- cies (Holway and Suarez 2006) and strongly affect all native ant communities within about 150 to 200 meters from fragment edges (Suarez et al. 1998; Holway 2005; Fisher et al. 2002; Bolger 2007; Mitrovich et al. 2010). Argentine Ants are widespread in frag- 7.1.f Packet Pg. 901 Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, Diamond Bar General Plan Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 20, 2019 Page 9 of 9 mented coastal scrub habitats in southern California, and much of the remaining poten- tial habitat for Blainville’s Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma blainvillii) is effectively unsuita- ble due to the penetration of Argentine ants and the subsequent displacement of the na- tive ant species that Coastal Horned Lizards need as prey (Fisher et al. 2002). Invasion of Argentine Ants into coastal sage scrub has also shown a strong negative effect on the abundance of the gray shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) (Laakkonen et al. 2001). An evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) concluded that each of ten of the most common active ingredients in rodenticides “poses significant risks to non-target wildlife when applied as grain-based bait products. The risks to wildlife are from primary exposure (direct consumption of rodenticide bait) for all compounds and secondary exposure (consumption of prey by predators or scavengers with rodenticide stored in body tissues) from the anticoagulants.” Thus, the common practice of setting out bait within or near natural areas can be expected to have adverse effects upon a range of native wildlife species. Finally, in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, populations of such na- tive amphibians as the California newt (Taricha torosa) and California treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina) were found to decline with urbanization of as little as 8% of a given watershed (Riley et al. 2005). Such faunal community changes appear to be relat- ed to changes in physical stream habitat, such as fewer pool and more run habitats and increased water depth and flow. These changes are associated with increased erosion and with invasion by damaging exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish (Procam- barus clarkii). CONCLUSION I appreciate the opportunity to provide this technical informtion in support of the Open Space and Conservation Element for the Diamond Bar General Plan. If you have ques- tions, please call me at (562) 477-2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com Attached: Literature Cited 7.1.f Packet Pg. 902 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited LITERATURE CITED Allen, L. W., and Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. Western Tanager 75(3):E1–E11. Barr, K. R., B. E. Kus, K. L. Preston, S. Howell, E. Perkins, and A. G. Vandergast. 2015. Habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California disrupts genetic connectivity in the Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brun- neicapillus). Molecular Ecology 24:2349–2363. Bauder, E. T., and S. McMillan. 1998. Current distribution and historical extent of vernal pools in southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Pp. 56–70 in Ecology, Conservation and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems (C. W. Witham, E. T. Bauder, D. Belk, W. R. Ferren Jr., and R. Ornduffm, edi- tors). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Bolger, D. T. 2007. Spatial and temporal variation in the Argentine ant edge effect: implications for the mechanism of edge limitation. Biological Conservation 136:295–305. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, and M. E. Soulé. 1991. Occurrence patterns of bird species in habitat fragments: sampling, extinction, and nested species subsets. The American Naturalist 137(2):155–166. Bolger, D. T., T. A. Scott, and J. T. Rotenberry. 1997a. Breeding bird abundance in an urbanizing landscape in coastal southern California. Conservation Biology 11(2):406–421. Bolger, D. T., A. C. Alberts, R. M. Sauvajot, P. Potenza, C. McCalvin, D. Tran, S. Mazzoni, and M. E. Soulé. 1997b. Response of rodents to habitat fragmentation in coastal southern California. Ecological Applica- tions 7(2):552–563. Bolger, D. T., A. V. Suarez, K. R. Crooks, S. A. Morrison, and T. J. Case. 2000. Arthropods in urban habitat fragments in southern California: area, age, and edge effects. Ecological Applications 10(4):1230-1248. Burke, D. M., and E. Nol. 2000. Landscape and fragment size effects on reproductive success of forest- breeding birds in Ontario. Ecological Applications 10(6):1749–1761. California Natural Diversity Database. 2018a. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Current list of vegetative taxa considered to be rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise “sensitive” by the State of California. List dated November 2018. California Natural Diversity Database. 2018b. Special Animals List. Current list of wildlife taxa considered to be rare, threatened, endangered, or otherwise “sensitive” by the State of California. List dated November 2018. California Natural Diversity Data Base. 2018c. Rarefind data accessed online on July 6, 2018, for the U.S. Geologic Survey’s Yorba Linda, San Dimas, Ontario, and Prado Dam 7.5’ topographic quadrangles. Camargo, J. L. C., and V. Kapos. 1995. Complex edge effects on soil moisture and microclimate in central Amazonian forest. Journal of Tropical Ecology 11(2):205–221. Conservation Biology Institute. 2005. Maintaining Ecological Connectivity Across the “Missing Middle” of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Encinitas, CA. https://d2k78bk4kdhbpr.cloudfront.net/media/reports/files/pc_missing_middle.pdf Crooks, K. R. 2002. Relative sensitivities of mammalian carnivores to habitat fragmentation. Conservation Biology 16(2):488–502. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 903 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited Crooks, K. R., and M. E. Soulé. 1999. Mesopredator release and avian extinctions in a fragmented system. Nature 400:563–566. Crooks, K. R., A. V. Suarez, D. T. Bolger, and M. E. Soulé. 2001. Extinction and colonization of birds on habitat islands. Conservation Biology 15(1):159–172. Drolet, A., C. Dussault, and S. D. Côté. 2016. Simulated drilling noise affects the space use of a large terres- trial mammal. Wildlife Biology 22(6):284–293. Dyett & Bhatia. 2017. City of Diamond Bar General Plan Update, Existing Conditions Report – Volume III. Redline draft dated February 21, 2017, prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Fahrig, L. 2003. Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 34:487–515. Fisher, R. N., A. V. Suarez, and T. J. Case. 2002. Spatial patterns in the abundance of the Coastal Horned Lizard. Conservation Biology 16(1):205–215. Fletcher Jr., R. J., L. Ries, J. Battin, and A. D. Chalfoun. 2007. The role of habitat area and edge in fragment- ed landscapes: definitively distinct or inevitably intertwined? Canadian Journal of Zoology 85:1017– 1030. Haas, C., and K. Crooks. 1999. Carnivore Abundance and Distribution Throughout the Puente-Chino Hills, Final Report – 1999. Report prepared for The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and State of California Department of Transportation. Haas, C., and G. Turschak. 2002. Responses of Large and Medium-bodied Mammals to Recreation Activities: the Colima Road Underpass. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority. Haas, C. D., A. R. Backlin, C. Rochester, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Monitoring Reptiles and Amphibians at Long-Term Biodiversity Monitoring Stations: the Puente-Chino Hills. Final report prepared by US Geological Survey for Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority, and California State Parks. Harrison, S., and E. Bruna. 1999. Habitat fragmentation and large-scale conservation: what do we know for sure? Ecography 22(3):225–232. Holway, D. A. 2005. Edge effects of an invasive species across a natural ecological boundary. Biological Conservation 121:561–567. Holway, D. A. and A. V. Suarez. 2006. Homogenization of ant communities in Mediterranean California: the effects of urbanization and invasion. Biological Conservation 127:319–326. Hung, K. J., J. S. Ascher, J. Gibbs, R. E. Irwin, and D. T. Bolger. 2015. Effects of fragmentation on a distinc- tive coastal sage scrub bee fauna revealed through incidental captures by pitfall traps. Journal of Insect Conservation DOI 10.1007. Kristan, W. B. III, A. J. Lynam, M. V. Price, and J. T. Rotenberry. 2003. Alternative causes of edge-abundance relationships in birds and small mammals of California coastal sage scrub. Ecography 26:29–44. Laakkonen, J., R. N. Fisher, and T. J. Case. 2001. Effect of land cover, habitat fragmentation and ant colonies on the distribution and abundance of shrews in southern California. Journal of Animal Ecology 70(5):776–788. Laurance, W. F., and R. O. Bierregaard Jr., eds. 1997. Tropical forest remnants: ecology, management, and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 904 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited conservation of fragmented communities. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Laurance, W. F., H. E. M. Nascimento, S. G. Laurance, A. Andrade, R. M. Ewers, K. E. Harms, R. C. C. Luizão, and J. E. Ribeiro. 2007. Habitat fragmentation, variable edge effects, and the landscape- divergence hypothesis. PLoS ONE 2(10):e1017. Los Angeles County, Dept. of Regional Planning. 2014. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide. Report dated March 18, 2014. Described as a “resource for assisting County staff when processing development applications that are not exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and may impact oak woodlands. The Guide includes definitions, application proce- dures, case processing, project mitigation and mitigation monitoring.” http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf Matlack, G. R. 1994. Vegetation dynamics of the forest edge – trends in space and successional time. Journal of Ecology 82(1):113–123. Mattoni, R., and T. Longcore. 1997. The Los Angeles coastal prairie, a vanished community. Crossosoma 23:71–102. McCaull, J. 1994. The natural community conservation planning program and the coastal sage scrub ecosys- tem of southern California. In Environmental Policy and Biodiversity (R. E. Grumbine, editor). Island Press, Washington, D.C. Mitrovich, M., T. Matsuda, K. H. Pease, and R. N. Fisher. 2010. Ants as a measure of effectiveness of habitat conservation planning in southern California. Conservation Biology 24:1239–1248. Murcia, C. 1995. Edge effects in fragmented forests: implications for conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evo- lution 10(2):58–62. Noss, R. F. 1983. A regional landscape approach to maintain diversity. BioScience 33(11):700–706. O’Leary, J. F. 1990. California coastal sage scrub: general characteristics and considerations for biological conservation. In: A. A. Schoenherr (ed.). Endangered Plant Communities of Southern California, South- ern California Botanists Special Publication No. 3. Ries, L., and T. D. Sisk. 2004. A predictive model of edge effects. Ecology 85(11):2917–2926. Riley, S. P. D., G. T. Busteed, L. B. Kats, T. L. Vandergon, L. F. S. Lee, R. G. Dagit, J. L. Kerby, R. N. Fisher, and R. M. Sauvajot. 2005. Effects of urbanization on the distribution and abundance of amphibians and invasive species in southern California streams. Conservation Biology 19:1894–1907. Sage Environmental Group. 2012. Affordable Housing Land Use and Zoning Designation Project, Biological Survey Report. Report dated August 2012 prepared for City of Diamond Bar. Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. A Manual of California Vegetation, second edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento. Sisk, T. D., N. M. Haddad, and P. R. Ehrlich. 1997. Bird assemblages in patchy woodlands: modeling the effects of edge and matrix habitats. Ecological Applications 7(4):1170–1180. Soulé, M. E. 1991. Theory and strategy. In: W. E. Hudson (ed.). Landscape Linkages and Biodiversity. Island Press, Covello, CA. Soulé, M. E., A. C. Alberts, and D. T. Bolger. 1992. The effects of habitat fragmentation on chaparral plants and vertebrates. Oikos 63(1):39–47. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 905 Literature Cited, Appendix A to Open Space and Conservation Element, DBGP Hamilton Biological, Inc. February 19, 2019 Literature Cited Soulé, M. E., D. T. Bolger, A. C. Alberts, J. Wright, M. Sorice, and S. Hill. 1988. Reconstructed dynamics of rapid extinctions of chaparral-requiring birds in urban habitat islands. Conservation Biology 2(1):75–92. Suarez, A. V., D. T. Bolger and T. J. Case. 1998. Effects of fragmentation and invasion on native ant commu- nities in coastal southern California. Ecology 79(6):2041–2056. Temple, S. A., and J. R. Cary. 1988. Modeling dynamics of habitat-interior bird populations in fragmented landscapes. Conservation Biology 2(4):340–347. Treseder, K. K., and K. L. McGuire. 2009. Links Between Plant and Fungal Diversity in Habitat Fragments of Coastal Sage Scrub. The 94th ESA Annual Meeting, 2009. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Risk mitigation decision for ten rodenticides. Report dated May 28, 2008. https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0955-0764 Vandergast, A. G., A. J. Bohonak, D. B. Weissman, and R. N. Fisher. 2006. Understanding the genetic effects of recent habitat fragmentation in the context of evolutionary history: phylogeography and landscape genetics of a southern California endemic Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae: Stenopel- matus). Molecular Ecology 16:977–92. Vaughan, J. R. 2010. Local Geographies of the Coastal Cactus Wren and the Coastal California Gnatcatcher on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Master of Science thesis, San Diego State University, San Die- go, California. 97 pp. Wilcove, D. S. 1985. Nest predation in forest tracks and the decline of migratory songbirds. Ecology 66(4)1211–1214. Wolkovich, E. M., D. T. Bolger, and K. L. Cottingham. 2009. Invasive grass litter facilitates native shrubs through abiotic effects. Journal of Vegetation Science 20:1121–1132. Woodroffe, R., and J. R. Ginsberg. 1998. Edge effects and the extinction of populations inside protected are- as. Science 280:2126–2128. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 906 October 31, 2019 Grace Lee City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Re: Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report and Diamond Bar General Plan Ms. Lee, Thank you very much for the opportunity to provide comments on Diamond Bar’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) and General Plan (DBGP). The process has been very open, and I have greatly appreciated the transparency in which the plan and report development has been conducted. The General Plan Advisory Committee provided some reasonable solutions where the City should focus its development. I appreciate that the General Plan and EIR have primarily focused on the redevelopment of infill or existing commercial areas, rather than rezoning out existing open spaces for development. Also you have given some thought and consideration on how the City of Diamond Bar is part of a large r environment (Sphere of Influence) that needs to be thoughtfu lly considered for wildlife movement and for the greater ecosystem of the Puente and Chino Hills in general. The comments I provide below are similar to three of the priorities identified during the City’s outreach and input in the GPAC Meetings: Environment, Recreation and Traffic. Environment Although I understand that most development will be targeted in areas of in -fill or reconstruction of existing commercial areas, we should consider that in areas where ther e is potential for sensitive or protected resources, that we are specific to what would be required to ensure that the City is in compliance and ensures their protection or conservation. I am professional environmental specialist, so these edits are requirements that I am familiar with and are reasonable to implement, and minimize potential for inadvertent discoveries resulting in schedule delays in subsequent permitting and mitigation or agency actions from environmental non-compliance impacts. I would like to suggest a few minor changes to the language—my comments are in red and strikeout. RC-P-9 on page 3.3-45 7.1.f Packet Pg. 907 Require, as part of the environmental review process, prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist ., Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of the target species. requiring that time-specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants Wildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources. The report and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. that would degrade its healthy function . In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. MM-BIO-1A on page 3.3-47 To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June and reference populations checked. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. The suggestion of adding language for checking reference populations will ensure accuracy of detecting target sensitive plant species. This requirement is not overly burdensome, but more of due diligence and ensuring that the species being surveyed for will even be detectable. Many sensitive species have identified reference populations that can be easily checked prior to conducting any field work—this should save time and effort on subsequent fieldwork as well. MM-BIO-1B on page 3.3-47 At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, an adaptive two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. In the event, that the City of DB determines that agreed success criteria are not met, additional remediation may be required beyond the two-year maintenance/monitoring period to ensure mitigation requirements are met. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 908 If the mitigation measure conditions are not met in the established two -year timeframe, it should be the developer’s obligation to meet those mitigation measure requirements. It has been my experience that there needs to be assurance that the developer has met obligations. In the two years of monitoring, there should be adaptive management of the site to ensure success. This is common language that many land use agencies have added to their requirements to put the onus on the developer to ensure the intent of the mitigation measure is met. My concern for the City is if it is not clear to the developer on what the requirements are, the City of Diamond Bar risks being the responsible party for the additional restoration expense, or risk the establishment of exotic weed species that could exacerbate the potential for wildfire. MM-BIO-1D Environmental Awareness Program on page 3.3-48 The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Training Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention purpose of the program shall be to inform developers, city workers and residents. The program shall address safety, environmental resource sensitivities and impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: encourage Provide, on the City website, information about proactive conservation efforts among for the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: I appreciate the approach that the City is taking to increase environmental awareness. My edits were an attempt to include the developer in this outreach. The Environmental and Safety Awareness Training should be developed that is tailored and specific to each project based on resource or safety concerns. It should be the responsibility of the contractor or developer to ensure that the workers have taken the awareness training and provide documentation if requested by the City of Diamond Bar that the project proponent understands their role in safety and compliance. Again, this is a reasonable requirement common on many construction projects. MM-BIO-1E on page 3.3-49 Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be 7.1.f Packet Pg. 909 performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future proj ect disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) flag the area for avoidance and discuss possible seasonal avoidance measures with the developer. If avoidance is not feasible, the Project Biologist, with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. It is important that as a first option in protection of resources, avoidance is the preferred option. Therefore, this measure should include the steps to avoid or minimize impacts to identified resources. If after all possible avoidance measures are used, then a qualified biologists should consider relocation of the resource (ie. plant or animal). This suggested language is common practice and is reasonable in consultation with a permitted or approved biologist. Recreation As a father of two young girls, recreational opportunities and parks are very important to my family. I am a member of the Board for our local AYSO Soccer Region as well as a coach and referee, so I am familiar with the shortage of parks for practice and recreation. I also live on the south side of Diamond Bar, so I also know that the lack of adequate park facilities on the southern end of town. I was concerned when I read that the City determined that the impacts to recreation were Significant and Unavoidable. You had identified a Core Community Overlay as part of the DBGP Preferred Alternative. Understanding that the Los Angeles County Golf Course is not currently a viable alternative, it was still identified in this EIR as an alternative option. So, why did the City not consider the golf course in addressing the significant recreation impacts associated with the low ratio of 2 acres per 1000 residents? I would encourage an additional discussion regarding the necessary acreage needed to mitigate these impacts. As part of the Core Community Overlay how much of that property could be reserved to meet the requirement of the Quimby Act (5 acres per 1000 residents)? Also, as a question regarding CEQA analysis. It is my understanding that the Golf Course, in order to be used for other purposes, would need to be mitigated for that loss with another comparable location as a golf course. If there are additional environmental impacts associated with the Golf Course’s conversion in the Core Community Overlay option, those impacts would need to be disclosed in this DEIR. Or alternatively another subsequent EIR would need to be developed if in the future the Community Overlay option is viable. Is my assumption correct, 7.1.f Packet Pg. 910 that the Golf Course property is only theoretical and any future development of that property would be contingent on another CEQA analysis? Traffic and other Project Alternatives As a resident of Diamond Bar, I am well aware of the issues around the through traffic on Diamond Bar Blvd, Grand Ave. and Golden Springs/Colima Road. I understand that the impacts associated with traffic, although significant f or Level of Service and Vehicle Miles Traveled, would be difficult to mitigate and therefore are determined to be unmitigatable. So, I understood that the GPAC elected to not select, in their recommendations, to continue the Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Ave intersection as the Diamond Bar City Center due to the traffic congestion. Although I agree with this approach, it does not seem reasonable that the existing City Center is not analyzed as a feasible alternative in the EIR. The DEIR only analyzed the existing City Center as infeasible as the No Project Alternative under the existing GP. However, I think the existing City Center warrants an Alternatives Analysis under the proposed mitigation measures and City land use policies. I suggest that the City analyze this alternative because the City’s preferred alternative and Alternative 2 are contingent on the Golf Course being developed. These alternatives, if contingent on the Golf Course, are incomplete in that the impacts associated with an alternative county golf course were neither described nor analyzed in this EIR—and would therefore require a subsequent EIR analysis. Therefore, it is not clear that either of these two alternatives are feasible at this time. Again, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to provide comments on the DEIR and DBGP. I look forward to additional correspondence from the City as the Final EIR becomes available. Sincerely, Gary Busteed 20850 Gold Run Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 7.1.f Packet Pg. 911 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Comments on the Draft EIR 2-430 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 912 3 Responses to Comments This chapter includes responses to comment s on environmental issues, in the same order as presented in Chapter 2 : Comments on the Draft EIR . The responses are marked with the same number-letter designator as the comment to which they respond. Responses to written comments received during the public review period are summarized in the matrix below. The reference number and text of the comments are presented alongside the response for ease of reference. Where the same comment has been made more than once, a response may direct the reader to another numbered comment and response. Responses focus on comments that raise important environmental issues or pertain to the adequacy of analysis in the Draft EIR or to other aspects pertinent to the potential effects of the Proposed Project on the environment pursuant to CEQA. Comments that address policy issues, opinions or other topics beyond the purview of the Draft EIR or CEQA are noted as such for the public record. Where comments are on the merits of the Proposed Project rather than on the Draft EIR, these are also noted in the responses. Where appropriate, the information and/or revisions suggested in the comment letters have been incorporated into the Final EIR. Revisions are acknowledged where necessary to clarify or amplify and are included in Chapter 4. Figure revisions required in response to comments are noted in the matrix and the revised figures are included in Chapter 4. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 913 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-2 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 914 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-3 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Agencies A1 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT A1-1 October 17, 2019 Grace Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar Planning Division 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Dear Ms. Lee: NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, "DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN," WILL ESTABLISH THE CITY'S OVERALL APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC SERVICES, AND OTHER ISSUES FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS, CITYWIDE - DIAMOND BAR, FFER (sic) 2019005639 Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Report has been reviewed by the Planning Division, Land Development Unit, Forestry Division, and Health Hazardous Materials Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. The following are their comments: This comment is the salutation of the letter and introduces comments A1 -2 through A1-8. Responses to these comments are provided below. A1-2 PLANNING DIVISION: Under Section 7.0, Public Safety, Fire Service, of the Draft EIR, the first sentence in paragraph one, needs to be corrected to state that there are three fire stations serving Comment acknowledged. With regards to fire stations, Chapter 3.7 states: “The City is served by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, and unincorporated portions of the Planning Area are served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and CAL 7.1.f Packet Pg. 915 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-4 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the City of Diamond Bar and NOT three within the City Limits. For any questions regarding this response, please contact Loretta Bagwell, Planning Analyst, at (323) 881-2404 or Loretta.BagwelI@fire.lacounty.gov. FIRE. The locations of the three fire stations that serve the Planning Area are shown in Figure 3.7-4.” (page 3.7-16). Chapter 3.11 states: “The locations of the three fire stations that serve the City are depicted on Figure 3.11-1, and staffing and equipment at each station are shown in Table 3.11-1.” (page 3.11-2). Both chapters clearly state that there are three fire stations serving the City of Diamond Bar and do not state that there are three fire stations within City Limits. A1-3 LAND DEVELOPMENT UNIT: The Land Development Unit is reviewing the proposed "Diamond Bar general plan 2040 and climate action plan" Project for access and water system requirements. The Land Development Unit comments are only preliminary requirements. Specific fire and life safety requirements will be addressed during the review for building and fire plan check phases. There may be additional requirements during this time. The development of this project must comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows, and fire hydrants. Development associated with the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan would be subject to applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows, and fire hydrants. The Regulatory Settings sections within Draft EIR chapters include applicable code and ordinance requirements. A1-4 ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: 1. The proposed development will require multiple ingress/egress access for the circulation of traffic and emergency response issues. 2. All on-site Fire Department vehicular access roads shall be labeled as "Private Driveway and Fire Lane" on the site plan along with the widths clearly depicted on the plan. Labeling is necessary to assure the access availability for Fire Department use. The designation allows for appropriate signage prohibiting parking. This comment lists access requirements that development associated with the Proposed Project would be subject to. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 916 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-5 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response a. The Fire Apparatus Access Road shall be cross- hatch on the site plan with the width clearly noted on the plan. 3. Every building constructed shall be accessible to Fire Department apparatus by way of access roadways with an all-weather surface of not less than the prescribed width. The roadway shall be extended to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls when measured by an unobstructed route around the exterior of the building. 4. Fire Apparatus Access Roads must be installed and maintained in a serviceable manner prior to and during the time of construction. 5. The edge of the Fire Apparatus Access Road shall be located a minimum of 5 feet from the building or any projections there from. 6. The Fire Apparatus Access Roads and designated fire lanes shall be measured from flow line to flow line. 7. The dimensions of the approved Fire Apparatus Access Roads shall be maintained as originally approved by the fire code official. 8. Provide a minimum unobstructed width of 28 feet, exclusive of shoulders and an unobstructed vertical clearance "clear to sky" Fire Department vehicular access to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building when the height of the building above the lowest level of the Fire Department vehicular access road is more than 30 feet high or the building is more than three stories. The access roadway shall be located a minimum of 15 feet and a maximum of 30 feet from the building and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial 7.1.f Packet Pg. 917 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-6 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Fire Apparatus Access Road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official. 9. If the Fire Apparatus Access Road is separated by island, provide a minimum unobstructed width of 20 feet, exclusive of shoulders and an unobstructed vertical clearance "clear to sky" Fire Department vehicular access to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building. 10. Dead-end Fire Apparatus Access Roads in excess of 150 feet in-length shall be provided with an approved Fire Department turnaround. Include the dimensions of the turnaround with the orientation of the turnaround shall be properly placed in the direction of travel of the access roadway. 11. Fire Department Access Roads shall be provided with a 32-foot centerline turning radius. Indicate the centerline, inside, and outside turning radii for each change in direction on the site plan. 12. Fire Apparatus Access Roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing 75,000 lbs. and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. Fire Apparatus Access Roads having a grade of 10 percent or greater shall have a paved or concrete surface. 13. Provide approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE." Signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches wide by 18 inches high and have red letters on a white reflective background. Signs shall be provided for Fire Apparatus Access Roads, to clearly indicate the entrance to such road, or prohibit the obstruction thereof and at intervals, as required by the Fire Inspector. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 918 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-7 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 14. A minimum 5-foot wide approved firefighter access walkway leading from the Fire Department Access Road to all required openings in the building's exterior walls shall be provided for firefighting and rescue purposes. Clearly identify firefighter walkway access routes on the site plan. Indicate the slope and walking surface material. Clearly show the required width on the site plan. 15. Fire Apparatus Access Roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including by the parking of vehicles, or the use of traffic calming devices, including but not limited to, speed bumps or speed humps. The minimum widths and clearances established in Fire Code Section 503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times. 16. Traffic Calming Devices, including but not limited to, speed bumps and speed humps, shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official. 17. Security barriers, visual screen barriers, or other obstructions shall not be installed on the roof of any building in such a manner as to obstruct firefighter access or egress in the event of fire or other emergency. Parapets shall not exceed 48 inches from the top of the parapet to the roof surface on more than two sides. Clearly indicate the height of all parapets in a section view. 18. Approved building address numbers, building numbers, or approved building identification shall be provided and maintained so as to be plainly visible and legible from the street fronting the property. The numbers shall contrast with their background, be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters, and be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch. 19. Multiple residential and commercial buildings having entrances to individual units not visible from the street 7.1.f Packet Pg. 919 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-8 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response or road shall have unit numbers displayed in groups for all units within each structure. Such numbers may be grouped on the wall of the structure or mounted on a post independent of the structure and shall be positioned to be plainly visible from the street or road as required by Fire Code 505.3 and in accordance with Fire Code 505. A1-5 WATER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 1. All fire hydrants shall measure 6"x 4 'l x 2-1/2" brass or bronze conforming to current AWWA standard 0503 or approved equal and shall be installed in accordance with the County of Los Angeles Fire Code. 2. The development may require fire flows up to 4,000 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure for up to a four-hour duration. Final fire flows will be based on the size of buildings, the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system, and type(s) of construction used. 3. The fire hydrant spacing shall be every 300 feet for both the public and the on-site hydrants. The fire hydrants shall meet the following requirements: a. No portion of lot frontage shall be more than 200 feet via vehicular access from a public fire hydrant. b. No portion of a building shall exceed 400 feet via vehicular access from a properly spaced public fire hydrant. c. Additional hydrants will be required if hydrant spacing exceeds specified distances. 4. All required public fire hydrants shall be installed and tested prior to beginning construction. 5. All private on-site fire hydrants shall be installed, tested, and approved prior to building occupancy. This comment lists water system requirements that development associated with the General Plan would be subject to. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 920 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-9 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response a. Plans showing underground piping for private on-site fire hydrants shall be submitted to the Sprinkler Plan Check Unit for review and approval prior to installation. 6. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system is required for the proposed buildings within this development. Submit design plans to the Fire Department Sprinkler Plan Check Unit for review and approval prior to installation. A1-6 Additional Department requirements will be determined by Fire Prevention Engineering during the Building Plan Check. For any questions regarding the response, please contact Inspector Claudia Soiza at (323) 890-4243 or Claudia.soiza@fire.lacounty.aov. Comment acknowledged. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A1-7 FORESTRY DIVISION - OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: The statutory responsibilities of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Forestry Division include erosion control, watershed management, rare and endangered species, vegetation, fuel modification for Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, archeological and cultural resources, and the County Oak Tree Ordinance. Potential impacts in these areas should be addressed. Under the Los Angeles County Oak tree Ordinance, a permit is required to cut, destroy, remove, relocate, inflict damage or encroach into the protected zone of any tree of the Oak genus which is 25 inches or more in circumference (eight inches in diameter), as measured 4 1/2 feet above mean natural grade. Impacts associated with soil erosion are discussed in Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity, specifically under Impact 3.6-2. Given the implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at preventing erosion, this impact is determined to be less than significant. Impacts associated with watershed management are discussed in Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality, specifically under Impacts 3.8-1, 3.8-2, and 3.8- 3. Given the implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at preserving natural watersheds, these impacts are determined to be less than significant. Impacts associated with rare and endangered species and vegetation are discussed in Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources. Given the implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at protecting biological resources in the Planning Area and extensive mitigation, these impacts are determined to be less than significant with mitigation. In the event that a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, development as sociated with the proposed General Plan would be subject to Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-4, 7.1.f Packet Pg. 921 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-10 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response If Oak trees are known to exist in the proposed project area further field studies should be conducted to determine the presence of this species on the project site. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Forestry Division has no further comments regarding this project For any questions regarding this response, please contact Forestry Assistant, Joseph Brunet at (818) 890-5719. which implements the mitigation requirements of the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide within the Planning Area. Impacts associated with development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are discussed in Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire, specifically under Impacts 3.7-8 through 3.7-11. Given the implementation of Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel Modification Plans within the Sphere of Influence (SOI) and proposed General Plan policies aimed at development proposed within High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, these impacts are determined to be less than significant. Impacts associated with archaeological and cultural resources are discussed in Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Given implementation of proposed General Plan policies that address archaeological resources and Mitigation Measure MM-CULT-2, this impact is determined to be less than significant with mitigation. While there is a potential for unrecorded cultural resources to occur within the Planning Area, implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at establishing development processes to avoid disturbance and conducting consultation early in the development review process would reduce these impacts to a level that is less than significant. A1-8 HEALTH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS DIVISION: The Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department has no comments or requirements for the project at this time. Please contact HHMD senior typist-clerk, Perla Garcia at (323) 890-4035 or Perla.garcia@fire.lacounty.aov if you have any questions. Comment acknowledged. A1-9 If you have any additional questions, please contact this office at (323) 890-4330. Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 922 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-11 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Very truly yours, MICHAEL Y. TAKESHITA, ACTING CHIEF, FORESTRY DIVISION PREVENTION SERVICES BUREAU A2 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION A2-1 October 30, 2019 Ms. Grace S. Lee Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar, Planning Division 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Dear Ms. Lee: NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2040 I am writing with regards to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan 2040. Located within the Planning Area are two Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities: Diamond Bar Golf Course and the proposed Schabarum Extension Trail. Please find below DPR's comments and questions: This comment is the salutation of the letter and introduces comments A2-2 through A2-12. Responses to these comments are provided below. A2-2 Diamond Bar Golf Course Diamond Bar Golf Course (DBGC) was established as a public golf course in 1964 and will continue to serve as such in the foreseeable future. The golf course is protected public parkland under the Public Park Preservation Act of 1971. The draft General Plan includes a "Community Core" Comment acknowledged. Compliance with the Park Preservation Act would need to be addressed as part of any alternative use for the property. This does not address the adequacy of the adequacy of the Draft EIR ; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 923 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-12 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response focus area that overlays DBGC (page 2-8). The "Community Core" focus area proposes a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment on the southern portion of the DBGC site. This proposal does not seem to take into consideration the Park Preservation Act which contains specific requirements that must be met in order to convert public parkland into non- park use(s). A2-3 Also, the City of Diamond Bar does not have jurisdiction over this County-owned golf course. Any proposed new uses on the DBGC site should be discussed and coordinated with the County. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has the sole discretion to approve development on County-owned properties. As such, any proposed new use(s) on the DBGC would require review and approval by the Board. Comment acknowledged. The County as the land owner would obviously need to be a project sponsor and comply with County processes to consider the future disposition of the property. This does not address the adequacy of the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A2-4 Schabarum Extension Trail (proposed) The proposed Schabarum Extension Trail connects the DPR-operated Rowland Heights Loop Trail in the unincorporated community of Rowland Heights to San Bernardino County through preserved open space. This ten-mile segment of proposed multi-use trail (hiking, biking, and horseback riding) utilizes portions of unpaved Southern California Edison right-of-way and provides intermittent access to communities within the City of Diamond Bar via recorded trail easements. Comment acknowledged. A2-5 Please find below some questions and edits regarding the discussion of trails in the DEIR. Page 3.11-12 • Are there any trails planned on the Tres Hermanos Ranch property? The General Plan does not propose any trails on the Tres Hermanos Ranch property. A2-6 Page 3.11-13 Although the City trails do not include features expressly designed to accommodate equestrians, equestrians are not precluded from using the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 924 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-13 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response • Are equestrians accommodated on City trails? If the proposed Schabarum Extension Trail were developed, it would become a multi-use trail that would serve hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. trails. This comment does not address the adequacy of the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A2-7 Table 3.11-6: Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) • Which agency has proposed the Tonner Canyon Trail? The proposed Tonner Canyon Trail is depicted in the City of Diamond Bar 2011 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, but does not state which agency proposed the trail. Since the proposed trail is located outside of the City limits, it is presumed that the information regarding the proposed trail location was obtained from the County of Los Angeles. This does not address the adequacy of the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A2-8 • Please correct the name of the County trail. "Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension)" should be corrected as "Scharabrum Extension Trail". The Schabarum Extension and Tonner Canyon Trails are "Proposed Trails," not "Existing Trails." Comment acknowledged. The Schabarum Extension Trail and the Tonner Canyon Trail are identified as proposed trails in Figure 3.11-4. Table 3.11-6 has been revised in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR to reflect this distinction. A2-9 Page 3.11-14 • Please note that the Schabarum-Skyline Trail is operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and is 29.7 miles long. Comment acknowledged. The Schabarum-Skyline Trail in its entirety is 29.7 miles long. However, the Planning Area only contains a portion of the trail and does not count all 29.7 miles towards the trail network total mileage. A2-10 • Please revise the sentence as follows: “The trail allows recreational users and commuters hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to connect to a variety of other trails in the area” The sentence has been revised as proposed in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. A2-11 • Please include a note on this page that the development of staging areas and trailheads will be considered at strategic locations to accommodate multi-use trail users. The proposed revision has been added as a footnote in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. A2-12 Notification Please note that DPR was not formally notified of the General Plan update even though the "Community Core" overlay was proposed on the DBGC site. We only received Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 925 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-14 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the Notice of Availability after signing up for e-mail notification on the project's website several months ago. A2-13 Thank you for your consideration of our comments. If you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please contact Clement Lau, Departmental Facilities Planner, of my staff at (626) 588-5301 or by email at clau@parks.lacounty.gov. Sincerely, Alina Bokde Deputy Director This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the a dequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A3 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE A3-1 October 30, 2019 Ms. Grace Lee City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Glee@DiamondBarCA.gov Subject: Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan, City of Diamond Bar, Los Angeles County Dear Ms. Lee: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has reviewed the above-referenced Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan (Project). Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding those activities involved in the Comment acknowledged. This comment is the salutation of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 926 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-15 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Project that may affect California fish and wildlife. Likewise, we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under the Fish and Game Code. A3-2 CDFW's Role CDFW is California's Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources and holds those resources in trust by statute for all the people of the State [Fish & Game Code, SS 711.7, subdivision (a) & 1802; Public Resources Code, S 21070; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, S 15386, subdivision (a)]. CDFW, in its trustee capacity, has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species (Id., S 1802). Similarly, for purposes of CEQA, CDFW is charged by law to provide, as available, biological expertise during public agency environmental review efforts, focusing specifically on projects and related activities that have the potential to adversely affect state fish and wildlife resources. CDFW is also submitting comments as a Responsible Agency under CEQA (Public Resources Code, S 21069; CEQA Guidelines, S 15381). CDFW expects that it may need to exercise regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code, including lake and streambed alteration regulatory authority (Fish & Game Code, S 1600 et seq.). Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Project as proposed may result in "take", as defined by State law, of any species protected under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & Game Code, S 2050 et seq.), or state-listed rare plant pursuant to the Native Plant Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 927 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-16 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Protection Act (NPPA; Fish & Game Code, Sl 900 et seq.), CDFW recommends the Project proponent obtain appropriate authorization under the Fish and Game Code. A3-3 Project Description and Summary Objective: The proposed Project is an update to the City of Diamond Bar (City) General Plan. The General Plan is a long-term policy document guiding future land use and policy decisions. The City's current General Plan was adopted in 1995. In 2016, the City began the process of comprehensively updating the General Plan. Location: City of Diamond Bar (Citywide), Los Angeles County. Comment acknowledged. A3-4 Comments and Recommendations CDFW offers the comments and recommendations below to assist the City in adequately identifying, avoiding and/or mitigating the Project's significant, or potentially significant, direct and indirect impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources. Additional comments or other suggestions may also be included to improve the document. Comment acknowledged. See responses to comments A3-5 through A3-14 below. A3-5 Project Description and Related Impact Shortcoming Comment #1: Impacts to Special-Status Plant Species Issue: Mitigation Measures MM-BIO-I A-C dictate the City's actions taken to mitigate impacts to any special-status plants that may be found within the City limits. These measures refer to US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) oversight, but do not acknowledge CDFW protocol. Specific impact: CDFW considers plant communities, alliances, and associations with a statewide ranking of Sl, S2, S3 and S4 as sensitive and declining at the local and regional level (Sawyer et al. 2008). An S3 ranking indicates there are 21-80 occurrences of this community in existence The omission of CDFW oversight and mitigation protocols was an unintended omission, and the inclusion of CDFW in the mitigation measures is included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. The consideration of specific impacts to sensitive plants, their causes and determination of their significance is discussed in the Draft EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 928 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-17 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response in California, S2 has 6-20 occurrences, and Sl has less than 6 occurrences. The Project may have direct or indirect effects to these sensitive species. Why impact would occur: Project implementation includes grading, vegetation clearing for construction, road maintenance, and other activities that may result in direct mortality, population declines, or local extirpation of sensitive plant species. Evidence impact would be significant: Impacts to special status plant species should be considered significant under CEQA unless they are clearly mitigated below a level of significance. Inadequate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures for impacts to these sensitive plant species will result in the Project continuing to have a substantial adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special- status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by CDFW or USFWS. A3-6 Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measure(s): Mitigation Measure #1: CDFW recommends conducting focused surveys for sensitive/rare plants on-site and disclosing the results in the DEIR. Based on the Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (CDFW, 2018) (https://nrm.dfg.ca.qov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentlD=18 959), a qualified biologist should "conduct surveys in the field at the time of year when species are both evident and identifiable. Usually this is during flowering or fruiting." The final CEQA documentation should provide a thorough discussion on the presence/absence of sensitive plants on- To the best of the City’s understanding, CDFW will not accept or validate focused surveys that are over 1-year old. Insofar as the General Plan update and its policies are to guide the City’s growth until 2040, focused surveys for special-status plants at this time would not be useful. Rather, surveys for sensitive plants at the time the specifics of projects have been detailed, as indicated in the Draft EIR, is felt to be a more practical approach . The seasonal timing of such surveys in the future and mitigation for potentially significant impacts on special-status surveys are discussed in the Draft EIR. To the extent feasible and practical in the context of a General Plan the MCV classification system was used to identify natural communities and their sensitivity in the study area. See also response to comment B3-10. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 929 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-18 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response site and identify measures to protect sensitive plant communities from project-related direct and indirect impacts. Mitigation Measure #2: In 2007, the State Legislature required CDFW to develop and maintain a vegetation mapping standard for the state (Fish & Game Code, § 1940). This standard complies with the National Vegetation Classification System, which utilizes alliance and association-based classification of unique vegetation stands. CDFW utilizes vegetation descriptions found in the Manual of California Vegetation (MCV), found online at http://vegetation.cnps.org/. To determine the rarity ranking of vegetation communities on the Project site, the MCV alliance/association community names should be provided as CDFW only tracks rare natural communities using this classification system. Mitigation Measure #3: CDFW recommends avoiding any sensitive natural communities found on the Project. If avoidance is not feasible, mitigating at a ratio of no less than 5:1 for impacts to S3 ranked communities and 7:1 for S2 communities should be implemented. This ratio is for the acreage and the individual plants that comprise each unique community. All revegetation/restoration areas that will serve as mitigation should include preparation of a restoration plan, to be approved by USFWS and CDFW prior to any ground disturbance. The restoration plan should include restoration and monitoring methods; annual success criteria; contingency actions should success criteria not be met; long-term management and maintenance goals; and, a funding mechanism to assure for in perpetuity management and reporting. Areas proposed as mitigation should have a recorded Regarding the use of mitigation ratios see response to comment B3-19. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 930 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-19 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response conservation easement and be dedicated to an entity which has been approved to hold/manage lands (Assembly Bill 1094; Government code, §§ 65965-65968). A3-7 Comment #2: Inadequate Survey Protocols for Special- Status Wildlife Issue: Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-IE indicates that future projects taking place within the City will require a clearance survey within one week of initiating ground disturbance. This measure also states that "[l]f any special- status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collecting Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished". Specific impacts: While MM-BIO-I E does dictate that CDFW will be consulted regarding relocation, it does not fully convey the appropriate protocols for a variety of sensitive species. Why impacts would occur: Inadequate survey protocols will likely lead to impacts to a variety of sensitive species as this process may overlook or fail to identify listed species and supporting habitat necessary for their survival. Evidence impact would be significant: Ground clearing and construction activities could lead to the direct mortality of a listed species or species of special concern. The loss of occupied habitat could yield a loss of foraging potential, nesting sites, basking sites, or refugia and would constitute a significant impact absent appropriate mitigation. CDFW considers impacts to CESA-listed and Species of Special Concern (SSC) a significant direct and cumulative adverse It is assumed that the practicing professional is aware of the appropriate survey protocols for various species and/or that such individuals can research such protocols on the internet. For these reasons, the description of all possible protocols in the Draft EIR was not included. At the time of a future project’s specific analysis a species-specific survey and translocation plan will be prepared and included in the project’s Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 931 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-20 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response effect without implementing appropriate avoid and/or mitigation measures. Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measure(s): Mitigation Measure #1: CDFW recommends that future proposed projects within the City of Diamond Bar follow the appropriate survey protocol for a given species, since the suggested measures, MM-BIO-I seq., do not make distinctions among the breadth of wildlife species found throughout the Los Angeles Basin. Based on the listing status of a given wildlife species found on a future p roject site, the mitigative response will vary. The following mitigation measures are suggested by CDFW for impacts to reptiles: Mitigation Measure #1: To mitigate impacts to SSC, CDFW recommends focused surveys for the species. Surveys should typically be scheduled when these animals are most likely to be encountered, usually conducted between J une and July. To achieve 100 percent visual coverage, CDFW recommends surveys be conducted with parallel transects at approximately 20 feet apart and walked on-site in appropriate habitat suitable for each of these species. Suitable habitat consists of areas of sandy, loose and moist soils, typically under the sparse vegetation of scrub, chaparral, and within the duff of oak woodlands. Mitigation Measure #2: In consultation with qualified biologist familiar with the life history of each of the SSC, a relocation plan (Plan) should be developed. The Plan should include, but not be limited to, the timing and location of the surveys that will be conducted for this 7.1.f Packet Pg. 932 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-21 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response species, identify the locations where more intensive survey efforts will be conducted (based on high habitat suitability); identify the habitat and conditions in any proposed relocation site(s); the methods that will be utilized for trapping and relocating the individuals of this species; and the documentation/recordation of the number of animals relocated. CDFW recommends the Plan be submitted to the Lead Agency for approval 60 days prior to any ground disturbing activities within potentially occupied habitat. Mitigation Measure #3: The Plan should include specific survey and relocation efforts that occur during construction activities for the activity period of these reptiles (generally March to November) and for periods when the species may be pres ent in the work area but difficult to detect due to weather conditions (generally December through February). Thirty days prior to construction activities in coastal scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, riparian habitats, or other areas supporting this species, qualified biologists should conduct surveys to capture and relocate individual reptiles to avoid or minimize take of these special-status species. The Plan should require a minimum of three surveys conducted during the time of year/day when these species most likely to be observed. Individuals should be relocated to nearby undisturbed areas with suitable habitat. Mitigation Measure #4: If construction is to occur during the low activity period (generally December through February), surveys should be conducted prior to this period if possible. Exclusion fencing should be placed to limit the potential for re-colonization of the site prior to construction. CDFW further recommends a qualified 7.1.f Packet Pg. 933 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-22 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response biologist be present during ground-disturbing activities immediately adjacent to or within habitat, which supports populations of this species. A3-8 The following mitigation measures are suggested by CDFW for impacts to nesting birds: Mitigation Measure #1: To protect nesting birds that may occur on-site, CDFW recommends that the final environmental document include a measure that no construction shall occur from February 15 through August 31. If construction is unavoidable during February 15 through August 31, a qualified biologist shall complete a survey for nesting bird activity within a 500-foot radius of the construction site. The nesting bird surveys shall be conducted at appropriate nesting times and concentrate on potential roosting or perch sites. If any nests of birds of prey are observed, these nests shall be designated an ecologically sensitive area and protected (while occupied) by a minimum 500-foot radius during project construction. The following mitigation measures are suggested by CDFW for impacts to raptors: Mitigation Measure #1: To protect nesting birds that may occur on-site, CDFW recommends that the final environmental document include a measure that no construction shall occur from February 15 through August 31. If construction is unavoidable during February 15 through August 31, a qualified biologist shall complete surveys for nesting bird activity the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes (raptors and owls) within a 500 -foot radius of the construction site. The nesting bird surveys shall be conducted at appropriate nesting times and concentrate on potential roosting or perch sites. If an y Mitigation consistent with the comment is provided for as MM-BIO-1G on page 3.3-50 of the Draft EIR. Protected species that have been observed or have a moderate to high potential to occur in the study area are identified in Table 3.3-4 in the Draft EIR. The fact that taking or possessing protected species is unlawful is discussed on page 3.3-45 of the Draft EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 934 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-23 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response nests of birds of prey are observed, these nests shall be designated an ecologically sensitive area and protected (while occupied) by a minimum 500-foot radius during project construction. Pursuant to FGC Sections 3503 and 3503.5, it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird or bird-of-prey. Mitigation Measure #2: CDFW cannot authorize the take of any fully protected species as defined by state law. State fully protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for its take except for collecting those species for necessary scientific research and relocation of the bird species for protection of livestock (Fish & G. Code, §§ 3511, 4700, 5050, 5515). CDFW has advised the Permittee that take of any species designated as fully protected under the Fish and Game Code is prohibited. CDFW recognizes that certain fully-protected species are documented to occur on, or in, the vicinity of the Project area, or that such species have some potential to occur on, or in, the vicinity of the Project area, due to the presence of suitable habitat. A3-9 The following mitigation measures are suggested by CDFW for impacts to bats: Mitigation Measure #1: The CEQA document should provide a thorough discussion of potential impacts to bats from construction and operation of the Project to adequately disclose potential impacts and to identify appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures. Mitigation Measure #2: Measures to mitigate for impacts to bats should include preconstruction surveys to detect species, use of bat roost installations, and preparation of a Mitigation measures consistent with those presented in the comment to prevent potentially significant impact to bat species are provided in MM-BIO- 1I, MM-BIO-1J and MM-BIO-1K on pages 3.3-50 and 3.3-51 of the Draft EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 935 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-24 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response bat protection and relocation plan to be submitted to CDFW for approval prior to commencement of project activities. Mitigation Measure #3: CDFW recommends the Project avoid removal of trees that may be used by bats or avoid buildings or other occupied habitat for any species of bat. If bats cannot be avoided by Project activities and a bat specialist determines that roosting bats may be present at any time of year, it is preferable to push any tree down using heavy machinery rather than felling the tree with a chainsaw. To ensure the optimum warning for any roosting bats that may still be present, the tree should be pushed lightly two to three times, with a pause of approximately 30 seconds between each nudge to allow bats to become active. The tree should then be pushed to the ground slowly. The bat specialist should determine the optimal time to disturb occupied bat habitat to maximize bats escaping during low light levels. Downed trees should remain in place until they are inspected by a bat specialist. Trees that are known to be bat roosts should not be sawn - up or mulched immediately. A period of at least 24 hours (preferably 48 hours) should elapse prior to such operations to allow bats to escape. Bats should be allowed to escape prior to demolition of buildings. This may be accomplished by placing one-way exclusionary devices into areas where bats are entering a building that allow bats to exit but not enter the building. In addition, CDFW recommends that the Project include measures to ensure that bat habitat remains available for evicted bats or loss of bat habitat resulting from the Project, including information on the availability of other potential roosts that could be used by bats within protected open space on or near the Project site. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 936 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-25 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response A3-10 Comment #3: Impacts to CESA-Listed Species Issue: There are multiple listed species with the potential to occur on the Project site. Specific Impacts: Project related activities, such as grading, road construction, or housing construction could lead to the direct or indirect mortality of listed animal and/or plant species. Why impact would occur: Take of special status plant species, including ESA and CESAlisted species, may occur without adequate detection, avoidance and mitigation measures. Evidence impacts would be significant: CDFW considers adverse impacts to special status species protected by CESA and the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA, 16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq.), for the purposes of CEQA, to be significant without mitigation. As to CESA, take of any state endangered, threatened, candidate species, or listed rare plant species pursuant to the NPPA that results from the Project is prohibited, except as authorized by state law (Fish and Game code, §§ 2080, 2085; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §786.9). Take is defined in Section 86 of the Fish and Game Code as "hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill". Project impacts may result in substantial adverse effects, either directly or through habitat modifications, on a species protected under CESA. Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measure(s): Mitigation Measure #1: If the Project, Project construction, or any Project-related activity during the life of the Project Comment acknowledged. The Draft EIR includes discussions of such special- status species on pages 3.3-36 through 3.3-51 of the Draft EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 937 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-26 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response will result in take of a plant or animal species designated as rare, endangered or threatened, or a candidate for listing under CESA, CDFW recommends that the Project proponent seek appropriate take authorization under CESA prior to implementing the Project. Appropriate authorization from CDFW may include an I TP or a consistency determination in certain circumstances, among other options (Fish and Game Code §§ 2080.1, 208, subds. [b],[c]). Early consultation is encouraged, as significant modification to a project and mitigation measures may be required in order to obtain CESA authorization. Revisions to the Fish and Game Code, effective January 1998, may require CDFW issue a separate CEQA document for the issuance of an ITP unless the Project CEQA document addresses all Project impacts to CESA-listed species and specifies a mitigation monitoring and reporting program that will meet the fully mitigated requirements of an ITP. For these reasons, biological mitigation monitoring and reporting proposals should be of sufficient detail and resolution to satisfy the requirements for an ITP. A3-11 Comment #4: Accuracy of Tree Surveys Issue: There are conflicting tree surveys for the City of Diamond Bar, one presented by the City (Diamond Bar Environmental Impact Report 2040) and one provided by a concerned group of citizens (Biological Resources Report for Open Space & Conservation Element Diamond Bar General Plan Update). Between these sources, there is uncertainty in the accuracy of vegetation surveys, their accounting of oak and walnut woodlands, and the resulting mitigation. Specific Impact: The classifications of oak woodlands, walnut woodlands, riparian woodlands, and California walnut/Coast live oak woodland are inconsistent among See responses to comments A3-6 and B3-9. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 938 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-27 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the publicly available surveys provided in support of the DEIR. Based on the tree surveys provided for a given project, the potential impacts and their subsequent mitigation may vary greatly. Why impact would occur: If a habitat is misidentified, then the mitigative restored/replaced habitat may be of a different type, resulting in a habitat-type conversion and loss of the original habitat. Evidence impact would be significant: CDFW is concerned that inaccurate surveys of tree species as part of this Project would contribute to the degradation of natural open space or riparian habitats found within the City limits. CDFW is concerned that by not requiring all native trees and plants be replaced by similar native tree and plant species, the replacement trees would not be fully mitigating the function and value of the impacted native tree species. In 2007, the State Legislature required CDFW to develop and maintain a vegetation mapping standard for the state (Fish & Game Code, § 1940). This standard complies with the National Vegetation Classification System, which utilizes alliance and association based classification of unique vegetation stands. CDFW utilizes vegetation descriptions found in the Manual of California Vegetation (MCV), found online at http://vegetation.cnps.org/. To determine the rarity ranking of vegetation communities on the Project site, the MCV alliance/association community names should be provided as CDFW only tracks rare natural communities using this classification system. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 939 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-28 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measure(s): Mitigation Measure #1: Prior to completion of the Final Environmental Impact Report, the discrepancies between publicly available tree and vegetation surveys for the study area should be resolved by classifying vegetation according to the MCV. Comment #5: Inadequate Oak and Walnut Woodlands Mitigation Issue: The DEIR states that oak and walnut trees will be planted or transplanted, at a ratio of at least 1:1. • Page 3.3-54 states that future project mitigation will "Acquire oak woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1." • Page 3.3-55 states that future project mitigation will "Acquire walnut woodland habitat that is comparable to Specific Impact: Oak woodland and walnut woodland alliances are considered rare communities and should be mitigated as an ecosystem. Oak and Walnut woodlands are a community that includes the trees, as well as any understory plants, duff, dead logs, etc. Removal or thinning of an understory in woodland directly impacts the function of the entire woodland. Why impact would occur: Based on the tree surveys provided for a given project, the potential impacts and their subsequent mitigation may vary greatly. If a habitat is misidentified, then the mitigative restored/replaced habitat may be of a different type, resulting in a habitat - type conversion and loss of the original habitat. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 940 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-29 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Evidence Impact would be significant: A functioning woodland system does not solely include trees. There is an important understory component which needs to be figured into the impact analysis and mitigation proposal to fully mitigate impacts to rare and sensitive CDFW plant communities, such as oak woodlands and walnut woodlands. The DEIR does not describe what species these trees are, where they occur, how many will be removed, or how large they are. CDFW is unable to concur with any proposed mitigation measures without knowing first what will be impacted. Correct mapping of recognized vegetation alliances is vital to disclose actual acreage-based impacts to these tree- dominated vegetation community, as well as ensure they are adequately mitigated. CDFW was unable to verify the validity of several vegetation communities listed in the DEIR as recognized alliances, therefore unable to determine if they are sensitive vegetation communities. Including the scientific names for alliances as well as a thorough description of the membership requirements of each alliance would be helpful for validating the assessment completed. Each future project within the City should provide this information to CDFW for review in an environmental document. A3-12 Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measure(s): Mitigation Measure #1: CDFW recommends avoiding impacts to the oak or walnut woodland communities. If avoidance is not feasible, the City should minimize impacts to the maximum extent possible. Any impacts to the oak or walnut woodland communities should b e mitigated at a minimum 10 acres of preservation/restoration for every 1 acre of impact. All mitigation should be held to quantifiab le success criteria, including species diversity, species The City has an adopted Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. However, the suggested mitigation contained in the comment are noted and will be considered when the existing ordinance is modified. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 941 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-30 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response richness, abundance, percent cover, and non-native cover below 5 percent. Success criteria should be based on the composition of the vegetation communities being impacted. Success should not be determined until the site has been irrigation-free and the metrics for success have remained stable for at least 5 years. Mitigation Measure #2: CDFW recommends off-site habitat preservation of rare and sensitive vegetation communities (i.e., oak woodland, walnut woodland, etc.) at a ratio of at least 10:1 for impacts to these resources. Additionally, planting more trees in the existing on-site habitat at an excessive density should be avoided as it could result in an impact to that habitat. Mitigation Measure #3: For all native trees not classified as a rare vegetation community according to MCV, CDFW recommends mitigating for those trees impacted by the Project at a 5:1 ratio for both the acreage of impact as well as the number of trees. Mitigation Measure #4: CDFW recommends that all open space preservation/mitigation land be protected in perpetuity with minimal human intrusion by recording and executing a perpetual conservation easement in favor of an approved agent dedicated to conserving biological resources. In addition, CDFW recommends all mitigation lands be owned or managed by an entity with experience in managing habitat. Mitigation lands should be owned or managed by a conservancy or other land management company to allow for legal remedies should trespass and clearing/damage occur. A management and monitoring plan, including a funding commitment, should be developed for any conserved land, and implemented in 7.1.f Packet Pg. 942 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-31 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response perpetuity to protect existing biological functions and values. A3-13 Comment #6: Impacts to Streams Issue: Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-3 Jurisdictional Waters discusses the need for consultation with regulating agencies regarding impacts to riparian resources and potential mitigation but does not indicate the need for notification for a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement with CDFW. Specific impacts: The Project may result in the loss of streams and associated watershed function and biological diversity. Grading and construction activities will likely alter the topography, and thus the hydrology, of the Project site. Why impacts would occur: Ground disturbing activities from grading and filling, water diversions and dewatering would physically remove or otherwise alter existing streams or their function and associated riparian habitat on the Project site. Downstream streams and associated biological resources beyond the Project development footprint may also be impacted by Project related releases of sediment and altered watershed effects resulting from Project activities. Evidence impacts would be significant: The Project may substantially adversely affect the existing stream pattern of the Project site through the alteration or diversion of a stream, which absent specific mitigation, could result in substantial erosion or siltation on site or off site of the project. Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measure(s): The Draft EIR recognizes the presence of CDFG regulated drainages in the study area on page 3.3-8. Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code identifies related regulatory constraints of these resources on page 3.3-35. Impacts associated with the development of these resources, including mitigation are discussed on pages 3.3-51 through 3.3-53. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 943 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-32 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Mitigation Measure #1: The Project may result in the alteration of streams. For any such activities, the Project applicant (or "entity') must provide written notification to CDFW pursuant to section 1600 et seq. of the Fish an d Game Code. Based on this notification and other information, CDFW determines whether a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSA) with the applicant is required prior to conducting the proposed activities. A notification package for a LSA may be obtained by accessing CDFW's web site at www.wildlife.ca.qov/habcon/1600. CDFW's issuance of an LSA for a project that is subject to CEQA will require CEQA compliance actions by CDFW as a Responsible Agency. As a Responsible Agency, CDFW may consider the CEQA document of the Lead Agency for the Project. However, the DEIR does not meet CDFW's standard at this time. To minimize additional requirements by CDFW pursuant to section 1600 et seq. and/or under CEQA, the CEQA document should fully identify the potential impacts to the stream or riparian resources and provide adequate avoidance, mitigation, monitoring and reporting commitments for issuance of the LSA. Mitigation Measure #2: Any LSA permit issued for the Project by CDFW may include additional measures protective of streambeds on and downstream of the Project. The LSA may include further erosion and pollution control measures. To compensate for any on-site and off- site impacts to riparian resources, additional mitigation conditioned in any LSA may include the following: avoidance of resources, on-site or off-site creation, enhancement or restoration, and/or protection and management of mitigation lands in perpetuity. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 944 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-33 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response A3-14 Filing Fees The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the fee is required in order for the underlying Project approval to be operative, vested, and final. (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & Game Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources code, § 21089). Comment acknowledged. A3-15 Conclusion We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Project to assist the City of Diamond Bar in adequately analyzing and minimizing/mitigating impacts to biological resources. CDFW requests an opportunity to review and comment on any response that the City has to our comments and to receive notification of any forthcoming hearing date(s) for the Project [CEQA Guidelines; §15073(e)]. If you have any questions or comments regarding this letter, please contact Andrew Valand, Environmental Scientist, at Andrew.Valand@wildlife.ca.qov or (562) 342-2142. Sincerely, Erinn Wilson Environmental Program Manager I The comment is the closing of the letter. Comments regarding the adequacy of the Draft EIR are addressed above. A3-16 References: California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW]. March 20, 2018. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (see https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Plants). The comment provides references to the comments made in the letter, addressed in comments A3-5 through A3-13. No response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 945 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-34 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Dyett & Bhatia. September 2019. Diamond Bar Environmental Impact Report 2040. Public Review Draft. September 2019. Hamilton, Robert. February 2019. Biological Resources Report for Open Space & Conservation Element Diamond Bar General Plan Update. National Research Council. 1995. Science and the Endangered Species Act. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/4978. Sawyer, J.O., Keeler Wolf, T., and Evens J.M. 2008. A manual of California Vegetation, 2nd ed. ISBN 978 0 943460 49 9. A4 CALTRANS DISTRICT 7 A4-1 October 31, 2019 Ms. Grace Lee City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 RE: Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan — Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) SCH # 2018051066 GTS # 07-LA-2018-02837 Vic. LA-57/PM: R 1.184 - 6.08 LA-60/PM: R 22.064 - R 27.472 Dear Ms. Grace Lee: This comment is the opening of the letter and provides information regarding Caltrans’ responsibility to respond to the Draft EIR. See responses to comments A4-2 through A4-8 below. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 946 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-35 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the environmental review process for the above referenced project. The proposed project involves updating the city's General Plan and Climate Action Plan, as well as various elements of the General Plan. The nearest State facilities to the proposed project are State Route 57 and State Route 60. Based on the information received in the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan, Caltrans has the following comments: A4-2 Caltrans supports the implementation of complete streets and active transportation safety improvements, especially those represented in the Transportation section of the Draft General Plan. Some of Caltrans' recommended improvements include, but are not limited to, measures such as road diets, bike lanes, and other traffic calming elements to promote sustainable transportation. As mentioned in Caltrans' previous Notice of Perpetration (NOP) comment letter, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizes the road diet treatment as a proven safety countermeasure, and the cost of a road diet can be significantly reduced if implemented in tandem with routine street resurfacing. Comment acknowledged. The General Plan includes multiple policies in Chapter 4, Circulation aimed at promoting sustainable transportation including, but not limited to, traffic calming measures, increased bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle infrastructure. A4-3 When considering implementation of innovative bicycle infrastructure, the City may consult resources such as the National Association of Transportation Officials' (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide, or FHWA Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide, to assist in the design process. Caltrans formally endorsed the NACTO Guide in Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 947 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-36 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 2014 and the FHWA released its guide in 2015. Also, the State's Highway Design Manual now contains provisions for protected bike lanes under "Design Information Bulletin Number 89: Class [V Bikeway Guidance (Separated Bikeways/ Cycle Tracks)." A4-4 Regional and State level policy goals related to sustainable transportation seek to reduce the number of trips made by driving, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage alternative modes of travel. Caltrans' Strategic Management Plan has set a target of tripling trips made by bicycling, and doubling trips made by walking and public transit by 2020. The Strategic Plan also seeks to achieve a sizable reduction in statewide, per capita, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2020. Similar goals are included in Caltrans' 2040 Transportation Plan, and the Southern California Association of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan. Statewide legislation such as AB 32 and SB 375 echo the need to pursue more sustainable development and transportation. The aforementioned policy goals related to sustainability and climate change can only be achieved with support from local agencies on all levels of planning. Comment acknowledged. The Diamond Bar General Plan includes numerous goals and policies that support these efforts. A4-5 Caltrans is moving towards replacing Level of Service (LOS) with Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) when evaluating traffic impact. Per SB 743 requirements, Caltrans supports the City's efforts towards developing these metrics and any development that may reduce VMT. As a reminder, Senate Bill 743 (2013) mandates that VMT be used as the primary metric in identifying transportation impacts of all future development projects under CEQA, starting July 1, 2020. For information on determining transportation impacts in terms of VMT on the State Highway System, see the Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA by the California Governor's Office of Planning and Comment acknowledged. Per SB 743 requirements and in accordance with 2019 CEQA Appendix G criteria, the following threshold of significance is used to determine if the proposed General Plan has an impact under the terms of Criteria 2: “A significant impact would occur if the proposed General Plan Update increases the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per person above the baseline conditions.” (page 3.12-31, Impact 3.12-2). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 948 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-37 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Research, dated December 2018: http://opr.ca.gov/docs/20190122-743 Technical_Advisory.pdf. A4-6 With regards to parking, Caltrans supports reducing the amount of parking whenever possible. Research on parking suggests that abundant car parking enables and encourages driving. Research looking at the relationship between land-use, parking, and transportation indicates that the amount of car parking supplied can undermine a project's ability to encourage public transit and active modes of transportation. For any future project to better promote public transit and reduce vehicle miles traveled, we recommend the implementation of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies as an alternative to building excessive parking. Comment acknowledged. The General Plan includes multiple policies that would reduce parking minimums, improve curbside management, and support transportation demand programs in order to promote multi-modal transportation and reduce VMT. Policies are cited in Chapter 3.12 and Chapter 3.5: Air Quality, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases. A4-7 Due to the sensitivity of wildfires in Los Angeles County, Caltrans suggests the project please consider planning future implementation/construction in a way that will not impede the ability to perform an emergency evacuation. Please consider taking steps to ensure that evacuation roadways are free of any debris or project equipment and are accessible to the public/emergency vehicles at all times. As power outages become more common due to wildfire prevention, please consider alternative power sources for emergency evacuation route streetlights and traffic signals. Comment acknowledged. The Draft EIR concludes that implementation of the General Plan would not result in inadequate emergency access in Impacts 3.7- 6 (page 3.7-40) and 3.12-4 (page 3.12-37). A4-8 Storm water run-off is a sensitive issue for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. For any future projects Caltrans supports designs that discharge clean run-off water and/or incorporate green design elements that can capture storm water. Incorporating measures such as, but not limited to, permeable pavement, landscaping, and trees reduce urban water run-off and encourage a healthy, sustainable environment. Comment acknowledged. The General Plan includes multiple policies that would limit run-off by requiring new development to incorporate Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development Strategies and requiring the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan. Additionally, the General Plan provides policies that encourage sustainability in site design and protect waterways from pollution and degradation. Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality concludes that impacts related to stormwater run-off would be less than significant. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 949 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-38 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response A4-9 If you have any questions or concerns regarding these comments, please contact project coordinator, Reece Allen at ece.allen@dot.ca.gov and refer to 07 -LA-2018-02837. Sincerely, MIYA EDMONSON IGR/CEQA Branch Chief This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A5 LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) A5-1 October 31, 2019 Grace S. Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar, Planning Division 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Sent by Email: glee@diamondbarca.gov RE: Diamond Bar General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan (CAP) – Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Dear Ms. Lee: Thank you for coordinating with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) regarding the proposed General Plan Update and CAP (Plan), located in the City of Diamond Bar (City). Metro is committed to working with local municipalities, developers, and other stakeholders across Los Angeles County on transit- supportive developments to grow ridership, reduce driving, and promote walkable neighborhoods. Transit Oriented Communities (TOCs) are places (such as corridors or neighborhoods) that, by their design, allow people to drive Comment acknowledged. This comment is the salutation of the letter and provides information on Metro’s commitment to supporting Transit Oriented Communities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 950 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-39 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response less and access transit more. TOCs maximize equitable access to a multi-modal transit network as a key organizing principle of land use planning and holistic community development. A5-2 Within the Plan area, Metro funds Metrolink commuter rail service operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA). The purpose of this letter is to briefly describe the proposed Plan (based on the DEIR’s project description), outline recommendations from Metro concerning issues that are germane to our agency’s statutory responsibility in relation to Metrolink facilities and services that may be affected by the proposed Plan, and help identify opportunities in the Plan to support transit ridership. Comment acknowledged. A5-3 Plan Description The Plan includes the Diamond Bar Plan 2040, which is a long-term document expressing the goals, objectives, and policies necessary to guide the community toward achieving its vision over a 20-year period. The Plan also includes a CAP, which is a comprehensive plan for addressing a community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Comment acknowledged. A5-4 Transit Service Considerations 1. Coordination Resource: To improve coordination between the City, adjacent development and Metro, Metro would like to provide the City with a user- friendly resource, the Metro Adjacent Development Handbook (attached), which provides an overview of common concerns for development adjacent to Metrolink ROW. This document and additional resources are available at www.metro.net/devreview/. Metro encourages the City to provide this document as Comment acknowledged. The Metro Adjacent Handbook is included in the Final EIR as a reference for all development projects adjacent to Metro ROW. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 951 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-40 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response a resource to all development projects adjacent to Metro ROW. A5-5 2. Rail Operations, Noise & Vibration: Metrolink operates within the Plan area, serving Industry Station. Metrolink operates in and out of revenue service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Considering the proximity of the Plan area to Metrolink, it is expected that rail operations may produce noise and vibration. Comment acknowledged. Railroad sound levels were not measured for the Draft EIR; ambient noise measurements were conducted for the General Plan Update to characterize the general ambient noise environment in the Program Area; however, not for impact assessment in the Program EIR. Accordingly, as discussed on page 3.10-25, specific details on future railway expansions or improvements are unknown at this time, neither are the specific noise sources that might occur in conjunction with development of land uses near the railway under the Proposed Plan. Therefore, railway noise and vibration impacts are discussed on a qualitative basis. Policies within the General Plan Update (e.g., PS-P-52) take into consideration the siting of sensitive receptors near potential noise generators and would limit the exposure of sensitive receptors to any existing railway noise. Furthermore, the proposed General Plan Update does not include any railway upgrades or improvement that would increase train volumes or number of tracks. A5-6 3. Plan Policies to address Transit: To further address the land use and noise compatibility of future development in the vicinity of Industry Station, Metro recommends that the Plan include policies to require future development projects in the Station’s vicinity to record a notice to property owners and tenants to advise of the presence of railway noise and vibration sources. Any noise mitigation required for future development projects must be borne by the project applicants and not Metrolink. Policy revisions and additions are not relevant for the purposes of the Final EIR, and this comment does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR. Goal LU-G-21 states “Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale, density, and massing of adjacent residential uses and potential sources of noise and air pollution.” Policy LU-P-34 states “Ensure that development evaluates and mitigates to extent practical noise and air quality issues related to the proximity of the SR-60 and Metrolink.” A5-7 4. Climate Action Planning: Metro encourages the City to review the Plan’s consistency with Metro’s 2019 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and the Southern California Association of Governments’ 2020- 2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy to ensure the Plan will not conflict with those plans. Metro’s 2019 CAP is available at Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases concludes that the General Plan policies and land use designations, as well as the Climate Action Plan, would be consistent with the 2016-2040 SCAG RPT/SCS under Impacts 3.5-2 and 3.5-4. The 2020-2045 Draft RPT/SCS was published after the Public Review period for the Draft EIR closed. The General Plan and Climate Action Plan would not conflict with the Metro 2019 CAAP or the SCAG 2020-2045 RTP/SCS. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 952 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-41 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response http://media.metro.net/projects_studies/sustainability /images/Climate_Action_Plan.pdf. A5-8 Transit Orientation Considerations Considering the Plan area’s proximity to the Industry Station, Metro would like to identify the potential synergies associated with transit-oriented development: 1. Transit-Supportive Planning: To achieve Metro’s program objectives, Metro strongly recommends that the City review the Transit-Supportive Planning Toolkit which identifies 10 elements of transit-supportive places and applied collectively, has been shown to reduce vehicle miles traveled by establishing community-scaled density, diverse land use mix, combination of affordable housing, and infrastructure projects for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people of all ages and abilities. This resource is available at https://www.metro.net/projects/tod-toolkit. Comment acknowledged. A5-9 2. Land Use: Metro supports development of commercial and residential properties near transit stations and understands that increasing development near stations represents a mutually beneficial opportunity to increase ridership and enhance transportation options for the users of developments. Metro encourages the City to be mindful of the Plan’s proximity to the Industry Station, including orienting pedestrian pathways towards the station. Comment acknowledged. Policy LU-P-30 would “Ensure that building frontages and streetscaping define the public realm and encourage pedestrian activity and comfort with a mix of building patterns, ground floor transparency for commercial uses, and pedestrian-oriented elements such as building entrances and public outdoor spaces.” Policy LU-P-31 would “Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar such as schools, the Town Center, and parks.” A5-10 3. Transit Connections: a. Transfer Activity: Given the Plan’s proximity to the Industry Station, proposed project design should consider and accommodate transfer activity between bus and rail lines that will occur along the sidewalks and public spaces. Metro has completed the Metro Transfers Comment acknowledged. Policy revisions and additions are not relevant for the purpose of the Final EIR. Policy LU-P-31 would “Promote convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar such as schools, the Town Center, and parks.” Policy LU-P-41 would “Maximize accessibility for transit, 7.1.f Packet Pg. 953 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-42 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Design Guide, a best practices document on transit improvements. This can be accessed online at https://www.metro.net/projects/systemwided esign. automobiles, cyclists, and pedestrians to the Town Center from surrounding neighborhoods, the Metrolink station, and other Diamond Bar destinations.” A5-11 b. Access: The Plan should address first-last mile connections to transit, encouraging development that is transit-accessible with bicycle and pedestrian-oriented street design that connects transportation with housing and employment centers. The City is also encouraged to support these connections with wayfinding signage inclusive of all modes of transportation. For reference, please review the First Last Mile Strategic Plan, authored by Metro and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), available on-line at: http://media.metro.net/docs/sustainability_pa th_design_guidelines.pdf Comment acknowledged. Multiple policies within the General Plan encourage transit-accessible development, pedestrian-oriented street design, and first- and last-mile connectivity. Policy CR-P-49 would “Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods.” A5-12 4. Active Transportation: Metro strongly encourages the City to install project features that help facilitate safe and convenient connections for pedestrians, people riding bicycles, and transit users to/from the Industry Station and nearby destinations. The City should consider requiring the installation of such features as part of the conditions of approval for proposed projects. These features can include the following: a. Walkability: The installation of wide sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, a continuous canopy of shade trees, enhanced crosswalks with ADA- compliant curb ramps, and other amenities along all public street frontages of the development site to improve pedestrian safety and comfort to access the nearby rail station. Comment acknowledged. The General Plan includes multiple policies that would ensure safe and convenient connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users in the Land Use and Circulation chapters. See responses to comments A5-9 through A5-11. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 954 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-43 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response b. Bicycle Use: The provision of adequate short- term bicycle parking, such as ground level bicycle racks, and secure, access-controlled, enclosed long-term bicycle parking for residents, employees and guests. Bicycle parking facilities should be designed with best practices in mind, including highly visible siting, effective surveillance, easy to locate, and equipment installed with preferred spacing dimensions, so they can be safely and conveniently accessed. A5-13 5. Parking: Metro encourages the incorporation of transit- oriented, pedestrian-oriented parking provision strategies such as the reduction or removal of minimum parking requirements for specific areas and the exploration of shared parking opportunities. These strategies could be pursued to reduce automobile- orientation in design and travel demand. Comment acknowledged. Policy LU-P-32 states “In conjunction with new development, implement an overall parking strategy for the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use neighborhood, including consolidation of smaller parking lots and district-wide management of parking resources.” Policy LU-P-33 states “Consider amendments to the Development Code parking regulations as needed to allow lower parking minimums for developments with a mix of uses with different peak parking needs, as well as developments that implement enforceable residential parking demand reduction measures, such as parking permit and car share programs.” A5-14 Metro looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the City to effectuate policies and implementation activities that promote transit oriented communities. If you have any questions regarding this response, please contact me by phone at 213-922-2671, by email at devreview@metro.net, or by mail at the following address: Metro Development Review One Gateway Plaza MS 99-22-1 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952 Sincerely, Shine Ling, AICP Manager, Transit Oriented Communities This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the ad equacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 955 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-44 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Attachments and links: • Adjacent Development Handbook: https://www.metro.net/projects/devreview/ A5-15 Attachment: Metro Adjacent Development Handbook, May 2018 The attachment is provided in support of comment A5-4, addressed above. A6 SANITATION DISTRICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY A6-1 October 31, 2019 Ref. DOC 5311089 Ms. Grace S. Lee, Senior Planner Planning Division City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Dear Ms. Lee: DEIR Response to the Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (Districts) received a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the subject project on September 20, 2019. The City of Diamond Bar (City) is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of District No. 21. We offer the following comments: This comment is the salutation of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A6-2 1. Future Development, page 2-26, paragraph one — The Districts should review individual developments within the City in order to determine whether or not sufficient trunk sewer capacity exists to serve each project and if Districts' facilities will be affected by the project. Comment acknowledged. Such review would occur on a project-level basis separate from the programmatic analysis conducted in the Draft EIR for the General Plan. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 956 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-45 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response A6-3 2. Table 2.3-2, page 2-26, Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) — The table lists 3,264 housing units as future development within the City and breaks it down to 142 single-family residential units and 3,122 multi-family residential units. The expected average wastewater flow from 142 single family homes is 36,920 gallons per day (gpd). Depending on the type of multifamily unit, the expected average wastewater flow from 3,122 multi-family residential units could range from 487,032 gpd to 608,790 gpd. For a copy of the Districts' average wastewater generation factors, go to www.lacsd.org, Wastewater & Sewer Systems, click on Will Serve Program, and click on the Table 1, Loadings for Each Class of Land Use link. Under Impact 3.13-1, the Draft EIR projects an overall increase in wastewater flows between 0.25 and 0.88 million gallons per day, or a range of 300,237 gallons per day to 1,056,836 gallons per day. The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County project average wastewater flow from multi-family residential units and non-residential future development (addressed in comment A6-4) to range between 887,314 gpd to 1,009,072 gpd. This is within the range provided in the Draft EIR, which assumes that the General Plan could result in a wastewater flow increase of up to 16 percent. Impact 3.13 -1 is determined to be less than significant. A6-4 3. Table 2.3-3, page 2-26, Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) — The table breaks down non- residential by square feet listing future development as 607,283 square feet of retail development, 519,892 square feet of office space, removal of 203,001 square feet of industrial use structure, and 693,409 square feet within the "other" category. The expected average wastewater flow for the non-residential future development is 400,282 gpd, after all scheduled industrial structures on the project site are demolished. See response to comment A6-3. A6-5 4. Impact 3.6-5, page 3.6-32, paragraph four— It should also be noted that the Districts are empowered by the California Health and Safety Code to charge a fee for the privilege of connecting (directly or indirectly) to the Districts' Sewerage System for increasing the strength or quantity of wastewater discharged from connected facilities. This connection fee is a capital facilities fee that is imposed in an amount sufficient to construct an incremental expansion of the Sewerage System to accommodate the proposed project. Payment of a Comment acknowledged. This information has been added to the Impact 3.6 - 5 analysis in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 957 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-46 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response connection fee will be required before this project is permitted to discharge to the Districts' Sewerage System. A6-6 All other information concerning Districts' facilities and sewerage service contained in the document is current. If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned at (562) 908-4288, extension 2717. Very truly yours, Adriana Raza Customer Service Specialist Facilities Planning Department Comment acknowledged. A7 CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH, STATE CLEARINGHOUSE AND PLANNING UNIT A7-1 October 31, 2019 Grace Lee Diamond Bar, City of 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Subject: Diamond Bar Comprehensive General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan SCH#: 2018051066 Dear Grace Lee: This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. A7-2 The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named EIR to selected state agencies for review. The review period closed on 10/30/2019, and the comments from the responding agency (ies) is (are) available on the CEQA database for your retrieval and use. If this comment package is not in order, please notify the State Clearinghouse immediately. Please refer to the project's ten-digit State Clearinghouse number in future correspondence so that we may respond promptly. Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 958 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-47 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Please note that Section 21104(c) of the California Public Resources Code states that: "A responsible or other public agency shall only make substantive comments regarding those activities involved in a project which are within an area of expertise of the agency or which are required to be carried out or approved by the agency. Those comments shall be supported by specific documentation." Check the CEQA database for submitted comments for use in preparing your final environmental document: https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2018051066/2. Should you need more information or clarification of the comments, we recommend that you contact the commenting agency directly. A7-3 This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Please contact the State Clearinghouse at (916) 445-0613 if you have any questions regarding the environmental review process. Comment acknowledged. A7-4 Sincerely, Scott Morgan Director, State Clearinghouse cc: Resources Agency This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. Organizations and Individuals B1-A DR. DOUGLAS BARCON B1-A-1 Diamond Bar General Plan EIR comment October 8, 2019 Railroad sound levels were not measured for the program EIR; ambient noise measurements were conducted for the General Plan Update to characterize the general ambient noise environment in the Program Area; however, not for impact assessment in the Program EIR. Accordingly, as discussed on page 7.1.f Packet Pg. 959 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-48 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Section 3 Transit Noise, Section 3.1 Noise of the 2018 Metrics Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual by the Federal Transit Administration: Railroad sound levels were measured using A-weighting that approximates typical human hearing and reported as dBA from the Google Earth reported distance from the railroad tracks with passing locomotives and rail cars to the receiving location near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar. The actual Sound Level Exposure (SEL) 50 feet from the source would require additional information and calculations or measurement at the source, which is easier than calculations. Note that Table 3-1 describes a human-perceived 10 dB increase above the actual measurements between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Therefore, a sound level of 60 dBA would be perceived as 70 dBA, and a 10 dB increase is perceived as a doubling of sound levels by the human ear. 3.10-25, “specific details on future railway expansions or improvements are unknown at this time, neither are the specific noise sources that might occur in conjunction with development of land uses near the railway under the Proposed Plan. Therefore, railway noise and vibration impacts are discussed on a qualitative basis (emphasis added). Policies within the General Plan Update (e.g., PS-P-52) take into consideration the siting of sensitive receptors near potential noise generators and would limit the exposure of sensitive receptors to any existing railway noise. Furthermore, the proposed General Plan Update does not include any railway upgrades or improvement that would increase train volumes or number of tracks.” B1-A-2 Section 3.3 Paths of Transit Noise from Source to Receiver This section states: “Sound paths from source to receiver are predominantly through the air. Along these paths, sound reduces with distance due to divergence, absorption/diffusion, and shielding.” Per Figure 3-3 below, the approximate attenuation of the generator SEL at 50 feet would decrease by 20 dBA at 800 feet from the source and this is a logarithmic decrease. Instead of calculating the attenuation, it is somewhat easier to extrapolate from Figure 3-3. It is estimated that there is a 30 dBA attenuation at 2,000 feet from the source. However, when one considers Figure 3-4 attenuation over soft ground, it is clear that height above terrain determines attenuation, and the neighborhoods south of Dry Creek are more than 40 feet above the source and would have negligible sound level attenuation by the ground. This corresponds See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 960 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-49 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response reasonably well with trains passing west, northwest, and north of the receiving location, but not trains passing further west by the warehouses along Ferrero Parkway in the City of Industry. Direction of travel is critical in determining cumulative sound levels. Figure 3-3 Attenuation Due to Distance (Divergence) In the section on shielding, it is noted that noise barriers are one of the most effective means of mitigating noise, such as a wall. Walls also reflect sound. When the City of Industry permitted warehouses with flat vertical walls to be built along Ferrero Parkway near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, railroad sound was amplified and reflected south and southeast into the Diamond Bar neighborhoods along Sunset Crossing Road and Prospectors Road. The noise intrudes into homes. Figure 3-4 Attenuation Due to Soft Ground Note that the time period when locomotives pass by those warehouses, sound is further amplified and reflected. There is no mitigation of that reflected sound. Possible mitigation could include sound deadening treatment of the warehouse walls. Further, when buildings are built on the flat-topped hill south of the railroad tracks, railroad noise would be reflected to the northwest and north and then reflected again off the walls of warehouses (in ellipse) along Ferrero Parkway. Whether phasing of that sound will amplify or attenuate the railroad noise is unknown. Sound/noise mitigation is warranted. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 961 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-50 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B1-A-3 When it comes to community annoyance to the noise, Figure 3-7 describes it well, and no further discussion on annoyance is warranted. Figure 3-7 Community Annoyance Due to Noise See response to comment B1-A-1 above. B1-A-4 Lastly, none of this means anything without actual data to assess the situation and how the Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report will address the situation. Since there is no supporting data, I collected some from near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar, as specified in the table below. Note the time of collection, the distance from the railroad tracks, and the decibel measurements. It should be possible to estimate the noise levels at distances closer to the passing trains. Train Noise @ N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr., Diamond Bar Baseline Level < 50 dB A-Weighting 500 Hz – 10 kHz Fast [Train Noise table] Measurement Equipment: Realistic Sound Level Meter No: 33-2050 * Note: The very long train on 10/8/2019 also had a locomotive in the middle and two at the end. Freight trains have no posted schedule and pass at random times. During the measurement period, there were no EB heavy load trains and no braking. Only one very loud horn was measured (9/16/2019 at 0110), and it was west of the receiving location and directed west. Levels hover around See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 962 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-51 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response reported values within 1-2 dB. Where levels are a range, the upper level is a peak. Data captured and logged by Douglas Barcon Submitted by: Dr. Douglas Barcon B1-B DR. DOUGLAS BARCON B1-B-1 Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and EIR Comment— Updated October 9, 2019 The following is based on Section 3 Transit Noise; Section 3.1 Noise Metrics of the 2018 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual by the Federal Transit Administration, which was provided as a reference in Chapter 3.10 Noise in the EIR and Chapter 7.8 in the 2040 General Plan. Railroad sound levels were measured using A-weighting that approximates typical human hearing and reported as dBA from the Google Earth reported distance from the railroad tracks with passing locomotives and rail cars to the receiving location near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar. The actual Sound Lev el Exposure (SEL) 50 feet from the source would require additional information and calculations or measurement at the source, which is easier than calculations. Note that Table 3-1 describes a human-perceived 10 dB increase above the actual measurements between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Therefore, a sound level of 60 dBA would be See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 963 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-52 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response perceived as 70 dBA, and a 10 dB increase is perceived as a doubling of sound levels by the human ear. B1-B-2 Section 3.3 Paths of Transit Noise from Source to Receiver This section states: “Sound paths from source to receiver are predominantly through the air. Along these paths, sound reduces with distance due to divergence, absorption/diffusion, and shielding.” Per Figure 3-3 below, the approximate attenuation of the generator SEL at 50 feet would decrease by 20 dBA at 800 feet from the source and this is a logarithmic decrease. Instead of calculating the attenuation, it is somewhat easier to extrapolate from Figure 3-3. It is estimated that there is a 30 dBA attenuation at 2,000 feet from the source. However, when one considers Figure 3-4 attenuation over soft ground, it is clear that height above terrain determines attenuation, and the neighborhoods south of Dry Creek are more than 40 feet above the source and would have negligible sound level attenuation by the ground. This corresponds reasonably well with trains passing west, northwest, and north of the receiving location, but not trains passing further west by the warehouses along Ferrero Parkway in the City of Industry. Direction of travel is critical in determining cumulative sound levels. Figure 3-3 Attenuation Due to Distance (Divergence) In the section on shielding, it is noted that noise barriers are one of the most effective means of mitigating noise, such as a wall. Walls also reflect sound. When the City of Industry permitted warehouses with flat vertical walls to be built along Ferrero Parkway near the Union Pacific railroad tracks, railroad sound was amplified and reflected south and southeast into the Diamond Bar neighborhoods See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 964 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-53 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response along Sunset Crossing Road and Prospectors Road. The noise intrudes into homes. Figure 3-4 Attenuation Due to Soft Ground Note that the time period when locomotives pass by those warehouses, sound is further amplified and reflected. There is no mitigation of that reflected sound. Possible mitigation could include sound deadening treatment of the warehouse walls. Further, when buildings are built on the flat-topped hill south of the railroad tracks, railroad noise would be reflected to the northwest and north and then reflected again off the walls of warehouses (in ellipse) along Ferrero Parkway. Whether phasing of that sound will amplify or attenuate the railroad noise is unknown. Sound/noise mitigation is warranted as addressed in General Plan 2040 Chapter 7.8; policy PS-P-51 and Chapter 8.0; policy CHS-P-29. B1-B-3 When it comes to community annoyance to the noise, Figure 3-7 describes it well, and no further discussion on annoyance is warranted. [Figure 3-7 Community Annoyance Due to Noise] See response to comment B1-A-1 above. B1-B-4 Lastly, none of this means anything without actual data to assess the situation and how the Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report will address the situation. Since there is no supporting data, I collected some from near the intersection of N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. in Diamond Bar, as specified in the table below. Note the time of collection, the distance from the railroad tracks, and the decibel measurements. It should be possible to estimate the noise levels at distances closer to See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 965 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-54 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the passing trains, such as along Big Falls Drive and Strongbow Drive. Train Noise @ N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr., Diamond Bar Baseline Level < 50 dB A-Weighting 500 Hz – 10 kHz Fast [Train Noise table] Measurement Equipment: Realistic Sound Level Meter No: 33-2050 * Note: The very long train on 10/8/2019 also had a locomotive in the middle and two at the end. There was a parallel train parked on the closer track that attenuated the noise level somewhat. Freight trains have no posted schedule and pass at random times. During the measurement period, there were no EB heavy load trains and no braking. Only one very loud horn was measured (9/16/2019 at 0110), and it was west of the receiving location and directed west. Levels hover around reported values within 1-2 dB. Where levels are a range, the upper level is a peak. B1-B-5 As a final point, in Chapter 7.8 of the 2040 General Plan, Figure 7-11 on page 7-41, the map shows existing noise contours in 2016 but does not show any railroad noise contour in the neighborhood bordered by SR 57 on the east, City of Industry on the west, and the SR 57/SR 60 confluence on the south. The same map is present in Chapter 3.10 of the EIR as Figure 3.10-2. The sound levels I measured and noted in the table above show that this residential area should have a noise contour included on the map and on the projected 2040 noise contour shown in Figure 3.10-2 illustrates vehicle traffic noise contours on area roadways based on vehicle traffic noise levels estimated from vehicle traffic volumes. See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 966 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-55 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Figure 7-12 on page 7-42 of the General Plan and in Figure 3.10-2 (or a revision) in the EIR. I will postulate that the railroad noise levels will decrease to the south of the highest points on Red Cloud Drive and Prospectors Road as both roads descend. Data captured and logged by Douglas Barcon Submitted by: Dr. Douglas Barcon B1-C DR. DOUGLAS BARCON B1-C-1 Dr. Douglas Barcon XXXX N. Rock River Dr. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Grace Lee Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 October 29, 2019 Dear Grace, This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B1-C-2 Please add this additional information to my previous comment on railroad noise for the draft EIR. Since I submitted my comment on the subject of railroad noise in Chapter 3.10 Noise in the EIR and Chapter 7.8 in the 2040 General Plan, I was able to measure the sound levels of an additional Union Pacific freight train early Comment acknowledged. See response to comment B1-A-1 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 967 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-56 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response morning on October 24, 2019. This was one of the trains where the locomotive horn was excessively loud and measured 82 dBA 2200 - 2500 feet from the source locomotive, which was facing west away from the homes in Diamond Bar in the area around N. Rock River Dr. and Red Cloud Dr. It was the loudest train horn I was able to measure. Occasional other trains have a horn sound level that the human ear can sense is even louder. In comparison to the 82 dBA sound level, I will estimate the loudest horn sound level to be in the range of 86 - 88 dBA. Some of these horns also sound at night when the ambient sound level is in the 40 dBA range. There are no roads where the locomotives sound their horns, so a quiet zone designation could mitigate the horn sounding without spending millions of dollars modifying intersections. A quiet zone will not impact the other railroad noises. [Train Noise table] Measurement Equipment: Realistic Sound Level Meter No: 33-2050 B1-C-3 Respectfully, Dr. Douglas Barcon Data captured and logged by Douglas Barcon This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B1-D DR. DOUGLAS BARCON B1-D-1 Dr. Douglas Barcon XXXX N. Rock River Dr. Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Grace Lee Senior Planner This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 968 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-57 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 October 31, 2019 Re: Draft Environmental Impact Report Dear Ms. Lee, B1-D-2 I have been reviewing the draft Environmental Impact Report and have additional comments on other topics beyond those I have previously submitted regarding railroad noise. In the Executive Summary of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 a nd Climate Action Plan Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measurers in section 3.6 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology starting on page ES-46 shows no mitigation measures are necessary for section 3.6-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project and would not result in significant development located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. I must question the statement that mitigation is not necessary. Specifically, I am addressing the mixed -use area on North Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Sunset Crossing Road. This is the area next to the Diamond Bar Boulevard exit from the westbound SR-60. Comment acknowledged. The Draft EIR assumes that development under the General Plan, including the mixed use area discussed in this comment, could include development occurring on unstable soil or geologic units such as the surrounding steep slopes. These potential hazards would be addressed through the integration of geotechnical information in the planning and design process for projects in accordance with standard industry practices and state-provided requirements. Development must be compliant with the California Building Standards Code Chapters 16 and 18 and Appendix J, as well as Diamond Bar Municipal Code Chapter 22.22 (Hillside Management), Chapter 22.48 (Development Review), and Section 15.00.320. Notably, Section 1803.8.1 states that work requiring a building or grading permit is not allowed in an area that the City Engineer determines to be subject to hazard from landslide, settlement, or slippage. Therefore, approval of any development project in this area would be contingent on its ability to comply with these regulations. As stated, multiple General Plan policies, including policy LU-P-56, address potential impacts associated with development in this area. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 969 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-58 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response The area in question is shown in the excerpt Figure 3.6-1: Steep Slopes below. [Figure 3.6-1: Steep Slopes] Note the green areas (steep slopes) beside the Diamond Bar Boulevard off-ramp (red-brown) from the WB SR-60 and along the right side of Diamond Bar Boulevard (gray line parallel to SR-57) toward Sunset Crossing Road. There are homes at the top of those slopes. The beige area at the off-ramp and extending to Sunset Crossing Road is flat land sandwiched between Diamond Bar Boulevard and the steep slopes in green. This flat land has been incorporated into the North Diamond Bar Boulevard mixed-use area. Civil engineers have previously stated that the slopes can be damaged, and their stability compromised by cutting into them to develop the narrow ribbon of flat land to the right of Diamond Bar Boulevard north of the off-ramp. Further, building a driveway adjacent to a busy freeway off-ramp is a safety issue that can lead to collisions and injuries. The flat land should remain as open space that could be landscaped, providing weeds on the hillsides can be removed to mitigate fire danger to the houses above. Developers should not be permitted to develop a property that jeopardizes the environment and creates a risk to others. Such development of this property is also addressed in section 3.6-4, which also states no mitigation measures are required. The direct risk is a possible collapse of the hillside by carving into it a non-specified distance to enlarge the flat pad. This area should be removed from the mixed-use designation in the General Plan Update and left as open space, perhaps with landscaping. Policies LU-P-55, LU-P-56, PS-G-1, and PS-P-2 address some of this. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 970 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-59 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B1-D-3 The colors shown in Figure 3.8-1: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map on page 3.8-5 are incorrect. Diamond Bar is shown in white on the map, but the map key shows it is cream-colored. The key currently indicates that white is a county boundary. Comment acknowledged. The map key for Figure 3.8-1 indicates that the black dashed line shows the City of Diamond Bar boundary, while the light gray dashed line shows the County Boundary. Figure 3. The colors shown on the map in Figure 3.8-1 are correct. The map key in Figure 3.8-1 has been revised in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR to remove the cream-colored fill of the City of Diamond Bar key. B1-D-4 In Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing, the 2040 projections on page 3.9-7 state that Diamond Bar’s population will increase to 66,685 residents from the current 57,853 residents or an increase of 8,832 residents according to SCAG. At a population of 3.16 persons per occupied unit, that equates to 2,795 new residential units. Where are these units going to be built, and what is their impact on circulation, land use, and public safety? Transit- oriented-development and mixed-use will accommodate some of these units. If the city intends to preserve open space, it may not be possible with the SCAG projected growth. The General Plan would concentrate residential growth in the proposed mixed-use districts (Town Center Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit Oriented Mixed Use, and Community Core). The Draft EIR includes analysis of circulation, land use, and public safety impacts based on this land use pattern. Buildout of the General Plan assumes standard growth rates in the rest of the City of Diamond Bar and does not propose new development in existing residential neighborhoods. The General Plan does not propose development of open space and includes multiple policies and land use designations aimed at preserving open space. B1-D-5 Table 3.12-11: Commuter Mode Split in Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas on page 3.12-4 indicates that Diamond Bar currently had 0.7% of the population commuting by bicycle and walking compared to 3.6% in Los Angeles County. Figure 3.12-2: Proposed Bicycle Network on page 3.12-11 is a map that shows the proposed bicycle network in Diamond Bar. The location of Diamond Bar to jobs and the hilly area probably explains the variation. The likelihood of bicycling and walking increasing by even 2 percent over the next 20 years is questionable regardless of any state mandates. The state cannot dictate how a person commutes or travels. Comment acknowledged. The City acknowledges existing barriers to bicycling and walking that result in this variation. The General Plan proposes multip le policies aimed at prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and reducing risk and injury to bicyclists and pedestrians. Development of new mixed-use areas and construction of protected bike lanes would further encourage residents to commute via bicycle and walking. B1-D-6 The draft general plan has proposed bike lanes where bike travel is difficult, such as up Sunset Crossing Road to Golden Springs Drive and up Gold Rush Drive from Diamond Bar Boulevard to the top of the hill at Leyland. Comment acknowledged. See response to comment B1-D-5 above. This comment discusses bicycle and circulation policies proposed in the General 7.1.f Packet Pg. 971 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-60 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Traffic mitigation is also planned for Gold Rush Drive. Bicycle riders are at risk of injury on either of these routes, and the likelihood of a bicycle rider using such bike lanes is minimal. Type IV bikeways are impractical on Sunset Crossing Road or Gold Rush Drive, so any bicyclists are not protected from motor vehicle traffic. It is the same issue along Prospectors Road because cars are parked along the sides of the road where a bike lane also exists. It is not practical to eliminate street parking to accommodate bicycles. Various policies in Circulation address bicycles. Providing expanded bike lanes is reasonable, but expanding bike lanes into areas where they are impractical and can result in increased risk and injury to the bicycle rider should be reconsidered. The concept of bicycle riders switching to motorized bicycles has DMV licensing issues and additional safety issues and is not an answer to riding a bicycle up a steep roadway. There are lofty goals in the Circulation policies that are not practical regardless of whether the wording uses encourage instead of another word. Circulation policy CR-P-4 cited on page 3.12-33 will have minimal impact on the few pedestrians who walk from Temple Avenue to Sunset Crossing Road, but it will have a significant impact on vehicular traffic. The southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard to SR -60 is bordered by SR-57 to the right; there is nothing built on that side of the street. Traffic calming serves no purpose on that side of the street, but it will impact a bike lane on that side of the street if there are bump-outs placed that require a bicycle rider to navigate around and move them closer to vehicular traffic. Plan but does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B1-D-7 Respectfully, Dr. Douglas Barcon This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B2 HILLS FOR EVERYONE 7.1.f Packet Pg. 972 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-61 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B2-1 October 29, 2019 Submitted via email to: GLee@DiamondBarCA.Gov Grace Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar California 91765 RE: Comments on the Diamond Bar General Plan Update and EIR Dear Ms. Lee: This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B2-2 I’m writing on behalf of Hills For Everyone (HFE), to provide comments on the City of Diamond Bar’s (City) General Plan Update (GPU). HFE is a non-profit organization that strives to protect, preserve, and restore the environmental resources and natural environs of the Puente-Chino Hills and surrounding areas for the enjoyment of current and succeeding generations. We are closely following the City’s GPU as there are natural lands within the city proper and its sphere of influence. Comment acknowledged. B2-3 Public Process Comments This letter serves as a follow up to our comment letter from July 6, 2018 and focuses on the policies in the new General Plan. It is our understanding from the Diamond Bar General Plan Update website (http://www.diamondbargp.com/) that the documents (Environmental Impact Report, GPU, and Climate Action Plan) were released for a 45 day review period beginning September 16, 2019 and set to end October 31, 2019. Comment acknowledged. This comment discusses the public review process and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 973 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-62 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response In our 2018 letter, we specifically requested notification per Public Resources Code §21092.2 to receive updates about the project. However, it appears that two meetings (listed as Study Sessions on the website) from September 25 and October 8, 2019 literally changed the documents we were reviewing during the public comment period. These Study Sessions and document changes should have occurred prior to the document’s release for public review. We have accessed the changes published on the website, but must relay our dismay at the public process. As a governmental entity, as public officials, and as planners you should know better. We do not understand why after release for public review, these documents were then significantly modified. This is exactly the type of poor public process that confuses the public, limits engagement, clouds transparency, and leads to distrust toward government. We request that you officially re-notice and recirculate the entire suite of documents (with the updates from September and October 2019 included) for a new 45-day review period. B2-4 Further, it appears that most of the modifications made essentially eliminate any enforceability of the General Plan policies. The General Plan needs to be the document t hat sets the ground rules for the future of the city. When you change “require” to “encourage,” there is too much flexibility in the policy. Using the flexible policy language implies interest in the policy, but no real commitment to it or its enforcement. Flexible policy language does not carry the force of law. Comment acknowledged. Revisions to General Plan policy language were carefully made in order to reflect the City’s capabilities and provide consistent language throughout the document without diminishing the City’s commitment to upholding the proposed policies throughout implementation of the General Plan. Revisions to the policy language do not change the intent of these policies or significantly reduce their applicability in the Draft EIR impact analysis and resulting conclusions. These modifications do not result in any new significant impacts and the Draft EIR therefore remains adequate. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 974 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-63 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response According to the General Plan Guidelines developed by the comprehensive state planning agency, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), “It is better to adopt no policy than to adopt a policy with no backbone.” (Office of Planning and Research. “General Plan Guidelines.” 15.) In addition, for a policy to be counted towards “mitigating of a plan’s impacts,” it must be expressed as mandatory. We urge you to reconsider the edits made in September and October 2019 and require enforceability through stronger policy language. B2-5 General Plan Policy Comments Hills For Everyone provided a suite of topics to consider during the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the GPU. These bulleted items relay what we noticed from the draft GPU. • We support the focus of infill and preservation of open space (LU-G-2 and -4) and we support the plan’s attempt to limit impacts to existing residential areas by ensuring there are compatible adjacent land uses (LU-P- 8 and -9).1 LU-P-10 is a good goal (incentivize affordable housing) and should help (if implemented) meet the new Regional Housing Needs Assessment numbers for Diamond Bar. 1The policies have since been modified to a less enforceable policy; we instead support the original language. Comment acknowledged. Policies LU-P-8 and LU-P-9 as revised ensure that new development is compatible with existing adjacent land uses. See response to comment B2-4 above. B2-6 • The inclusion of density and massing in several policies and setting a maximum dwelling unit/acre for the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use designation is appreciated. This should help stable residential neighborhoods understand what may or may not be possible to build next to them. Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 975 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-64 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B2-7 • Ensuring existing vistas of significant hillside features are preserved will help maintain Diamond Bar’s character. This sets a good tone for the community too. Comment acknowledged. B2-8 • In LU-P-2, we appreciate your inclusion of sensitive species and wildlife corridors. Further, RC-P-112 helps maintain more natural characteristics of wildland areas especially with the inclusion of wildlife movement linkages, reduced night lighting, and vegetative buffering. These policies should help the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor lands function and maintain their integrity across multiple counties and multiple cities. 2Ibid. Comment acknowledged. The City looks forward to working with Hills for Everyone in securing and maintaining the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Movement Corridor. B2-9 • We appreciate the inclusion of language to not only acknowledge Significant Ecological Areas, but also to maintain, protect and preserve those biologically significant lands (RC-G-4 and RC-P-8).3 Comment acknowledged. As stated in policy RC-P-8, the City looks forward to supporting the efforts of neighboring jurisdictions and conservation organizations, including Hills For Everyone, to protect biologically significant lands such as areas identified as Significant Ecological Areas. B2-10 Missed Opportunities We noticed that there were no opportunities for streamlined permitting for land uses like mixed use. This could help Diamond Bar residents reduce their single occupancy vehicle use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We encourage Diamond Bar to consider adding streamlined/incentivized permitting for mixed use and transit-oriented projects. Comment acknowledged. The General Plan proposes four new areas of mixed-use development and includes multiple policies regarding development in mixed-use areas. This comment does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B2-11 With new legislation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Diamond Bar missed a chance to memorialize policies related to ADUs. This should be considered and incorporated so that it is vertically consistent with the zoning code (§22.42.120). Comment acknowledged. This comment does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B2-12 We again recommend defining what a “major project” is in this document (either by the number of units, project siz e, acreage, or amount of grading). For example, this applies Comment acknowledged. Policy LU-P-4 actually states: “Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments to 7.1.f Packet Pg. 976 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-65 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response to LU-P-4: “Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of major proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments...” What exactly triggers this “monitoring and evaluating?” We recommend, again, setting consistent guidelines that link density, massing, and design. It would make the document more consistent throughout and set the tone for the City. anticipate and require mitigation to the greatest extent feasible to reduce land use, circulation, and economic impacts on Diamond Bar.” This comment does not address the adequacy of the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B2-13 Errors in the Document We again remind you that the area labeled Firestone Scout Reservation on several figures in the document are not accurate. Firestone Scout Reservation was the former name, but that land has been owned by the City of Industry since 2001. This naming error should be corrected on Figures 1-1, 5-1, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 7-9, and Table 5.2 (in two places). Additionally, this land is not designated parks/open space. We recommend labeling this land as Significant Ecological Area instead. Comment acknowledged. This comment proposes changes to the General Plan figures and tables and does not address the adequacy of analysis in the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B2-14 Thank you for the opportunity to provide substantive feedback on the GPU. To reiterate, we urge the City to re- notice and recirculate the documents. Should you have any questions, I can be reached at 714-996-0502. Comment acknowledged. B2-15 Sincerely, Claire Schlotterbeck Executive Director This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B3 HAMILTON BIOLOGICAL B3-1 October 31, 2019 Mr. Greg Gubman Director of Community Development This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 977 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-66 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 SUBJECT: COMMENTS ON DRAFT EIR DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN UPDATE Dear Mr. Gubman, B3-2 Working on behalf of a consortium of Diamond Bar residents, including Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation, Responsible Land Use, and the Diamond Bar/Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force, Hamilton Biological, Inc., (hereafter “Hamilton Biological”) provides these comments on a proposed update to the City of Diamond Bar (hereafter the “City”) General Plan. My comments focus on Chapter 3.3 (Biological Resources) and Chapter 5.0 (Conservation Element). As described in the attached Curriculum Vitae, Hamilton Biological specializes in third-party review of technical biological reports and CEQA documentation. Relevant to this project, Hamilton Biological prepared the following documents that were submitted to the City in February 2019: • Biological Resources Report, City of Diamond Bar. Report dated February 25, 2019, prepared for a consortium of Diamond Bar residents and submitted to Mr. Greg Gubman, Director of Community Development, City of Diamond Bar. 35 pp. plus Appendix A (Methods and Technical Information). • Cover letter dated February 21, 2019, accompanying the above-referenced Biological Resources Report, submitted to Mr. Greg Gubman, Director of Community Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 978 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-67 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Development, City of Diamond Bar. 10 pp. plus Curriculum Vitae. [copy attached] This letter addresses Chapter 3.3 (Biological Resources) and Chapter 5.0 (Conservation Element). B3-3 EIR’S CONTENT AND ANALYSES STRAY FROM THE STATED METHODS The DEIR does not identify the biologist(s) responsible for preparing its analyses, but Steve Nelson of ESA has served as the City’s biological consultant during public meetings and Chapter 7.1 lists him as a preparer of the DEIR, so it appears that Mr. Nelson and ESA was responsible for the analyses contained in Chapter 3.3 (Biological Resources) and Chapter 5.0 (Conservation Element). Page 3-3.1 of the DEIR states: The assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, as discussed below, rather than on the Existing Conditions Report. If the EIR’s assessment of these core issues were truly based upon the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, with certain modifications based upon the EIR preparer’s review of the relevant literature, my comments on the DEIR would be few and mostly complimentary. Such is not the case. As a start, the DEIR fails to incorporate numerous records of special-status species documented in the City limits during recent years. For example, Dan Cooper’s records of California Gnatcatchers at Pantera Park was available on the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) as of February 27, 2019, and on eBird (http://ebird.org) in 2017. Steve Nelson was ESA’s lead biologist for the EIR assessment. To the extent it was appropriate to incorporate the information provided in the Hamilton Biological Resources Report as part of a General Plan Update EIR, it was. In some cases, however, the intent of incorporating such information was addressed in a manner that better served the purpose of a General Plan program. For example, the comment criticizes the omission of specific records of special-status species. Rather, the EIR includes Tables 3.3-3 and Table 3.3-4 which summarizes such special-status species of plants and wildlife, their special-status character, their preferred habitat, and their presence or the potential for occurrence in the study area. In addition, Table 3.3-6 indicates the habitats in which federal and state-listed species have been observed or could occur in the study area. In the context of a General Plan that is intended to guide the city’s future development, this approach was felt to be much more effective in identifying areas/habitats of special concern. Moreover, specific sites where special-status species have been observed are likely to change over time. As such, the presentation of data as suggested in the comment could lead to the interpretation that the existing sightings and records are the only place where special-status species may occur. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 979 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-68 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Records of several Red-diamond Rattlesnakes at Summitridge Park from 2014 to 2017 were available on the CNDDB on March 22, 2019. The EIR preparer claims to have reviewed both the CNDDB and eBird in “May 2019,” yet these records are missing from Figure 5.4 in the DEIR (Special Status Animals). The CNDDB has not yet entered my observations of special-status birds from January 2019, but they have been available on eBird since that month. My cover letter to the City dated February 21, 2019, provided specific following links to eBird checklists that report/document the relevant following records, including UTM coordinates: • California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens — Steep Canyon near Diamond Bar Boulevard, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51322203 • Cactus Wrens — Pantera Park, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324514 • California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wrens — vic. northwestern part of Tres Hermanos Ranch, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324625 • California Gnatcatchers — vic. Diamond Ranch High School, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324760 • Northern Harrier — Tres Hermanos Ranch north of Grand Avenue, 1/4/19: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51324857 • California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens, plus Golden Eagle seen soaring over Tres Hermanos Ranch — Summitridge Trail, 1/8/19: https://ebird.org/checklist/S51487531 B3-4 [Occurrence Report, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Natural Diversity Database: coastal See response to B3-3 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 980 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-69 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response California gnatcatcher. Report dated September 29, 2019. Report printed Thursday, October 17, 2019.] B3-5 [Occurrence Report, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Natural Diversity Database: red- diamond rattlesnake. Report dated September 29, 2019. Report printed Thursday, October 17, 2019.] See response to B3-3 above. B3-6 Photos from my eBird reports, showing special-status species recorded in the City: Photo 1. California Gnatcatcher, Diamond Ranch High School, January 4, 2019. UTM 428495 3764853 Photo: Robert A. Hamilton Photo 2. California Gnatcatcher, Summitridge Park, January 8, 2019. UTM 425808 3762536 Photo: Robert A. Hamilton Photo 3. Cactus Wren pair, Summitridge Park, January 8, 2019. UTM 425811 3762529 Photo: Robert A. Hamilton See response to B3-3 above. B3-7 Chapter 6 of the DEIR shows that the EIR preparer’s “literature review” for biological resources includes only seven entries: Beier, P. and R.H. Barrett. 1993. The cougar in the Santa Ana Mountain Range, California. Final report. Orange County Cooperative Mountain Lion Study, Department of Chapter 6 of the DEIR only included the literature cited in the assessment. It did not include materials used as general references, including but not necessarily limited to: • American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU). 2018. Checklist of North American and Middle American Birds. AOU website http://checklist.aou.org/taxa/. • Baldwin, et al. 2012. Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California; Second Edition. University of California Press. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 981 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-70 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Forestry and Resource Management, University of California, Berkeley, USA. Beier, P.1993. Determining minimum habitat areas and habitat corridors for cougars. Conservation Biology 7:94 108. California Native Plant Society. 2019. Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/. Accessed May 2019. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2019. California Natural Diversity Database: Rarefind. https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB. Accessed May 2019. eBird. 2019. Explore Species. https://ebird.org/explore. Accessed May 2019. Hamilton Biological, Inc. 2019. Biological Resources Report for the City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles Audubon. 2009. Los Angeles County’s Sensitive Bird Species. http://planning.lacounty.gov/site/sea/wp- content/uploads/2018/08/LA-Countys-Sensitive-Bird- Species.pdf. Accessed May 2019. As demonstrated previously, the EIR preparer’s reviews of the CNDDB and eBird, which reportedly took place in “May 2019,” failed to turn up documented records of several special-status species from within the City limits. Furthermore, this short list of basic references is grossly inadequate for a biological assessment and analysis covering the City of Diamond Bar and its extensive Sp here of Influence in Tonner Canyon. Page 3.3-2 of the DEIR states: However, it should be noted that site specific assessments and focused surveys have been conducted in areas of future development anticipated by the Proposed Project • Calflora. 2018. Information on California plants for education, research and conservation [web application]. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: http://www.calflora.org/ (Accessed: April 26, 2018). • California Herps (CalHerps). 2018. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Accessed online at http://www.californiaherps.com/. • California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2018a. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Rarefind 5. Electronic database, Sacramento, California. Accessed at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-Data. Accessed on April 6 and December 12, 2018. • CDFW. 2018b. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. State of California Natural Resources Agency. March 20, 2018. • CDFW. 2018c. California Natural Community List. Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program. October 15, 2018. https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural- Communities#natural%20communities%20lists. • California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2018. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-01a). Sacramento, CA. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/. Accessed on April 6 and December 12, 2018. • Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U. S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. • Crother, B. 2018. Checklist of the Standard English and Scientific Names of Amphibians and Reptiles. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Accessed at https://ssarherps.org/publications/north-american-checklist/. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 982 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-71 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response where the occurrence of special status species do exist. The Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan, South Pointe West Specific Plan, and Site D Specific Plan previously completed assessments of biological resources located within their planning areas. The City of Industry has completed multiple site specific assessments of Tonner Canyon. None of these reports is cited in the DEIR, and no relevant biological information appears to have been obtained from them, or from any other biological assessments and analyses prepared for projects in and around the City of Diamond Bar. Numerous relevant citations from the scientific literature on habitat loss, habitat degradation, and habitat fragmentation and their effects on plant and wildlife populations, are also missing. • Environmental Laboratory. 1987. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. • Kaufman, Kenn, Nora Bowers, Rick Bowers. 2004. Field Guide to Mammals of North America. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. • Lichvar, R.W., D.L. Banks, W.N. Kirchner, and N.C. Melvin. 2016. Arid West 2016 Regional Wetland Plant List. Phytoneuron 2016-30: 1-17. Published 28 April 2016. • Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. • South Coast Wildlands. 2008. South Coast Missing Linkages: A Wildland Network for the South Coast Ecoregion. http://www.scwildlands.org/reports/SCMLRegionalReport.pdf. March 2008. • Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians Third Edition. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. • USACE. 2008. A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the Western United States. A Delineation Manual. August 2008. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/ a486603.pdf. • USFWS. 2018b. Critical Habitat Portal. Accessible online at: http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/. • USFWS. 2018c. National Wetland Inventory. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/Mapper.html. • United States Geological Survey (USGS). Yorba Linda and San Dimas, California. 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps. B3-7 GENERAL PLAN SHOULD FOCUS ON GUIDING CEQA REVIEW PROCESS Whereas the comment indicates the Hamilton Biological Resource Report was geared toward assisting the city in its on-going role as a CEQA lead agency, the cover letter subject is stated as “Biological Resources Report for Open Space & Conservation Element Diamond Bar General Plan Update” and is organized accordingly. While the information that was incorporated in the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 983 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-72 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response The Hamilton Biological Resources Report is intentionally geared toward making connections between resources and conservation policies, with the ultimate goal of assisting the City in its ongoing role as a CEQA lead agency. Note that the Hamilton Biological Resources Report did not map the plant communities within the area covered in the General Plan. Instead, my report: 1. Mapped the areas of natural open space in the City and its Sphere of Influence. 2. Described the general types of plant communities found in each area. 3. Identified the methods that should be used to implement project-level investigations (e.g., characterizing plant communities, conducting focused surveys for special-status species). 4. Developed reasonable policies designed to effectively protect any biologically sensitive resources that might be found in the project-level investigations. The report’s final section, Natural Resource Conservation Policies, specifically builds upon existing policies from the current draft version of the General Plan update, adapting them to facilitate efforts to identify and protect areas of particular ecological concern in the City and its Sphere of Influence. Given the DEIR’s explicit statement that the “assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report,” the City should adopt Hamilton Biological’s rational, factual, defensible approach to these issues. EIR assessment was helpful and appreciated the focus of the report was not targeted on the EIR assessment. In fact, the city’s General Plan does not include an Open Space & Conservation Element by its choice, but instead includes this information in the extensive Resource Conservation chapter. It is the City’s option and responsibility to base its adoption of policies on the bases of more than a single perspective. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 984 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-73 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B3-9 MIS-MAPPING OF PLANT COMMUNITIES Figure 3.3-1 on page 3-3-10 of the DEIR maps some very small areas in the northeastern part of the City as “Coast Live Oak Woodland,” and some extensive areas in Tonner Canyon (areas very unlikely to be developed in the future) as “California Walnut Woodland/Coast Live Oak Woodland.” But, as in the Existing Conditions Report (that as explicitly not used to for the EIR’s assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds), nearly all woodlands within City limits are mapped as “California Walnut Woodland.” As stated on page 3.3-2 of the DEIR: ESA (Environmental Science Associates) biologists conducted a reconnaissance survey on August 25, 2016, to develop a broad-scale classification of the vegetation communities within the Planning Area. Prior to field surveys, a desktop analysis was conducted to obtain contextual information relevant to the area. Mapping and habitat types were compiled based on a desktop analysis of 2015 aerial imagery, as well as the reconnaissance survey to confirm natural communities as interpreted from aerial imagery (Google Maps 2015) and the reconnaissance- level inspection. A single survey day is clearly inadequate to accurately map all of the plant communities in the City of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, even at a broad scale. I addressed the issue of erroneous mapping of oak resources on page 5 of my letter to the City dated February 21, 2019: Natural Communities Mis-Mapped It is acknowledged that the distinction and mapping of oak versus oak/walnut versus walnut woodlands is an on-going issue in the General Plan Update process. On the one hand, the EIR assessment states: “Although considered distinct vegetation alliances by Sawyer et. al., there is a high degree of intermixing between the oak woodland alliance and walnut woodland alliance. For the purpose of this assessment it was not practical to distinguish between the two over the mosaic these alliances form in the City and SOI. However, as needed for the City’s environmental review process, this may be needed at the site-specific level.” and, “there can be misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed from a distance or in aerial photography, particularly in the winter when the winter - deciduous California walnut has no leaves. For this reason, the mapping of these alliances in Figure 3.3-1 should be viewed as being subject to site- specific investigations.” It should also be noted that both the oak and walnut natural communities are considered sensitive to the same degree in the assessment. However, there remains controversy. In support of the commenter’s position, maps provided in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide are cited as showing extensive areas of oak woodlands throughout the study area. The reader should note, however, that the document states the following caveat for its use: “This figure includes a 200 foot (sic) buffer around the woodland interface zone and potential oak woodland zone, as mapped by CALVEG. Due to the scale of the CALVEG layers used to generate this map, it is possible that not all parcels located within the illustrated oak woodlands areas actually support existing oak trees. Individual parcels will be examined further whenever a permit request or application for voluntary oak woodland conserved is reviewed.” Thus, the CALVEG are an over exaggeration of the actual extent of 7.1.f Packet Pg. 985 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-74 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Part of my study involved identifying the main natural communities occurring in natural open space areas scattered throughout the Study Area. As shown in Figure 7, below, oak woodlands occur extensively throughout the undeveloped parts of the Study Area: Figure 7. Excerpt from Figure 3 in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide (http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwood lands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf) showing the southeastern part of the County and accurately depicting extensive oak woodlands in the Study Area. Beige polygons represent oak woodlands. During my own field work I have observed that throughout the Study Area, oak woodlands cover much larger areas than do walnut woodlands. The Dyett & Bhatia Report provides no explanation for the contrary findings depicted in their Figure 2-1 [which has been recycled as Figure 3-3.1 in the DEIR]. Dyett & Bhatia’s claim of 1,189.9 acres of California Walnut Woodland in the Study Area, compared with only 206.9 acres of Coast Live Oak Woodland and 585.4 acres of walnut/oak woodlands, represents an error that grossly under-represents the extent of oak woodlands in the Study Area. If the City determines that large-scale mapping of natural communities is needed for the General Plan update, the mapping provided in the Dyett & Bhatia report must be completely revised and carefully field- checked for accuracy. Especially in light of the recent unpermitted removal of numerous large oaks in Diamond Bar (https://www.diamondbarca.gov/724/Millennium- Development-TR-53430), the City should be cognizant of oak woodlands in the Puente Hills; and walnut woodland (which has its largest distribution in the Puente Hills, and cannot be overlooked. Further, CALVEG’s guidance to examine individual parcels is the precise approach the EIR assessment includes. As such there does not appear to be a controversy on how this issue should be approached. Notwithstanding, the EIR assessment added an additional layer of analysis to focus this analysis. According to the body of knowledge on the subject north and east-facing slopes typically hold greater moisture than south and west-facing slopes, at least in the southern California region. As a result, coast live oak trees dominate woodlands found on north and east-facing slopes and walnut trees typically dominate woodlands found on south and west-facing slopes. By using a slope aspect direction between 315 to 135 degrees to identify north and east-facing slopes and a slope aspect between 135 to 315 degrees to identify south and west-facing slopes on a GIS platform a refined means of identifying woodland types in the study area may be employed. The results of adding a slope aspect layer to the analysis are: • The 1,982.98 acres of Native Oak/Walnut Woodland is omitted as a classification. • Native Oak Woodland comprises 1,270.44 acres of the woodlands in the study area (715.50 acres within the city limits and 554.94 acres within the SOI. • Native Walnut Woodland comprises 711.84 acres of the woodlands in the study area (447.48 acres within the city boundaries and 264.36 acres within the SOI. A revised map of natural communities reflecting these changes is provided in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. Whereas these acres are likely to reflect a relatively accurate percent relative woodland cover of 64 percent oak woodland to 36% walnut woodland, the caveat that woodland habitats should be evaluated on a project by project site-specific basis remains in place. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 986 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-75 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the serious problems that could be precipitated by misrepresenting the distribution of oaks. The City should have adequately considered my comments, and those of others, and required the EIR preparer to carefully evaluate the plant community mapping. As an example, consider Steep Canyon: Excerpt from Figure 3.3-1, Vegetation Communities. The DEIR maps all of the woodland in the bottom of Steep Canyon east of Diamond Bar Boulevard as California Walnut Woodland (yellow screen). Blue arrow added to show where the photo below was taken from. Photo: Robert A. Hamilton Photograph taken on January 4, 2019, showing classic oak/sycamore woodland in the bottom of Steep Canyon (i.e., in the area mapped above as “California Walnut Woodland”). Photo: Robert A. Hamilton I could provide numerous other similar examples. Instead of correcting the problem, the City and EIR preparer have “doubled down” by reproducing the same vegetation map in the DEIR that was provided as Figure 2-1 in the Existing Conditions Report, adding an odd canard on page 3.3-5: As can be seen in the above description of these alliances, there can be misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed from a distance or in aerial photography, 7.1.f Packet Pg. 987 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-76 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response particularly in the winter when the winter-deciduous California walnut has no leaves. For this reason, the mapping of these alliances in Figure 3.3-1 should be viewed as being subject to site-specific investigations. Biologists do not have nearly as much trouble seeing walnut trees in winter as this statement suggests. The standard caveat that broad-scale mapping contained in a General Plan should not be used for CEQA review of individual projects does not alleviate the need to avoid misrepresenting the distributions of sensitive resources in the General Plan. The City’s unwillingness to comply with multiple requests for accurate representation of oak woodlands within the City limits — contrasted with widespread mapping of oaks in the unincorporated Sphere of Influence — raises questions about whether oaks and oak woodlands will be adequately protected under the revised General Plan. B3-10 RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING NATURAL COMMUNITIES Since the mid-1990s, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and its partners, including the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), have been working on classifying vegetation types using standards embodied in the Survey of California Vegetation, which comply with the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS; http://usnvc.org/explore-classification/). The NVCS is a hierarchical classification, with the most granular level being the Association. Associations are grouped into Alliances, Alliances into Groups, and upward, as follows: Formation Class > Formation Subclass > Formation > Division > Macrogroup > Group > Alliance > Association. For CEQA review of specific projects, Appendix A to the Hamilton Biological Resources Report recommends The comment appears to be a description of the current industry standards to be followed when classifying natural communities for CEQA purposes. The comment states that the described standards apply to the review of specific projects and recommends classification and mapping of natural communities at the Alliance of Association level. A general plan update that designates general land uses and is void of specific plans for future projects within those land uses is not a specific project. As a start, it is recommended that all natural communities within the project footprint be identified using the best means possible. For the purpose of this assessment and the scale at which the assessment was completed, it was not practical or necessary to describe and map natural communities at the granular scale suggested in the comment. Rather, the classification of natural communities in the study area is initially identified by its general composition and structure (woodland, shrubland, or grassland/herbland). Within the description of the general vegetation type, the alliance used by Sawyer et. al. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 988 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-77 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response classification and mapping of Natural Communities at the more detailed Alliance or Association level. The method recommended by CDFW for classifying Natural Communities and conducting CEQA review reads as follows: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: 1. Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian settings. 2. Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. 3. Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant community. is provided, followed by the more distinctive plant associations, or alliances within the study area. Further, the classification system and the vegetation mapping should be used as a guide for future site-specific assessments. A listing of sensitive alliances that occur in the study area and their global and state sensitivity levels is provided in the assessment with the qualifier that all vegetation associations associated with the listed alliances are considered to be at the same sensitivity level as the alliance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 989 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-78 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 4. Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. 5. Vegetation types that are not on the state’s sensitive list but that may be considered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler -Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Regional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. B3-11 IDENTIFYING SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), at its VegCAMP page, provides guidance on appropriate methods for “Addressing Sensitive Natural Communities in Environmental Review”: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural- Communities#sensitive%20natural%20communities The State’s guidance consists of the following steps: • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on VegCAMP’s Reports and Maps page. The comment describes the State’s guidance in how to address sensitive natural communities. These guidelines are acknowledged by the City and are incorporated into Chapter 4 of the Final EIR as a practice in considering the impacts of future projects. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 990 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-79 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1-S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: o Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restricted to wetlands or riparian settings. o Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. o Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant community. o Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. • Vegetation types that are not on the State’s sensitive list but that may be considered rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP (Todd Keeler -Wolf or Diana Hickson) about documenting the Natural Community. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 991 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-80 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Regional Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. • The Department’s document, Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (PDF) provides information on reporting. As recommended in the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, the City should adopt the above-specified methods, consistent with State guidance. Doing so would help to ensure the thoroughness and adequacy of CEQA documentation completed within the City and its Sphere of Influence. B3-12 FAILURE TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL FOR NATIVE GRASSLANDS The DEIR characterizes all grasslands in the City and the Sphere of Influence as “seminatural herbaceous stands,” and fails to identify any potential for the occurrence of perennial native grasslands, which are identified as sensitive by CDFW. Nevertheless, as stated on page 10 of the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, pockets of native grassland almost certainly occur within the non- native annual grasslands: Areas of perennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non-trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. As examples, the Nassella spp. – Melica spp. Herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least 2–5 percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses (http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/536); and the Bromus The comment indicates the almost certain occurrence of native grasslands within the study area. Despite the many years of livestock grazing in areas of non-native grassland, however, it is acknowledged that native grassland species (e.g., Nassella (Stipa) sp. and Melica californica) could exist in the study area. In addition, native grassland species may occur in areas of shrublands, scrub and oak woodland. Chapter 4 of the Final EIR includes native grasslands as a sensitive natural community potentially occurring in the study area. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 992 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-81 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response carinatus – Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover (http://vegetation.cnps.org/alliance/499). It is likely that vernal pools/seasonal ponds occur in the site’s grasslands, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other Natural Communities. The DEIR should identify the potential for areas of native grassland to occur within the Study Area, and should recognize any such areas as biologically “sensitive” in their own right (independent of the occurrence of special-status plants or wildlife). The General Plan’s resource-protection policies should address avoidance and/or mitigation of impacts to native grasslands. B3-13 ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON PRESERVED HABITAT AREAS An important goal of a General Plan, far from realized in the DEIR, is to guide future development so as to minimize adverse effects upon natural communities and declining native plant and wildlife populations, to the extent feasible. Beyond the outright removal of natural areas, which obviously impacts natural resources, nearby development inevitably degrades and fragments preserved habitat along the urban/wildland interface. These secondary, or indirect, impacts have been subject to intensive study in recent years, to (a) understand and characterize them, and (b) develop strategies for minimizing and mitigating them. The DEIR, citing only two published articles from the peer-reviewed literature, fails to adequately acknowledge the range of issues that must be considered when planning future development in and around Diamond Bar’s remaining natural areas. The following discussions, including citations from the scientific The comment identifies a number of the adverse effects that may result from development within and adjacent to natural communities and the plant and wildlife populations that occur within them which are generally referred to as “edge effects. These potentially adverse effects can result in habitat degradation and/or fragmentation for a variety of reasons, including: • The introduction of invasive non-native plants. • Increased frequency of wildfires. • The introduction of cats and dogs which can act as non-native predators to native wildlife. • Increased human presence that can disturb soils, damage vegetation and increase ambient noise levels. • The potential introduction of chemicals harmful to plants and wildlife contained in herbicides and rodenticides. • General adverse effects on biological systems such as water pollution. The comment discusses these potential issues in great detail. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 993 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-82 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response literature, were provided in Appendix A to the Hamilton Biological Resources Report. Although the DEIR identifies this report as providing the basis for “assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR,” most of this important underlying information has been omitted from the DEIR and its analyses. To the contrary, the following information should be taken into account when developing the General Plan’s land-use policies concerning edge and fragmentation effects. Urbanization typically includes residential, commercial, industrial, and road-related development. At the perimeter of the built environment is an area known as the urban/ wildland interface, or “development edge.” Edges are places where natural communities interface, vegetation or ecological conditions within natural communities interact (Noss 1983), or patches with differing qualities abut one another (Ries and Sisk 2004). “Edge effects” are spillover effects from the adjacent human-modified matrix that cause physical gradients in light, moisture, noise, etc. (Camargo and Kapos 1995; Murcia 1995, Sisk et al. 1997) and/or changes in biotic factors such as predator communities, density of human-adapted species, and food availability (Soulé et al. 1988; Matlack 1994; Murcia 1995; Ries and Sisk 2004). Loss, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat due to urbanization are the most pervasive threats to biodiversity in southern California (Soulé 1991). Edge-related impacts may include: • Introduction/expansion of invasive exotic vegetation carried in from vehicles, people, animals or spread from backyards or fuel modification zones adjacent to wildlands. • Increased frequency and/or severity of fire as compared to natural fire cycles or intensities. Contrary to the comments implication that the DEIR fails to acknowledge, adequately describe, and adequately mitigate these adverse effects, ea ch was disclosed and addressed in the General Plan Update Policies, as summarized below. Adverse Effect DEIR Disclosure Page(s) GP Policy / Mitigation Introduction of invasive non-native plants. 3.3-45 RC-P-13 Increased frequency of wildfires. 3.7-12 PS-P-15 and PS-P-32 through PS-P-36 Introduction of cats and dogs which can act as non- native predators to native wildlife. 3.3-45 RC-P-14, MM-BIO-1D and MM-BIO-6 Increased human presence that can disturb soils, damage vegetation and increase ambient noise levels. 3.3-45 RC-G-4, RC-P-9, RC-P-11 and MM-BIO-1D Potential introduction of chemicals harmful to plants and wildlife contained in herbicides and rodenticides. 3.7-32 RC-G-7; RC-G-9; RC-P-25; RC- P-26 Adverse effects on biological systems such as water pollution. 3.3-45 RC-P-9; RC-P-11; RC-P-24; LU- P-56 / MM-BIO-3 7.1.f Packet Pg. 994 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-83 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response • Companion animals (pets) that often act as predators of, and/or competitors with, native wildlife. • Creation and use of trails that often significantly degrade intact ecosystems through such changes as increases in soil disturbance, vegetation damage, and noise. • Introduction of exotic animals which compete with or prey on native animals. • Pesticide exposure can be linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and developmental changes in a wide range of species, from insects to top predators. • Influence on earth systems and ecosystem processes, such as solar radiation, soil richness and erosion, wind damage, hydrologic cycle, and water pollution that can affect the natural environment. Any of these impacts, individually or in combination, can result in the effective loss or degradation of habitats used for foraging, breeding or resting, with concomitant effects on population demographic rates of sensitive s pecies. The coastal slope of southern California is among the most highly fragmented and urbanized regions in North America (Atwood 1993). Urbanization has already claimed more than 90 percent of the region’s coastal sage scrub habitat, 99 percent of the coastal prairie, and 95 percent of the vernal pools (McCaull 1994; Mattoni & Longcore 1997; Bauder & McMillan 1998). A review of studies completed by Harrison and Bruna (1999) identified a general pattern of reduction of biological diversity in fragmented habitats compared with more intact ones, particularly with regard to habitat specialists. While physical effects associated Considering the context of Section 15146 of the CEQA Guidelines, the disclosure of these effects in the Draft EIR is appropriate. As stated in this section of the guidelines “The degree of specificity required in an EIR will correspond to the degree of specificity in the underlying activity which is described in the EIR. An EIR on a construction project will necessarily be more detailed in the specific effects of the project than will be an EIR on the adoption of a local general plan or comprehensive zoning ordinance because the effects of the construction can be predicted with greater accuracy. An EIR on a project such as the adoption or amendment of comprehensive zoning ordinance or a local general plan should focus on the secondary effects that can be expected to follow from the adoption or amendment, but the EIR need not be as detailed as an EIR on the specific construction projects that might follow.” The comment letter, however, is appreciated by the City and is made available in the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 995 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-84 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response with edges were predominant among species impacts, they found evidence for indirect effects including altered ecological interactions. Fletcher et al. (2007) found that distance from edge had a stronger effect on species than did habitat patch size, but they acknowledged the difficulty in separating those effects empirically. Many southern California plant and animal species are known to be sensitive to fragmentation and edge effects; that is, their abundance declines with fragment size and proximity to an edge (Wilcove 1985; Soulé et al. 1992; Bolger et al. 1997a,b; Suarez et al. 1998; Burke and Nol 2000). Wildlife populations are typically changed in proximity to edges, either by changes in their demographic rates (survival and fecundity), or through behavioral avoidance of or attraction to the edge (Sisk et al. 1997; Ries and Sisk 2004). For example, coastal sage scrub areas within 250 meters of urban edges consistently contain significantly less bare ground and more coarse vegetative litter than do more “intermediate” or “interior” areas, presumably due increased human activity/disturbance of the vegetation structure near edges (Kristan et al. 2003). Increases in vegetative litter often facilitate growth of non-native plants (particularly grasses), resulting in a positive feedback loop likely to enhance plant invasion success (Wolkovich et al. 2009). In another coastal southern California example, the abundance of native bird species sensitive to disturbance is typically depressed within 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1640 feet) of an urban edge, and the abundance of disturbance- tolerant species is elevated up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) from an urban edge, depending on the species (Bolger et al. 1997a). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 996 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-85 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Habitat fragmentation is usually defined as a landscape scale process involving habitat loss and breaking apart of habitats (Fahrig 2003). Habitat fragmentation is among the most important of all threats to global biodiversity; edge effects (particularly the diverse physical and biotic alterations associated with the artificial boundaries of fragments) are dominant drivers of change in many fragmented landscapes (Laurance and Bierregaard 1997; Laurance et al. 2007). Fragmentation decreases the connectivity of the landscape while increasing both edge and remnant habitats. Urban and agricultural development often fragments wildland ecosystems and creates sharp edges between the natural and human-altered habitats. Edge effects for many species indirectly reduce available habitat use or utility in surrounding remaining areas; these species experience fine-scale functional habitat losses (e.g., see Bolger et al. 2000; Kristan et al. 2003; Drolet et al. 2016). Losses of coastal sage scrub in southern California have increased isolation of the remaining habitat fragments (O’Leary 1990) and led to calls to preserve and restore landscape connectivity to permit long-term persistence of native species with low vagility (e.g., Vandergast et al. 2006). Fragmentation has a greater relative negative impact on specialist species (e.g., coastal populations of the Cactus Wren) that have strict vegetation structure and area habitat requirements (Soulé et al. 1992). Specialist species have an increased risk of extirpation in isolated habitat remnants because the specialized vegetative structures and/or interspecific relationships on which they depend are more vulnerable to disruption in these areas (Vaughan 2010). In studies of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral 7.1.f Packet Pg. 997 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-86 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response systems of coastal southern California, fragment area and age (time since isolation) were the most important landscape predictors of the distribution and abundance of native plants (Soulé et al. 1993), scrub-breeding birds (Soulé et al. 1988; Crooks et al. 2001), native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b), and invertebrates (Suarez et al. 1998; Bolger et al. 2000). Edge effects that emanate from the human-dominated matrix can increase the extinction probability of isolated populations (Murcia 1995; Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). In studies of coastal sage scrub urban fragments, exotic cover and distance to the urban edge were the strongest local predictors of native and exotic carnivore distribution and abundance (Crooks 2002). These two variables were correlated, with more exotic cover and less native shrub cover closer to the urban edge (Crooks 2002). The increased presence of human-tolerant “mesopredators” in southern California represents an edge effect of development; they occur within the developed matrix and are thus more abundant along the edges of habitat fragments, and they are effective predators on birds, bird nests, and other vertebrates in coastal sage scrub and chaparral systems and elsewhere (Crooks and Soulé 1999). The mammalian carnivores more typically detected in coastal southern California habitat fragments are resource generalists that likely benefit from the supplemental food resources (e.g., garden fruits and vegetables, garbage, direct feeding by humans) associated with residential developments. As a result, the overall mesopredator abundance, of such species as raccoons, opossums, and domestic cats, increases at sites with more exotic plant cover and closer to the urban edge (Crooks 7.1.f Packet Pg. 998 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-87 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 2002). Although some carnivores within coastal sage scrub fragments seem tolerant of disturbance, many fragments have (either actually or effectively) already lost an entire suite of predator species, including mountain lion, bobcats, spotted skunks, long-tailed weasels, and badgers (Crooks 2002). Most “interior” sites within such fragments are still relatively near (within 250 meters of) urban edges (Crooks 2002). Fragmentation generally increases the amount of edge per unit land area, and species that are adversely affected by edges can experience reduced effective area of suitable habitat (Temple and Cary 1988), which can lead to increased probability of extirpation/extinction in fragmented landscapes (Woodroffe and Ginsberg 1998). For example, diversity of native bees (Hung et al. 2015) and native rodents (Bolger et al. 1997b) is lower, and decomposition and nutrient cycling are significantly reduced (Treseder and McGuire 2009), within fragmented coastal sage scrub ecosystems as compared to larger core reserves. Similarly, habitat fragmentation and alterations of sage scrub habitats likely have reduced both the genetic connectivity and diversity of coastal-slope populations of the Cactus Wren in southern California (Barr et al. 2015). Both Bell’s Sparrows and California Thrashers show strong evidence of direct, negative behavioral responses to edges in coastal sage scrub; that is, they are edge-averse (Kristan et al. 2003), and California Thrashers and California Quail were found to be more vulnerable to extirpation with smaller fragment size of the habitat patch (Bolger et al. 1991), demonstrating that both behavioral and demographic parameters can be involved. Other species in coastal sage scrub ecosystems, particularly the Cactus Wren and likely the California Gnatcatcher and San Diego 7.1.f Packet Pg. 999 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-88 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Pocket Mouse, are likely vulnerable to fragmentation, but for these species the mechanism is likely to be associated only with extirpation vulnerability from habitat degradation and isolation rather than aversion to the habitat edge (Kristan et al. 2003). Bolger (et al. 1997b) found that San Diego coastal sage scrub and chaparral canyon fragments under 60 acres that had been isolated for at least 30 years support very few populations of native rodents, and they suggested that fragments larger than 200 acres in size are needed to sustain native rodent species populations. The penetration of exotic species into natural areas can reduce the effective size of a reserve in proportion to the distance they penetrate within the reserve: Argentine Ants serve as an in-depth example of edge effects and fragmentation. Spatial patterns of Argentine Ant abundance in scrub communities of southern California indicate that they are likely invading native habitats from adjacent developed areas, as most areas sampled greater than 200 to 250 meters from an urban edge contained relatively few or no Argentine Ants (Bolger 2007, Mitrovich et al. 2010). The extent of Argentine Ant invasions in natural environments is determined in part by inputs of urban and agricultural water run off (Holway and Suarez 2006). Native ant species were more abundant away from edges and in areas with predominately native vegetation. Post-fragmentation edge effects likely reduce the ability of fragments to retain native ant species; fragments had fewer native ant species than similar-sized plots within large unfragmented areas, and fragments with Argentine ant-free refugia had more native ant species than those without refugia (Suarez et al. 1998). They displace nearly all surface-foraging native ant species (Holway and Suarez 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1000 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-89 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 2006) and strongly affect all native ant communities within about 150 to 200 meters from fragment edges (Suarez et al. 1998; Holway 2005; Fisher et al. 2002; Bolger 2007; Mitrovich et al. 2010). Argentine Ants are widespread in fragmented coastal scrub habitats in southern California, and much of the remaining potential habitat for Blainville’s horned lizards is effectively unsuitable due to the penetration of Argentine ants and the subsequent displacement of the native ant species that Coastal Horned Lizards need as prey (Fisher et al. 2002). Invasion of Argentine ants into coastal sage scrub has also shown a strong negative effect on the abundance of the gray shrew (Laakkonen et al. 2001). An evaluation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2008) concluded that each of ten of the most common active ingredients in rodenticides “poses significant risks to non-target wildlife when applied as grain-based bait products. The risks to wildlife are from primary exposure (direct consumption of rodenticide bait) for all compounds and secondary exposure (consumption of prey by predators or scavengers with rodenticide stored in body tissues) from the anticoagulants.” Thus, the common practice of setting out bait within or near natural areas can be expected to have adverse effects upon a range of native wildlife species. Finally, in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, populations of such native amphibians as the California newt and California treefrog were found to decline with urbanization of as little as 8% of a given watershed (Riley et al. 2005). Such faunal community changes appear to be related to changes in physical stream habitat, such as fewer pool and more run habitats and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1001 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-90 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response increased water depth and flow. These changes are associated with increased erosion and with invasion by damaging exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish. Given the spectrum of indirect effects known to adversely affect sensitive populations of native plants and wildlife, it is incumbent upon planning documents, such as the updated Diamond Bar General Plan, to (1) acknowledge, (2) adequately describe, and (3) adequately mitigate these adverse effects. The DEIR fails to achieve these goals. B3-14 INADEQUATE ANALYSIS OF LOCAL WILDLIFE MOVEMENT ISSUES Page 6 of Hamilton Biological’s letter to the City dated February 21, 2019, criticized the Existing Conditions Report for its “ineffective and incomplete discussion of wildlife movement.” Apparently in response, the DEIR provides additional descriptions of different issues related to wildlife movement and habitat connectivity. Page 3.3-14 identifies three “types of corridors and habitats” that exist within the City and its Sphere of Influence and that “provide habitat connectivity” to varying degrees: These include current open space areas and the natural areas of City parks and the SOI and, to a lesser degree mature ornamental woodlands. Connectivity can be broken the physical relationship between landscape elements whereas functional connectivity describes the degree to which landscapes actually facilitate or impede the movement of organisms and processes. Functional connectivity is a product of both landscape structure and the response of organisms and processes to this structure. Thus, functional connectivity or corridor permeability is both species and landscape-specific. Distinguishing between these two types of connectivity is important In view of Section 15146 of the CEQA Guideline the comment and its associated maps are at a level of detail that exceeds the scope of an EIR for a General Plan update for several reasons. First, is the assumption that the choke points are used by wildlife that avoid areas of human inhabitation when, in fact, species such as coyote, Virginia opossum, striped skunk, Valley pocket gophers, most birds, gopher snakes, and western fence lizard move and/or disperse relatively freely through suburban environments. To assert otherwise would be a speculation in a General Plan update EIR and would be better addressed on a site-specific basis in concert with policies included in the General Plan document. A figure identifying choke points, modeled after those provided in Figures 3a-3d by the commenter, is provided in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1002 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-91 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response because structural connectivity does not imply functional connectivity. That is, in contrast to landscape connectivity which characterizes the capacity of individual species to move between areas of habitat via corridors and habitat linkage zones permeability refers to the degree to which regional landscapes, encompassing a variety of natural, semi-natural and developed land cover types, are conducive to wildlife movement and sustain ecological processes. Major roadway arterials, suburban development and areas of intense human activity are examples of non-natural features that can result in a corridor being highly impermeable to many wildlife species. This generalized discussion, culminating in a negative statement about how roads and other human activities can negatively affect the movement of wildlife between patches of natural habitat, does not represent a useful or coherent analysis of local wildlife movement and habitat connectivity issues in and around the City of Diamond Bar. The Hamilton Biological Resources Report provided relevant information designed to help the City address this important large-scale CEQA planning and resource- management issue. Figures 3a–3d in the report depict 13 areas of extensive (>25 acres) native/naturalized habitat in Diamond Bar. The figures show potential habitat connections/choke points for wildlife movement between blocks of natural open space. Figures 3a–3d, reproduced on the following pages, provide a practical and useful basis for characterizing the existing ecological conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. If the EIR sincerely intends to 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1003 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-92 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response base its assessment on the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, the following maps must be acknowledged and fully incorporated into the CEQA analysis. [Figure 3a. Natural Open Space Areas] [Figure 3b. Natural Open Space Areas] [Figure 3c. Natural Open Space Areas] [Figure 3d. Natural Open Space Areas] The DEIR provides no similar exhibits that help to contextualize the concepts of localized wildlife movement and habitat connectivity in relation to actual areas of natural habitat within the City limits. Given the DEIR’s explicit statement that “The assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report,” the EIR preparer is not justified in omitting this critically important information in favor of a generalized statement about negative effects of roads and other development on wildlife movement and connectivity. The EIR’s policy approach for mitigating adverse effects of development upon local wildlife movement and habitat connectivity is provided in RC-P-11: Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid, to the greatest extent feasible, significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1004 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-93 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Protect wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; The above-listed policy prescriptions may appear reasonable, but they are not specific to any given area and have no teeth. In fact, while the DEIR was out for review, the City has already added “to the greatest extent feasible” to the first sentence of the proposed policy, further weakening the proposed policy. They are the type of guidelines often satisfied in some superficial way, such as planting vegetation along roadsides, and in many cases these types of guidelines are completely ignored without any repercussions. They are unlikely to meaningfully improve the ecological condition of natural areas scattered throughout the City that are becoming increasingly degraded and fragmented by ongoing development. If the City sincerely intends to, for example, “protect wildlife movement linkages” and to facilitate “wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means,” then the updated General Plan should incorporate my Figures 3a–3d, which highlight numerous “Potential Habitat Linkages/Choke Points” throughout the City — specific areas identified as warranting additional scrutiny and consideration when devising future plans and subjecting them to CEQA review. See also the following discussion of Table A, from the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, which identifies appropriate Resource 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1005 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-94 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Conservation policy approaches for each substantial area of natural open space mapped in Figures 3a–3d. B3-15 RESOURCE PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS OMITTED Referring again to Figures 3a–3d, the Hamilton Biological Resources Report describes and characterizes the ecological characteristics of each mapped natural open space area at a general level of detail appropriate for a General Plan. The report also makes recommendations for the establishment of biological protection overlays for sensitive habitat areas with high ecological values (e.g., native woodlands and coastal sage scrub), with recognition that more detailed, project-specific surveys would be required to accurately and adequately describe the ecological resources found in any open space area. The DEIR ignores this approach in favor of generalized policy prescriptions that are, in my experience, less likely to produce good planning results. I provide below Table A from my report, which lays the foundation for my recommended planning approach. [Table A: Resource Protection Recommendations] The practical benefit of this approach is that it focuses planning attention on the issues of greatest relevance within different geographic areas of Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence. Planners can refer to Table A, in conjunction with Figures 3a–3d, and better evaluate whether a proposed project is compatible with the General Plan’s resource protection recommendations for that particular area. Certainly, nothing is lost by including this level of detail in the General Plan, so why is this information from the Hamilton Biological Resources Report omitted from the DEIR? As presented in the comment, the establishment of biological protection overlays goes well beyond the typical scope of a General Plan. While it is acknowledged that such overlays are useful in the design of projects, they are more appropriate to include at the specific planning stage after more detailed information about a project’s biological baseline is discovered and known. With regard to the potential habitat linkages/choke points identified in the comment it should be noted that most are located at sites that are: a) within City-owned parks or open space; b) privately-owned parks or open space; c) designated privately-owned open space; d) seemingly cut-off by substantial barriers (such as freeways); or d) constrained by existing development. Therefore, they are a component of baseline conditions which the General Plan update cannot change. However, when considering plans for any public projects within City-owned parks and open space the City will adhere to General Plan policies as they relate to movement corridors. A figure identifying choke points, modeled after those provided in Figures 3a-3d by the commenter, is provided in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1006 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-95 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B3-16 CURRENT INTERPRETATION OF MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT (MBTA) Page 3.3-34 of the DEIR provides an outdated interpretation of this federal legislation, and the impact analysis on page 3.3-44 states, “Disturbing or destroying active nests is a violation of the MBTA and nests and eggs are protected by Fish and Game Code, Section 3503.” The MBTA of 1918 implemented the 1916 Convention between the U.S. and Great Britain (for Canada) for the protection of migratory birds. Later amendments implemented treaties between the U.S. and Mexico, the U.S. and Japan, and the U.S. and the Soviet Union (now Russia). At the heart of the MBTA is this language: Establishment of a Federal prohibition, unless permitted by regulations, to “pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment, ship, cause to be shipped, deliver for transportation, transport, cause to be transported, carry, or cause to be carried by any means whatever, receive for shipment, transportation or carriage, or export, at any time, or in any manner, any migratory bird, included in the terms of this Convention . . . for the protection of migratory birds . . . or any part, nest, or egg of any such bird.” (16 U.S.C. 703) For many years, the MBTA was subject to broad interpretation, which in some cases led to prosecution for violations that were incidental to otherwise lawful activities. On December 22, 2017, the “Principal Deputy Solicitor Exercising the Authority of the Solicitor Pursuant Comment acknowledged. The following paragraph is included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR to reflect the current interpretation of the MBTA. “As a point of clarification and in accordance with revised interpretive guidelines provided in the Principal Deputy Solicitor Exercising the Authority of the Solicitor Pursuant to Secretary’s Order 3345 on December 22, 2017, the MBTA’s prohibition on pursuing, hunting, taking, capturing, killing, or attempting to do the same applies only to direct and affirmative purposeful actions that reduce migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests, by killing or capturing, to human control.” 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1007 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-96 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response to Secretary’s Order 3345” issued revised guidance on the MBTA5 that reached the following conclusion: The text, history, and purpose of the MBTA demonstrate that it is a law limited in relevant part to affirmative and purposeful actions, such as hunting and poaching, that reduce migratory birds and their nests and eggs, by killing or capturing, to human control. Even assuming that the text could be subject to multiple interpretations, courts and agencies are to avoid interpreting ambiguous laws in ways that raise grave Constitutional doubts if alternative interpretations are available. Interpreting the MBTA to criminalize incidental takings raises serious due process concerns and is contrary to the fundamental principle that ambiguity in criminal statutes must be resolved in favor of defendants. Based upon the text, history, and purpose of the MBTA, and consistent with decisions in the Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Eighth, and Ninth circuits, there is an alternative interpretation that avoids these concerns. Thus, based on the foregoing, we conclude that the MBTA’s prohibition on pursuing, hunting, taking, capturing, killing, or attempting to do the same applies only to direct and affirmative purposeful actions that reduce migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests, by killing or capturing, to human control. Although federal guidance could change again in the future, the DEIR should acknowledge and describe the current interpretation of the MBTA. 5 https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/m- 37050.pdf 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1008 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-97 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B3-17 TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE Pages 3.3-37 and 3.3-38 of the DEIR reviews the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Proposed General Plan Policy RC-P-10, on page 3.3-46, identifies a need to periodically review and update the Ordinance “as necessary to reflect current best practices.” In the attached letter, dated October 31, 2019, Hamilton Biological proposes changes to the City’s existing ordinance, with reference to several areas of concern: • Corrections of outdated references (e.g., the National Arborists Association no longer exists, having been replaced by the Tree Care Industry Association) and typographical errors. • Changes to bring the City’s ordinance into alignment with current industry standards. For example, the County of Los Angeles’ current Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide (http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakw oodlands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf) requires seven years of maintenance and monitoring of all oak mitigation plantings, which reflects the experience of the County that oak plantings may survive for a few years after planting, only to fail shortly thereafter. • Ensuring that funds paid to the City for tree planting are used to promptly replace impacted trees, and to prevent against tree mitigation funds being diverted to other uses. • Establishing a City-administered program to ensure that replacement trees are planted in areas suited to their long-term survival, and not in sensitive habitat areas, such as coastal sage scrub, where they could cause adverse ecological effects. The suggestions provided in the comment are acknowledged and will be considered when the City revises its Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1009 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-98 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Consistent with proposed General Plan Policy RC-P-10, Hamilton Biological requests that the City consider the proposed changes, to reflect current best practices. B3-18 COMMENT ON MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-I This measure would require a habitat evaluation in cases where a listed species could potentially be impacted. “If no suitable habitat for listed species is identified within 300 feet of construction or maintenance activities, no further measures would be required in association with the project.” This is not an appropriate mitigation measure to incorporate into a General Plan, because under CEQA, evaluation of potential biological impacts of a proposed action is not limited to species listed as threatened or endangered by State and/or federal governments. To comply with CEQA, any project with potential to adversely affect special-status species should be evaluated, on its own merits, to determine whether project implementation could result in significant impacts to any biological resources. Such impacts could include impacts to California Species of Special Concern, such as the “coastal” Cactus Wren; loss or degradation of plant communities that the State identifies as Sensitive, such as native grasslands; impairment of a wildlife movement corridor or habitat linkage; or various other categories of impact that do not necessarily involve potential “take” of a listed species. CEQA is much more than a “scorecard” for evaluating whether a given action might impact a listed species. As the City understands the comment, the suggestions made recommend that all sensitive biological resources (special-status species, sensitive natural communities, habitat linkages, etc.) be evaluated in a manner that is consistent with the evaluation of federal and State-listed species. Inherent to the application of the significance criteria provided on page 3.3-40 of the DEIR, this is intended. Criterion 1 includes consideration of sensitive and special-status species; Criterion 2 considers sensitive natural communities; and Criterion 4 considers wildlife movement. Nonetheless, in order to clarify this intention of MM-BIO-1, the following sentence will be added to the introductory paragraph for Mitigation Measures on page 3.3-47 of the DEIR: “It should be noted that assessing potential impacts to which one or more of the MM-BIO-1 may apply, both direct (on-site) and indirect (off-site) should be considered.” This is included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. B3-19 MITIGATION RATIOS INADEQUATE Mitigation Measures BIO-2, BIO-4, and BIO-5 all identify inadequate mitigation ratios for impacts to sensitive native Comment acknowledged. Arguably, the use of surrogate mitigation ratios using quantitative approaches rather than qualitative approaches has its shortfalls. That is, the application of ratio-derived mitigation does not address 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1010 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-99 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response plant communities, including coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, and walnut woodland. For each of these ecologically sensitive communities, some of which are recognized as sensitive resources in their own right, the General Plan should strongly encourage avoidance of direct and indirect impacts. If impacts cannot be avoided, and existing off-site habitat is to be purchased as mitigation for the loss of a given area of sensitive habitat, the minimum ratio should be on the scale of 5:1, and certainly not 1:1. The ratio of 1:1 for purchase of existing habitat equates to a net 50% reduction of community, as no new habitat is being restored on disturbed/degraded land to replace the valuable sensitive habitat being lost. For impacts to sensitive natural communities that cannot be feasibly avoided, and if 5:1 off-site habitat cannot be purchased and set aside in perpetuity, the off-site mitigation requirement should be to restore degraded habitat in the Chino/Puente Hills, under the auspices of the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (PHHPA)7, at a minimum ratio of 3:1. Restoring habitat at a ratio above 1:1 mitigates for: • The temporal loss of habitat associated with impacting one area before another is restored. • The effects of fragmentation and edge-associated degradation of preserved habitat areas near the proposed development. • The possibility that the restoration effort will fail, partly or entirely. the functions and values of the habitat lost compared to the habitat created, enhanced and/or conserved. Undoubtedly, this matter will be the subject of future negotiations between project applicants and regulatory agencies. At this time, however, the City will maintain its past practices. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1011 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-100 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response A higher mitigation ratio also helps to incentive avoidance of the impact. The DEIR’s approach to this topic would leave the City vulnerable to legal challenge due to providing inadequate mitigation to offset significant adverse impacts to sensitive natural resources. 7 The PHHPA is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and management of open space in the Puente Hills for preservation of the land in perpetuity, with the primary purpose to protect biological diversity. B3-20 COMMENTS ON MM-BIO-6 Planning of any future development in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence should take exceptional care to preserve and enhance the viability of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The authoritative “Missing Middle” analysis (Conservation Biology Institute 2005) identified the following wildlife movement issues specifically relevant to the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence: • Tonner Canyon Bridge represents the only viable location for deer, mountain lions, bobcats, and other species to pass under the 57 Freeway. • Any development in middle and especially lower Tonner Canyon could have severe impacts on corridor function, especially if wildlife access to Tonner Canyon Bridge is reduced. Any development that blocks access through the bridge area would make the 57 Freeway a complete barrier to many species and would likely lead to wildlife extirpations in segments farther west. • An earlier plan to build a road running the length of Tonner Canyon would have split the Chino-Tonner “subcore” in two, potentially rendering dysfunctional the critical Tonner Bridge wildlife undercrossing for The listed issues included in the comment are consistent with MM-BIO-6. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1012 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-101 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response wide-ranging species such as the mountain lion, bobcat, and mule deer. • At least the middle and lower portions of Tonner Canyon should be conserved, including a prohibition on any new road or other development that would fragment this critical habitat block. • No project should be approved that would increase traffic under the Tonner Bridge or add any new impediments (structures, lights, noise, etc.) to the vicinity of the bridge. • Restore riparian vegetation along Tonner Creek, where degraded by oil development activities. • Fencing may be warranted along the 57 Freeway if monitoring suggests road mortality is high. Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-6 should be amended to incorporate each of these specific conservation requirements, which are necessary to maintain the viability of this critically important habitat linkage/wildlife corridor that passes through Diamond Bar’s Sphere of Influence. B3-21 COMMENTS ON THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION ELEMENT Figure 5-1 shows the City open space network, defined as including “designated open spaces, parks, and the Diamond Bar Golf Course, which, while developed, serves a number of open space functions.” Figure 5-1 fails to account for other open space areas that currently function as de facto components of the City’s open space network. Wildlife species do not distinguish between public and private open spaces, and many native species are incapable of surviving in a highly diminished, fragmented, and degraded landscape. Planning for the future necessarily involves considering the entire extant network of natural open spaces, public and private. See response to comment B3-15 above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1013 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-102 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Figures 3a–3d from the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, reproduced on pages 19–22 of this report, provide a practical and useful basis for characterizing the existing ecological conditions within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, without accounting for such distinctions as the boundaries of parklands or private lots. The EIR should incorporate these figures, and the accompanying Table A, which identifies appropriate Resource Conservation policy approaches for each substantial area of natural open space mapped in Figures 3a–3d. B3-22 MIS-MAPPING OF NATURAL COMMUNITIES Figure 5-2 on page 5-11 of the DEIR is identical to Figure 3.3-1 on page 3-3-10 of the DEIR. As discussed at length previously in this letter, these maps grossly misrepresent the distribution of oak and walnut woodlands in Diamond Bar. Both maps must be corrected in the General Plan. See response to comment B3-9 above. B3-23 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION I appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments to the City of Diamond Bar regarding this important update to the General Plan. If you have questions, or wish to discuss any matters, please do not hesitate to call me at (562) 477- 2181 or send e-mail to robb@hamiltonbiological.com. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton President, Hamilton Biological, Inc. 316 Monrovia Avenue Long Beach, CA 90803 562-477-2181 robb@hamiltonbiological.com This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1014 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-103 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Attached: Curriculum Vitae Proposed Amendments to Tree Protection Ordinance (10/31/19) Letter to Greg Gubman, City of Diamond Bar (2/21/29) Cc: Victoria Tang and Andrew Valand, CDFW Christine Medak, USFWS Robin Smith, Chair, Diamond Bar-Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force B3-24 [Literature Cited] This attachment is provided in support of comments B3-2 through B3-22, addressed above. B3-25 [Curriculum Vitae] This attachment is provided in support of comments B3-2 through B3-22, addressed above. B3-26 [Proposed Amendments to Tree Protection Ordinance (10/31/19)] This attachment is provided in support of comment B3-17, addressed above. B3-27 [Letter to Greg Gubman, City of Diamond Bar (2/21/29)] This attachment is provided in support of comments B3-2 through B3-22, addressed above. B4-A RESPONSIBLE LAND USE B4-A-1 October 31, 2019 Submitted via email to: GLee@DiamondBarCA.Gov Grace Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar California 91765 RE: Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report, Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan 2040 This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1015 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-104 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Dear Ms. Lee: B4-A-2 Diamond Bar is a place we all call home, and we very much appreciate the opportunity to participate in this public process. Responsible Land Use (RLU) has reviewed the proposed Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), Diamond Bar General Plan (DBGP), and Climate Action Plan 2040 (CAP). Attached to this letter is a table of our suggested edits, comments, and questions on the DEIR as well as our general comments, suggestions and concerns described here. In general, our members of RLU noted common issues and concerns: • Proposed or Preferred Project was not described in the draft EIR • Reasonable alternatives were not discussed and described, or were erroneously written off as infeasible and not given further consideration, or • We noted errors and incomplete analysis in coverage of the CEQA criteria. • Alternatives described are infeasible due to assumptions that cannot be fully analyzed for impacts. • Subsequent release of language changes not reflected in existing DEIR or DBGP. • Significant impacts were not mitigated, and were considered un-mitigatable when reasonable and feasible alternatives could be proposed. Comment acknowledged. See responses to comments B4-A-3 through B4-A- 15 below. B4-A-3 Proposed or Preferred Project was not described in the draft EIR The Executive Summary should have a general or high-level description of the Proposed Project and Community Core The detailed Project Description in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15124 is provided in DEIR Chapter 2. However, it is acknowledged that that the omission of the four new Focus Areas in the Executive Summary makes it difficult to follow the summary comparison of alternatives on Pages ES-5 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1016 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-105 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Overlay. The Alternatives are described, however, it is difficult to make a comparison to the Proposed Project to the other Alternatives on page ES-10. The document is making a determination that the Proposed Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative, but because of the lack of a description it is unclear why. The EIR should be a stand alone document that does not rely on a description to be provided separately in the DBGP. In the final EIR, we request that a Project Description be provided in both the Executive Summary and Section 2. through ES-7. To address this, the errata includes a brief description of the four new Focus Areas, which are cornerstones of the Proposed Project: • Town Center Mixed Use • Community Core Overlay • Neighborhood Mixed Use • Transit-Oriented Mixed Use B4-A-4 Reasonable alternatives were not discussed and described Include a description of the existing Town Center Commercial Area at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand with existing EIR mitigation measures and planning as a viable alternative--which is not the same as the No Project Alternative. Description of the existing town center utilizing the new EIR mitigation measure requirements and General Plan policies should also be a reasonable and feasible alternative for this CEQA analysis. In the context of comparing impacts, keeping the city center at Diamond Bar and Grand also has the potential to have less environmental impact as compared to your preferred alternative. For example, Vehicles Miles Traveled would be less, because it is more centrally located for DB residents in terms of travel to local areas business and therefore should be described. Also, compared to the Proposed Alternative the existing city center would not have a Community Core Overlay and would not be an impact to the golf course, which would make the existing City Center area a potentially environmentally superior to the Proposed Alternative. This alternative should be described and discussed as to why it does not meet the City’s purpose and need as described in the EIR. Under the CEQA Guidelines, an EIR need only evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives. (CEQA Guidelines section 15126.6(a), (c).) An EIR will not be found deficient simply because it excludes other potential alternatives from its analysis. (Cherry Valley Pass Acres & Neighbors v. City of Beaumont (2010) 190 Cal.App.4th 316, 354-355.) The Draft General Plan’s Community Vision and seven Guiding Principles envision the “Town Center” concept to be a walkable, mixed-use downtown with urban amenities, as opposed to the suburban shopping centers that characterize the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard (i.e., the “town center” referenced in Comment B4-A-3). Section 2.2 of the Project Description identifies the implementation of the Guiding Principles among the Proposed Project’s objectives. Guiding Principle No. 3 reads as follows: Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented Town Center in Diamond Bar that serves as a place for Diamond Bar’s residents to shop, dine, and gather. At its June 15, 2017 meeting, the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) discussed the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard as a potential Town Center location. Although there was general agreement that 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1017 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-106 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the concept of a Town Center at this intersection was attractive in the abstract, it was rejected as a feasible option, largely due to heavy volumes of regional traffic that would create barriers to walkability, and thus be unlikely to fulfill Guiding Principle No. 3. Because the concept of locating the Town Center at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard had already been deliberated and ultimately rejected in a public forum, it makes little sense to reconsider the topic in the EIR. Additionally, it is conclusory to assert that a future Town Center at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard would generate fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) than the Proposed Project’s Town Center location simply because the latter is less “centrally located.” Please note that the DEIR Alternatives Analysis found that Alternatives 1, 2 and the No Project Alternative also generated lower VMT than the Proposed Project (DEIR page 4-25), and were still determined to be environmentally inferior due to other factors analyzed in Chapter 4. Moreover, potentially lower VMT at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard does not address the site’s failure to satisfy the Project objectives for a Town Center. B4-A-5 Significant impacts were not mitigated, and were considered un-mitigatable when reasonable and feasible alternatives could be proposed We understand that impacts to Air Quality may be significant and un-mitigatable, however why does the City not suggest building standards and other reasonable mitigation that would at least contribute to reductions in air quality impacts? We disagree that there are no feasible mitigation measures. The City of Diamond Bar should propose mitigation measures that would reduce emissions even if it would not reduce those impacts to below significant thresholds. Planning requirements like LEED Building Certification or planning requirements that would include vehicle charging infrastructure would address these air quality impacts, as well as GHG emissions, and energy efficiency, and are feasible and cost effective mitigation. Comment acknowledged. Promoting the increased use of vehicles that do not emit CO is a feasible mitigation measure that can be incorporated as a General Plan Policy. Proposed General Plan Policy CR-P-56 will thus read as follows and is incorporate in the FEIR Errata: Establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for Electric Vehicles. As stated on Draft EIR page 3.2-5, CO is primarily emitted from combustion processes, with the majority of CO emissions generated from mobile sources (i.e., transportation). While a requirement for the construction of LEED- Certified buildings may have some level of CO reduction benefits, such benefits are not likely to be measurable. Green Building Codes and State laws removing regulatory and economic barriers to rooftop and parking lot solar 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1018 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-107 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response The City of Long Beach has building codes regarding LEED building policies to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions as well as EV Charging Infrastructure. Although, impacts may be less than significant or un-mitigatable, the city should provide policies or mitigation measures that reasonably reduce its carbon footprint. power systems are likely to continue diminishing the marginal returns of LEED Certification. B4-A-6 “A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable.” We also disagree with this statement that the impact is unavoidable or unmitagatable. How does the Core Community Overlay address recreation opportunities sufficiently such that the City can be in alignment with the Quimby Act and meet its ratio of 5 acres per 1000 residents? According to LU-P-54, the City of Diamond Bar should consider other public uses for public agency lands, such as the county owned Golf Course. In the event that the County of Los Angeles wanted to make this land more broadly available to the general public for recreation, there should be a Community Park Overlay which identifies a use of the golf course to address the shortage of recreation lands to less than significant. Other options, should also be considered such as greater mitigation ratios (6 acres: 1000 residents) for new developments, or policies that create mitigation banks that specifically address and identify city opportunities for future recreation land development. It is factual that Diamond Bar does not meet the current and proposed General Plan’s goal of 5 acres of park and recreation facilities for every 1,000 residents, and there is consensus that the City should continue to aspire toward this goal. This is not an area of controversy. Should Los Angeles County ever dispose of the golf course, Draft General Plan Policy LU-P-45 requires that approximately 100 acres be set aside for parkland. A repurposed golf course could thus serve 20,000 residents, and— based on the 2016 City population estimate of 57,081--raise the Citywide parkland ratio from 2.6 acres per 1,000 residents to 4.4 acres per 1,000 residents. B4-A-7 Errors and Incomplete Analysis of the CEQA Criteria We noted that on page 1-4, Diamond Bar only listed a portion of the CEQA Criteria for the environmental analysis. This is not appropriate, the CEQA analysis does not just include what was received during the scoping period or an initial analysis. The CEQA analysis includes the The Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the DEIR was released on May 31, 2018 and was followed by a 30-day public review period that ran from June 7, 2018 through July 6, 2018, and a public scoping meeting at Diamond Bar City Hall on June 21, 2018. The NOP identified the 13 environmental factors having the potential to be affected by the Proposed Project, and which would be 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1019 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-108 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response criteria listed in 2019 CEQA Appendix G Checklist of the California Environmental Quality Act Statutes and Guidelines such as Mineral Resources, Agriculture, Population and Housing, Public Services, Wildfire and Energy. There should be a discussion on these topics, are they considered significant or not and why and what mitigation measures are being proposed to mitigate significant impacts. Additionally, noise impacts under 3.10 of the Executive Summary Table is incomplete and topics under 3.11 Noise is an error and should be described as Public Services and Recreational impacts. Agriculture and Mineral Resources are also randomly discussed at the end of the table. Please revise this table organized based on the CEQA Checklist and address all the Appendix G items. analyzed in the DEIR. A copy of the NOP is included as Appendix A to the DEIR. CEQA Guidelines Section 15128 states: “An EIR shall contain a statement briefly indicating the reasons that various possible significant effects of a project were determined not to be significant and were therefore not discussed in detail in the EIR.” The NOP sets forth the basis for not including a detailed analysis of agricultural, forestry and mineral resources in the DEIR in the following statement: Based on characteristics of the planning area, the following two topic areas will be included in the Effects Found Not to Be Significant section of the EIR: agriculture and forestry, and mineral resources. No agricultural activities or activities related to mineral resources occur within the Planning Area boundaries, and none of the properties are designated for agricultural use or as relevant for farmland or mineral resources by the State of California. Full documentation of the factual basis for this determination will be included in the EIR. Unless specific comments are received during the NOP public comment period that indicate a potential for the project to result in significant impacts, these less than significant effects will be addressed briefly in the EIR and “scoped out.” These topic areas are included at the end of Table ES-4 to reflect that they are indeed analyzed in the Draft EIR and concluded to have no impact. Impacts associated with Population are discussed in Chapter 5 due to their growth-inducing impacts. Impacts associated with housing are discussed in Chapter 3.9: Land Use and Housing. Impacts associated with Public Services are discussed in Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation. Impacts associated with Wildfire are discussed in Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire. Impacts associated with Energy are discussed in Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases. These topic areas are organized into such chapters to consolidate relevant environmental settings, regulatory settings, and data. Each sub-chapter of Chapter 3 includes 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1020 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-109 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the criteria listed in the 2019 CEQA Appendix G Checklist of the CEQA Statutes and Guidelines. Impacts listed under 3.10: Noise within Table ES-4 are indeed complete. The 2019 CEQA Appendix G Checklist as revised includes only three criteria (three criteria were revised and three were removed entirely in the most recent revisions to CEQA Appendix G, resulting in a total of three criteria for Noise). The heading for 3.11 within Table ES-4 is revised to 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR; however, the impacts for Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation are accurate as written in the Draft EIR. B4-A-8 DEIR Choice of alternatives are infeasible due to assumptions that cannot be fully analyzed for impacts The Golf Course Overlay is a contingency plan which, because of all the unknowns associated with its implementation cannot be fully analyzed at this time. Therefore, any attempt to incorporate specific areas of the Golf Course into the current general plan analysis meets the definition of infeasible in CEQA Guideline § 15364. Should the Golf Course land ever become available to the city, a specific plan to implement the overlay will be required, along with a separate EIR. Therefore, we question why General Plan Alternative 2 was incorporated as an Alternative in the DEIR. Alternative 2, as shown on Figure 4.2-3, and described on DEIR page 4-5, discusses a possible town center located in the southern portion of Diamond Bar’s Golf Course. It is interesting that DEIR author(s) chose this location as one of three alternatives because this land is currently owned by Los Angeles County. The ability for this particular location to become a truly viable DEIR alternative is dependent upon two undisclosed Comment acknowledged. See response to B4-A-4. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1021 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-110 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response assumptions. The two assumptions are: 1) The county will eventually close or reduce the size of the Golf Course. 2) The county will not require mitigation or compensation for the loss of a county property that provides a recreational service to the local community. There are a number of reasons those assumptions may never come to pass, several of which are outlined below: 1. It is impossible to predict at this time when and if the County will ever, or might ever, decide to discontinue Golf Course operations. 2. Two, the County has a general plan with its own parkland requirements to maintain. Specifically, on page 178, Los Angeles County’s general plan, Chapter 10, states: “As specified in P/R Policy 3.1, the County standard for the provision of parkland is 4 acres of local parkland per 1,000 residents of the population in the unincorporated areas, and 6 acres of regional parkland per 1,000 residents of the total population of Los Angeles County.” http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/g p_final-general-plan-ch10.pdf In order to maintain its own parkland requirements, the County might therefore reasonably decide to keep the land for itself and develop its own park in place of the Golf Course. One hundred and seventy some odd acres would make a nice regional County park. 3. Were the County to ever close the golf course, has there been any precedence set where the County of Los Angeles deeded lands without adequate compensation or mitigation for the loss in 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1022 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-111 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response services? Indeed, for quite a number of years, any hope the city of Diamond Bar might have had of taking over the golf course property has been contingent upon the City providing another, fully developed, functioning golf course facility to the County in exchange. Should the county ever terminate golf course operation, it is therefore reasonable to fully expect the county to demand compensation in some as yet undetermined form in exchange for deeding the golf course property over to the city. 4. It is also possible the County, might decide to use the property for County purposes other than recreation. As long as the County, being a governmental entity, uses the property for appropriate governmental purposes, those uses would not fall under the jurisdiction of Diamond Bar’s general plan. Diamond Bar would have no say in the County’s land use decision. Question: given that the conversion of the Golf Course property was a condition of Alternative 2, why were the specific conditions, costs, environmental impacts, and required mitigations of obtaining the golf course property omitted from the DEIR? Question: Please explain, in light of the above evidence, how the City justifies the inclusion of Alternative 2 as a viable Alternative. All of the uncertainties, as offered by the evidence above, make fully analyzing the odds, details, costs and environmental impacts of Diamond Bar acquiring the Golf Course property “infeasible.” The uncertainty surrounding 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1023 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-112 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response the acquisition of the property upon which Alternative 2 is based, therefore makes Alternative 2 “infeasible” to even consider as a viable alternative at this time. CEQA Guideline §15364, “Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, legal, social, and technological factors. B4-A-9 It is important to note that, that the DEIR, on page 3.11-44, also came to a similar conclusion when it analyzed the potential for increasing parkland acreage the using the Golf Course property: “The proposed General Plan includes several policies and land use changes aimed at increasing available and accessible parkland and open space. However, total parkland at buildout falls severely short of achieving the parkland ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, and no mitigation is feasible that can make up this gap. Calculation of the parkland ratio does not include the 134.9 acres of parkland from the Country Park, which is a private amenity, or the proposed 100 acres of parkland associated with the Community Core Overlay, given that Los Angeles County has not ceased operation of the golf course. Conversion of these two areas would increase the parkland ratio but is not feasible at the time of analysis. A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable.” Comment acknowledged. See responses to comments B4-A-4 and B4-A-6. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1024 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-113 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: please explain the internal DEIR’s internal discrepancy between the conversion of the Golf Course property as a condition to Alternative 2 and the statement on page 3.11-44, quoted above, that because the Golf Course has not ceased operation, conversion of the Golf Course property for additional parkland is not feasible at this time? B4-A-10 Lack of viable alternatives presented makes the DIER “fundamentally and basically inadequate” This DEIR presents only three alternatives. One, a no action alternative. Two, an appropriate alternative placing Diamond Bar’s future “downtown” at the existing Sprouts location. And three, “Alternative 2,” whose land acquisition issues were discussed above make it infeasible. Striking Alternative 2, from the DEIR document would leave only two alternatives. This is a problem. CEQA Guideline §15126.6 requires that: An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. Clearly, one alternative, besides a no action alternative, is not a “reasonable” set of alternatives. Attempting to analyze the project with only two alternatives, one of which being infeasible or status quo, makes it impossible for this DEIR to select an alternative which is environmentally superior. Comment acknowledged. See response to comment B4-A-4. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1025 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-114 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: Given that CEQA Guideline § 15126.6 specifies that an EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project. How many alternatives does the city believe an EIR needs in order to be in compliance with this Guideline? The fact that the city has failed under CEQA guidelines to present a “reasonable” number of alternatives therefore makes this DEIR subject to CEQA §15088.5 (a)(4). Recirculation of the DEIR is required when: The draft EIR was so fundamentally and basically inadequate and conclusory in nature that meaningful public review and comment were precluded. (Mountain Lion Coalition v. Fish and Game.) It is therefore incumbent upon the City to withdraw the current DEIR, replace it with a new version which includes a “reasonable” number of “feasible” alternatives, and then recirculate it according to CEQA §15088.5. Each of the alternatives should avoid or lessen one or more of the significant effects identified as resulting from the proposed general plan. A reasonable range of alternatives would typically include different levels of density and compactness, different locations and types of uses for future development, and different general plan policies. The alternatives should not all have the same level of impacts. This discussion of alternatives will enable environmental considerations to influence the ultimate design of the general plan. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1026 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-115 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-A-11 General Plan Language Revisions during the public review period The General Plan Action Committee spent the last three years finding consensus on general plan policy and goal language with citizens, the city, and themselves. They gave their final, approved policy language to the city at their final meeting last March. The city then wrote the draft general plan using that language with minimal changes, and presented it, along with the DEIR, to the public for a 45-day comment period on Sept 16. Then, on September 25, in the middle of the comment period, Diamond Bar's City Council and Planning Commission held a joint "study" session. During that session, city council members complained the draft general plan language was not "flexible enough." They ordered the city manager to give them a revised language proposal which removed the word "require" from general plan policies, and "soften" any policy language which was “non- flexible.” At the next "study" session on October 8, the city manager offered 40 or so pages of revised policy changes to the city council. The actual language revisions were not made public until 72 hours before the subsequent “study” session on October 8. The revisions, which were part of the second “study” session’s agenda and staff report, were spread throughout all elements of the general plan document. All in all, over 170 policies were revised or deleted. One or two policy changes might be considered “insignificant.” However, large numbers of “insignificant” changes, in this case, over 170, spread throughout the Comment acknowledged. General Plan policies are not “optional.” The proposed “softened” language is intended to allow a certain level of flexibility in the making of General Plan consistency determinations in light of all factors, as opposed to being compelled to conclude that a proposed project or action is inconsistent with the General Plan simply because one applicable policy is so inflexible that no other finding could be made, regardless of the overall merits of such project or action. Revisions to the policy language carry the same intent and applicability and do not have a material effect on the conclusions made in the Draft EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1027 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-116 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response entire general plan document, easily add up to and meet CEQA guideline §15088.5's definition of “significant” change. It is unquestionably the right of the city council to amend general plan language. If the city planned on having “study” sessions which might include language revisions by the City Council, those study sessions should have occurred before placing the draft General Plane and EIR our for public review. Revising that much policy language in the middle of the 45- day comment period places the public, Responsible Agencies, Trustee agencies, and state, federal, and local agencies which may have jurisdiction over the project, in an impossible position for several reasons: 1, besides being part of the draft general plan language, many of the policies revised are also found in the DEIR as important mitigation policies. DEIR comments, submitted before the adopted language revisions, were therefore made on the basis of mitigation policy language which no longer exists. Those commenters deserve the right and a reasonable amount of time, specifically another 45-day comment period, at the very minimum, in which to consider the import of the language revisions with respect to their comments, and change their comments as necessary. 2, even for those few who might actually be aware of the general plan language revisions, and are considering making comments, evaluating mitigation measures potentially based upon 170 plus revised policies, which are 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1028 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-117 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response spread across the 691page DEIR document, is no trivial task. Especially when one must check every single general plan policy listed in the DEIR as a mitigation against the “study” session’s staff report to see which ones have, in fact, been revised. All of the extra effort required to sort out those language revisions places those individuals and agencies under an unreasonable burden during the few remaining days of the comment period. Those individuals and agencies deserve more time to wade through all of the confusion, specifically, another 45-day comment period to reconsider their comments. 3, the city has made no effort to inform the public, and agencies who were not physically present at the second “study” session, that such a large number of general plan policy revisions were, in fact, made. No where, on the general plan’s website can one find the news that general plan policy and goal revisions have, in fact, been adopted. To the interested, but uninformed, web site visitor, the fact of those adopted language revisions would remain a mystery. Any reasonable individual would have expected the city to at least notify, according to California Public Resources Code § 21092.2, the affected agencies and the general public of the general plan language revisions. Those individuals deserve the right to make their own determination about whether or not the policy revisions are indeed, “insignificant.” This is especially so, considering the importance of the document in question: a brand new general plan, the first in over twenty years, with a projected life span to the year 2040. 4, Adopting those language revisions during what was purported to be a “study” session in the middle of the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1029 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-118 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response comment period was disingenuous. It is true that the city widely publicized the date and time of the “study” sessions. That said, many residents, especially those who had spent so much time involved in the general plan language creation process, took the title of the meetings, “study sessions,” to mean just that: study. They believed the sessions were intended to “study” the general plan and DEIR documents, and have the city staff explain the contents of those documents. No one who saw any of the “study” session announcement information ever dreamed that the city council would make such drastic language revisions during those “study sessions.” The fact that such sweeping general plan policy revisions were adopted, in such an unexpected manner, with respect to the public’s and affected agencies’ expectations, in the middle of the public comment period, at a misidentified meeting, those facts, all this evidence, adds up to and meets the conditions of CEQA Guideline §15088.5 (Recirculation of an EIR Prior to Certification). That article should be, must be invoked according to CEQA Guideline §15086. The newly adopted language changes must be incorporated into the draft general plan and DEIR language, with all of the revisions clearly shown. The general plan, along with the entire DEIR must be then recirculated for another 45-day comment period. Finally, it should be noted, in this regard, that §15088.5 (e) specifically states: “a decision not to recirculate an EIR must be supported by substantial evidence in the administrative record.” The fact that such evidence simply does not exist, should be enough, all by itself, to require the DEIR, with mitigation policy language revisions clearly 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1030 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-119 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response marked, to be recirculated according to the above statues for another 45-day comment period. B4-A-12 General Plan language revisions impact DEIR and CAP mitigations Impact 3.5-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. (less than significant) We question the DEIR’s conclusion that the proposed project’s impact on climate change and greenhouse gases will have a less than a significant impact and does not require mitigation. The finding is based on the projected reductions that were calculated using the General Plan policies and CAP policies that were abruptly revised 3 weeks after publication of the DEIR. The DEIR maintains: The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy,” enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, General Plan land use and circulation systems, and additional General Plan Policies. This analysis shows the projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not required for the City to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. (3.5-47) The tables presented in the CAP (3-12 to 3-19) provide quantified reductions in MTCO2e to justify that the Project Revisions to the General Plan policy language do not change the intent of these policies or significantly reduce their applicability in the Climate Action Plan modified emissions forecast. The Climate Action Plan uses the methodology outlined in the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association’s (CAPCOA) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures report to quantify emissions reductions from the General Plan policies. For each category of policies, calculation of emissions reductions assumed the minimum percentage reduction in the range provided by CAPCOA. In multiple cases, the General Plan policies were not assumed to be mandatory or universally implemented. Therefore, the calculated reductions in MTCO2e are still valid and revisions to the policies do not have any material effect on conclusions made in the CAP and Chapter 3.5. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1031 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-120 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response will meet regulatory targets. The CAP Table 3-8 which forecast GHG reductions attributes “the largest reduction from parking policies, followed by pedestrian improvement and increased connectivity, transportation improvements, electric vehicle infrastructure, traffic calming, and bikeway system improvements” (CAP 3-18). However, it is not possible to fully analyze and fully verify the validity of these calculations in the narrow window of time since the policies were revised by the City Council at the October 8, 2019 Study Session. Properly evaluating the validity of the revised CAP is critical since “once adopted, [it] will serve as the Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects in accordance with CEQA” (3.5-39). How is this still true after the changes in the relevant language? Will additional mitigation policies be provided to support streamlining the CEQA process? A significant number of the recently revised general plan policies were cited (to improve walkability, reduce VMT, promote electric vehicle infrastructure, improve bikeways and calm traffic) to support this calculation. Here are some examples: • LU-P-17: Promote Require that site designs that create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. • LU-P-42: Avoid expanses of surface parking and require encourage the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings where appropriate. • LU-P-48: Promote Require convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1032 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-121 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. • CC-P-57: Improve Promote the pedestrian comfort and safety of crosswalks along South Brea Canyon Road and South Lemon Avenue. • CR-P-55: Consider the establishment of Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses—including multifamily residential and office—in the Municipal Code. • CR-P-56: Establish requirements to provide Encourage dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. • RC-P-20: Require Encourage the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. • RC-P-21: Require Ensure builders developers to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding droughttolerant planting concepts. • CHS-P-5: As opportunities and resource become available, implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments where appropriate and feasible. • CHS-P-14: Encourage the development of Develop and incorporate "destinations"—such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1033 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-122 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Neighborhood Mixed Use, the TransitOriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. • CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for Encourage the establishment of gathering areas in new neighborhoods. • CHS-P-33 Plan Encourage land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. • CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform when considering for outlining and implementing measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. As we have noted in a previous document submission to the public record, according to the General Plan Guidelines developed by the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), “It is better to adopt no policy than to adopt a policy with no backbone.” (Office of Planning and Research. “General Plan Guidelines.” 382.) In addition, for a policy to be counted towards “mitigating of a plan’s impacts,” it must be expressed as mandatory. (Office of Planning and Research. “General Plan Guidelines.” 382.) The above changes lead us to specifically ask, what is the likelihood of these policies being implemented? How do 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1034 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-123 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response they support the CAP’s calculations that expected targets would be met? What additional mitigation policies could be provided if the targets are not met and the impacts become significant? After all, encouragement, consideration, and promotion are not enforceable forms of policy. They suggest a lack of commitment by the city to pursue these goals. B4-A-13 We also question the forecasted construction emissions that are “based on an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total build-out area that could be potentially developed in any year” (3.5-28). What policies provide the foundation for this expectation? The DEIR also acknowledges that it is a “conservative estimate” and “projects would extend for more than one year, and therefore, would increase total project emissions” (3.5-29). In addition, the report acknowledges that “development anticipated by the Proposed Project could result in a significant impact, if the per capita emissions from the 2030 and 2030 (buildout) years exceed the reduction targets identified in the CAP” (3.5-33). With the revisions to the policy language, how is it certain that the city will achieve the projected targets? What mitigation measures will be provided since there is the possibility that impacts could become significant? Why not provide these at this point rather than assume it will not be necessary? Construction emissions could be less significant than the “conservative” estimate for air quality emissions; i.e. here “to be conservative” assumes the worst-case construction scenario for emissions. B4-A-14 Moreover, the DEIR assumes “implementation of the Proposed Project’s policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions and would ensure that the City’s 2030 and 2040 levels of GHG emissions would not exceed the respective emission targets” (3.5-35). However, the same project has “the potential to convert oak woodland to developed areas” (3.538). The report identifies potential areas of development that would The General Plan and Climate Action Plan do not propose any new development in areas that include oak woodland. New development is concentrated in four focus areas, three of which are already developed (development of the Community Core Overlay would occur on the Golf Course and would require an additional master plan and EIR). See Figure 3.9- 3: Proposed Land Use Change Areas in the Draft EIR and Figure 3.3-1: Natural Communities included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. Should unmapped oak woodland occur in areas of new development, the acreage would be minimal but is unknown. As discussed in the Climate Action Plan, the 2040 GHG 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1035 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-124 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response disrupt woodland and that “for every acre of forest removed, an average of 0.85 MTCO2 sequestration is lost” (3.5-35). Therefore, the DEIR should also calculate the amount of MTCO2 sequestration the loss of mature trees could cost the city. We would also suggest including the trees in the Golf Course. Doing so would properly evaluate the benefit of these biological resources to the reduction of GHG and climate change. The DEIR’s claim that the impact would be less than significant relies on calculations in the CAP that were based on different policy language. As such, how would other responsible agencies be able to vet this claim is still true or provide well-informed comments since they may not be aware of the policy language changes made at the October 8th Joint Meeting? It would be reasonable to expect that the DEIR and General Plan/CAP (with its revisions clearly marked with strike-outs) should be recirculated for an additional comment period. Please explain how the organizations and agencies outlined in CEQA Guideline § 15086, who, because no specific announcement was made about the October 8th language revisions on Diamond Bar’s General Plan website, might reasonably be able to make informed comments as a result of the general plan language revisions. emissions target is 4.0 MTCO2e per capita per year, or 266,740 MTCO2e per year. This target is used in the Draft EIR as a threshold to determine significance. Forecasted emissions under the General Plan land use and circulation system in 2040 would be 251,074 MTCO2e per year assuming implementation of State actions and relevant General Plan policies cited in the CAP and Draft EIR. Given an average 0.85 MTCO2e sequestration is lost per acre of forest removed, 18,430 acres of forest would need to be removed to exceed the threshold used in this analysis. The Planning Area encompasses 13,039 acres, of which 3,949 acres are designated as Parks and Open Space and 2,030 acres are designated as Vacant. 3,513 acres of the Planning Area are in the Sphere of Influence (SOI), which is designated as a Significant Ecological Area and limits new development. Therefore, while the amount of oak woodland that could potentially be converted under the General Plan is unknown, it is not extensive enough to result in a new significant impact and the claim is justified. B4-A-15 Concerns expressed about the haste with which language revisions were made While we respect concerns about the need for appropriate general plan policy language flexibility, we believe the language balance has swung too far the other way. We urge that the Planning Commission and the City Council take the time to carefully consider and fully understand the value of strategically making the determination of where Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1036 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-125 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response flexible language is appropriate, and specific language is needed. The General Plan document under consideration will guide the city for the next 20 years. We believe it is appropriate, nay imperative, that we take the time to rethink the hastily revised language, and other issues mentioned above, and then recirculate the draft General Plan and DEIR for another 45 days. B4-A-16 Thank you, for the opportunity to participate and comment on the DBGP, EIR and CAP. If you have any questions or comments on any of the comments provided, we are available to discuss or provide any clarifications. Sincerely, R Lee Paulson President This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B4-A-17 [Diamond Bar General Plan Update Website Homepage] This attachment is provided in support of comments B4-A-11 and B4-A-15, addressed above. B4-A-18 [Diamond Bar General Plan Update Website Documents Page] This attachment is provided in support of comments B4-A-11 and B4-A-15, addressed above. B4-B RESPONSIBLE LAND USE B4-B-1 Page ES-1: The Executive Summary should have a general or high-level description of the Proposed Project and Community Core Overlay. The Alternatives are described, however it is difficult to make a comparison to the Proposed Project to the other Alternatives on page ES-10. See response to comment B4-A-3. B4-B-2 Page ES-1: There needs to be a description of the Proposed Project as a part of the Executive Summary. See response to comment B4-A-3. B4-B-3 Page ES-1: Question: Why was the general or high-level description of the Proposed Project and Community Core Overlay omitted from the DEIR? See response to comment B4-A-3. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1037 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-126 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-4 Page ES-1: The document is making a determination that the Proposed Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative, but because of the lack of a description it is unclear why. A detailed Alternatives Analysis pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6 is provided in Chapter 4 of the Draft EIR. The purpose of the Executive Summary is to provide a “brief summary of the proposed actions and its consequences” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15123) as a roadmap to the EIR document as a whole. B4-B-5 Page ES-1: Question: How does the city plan to create a clear description of why the Proposed Alternative is the Environmentally Superior Alternative? See response to Comment B4-B-4. B4-B-6 Page ES-5: Description of the existing town center utilizing the new EIR requirements should also be a reasonable and feasible alternative for this CEQA analysis. It may not be a preferred option for the City, but it is a reasonable and feasible alternative. Question: Why was the existing town center with existing EIR mitigation measures and planning not considered as a viable alternative? See response to comment B4-A-4. B4-B-7 Page ES-5: Also, in the context of comparing impacts, keeping the city center at Diamond Bar and Grand also has the potential to have less environmental impact as compared to your preferred alternative. For example, Vehicles Miles Traveled would be less, because it is more centrally located for DB residents in terms of travel to local areas business and therefore should be described. Question: Why was creating a city center at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand not considered as a viable alternative for the DEIR? See response to comment B4-A-4. B4-B-8 Page ES-5: Also, compared to the Proposed Alternative there would not be an impact to the golf course, which would make the existing City Center area environmentally superior to the Proposed Alternative. This comment introduces yet another suggested alternative: The Town Center at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard combined with the deletion of the Community Core Overlay. Also see response to Comment B4-B-12. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1038 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-127 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-9 Page ES-7: Another topic that was discussed in General Planning Meetings was the lack of recreational space for residents. It is factual that Diamond Bar does not meet the current and proposed General Plan’s goal of 5 acres of park and recreation facilities for every 1,000 residents, and there is consensus that the City should continue to aspire toward this goal. This is not an area of controversy. B4-B-10 Page ES-8: We disagree that there are no feasible mitigation measures. The City of Diamond Bar should propose mitigation measures that would reduce emissions even if it would not reduce those impacts to below significant thresholds. Planning requirements like LEED Building Certification or planning requirements that would include vehicle charging infrastructure would address these air quality impacts and are feasible and cost-effective mitigation. Question: We understand that impacts to Air Quality may be significant and un-mitigatable, however why does the City not suggest building standards and other reasonable mitigation that would at least contribute to reductions in air quality impacts? See response to comment B4-A-5. B4-B-11 Page ES-10: We agree with the DEIR on this. Any discussion about using Golf Course land for parks is, at this time, purely speculative. All that can be safely stated in the DEIR is that should the Golf Course land become available to the city of Diamond Bar, allocating a substantial portion of that site for parkland purposes should be seriously considered and part of the specific plan and EIR for the site. Comment acknowledged. B4-B-12 Page ES-11: Alternative 1 does not have a Community Core Overlay, and has less environmental impacts than the proposed project. Therefore, it is the Environmentally Superior Alternative. The Alternatives analysis concludes that Alternative 1 is environmentally inferior to the Proposed Project expressly because it does not incorporate the Community Core Overlay. The basis for this conclusion is set forth in the DEIR under Section 4.4 (Environmentally Superior Alternative): 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1039 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-128 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: why has Alternative 1 been considered Environmentally inferior, given it has less environmental impacts than other alternatives? Reduced development and population growth under Alternative 1 may slightly reduce impacts of the Proposed Project; however, implementation of Alternative 1 would not be sufficient to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, and VMT to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, differences in population, housing, and jobs growth can be partially attributed to differences in buildout methodology between the Alternatives and the Proposed Project. Most significantly, Alternative 1 would not include the Community Core overlay, which would require a master plan to ensure comprehensive implementation of reuse of the Golf Course should the County of Los Angeles choose to discontinue its operation. Implementation of the Community Core overlay would address the pervasive issue in the City of Diamond Bar, and Los Angeles County as a whole, of equitable access to parkland as it would require that at least 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The southern portion of the Golf Course site would be developed as a mix of uses, including high-density housing, and would be relatively accessible by the Metrolink station. Given that the Proposed Project was originally based on Alternative 1, is generally found to be more compatible with the surrounding environment, and provides additional benefits through the Community Core designation, the Proposed Project is considered environmentally superior. B4-B-13 Page ES-11: This also does not take into consideration a third alternative which could be implementation of the new environmental requirements for the existing city center at the intersection of Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand, which would have less impacts for VMT See response to comment B4-B-7. B4-B-14 Page ES-11: This statement is unclear. Question: why is the Preferred or Proposed Alternative’s Community Core Overlay is not fully analyzed for this alternative? The General Plan 2040 & Climate Action Plan Environmental Impact Report is a program EIR. Page ES-1 of the DEIR (page ES-1) describes the purpose of a program EIR as follows: As a programmatic document, this EIR does not assess site-specific impacts. Any future development anticipated by the Proposed Project would be subject to individual, site-specific environmental review, as required by State law. This EIR represents the best effort to evaluate the Proposed Project given its planning 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1040 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-129 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response The conversion or loss of the County Golf Course would have to be mitigated for under existing county requirements. Therefore, the full connected actions and environmental impacts cannot be fully described in this analysis if there is no discussion of the impacts associated with the replacement for the existing golf course. The preferred alternative’s Community Core Overlay would have to undergo a separate CEQA analysis. It is premature to assume that the Preferred Alternative is Environmentally Superior to other Alternatives if the Community Core Overlay is not fully analyzed, both for the impacts to potential onsite resources or the associated mitigation for a golf course relocation. Question: why is the Preferred Alternative considered Environmentally Superior to other Alternatives if the Community Core Overlay is not fully analyzed, both for the impacts to potential onsite resources or the associated mitigation for a golf course relocation? Question: why is the language at the left even in the DEIR? Additionally, the General Plan describes Environmental Justice issues particularly exposure to pollution such as Ozone, Diesel, Traffic etc. The census tract that includes the Golf Course is very high for these elements in the CalEnviroScreen 3.0. Therefore, future residential development would cause greater exposure to these future residents and should be discussed in this document. horizon through the year 2040. It can be anticipated that conditions will change; however, the assumptions used are the best available at the time of preparation and reflect existing knowledge of patterns of development. The above statement is consistent Section 15168 (Program EIR) of the CEQA Guidelines, to wit, subsection 15168(c): “Subsequent activities in the program must be examined in the light of the program EIR to determine whether an additional environmental document must be prepared.” As set forth in the Project Description (DEIR Chapter 2), the Community Core Overlay is a component of the Proposed Project, and has thus been analyzed to the extent required for a program EIR. The opportunity to perform a “site- specific environmental review” would be triggered if and when the County discontinues golf course operations (one of the prerequisites for implementing the Community Core Overlay Goals and Policies), at which time air quality, noise and other potential impacts will be evaluated and influence the planned location of residential and other sensitive uses within the planning area. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1041 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-130 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: Why was greater exposure to pollution such as Ozone, Diesel, Traffic etc, not discussed with respect to potential residential development in this area? B4-B-15 Page ES-12: There needs to be an existing City Center Alternative (Diamond Bar and Grand) that is different from the No Project Alternative. This is a reasonable alternative that has not been discussed but has the potential for being environmentally superior. Question: what the existing City Center at Diamond Bar and Grand not considered as another alternative? See response to comment B4-B-2. B4-B-16 Page ES-12: Question: Are there no impacts associated with the eligible State Scenic Highway along Highway 57 in Tonner Canyon? Tonner Canyon is located within the SOI, and is presently under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Although the SOI is a component o f the Planning Area, the Draft General Plan recognizes the County’s Significant Ecological Area designation for Tonner Canyon, and does not propose any new land use designations in anticipation of the area eventually annexing into the City. The DEIR addresses the aesthetic setting of the Significant Ecological Area on page 3.1-7, which provides the basis for the No Impact determination: The County is also in the midst of updating its Significant Ecological Areas Ordinance (as of May of 2019). Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) include land that is identified to hold important biological resources representing the wide- ranging biodiversity of the County, based on the criteria for SEA designation established by the General Plan and as mapped in the SEA Policy Map (Figure 3.1-3). As shown on this map, all of Diamond Bar’s Sphere of Influence is considered an SEA. The SEA Ordinance establishes regulations to conserve the unique biological and physical diversity of the natural communities within Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) by requiring development to be designed to avoid and minimize impacts on SEA Resources. The regulation of development in SEAs also seeks to preserve scenic resources. B4-B-17 Page ES-12: I did not find any reference to this source? Question: Where are the references to this source? Dyett & Bhatia Urban and Regional Planners is the primary author of the DEIR. Table ES-3 is a summary of the impacts identified in Chapters 3 and 4 of the DEIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1042 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-131 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-18 Page ES-55/56: The noise impacts under 3.10 of the Table is incomplete in that it does not include all the 2019 CEQA Appendix G Checklist Items. CEQA Guidelines Appendix G is an optional template for the preparation of initial studies, not for the preparation of EIRs. The DEIR was prep ared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15120 et seq (Contents of Environmental Impact Reports). DEIR Chapter 3 provides a detailed assessment of potential impacts that could result from implementation of the Proposed Project. B4-B-19 Page ES-55/56: Additionally, the items under 3.11 Noise is an error and should be described as Public Services and Recreational impacts. (see Appendix G of 2019 CEQA Checklist) Comment acknowledged. B4-B-20 Page ES-57: The criteria listed in the table only show three criteria, but the CEQA Checklist Appendix G includes six criteria. Therefore, this table in incomplete. Question: Why aren’t the complete list of criteria in CEQA Checklist Appendix G included in the table referenced here? See response to comment B4-B-18. B4-B-21 Page ES-57: This is also incomplete. There are more criteria in Appendix G. Globally please review the entire checklist to complete the EIR analysis. Question: Why wasn’t the entire list of criteria in Appendix G listed here? See response to comment B4-B-18. B4-B-22 Page ES-59: What is this? This table clearly attempts to identify the CEQA Appendix G Checklist. However, this section just throws Agriculture, Mineral Resources at the end randomly. Please revise this table to organize base on the CEQA Checklist and address all the Appendix G items, whether or See response to comment B4-A-7. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1043 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-132 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response not there are significant impacts, and what mitigation measures are being proposed to mitigate those impacts. Why was this table formatted in a way that does not follow a similar format from the CEQA Checklist? B4-B-23 Page 1-4: This is not appropriate, the CEQA analysis does not just include what was received during the scoping period. The CEQA analysis includes the criteria listed in Appendix G and also includes Mineral Resources, Agriculture, Population and Housing, Public Services, etc. There should be a discussion on these topics, even though they are either no impacts or they are considered not significant. Question: why does the existing analysis only include those items mentioned in the Scoping Comments? Question: Why was a full CEQA analysis of all criteria not done here? See Responses to Comments B4-B-18 and B4-B-22. B4-B-24 Page 2-1: Add pagination to enable comments. Comment acknowledged that page numbering is not provided on the title page (Page 2-1) or on pages containing figures, which is consistent with the page numbering format throughout the DEIR. All other pages are numbered. B4-B-25 Page 2-1: This section does not include a description of the Project. There is also no description of the project in the Executive Summary. The EIR should describe the Proposed Project without having to flip to the General Plan as a reference and description. Chapter 2 comprises a Project Description pursuant to Section 15124 of the CEQA Guidelines. B4-B-26 Page 2-1: Question: Why was a complete description of the Project placed in the Executive Summary? CEQA Guidelines Sections 15120 et seq (Contents of Environmental Impact Reports) sets forth discrete criteria for the contents of the Executive Summary (CEQA Guidelines Section 15123) and the Project Description (CEQA Guidelines Section 15124). The Executive Summary and Project Description are thus presented within separate, eponymous chapters. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1044 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-133 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-27 Page 1-6: We ask for an opportunity to review and comment on the MMRP. It is important to understand the city’s expectations of developers and the city’s responsibility in compliance oversight to ensure that the Mitigation Measures are complied with. Question: To what extent will the public have the ability to review and comment on the MMRP? The MMRP will be included in the Planning Commission and City Council agenda packets prepared in advance of the EIR certification and Proposed Project approval hearing dates. B4-B-28 Page 2-1: Recommended Change) This EIR analyzes the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 (General Plan) and the proposed Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan (CAP), together referred to as the "Proposed Project." Under California Government Code Section 65300 et. seq., cities are required to prepare a general plan that establishes policies and standards for future development, circulation, housing affordability, and resource protection for the entire planning area. By law, a general plan must be an integrated, internally consistent statement of city policies. California Government Code Section 65302 requires that the general plan… Question: Why are the laws and regulations being used here in the Project Description? This is all being described in Chapter 1. Should move this statement into Chapter 1 and include a Project Description. This is an editorial commentary unrelated to the environmental analysis, and is acknowledged. See response to comment B4-B-26 regarding the location of the Project Description. B4-B-29 Chapter 3.10: There needs to be a map identifying the obvious noise sensitive receptors: schools, hospitals, places of worship. This would be feasible to do in this document, but an analysis for a project should also be done at the time of a proposal to the planning commission if there are any sensitive receptors within a reasonable radius. Typically, a map identifying noise sensitive receptors is provided at the project-level to illustrate the distance between the receptors and the project’s noise generating construction and operation activities. As this General Plan Update EIR is at the program-level for future development, the potential noise sensitive receptors would potentially be any of the receptors. Therefore, for this program-level EIR it is sufficient to list the types of receptors that are noise sensitive (residences, schools, churches, hospitals) 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1045 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-134 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: where is the map that identifies the obvious noise sensitive receptors? but not locate every receptor on a map, as not all maybe in proximity to be impacted at the project-level. B4-B-30 Page 3.10-9: Question: At what time of day are these noise levels assumed? Table 3.10-1 lists the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) readings for the identified roadway segments. DEIR page 3.10-5 defines CNEL to be the average noise level over a 24-hour period: The Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day that includes an addition of 5 dB to measured noise levels between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and an addition of 10 dB to noise levels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. For an explanation of A-weighting, please refer to DEIR page 3.10-2. B4-B-31 Page 3.10-30: The noise contours should include the freeways. The freeways are the loudest and constant source of noise in the City. Question: Why are the freeways not included in this section’s analysis? Existing and future traffic noise contours were estimated based on traffic volumes for roadway segments provided by the project traffic consultant, which did not provide volumes for the freeways. Traffic volumes are used to estimate the distances of reference noise contour lines in CNEL from each roadway; however, the estimate is based only on the noise generated by traffic volumes, with no site specific consideration of localized barrier attenuation such as intervening topography and barriers. Therefore, these noise contours are not used for site specific impact analysis of existing and future traffic noise levels at receptors, but they provide a visual characterization of the extent (distance) of traffic noise levels at distance from roadways. B4-B-32 Page 3.10-32: Please ensure that the map also includes the freeways as well. This Proposed General Plan will need to take into consideration freeway improvements and reasonable mitigation such as sound walls as mitigation. Question: Will the final EIR ensure the map also includes the freeways? See responses to comments B4-B-31 and B4-B-33. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1046 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-135 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-33 Page 3.10-32: Question: Will the final EIR take into consideration freeway improvements and reasonable mitigation such as sound walls? With the adoption of General Plan policies PS-P-45 through PS-P-52, potential noise impacts will be less than significant. Please refer to Policies PS-P-49 and PS-P-50 regarding the preparation of noise analyses and the construction of noise barriers to mitigate project-specific noise impacts. B4-B-34 Page 3.10-32: Recommended Change) Mitigation Measure: In areas identified as Noise Sensitive Receptors, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship measures to mitigate noise generated that exceed XX will include measures such as sound barriers or other methods to reduce noise generation below significant levels. From another EIR: The following are typical practices for construction equipment selection (or preferences) and expected function that can help reduce noise. Pneumatic impact tools and equipment used at the construction site would have intake and exhaust mufflers recommended by the manufacturers thereof, to meet relevant noise limitations. Provide impact noise producing equipment (i.e., jackhammers and pavement breaker[s]) with noise attenuating shields, shrouds or portable barriers or enclosures, to reduce operating noise. Line or cover hoppers, storage bins, and chutes with sound-deadening material (e.g., apply wood or rubber liners to metal bin impact surfaces). Provide upgraded mufflers, acoustical lining, or acoustical paneling for other noisy equipment, including internal combustion engines. Use alternative procedures of construction and select a combination of techniques that generate the least overall noise and vibration. Use construction equipment manufactured or mo dified to reduce noise and vibration emissions, such as: Electric instead of diesel-powered equipment. - Hydraulic tools The suggested mitigation language can be found in numerous EIRs and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs), and are more suited to project-level documents. Draft General Plan Policy PF-P-49 sets forth site- specific noise analyses for the purpose of developing tailored noise mitigation measures for noise-sensitive uses and any other “development proposals where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7-10 (of the General Plan).” 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1047 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-136 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response instead of pneumatic tools. - Electric saws instead of air- or gasoline-driven saws. No mitigation is offered for Noise Sensitive Receptors such as schools and places of worship. Below on page 3.10 -33 you state no mitigation measures are required. We have offered additional mitigation measure language that can reasonably reduce noise impacts around residents and noise sensitive receptors. B4-B-35 Page 3.10-13: Question: At what levels are construction vibration noises impacting structures, and what mitigation is recommended? Construction equipment and activities varying vibration levels, as shown in EIR Table 3.10-12, in which vibration levels dissipate rapidly with distances of approximately 50 -100 feet to a level less than Caltrans and FTA vibration criteria for damage to structures (depending upon the building materials of the structure). EIR Table 3-10-15 provides FTA criteria for vibration threshold levels for various structurally constructed building materials, and the distances at which these varying vibration levels would not be exceeded. Project-level analysis would determine potential vibration impacts to structures depending upon the type of construction equipment operating, the distance from structures, and the structural strength of the structures based on their building materials. B4-B-36 Page 3.10-13: Look at Caltrans 2013 Vibration Guidance Manual as a reference. Comment acknowledged. The EIR utilized and references FTA vibration criteria (FTA 2018), which Caltrans utilizes in their vibration guidance. Therefore, FTA and Caltrans vibration criteria is similar. B4-B-37 Page ES-16: We noted that CR-P-56 was modified since the draft EIR was released for public comment. Globally we recommend all edits that were implemented after the draft EIR release be documented similarly so that the public is aware of any edits that occurred. All proposed revisions to the General Plan policy language are incorporated in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1048 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-137 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: will all edits which were implemented after the draft EIR release be documented as they were in the Study Session Staff Report? B4-B-38 Page ES-16: We strongly suggest that the language for CR- P-56 be retained as originally written. Question: Will the language for CR-P-56 be reconsidered in light of evidence presented below? See response to comment B4-A-5. B4-B-39 Page ES-16: The implementation or installation of electrical infrastructure is reasonable if built into the cost of construction for new business and parking lots. However, businesses are reluctant to install charging station infrastructure after parking lot completion because of the cost of tearing up the parking lot and getting separate permits for installation. Other cities, such as the City of Long Beach, have implemented policies or ordinances that required planning for this type of electrical vehicle infrastructure as part of the permitting process. Similarly, the City of Diamond Bar should include the requirement of LEED Certification or equivalent to encourage energy efficiency and reduction of GHG for new construction. Question: Will the city include the requirement of LEED Certification or equivalent to encourage energy efficiency and reduction of GHG for new construction? See response to comment B4-B-10. B4-B-40 Page ES-16: The Community Overlay if implemented to include high density housing would occur in an area already deemed an area of high-level pollutant impacts along the 60 and 57 freeway, please refer See response to comment B4-B-14 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1049 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-138 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response to the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 for this Census Tracs in this area. Certain elements like diesel emissions are already at very high levels, with the City of Industry Census tract 6,037,403,312 already at a Pollution Burden Level of 93%. Question: Will the final EIR take the above evidence into consideration, should the Community Overlay still be seriously considered in that document? B4-B-41 Page 3.2-10: Recommended Change) (page 3.2-10) California Air Resources Board (GARB) Was this supposed to be CARB? Also fix citation at bottom of table. CARB is the correct acronym. Unable to locate the noted typographical error in the DEIR. B4-B-42 Page 3.2-15: Within this paragraph you mention the types of sensitive receptors such as schools, long-term care facilities. These entities do exist, and since you mention them, it is feasible to identify them. Particularly public schools. You also have identified development areas in your planning for land use changes or future development, therefore it would be feasible and practical to identify those sensitive resources in the vicinity of areas proposed for land use changes (eg. schools near high density residential). Question: Will the final EIR document identify and map sensitive receptors such as schools, long-term care facilities? See response to comment B4-B-29. B4-B-43 Page 3.2-19: Question: What are you showing here? This table is incomplete and does not show any data. Table 3.2-4 shows the California Ambient Air Quality Standards and National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, lead, visibility reducing particles, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. Table 3.2-4 provides the maximum allowable concentration and method for determination for commonly used time periods such as 1-hour concentration, 8-hour concentration, and annual 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1050 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-139 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response arithmetic mean. Where dashes are provided, no standard exists. The table is not intended to show data; rather, it is intended to consolidate air quality standards that are referenced in the analysis of Chapter 3.2. B4-B-44 Page 3.2-32/37: These are good goals to try and achieve in the City’s General Plan. The following LU and CRs do provide the appropriate language: LU-G-4; LU-G-9; CR-P- 33; CR-P-56; RC-P-28; RC-P-33;RC-P-34; RC-P-35 and others. However, not all of these General Plan Policies relate to reduction of air quality impacts, such as RC-P-19. It is not clear that this is a General Plan Policy that improves air quality. Or is it possibly a measure to reduce increased pressure on Utilities? Comment acknowledged. Policy RC-P-19 is included to reduce increased pressure on utilities. As recommended by the comment, policy RC-P-19 is struck out from this chapter in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. B4-B-45 Page 3.2-35: Recommended Change) (RC-P-30): Ensure Require that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. The language to ensure puts the onus on the Planning Commission to check with AQMP. Requiring that the development project has to comply with SCAQMD puts the requirement on the developer and not the Diamond Bar Planning Commission. Question: Does the city agree that it is incumbent upon developers to design and implement project consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan? Question: Therefore, is it reasonable to require them to do that? Comment acknowledged. Recommended policy language to remain as initially drafted. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1051 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-140 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: Will the final EIR change the general plan language back to its original form? If not, how will this affect the Planning Commission? B4-B-46 Page 3.2-35: Recommended Change) RC-P-33. New development projects are required to Consult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Require proposed land uses that produce TACs to incorporate setbacks and design features that reduce TACs at the source to minimize potential impacts from TACs. For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. (New from SCAQMD Guidance) This language should put the requirement on the developer to consult and provide that documentation with the Planning Commission regarding their consultation with the SCAQMD. It is not clear who, the City of DB or the developer must consult with the SCAQMD. Question: Is it not reasonable to require developers to consult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors? Question: Will the EIR final draft then require this? How? Comment acknowledged. The recommended language for Policy RC-P-33 (now RC-P-29) is revised in the Public Hearing Draft General Plan and Chapter 4 of the Final EIR as follows: RC-P-3329. Ensure that project applicants Cconsult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid si ting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Require proposed land uses that produce TACs to incorporate setbacks and design features that reduce TACs at the source to minimize potential impacts from TACs. For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. (New from SCAQMD Guidance) Examples of facilities that may emit TACs as identified by the SCAQMD include dry cleaners, gas stations, auto body shops, furniture repair shops, warehouses, printing shops, landfills, recycling and transfer stations, and freeways and roadways. Refer to SCAQMD guidance for the most current list of facilities that may emit TACs 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1052 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-141 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-47 Page 3.2-35: Also, the sensitive receptors should be identified, where feasible in this document so that it can be determined whether the newly provided land use changes would potentially impact sensitive receptors such as schools. This language is pushing that requirement on a case by case basis without the opportunity to comment here. Also, this is left to the developer to determine where there are sensitive receptors. However, it is feasible to identify existing sensitive receptors in 2020. Also, knowing where the known sensitive receptors exist will assist the Planning Commission determine whether notification to the SCAQMD is required. See response to Comment B4-B-29. B4-B-48 Page 3.2-33: We like this statement. This says that every project needs to go through some sort of consistency review to ensure that it meets compliance with AQMP. (AQMD?) Comment acknowledged. See Draft EIR page 3.2-21 regarding SCAQMD’s Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs), particularly the 2016 AQMP. B4-B-49 Page 3.2-37: Recommended Change) Mitigation Measures With the implementation of the Proposed General Plan Policies, impacts are less than significant and therefore additional mitigation measures are not None required. The paragraph preceding the listing of Goals and Policies, commencing on page 3.2-34, is substantially similar to the proposed language in this comment. B4-B-50 Page 3.2-37: The General Plan Policies are proposed measures to address impacts and reduce impacts to Air and GHG emissions. However, many policies are now worded as optional rather than mandatory to implement. Question: How will the revised policies, which have been softened, still qualify as mitigations for impacts to AIR and CHG emissions under CEQA? General Plan policies are not “optional.” The proposed “softened” language is intended to allow a certain level of flexibility in the making of General Plan consistency determinations in light of all factors, as opposed to being compelled to conclude that a proposed project or action is inconsistent with the General Plan simply because one applicable policy is so inflexible that no other finding could be made, regardless of the overall merits of such project or action. B4-B-51 Page 3.2-37: Recommended Change) Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet current USEPA standards, which are Comment acknowledged. The revised language proposed in the comment is added to MM-AQ-1 and included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and MMRP. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1053 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-142 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response currently Tier 4 final off-road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. This DPF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. This mitigation measure should reflect the changing standards for USEPA from 2020-2040. Question: How does the city plan to make this mitigation measure reflect the changing standards for USEPA from 2020-2040? B4-B-52 Page 3.2-37: It is not clear how this measure addresses air quality impacts. Is this meant for reduction of impacts of water use? Question: How does this measure address air quality impacts? Is this instead meant for reduction of impacts of water use? Comment acknowledged. Policy CHS-P-57 is included to reduce increased pressure on utilities and water use. As recommended by the comment, policy CHS-P-57 is struck out from this chapter in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. B4-B-53 Page 3.3-1: Formatting issues with the table. Comment acknowledged. B4-B-54 Fig. 3.3-2: Brea Canyon that is referenced on page 3.3-8 as it leaves the channel in the City of Diamond Bar and enters the SOI is not identified in figure 3.3-2. Nor is the channelized portion of the creek. Question: How will the EIR final draft fix this oversight? Figure 3.3-2 is revised to show Brea Canyon Channel and included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. B4-B-55 Page 3.3-12: Recommended Change) United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for Comment acknowledged. The revised language proposed in the comment is added and included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1054 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-143 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response listed plant or wildlife species does not occur within the Planning Area. The nearest critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the southwest corner of the SOI and extends through the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in the City of Puente Hills located to the southwest of the SOI. Additional critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the City of Walnut and within Chino Hills State Park but is not adjacent to the Planning Area boundaries. Modified the existing language to be more descriptive of where known CAGN Critical Habitat exists. A map would be more helpful. B4-B-56 Page 3.3-45: Recommended Change) Promote Require the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, site stablization and restoration where practical to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into natural open spaces. The EIR acknowledges that the spread of invasive species can take over or outcompete native vegetation. Therefore, the requirement should be clear that native seed mixes or plantings should be used in both landscaping, site stabilization for SWPPP, and revegetation purposes. Question: How will the EIR final draft clarify this requirement with the proposed language changes or the equivalent? Also, the statement should be clearer to the developer what is expected of them and why. Comment acknowledged. Proposed General Plan Goal RC -G-6 is revised as follows and is included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR: Utilize native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, site stabilization and restoration where practical to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into natural open spaces 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1055 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-144 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: Will the EIR final draft clarify what is expected of the developer in this requirement? How? Although the language of where practical is included for flexibility, native vegetation should be considered first. B4-B-57 Page 3.3-45: Recommended Change) Require, as part of the environmental review process, prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist., Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of the target species. requiring that time- specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plantsWildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources. The report and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to Comment acknowledged. Proposed General Plan Policy RC-P-9 is revised as proposed by the commenter and is included in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1056 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-145 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. We suggest language that is clear on the steps needed to be able to adequately identify sensitive resources and proposal of measures specifically that would avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to species present or potentially present. These requirements are common on most development projects in areas impacting potentially sensitive habitats. Question: How will the EIR final draft clarify the language here with the proposed revisions or the equivalent? Question: If the final EIR does not plan to clarify the language here with the proposed revisions or the equivalent, what are the city’s reasons for not doing so? That is, by deciding not to clarify the language, is the city suggesting that adequately identifying sensitive resources and proposal of measures specifically that would avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to species present or potentially present not important? B4-B-58 Page 3.3-47: Recommended Change) MM-BIO-1A: To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June and reference populations checked. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. Suggest adding language on checking reference populations. This will ensure accuracy of detecting the Comment acknowledged. The commenter’s recommended revision to Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-1A is added to Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and is included in the MMRP. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1057 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-146 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response target species. This requirement is not burdensome and often can be determined by a phone call to a local botanist or checking websites and providing that documentation. Question: will the final EIR draft include the revised language suggestions to ensure accuracy of detecting the target species? B4-B-59 Page 3.3-47: Recommended Change) MM-BIO-1B: At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, an adaptive two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. In the event, that the City of DB determines that agreed success criteria are not met, additional remediation may be required beyond the two-year maintenance/monitoring period to ensure mitigation requirements are met. We believe that there needs to be assurance that the developer has met obligations. In the two years of monitoring, there should be adaptive management of the site to ensure success. If the mitigation measure conditions are not met in the established two-year timeframe, it should be the developer’s obligation to meet those mitigation measure requirements. If it is not clear to the developer on what the requirements are, the City of Diamond Bar risks being the responsible party for the additional restoration expense, or the establishment of exotic weed species that could exacerbate the potential for wildfire. Comment acknowledged. The commenter’s recommended revision t o Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-1B is added to Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and is included in the MMRP. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1058 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-147 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: will the EIR final draft ensure that If the mitigation measure conditions are not met in the established two-year time frame, that it will be the developer’s obligation to meet those mitigation measure requirements? Question: if the answer to the above question is yes, how, specifically, will the EIR final draft ensure this? B4-B-60 Page 3.3-53: Can this MM BIO-4 align with the City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Chapter 22.38 - Tree Preservation and Protection? (Page 3.3-38) There are described restoration ratios that are inconsistent with BIO - 4. We believe the ratios described are more reasonable biologically. Question: will this also reference the Oak Woodland Protection Act 2016? If the answer to the above question is no, why not? There are several examples of city documents that reference oak tree mitigation ratios based on diameter at breast height and the ratio of replacement. We request an ordinance or policy for a no net policy of trees for the city. A sufficient ratio for tree replacement based on size or canopy cover should be established. Please consult references such as Urban Forestry Program Manual. Or suggest elements in a MM on elements that need to be addressed in an ordinance to enable this MM to mitigate impacts to less than significant. DBMC Chapter 22.38 will be updated to conform to MM BIO-4. The ordinance revising DBMC Chapter 22.38 will be subject to public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council, and the Oak Woodland Protection Act of 2016 and other relevant input will be considered in the drafting of the ordinance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1059 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-148 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Although RC-P-10 - development of a mature native tree ordinance. We should request to review and comment on the measures in that ordinance. B4-B-61 Page 3.3-48: Recommended Change) MM-BIO-1D: The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Training Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention purpose of the program shall be to inform developers, city workers and residents. The program shall address safety, environmental resource sensitivities and impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environme ntal Awareness Program shall include the following components: encourage Provide, on the City website, information about proactive conservation efforts among for the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: This language reads as voluntary. Question: What requirements will there be for City Workers or Developers to review the online program? We recommend that an Environmental and Safety Awareness Training be developed that is tailored and specific to each project based on resource or safety Comment acknowledged. “Developers” has been added as being subject to the Environmental Awareness Program in MM-BIO-1D in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. Proposed improvements, such as trails, will be subject to General Plan Goals and Policies, the mitigation measures set forth in the FEIR and project-specific CEQA review. It is not reasonable or feasible to compel residents to participate in a training program as proposed. The first bullet point under Mitigation Measure 3.3-48 imposes reasonable requirements to increase environmental awareness. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1060 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-149 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response concerns. It would be the responsibility of the contractor or developer to ensure that the workers have taken the awareness training and provide documentation if requested by the City of Diamond Bar. Question, given the need for all individuals at all levels of responsibility to be trained, will the city make the proposed language revisions? Question: if the answer to the above question is no, what are the reasons for that decision? B4-B-62 Page 3.3-48: Recommended Change) MM-BIO-D: For informational purposes, Tthe City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of sensitive plant and tree species to avoid impacting as well as suggested plant palettes to be used in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities. Not only is it important to suggest the types of plants to avoid, it is also important to identify sensitive plant and tree species that are protected by statute or ordinance, and that would require additional consultation with the city if found onsite. Question: Does the city agree that it is also important to identify sensitive plant and tree species that are protected by statute or ordinance, and that would require additional consultation with the city if found onsite? Comment acknowledged. The commenter’s recommended revision to Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-1D is added to Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and is included in the MMRP. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1061 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-150 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: if the answer to the above question is yes, will the city agree to the suggested language revisions or the equivalent? Question: if the answer to the above question is no, why not? B4-B-63 Page 3.3-48: Recommended Change) MM-BIO-E: Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) flag the area for avoidance and discuss possible seasonal avoidance measures with the developer. If avoidance is not feasible, the Project Biologist, with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. There are circumstances, such as burrowing owl, where an active nesting burrow can be seasonally avoided until a more reasonable time period can be determined for the species to be relocated and the burrow collapsed. Question: will the final EIR include clarifying language such as that suggested or its equivalent in the final EIR draft? Comment acknowledged. The commenter’s recommended revision to Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-1E is added to Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and is included in the MMRP. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1062 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-151 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response If the answer to the above question is no, then why not? B4-B-64 Page 3.3-50: Recommended Change) MM-BIO-1H: Protection of Eagle Nests: No development or project activities shall be permitted within one-half mile, if not in line of site of a proposed activity, one mile if line of site of a proposed activity of a historically active or determined active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified biologist. 10 In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. Question: were the most recent laws and regulations used for this section? If so, please specify which ones were used. We believe the recommendation is to not have activity within a mile of a nest that is determined active between December-July. A half mile buffer is used for active nests that are not in line of sight or have been determined by a biologist (in consultation with CDFW) will not impact the active nest. Eagles are considered fully protected and there are no take authorizations for this species. Comment acknowledged. The commenter’s recommended revision to Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-1H is added to Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and is included in the MMRP. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1063 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-152 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-65 Page 3.3-52: This statement is confusing and is contradictory to the assumption of Impact 3.3-2 on page 3.3-51 that it is Less than Significant with Mitigation. Comment acknowledged. The following sentence is added to Chapter 4 of the Final EIR to clarify the statement: “Therefore, impacts to oak woodlands and other native woodlands could be significant and unavoidable without mitigation.” (Emphasis added.) B4-B-66 Page 3.4-25: Recommended Change) In the event that human remains or suspected human remains are identified, the city shall comply with California law (Heath and Safety Code § 7050.5; PRC §§ 5097.94, 5097.98, and 5097.99). The area shall be flagged off and all construction activities within 100 feet (30 meters) of the find shall immediately cease. The Qualified Archaeologist shall be immediately notified, and the Qualified Archaeologist shall examine the find. If the Qualified Archaeologist determines that there may be human remains, they shall immediately contact t he Medical Examiner at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. If the Medical Examiner believes the remains are Native American, he/she shall notify the NAHC within 24 hours. If the remains are not believed to be Native American, the appropriate local law enforcement agency shall be notified. The NAHC shall immediately notify the person it believes to be the most likely descendant (MLD) of the remains, and the MLD has 48 hours of being granted access to the site to visit the discovery and make recommendations to the landowner or representative for the respectful treatment or disposition of the human remains and any associated grave goods. If the MLD does not make recommendations within 48 hours of being granted access to the site, the remains shall be rein terred in the location they were discovered and the area of the property shall be secured from further disturbance. If there are disputes between the landowners and the MLD, the NAHC shall mediate the dispute and attempt to find a solution. If the mediation fails to provide measures acceptable to the landowner, the landowner or their The explanation for why 3.4-3 is less than significant, and thus no mitigation measures are required, is provided in the paragraphs substantiating this finding. To wit: The treatment of human remains is regulated by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and the treatment of Native American human remains is further prescribed by Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. These regulations are applicable to all projects within the Planning Area. While the General Plan does not include any policies related to the treatment of human remains, future development anticipated under the General Plan would be required to comply with these regulations. Therefore, impacts associated with the disturbance of human remains would be less than significant. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1064 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-153 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response representative shall reinter the remains and associated grave goods and funerary objects in an area of the property secure from further disturbance. The location of any reburial of Native American human remains shall not be disclosed to the public and shall not be governed by public disclosure requirements of the California Public Records Act, California Government Code § 6250 et seq., unless otherwise required by law. The Medical Examiner shall withhold public disclosure of information related to such reburial pursuant to the specific exemption set forth in California Government Code §6254(r). For Impact 3.4-3 there were no mitigation measures offered. Question: why was there no mitigation measure offered for an inadvertent discovery of human remains? This is generally not anticipated, and although it may be not considered significant, there should be a measure in place that a developer and the city should generally follow. We provided an example of a MM that addressed inadvertent discoveries B4-B-67 Page 3.5-33: Construction emissions may be more significant since the report admits it is a “conservative assumption” based on “an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total buildout area” would develop in a year (3.5-28, 3.5-29) It considers this impact as less than significant with no mitigation. However, it is based on assumptions: See responses to comments B4-A-13 and B4-A-14. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1065 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-154 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 3.5: “construction emissions were forecasted based on an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total build- out area that could be potentially developed in any year.” but also acknowledges that “it is likely that some projects would extend for more than one year, and therefore, would increase total project emissions” and so the “analysis uses a conservative estimate of total project emissions” (3.5-28- 3.5-29) It also claims that “policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions” (3.5-35). Question: given that it is intended that “policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions,” then why are the related general plan policies for VMT are not mandatory? It also states the “Amount of oak woodland that would be converted” or replaced are unknown, the ‘quantification of emissions from conversion...was not included in the emissions calculations.” The claim that the impact is less than significant are based on unreliable assumptions. (3.5- 35) Question: given that the “Amount of oak woodland that would be converted” or replaced are unknown, the ‘quantification of emissions from conversion ...was not included in the emissions calculations,” and since the amount of oak woodland that would be converted or replaced are unknown, then how can the claim be justified that the impact is less than significant? 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1066 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-155 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: why were the reasons and justifications for the less than significant claims not included in the DEIR document? The report does have a specific measure: “for every acre of forest removed, an average of 0.85 MTCO2 sequestration is lost”. Question: how many acres of forest could be developed in this plan? The amount of sequestration that could be lost can be calculated and included to fully evaluate its impact on GHG/climate change. B4-B-68 Page 3.5-33: Question: given that the “Amount of oak woodland that would be converted” or replaced are unknown, the ‘quantification of emissions from conversion ...was not included in the emissions calculations,” and since the amount of oak woodland that would be conv erted or replaced are unknown, then how can the claim be justified that the impact is less than significant? See response to comment B4-A-14. B4-B-69 Page 3.5-33: Question: why were the reasons and justifications for the less than significant claims not included in the DEIR document? The report does have a specific measure: “for every acre of forest removed, an average of 0.85 MTCO2 sequestration is lost”. See response to comment B4-A-14. B4-B-70 Page 3.5-33: Question: how many acres of forest could be developed in this plan? The amount of sequestration that could be lost can be calculated and included to fully evaluate its impact on GHG/climate change. See response to comment B4-A-14. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1067 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-156 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B4-B-71 Page 3.5-39: Several policies included in the CAP are no longer mandatory due to revisions to the General Plan language in the middle of the comment period. Question: How are the assumed reductions in MTCO2 still valid? See responses to comments B2-4 and B4-B-40. Revisions to the General Plan policy language do not change the intent of these policies or diminish their applicability in the Climate Action Plan modified emissions forecast. The Climate Action Plan uses the methodology outlined in the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association’s (CAPCOA) Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures report to quantify emissions reductions from the General P lan policies. For each category of policies, calculation of emissions reductions assumed the minimum percentage reduction in the range provided by CAPCOA. In multiple cases, the General Plan policies were not assumed to be mandatory or universally implemented. Therefore, the calculated reductions in MTCO2e are still valid and revisions to the policies do not have any material effect on conclusions made in the CAP and Chapter 3.5. B4-B-72 Page 3-5-39: Question: What measures will be added to the CAP to enable the expected streamlined environmental review under CEQA? The CAP concludes that for projects and actions that are consistent with the General Plan, no further GHG analysis would be required, and thus the time required to prepare required CEQA documents would potentially be shortened. B4-B-73 Page 3.5-28: Global comment: This document should follow the 2019 CEQA Guidelines. Greenhouse Gas now only has two criteria under Appendix G. The other two are now covered under Section VI Energy. Question: Why does the EIR not account for the recent change to the CEQA 2019 Statutes and Guidelines? How will this be addressed? See Response Comment B4-B-18. Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases consolidates the Greenhouse Gas and Energy criteria in the CEQA 2019 Statutes and Guidelines as analysis of the topics is based on similar environmental settings, regulations, and data. Criteria 3.5-3 and 3.5-4 directly correspond to Section VI Energy Criteria A and B, respectively. Criteria 3.5-1 and 3.5-2 directly correspond to Section VIII Greenhouse Gas Emissions Criteria A and B, respectively. The language of the criteria is identical to that most recently updated in December 2018. B4-B-74 Page 3.5-38: City of Diamond Bar, should adopt similar policies as the City of Long Beach regarding LEED building policies to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions. Although, it may be less than significant impacts the city should provide policies or mitigation measures to further reduce its carbon footprint and energy efficiency, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources. See link below: See response to Comment B4-A-5. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1068 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-157 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response http://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/sustainability/me dia-library/documents/urban-living/builidings-and- neighborhoods/greenbuildingpolicy Question: Will the city plan to adopt policies as discussed above which are similar to those adopted by the city of Long Beach? B4-B-75 Page 3.5-38: We like the policies that the City of Long Beach described with some goals that they would t ry and achieve. http://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/sustainability/me dia-library/documents/nature-initiatives/action-plan/scap- final Comment acknowledged. B4-B-76 A land use plan element should require that new commercial, mixed use or transit oriented developments include the design and installation of electrical infrastructure to promote the installation for current or future EV charging infrastructure. Current general plan language changes have made those policies optional. How will the city be able to achieve the expected reduction in GHG and meet its emissions targets for automobiles? Question: Does the city plan to revise those policies and make them mandatory? See responses to Comments B4-B-10 and B4-B-50. B4-B-77 Page 3.10-24: There is no discussion under Criteria 1 in regard to Sensitive Receptors to noise, such as schools. Sensitive receptors should be included and identified under this criteria. And MM should be suggested that would limit activities during these hours, or use of noise attenuation See responses to Comments B4-B-33, B4-B-34 and B4-B-35. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1069 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-158 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response measures such as noise blankets or walls to temporarily reduce decibel levels in proximity to these sensitive receptors. B4-B-78 Page 3.11-29: Question: what elements exist in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that address the potential mitigation to increase the availability of parks? Question: Are there open spaces within the city that have been identified? The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a public document and is available for anyone to review. The City has and continues to seek opportunities to acquire land to add to its parkland inventory. The most recent acquisition was the purchase of 2.83 acres at 22555 Sunset Crossing Road from the YMCA. This comment does not address the adequacy of the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B4-B-79 Page 3.11-29: According to LU-P-54, then City of Diamond Bar should consider other public uses for public agency lands. Such as the County owned Golf Course. Question: How does the Core Community Overlay address recreation opportunities sufficiently such that the City can be in alignment with the Quimby Act and meet its ratio of 5 acres per 1000 residents? Should Los Angeles County ever dispose of the golf course, Draft General Plan Policy LU-P-45 requires that approximately 100 acres be set aside for parkland. A repurposed golf course could thus serve 20,000 residents, and —based on the 2016 City population estimate of 57,081--raise the Citywide parkland ratio from 2.6 acres per 1,000 residents to 4.4 acres per 1,000 residents. B4-B-80 Page 3.11-44: This EIR identified several potential new trails: Tonner Canyon, Crooked Creek etc. We support the development of trails and access to views of the open space in the SOI. We would just like consideration and mitigation measures to address any potential impacts if and when those trails are developed. Question: Why was there no discussion or consideration of environmental impacts under this Criteria for the potential new trails? As stated under Impact 3.11-3, new park developments would be subject to CEQA. It is further acknowledged that planned expansions or modifications to trails will also be subject to CEQA. See also response to Comment B4-B-57 and B4-B-61. B4-B-81 Figure 4.2-2 Alternative 1) In the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Area it shows both mobile home parks included. The Alternative 1 is expressly defined to include the delineated 105-acre boundary for the TOD Mixed Use district as depicted in Figure 4.2-2. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1070 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-159 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response newly revised area ends at the east end of the western mobile home park. Please revise the map to reflect the currently correct size. B4-B-82 Figure 4.2-3 Alternative 2) In the Transit Oriented Mixed Use Area it shows both mobile home parks included. The newly revised area ends at the east end of the western mobile home park. Please revise the map to reflect the currently correct size. Alternative 2 is expressly defined to include the delineated 105-acre boundary for the TOD Mixed Use district as depicted in Figure 4.2-3. B4-B-83 Alternatives should also include existing Town Center at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Ave with the new General Plan and Climate Action Plan. It is a reasonable alternative that was not described. Question: Given that Alternative 2 is not a viable alternative, why were other alternatives, such as the location mentioned above considered as alternatives in the DEIR? See responses to Comments B4-B-6 and B4-B-7. B4-B-84 The difference between the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 is a Core Community Overlay, which if developed, would result in an undetermined environmental impact to offset the loss of the existing County Golf Course--as would Alt 2. This impact, which cannot be adequately quantified at this time, would in fact have a potentially and significant environmental impact. Therefore, it is not clear how the Proposed Alternative is similar in impact to Alt 1. If the Core Community Overlay has to be determined at a later time, and may be determined infeasible due to environmental considerations, then you have currently only proposed two alternatives in addition to the No Project Alternative. The creation of a Town Center is a cornerstone of the Draft General Plan’s Community Vision and comprises one of the Draft Gen eral Plan’s seven Guiding Principles. A Town Center is therefore a project objective that must be accounted for in the Alternatives Analysis. As a predominantly built-out community, there are very few opportunities to locate a Town Center. As stated in response to Comment B4-B-6, the prospect of locating the Town Center at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard was rejected as infeasible. CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6 requires an EIR to consider “a reasonable range of alternatives” to a project. Alternatives 1 and 2 satisfy that requirement given to accommodate a project objective as specific as creating a Town Center. The approach cities often take in defining general plan EIR alternatives is to consider lower and higher density/intensity build-out scenarios: this approach invariably leads to the perfunctory conclusion that a lower-density alternative would fail to meet RHNA requirements imposed on all 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1071 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-160 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Question: Given the reliance of Alternative 2 on the Community Core Overlay being invoked, and given the fact that the Golf Course is indeed in operation, and given the fact that it is “infeasible,” as defined by CEQA Guideline §15364, at this time to determine the complete extent of environmental impacts and mitigations necessary to have obtained the Golf Course property, why was Alternative 2 even suggested as a viable alternative in the DEIR? California cities; and a higher-density alternative would result in more severe environmental impacts across a range of environmental categories. In light of the factors considered above, the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040/CAP 2040 DEIR provides an appropriate and reasonable range of alternatives to consider. B5 CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE FOUNDATION/CALIFORNIA OAKS PROGRAM B5-1 October 31, 2019 Grace S. Lee, Senior Planner City of Diamond Bar, Planning Division 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Transmitted via email: glee@diamondbarca.gov Re: Draft Environmental Impact Report, City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, and Climate Action Plan, SCH# 2018051066 Dear Ms. Lee: This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B5-2 The California Oaks program of California Wildlife Foundation (CWF/CO) works to conserve oak ecosystems because of their critical role in sequestering carbon, maintaining healthy watersheds, providing habitat, and sustaining cultural values. Comment acknowledged. See responses to comments B5-3 through B5-8 below. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1072 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-161 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response CWF/CO has reviewed the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, Climate Action Plan, and the environmental analysis presented in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). Comments pertain to mapping of biological resources, fire hazards, greenhouse gas and air quality impacts associated with the implementation of the General Plan, and the city’s tree ordinance. Additionally, CWF/CO offers that the language throughout the plan about the importance of the natural resources is simply aspirational absent strong measures combined with enforcement and monitoring. B5-3 Mapping data for biological resources: In the letter to the City of Diamond Bar dated July 3, 2018 CWF/CO stated: “We have also been informed that the habitat mapping used in the General Plan materials do not accurately represent the city’s oak resources.” Other letters also addressed this issue, and the letter from Hills For Everyone suggested that the city utilize more current mapping data. Diamond Bar citizens continue to express concern that the mapping remains inadequate. CWF/CO understands that Hamilton Biological, Inc. prepared a biological resources report in February 2019 to correct the deficiencies. The delivery of the Hamilton report may have been after the comment period closed. That said, CWF/CO notes the caution in the DEIR on pages 3.3-5 and 3.36, which indicates a need for finer-scale analysis of the mapped vegetation (emphasis added with boldface text): As with the native oak and walnut woodlands, there can be considerable overlap and mixing of shrubland and scrub alliances, which can lead to misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed from a distance or in aerial photography, particularly in the summer when many scrub species are deciduous. For this reason, the mapping of See response to comment B3-9. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1073 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-162 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response these alliances and their mixtures in Figure 3.3-1 should be considered to be subject to sitespecific investigations. As noted on page 2 of Appendix A of the biological resources report: “Mr. Hamilton conducted reconnaissance field surveys on January 4 and 8, and February 4 and 8, 2019, to field-check the mapping and to observe the existing conditions throughout most of Diamond Bar.” B5-4 Fire Hazards: The section, Wildfire Management Strategies, on page 7-16 of the draft General Plan discusses approaches for mitigating fire risk: As the State prepares for more such incidents as the wildland-urban interface (WUI) continues to expand and changes in climate patterns become more apparent, wildfire risk management at the local level will become increasingly important. Strategies tend to cluster around two main approaches: maintaining defensible space around structures, and ensuring that structures are resistant to fire. CWF/CO recommends the City of Diamond Bar restrict development in areas designated by CAL FIRE to pose very high or extreme fire threat as detailed in Figure 7 -5 on page 718 and very high fire hazard severity zones as detailed in Figure 7-6 on page 7-19. Such restrictions would enhance safety and also conserve financial and natural resources. At the very least, CFW/CO urges the City of Diamond Bar to promulgate citywide fire risk disclosure requirements for housing developments. Amador County building code requires the county to make information available to project applicants and real estate agents on the risks of wildland fire, available levels of fire and emergency response, and wildland fire prevention methods; and to provide that same information when Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1074 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-163 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response property changes hands in areas designated as high and very high fire severity. That information is posted on the county’s website. B5-5 CWF/CO commends the City of Diamond Bar for the language in PS-P-21 presented on page 3.11-39 of the DEIR, which is protective of natural vegetation. As stated above, a prohibition of development in these regions would result in further protections. Greater specificity is needed in the language below to detail how natural ecosystems will be protected: Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that properties in and adjacent to High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as indicated in Figure 7-6 are adequately protected from wildland fire hazards in a manner that minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation and ecosystems through inspection and enforcement. Update Figure 7-6 as new information becomes available from CAL FIRE. Comment acknowledged. Revisions to draft policy language is not within the scope of the Final EIR. B5-6 Greenhouse gas impacts: Page 1-6 of the Climate Action Plan recognizes the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of the conversion of oak woodlands and other natural environments that sequester carbon (boldface text used for emphasis): California’s oak woodlands act as carbon sinks, storing an estimated 675 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e). Riparian habitats and wetlands also act as climate sinks and are beneficial to ecological adaptation to climate change. Destruction of these habitats, both through land use decisions and the consequences of intensifying climate change, has the potential to release a significant amount of greenhouse gases. The Diamond Bar General Plan update includes multiple policies aimed at preserving open space and riparian habitat to encourage the health of the City’s biological resources, particularly See response to comment B4-A-14. The General Plan does not propose the conversion of any oak woodlands, with the exception of the Golf Course, which would be subject to environmental review under a later Master Plan. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1075 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-164 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response oak and walnut woodlands, and applies land use designations that minimize impacts of development on these resources. California law requires the assessment of GHG impacts of proposed oak removals, yet Appendix D does not include such calculations. California Environmental Quality Act § 15364.5 states that “Greenhouse gas” or “greenhouse gases” includes but is not limited to: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. California’s Senate Bill 1383 (2016) designated methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbon short-lived climate pollutants. Upon the disposal of impacted vegetation, the decomposition of biomass results in CO2 and CH4 emissions, and the combustion of biomass does in all cases result in CO2, CH4, N2O, and black carbon (Decomposition: "Anaerobic digestion, chemical process in which organic matter is broken down by). CEQA does not differentiate between anthropogenic and biogenic GHG emissions ("... the combustion of biomass does in all cases result in net additions of CH4 and N2O to the atmosphere, and therefore emissions of these two greenhouse gases as a result of biomass combustion should be accounted for in emission inventories under Scope 1" (at p. 11). World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development (2005).). The following 2009 Natural Resources Agency response to the California Wastewater Climate Change Group proves the point: Response 95-1: “Regarding the comment that the Guidelines should distinguish between anthropogenic and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1076 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-165 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response biogenic carbon dioxide emissions, the Natural Resources Agency notes that SB 97 did not distinguish between the sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it would not be appropriate for the Natural Resources Agency to treat the different categories of emissions differently absent a legislative intent that the Guidelines do so. Neither AB 32 nor the Air Resources Board’s Scoping Plan distinguishes between biogenic and anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas emissions. On the contrary, the Scoping Plan identifies methane from, among other sources, organic wastes decomposing in landfills as a source of emissions that should be controlled. (Scoping Plan, pages 62-63).” The total biomass weight of the impacted overstory/understory vegetation must be known and the means of biomass disposal identified to accurately and fully account for natural land conversion GHG emissions (EPA/USDA FS, 2015. Forest Biomass Components: https://cfpub.epa.gov/roe/indicator.cfm?i=86.). The following questions must be addressed in order for the environmental documentation to be complete: • What is the estimated total biomass weight of the impacted overstory and understory vegetation by 2020, 2030 and 2050? • Due to the presumed transport of disposed biomass off-site, what are the estimated CO2, CH4, N2O, and black carbon emissions? Lastly, on page 8-23 of General Plan, measure CHS-G-11 (boldface text added for emphasis) is to: “Undertake initiatives to enhance sustainability by reducing the community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protecting natural open spaces which provide CO2 sequestration , and fostering green development patterns, buildings, sites, 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1077 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-166 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response and landscapes.” The City of Diamond Bar needs to add clear language to the General Plan to articulate how natural open space protections will be achieved, enforced, and monitored. B5-7 Tree Ordinance: The July 2018 letter by CWF/CO urged “the City of Diamond Bar to strengthen the tree ordinance by applying it to parcels of one-half acre and smaller, and to extend individual tree protections to trees smaller than eight inches diameter at breastheight (DBH).” The DEIR discusses the tree ordinance in the summary of Areas of Controversy on page ES-7: Many of the comments addressed impacts to important biological resources, particularly oak woodlands. Inadequacy of the City of Diamond Bar’s existing tree ordinance and the Existing Conditions Report led to community concern over the protection of open space and special-status species. Anticipated development under the Proposed Project could reduce existing open space and viable habitat. Unfortunately, the proposed Resource Conservation policy (RC-P-10) for the impact does not include an improved tree ordinance: Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. See response to comment A3-12. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1078 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-167 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Lastly, the DEIR Mitigation Measure Bio-4 presented in table ES-4 on page ES-29 of the DEIR states that: “In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide.” Restoration ratios detailed in the table differ (and are weaker in some cases) from those in the City of Diamond Bar’s tree ordinance section 22.38.130. For example, the county restoration ratio may be 1:1 in certain circumstances whereas the City of Diamond Bar’s tree replacement/relocation standards state: “Replacement trees shall be planted at a minimum 2:1 ratio for residential properties less than 20,000 square feet. Residential parcels greater than 20,000 square feet and commercial and industrial properties shall be planted at a minimum 3:1 ratio…” The City of Diamond Bar needs to clarify how the tree ordinance and mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide are to be reconciled. B5-8 Air Quality: Section 5.6 of the General Plan discusses the South Coast Air Basin’s poor air quality. American Lung Association assigned the grade of F to Los Angeles County’s air for ozone and particle pollution (24-hour and annual) (see http://www.lung.org/ourinitiatives/healthy- air/sota/city-rankings/states/california/los-angeles.html). Resource Conservation-Policy-29 presented on page 5-41 of the General Plan is to: “Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation, recognizing the role of these resources in the reduction and mitigation of air pollution impacts, and the promotion of CO2 sequestration.” However, as stated in the introductory comments, without specific language and clear protections, This comment recommends revision to a General Plan policy. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1079 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-168 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response there is no reason to believe Diamond Bar’s natural resource values will be upheld through the implementation of the General Plan. B5-9 Thank you for your consideration of these comments. CWF/CO is available, should additional information be needed. Sincerely, Janet Cobb Executive Officer Angela Moskow Manager, California Oaks Coalition This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B6 DIAMOND BAR – POMONA VALLEY SIERRA CLUB TASK FORCE | ANGELES CHAPTER B6-1 Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force Angeles Chapter October 31, 2019 TO: Ms. Grace Lee, Senior Planner, City of Diamond Bar [delivered electronically] CC: City of Diamond Bar, Community Development Director, Mr. Greg Gubman RE: City of Diamond Bar, General Plan, DEIR Comments Dear Ms. Lee, This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B6-2 The purpose and goals of the Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force, Angeles Chapter, are dedicated to local conservation: to educate environmental literacy to all, especially the youth; to explore, enjoy and protect local wildlife habitats, to advocate biodiversity, Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1080 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-169 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response natural open spaces and sustainable communities. Our group activities and contributions are locally focused. We are grateful for the opportunity to comment on the General Plan 2040/DEIR. We think forward-thinking, community-based partnerships are foundational to guard against error and to reach for extraordinary levels of quality and economic productivity in conservation planning. B6-3 Here are our concerns, which also include a personal point of input: 1. Wildlife Habitat and Circulation: The Resource Conservation element and DEIR fails to regard or thoroughly explain wildlife circulation throughout the mid and northern part of the city. Example: my own property which is mapped as oak woodland on DEIR figure 5.2 is partially correct (because the coastal scrub is missing) has been a consistent “wildlife corridor” these 30 years past (or more?). There is an established “game trail” where we routinely observe deer families arrive from traversing the native green belt tracing throughout the Diamond Ridge neighborhood near Pantera Park. The Hamilton report accurately depicts this region as area #3, in the natural communities map. Therefore, Hamilton’s approach to mapping natural communities according to their existence rather than human boundaries is correct. Please explain what scientific basis the city claims wildlife circulation only happens at the Puente Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor? Recall, 2013 Diamond Bar city hall sighted a mountain lion, which may have arrived from Upper Tonner Canyon/Tres Hermanos or Powder Canyon. Here are pictures of my own property, north face ridgeline, oak/walnut, sage scrub habitat. The movement and exchange expected to occur is implied on the map provided in Figure 3.3-3 of the DEIR. As shown, the map clearly shows the movement corridor as progressing north through Tonner Canyon. Insofar as then City has no control of land uses in its SOI, but the importance of protecting movement corridors through the area is identified in the DEIR, the General Plan update DEIR established the importance to conserve and protect these corridors when designing future developments. See also response to comment B3-14. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1081 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-170 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response [Photos] B6-4 2. The DEIR city environmental location description is inadequate. There appears to be no geomorphic, geological or floristic references to where the city of Diamond Bar is. For example, Dibblee maps indicate the city of Diamond Bar is located in: Brea Canyon, in the Puente Hills, which are at the tip of the Peninsular Ranges, in the Southern California Mountains & Valleys Ecoregion. These terms hold meaningful descriptions by which to assess, soils, native plant communities, climate patterns. How else can specific ecological features and conditions be discovered or understood? Will the city of Diamond Bar update the environmental location of the city in all general plan documents? The City believes the description of the Physical Setting of the Stud y Area provided on page 3.3-3 to be adequate for the concerned reader. B6-5 3. Geologic Constraints: The DEIR omits describing geologic constraints of the city. Example: The City’s landscape comprises a system of canyons, streams, floodplains, ridges, and hillsides. Prominent knolls and ridges reach elevations of 1,300 to 1,400 feet above sea level. Most hillsides contain slopes in excess of 25%. These hillside areas are underlain by bedrock of the Puente Formation. The rocks of this formation are folded and dip between 10 and 20 degrees horizontal. Locally, beds of Puente Formation dip as steep as 45 to 60 degrees. The folded nature of these rocks combined with the steepness of the terrain makes Diamond Bar one of the most landslide- prone areas in Southern California. I cannot located descriptions which help us to understand safety risk, such as landslide potential. The geologic setting of the Planning Area is described in the Environmental Setting of Chapter 3.6 (pages 3.6-2 through 3.6-5) and depicted in Figures 3.6-1 through 3.6-4. The geologic constraints are further addressed in the impact analysis on pages 3.6-26 through 3.6-36. The City believes this description to be sufficient for the purposes of this analysis. B6-6 4. Is it meaningful to include the California Deep Landslide Inventory? If not, why not? Again, isn’t this relevant to safety concerns and mitigation solutions? Landslide-susceptible areas within the Planning Area are discussed on page 3.6- 4 and depicted in Figure 3.6-1. The City believes this description to be sufficient for the purposes of this analysis. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1082 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-171 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B6-7 5. Proposal for new city tree codes including recommendations for oak woodland protection, walnut woodland protections and productive measures to improve the city urban canopy. Existing codes are sorely outdated. Based on current science of natural communities and alliances, per the California Vegetation Manual, Hamilton Biologic analyzed in February 2019, a new proposed tree code. Attached. A year previous, a red line draft of the previous tree codes was performed by State Urban Forester, John Melvin’s recommended local urban forester, David Haas to assist me in analyzing and correcting/improving the city’s existing tree codes. Attached. I respectfully request the city review this material to achieve updated tree codes to serve the quality of life in the City of Diamond Bar; and to preserve best practice. See response to comment A3-12. B6-8 Respectfully, C. Robin Smith, Chair CC: Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, Senior Chapter Director, George Watland DBPV Sierra Club Task Force, Vice Chair, David Warren Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter, Conservation Chair, Angelica Gonzales Sierra Club, San Gabriel Valley Task Force, Chair, Joan Licari References: Dibblee Maps, Peninsular Ranges, Ecoregion map This comment is the closing of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B6-9 [Biological Resources Report, City of Diamond Bar] Attachment provided in support of comments B6-3 and B6-4, addressed above. B6-10 [City of Diamond Bar, Biological Resources Natural Communities] Attachment provided in support of comments B6-3 and B6-4, addressed above. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1083 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-172 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B6-11 [Chapter 22.38 – Tree Preservation and Protection Redline Draft April 2016, input from Cynthia Smith] Attachment provided in support of comment B6-7, addressed above. B6-12 [Proposed Amendments to the Diamond Bar Tree Protection Ordinance, Hamilton Biological (2/20/19)] Attachment provided in support of comment B6-7, addressed above. B6-13 [Geologic Map of the San Dimas and Ontario Quadrangles] Attachment provided in support of comments B6-5 and B6-6, addressed above. B6-14 [Geologic Map of the Whittier and La Habra Quadrangles] Attachment provided in support of comments B6-5 and B6-6, addressed above. B6-15 [Geologic Map of the Yorba Linda and Prado Dam Quadrangles] Attachment provided in support of comments B6-5 and B6-6, addressed above. B6-16 [Ecological Sections of California] Attachment provided in support of comments B6-3 and B6-4, addressed above. B7 DIEGO TAMAYO B7-1 Oct. 31, 2019 Comments for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040, DEIR To: Grace Lee, City Senior Planner Dear Ms. Lee: This comment is the salutation of the letter. It does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B7-2 It is good to see the City of Diamond Bar finally acknowledge in the general plan and EIR, the rare and sensitive species and natural communities, we are privileged to have here. The Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club is a local conservation group. Our work involves exploring, enjoying and protecting wildlife habitats and ecosystems in our city and the surrounding areas. Our “community science” activities have come up with some exciting findings. Comment acknowledged. See responses to comments B7-3 through B7-14 below. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1084 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-173 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Since the Diamond Bar – Pomona Valley Sierra Club has been working on an on-going “Diamond Bar Natural History” project these past three years, I submit some of our findings – which has been and is being mapped on iNaturalist, eBird and the CNDDB. We are also communicating with the Los Angeles Natural History Museum staff in assisting to map our findings of the rare and critically imperiled Los Angeles County Shouldband snail, which has been found distributed throughout Diamond Bar. My overall comments about the draft environmental report are concerned with the missing bits of important biotic information, as well as the incomplete or incorrect information in mitigation plans or reported species. B7-3 Here is a list of my questions and concerns: Cultural Findings, page 45-52, Resource Conservation Chpt. 5 1. The DEIR does not mention the (approximate) 40 boxes of stone artifacts recovered at the Pulte Home development project (gated community, located off Crest View and Diamond Bar Blvd.) in 2006. Our group spoke with Dr. Beardsley and curator, Anne Collier at University of La Verne, where the findings are stored, in 2017. Q: Why are these findings missing from pg. 49’s chart? Will the City of Diamond Bar correct this omission? This particular resource is not missing and is listed as P-19-002805 in Table 3.4-2 of the Draft EIR and Table 5-4 of the Resource Conservation Chapter of the General Plan. The California Department of Parks and Recreation site form for this resource obtained from the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) in 2016 indicates that this particular resource was initially encountered immediately prior to the start of construction of the Pulte Homes development in the spring of 2000. Any additional information regarding the contents and condition of this resource have not been submitted to the SCCIC as of 2016. B7-4 What will the city do to restore these findings to the city’s historical society and rightly honor the Kizh Nation? This action is not included in the scope of the General Plan of the Draft EIR. This comment does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B7-5 2. The south end of the city at the “Cathay View” development, a registered “sacred Kizh oak woodland” The resource is not included in the chart because the information to populat e the chart was acquired from the South Central Coastal Information and 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1085 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-174 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response land was officially registered June 13, 2017: N-CAN 33. Q: Why is this listing missing from the Cultural Resources, Resource Conservation, chapter 5, page 49 chart? California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) in 2016, prior to the registration of that particular resource in 2017. An updated Sacred Lands Search from the NAHC in July 2019 did identify this resource within the NAHC database. The identification of this resource does not impact the conclusions of the analysis or the mitigation measures in the Draft EIR or General Plan. Table 3.4-2 in the Draft EIR has been revised in Chapter 4 of this document to include this resource. Table 5-4 in Chapter 5: Resource Conservation has been revised in the Public Hearing Draft General Plan to include this resource. B7-6 Vegetation Communities: Figure 5.2 3. Oak woodland natural communities are under reported in the DEIR habitat map. At least the designation ought to be: southern oak/walnut woodland. California walnut trees are not dominant throughout the city. Please view my pictures of Steep Canyon, Sycamore Canyon and show me where the walnut trees are the dominant species. (posted in the following natural history draft report I submit here.) See response to comment B3-9. B7-7 4. Opuntia litoralis, cactus scrub is not named in the DEIR, though it is a dedicated alliance in the Manuel of California Vegetation, second edition, Sawyer, Keeler -Wolf, Evans. https://calscape.org/Opuntia-littoralis-(Coast-Prickly- Pear)?srchcr=sc5708872f8cdd6 Diamond Bar has dominant patches of this natural community distributed throughout onDEIR? Will the city correct the omission? Cactus scrub is listed as one of the native shrublands and scrub alliances fo und in the study boundaries of page 3.3-5 of the DEIR. It is also listed as a very highly sensitive natural community in Table 3.3-2 on page 3.3-12 of the DEIR. And, it is referenced as habitat for coastal cactus wren in Table 3.3 -4 on page 3.3-27. B7-8 5. Sycamore Canyon Park is designated by the USGS as a “sycamore riparian” habitat due to Diamond Bar Creek passing through it from Steep Canyon. Q: Why is Sycamore Canyon Park colored yellow/walnut woodland, with non- native grasses? See the picture attached and explain how the city came up with such an incorrect report. See response to comment B3-9, particularly the statement about the need for site-specific confirmation of natural communities mapping. B7-9 Wildlife Circulation/Corridor Activity The information provided in the comment is acknowledged and does not conflict with the findings of the Draft EIR. See response to comment B3-15. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1086 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-175 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 6. Deer, coyote, bobcat and cougar have been regularly sighted, circulating throughout Diamond Bar. The northern areas (see Hamilton Report map, area #3 especially.) Mountain lion was encountered at city hall in 2013, routine resident sightings in The DB Country Estates, and a recent report from a hiker near Tres Hermanos/Phillips Ranch area, 2019. Residents in area #3, Hamilton report map, have observed regular visits of deer families, circulating throughout this green area, comprised of grassland, oak/walnut woodland and coastal scrub. The deer travel in and round Pantera Park, Steep Canyon, Sycamore Canyon and Summitridge trail, and frequently observed browsing on the side of Diamond Bar Blvd., near Crest View and Gold Rush avenues. (see photos in my gallery). B7-10 Q: What support will the city lend to the wildlife circulation WITHIN the city neighborhoods? Q: Why is there no mention of wildlife circulation in the mid-northern portions? Has the city considered the Hamilton report’s wildlife corridor map? See response to comment B3-15. See also the discussion of the recognized importance of movement and the discussion of related General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures on pages 3.3-59 through 3.3-62. B7-11 7. Sensitive species like California Gnatcatcher, burrowing owl, golden eagle, red rattlesnake, cactus wren are observed throughout the trail and wildland areas in the city. I have personally observed the gnatcatcher in Steep Canyon area (see pic.) Hikers and residents regularly contact our Sierra Club with their pictures and reports. One hiker submitted a photo of a burrowing owl located near a Diamond Bar trail. (see pic.) Of the species listed in the comment three are noted as observed/recorded in the study area (see Table 3.3-4 in the DEIR. The fourth species listed, as well as a number of others are indicated to have moderate to high potentials to occur for the purpose of future project-related surveys. B7-12 Q: Why is the information incomplete in the Resource Conservation and DEIR document? What effort will the city do to officially report the presence of these species to state conservation trustee agencies like the CDFW and USFWS? Through the CEQA environmental review process all MNDs and EIRs are subject to public review. In particular, public agencies, including CDFW and USFWS are directly mailed copies of these documents by the State Clearinghouse. As such, full disclosure of the presence of special-status species on a project site in inherent to the review process. B7-13 Q: Why does Figure 5.2 use the term “vegetation communities”? The official term used by the California This correction is made in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR and in the Public Hearing Draft General Plan. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1087 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-176 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Vegetation text book, is “natural communities”, indicating natural ecosystems – not supported by man-made interventions like automated irrigation, fertilizer, pesticides, tilling or discing. Q: Will the city correct the misleading term, “vegetation” communities? B7-14 Specific Details and a Program EIR In summary, the general plan and DEIR explains it is a general assessment and not specific, promising that each future development project will examine biological resources in detail. Yet, it also mentions during the detailed survey of a project, it is allowed to depend on the general plan/EIR. Does this mean there is a loop hole in performing CDFW protocol surveys for projects in the “wild edge” or other sensitive ecological areas? How will mitigation monitoring be handled? Will the Public be apprised of who are the monitors and how monitoring procedures are implemented? Q: How can accurate surveys and conservation be accomplished of the DEIR is vague and general, then promises specific assessments be accomplished in future developments if at the core, there are no specific declarations like “Diamond Bar Creek traversing Sycamore Canyon Park”? In using terminology that implies the General Plan EIR will be used to guide future project-specific surveys, no loopholes are created. It simply means that when project-specific environmental reviews are conducted, the reviews should address the potential for impacts to sensitive biological resources and provide for mitigation as indicated in the DEIR. That is, the General Plan update EIR is not intended to serve as the baseline conditions in and of itself; rather, it is to be supplemented with further study and detailed analyses. See also response to comment A3-7. B7-15 Thank you for reading and answering my questions. The attached “Diamond Bar Natural History” project gallery is one of my on-going tasks. Please notice, pictures of resident’s input are included, as our Sierra Club helps to explore and help local wildlife and encourage residents to follow city wildlife interaction guidelines. My references follow. Comment acknowledged. This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1088 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-177 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Thank you. Diego Tamayo, Diamond Bar student, resident, Youth Field Intern/Sierra Club Email: diegonaturalist@gmail.com References: Hamilton Biological Report, City of Diamond Bar; Natural Communities Map 2019 California Vegetation Manual www.veg.cnps.org L.A. County Oak Woodland Conservation Plan Guide http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodl ands_conservationmanagement-plan-guide.pdf B7-16 [Diamond Bar Natural History Project, Diamond Bar- Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force] Attachment provided in support of comments B7-6 through B7-13, addressed above. B7-17 [Biological Resources Report, City of Diamond Bar] Attachment provided in support of comments B7-6 through B7-13, addressed above. B7-18 [City of Diamond Bar, Biological Resources Report, Natural Communities] Attachment provided in support of comments B7-6 through B7-13, addressed above. B8 DIAMOND BAR PRESERVATION ALLIANCE B8-1 Oct. 31, 2019 To: City of Diamond Bar, Senior Planner Ms. Grace Lee RE: Comments, General Plan 2040 and DEIR Dear Ms. Lee, I am grateful to comment on the City of Diamond Bar, general plan and DEIR. This comment is the salutation of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B8-2 Here are my main observation and concerns. Comment acknowledged. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the General Plan and Draft EIR will include specific instructions for carrying out the mitigation measures included in the Draft EIR. Mitigation Measure MM-BIO- 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1089 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-178 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response 1. A failed mitigation project, Millennium Diamond Road Partners, has gripped our community with doubt that the Lead Agency has demonstrated CEQA adherence or understanding to a due diligent process and best practice. Today, we see numerous permit violations and apparently no relief to the failed mitigation at Bonelli Park. Question: How will the DEIR monitoring and mitigation plans assure the public of efficiency to avoid such future failure? The language in the document is not specific. Will there be a training manual, educating the public how dependable city procedures are to protect the community from environmental damage, and loss? 1D states that the City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. See response to comment B9-7. B8-3 2. Mitigation options in the DEIR suggest there is a successful mitigation possible by replacing the removal of old growth, mature oak trees (which sequester 55 thousand pounds of carbon, per tree each year, with young oak trees. How is this possible if science teaches oaks must mature to at least 50 years old to perform carbon capture of that level. Meaning, it would take fifty years to restore the lost ecosystem services provided by oaks – and especially if the oaks were mitigated “off-site” and perhaps far away. The local community is at a loss of the benefits, so mitigation can truly not be achieved. What does th e city say about this realization? (see oak woodland conservation guide) Comment acknowledged. As stated on page 3.3-51 of the Draft EIR “While the City’s tree preservation ordinance and the proposed General Pla n policies represent an affirmative action, it does not necessarily guarantee that functioning oak woodlands will be conserved. Therefore, impacts to oak woodlands and other native woodlands could be significant and unavoidable.” B8-4 3. Enclosed is a picture of the southern oak riparian woodland/walnut woodland that was destroyed by scorch earth grading (December 2017) violating permits and causing a city issued Cease/Desist. Why does the DEIR “vegetation community” map depict walnut woodlands only, in this area? Notice my picture is a strand of riparian oak woodland which survived rogue bulldozing. Please tell me, where are the walnut trees. Where are they? Why is See response to comment B3-9. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1090 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-179 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response this habitat omitted and misrepresented in the Resource Conservation figure 5.2? B8-5 4. The oak woodland preservation language in the DEIR “sounds” good, but it appears there is little solid commitment to conservation. City wording feels tentative and sounds vague. Will the city consider abiding by the 2011 and 2014 Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide? If so, will the city depend on CalFIRE Urban Forestry leads to guide preservation of oak woodlands in the city? http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodl ands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf As stated on page 3.3-53 of the DEIR, “In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide.” It is important to note the use of the word “shall” instead of a less assertive command. B8-6 I was also disappointed the city council chose to affect and change the general plan and DEIR document, in special meetings Sept. 25 and Oct. 8th, while at the same time it was out for Public Review (Sept. 14-Oct.31) There were approximately 60 language changes processed. Were the members of the public including stakeholders notified, other than meeting agendas posted on the general plan website? Many of us had no idea what was happening unless we attended the Sept 25 and Oct. 8th special meetings. How the lack of informing the public comports with CEQA guidelines? Comment acknowledged. See response to comment B4-B-40. Revisions to the draft General Plan policies were provided in the meeting agendas posted to the General Plan website. The Draft EIR was re-uploaded to the General Plan website to provide a searchable document in downloadable pieces, but was not altered during the public review period for the Draft EIR. B8-7 [Photo] Millennium Diamond Road project, Diamond Bar, 2017. Oak woodland riparian, foreground. Attachment provided in support of comment B8-4, discussed above. B8-8 In conclusion, the efforts of the Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation and Alliance aim to protect our community from suffering devastating environmental damage ever again. We are also interested in habitat restoration and promoting native plant landscapes, so to restore the Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1091 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-180 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response California beauty our neighborhood is famous for and that we cherish. I am eager to learn how the city intends to implement better practices in preserving the natural character of Diamond Bar. B8-9 Thank you for review my letter and material and answering my questions. Sincerely, Dr. Chia Teng President, Attachments: Hamilton Biological Report & Map, attached L.A. Oak Woodland Conservation Plan Guide link http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/oakwoodl ands_conservation-management-plan-guide.pdf This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. B8-10 [City of Diamond Bar, Biological Resources, Natural Communities] Attachments provided in support of comments B8-3 through B8-5, addressed above. B8-11 [Biological Resources Report, City of Diamond Bar] Attachments provided in support of comments B8-3 through B8-5, addressed above. B9 GARY BUSTEED B9-1 October 31, 2019 Grace Lee City of Diamond Bar 21810 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 This comment is the salutation of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1092 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-181 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response Re: Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report and Diamond Bar General Plan Ms. Lee, B9-2 Thank you very much for the opportunity to provide comments on Diamond Bar’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) and General Plan (DBGP). The process has been very open, and I have greatly appreciated the transparency in which the plan and report development has been conducted. The General Plan Advisory Committee provided some reasonable solutions where the City should focus its development. I appreciate that the General Plan and EIR have primarily focused on th e redevelopment of infill or existing commercial areas, rather than rezoning out existing open spaces for development. Also you have given some thought and consideration on how the City of Diamond Bar is part of a larger environment (Sphere of Influence) that needs to be thoughtfully considered for wildlife movement and for the greater ecosystem of the Puente and Chino Hills in general. The comments I provide below are similar to three of the priorities identified during the City’s outreach and input in the GPAC Meetings: Environment, Recreation and Traffic. Comment acknowledged. B9-3 Environment Although I understand that most development will be targeted in areas of in-fill or reconstruction of existing commercial areas, we should consider that in areas where there is potential for sensitive or protected resources, that we are specific to what would be required to ensure that the City is in compliance and ensures their protection or conservation. I am professional environmental specialist, so these edits are requirements that I am familiar with and Comment acknowledged. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1093 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-182 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response are reasonable to implement, and minimize potential for inadvertent discoveries resulting in schedule delays in subsequent permitting and mitigation or agency actions from environmental non-compliance impacts. I would like to suggest a few minor changes to the language—my comments are in red and strikeout. B9-4 RC-P-9 on page 3.3-45 Require, as part of the environmental review process, prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist., Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of the target species. requiring that time- specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants Wildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources. The report and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. In the course of providing a project’s environmental review compliant with CEQA the lead agency (in this case the City) conducts a preliminary review to determine if the project will have a significant effect on the environment. Unless it is clear that an EIR is required, the City will prepare an Initial Study to identify potentially significant effects of the project. If it is determined that there is no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a significant effect on the environment a Negative Declaration is prepared to document this finding. If it is determined that a project may cause a significant effect on the environment either a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) that provides for the mitigation of potentially significant effects, or, an EIR will be required. It would be in the case of a MND or an EIR that the applicant would be required to engage in the types of studies described in the comment. General Plan Policy RC-P-9, MM-BIO-1A, MM-BIO-1G, and MM-BIO-1J each speak to the matter of survey timing as written. See response to comment A3-8. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1094 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-183 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response B9-5 MM-BIO-1A on page 3.3-47 To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June and reference populations checked. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. The suggestion of adding language for checking reference populations will ensure accuracy of detecting target sensitive plant species. This requirement is not overly burdensome, but more of due diligence and ensuring that the species being surveyed for will even be detectable. Many sensitive species have identified reference populations that can be easily checked prior to conducting any field work—this should save time and effort on subsequent fieldwork as well. Comment acknowledged. The proposed language relating to reference site verification is added to MM-BIO-1A in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. B9-6 MM-BIO-1B on page 3.3-47 At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, an adaptive two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. In the event, that the City of DB determines that agreed success criteria are not met, additional remediation may be required beyond the two-year maintenance/monitoring period to ensure mitigation requirements are met. If the mitigation measure conditions are not met in the established two-year timeframe, it should be the Comment acknowledged. The proposed language relating to success criteria and adaptive management is added to MM-BIO-1B in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1095 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-184 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response developer’s obligation to meet those mitigation measure requirements. It has been my experience that there needs to be assurance that the developer has met obligations. In the two years of monitoring, there should be adaptive management of the site to ensure success. This is common language that many land use agencies have added to their requirements to put the onus on the developer to ensure the intent of the mitigation measure is met. My concern for the City is if it is not clear to the developer on what the requirements are, the City of Diamond Bar risks being the responsible party for the additional restoration expense, or risk the establishment of exotic weed species that could exacerbate the potential for wildfire. B9-7 MM-BIO-1D Environmental Awareness Program on page 3.3-48 The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Training Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention purpose of the program shall be to inform developers, city workers and residents. The program shall address safety, environmental resource sensitivities and impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: encourage Provide, on the City website, information about proactive conservation efforts among for the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new Comment acknowledged. “Developers” has been added as being subject to the Environmental Awareness Program in MM-BIO-1D in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. Proposed improvements, such as trails, will be subject to General Plan Goals and Policies, the mitigation measures set forth in the FEIR and project-specific CEQA review. It is not reasonable or feasible to compel residents to participate in a training program as proposed. The first bullet point under Mitigation Measure 3.3-48 imposes reasonable requirements to increase environmental awareness. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1096 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-185 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: I appreciate the approach that the City is taking to increase environmental awareness. My edits were an attempt to include the developer in this outreach. The Environmental and Safety Awareness Training should be developed that is tailored and specific to each project based on resource or safety concerns. It should be the responsibility of the contractor or developer to ensure that the workers have taken the awareness training and provide documentation if requested by the City of Diamond Bar that the project proponent understands their role in safety and compliance. Again, this is a reasonable requirement common on many construction projects. B9-8 MM-BIO-1E on page 3.3-49 Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) flag the area for avoidance and discuss possible seasonal avoidance measures with the developer. If avoidance is not feasible, the Project Biologist, with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be The proposed language is added to MM-BIO-1E in Chapter 4 of the Final EIR. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1097 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-186 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. It is important that as a first option in protection of resources, avoidance is the preferred option. Therefore, this measure should include the steps to avoid or minimize impacts to identified resources. If after all possible avoidance measures are used, then a qualified biologists should consider relocation of the resource (ie. plant or animal). This suggested language is common practice and is reasonable in consultation with a permitted or approved biologist. B9-9 Recreation As a father of two young girls, recreational opportunities and parks are very important to my family. I am a member of the Board for our local AYSO Soccer Region as well as a coach and referee, so I am familiar with the shortage of parks for practice and recreation. I also live on the south side of Diamond Bar, so I also know that the lack of adequate park facilities on the southern end of town. I was concerned when I read that the City determined that the impacts to recreation were Significant and Unavoidable. You had identified a Core Community Overlay as part of the DBGP Preferred Alternative. Understanding that the Los Angeles County Golf Course is not currently a viable alternative, it was still identified in this EIR as an alternative option. So, why did the City not consider the golf course in addressing the significant recreation impacts associated with the low ratio of 2 acres per 1000 residents? I would encourage an additional discussion regarding the necessary acreage needed to mitigate these impacts. As part of the Core Community Overlay how much of that property could See response to comment B4-A-6. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1098 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-187 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response be reserved to meet the requirement of the Quimby Act (5 acres per 1000 residents)? B9-10 Also, as a question regarding CEQA analysis. It is my understanding that the Golf Course, in order to be used for other purposes, would need to be mitigated for that loss with another comparable location as a golf course. If there are additional environmental impacts associated with the Golf Course’s conversion in the Core Community Overlay option, those impacts would need to be disclosed in this DEIR. Or alternatively another subsequent EIR would need to be developed if in the future the Community Overlay option is viable. Is my assumption correct, that the Golf Course property is only theoretical and any future development of that property would be contingent on another CEQA analysis? See response to comment B4-A-6. B9-11 Traffic and other Project Alternatives As a resident of Diamond Bar, I am well a ware of the issues around the through traffic on Diamond Bar Blvd, Grand Ave. and Golden Springs/Colima Road. I understand that the impacts associated with traffic, although significant for Level of Service and Vehicle Miles Traveled, would be difficult to mitigate and therefore are determined to be unmitigatable. So, I understood that the GPAC elected to not select, in their recommendations, to continue the Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Ave intersection as the Diamond Bar City Center due to the traffic congestion. Although I agree with this approach, it does not seem reasonable that the existing City Center is not analyzed as a feasible alternative in the EIR. The DEIR only analyzed the existing City Center as infeasible as the No Project Alternative under the existing GP. However, I think the existing City Center warrants an Alternatives Analysis under the proposed mitigation measures and City land use See response to comment B4-A-4. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1099 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Responses to Comments 3-188 Table 3-1: Response to Comments Matrix Comment ID Comment Response policies. I suggest that the City analyze this alternative because the City’s preferred alternative and Alternative 2 are contingent on the Golf Course being developed. These alternatives, if contingent on the Golf Course, are incomplete in that the impacts associated with an alternative county golf course were neither described nor analyzed in this EIR—and would therefore require a subsequent EIR analysis. Therefore, it is not clear that either of these two alternatives are feasible at this time. B9-12 Again, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to provide comments on the DEIR and DBGP. I look forward to additional correspondence from the City as the Final EIR becomes available. Sincerely, Gary Busteed 20850 Gold Run Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 This comment is the closing of the letter and does not address the adequacy of the Draft EIR; therefore, no further response is required. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1100 4 Revisions to the Draft EIR This chapter lists revisions to the Draft EIR by chapter and page, in the same order as the revisions would appear in the Draft EIR. New text is indicated with an underline and deleted text is indicated with strikethrough. Executive Summary On page ES-4, revise the text as follows. FOCUS AREAS Overall, the Proposed Project retains the existing land use framework of the 1995 Gener al Plan, with some targeted changes. The Proposed Project provides for four focus areas where major land use changes are planned to take place as part of a strategy to provide walkable mixed -use activity centers. These focus areas provide opportunities for infill development that can incorporate a range of housing, employment, and recreational uses to meet the needs of families, young people, senior citizens, and residents of all incomes. • The Town Center focus area is proposed along Diamond Bar Boulevard, between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, to build on the success of recent commercial redevelopment in that area. • The Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area is envisioned as a combination of residential and ancillary neighborhood -serving retail and service uses to promote revitalization of the segment of North Diamond Bar Boulevard between the SR -60 interchange and Highland Valley Road. • The Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area leverages underutilized sites adjacent to the Metrolink station to provide for higher-density housing, offices, and supporting commercial uses close to regional transit. • The Community Core focus area covers the existing Diamond Bar Golf Course, which is currently operated by Los Angeles County. Should the County choose to discontinue operation of the golf course or to reduce the size of the golf course, the Community Core envisioned as a master-planned mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. On page ES-56, revise the text as follows. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1101 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-2 3.11 Noise Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities. None required Less than significant N/A 3.11-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. None required Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 3.11-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1102 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-3 Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics On page 3.1-11, revise the text as follows. LU-P-8 Ensure Require that new residential development be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of building scale, density, massing, and design. Where the General Plan designates higher densities, provide require adequate transitions to existing development. On page 3.1-12, revise the text as follows. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. On page 3.1-13, revise the text as follows. RC-P-1 As opportunities arise, Oobtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1103 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-4 a. Requiring the incorporation of Incorporating open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geolog ical features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process and the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. On page 3.1-14, revise the text as follows. RC-P-8 WorkTo the extent feasible, support and cooperate with the efforts of other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its Sphere of Influence. Such features include, but are not limited to, areas identified by Los Angeles County as Significant Ecological Areas; Tonner Canyon; the hills within Tres Hermanos Ranch; and the hillsides along SR-57, between Diamond Bar and Brea. On page 3.1-16, revise the text as follows. RC-P-11 Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid, to the greatest extent feasible, significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Protectvide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1104 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-5 f. Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; g. Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and h. To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowin g into waterways Chapter 3.2: Air Quality On page 3.2-34, revise the text as follows. LU-P-17 Promote Require that site designs that create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. LU-P-34 Ensure Require that development incorporates evaluates and mitigates to extent practical noise and air quality issues related to the proximity of th e SR-60 and Metrolink. LU-P-49 Promote Require convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diam ond Bar. On page 3.2-34, revise the text as follows. CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-32 Provide Promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul -de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-55 Consider the establishment of Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multi-family residential and office in the Municipal Code. On page 3.2-35, revise the text as follows. RC-P-10 Require, to the greatest extent feasible, new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1105 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-6 Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-19 Require new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use o f drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems. RC-P-20 Require the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-21 Require builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-22 Require the use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction in accordance with the -Efficient Landscape Ordinance. On page 3.2-35, revise the text as follows. RC-P-33 29. Ensure that project applicants Cconsult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Require proposed land uses that produce TACs to incorporate setbacks and design features that reduce TACs at the source to minimize potential impacts from TACs. For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. (New from SCAQMD Guidance) Examples of facilities that may emit TACs as identified by the SCAQMD include dry cleaners, gas stations, auto body shops, furniture repair shops, warehouses, printing shops, landfills, recycling and transfer stations, and freeways and roadways. Refer to SCAQMD guidance for the most current list of facilities that may emit TACs. RC-P-304 For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors, require the business owners to obtain all necessary notify the SCAQMD clearances or permits, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. Sensitive receptors include residences, schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical care facilities. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1106 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-7 On page 3.2-26, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-5 As opportunities and resource become available, Iimplement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments where appropriate and feasible. CHS-P-14 Encourage the development of Develop and incorporate such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit -Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for Encourage the establishment of gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-33 Plan Encourage land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed -use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. CHS-P-38 Accelerate Consider the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through ac tions such as: a. Establishing incremental growth goals for solar power/alternative energy systems in Diamond Bar; b. Developing guidelines, recommendations, and examples for cost -effective solar and/or other alternative energy-based installation; and c. Installing solar/alternative energy technology on available existing City facilities spaces. On page 3.2-37, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-57 Encourage water conservation, drought-tolerant landscaping and the use of greywater and reclaimed and recycled water, where appropriate, with a view to reducing water use. On page 3.2-41, revise the text as follows. MM-AQ-1 Construction Features. Future development projects implemented under the General Plan will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD construction emission thresholds. Where emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD thresholds, the following measures shall be incorporated as necessary to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1107 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-8 ▪ Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet current USEPA standards, which are currently Tier 4 final off -road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Availabl e Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. This DPF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. ▪ Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling. ▪ Require building materials to contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. ▪ Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products. If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs. Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources On page 3.3-6, revise the text as follows. Native Grasslands Native grasslands are a sensitive natural community with the potential to occur in the Planning Area. In addition, native grassland species may occur in areas of shrublands, scrub, and oak woodland. Areas of p erennial grassland, distinguished by possessing non -trace cover of native grasses, are identified as Sensitive by CDFW. The Nassella spp. Melica spp. Herbaceous alliance is characterized by having at least two to five percent cover of native needlegrass (Nassella spp.) or other native grasses. The Bromus carinatus Elymus glaucus herbaceous alliance has California brome (Bromus carinatus) characteristically present, with native plants providing more than 10 percent relative cover. Vernal pools and seasonal ponds could occur in grasslands within the Planning Area, and/or along dirt roads that pass through other natural communities within the Planning Area. On page 3.3-10, revise Figure 3.3-1 as follows. On page 3.3-11, revise Figure 3.3-2 as follows. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1108 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57 Oak Woodland Walnut Woodland Sycamore Alluvial Woodland Non-Native Woodland Non-Native Grassland Non-Native Riparian Southern Willow Scrub Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Diamond Bar Golf Course Developed City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.3-1: Natural Communities Due to the scale of the mapping effort the refinement of the delineation of coast live oak woodland and walnut woodland was based on the slope face compass direction (nor th and east facing for coast live oak woodland and south and west facing for walnut woodland) and is subject to site-specific studies for individual projects. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1109 !(T GOLDENSPRINGSDREVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S.PEACEFULHILLSR D Walnut Pom ona Industr y LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDGEL IN E R D INDIANCREEK RD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLE HILLR D MONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: ESA, 2019; City of Diamond B ar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Blueline Streams Potentially Jurisdictional Drainages City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.3-2: Major Waterways and Tributaries 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1110 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-11 On page 3.3-12, revise the text as follows. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for listed plant o r wildlife species does not occur within the Planning Area. The nearest critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the southwest corner of the SOI and extends through the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in the City of Pu ente Hills located to the southwest of the SOI . Additional critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the City of Walnut and within Chino Hills State Park but is not adjacent to the Planning Area boundaries. On page 3.3-34, revise the text as follows. As a point of clarification and in accordance with revised interpretive guidelines provided in the 3345 on December 22, 2017, the killing, or attempting to do the same applies only to direct and affirmative purposeful actions that reduce migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests, by killing or capturing, to human control. On page 3.3-37, revise the text as follows. California Department of Fish and Wildlife The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) provides guidance on appropriate methods within Addressing Sensitive Natural Communities in Environmental Review. The • Identify all Natural Communities within the project footprint using the best means possible, for example, keying them out in the Manual of California, Second Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) or in classification or mapping reports from the region, available on • Refer to the current standard list of Natural Communities to determine if any of these types are ranked Sensitive (S1 -S3 rank); if so, see CEQA Guidelines checklist at IVb. • Other considerations when assessing potential impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities from a project include: 1. Compliance with state and federal wetland and riparian policies and codes, as certain Natural Communities are restrict ed to wetlands or riparian settings. 2. Compliance with the Native Plant Protection Act and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, as some Natural Communities either support rare species or are defined by the dominance or presence of such species. 3. Compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a), which mandates completion of an EIR if a project would threaten to eliminate a plant community. 4. Compliance with local regional plans, regulations, or ordinances that call for consideration of impacts to Natural Communities. 5. rare or unique to the region under CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(c). 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1111 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-12 • If a Natural Community in the project area has not previously been described, it may be a rare type. In this case, please contact VegCAMP about documenting the Natural Community. • If there are Sensitive Natural Communities on your project site and you need guidance, contact the appropriate regional staff person through the local CDFW Region al Office to discuss potential project impacts; these staff have local knowledge and context. • Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities provides information on reporting. On page 3.3-35, revise the text as follows. RC-G-6. Promote the use of native and drought -tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical. Utilize native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping, site stabilization and restoration where practical to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into natural open spaces. RC-P-9. Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist ,. Focused plant surveys shall be conducted at the appropriate time of year, and local reference populations checked to ensure detectability of th e target species. Wildlife shall also be evaluated by a qualified biologist through appropriate survey or trapping techniques necessary to determine presence. requiring that time-specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants and migration of wildlif e are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of a given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources , and. The report shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts to species that have been observed or have the potential of being present on the site. that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require impl ementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non - significant level. On page 3.3-46, revise the text as follows. RC-P-10 Require, to the greatest extent feasible, new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1112 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-13 RC-P-11 Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid, to the greatest extent feasible, significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent poss ible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Protectvide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; f. Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; g. Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and h. To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowi ng into waterways RC-P-14 Partner Support and cooperate with the efforts of local school districts, environmental groups and volunteers to offer environmental education programs. On pages 3.3 -47 through 3.3-49 , revise the text as follows. Mitigation Measures The Proposed Project could result in potentially significant impacts on special-status plant and wildlife species during both construction and use of specific projects, including plant and animal species included in Tables 3.3-3 and 3.3 -4, as well as nesting birds protected under the MTBA and CDFG Code (3503). However, implementation of project-specific Mitigation Measures MM BIO- 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I and 1k will minimize impacts so as to be less than significant. Mitigation Measures MM BIO-1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, and 1K apply to future development under the Proposed Project in the following areas where special -status species have been identified: Planning Area 1 (Tres Hermanos Ranch), Planning Area 2, Planning Area 4 (under the South Pointe West Specific Plan), and the Golf Course. It should be noted that assessing potential impacts to which one or more of the MM -BIO-1 may apply, both direct (on-site) and indirect (off -site) should be considered. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1113 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-14 MM-BIO-1A Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Plants: To mitigate impacts on special status plant species, the applicant shall implement the following measures: • Prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special -status plant species shall be p erformed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status plants are found on the Planning Area, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall prepare a plan to relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding public open space areas that would remain undisturbed. For those species that cannot be physically transplanted, the biologist(s) shall collect seeds from the plants.1 • To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June and reference populations checked . Two species, the white rabbit -tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. MM-BIO-1B Special-Status Plant Planting Plan: Prior to any ground disturbance for projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on special -status plants, the project applicants shall prepare a Special Status Plant Planting Plan for the species to be transplanted. At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, an adaptive two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. In the event that the City of Diamond Bar determines that agreed success criteria are not met, additional remediation may be required beyond the two-year maintenance/monitoring period to ensure mitigation requirements are met. The City shall also require proof that the plan preparer consulted with US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel or appropriate herbarium botanists in order to maximize transplanting success.2 MM-BIO-1C Listed Endangered and Threatened Plants: In addition to MM BIO-1A and -1B, the City shall require the project applicant to provide proof of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife permitting the take of listed endangered and threatened plants. The FESA does not address listed plants on private property. However, if a federal action is required for a project (funding, Clean Water Act compliance, etc.), a permit from the USFWS and CDFW to take a listed species is required. 1 Lilies generally can be transplanted in bulb-form. 2 Such as CDFW in Ontario, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens in Claremont, UC Riverside, or Cal Poly Pomona. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1114 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-15 MM-BIO-1D Environmental Awareness Program: In order to reduce indirect impacts on special-status plants, sensitive natural communities, preserved open space and wildlife corridors, the City shall implement the following measures: • The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open sp ace areas. The intention of the program shall be to inform developers, city workers, and residents and encourage active conservation efforts among the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development . At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the foll owing components: o Informational kiosks shall be added or modified at entrance points to hiking and equestrian trails to inform city workers, residents and trail users on the sensitive flora and fauna that rely on the habitats found within the preserved op en space. The intent of these kiosks is to bring awareness to the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats which occur in the area. o For informational purposes, tThe City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of sensitive plant and tree species to avoid impacting as well as suggested plant palettes to be used in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities. MM-BIO-1E Preconstruction Surveys for Special -Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special -status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist (s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special -status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) flag the area for avoidance and discuss possible seasonal avoidance measures with the developer. If avoidance is not feasible, the Project Biologist, with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. On page 3.3-50, revise the text as follows. MM-BIO-1H Protection of Eagle Nests: No development or project activities shall be permitted within one-half mile of a historically active or determined active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has mi nimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1115 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-16 biologist.3 In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. On page 3.5-52, revise the text as follows. Therefore, impacts to oak woodlands and other native woodlands could be significant and unavoidable without mitigation. On page 3.3-58, revise the text as follows. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, in cluding mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. 3 Generally, information regarding the location of r aptorial bird nests is kept highly confidential. As such it is recommended that representatives of CDFW, USFWS and/or the Chino Hills State Park be notified of any proposed projects in the SOI or Tres Hermanos portions of the Planning Area. In consultati on with agency representatives, it can be determined if the project is within one -half mile of the eagle nest without the location being specifically identified. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1116 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-17 RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on -site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. RC-P-26. Require the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and inspection by a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practit ioner (QSP), during construction and post construction to limit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading and cut -and-fill; avoid steep slopes, unstable areas, and erosive soils; and minimize disturbance of natural vegetation and other physical or biological features important to preventing erosion or sedimentation. On page 3.3-59 , insert Figure 3.3-5 as follows. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1117 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57 Choke Points Natural Communities Developed City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.3-5 Movement Choke Points 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1118 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-19 On page 3.3-64, revise the text as follows. RC-P-4 Maintain an inventory of open lands whichthat were set aside for open space uses as part of previous developments approvedals through the County prior to City incorporation, and require verification as to the existence of any potential open space restrictions previously approved on a subject property prior to acceptingapproving development proposals. RC-P-8 WorkTo the extent feasible, support and cooperate with the efforts of other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its Sphere of Influence. Such features include, but are not limited to, areas identified by Los Angeles County as Significant Ecological Areas; Tonner Canyon; the hills within Tres Hermanos Ranch; and the hillsides along SR-57, between Diamond Bar and Brea. Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources On page 3.4-20, revise the text as follows. LU-P-8 EnsureRequire that new residential development be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of building scale, density, massing, and design. Where the General Plan designates higher densities, providerequire adequate transitions to existing development. LU-P-12 Require Ensure that commercial uses and shopping centers are designed in a manner compatible with adjacent residential areas in terms of traffic and noise impacts, building scale, and appropriate transitions and buffers. LU-P-18 Require dDevelopment toshould be sensitive to the building form, density, massing, and scale of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases On page 3.5-36, revise the text as follows. LU-P-17 PromoteRequire that site designs that create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. LU-P-49 PromoteRequire convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the C ommunity Core area and between the Community Core and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1119 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-20 CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-32 Provide Promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul -de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-55 Consider the establishment of Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multi-family residential and office in the Municipal Code. RC-P-10 Require, to the greatest extent feasible, new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historica l value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-198 RequireEnsure new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought -tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems where available. RC-P-20 19 RequireEncourage the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-21 20 RequireEnsure buildersdevelopers to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-22 Require the use of mulch i n landscape areas to improve the water holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction in accordance with the -Efficient Landscape Ordinance. On page 3.5-37, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-5 As opportunities and resource become available, Iimplement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments where appropriate and feasible. CHS-P-14 Encourage the development of Develop and incorporate such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1120 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-21 into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit -Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for Encourage the esta blishment of gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-33 Plan Encourage land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed -use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform when considering for outlining and implementing measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. CHS-P-38 Accelerate Consider the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through actions such as: a. Establishing incremental growth goals for solar power/alternative energy systems in Diamond Bar; b. Developing guidelines, recommendations, and examples for cost -effective solar and/or other alternative energy-based installation; and c. Installing solar/alternative energy technology on available existing City facilities spaces. CHS-P-523 Support and cooperate with County and State regulatory agency efforts to Rrequire commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. CHS-P-535 Encourage the protection Protect and enhancement of areas identified as healthy functioning ecosystems that provide the ecological, cultural, public health and safety, and economic value of ecosystem services, or benefits. On page 3.5-49, revise the text as follows. CR-P-1 When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by incorporating considering elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe pedestri an-friendly crossings/intersections, lighting at the pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2 Require that Promote new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1121 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-22 CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-24 As opportunities arise, cCoordinate with loca l, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, parking pricing, on -site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit passes, and ridesharin g. CR-P-32 Provide Promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul -de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-53 UpdateConsider updating parking standards in the Municipal Development Code parking demand and taking into consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. CR-P-54 Consider incorporatingIncorporate criteria in the MunicipalDevelopment Code to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-55 Consider the establishment of Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multi-family residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-57 Consider incentives to encourage carpooling, such as Incentivize the provision of preferential parking for high-occupancy vehicles to encourage carpooling. CR-P-59 As opportunities arise, Wwork with Caltrans to evaluate existing Caltrans - operated park-n-ride facilities within the City and expand the facilities where necessary. On page 3.5-51, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-5 As opportunities and resource become available, Iimplement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments where appropriate and feasible. CHS-P-14 Encourage the development of Develop and incorporate such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit -Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1122 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-23 CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for Encourage the establishment of gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-33 Plan Encourage land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed -use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform when considering for outlining and implementing measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. CHS-P-38 Accelerate Consider the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through actions such as: a. Establishing incremental growth goals for solar power/alternative energy systems in Diamond Bar; b. Developing guidelines, recommendations, and examples for cost -effective solar and/or other alternative energy-based installation; and c. Installing solar/alternative energy technology on available existing City facilities spaces. Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity On page 3.6-27, revise the text as follows. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1123 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-24 e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. On page 3.6-28, revise the text as follows. PS-P-1 Require new emergency facilities subject to City land use regulations and permitting requirements, including, but not limited to, fire stations, paramedic services, police stations, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the maximum credible earthquake event. PS-P-4 Carry out a review of City-owned critical facilities that may be vulnerable to major earthquakes and landslides and develop programs to upgrade them. PS-P-6 Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks on public property and in conjunction with new private development through hillside protection and management. On page 3.6-29, revise the text as follows. RC-P-26 Require the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and inspection by a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP), during construction and post construction to li mit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading and cut -and-fill; avoid steep slopes, unstable areas, and erosive soils; and minimize disturbance of natural vegetation and other physical or biological features important to preventing erosion or sedimentation. On page 3.6-32, revise the text as follows. As new development occurs, the LACSD requires the new developments to annex into its service area for operation, maintenance, and treatment services. The LACSD are empowered by the California Health and Safety Code to charge a fee for the privilege of connecting (directly or indirectly) to the Districts' Sewerage System for increasing the strength or quantity of wastewater discharged from connected facilities. This connection fee is a capital facilities fee that is imposed in an amount sufficient to construct an incremental expansion of the Sewerage System to accommodate the proposed project. Payment of a connection fee will be required before any development projects are permitted to discharge to the Districts' Sewerage System. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1124 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-25 On page 3.6-33, revise the text as follows. PF -P-310 Require, when appropriate, the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and other necessary public facilities, and encourage storm water capture prior to or concurrent with new development. PF -P-312 Require, when appropriate, project sponsors to provide all necessary infrastructure improvements, including the pro rata share of system-wide improvements. PF -P-323 Maintain a development fee structure that ensures, when appropriate, that costs for new capital facilities and expansion of existing facilities necessitated by the approval of new development or intensification of existing development are funded by the proponents or beneficiaries of projects, in proportion to the deman d created by the development. PF -P-387 As opportunities arise, Wwork with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems and treatment facili ty capacity is available to serve planned development within Diamond Bar. Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire On page 3.7-33, revise the text as follows. PS-P-38 Maintain, review, and update Diamond Bar's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as needed to take every five years, taking into account new hazard conditions in the Planning Area and new emergency management techniques. On page 3.7-34, revise the text as follows. CR-P-62 Revise the designation of truck routes to minimize truck traffic through or near residential areas. Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing software providers. On page 3.7-37, revise the text as follows. PS-P-26 Prohibit ) the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air emissions or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school. On page 3.7-41, revise the text as follows. PS-P-15 Ensure Require adherence to applicable Diamond Bar Fire and Building Codes, including standards for minimum road widths, and adequate access and clearance for emergency vehicles, and the identification of all roads, streets, and major public 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1125 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-26 buildings a in a manner that is clearly visible to fire protection and other emergency vehicles. On page 3.7-42, revise the text as follows. CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. On page 3.7-50, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-27 Recognizing the adverse health impacts associated with compromised air quality, ensure the protection of sensitive receptors from exposure to hazardous concentrations of air pollutants when reviewing development proposals. On page 3.7-52, revise the text as follows. PS-P-4 Carry out a review of City-owned critical facilities that may be vulnerable to major earthquakes and landslides and develop programs to upgrade them. PS-P-6 Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks on public property and in conjunction with new private development through hillside protection and management. On page 3.7-53, revise the text as follows. PS-P-13 As resources become available, Rreduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system where feasible. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1126 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-27 e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality On page 3.8-5, revise Figure 3.8-1 to remove the beige shading for the City of Diamond Bar in the legend as follows. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1127 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRIDGEL IN E R D INDIANCREEK RD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONR DLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLE HILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RD HIGHLAN D V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR CO PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRD100 Year Floodplain (1.0% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) 500 Year Floodplain (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Lakes/Ponds City of Diamond Bar Sphere of In uence County Boundar y 5.157.000.375 MILES Source: FEMA's NFHL Viewer, Effective Map Date 2008; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Ri versideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.8-1: FEMA F lood Insurance Rate Map 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1128 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-29 On page 3.8-17, revise the text as follows. LU-P-42 Avoid expanses of surface parking and requirencourage the consolidation and location of parking to the rea r or side of buildings where appropriate. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. On page 3.8-18, revise the text as follows. RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on -site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. RC-P-26. Require the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and inspection by a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP), during construction and post construction to limit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading and cut -and-fill; avoid steep slopes, unstable areas, and erosive soils; and minimize disturbance of natural vegetation and other physical or biological features important to preventing erosion or sedimen tation. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1129 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-30 RC-P-273. Require Ensure that post-development peak stormwater runoff discharge rates do not exceed the estimated pre-development rate and that dry weather runoff from new development not exceed the pre-development baseline flow rate to receiving water bodies. On page 3.8-21, revise the text as follows. RC-P-16. As opportunities arise, cCoordinate with local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed water, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation and other appropria te uses and consider construction of dual water systems, where feasible, for development RC-P-18. Carry out a comprehensive public outreach program to educate residents and businesses about water conservation, stormwater pollution prevention, and water reuse opportunities and advantages. RC-P-198. Require Ensure new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought -tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems where available. RC-P-20 19. Require Encourage the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-21 20. Require Ensure developers builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought -tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-22. Require the use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction in accordance with the -Efficient Landscape Ordinance. PF -P-410 As resources become available, seek cooperation Work with the LACFCD to complete a drainage master plan for Diamond Bar with a view to identifying any date it periodically, as needed. On page 3.8-22, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-59 As resources become available, Iincrease the efficiency of water usage in public places, such as irrigation in public parks, and utilize drought -tolerant landscaping in City parks and streetscapes. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1130 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-31 On page 3.8-23, revise the text as follows. LU-P-6 When appropriate, rRequire new development t o pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-22 Encourage Require commercial development to incorporate outdoor green spaces appropriate and usable for patrons and visitors. LU-P-42 Avoid expanses of surface parking and requirencourage the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings where appropriate. LU-P-45 Prepare Require that a master plan or specific plan be prepared for any future development within the Community Core overlay area that creates a master- planned mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. Approximately 100 acres north of Grand Avenue is to support a park or consolidated golf course along with additional community or civic u ses. The southern portion is to accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. On page 3.8-24, revise the text as follows. PF -P-7 Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as needed to ensure that the City's floodplain information is up to date with the latest available hydrologic and hydraulic engineering data. On page 3.8-25, revise the text as follows. PS-P-13 As resources become available, Rreduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system where feasible. Chapter 3.9: Land Use and Housing On page 3.9-20, revise the text as follows. LU-G-16 Create a well -designed, walkablepedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages community interaction and healthy lifestyles while reducing reliance on automobiles. LU-P-7 As larger vacant or underutilized sites within the built environment are developed or redeveloped, maximize multimodal accessibility withby requiring appropriately designed street networks, and walkable block sizes scaled to proposed uses. LU-P-39 Provide s Streetscape and intersection improv ements along the major corridors of South Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive toshould enhance 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1131 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-32 connectivity, comfort, and safety for all modes of travel, and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. LU-P-40 Study, as necessary, the implementation of safe pedestrian connectivity between the north and south sections of the Town Center Mixed -Use project site and at Lorbeer Middle School. Potential strategies for achieving safe pedestrian connectivity may include traffic calming measures along the roadways, crosswalk visibility improvements, ensuring adequate time for walk signals, refuge islands, bulb -outs, bridges, and others. On page 3.9-21, revise the text as follows. CR-P-32 ProvidePromote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul -de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-38 If warranted by demand, sStudy the feasibility of implementi ng a bike share program to connect neighborhoods and major destinations, such as the Transit - Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed -use areas; local schools and colleges; parks; and commercial centers. On page 3.9-32, revise the text as follows. LU-P-33 Consider amendments to the Amend Development Code parking regulations in Title 22: Development Code of the Municipal Code as needed to allowrequire lower parking minimums for developments with a mix of uses with different peak parking needs, as well as developments that implement enforceable residential parking demand reduction measures, such as parking permit and car share programs. LU-P-52 When opportunities arise, Ccollaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pu rsue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural a reas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1132 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-33 excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. On page 3.9-23, revise the text as follows. LU-P-18 Require dDevelopment toshould be sensitive to the building form, density, massing, and scale of surrounding residential neighborhoods. LU-P-23 Residential and mixed -use developments on For sites larger than two acres in size should include , require the construction of a range of housing types that meet the needs of a diversity of income levels and household sizes. CH-P-11 Evaluate and make changes to the project review and permitting process to eEncourage and facilitate incorporation of universal lifecycle design principles (design that promotes the ability to remain in one's house as one ages) in new residential development, allowing community members to stay in their homes and neighborhoods longer. Chapter 3.10: Noise On page 3.10 -33, revise the text as follows. PS-P-49 RequireEnsure that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified i n Table 7 -1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1133 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-34 Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation On page 3.11-13, revise the text as follows. Table 3.11-6: Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) Existing Trails Miles Pantera Park Trail 0.60 Peterson Park Trail 0.29 Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension) 7.94 Summitridge Trail 0.98 Summitridge Trail (Alternate Route) 0.61 Summitridge Trail (Canyon Route) 0.52 Summitridge Trail (Ridge Route) 0.62 Sycamore Canyon Park Trail 0.92 Tonner Canyon Trail 3.84 Subtotal: Existing Trails 16.31 4.53 Proposed Trails Miles Crooked Creek Trail Head 0.31 Larkstone Park Trail 0.44 Sandstone Canyon Trail Lower 0.79 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper 1.80 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper (Alt) 0.46 Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension) 7.94 Tonner Canyon Trail 3.84 Subtotal: Proposed Trails 3.81 15.59 Total Existing Plus Proposed Trails 20.11 Source: City of Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 2011, Dyett and Bhatia, 2019. On page 3.11 -14, revise the text as follows. The trail allows recreational users and commuters hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to connect to a variety of other trails in the area, such as those in the Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park and Puente Hills Nature Preserve, as well as the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo River Trails.2 2 The development of staging areas and trailheads will be considered at strategic locations to accommodate multi-use trail users. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1134 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-35 On page 3.11 -28, revise the text as follows. LU-P-6 When appropriate, rRequire new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-19 To meet the recreational needs of new residents , Require ensure that new residential and mixed-use developments larger than four acres to incorporate public parkland in the neighborhoods where such developments are located. Residential and mixed-use developments under four acres may Require other development to provide dedicated parkland, in lieu fees for sites under four acres, or a combination, in accordance with Diamond Bar's park acreage standards, to meet the recreational needs of new residents. LU-G-27 Designate adequate and equitably-distributed land throughout the community for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-52 When opportunities arise, Ccollaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-56 Ensure that development on priva tely-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by promoting the following design principles requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management regulations Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporate site and architectural designs that are and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms and in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits Incorporate fuel modification as part of the Fire approved fuel modification program; 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1135 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-36 g. Utilizes planting pal ettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, non- invasive plants that are native to or compatible with those colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. On page 3.11 -30, revise the text as follows. CR-P-5 Require nNecessary transportation improvements toshould be in place, or otherwise guaranteed to be installed in a timely manner, before or concurrent with new development. In evaluating whether a transportation improvement is necessary, consider alternatives to the improvement consistent with CR -G-1, and the extent to which the improvement will offset the traffic impacts generated by proposed and expected development. CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) andContinue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. On page 3.11 -31, revise the text as follows. RC-P-1 As opportunities arise, Oobtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of Incorporating open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the ent itlement process and the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-6 DevelopUpdate, as appropriate, standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights - of -way. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1136 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-37 RC-P-8 WorkTo the extent feasible, support and cooperate with the efforts of other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its Sphere of Influence. Such features include, but are not limited to, areas identified by Los Angeles County as Significant Ecological Areas; Tonner Canyon; the hills within Tres Hermanos Ranch; and the hillsides along SR-57, between Diamond Bar and Brea. RC-P-10 Require, to the greatest extent feasible, new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and wal nut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-11 Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid , to the greatest extent feasible, significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Protectvide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; f. Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; g. Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and h. To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowing into waterways RC-P-16. As opportunities arise, cCoordinate with local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed water, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation and other appropriate uses and consider construction of dual water systems, where feasible, for development RC-P-198. Require Ensure new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought -tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems where available. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1137 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-38 RC-P-20 19. Require Encourage the implementation of the latest water conservationtechnologies into new develop ments. RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on -site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. RC-P-39. Address impacts of new development projects that may individually have insignificant impacts on air quality, but w hich together with other projects in the Planning Area may be cumulative significant by establishing mitigation programs at the area wide or citywide level. On page 3.11 -36, revise the text as follows. PF -G-2 Provide new parks in concert with new residential development, and strive to distribute while ensuring that parkland is distributed equitably across throughout the cCity. PF -G-3 RequireEnsure that new development bears the costs of new parks and recreation facilities that are needed to meet any increase in demand resulting from the new development, or from which the new development would benefit. PF -P-6 Monitor and seek to Aactively redevelopment of the former Lanterman site, and seek joint use opportunities for parks and recreation facilities developed on the site. PF -P-7 Endeavor to Ddistribute new parks equitably throughout Diamond Bar, striving to ensure that residents are within a ¾-mile radius of a neighborhood park or community park. PF -P-11 Where appropriate, Ppromote the joint development, use, and maintenance of parks and open space facilities with adjacent jurisdictions, the Count y of Los Angeles, and the State of California. PF -P-13 When planning and designing Develop facility,public facilities and parks, design and site planning standards that take into consideration accessibility, flexible use, adaptability, energy and water eff iciency, ease of maintenance, and sustainable design elements that take advantage of the natural processes of healthy ecosystems, while preserving historic and cultural resources and sensitive habitats. PF -P-17 Require that Address the recreational needs of all children and adults, including persons with disabilities, seniors, and dependent adults, be addressed in recreational facility planning efforts. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1138 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-39 PF -P-18 Where feasible, Llink parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails with a trail network. Incorporate existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, working with willing landowners to prioritize land acquisition where necessary. Where possible, incorporate landscaping and enhance natural features. PF -P-19 Consider Updateupdating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to include standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open spaces, and rightsof - way. Encourage the installation of amenities such as rest areas, benches, water facilities, hitching posts and wayfinding signs serving trails and scenic routes that adhere to a standard signage palette. PF -P-20 Strive to Mmaintain the Parks and Recreation Master Plan goal of at least one mile of recreational trails for each 1 0,000 persons. PF -P-22 Consider opportunities to Ppartner with non-profit organizations to assist in developing and managing the trails system and providing community outreach and education. PF -P-23 Coordinate trail planning with regional trail and open s pace plans to ensure connectivity and access to the regional trail system. On page 3.11 -38, revise the text as follows. PS-P-1 Require new emergency facilities subject to City land use regulations and permitting requirements, including, but not limited to, fire stations, paramedic services, police stations, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the maximum credible earthquake event. PS-P-6 Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks on public property and in conjunction with new private development through hillside protection and management. PS-P-13 As resources become available, Rreduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system where feasible. PS-P-15 Ensure Require adherence to applicable Diamond Bar Fire and Building Codes, including standards for minimum road widths, and adequate access and clearance for emergency vehicles, and the identification of all roads, streets, and major public buildings a in a manner that is clearly visible to fire protection and other emergency vehicles. PS-P-49 RequireEnsure that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1139 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-40 conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7 -1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. On page 3.11 -41, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-29 RequireIncorporate noise mitigation measures, which could include buffers, noise barriers, or natural open space, and vegetation, between new sensitive uses such as residential units and schools, and major noise polluters such as SR-57 and SR-60, the Metrolink Riverside rail line, and heavy industry. On page 3.11 -43, revise the text as follows. RC-P-1 As opportunities arise, Oobtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of Incorporating open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement proce ss and the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-6 DevelopUpdate, as appropriate, standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights - of -way. Chapter 3.12: Transportation On page 3.12 -37, revise the text as follows. CR-P-31 When updatingUpdate th e Parks and Recreation Master Plan useing community input and best practices to identify bicycle infrastructure needs such as gaps in the network, prioritize facilities and improvements, and identify funding for proposed facilities. Review and update the plan as necessary. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1140 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-41 CR-P-32 ProvidePromote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul -de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-34 As opportunities arise, Ccollaborate with neighboring jurisdictions and colleges such as Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College to establish a safe and efficient bicycle route between Diamond Bar and these institutions. CR-P-38 If warranted by demand, sStudy the feasibility of implementing a bike share program to connect neighborhoods and major destinations, such as the Transit - Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed -use areas; local schools and colleges; parks; and commercial centers. CR-P-39 Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speed limits and road narrowing; a. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; b. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds, striping and signageroad diets along Diamond Bar Boulevard; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR -60 on/off ramps; and e. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-42 Develop and implement Safe Routes to School and Safe Routes for Seniors programs in collaboration with interested stakeholders such as school districts, senior living facilities, and community organizations to encourage active transportation among students and seniors while ensuring student and senior safety. CR-P-43 When planning capital improvement programs, consider projects that Sstrengthen the protection of cyclists in bike lanes by implementing improvements such as increasing visibility of lane markings and signage, increasing bike lane widths, raising lanes, designing safer intersection cr ossings and turns, and buffering lanes from traffic wherever feasible, prioritizing bicycle lanes along arterials. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1141 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-42 CR-G-13 MaximizeSupport the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of Integrate transit nodes and connections with adjacent existing and proposed developments and destinations such as employment centers, commercial centers, major attractions, and public pedestrian spaces to make them more accessible to transit users. CR-P-46 Where feasible, Iintegrate transit nodes and connections with adj acent existing and proposed developments and destinations such as employment centers, commercial centers, major attractions, and public pedestrian spaces to make them more accessible to transit users. CR-P-47 As opportunities arise, Ccoordinate with Foothill Transit, Metrolink, and other transit providers to incorporate real -time information systems at transit stops so that passengers will know when their vehicle is expected to arrive. CR-P-48 As opportunities arise, Wwork with Foothill Transit to maintain and improve bus stops and shelters, as well as identify areas where service can be improved or expanded to increase system use. CR-P-50 As opportunities arise, Ccoordinate with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service at the City of Industry station, including service for shorter trips, to increase the convenience and use of transit. CR-P-51 Continue to sSupport, where feasible, privately funded local transit systems that are accessible for seniors, youths, and individual s with disabilities, to ensure that all community members have the ability to travel while decreasing congestion. On page 3.12 -33, revise the text as follows. CR-P-1 When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by incorporating considering elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe pedestrian -friendly crossings/intersections, lighting at the pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2 Require that Promote new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and Continue to implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-7 Support the Ddevelop ment of City street design standards that: a. Address the needs of different modes according to roadway classification; 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1142 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-43 b. Reduce the potential for conflicts and safety risks between modes; and c. Support and manage the use of transportation options that will become increasingly popular in the future, such as TNCs, AVs, micro-transit (privately operated transit), and other emerging transportation technologies. CR-P-22 Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets and prioritize these measures over congestion management where appropriate and feasible. CR-P-24 As opportunities arise, cCoordinate with local, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, parking pricing, on -site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit p asses, and ridesharing. CR-P-26 As opportunities arise, Ccoordinate with other jurisdictions, including neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Caltrans, on improvements to street segments common to the City of Diamond Bar and other jurisdictions. CR-P-53 UpdateConsider updating parking standards in the Municipal Development Code parking demand and taking into consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. CR-P-54 Consider incorporatingIncorporate criteria in the MunicipalDevelopment Code to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-55 Consider the establishment of Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multi-family residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-57 Consider incentives to encourage carpooling, such as Incentivize the provision of preferential parking for high-occupancy vehicles to encourage carpooling. CR-P-59 As opportunities arise, Wwork with Caltrans to evaluate existing Caltrans - operated park-n-ride facilities within the City and expand the facilities where necessary. On page 3.12 -36, revise the text as follows. CR-P-62 Revise the designation of truck routes to minimize truck traffic through or near residential areas. Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing software providers. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1143 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Draft General Plan 2040 and Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Revisions to the Draft EIR 4-44 Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems On page 3.13 -24, revise the text as follows. LU-P-6 When appropriate, rRequire new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-52 When opportunities arise, Ccollaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. PF -P-310 Require, when appropriate, the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and other necessary public facilities, and encourage storm water capture prior to or concurrent with new development. PF -P-376 Support and take part inCollaborate with plans to expand the use of recycled water within Diamond Bar as additional recycled water supplies become available. PF -P-410 As resources become a vailable, seek cooperationWork with the LACFCD to complete a drainage master plan for Diamond Bar with a view to identifying any periodically, as needed. On page 3.13 -26, revise the text as follows. PF -P-365 Work withSupport the Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) in efforts to assess the condition of water distribution and storage systems within Diamond Bar and plan for refurbishments as needed. On page 3.13 -27, revise the text as follows. PF -P-387 As opportunities arise, Wwork with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems and treatment facility capacity is available to serve planned development within Diamond Bar. On page 3.13 -30, revise the text as follows. CHS-P-52 Support and cooperate with County and State regulatory agency efforts to Rrequire commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1144 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1145 7.1.f Packet Pg. 1146 Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Program for the CITY OF DIAMOND BAR GENERAL PLAN 2040 AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2040 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT SCH No. 2018051066 City of Diamond Bar November 2019 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1147 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 2 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1148 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 1 1 Purpose State of California Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(1) requires a lead or responsible agency that approves or carries out a project where an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has identified significant environmental effects to adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or conditions of project approval, adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The City of Diamond Bar (the "City") is the lead agency for the EIR prepared for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 (SCH No. 2018051066 Project and therefore is responsible for the adoption and implementation of the required mitigation monitoring and reporting program. An EIR has been prepared for the Proposed Project that addresses potential environmental impacts and, where appropriate, recommends measures to mitigate these impacts. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared in conformance with Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(1). It is the intent of this program to: 1. Verify satisfaction of the required mitigation measures of the EIR; 2. Provide a methodology to document implementation of the required mitigation; 3. Provide a record of the monitoring program; 4. Identify monitoring responsibility; 5. Establish administrative procedures for the clearance of mitigation measures; 6. Establish the frequency and duration of monitoring; and 7. Utilize existing review processes wherever feasible. The MMRP describes the procedures that will be used to implement the mitigation measures adopted in connection with the approval of the Proposed Project and the methods of monitoring such actions. A monitoring program is necessary only for impacts which would be significant if not mitigated. If, during the course of project implementation, any of the mitigation measures identified cannot be successfully implemented, the City shall immediately inform any affected responsible agencies. The City, in conjunction with any affected responsible agencies, will then determine if modification to the project is required, and/or whether alternative mitigation is appropriate. The following consists of a monitoring program table noting the responsible entity for mitigation monitoring, the timing, and a list of all project-related mitigation measures. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1149 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 2 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1150 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 3 2 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Air Quality Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project would create new sources of VOC and NOx emissions that exceeds SCAQMD project-level thresholds and contribute to the nonattainment designation of the South Coast Air Basin for O3. MM-AQ-1 Construction Features. Future development projects implemented under the General Plan will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD construction emission thresholds. Where emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD thresholds, the following measures shall be incorporated as necessary to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures. • Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet current USEPA standards, which are currently Tier 4 final off-road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Include in project conditions of approval. Prior to issuance of construction permit. City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1151 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 4 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. This DPF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. • Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling. • Require building materials to contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. • Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products. If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs. Operational sources under the Proposed Project would generate emissions of VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 that exceeds SCAQMD project-level thresholds and contribute to the nonattainment designation of the SCAB for O3, PM2.5, and PM10. MM-AQ-2: Future development. Under the Proposed Project, future development would be required to demonstrate consistency with projects where operational emissions exceed regulatory thresholds the following measures may be used to reduce impacts. Note the following measures are not all inclusive and developers have the option to add or substitute measures that are equally or Include in project conditions of approval. Prior to discretionary project approval. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1152 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 5 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial more appropriate for the scope of their project. • Develop a project specific TDM program for residents and/or employees that provides opportunities for carpool/vanpools. • Provide onsite solar/renewable energy in excess of regulatory requirements. • Require that owners/tenants of non- residential or multi-family residential developments use architectural coatings that are 10 grams per liter or less when repainting/repairing properties. • Require dripless irrigation and irrigation sensor units that prevent watering during rain storms. • Ensure all parking areas are wired capability of future EV charging and include EV charging stations that exceed regulatory requirements. Biological Resources Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could have an adverse effect on special-status plant species. MM-BIO-1A Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Plants: To mitigate impacts on special status plant species, the applicant shall implement the following measures: • Prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status plant species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) Submittal of preconstruction surveys. Prior to issuance of construction permit. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1153 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 6 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special- status plants are found on the Planning Area, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall prepare a plan to relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding public open space areas that would remain undisturbed. For those species that cannot be physically transplanted, the biologist(s) shall collect seeds from the plants. (Note: Lilies generally can be transplanted in bulb-form.) • To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June and reference populations checked. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could have an adverse effect on special-status plant species. MM-BIO-1B Special-Status Plant Planting Plan: Prior to any ground disturbance for projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on special-status plants, the project applicants shall prepare a Special Status Plant Planting Plan for the species Submittal of Special Status Plant Planting Plan and appropriate documentation. Prior to start of ground disturbance activities. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1154 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 7 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial to be transplanted. At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, an adaptive two- year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. In the event that the City of Diamond Bar determines that agreed success criteria are not met, additional remediation may be required beyond the two-year maintenance/monitoring period to ensure mitigation requirements are met. The City shall also require proof that the plan preparer consulted with US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel or appropriate herbarium botanists in order to maximize transplanting success. (Note: Appropriate botanists include those at CDFW in Ontario, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens in Claremont, UC Riverside, or Cal Poly Pomona.) Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could have an adverse effect on special-status plant species. MM-BIO-1C Listed Endangered and Threatened Plants: In addition to MM BIO-1A and -1B, the City shall require the project applicant to provide proof of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife permitting the take of Submittal of USFWS and CDFW permits and documentation. Prior to issuance of construction permit. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1155 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 8 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial listed endangered and threatened plants. The FESA does not address listed plants on private property. However, if a federal action is required for a project (funding, Clean Water Act compliance, etc.), a permit from the USFWS and CDFW to take a listed species is required. Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in indirect impacts on special-status plant species, sensitive natural communities, preserved open space, and wildlife corridors. MM-BIO-1D Environmental Awareness Program: In order to reduce indirect impacts on special-status plants, sensitive natural communities, preserved open space and wildlife corridors, the City shall implement the following measures: • The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to developers, residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention of the program shall be to inform developers, city workers, and residents and encourage active conservation efforts to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Implementation of Environmental Awareness Program. Ongoing. City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1156 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 9 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: o Informational kiosks shall be added or modified at entrance points to hiking and equestrian trails to inform city workers, residents and trail users on the sensitive flora and fauna that rely on the habitats found within the preserved open space. The intent of these kiosks is to bring awareness to the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats which occur in the area. o The City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of sensitive plant and tree species to avoid impacting as well as suggested plant palettes to be used in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1157 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 10 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could have an adverse effect on special-status animal species. MM-BIO-1E Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special- status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) flag the area for avoidance and discuss possible seasonal avoidance measures with the developer. If avoidance is not feasible, the Project Biologist, with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. Submittal of preconstruction surveys. Prior to issuance of construction permit. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department Implementation of the Proposed Project could cause direct or indirect impacts on suitable habitat for federally or MM-BIO-IF Listed Endangered or Threatened Wildlife: Prior to approval of individual projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on suitable habitat for federally or state listed endangered or Submittal of findings and documentation. Prior to discretionary project approval. City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1158 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 11 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial state listed endangered or threatened species. threatened species, the City shall require a habitat evaluation to be completed by a qualified biologist well versed in the requirements of the associated species to be completed. If no suitable habitat for listed species is identified within 300 feet of construction or maintenance activities, no further measures would be required in association with the project. If suitable habitat for the species is identified within 300 feet of such activities, prior to construction, the City shall require that a survey be completed by a qualified biologist for the species in accordance with protocols established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Table 3.3-5 provides a listing of endangered and threatened species by habitat type and potential for occurrence. In the event a state or federal listed species is determined to occupy the proposed Planning Area or its immediate surroundings, the CDFW and/or USFWS shall be consulted, as required by CESA and/or FESA. In order to address and acknowledge the potential for listed species to occur within the Planning Area or be impacted by future development projects, this assessment acknowledges future actions by state and federal resource agencies in 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1159 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 12 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial addition to the analyses necessary and required under CEQA. Compensation is likely to include one or more of the following on- or off-site measures: dedication/preservation of suitable habitat for the species; habitat enhancement/creation; and provisions for long-term habitat management. Clearing and grading activities associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could disturb nesting bird habitats. MM-BIO-1G Nesting Bird Surveys: All vegetation clearing for construction and fuel modification shall occur outside of the breeding bird season, if feasible, to ensure that no active nests would be disturbed unless clearing and/or grading activities cannot be avoided during that time period. If clearing and/or grading activities cannot be avoided during the breeding season, all suitable habitats shall be thoroughly surveyed for the presence of nesting birds by a qualified biologist prior to removal. Suitable nesting habitat on the Planning Area includes grassland, scrub, chaparral, and woodland communities. If any active nests are detected, the area shall be flagged, along with a 300-foot buffer for song birds and a 500-foot buffer for raptorial birds (or as otherwise appropriate buffer as determined by the surveying biologist), and shall be avoided until the nesting cycle is complete or it Submittal of findings and documentation. Prior to start of clearing and/or grading activities. City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1160 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 13 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial is determined by the surveying biologist that the nest is no longer active. Implementation of the Proposed Project could disturb active golden eagle nests. MM-BIO-1H Protection of Eagle Nests: No development or project activities shall be permitted within one- half mile of a determined active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified biologist. In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. (Note: Generally, information regarding the location of raptorial bird nests is kept highly confidential. As such it is recommended that representatives of CDFW, USFWS and/or the Chino Hills State Park be notified of any proposed projects in the SOI or Tres Hermanos portions of the Planning Area. In consultation with agency representatives, it can be determined if the project is within one-half mile of the Submittal of findings and documentation. Ongoing. City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1161 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 14 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial eagle nest without the location being specifically identified.) Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could disturb bat roosting habitat. MM-BIO-1I Use of Buffers Near Active Bat Roosts: During the November 1 to March 31 hibernation season, construction activities shall not be conducted within 100 feet of woodland habitat that provides suitable bat roosting habitat. Bat presence is difficult to detect using emergence surveys during this period due to decreased flight and foraging behavior. If a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology determines that woodland areas do not provide suitable hibernating conditions for bats and they are unlikely to be present in the area, work may commence as planned. Submittal of findings and documentation. During the November 1 through March 31 hibernation season and shortly thereafter. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could disrupt bat roosting habitat. MM BIO-1J Bat Maternity Roosting Season: Night-time evening emergence surveys and/or internal searches within large tree cavities shall be conducted by a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology during the maternity season (April 1 to August 31) to determine presence/absence of bat maternity roosts near wooded project boundaries. All active roosts identified during surveys shall be protected by a buffer to be determined by a qualified bat biologist. The buffer will be determined by the type of bat observed, Submittal of findings and documentation. During the April 1 through August 31 maternity season. Surveys valid 30 days from survey date. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1162 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 15 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial topography, slope, aspect, surrounding vegetation, sensitivity of roost, type of potential disturbance, etc. Each exclusion zone would remain in place until the end of the maternity roosting season. If no active roosts are identified, then work may commence as planned. Survey results are valid for 30 days from the survey date. Should work commence later than 30 days from the survey date, surveys should be repeated. Construction associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could disrupt bat roosting habitat. MM BIO-1K Bat Roost Replacement: All special-status bat roosts that are destroyed by the project must be documented and shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio on- or off-site with a roost suitable for the displaced species (e.g., bat houses for colonial roosters). The design of such replacement habitat shall be coordinated with CDFG. The new roost shall be in place prior to the time that the bats are expected to use the roost as determined by a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology, and shall be monitored periodically for five (5) years to ensure proper roosting habitat characteristics (e.g., suitable temperature and no leaks). The roost shall be modified as necessary to provide a suitable roosting environment for the target bat species. Submittal of documentation. Prior to the time the bats are expected to use the roost as determined by a qualified biologist. Monitoring shall occur periodically over 5 years thereafter. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1163 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 16 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in adverse impacts to sensitive shrubland and scrub natural communities. MM BIO-2 Sensitive Natural Communities: To mitigate impacts on sensitive shrubland and scrub natural communities, project applicants shall implement the following mitigation measures prior to any ground disturbance: • If avoidance cannot be reasonably accomplished, impacts on any shrubland, scrub or woodland alliance indicated as sensitive in Table 3.3-2 shall be mitigated through on- or off‐site restoration/enhancement. For off-site restoration/enhancement, the applicant shall acquire mitigation land of similar habitat at a ratio of at least 1:1. On-site restoration/enhancement shall also be completed at a ratio of at least 1:1. • For projects that have the potential to result in direct or indirect impacts on sensitive natural communities, a habitat restoration plan shall be prepared prior to any ground disturbance. The Plan shall include adaptive management practices as specified by the Department of the Interior to achieve the specified ratio for restoration/enhancement. At a minimum, the Plan shall include a description of the existing conditions Submittal of documentation. Prior to start of ground disturbance. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1164 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 17 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial of the receiver site(s), goals and timeline, installation methods, monitoring procedures, plant spacing, adaptive management strategies, and maintenance requirements to ensure the sensitive communities referred to above re- established successfully at the ratios set forth above. Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in adverse impacts on jurisdictional waters. MM BIO-3 Jurisdictional Waters: To mitigate for impacts on jurisdictional waters, the applicant shall implement the following measures in consultation with the regulating agencies (USACE, CDFW, and RWQCB, where applicable) over the course of the project: • The applicant shall provide on - and off-site replacement and/or restoration/enhancement of USACE, RWQCB and CDFG jurisdictional waters and wetlands at a ratio no less than 1.5:1 and/or include the purchase of mitigation credits at an agency‐approved off‐site mitigation bank. • If replacement and/or restoration/enhancement would occur, a restoration plan shall be prepared that describes the location of restoration and provides for replanting and monitoring for a Submittal of documentation. Ongoing. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1165 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 18 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial three-year period following construction. Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in a loss of oak woodland. MM-BIO-4 Oak Woodlands: In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide. If a future project cannot be redesigned to avoid impacts on oak woodland, then one of the following measures shall be implemented: • Acquire oak woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1. • Restore degraded oak woodlands o Off-site restoration should be prioritized over on-site restoration and where feasible, should be located nearby the impacted property, preferably within the same watershed or sub- drainage as deemed appropriate by a qualified biologist, or within the same planning area as the impacted property. Off-site restoration may include any of the following: acquiring off-site fee title for oak woodland habitat; Submittal of final report. Ongoing. Mitigation areas shall be placed in a conservation easement within 6 months of a completion. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a 7- year period. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1166 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 19 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial replacement planting; and/or restoring moderately or severely degraded oak woodlands (more specifically, removing exotics and restoring appropriate native plant diversity). o On-site restoration of a ratio of at least 1:1 should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent oak woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded oak woodlands. If possible, on-site restoration areas should be located adjacent to preserved natural space. The project applicant shall replace/restore lost canopy area. More specifically, the project applicant shall provide mitigation trees of the same Oak species. All replacement trees should be planted on native undisturbed soil and should be the same species of oak (Quercus sp.) as the 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1167 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 20 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial removed tree with appropriate associated native vegetation in the understory. The location of the replacement tree should be in the vicinity of other oak trees of the same species. If replacement trees cannot be planted on native undisturbed soil or are not in the vicinity of the same species of oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree, the city may require implementation of additional measures as listed in MM- BIO-4 to ensure that trees thrive. Mitigation areas or land should be at a minimum of two (2) to one (1) canopy cover area for the amount removed. This is the expected canopy extent of mature trees. All mitigation areas or land should be placed in a conservation easement within six months of a easement is not possible, the land shall be protected in perpetuity by other means deemed acceptable by the City. Mitigation land may be designated public open space by the City if deemed appropriate per the description of Open Space found in Chapter 2: Land Use of the proposed General Plan. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1168 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 21 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a seven-year period and shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress and allow for adjustments to the program, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet success criteria. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the City and should contain the following components: description of the project impact and mitigation site; specific objectives/success criteria, evaluated based on approved survival rates and percent cover of planted native species; control of invasive plant and animal species within the mitigation site; monitoring and maintenance activities conducted since the previous report; and any contingency measures implemented since the previous report. Success criteria should be based on a reference site supporting the desired oak species and understory that the mitigation site is designed to achieve. Once the mitigation project has been completed, the applicant shall submit a final report to the City. The report shall discuss the implementation, monitoring and management of the mitigation 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1169 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 22 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial project over the seven-year period, and indicates whether the mitigation project has, in part, or in whole, been successful based on established success criteria. The project shall be extended if success criteria have not been met at the end of the seven-year period to the satisfaction of the City. Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in a loss of oak woodland. MM-BIO-5 Walnut Woodlands: In the event a future project would result in the loss of a walnut woodland, then one of the following measures shall be implemented: • Acquire walnut woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1. • Restore degraded walnut woodlands o Off-site restoration should be prioritized over on-site restoration and where feasible, should be located nearby the impacted property, preferably within the same watershed or sub- drainage as deemed appropriate by a qualified biologist, or within the same planning area as the impacted property. Off-site restoration may include any of the following: acquiring off-site fee title for walnut woodland habitat; Submittal of final report. Ongoing. Mitigation areas shall be placed in a conservation easement within 6 months of a completion. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a 7- year period. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1170 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 23 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial replacement planting; and/or restoring moderately or severely degraded walnut woodlands (more specifically, removing exotics and restoring appropriate native plant diversity). o On-site restoration of a ratio of at least 1:1 should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent walnut woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded walnut woodlands. If possible, on-site restoration areas should be located adjacent to preserved natural space. The project applicant shall replace/restore lost canopy area. More specifically, the project applicant shall provide mitigation trees of the same species comprising the walnut woodland, including the constituent or co-dominant oak species. All replacement trees 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1171 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 24 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial should be planted on native undisturbed soil and should be the same species of walnut (Juglans sp.) and oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree with appropriate associated native vegetation in the understory. The location of the replacement tree should be in the vicinity of other trees of the same species. If replacement trees cannot be planted on native undisturbed soil or are not in the vicinity of the same species as the removed tree, the city may require implementation of additional measures as listed in MM- BIO-5 to ensure that trees thrive. Mitigation areas or land should be at a minimum of two (2) to one (1) canopy cover area for the amount removed. This is the expected canopy extent of mature trees. All mitigation areas or land should be placed in a conservation easement within six months of a easement is not possible, the land shall be protected in perpetuity by other means deemed acceptable by the City. Mitigation land may be designated public 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1172 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 25 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial open space by the City if deemed appropriate per the description of Open Space found in Chapter 2: Land Use of the proposed General Plan. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a seven-year period and shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress and allow for adjustments to the program, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet success criteria. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the City and should contain the following components: description of the project impact and mitigation site; specific objectives/success criteria, evaluated based on approved survival rates and percent cover of planted native species; control of invasive plant and animal species within the mitigation site; monitoring and maintenance activities conducted since the previous report; and any contingency measures implemented since the previous report. Success criteria should be based on a reference site supporting the desired walnut woodland species and understory that the mitigation site is designed to achieve. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1173 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 26 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Once the mitigation project has been completed, the applicant shall submit a final report to the City. The report shall discuss the implementation, monitoring and management of the mitigation project over the seven-year period, and indicates whether the mitigation project has, in part, or in whole, been successful based on established success criteria. The project shall be extended if success criteria have not been met at the end of the seven-year period to the satisfaction of the City. Implementation of the Proposed Project could diminish the integrity of the Tonner Canyon movement corridor. MM-BIO-6 Wildlife Movement Corridor: In order to ensure the existing integrity of the Tonner Canyon movement corridor, the following land use design criteria shall be adhered to when reviewing future projects: Corridor Features • The corridor should be as wide as possible. The corridor width may vary with habitat type or target species, but a rule of thumb is about a minimum of 1,000 feet wide (but larger if possible). • Maintain as much natural open space as possible next to any culverts and road undercrossings to encourage the use of these by wildlife. Include in project conditions of approval. Prior to discretionary project approval. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1174 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 27 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial • Maximize land uses adjacent to the corridor that reduce human impacts on the corridor. • Avoid development or other impacts to project into the corridor to form impediments to movement and increase harmful edge effects. • If development is to be permitted next to the corridor, put conservation easements on adjacent lots to prohibit structures nearest the corridor. • Develop strict maximum brightness restrictions for development adjacent to the corridor to prevent light trespass into the corridor. Lights must be directed downward and inward toward the development. Culvert Design • Bridged undercrossings are preferable. • If a bridge is not possible, use a 12- foot by 12-foot box culvert or bigger for larger animals. • Install a small, one-foot diameter tube parallel to the large box culvert for small animals. The upstream end of the small tube should be a few inches higher than the bottom of the upstream end of the box culvert, so that it will stay dry and free of debris. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1175 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 28 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial • The culvert bottoms should be as close as possible to any canyon bottom and not be perched up a fill slope. • Use natural substrate on the bottom of the culvert, such as dirt with pebbles. • On roads above the undercrossings and culverts, install speed bumps and wildlife crossing signs to slow the cars, and avoid street lighting to facilitate use of the crossing. • Plant and maintain vegetative cover (shrubs and low cover) near the entrance-exits of the culverts, without visually or physically blocking the entries. • Install appropriate fencing (at least six feet in height) to funnel animals towards the undercrossings and culverts. Vegetation Restoration • Require maintenance or restoration of native vegetation, and long-term management. • Develop an adequate endowment program for restoration and management of the corridor. • Plant native trees, shrubs, and other plants to provide food and cover, as well as nesting opportunities for birds. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1176 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 29 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial Management and Enforcement • If housing is to be permitted adjacent to the corridor, require the homeowners associations or each homeowner to maintain -- on their own property -- a mowed, 30-foot to 60-foot buffer along a flat or slightly sloped grade between the native vegetation in the corridor and each adjacent lot, for fire abatement. • Avoid fencing in the corridor that would bottleneck the corridor. • Unleashed domestic pets should not be allowed in the corridor. • Educate each landowner adjacent to the corridor about the regulations (lighting, mowing the buffer, no trespass, do not place pet food outside, etc.) and develop a pamphlet and convene a community meeting. In appropriate locations, install educational signs about the corridor and the species that could potentially use the corridor. Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources Implementation of the Proposed Project could cause adverse impacts on historical resources. MM-CULT-1 Prior to development of any project on a parcel containing at least one structure more than 45 years old and until such time a Citywide historic resource survey is completed, the project proponent shall retain a qualified architectural historian, defined Submittal of findings and documentation. Prior to discretionary project approval. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1177 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 30 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial as meeting the Secretary of the Standards for architectural history, to conduct a preliminary assessment. If the property appears to be potentially eligible for a local, state and/or federal listing, a full historic resources assessment shall be required. A full historic resources assessment shall include: a records search at the South Central Coastal Information Center; a review of pertinent archives, databases, and sources; a pedestrian field survey; recordation of all identified historic resources on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms; and preparation of a technical report documenting the methods and results of the assessment. All identified historic resources will be assessed for the tential to result in direct and/or indirect effects on those resources and any historic resource that may be affected shall be evaluated for its potential significance under national and approval of project plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. The qualified architectural historian shall provide recommendations regarding additional work, treatment, or mitigation for affected historical resources to be implemented prior to their demolition or alteration. Impacts 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1178 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 31 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial on historical resources shall be analyzed using CEQA thresholds to determine if a project would result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. If a potentially significant impact would occur, the City shall require appropriate mitigation to lessen the impact to the degree feasible. This mitigation measure shall not apply to minor projects that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, such as, but not limited to, room additions, reroofs, and the removal of minor accessory structures and landscaping projects. Implementation of the Proposed Project could cause adverse impacts on archaeological resources. MM-CULT-2 Prior to development of a project that involves ground disturbance, the project proponent shall retain a qualified archaeologist, defined as meeting the Secretary of the nal Qualification Standards for archaeology, to conduct an archaeological resources assessment including: a records search at the South Central Coastal Information Center; a Sacred Lands File search at the Native American Heritage Commission; a pedestrian field survey; recordation of all identified archaeological resources on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms; an assessment of sensitivity and the potential to encounter subsurface archaeological Submittal of archaeological resources assessment. Prior to discretionary project approval. Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1179 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 32 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial resources and human remains; subsurface investigation to define the horizontal and vertical extents of any identified archaeological resources; and preparation of a technical report documenting the methods and results of the study. All identified archaeological resources shall be assessed for the and/or indirect effects on those resources and any archaeological resource that cannot be avoided shall be evaluated for its potential significance roject plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. The qualified archaeologist shall provide recommendations regarding protection of avoided resources and/or recommendations for additional work, treatment, or mitigation of significant resources that will be affected by the project. This mitigation measure shall not apply to minor projects that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, such as, but not limited to, the construction of a single-family residences, excavations for swimming pools, and landscaping projects. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Implementation of the Proposed Project could cause adverse impacts MM-GEO-1 Prior to development of projects that involve ground disturbance or excavations in Submittal of technical report. Prior to discretionary Construction contractor; City of 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1180 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 33 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial on paleontological resources. undisturbed native soils, the project proponent shall retain a paleontologist meeting the Society of Vertebrate professional paleontologist (SVP, 2010) to conduct an paleontological resources assessment including: a site-specific database search at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and/or other appropriate facilities (such as the University of California Museum of Paleontology); geologic map and scientific literature review; a pedestrian field survey, where deemed appropriate by the qualified professional paleontologist; assessment of the and paleontological monitoring requirements (locations, depths, duration, timing); and preparation of a technical report that documents the methods and results of the study. The report shall be prepared prior to the project plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. project approval. Diamond Bar Community Development Department Implementation of the Proposed Project could cause adverse impacts on paleontological resources. MM-GEO-2 The City shall require paleontological resources monitoring for any project that has a high potential for encountering subsurface paleontological resources. The location, depths, duration, and timing of monitoring shall be determined by the qualified professional paleontologist Submittal of findings and documentation, followed by monitoring report. Prior to discretionary project approval. Monitoring report shall Construction contractor; City of Diamond Bar Community Development Department 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1181 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040 34 Impact Mitigation Measure Method of Verification Timing of Verification Responsibility for Verification Verification Complete Date Initial based on the sensitivity assessment in the study required as part of MM-GEO- 1. Prior to the start of ground disturbance, the project proponent shall retain a qualified monitor meeting the standards for paleontological resource monitors (SVP, 2010), and who shall work under the direct supervision of the qualified professional paleontologist. In the event that paleontological resources are unearthed during ground- disturbing activities, the monitor shall be empowered to halt or redirect ground- disturbing activities away from the vicinity of the discovery until the qualified professional paleontologist has determined its significance and provided recommendations for preservation in place or recovery of the resource. The monitor shall keep daily logs detailing the types of activities and soils observed, and any discoveries. After cessation of ground disturbance, the qualified professional paleontologist shall prepare a report that details the results of monitoring. be prepared after cessation of ground disturbance. 7.1.g Packet Pg. 1182 SCH# 2018051066 | SEPTEMBER 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAC T REPORT 2040GENERAL PLAN 2040 & CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2040 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1183 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1184 Prepared by SCH# 2018051066 | SEPTEMBER 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPAC T REPORT 2040GENERAL PLAN 2040 & CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2040 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1185 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1186 Table of Contents Executive Summary ..................................................................................................... ES-1 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1-1 2 Project Description .................................................................................................. 2-1 3 Environmental Settings and Impacts ..................................................................... 3-1 3.1 Aesthetics............................................................................................................... 3.1-1 3.2 Air Quality ............................................................................................................. 3.2-1 3.3 Biological Resources ............................................................................................. 3.3-1 3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources ............................................. 3.4-1 3.5 Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases ............................................. 3.5-1 3.6 Cultural, Historical, and Tribal Cultural Resources .......................................... 3.6-1 3.7 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire ..................................................... 3.7-1 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................. 3.8-1 3.9 Land Use and Housing .......................................................................................... 3.9-1 3.10 Noise ............................................................................................................... 3.10-1 3.11 Public Facilities and Recreation ................................................................... 3.11-1 3.12 Transportation .............................................................................................. 3.12-1 3.13 Utilities and Service Systems ....................................................................... 3.13-1 4 Alternatives Analysis................................................................................................ 4-1 5 CEQA Required Conclusions .................................................................................. 5-1 6 References ................................................................................................................. 6-1 7 List of Preparers ....................................................................................................... 7-1 Appendix A: Notice of Preparation and Comment Letters ..................................... A-1 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1187 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents ii Appendix B: Air Quality Assumptions and Calculations ............................................ B-1 Appendix C: Tribal Correspondence .......................................................................... C-1 Appendix D: Energy and Greenhouse Gas Calculations ........................................... D-1 Appendix E: Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan ......................................................... E-1 Appendix F: Noise .......................................................................................................... F-1 Appendix G: VMT Technical Memorandum .............................................................. G-1 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1188 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents iii Table of Tables Table ES-1: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) ........................................... ES-4 Table ES-2: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) ........................................... ES-5 Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives ....................................................................... ES-12 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures ....................................................... ES-15 Table 2.3-1: Land Use Designation Changes ................................................................................... 2-22 Table 2.3-2: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) .......................................... 2-26 Table 2.3-3: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) .......................................... 2-27 Table 3.2-1: Attainment Status ....................................................................................................... 3.2-10 Table 3.2-2: Ambient Air Quality in the Project Vicinity ......................................................... 3.2-12 Table 3.2-3 Existing Diamond Bar Emissions (lbs/day) ............................................................. 3.2-14 Table 3.2-4: Ambient Air Quality Standards ............................................................................... 3.2-16 Table 3.2-5 Maximum Regional Construction Emissions (lbs/day) ........................................ 3.2-40 Table 3.2-6 Maximum Regional Operational Emissions (lbs/day) .......................................... 3.2-41 Table 3.2-7 Mitigated Regional Construction Emissions (lbs/day) ......................................... 3.2-43 Table 3.2-8 Unmitigated Localized Construction Emissions (lbs/day) .................................. 3.2-45 Table 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types within Diamond Bar and Its SOI .............................................................................................................................................. 3.3-3 Table 3.3-2 Sensitive Natural Communities/Habitats within the City and Its SOI ............ 3.3-12 Table 3.3-3: Special Status Plant Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area ............................................................................................................................... 3.3-19 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area ........................................................................................................... 3.3-23 Table 3.3-5 Focused Habitat Evaluations and Surveys .............................................................. 3.3-49 Table 3.4-1: Previously Recorded Buildings/Structures ............................................................... 3.4-5 Table 3.4-2: Previously Recorded Archaeological Resources .................................................... 3.4-6 Table 3.5-1: Existing Regional Annual Energy Use ........................................................................ 3.5-4 Table 3.5-2 Estimated Existing Energy Consumption within the Planning Area .................... 3.5-5 Table 3.5-3: State of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions ................................................... 3.5-11 Table 3.5-4: City of Diamond Bar GHG Emissions by Sector (2016) ................................... 3.5-12 Table 3.5-5: Annual Construction GHG Emissions ................................................................... 3.5-33 Table 3.5-6: Annual Diamond Bar GHG Emissions ................................................................... 3.5-34 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1189 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents iv Table 3.5-7: Construction Energy Use ......................................................................................... 3.5-43 Table 3.5-8: Summary of Annual Energy Use during Project Operation at Buildout ........ 3.5-45 Table 3.7-1: DTSC and SWRCB Hazardous Sites ........................................................................ 3.7-5 Table 3.9-1: Existing Land Use in the Planning Area .................................................................... 3.9-6 Table 3.9-2: Projected Employment Growth by Non-Residential Land Use Category, 2016-2040 ....................................................................................................................................... 3.9-7 Table 3.9-3: Land Use Designation Changes ............................................................................... 3.9-16 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) .................................................................... 3.10-9 Table 3.10-2 Construction Vibration Damage Criteria .......................................................... 3.10-17 Table 3.10-3 Indoor Groundborne Vibration Impact Criteria for General Assessment 3.10-18 Table 3.10-4 City of Diamond Bar Exterior Noise Standards .............................................. 3.10-20 Table 3.10-5 City of Diamond Bar Interior Noise Standards ............................................... 3.10-21 Table 3.10-6 City of Diamond Bar Maximum Noise Levels for Mobile Construction Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 3.10-21 Table 3.10-7 City of Diamond Bar Maximum Noise Levels for Stationary Construction Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 3.10-21 Table 3.10-8 County of Los Angeles Exterior Noise Standards .......................................... 3.10-22 Table 3.10-9 County of Los Angeles Interior Noise Standards ........................................... 3.10-23 Table 3.10-10 County of Los Angeles Maximum Noise Levels for Mobile Construction Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 3.10-23 Table 3.10-11 County of Los Angeles Maximum Noise Levels for Stationary Construction Equipment ........................................................................................................ 3.10-23 Table 3.10-12 Construction Equipment Noise Levels ............................................................ 3.10-26 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) ........................................... 3.10-28 Table 3.10-14 Distance within Vibration Damage Criteria ................................................... 3.10-34 Table 3.11-1. Fire Protection and EMS Staffing and Equipment.............................................. 3.11-2 Table 3.11- .......... 3.11-3 Table 3.11-3. Response Standards and Times for Police Calls ............................................... 3.11-3 Table 3.11-4: Public and Charter School Enrollment and Capacity in Diamond Bar ........ 3.11-6 Table 3.11-5: Parkland Inventory (2019) .................................................................................... 3.11-10 Table 3.11-6: Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) ................................................. 3.11-13 Table 3.11-7 Assumed Student Generation Rates ................................................................... 3.11-22 Table 3.12-1: Commuter Mode Split In Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas .................. 3.12-4 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1190 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents v Table 3.12-2: Percentage of Residents Who Work in City of Residence (Diamond Bar and Surrounding Area) .............................................................................................................. 3.12-4 Table 3.12-3: Diamond Bar General Plan Roadway Functional Classifications ................... 3.12-5 Table 3.12-4: Diamond Bar Roadways ......................................................................................... 3.12-8 Table 3.12-5: Existing Pedestrian Facilities ................................................................................ 3.12-13 Table 3.12-6: Summary of Transit Services in Diamond Bar ................................................. 3.12-16 Table 3.12-7: Future Year Conditions VMT Summary in Planning Area ............................ 3.12-31 Table 3.13-1: Historic and Projected Water Usage (Potable), City of Diamond Bar ....... 3.13-4 Table 3.13-2: Historic and Projected Water Usage (Recycled), City of Diamond Bar .... 3.13-4 Table 3.13-3: 2015 Water Usage Breakdown (Potable and Recycled), City of Diamond Bar .................................................................................................................................................. 3.13-5 Table 3.13-4: 2015 Water Usage Breakdown (Potable and Recycled), Walnut Valley Water District ............................................................................................................................ 3.13-5 Table 3.13-5: Water Shortage Stage of Actions ......................................................................... 3.13-6 Table 3.13-6: Supply and Demand for the Normal Year ....................................................... 3.13-25 Table 3.13-7: Supply and Demand for the Normal Year ....................................................... 3.13-26 Table 4.2-1: Comparison of Key Characteristics ............................................................................. 4-6 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives ........................................................................ 4-28 Table 5.1-1: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) ............................................ 5-2 Table 5.1-2: Projected Non-Residential Buildout and Population (2040) .................................. 5-3 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1191 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents vi Table of Figures Figure 2.1-1: Regional Setting ................................................................................................................ 2-2 Figure 2.1-2: Planning Area .................................................................................................................... 2-4 Figure 2.3-1: Land Use Plan ................................................................................................................. 2-16 Figure 2.3-2: Proposed Land Use Change Areas............................................................................ 2-17 Figure 3.1-1: Los Angeles County Scenic Highways ..................................................................... 3.1-4 Figure 3.1-2: Los Angeles County Hillside Management Areas and Ridgeline Management Map .......................................................................................................................... 3.1-8 Figure 3.1-3: Significant Ecological Areas and and Coastal Resource Areas Policy Map ..... 3.1-9 Figure 3.3-1: Vegetation Communities ......................................................................................... 3.3-10 Figure 3.3-2: Major Waterways and Tributaries ........................................................................ 3.3-11 Figure 3.3-3: Puente/Chino Hills Movement Corridor ............................................................. 3.3-15 Figure 3.3-4: Significant Ecological Areas ..................................................................................... 3.3-16 Figure 3.6-1: Steep Slopes ................................................................................................................... 3.6-5 Figure 3.6-2: Soil Types ....................................................................................................................... 3.6-6 Figure 3.6-3: Regional Faults............................................................................................................... 3.6-7 Figure 3.6-4: Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards ......................................................................... 3.6-8 Figure 3.6-5: Hillside Management Areas ..................................................................................... 3.6-17 Figure 3.7-1: Hazardous Materials Sites .......................................................................................... 3.7-8 Figure 3.7-2: Fire Threat .................................................................................................................. 3.7-13 Figure 3.7-3: Fire Hazard Severity Zones .................................................................................... 3.7-14 Figure 3.7-4: Public Safety Facilities ............................................................................................... 3.7-17 Figure 3.7-5: Proposed Land Use and Schools ........................................................................... 3.7-38 Figure 3.7-6: Change Areas ............................................................................................................. 3.7-47 Figure 3.8-1: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map ............................................................................. 3.8-5 Figure 3.9-1: Existing Land Use in Planning Area .......................................................................... 3.9-4 Figure 3.9-2: General Plan Land Use Diagram ............................................................................ 3.9-14 Figure 3.9-3: Proposed Land Use Change Areas........................................................................ 3.9-15 Figure 3.10-1: Decibel Scale and Common Noise Levels ........................................................ 3.10-4 Figure 3.10-2: Existing Noise Contours ..................................................................................... 3.10-13 Figure 3.10-3: Future Noise Contours (2040) .......................................................................... 3.10-31 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1192 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents vii Figure 3.11-1: Public Safety Facilities ............................................................................................. 3.11-3 Figure 3.11-2: Schools and Other Public Facilities ..................................................................... 3.11-7 Figure 3.11-3: Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities .................................... 3.11-12 Figure 3.12-1: Circulation Diagram ............................................................................................... 3.12-9 Figure 3.12-2: Proposed Bicycle Network ................................................................................. 3.12-11 Figure 3.12-3: Transit Corridors .................................................................................................. 3.12-17 Figure 3.12-4: Goods Movement ................................................................................................. 3.12-19 Figure 3.13-1: Storm Drain System ............................................................................................... 3.13-9 Figure 4.2-1: No Project Alternative ................................................................................................... 4-7 Figure 4.2-2: Alternative 1 ..................................................................................................................... 4-8 Figure 4.2-3: Alternative 2 ..................................................................................................................... 4-9 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1193 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Table of Contents viii This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1194 Executive Summary This Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) evaluates the potential impacts of the proposed Diamond Bar 2040 General Plan update and Climate Action Plan developed in response to policy direction provided by the City Council, Planning Commission, and community. This Draft EIR has been prepared on behalf of the City of Diamond Bar, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City of Diamond Bar is the lead agency for this EIR, as defined by CEQA. An EIR is intended to inform decision-makers and the general public of the potential significant environmental impacts of a proposed project. The EIR also considers the availability of mitigation measures to minimize significant impacts and evaluates reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Project that may reduce or avoid one or more significant environmental effects. Based on the alternatives analysis, an environmentally superior alternative is identified. This EIR is a program EIR that examines the potential effects resulting from implementing designated land uses and policies in the Proposed Project. The impact assessment evaluates the Proposed Project as a whole and identifies the broad, regional effects that may occur with its implementation. As a programmatic document, this EIR does not assess site-specific impacts. Any future development anticipated by the Proposed Project would be subject to individual, site-specific environmental review, as required by State law. This EIR represents the best effort to evaluate the Proposed Project given its planning horizon through the year 2040. It can be anticipated that conditions will change; however, the assumptions used are the best available at the time of preparation and reflect existing knowledge of patterns of development. Proposed Project The Proposed Project is intended to respond directly to emerging trends and topics in Diamond Bar since the preparation of the current General Plan (adopted in 1995), and to ensure the City of Diamond Bar can accommodate the potential population and job growth through the proposed The Proposed Project, which establishes a long-range planning framework and policie Climate Action Plan if adopted by the City Council. The General Plan update was initiated to comprehensively examine the existing conditions in the city and to create a vision for th anticipate when buildout of the city will occur, a horizon of year 2040 is assumed for planning purposes. The purpose and objectives of the Proposed Project, included below, underpin the policies and implementing actions of the Proposed Project. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1195 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-2 PLANNING AREA The Planning Area encompasses 13,039 acres, of which 9,526 acres (73 percent of the total) is in the city limits and the remaining 3,513 acres (27 percent) is in the Sphere of Influence (SOI). The Planning Area is bounded by the cities of Industry and Walnut to the north, Pomona and Chino Hills to the east, and Brea to the south, and unincorporated Los Angeles county to the west. While Diamond Bar does not have jurisdiction in areas outside of its city limits, general plans commonly include additional land. The Sphere of Influence (SOI) is defined as the ultimate physical boundary and service area of the city, and it encompasses both incorporated and unincorporated territory that is envisioned to be y Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) reviews and approves proposed boundary changes and annexations affecting the SOI. The SOI, which has remained relatively constant since it was first approved in 1990, includes part of Tonner Canyon, an undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches in a crescent shape from SR-57 northwest to SR-60. PURPOSE California Government Code Section 65300 requires each city and county in California to adopt a any land outside its boundaries General Plan -term development as well as the policies to support that vision by guiding the physical growth of the city. The Proposed Project contains policies to guide decision-making related to development, housing, transportation, environmental quality, public services, parks, and open spaces. The Proposed Project is a document to be adopted by the City Council that serves the following purposes: • Establish a long-range vision that reflects the aspirations of the community and outlines steps to achieve this vision; • Establish long-range development policies that will guide City departments, Planning Commission, and City Council decision-making; • Provide a basis for judging whether specific development proposals and public projects are in harmony with plan policies; • Plan in a manner that meets future land needs based on the projected population and job growth; • Allow City departments, other public agencies, and private developers to design projects that will enhance the character of the community, preserve environmental resources, and minimize hazards; and • Provide the basis for establishing and setting priorities for detailed plans and implementing programs, such as the zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, specific and master plans, and the Capital Improvement Program. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1196 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-3 OBJECTIVES The Proposed Project represents the basic community values, ideals, and aspirations that will govern development and conservation. The objective of the proposed General Plan is to implement the Diamond Bar C Vision and the seven Guiding Principles., which are further detailed below. The Community V expression of the collective hopes and desires that members of the Diamond Bar community have for the C throughout the planning process: In 2040, Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively Town Center provides community members with access to local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and The following Guiding Principles support the community vision and provide direction for the policies in the proposed General Plan. 1. Maintain a welcoming, safe small-town feel. Continue to cultivate a welcoming, safe small- preserving existing neighborhoods. 2. Promote a family-friendly community. housing choices for families to continue to make Diamond Bar a desirable place for families. 3. Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented dine, and gather. 4. Develop attractive commercial centers and thriving businesses. existing commercial centers and businesses to thrive, and attract new businesses to centrally located focus areas in order to serve the daily needs of residents. 5. Establish a balanced circulation network. Improve mobility for all residents, visitors, and workers by providing a diversity of safe and convenient transportation options in a cohesive network, including active transportation, transit, and automobile facilities. 6. Support Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles. Promote human and community health and environmental quality through the provision of parks and open spaces, community programs and services, the preservation of local and regional environmental resources, and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1197 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-4 7. Foster a strong, collaborative community. Provide opportunities for gatherings among friends, families, and the community at large and encourage all members of the community to participate in planning and decision-making for the future. ESTIMATED BUILDOUT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT Buildout refers to the estimated amount of potential new development and corresponding growth in population and employment that is anticipated by the Proposed Project through the planning horizon year of 2040. Buildout estimates should not be considered a prediction for growth, as the actual amount of development that will occur through 2040 is based on many factors outside of the , including changes in regional real estate and labor markets and other long-term economic and demographic trends. Therefore, buildout estimates represent one potential set of outcomes rather than definitive figures. Additionally, the designation of a site for a specific land use in the Proposed Project does not guarantee that a site will be developed or redeveloped at the assumed density during the planning period, as future development will rely primarily on each ot include the total amount of potential development that could be accommodated by the Proposed Project. Rather, the buildout assumes that only a portion of the total potential development will occur by 2040. Table ES-1 Residential Buildout (2040) describes the estimated housing units and population anticipated at buildout of the Proposed Project according to analysis undertaken for the Proposed Project. Table ES-2: Projected Jobs at Buildout (2040) describes the potential jobs anticipated to result from non-residential development shown on the proposed Land Use Diagram on vacant and underutilized sites. Table ES-1: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Housing Units 18,913 3,264 22,177 Single-Family Residential 13,252 142 13,394 Multi-Family Residential 5,661 3,122 8,783 Households 18,308 3,226 22,533 Population 57,853 8,832 66,685 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1198 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-5 Table ES-2: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Non-Residential (sq ft) 5,564,484 1,617,583 7,182,066 Retail 586,659 607,283 1,193,942 Office 2,406,803 519,892 2,926,694 Industrial 1,052,869 (203,001) 849,868 Other 1,518,153 693,409 2,211,562 Jobs 14,702 7,042 21,744 Retail 1,467 1,613 3,079 Office 7,334 4,102 11,436 Industrial 2,106 (406) 1,700 Other 3,795 1,734 5,529 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. Alternatives to the Proposed Project The following alternatives are described and evaluated in this EIR, and are summarized in Table ES-3: Comparison of Key Characteristics; Existing, Alternatives, and Proposed Project. NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE Consistent with Section 15126.6(e)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the No Project Alternative represents what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the Proposed Pr was left unchanged and in use. This alternative would retain all current land use designations and definitions from the current General Plan as amended to date, and future development in the Planning Area would continue to be subject to existing policies, regulations, development standards, and land use designations of the existing Diamond Bar General Plan. Specifically, there would be no new Town Center Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit Oriented Mixed Use, or Community Core Overlay land use designations. All Proposed Project change areas as identified in the Proposed Project would retain their existing 1995 General Plan designations. Policies concerning topics such as transportation, economic development, parks, open space, the environment, climate change, health, and housing would also remain unchanged. Overall, the No Project Alternative is projected to result in approximately 57,790 residents, 19,643 housing units, and 18,855 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 63 fewer residents, 730 new housing units, and 4,150 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 8,895 fewer residents, 3,023 fewer housing units, and 2,889 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under the No Project Alternative assumed maximum allowable residential density/intensity and the midpoint of allowable non-residential density/intensity for each land use designation under the 1995 General Plan. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites identified by the Proposed Project (with the exception of the four focus areas), and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1199 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-6 by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under the No Project Alternative assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.097 persons per occupied unit. Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 400 square feet per retail employee, 350 square feet per office employee, and 500 square feet per industrial employee. The same assumptions were used to calculate buildout of the Proposed Project in 2040. ALTERNATIVE 1 Alternative 1, as shown in Figure 4-2, includes a Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, with the new Sprouts/Ross center on the former Kmart site. The Golf Course would retain its designation. Alternative 1 includes the same land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. As discussed in Section 4.1 above, Alternative 1 is the most similar to the Proposed Project, with two key differences. Alternative 1 does not include the Community Core Overlay, which assumes high residential growth. Additionally, the 105-acre transit-oriented mixed-use area near the Metrolink station would be reduced to 33 acres under the Proposed Project. Overall, Alternative 1 is projected to result in approximately 63,008 residents, 21,395 housing units, and 19,369 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,150 new residents, 2,500 new housing units, and 4,700 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 2,823 fewer residents, 1,272 fewer housing units, and 2,375 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 1 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 1 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. ALTERNATIVE 2 Alternative 2 includes a Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would designate approximately 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as new parkland. The replacement of recreational/park space from the Golf Course would likely be required. The Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. Alternative 2 includes similar land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. Overall, Alternative 2 is projected to result in approximately 63,277 residents, 21,486 housing units, and 21,141 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,450 new residents, 2,600 new housing units, and 6,400 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 3,408 fewer residents, 1,181 fewer housing units, and 603 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 2 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 2 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1200 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-7 percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. Areas of Controversy During the drafting of the Proposed Project and this EIR, public agencies and members of the public were invited to provide feedback on the documents. The following topics were identified as areas of controversy, based on comments at public meetings on the Proposed Project and at the EIR Scoping Meeting, and responses to the Notice of Preparation (NOP): • Biological Resources. Many of the comments addressed impacts to important biological r tree ordinance and the Existing Conditions Report led to community concern over the protection of open space and special-status species. Anticipated development under the Proposed Project could reduce existing open space and viable habitat. • Tres Hermanos Ranch. The development of Tres Hermanos Ranch has been a major area of controversy in the City of Diamond Bar and surrounding cities. Many of the comments requested collaboration with adjacent cities to preserve this open space and the Puente- Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. In February 2019, the cities of Diamond Bar, Chino Hills, and Industry formed and transferred ownership of Tres Hermanos Ranch to the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority for the purpose of limiting its use to open space, public use, or preservation. • Traffic Impacts. Multiple comments addressed traffic impacts, including congestion, vehicle miles traveled, availability of parking, car trips generated by high-density housing, hazards, and pollution. The Proposed Project incorporates multi-modal and complete streets transportation elements, but could exacerbate existing traffic issues in the City of Diamond Bar through increased population and jobs. • Health. Multiple comments addressed impacts to health, including increased exposure to air and water pollution, noise, and hazards. Anticipated development under the Proposed Project could exacerbate existing pollution problems within the City of Diamond Bar through increased car trips and development. Additionally, environmental impacts classified as significant and unavoidable have been identified in the resource topics of air quality, cultural resources, and transportation, and inasmuch as they may be controversial to the general public, agencies, or stakeholders, they are described briefly here. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1201 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-8 AIR QUALITY The South Coast Air Basin has been designated as a nonattainment area for State ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 and as a federal nonattainment area for ozone and PM10. Construction of individual projects anticipated with implementation of the Proposed Project could temporarily emit criteria air pollutants through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment, vehicle trips generated from workers and haul trucks, and demolition and various soil-handling activities. A quantitative analysis found that construction-related daily emissions would exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) significance thresholds for VOCs and NOx. Operation of the Proposed Project would generate criteria air pollutant emissions from Project-generated vehicle trips traveling within the city, energy sources such as natural gas combustion, and area sources such as landscaping equipment and consumer products usage. A quantitative analysis found that operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed regulatory thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. Mitigation is required to ensure that future development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project incorporate measures to reduce emissions from construction activities, and would reduce NOx and VOC impacts on a project-by-project basis. However, the exact emissions from construction of the Proposed Project cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which mitigation can be applied. Therefore, short- term regional construction emissions would be significant and unavoidable. Future development would be required to comply with State and local regulations, Title 24 energy efficient standards, and Proposed Project policies to reduce operational emissions. However, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be implemented nor their effectiveness. Therefore, long-term regional operational emissions would also be significant and unavoidable. Because regional emissions exceed the SCAQMD regulatory thresholds during construction and operational activities, there is the potential that these emissions would exceed the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) thus resulting in a health impact. Impacts may be associated with localized operational emissions or emissions of toxic air contaminants (due to diesel particulate emissions during construction and operation of diesel fueled equipment or generators during operational activities). Because the exact nature, location, and operation of the future developments are unknown, there is no way to accurately calculate the potential for health impacts from the Proposed Project. Mitigation is required to reduce impacts with respect to toxic air contaminants from construction and future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, impacts to sensitive receptors would remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed SCAQMD daily emissions thresholds for CO which could adversely affect a substantial number of people. While future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, and no further mitigation is feasible. Therefore, impacts related to long-term operational emissions of CO could have a significant and unavoidable impact on a substantial number of people. As discussed above, air quality impacts would be cumulatively considerable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1202 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-9 CULTURAL RESOURCES New construction through infill development on vacant property could result in a substantial immediate surroundings. Potential future projects that propose alteration of a historical resource Properties have the potential to result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Other potential future projects that propose demolition or alteration of, or construction adjacent to, existing historic resources over 45 years in age (the California Office of sources), could also result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Changes in the setting of historic buildings and structures can result from the introduction of new visible features, significant landscape changes, or other alterations that change the historic integrity of the setting of a significant resource. The proposed General Plan policies would help reduce the impact by requiring that new development be compatible with the character, scale, massing, and design of existing development, which is part of the requirements of the Treatment of Historic Properties. However, these policies do not require the identification and evaluation of historic-age properties to determine if there are historical resources within or nearby a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project, nor do they require the retention or rehabilitation of historical resources. Mitigation is required to ensure that historical resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified historical resources are reduced. However, impacts on historical resources that are demolished or altered in an adverse manner such that they are no longer able to convey their historical significance and such that they are no longer eligible for inclusion in the California Register typically cannot be mitigated to a level of less than significant. 1, 2 Without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development will cause substantial adverse impacts on historical resources, and it is reasonable to assume that some historical resources would be demolished or altered in an adverse manner over the lifetime of the General Plan. Therefore, even with mitigation, impacts on historical resources would be significant and unavoidable under the Proposed Project. As discussed above, impacts to historical resources would be cumulatively considerable. 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(2) states that in some circumstances, documentation of an historical resource, by the way of narrative, photographs or architectural drawings, as mitigation for the effects of demolition of the resource will not mitigate the effects to the point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur. 2 In Documentation of the historical features of the building and exhibition of a plaque do not reasonably begin to alleviate the impacts of its destruction. A large historical structure, once demolished, normally cannot be adequately replaced by reports and commemorative markers. Nor, we think, are the effects of the demolition reduced to a level of insignificance by a proposed new building with unspecified design elements which may incorporate features of the original architecture into an entirely different shopping center. This is so particularly where, as here, the plans for the substitute building remain tentative and vague. We conclude that the stated mitigation measures do not reduce the effects of the demolition to less than a level of significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1203 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-10 PUBLIC FACILITIES The City of Diamond Bar currently fails to meet its parkland standard of 5.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Construction of additional parkland under the proposed General Plan would only increase this ratio to 2.77 acres per 1,000 residents. The proposed General Plan includes several policies and land use changes aimed at increasing available and accessible parkland and open space. However, total parkland at buildout falls severely short of achieving the parkland ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, and no mitigation is feasible that can make up this gap. Calculation of the parkland ratio does not include the 134.9 acres of parkland from the Country Park, which is a private amenity, or the proposed 100 acres of parkland associated with the Community Core Overlay, given that Los Angeles County has not ceased operation of the golf course. Conversion of these two areas would increase the parkland ratio but is not feasible at the time of analysis. A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable. TRANSPORTATION Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) is expected to increase under implementation of the proposed General Plan. Home-based production VMT per resident is expected to increase by five percent over existing conditions and home-based-work attraction VMT per employee is expected to increase by nine percent. Part of the increase is associated with the addition of more employment and retail opportunities within the City that have the potential to import vehicle trips from surrounding communities. Numerous proposed policies would help reduce the impact. However, even with implementation of these policies, the impact could remain significant and unavoidable. Impacts Summary and Environmentally Superior Alternative IMPACTS SUMMARY Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures presents the summary of the significant impacts of the Proposed Project identified in the EIR and the Proposed Project mitigation measures that reduce these impacts to less than significant. Detailed discussions of the impacts and proposed policies that would reduce impacts are in Chapter 3. IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.6) require the identification of an environmentally superior alternative among the alternatives analyzed. Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives 4.3.Like the Proposed Project, implementation of either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 would result in six (6) significant and unavoidable impacts, seven (7) less-than-significant impacts with mitigation, 45 less-than-significant impacts, and four (4) impacts of no significance. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would result in 17 significant and unavoidable impacts, 39 less-than-significant impacts, and six (6) impacts of no significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1204 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-11 While Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project were found to have the same number of potentially significant and unavoidable impacts, the redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would inherently result in more severe impacts than Alternative 1 or the Proposed Project. Without further project-level study and mitigation, construction of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course may result in adverse effects on biological resources, cultural and paleontological resources, soils, and service systems. Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project propose a similar land use pattern and would not automatically result in the redevelopment of the Golf Course, and would therefore be considered environmentally superior. Reduced development and population growth under Alternative 1 may slightly reduce impacts of the Proposed Project; however, implementation of Alternative 1 would not be sufficient to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, and VMT to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, differences in population, housing, and jobs growth can be partially attributed to differences in buildout methodology between the Alternatives and the Proposed Project. Most significantly, Alternative 1 would not include the Community Core overlay, which would require a master plan to ensure comprehensive implementation of reuse of the Golf Course should the County of Los Angeles choose to discontinue its operation. Implementation of the Community Core overlay would address the pervasive issue in the City of Diamond Bar, and Los Angeles County as a whole, of equitable access to parkland as it would require that approximately 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The southern portion of the Golf Course site would be developed as a mix of uses, including high- density housing, and would be relatively accessible by the Metrolink station. Given that the Proposed Project was originally based on Alternative 1, is generally found to be more compatible with the surrounding environment, and provides additional benefits through the Community Core designation, the Proposed Project is considered environmentally superior. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1205 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-12 Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Aesthetics Scenic Vistas LTS LTS LTS LTS State Scenic Highway NI NI NI NI Visual Character LTS LTS LTS LTS Light and Glare LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Air Quality Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Standard SU SU SU SU Sensitive Receptors SU SU SU SU Emissions or Odors SU SU SU SU Biological Resources Special-Status Species LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Sensitive Habitat LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wetlands LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wildlife Corridors LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Policies and Ordinances NI NI NI NI HCPs LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources Historical Resources SU SU SU SU Archaeological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Human Remains LTS LTS LTS LTS Tribal Cultural Resources LTS SU LTS LTS Energy, Climate Change, and GHG Emissions Greenhouse Gas Emissions LTS LTS LTS LTS Plan, Policy, or Regulation LTS SU LTS LTS Wasteful Energy Consumption LTS LTS LTS LTS Renewable Energy Plan LTS SU LTS LTS Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology Seismic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Soil Erosion LTS LTS LTS LTS Unstable Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Expansive Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Septic Systems LTS LTS LTS LTS Paleontological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1206 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-13 Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire Transport, Use, or Disposal LTS LTS LTS LTS Accidental Upset LTS LTS LTS LTS Quarter-Mile of Schools LTS LTS LTS LTS Cortese List LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Hazards NI NI NI NI Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildland Fires LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Infrastructure LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Hydrology and Water Quality Water Quality Standards LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundwater LTS LTS LTS LTS Drainage LTS LTS LTS LTS Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Water Quality Control Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Land Use and Housing Division of a Community LTS NI LTS LTS Conflict with Land Use Plan LTS NI LTS LTS Displacement LTS LTS LTS LTS Noise Ambient Noise Increase LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundborne Vibration or Noise LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Noise NI NI NI NI Public Facilities and Recreation Public Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Deterioration of Parks and Recreational Facilities SU SU SU SU Construction of Recreational Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Transportation Circulation Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Vehicle Miles Traveled SU SU SU SU Emergency Access LTS LTS LTS LTS Traffic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1207 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-14 Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Utilities and Service Systems Water or Wastewater Facilities LTS SU LTS LTS Water Supply LTS LTS LTS LTS Wastewater Capacity LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Reduction Goals LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Regulations LTS LTS LTS LTS Notes: LTS = Less than Significant LTSM = Less than Significant with Mitigation NI = No Impact SU = Significant and Unavoidable Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1208 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-15 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.1 Aesthetics 3.1-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on scenic vistas. None required Less than significant N/A 3.1-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway. None required No Impact N/A 3.1-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not, in a non-urbanized area, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings, or in an urbanized area, conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality. None required Less than significant N/A 3.1-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. None required Less than significant N/A 3.2 Air Quality 3.2-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1209 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-16 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.2-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. AQ-1: Construction Features. Future development projects implemented under the General Plan will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD construction emission thresholds. Where emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD thresholds the following measures shall be incorporated, as necessary, to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures. • Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet USEPA Tier 4 final off- road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter or equivalent. This PDF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. • Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling. • Require building materials would contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1210 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-17 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation • Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products. If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs. 3.2-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. See Mitigation Measure MM-AQ-1 under Impact 3.2- 2. Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 3.2-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors adversely affecting a substantial number of people). None required Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1211 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-18 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.3 Biological Resources 3.3-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would have an adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. BIO-1A: Preconstruction Surveys for Special- Status Plants. To mitigate impacts on special- status plant species, the applicant shall implement the following measures: • Prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status plant species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special- status plants are found on the Planning Area, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall prepare a plan to relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding public open space areas that would remain undisturbed. For those species that cannot be physically transplanted, the biologist(s) shall collect seeds from the plants • To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June. Two species, the white rabbit- tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their Significant and unavoidable Less than significant with mitigation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1212 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-19 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. BIO-1B: Special-Status Plant Planting Plan. Prior to any ground disturbance for projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on special-status plants, the project applicants shall prepare a Special Status Plant Planting Plan for the species to be transplanted. At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, a two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. The City shall also require proof that the plan preparer consulted with US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel or appropriate herbarium botanists in order to maximize transplanting success. BIO-1C: Listed Endangered and Threatened Plants. In addition to MM BIO-1A and -1B, the City shall require the project applicant to provide proof of the US Fish and Wildlife Service permitting the take of listed endangered and threatened plants. The FESA does not address listed plants on private property. However, if a federal action is 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1213 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-20 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation required for a project (funding, Clean Water Act compliance, etc.), a permit from the USFWS to take a listed species is required. BIO-1D: Environmental Awareness Program. In order to reduce indirect impacts on special- status plants, sensitive natural communities, preserved open space and wildlife corridors, the City shall implement the following measures: • The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention of the program shall be to encourage active conservation efforts among the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: o Informational kiosks shall be added or modified at entrance points to hiking 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1214 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-21 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation and equestrian trails to inform city workers, residents and trail users on the sensitive flora and fauna that rely on the habitats found within the preserved open space. The intent of these kiosks is to bring awareness to the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats which occur in the area. o For informational purposes, the City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of plant species to avoid in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities. BIO-1E: Preconstruction Surveys for Special- Status Wildlife. Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1215 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-22 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. BIO-1F: Listed Endangered or Threatened Wildlife. Prior to approval of individual projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on suitable habitat for federally or state listed endangered or threatened species, the City shall require a habitat evaluation to be completed by a qualified biologist well versed in the requirements of the associated species to be completed. If no suitable habitat for listed species is identified within 300 feet of construction or maintenance activities, no further measures would be required in association with the project. If suitable habitat for the species is identified within 300 feet of such activities, prior to construction, the City shall require that a survey be completed by a qualified biologist for the species in accordance with protocols established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Table 3.3-5 provides a listing of endangered and threatened species by 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1216 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-23 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation habitat type and potential for occurrence. In the event a state or federal listed species is determined to occupy the proposed Planning Area or its immediate surroundings, the CDFW and/or USFWS shall be consulted, as required by CESA and/or FESA. In order to address and acknowledge the potential for listed species to occur within the Planning Area or be impacted by future development projects, this assessment acknowledges future actions by state and federal resource agencies in addition to the analyses necessary and required under CEQA. Compensation is likely to include one or more of the following on- or off-site measures: dedication/preservation of suitable habitat for the species; habitat enhancement/creation; and provisions for long- term habitat management. BIO-1G: Nesting Bird Surveys. All vegetation clearing for construction and fuel modification shall occur outside of the breeding bird season, if feasible, to ensure that no active nests would be disturbed unless clearing and/or grading activities cannot be avoided during that time period. If clearing and/or grading activities cannot be avoided during the breeding season, all suitable habitats shall be thoroughly surveyed for the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1217 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-24 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation presence of nesting birds by a qualified biologist prior to removal. Suitable nesting habitat on the Planning Area includes grassland, scrub, chaparral, and woodland communities. If any active nests are detected, the area shall be flagged, along with a 300-foot buffer for song birds and a 500-foot buffer for raptorial birds (or as otherwise appropriate buffer as determined by the surveying biologist), and shall be avoided until the nesting cycle is complete or it is determined by the surveying biologist that the nest is no longer active. BIO-1H: Protection of Eagle Nests. No development or project activities shall be permitted within one-half mile of a historically active or active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified biologist. In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1218 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-25 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. BIO-1I: Use of Buffers Near Active Bat Roosts. During the November 1 to March 31 hibernation season, construction activities shall not be conducted within 100 feet of woodland habitat that provides suitable bat roosting habitat. Bat presence is difficult to detect using emergence surveys during this period due to decreased flight and foraging behavior. If a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology determines that woodland areas do not provide suitable hibernating conditions for bats and they are unlikely to be present in the area, work may commence as planned. BIO-1J: Bat Maternity Roosting Season. Night- time evening emergence surveys and/or internal searches within large tree cavities shall be conducted by a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology during the maternity season (April 1 to August 31) to determine presence/absence of bat maternity roosts near wooded project boundaries. All active roosts identified during surveys shall be protected by a buffer to be determined by a qualified bat biologist. The buffer will be determined by the type of bat observed, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1219 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-26 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation topography, slope, aspect, surrounding vegetation, sensitivity of roost, type of potential disturbance, etc. Each exclusion zone would remain in place until the end of the maternity roosting season. If no active roosts are identified, then work may commence as planned. Survey results are valid for 30 days from the survey date. Should work commence later than 30 days from the survey date, surveys should be repeated. BIO-1K: Bat Roost Replacement. All special-status bat roosts that are destroyed by the project must be documented and shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio on- or off-site with a roost suitable for the displaced species (e.g., bat houses for colonial roosters). The design of such replacement habitat shall be coordinated with CDFG. The new roost shall be in place prior to the time that the bats are expected to use the roost as determined by a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology, and shall be monitored periodically for five (5) years to ensure proper roosting habitat characteristics (e.g., suitable temperature and no leaks). The roost shall be modified as necessary to provide a suitable roosting environment for the target bat species. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1220 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-27 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.3-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would have an adverse effect on a riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service. BIO-2: Sensitive Natural Communities. To mitigate impacts on sensitive shrubland and scrub natural communities, project applicants shall implement the following mitigation measures prior to any ground disturbance: • If avoidance cannot be reasonably accomplished, impacts on any shrubland, scrub or woodland alliance indicated as sensitive in Table 3.3-2 shall be mitigated through on- or off‐site restoration/enhancement. For off-site restoration/enhancement, the applicant shall acquire mitigation land of similar habitat at a ratio of at least 1:1. On-site restoration/enhancement shall also be completed at a ratio of at least 1:1. • For projects that have the potential to result in direct or indirect impacts on sensitive natural communities, a habitat restoration plan shall be prepared prior to any ground disturbance. The Plan shall include adaptive management practices as specified by the Department of the Interior to achieve the specified ratio for restoration/enhancement. At a minimum, the Plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the receiver site(s), goals and timeline, installation methods, Significant and unavoidable Less than significant with mitigation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1221 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-28 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation monitoring procedures, plant spacing, adaptive management strategies, and maintenance requirements to ensure the sensitive communities referred to above re-established successfully at the ratios set forth above. BIO-3: Jurisdictional Waters. To mitigate for impacts on jurisdictional waters, the applicant shall adopt the following measures in consultation with the regulating agencies (USACOE, CDFW, and RWQCB, where applicable): • The applicant shall provide on- and off-site replacement and/or restoration/enhancement of USACE, RWQCB and CDFG jurisdictional waters and wetlands at a ratio no less than 1.5:1 and/or include the purchase of mitigation credits at an agency‐approved off‐site mitigation bank. • If replacement and/or restoration/enhancement would occur, a restoration plan shall be prepared that describes the location of restoration and provides for replanting and monitoring for a three-year period following construction. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1222 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-29 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation BIO-4: Oak Woodlands. In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide. If a future project cannot be redesigned to avoid impacts on oak woodland, then one of the following measures shall be implemented: • Acquire oak woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1. • Restore degraded oak woodlands: o Off-site restoration should be prioritized over on-site restoration and where feasible, should be located nearby the impacted property, preferably within the same watershed or sub-drainage as deemed appropriate by a qualified biologist, or within the same planning area as the impacted property. Off-site restoration may include any of the following: acquiring off-site fee title for oak woodland habitat; replacement planting; and/or restoring moderately or severely degraded oak woodlands 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1223 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-30 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation (more specifically, removing exotics and restoring appropriate native plant diversity). o On-site restoration of a ratio of at least 1:1 should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent oak woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded oak woodlands. If possible, on-site restoration areas should be located adjacent to preserved natural space. The project applicant shall replace/restore lost canopy area. More specifically, the project applicant shall provide mitigation trees of the same Oak species. All replacement trees should be planted on native undisturbed soil and should be the same species of oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree with appropriate associated native vegetation in the understory. The location of the replacement tree should be in the vicinity of other oak trees of the same species. If replacement trees cannot be planted on native undisturbed soil or are not 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1224 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-31 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation in the vicinity of the same species of oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree, the city may require implementation of additional measures as listed in MM-BIO-4 to ensure that trees thrive. Mitigation areas or land should be at a minimum of two (2) to one (1) canopy cover area for the amount removed. This is the expected canopy extent of mature trees. All mitigation areas or land should be placed in a conservation easement within six months of a easement is not possible, the land shall be protected in perpetuity by other means deemed acceptable by the City. Mitigation land may be designated public open space by the City if deemed appropriate per the description of Open Space found in Chapter 2: Land Use of the proposed General Plan. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a seven-year period and shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress and allow for adjustments to the program, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet success criteria. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1225 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-32 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation submitted to the City and should contain the following components: description of the project impact and mitigation site; specific objectives/success criteria, evaluated based on approved survival rates and percent cover of planted native species; control of invasive plant and animal species within the mitigation site; monitoring and maintenance activities conducted since the previous report; and any contingency measures implemented since the previous report. Success criteria should be based on a reference site supporting the desired oak species and understory that the mitigation site is designed to achieve. Once the mitigation project has been completed, the applicant shall submit a final report to the City. The report shall discuss the implementation, monitoring and management of the mitigation project over the seven-year period, and indicates whether the mitigation project has, in part, or in whole, been successful based on established success criteria. The project shall be extended if success criteria have not been met at the end of the seven-year period to the satisfaction of the City. BIO-5: Walnut Woodlands. In the event a future project would result in the loss of a walnut 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1226 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-33 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation woodland, then one of the following measures shall be implemented: • Acquire walnut woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1. • Restore degraded walnut woodlands: o Off-site restoration should be prioritized over on-site restoration and where feasible, should be located nearby the impacted property, preferably within the same watershed or sub-drainage as deemed appropriate by a qualified biologist, or within the same planning area as the impacted property. Off-site restoration may include any of the following: acquiring off-site fee title for walnut woodland habitat; replacement planting; and/or restoring moderately or severely degraded walnut woodlands (more specifically, removing exotics and restoring appropriate native plant diversity). o On-site restoration of a ratio of at least 1:1 should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1227 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-34 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent walnut woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded walnut woodlands. If possible, on-site restoration areas should be located adjacent to preserved natural space. The project applicant shall replace/restore lost canopy area. More specifically, the project applicant shall provide mitigation trees of the same species comprising the walnut woodland, including the constituent or co- dominant oak species. All replacement trees should be planted on native undisturbed soil and should be the same species of walnut (Juglans sp.) and Oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree with appropriate associated native vegetation in the understory. The location of the replacement tree should be in the vicinity of other walnut trees of the same species. If replacement trees cannot be planted on native undisturbed soil or are not in the vicinity of the same species as the removed tree, the city may require implementation of additional measures 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1228 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-35 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation as listed in MM-BIO-5 to ensure that trees thrive. Mitigation areas or land should be at a minimum of two (2) to one (1) canopy cover area for the amount removed. This is the expected canopy extent of mature trees. All mitigation areas or land should be placed in a conservation easement within six months completion. If a conservation easement is not possible, the land shall be protected in perpetuity by other means deemed acceptable by the City. Mitigation land may be designated public open space by the City if deemed appropriate per the description of Open Space found in Chapter 2: Land Use of the proposed General Plan. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a seven-year period and shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress and allow for adjustments to the program, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet success criteria. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the City and should contain the following components: description of the project impact and mitigation site; specific objectives/success 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1229 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-36 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation criteria, evaluated based on approved survival rates and percent cover of planted native species; control of invasive plant and animal species within the mitigation site; monitoring and maintenance activities conducted since the previous report; and any contingency measures implemented since the previous report. Success criteria should be based on a reference site supporting the desired walnut woodland species and understory that the mitigation site is designed to achieve. Once the mitigation project has been completed, the applicant shall submit a final report to the City. The report shall discuss the implementation, monitoring and management of the mitigation project over the seven-year period, and indicates whether the mitigation project has, in part, or in whole, been successful based on established success criteria. The project shall be extended if success criteria have not been met at the end of the seven-year period to the satisfaction of the City. 3.3-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would have an adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) See Mitigation Measures BIO-2 and BIO-3 under Impact 3.3-2. Significant and unavoidable Less than significant with mitigation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1230 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-37 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. 3.3-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. BIO-6: Wildlife Movement Corridor. In order to ensure the existing integrity of the Tonner Canyon movement corridor, the following land use design criteria shall be adhered to when reviewing future projects: • Corridor Features o The corridor should be as wide as possible. The corridor width may vary with habitat type or target species, but a rule of thumb is about a minimum of 1,000 feet wide (but larger if possible). o Maintain as much natural open space as possible next to any culverts and road undercrossings to encourage the use of these by wildlife. o Maximize land uses adjacent to the corridor that reduce human impacts on the corridor. o Avoid development or other impacts to project into the corridor to form impediments to movement and increase harmful edge effects. o If development is to be permitted next to the corridor, put conservation Significant and unavoidable Less than significant with mitigation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1231 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-38 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation easements on adjacent lots to prohibit structures nearest the corridor. o Develop strict lighting restrictions for development adjacent to the corridor to prevent light trespass into the corridor. Lights must be directed downward and inward toward the development. • Culvert Design o Bridged undercrossings are preferable. o If a bridge is not possible, use a 12- foot by 12-foot box culvert or bigger for larger animals. o Install a small, one-foot diameter tube parallel to the large box culvert for small animals. The upstream end of the small tube should be a few inches higher than the bottom of the upstream end of the box culvert, so that it will stay dry and free of debris. o The culvert bottoms should be as close as possible to any canyon bottom and not be perched up a fill slope. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1232 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-39 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation o Use natural substrate on the bottom of the culvert, such as dirt with pebbles. o On roads above the undercrossings and culverts, install speed bumps and wildlife crossing signs to slow the cars, and avoid street lighting to facilitate use of the crossing. o Plant and maintain vegetative cover (shrubs and low cover) near the entrance-exits of the culverts, without visually or physically blocking the entries. o Install appropriate fencing (at least six feet in height) to funnel animals towards the undercrossings and culverts. • Vegetation Restoration o Require maintenance or restoration of native vegetation, and long-term management. o Develop an adequate endowment program for restoration and management of the corridor. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1233 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-40 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation o Plant native trees, shrubs, and other plants to provide food and cover, as well as nesting opportunities for birds. • Management and Enforcement o If housing is to be permitted adjacent to the corridor, require the Home homeowner to maintain -- on their own property -- a mowed, 30-foot to 60-foot buffer along a flat or slightly sloped grade between the native vegetation in the corridor and each adjacent lot, for fire abatement. o Avoid fencing in the corridor that would bottleneck the corridor. o Unleashed domestic pets should not be allowed in the corridor. o Educate each landowner adjacent to the corridor about the regulations (lighting, mowing the buffer, no trespass, do not place pet food outside, etc.) and develop a pamphlet and convene a community meeting. In appropriate locations, install educational signs about the corridor 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1234 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-41 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation and the species that could potentially use the corridor. 3.3-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would potentially conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance. None required No impact N/A 3.3-6 Implementation of the Proposed Project would conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. See Mitigation Measure BIO-6 under Impact 3.3-4. Significant and unavoidable Less than significant 3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5. CULT-1: Prior to development of any project on a parcel containing at least one structure more than 45 years old and until such time a Citywide historic resource survey is completed, the project proponent shall retain a qualified architectural historian, defined as meeting the Secretary of the Standards for architectural history, to conduct a preliminary assessment. If the property appears to be potentially eligible for a local, state and/or federal listing, a full historic resources assessment shall be required. A full historic resources assessment shall include: a records search at Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1235 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-42 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation the South Central Coastal Information Center; a review of pertinent archives, databases, and sources; a pedestrian field survey; recordation of all identified historic resources on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms; and preparation of a technical report documenting the methods and results of the assessment. All identified historic resources result in direct and/or indirect effects on those resources and any historic resource that may be affected shall be evaluated for its potential significance under national and state criteria prior to the C project plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. The qualified architectural historian shall provide recommendations regarding additional work, treatment, or mitigation for affected historical resources to be implemented prior to their demolition or alteration. Impacts on historical resources shall be analyzed using CEQA thresholds to determine if a project would result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. If a potentially significant impact would occur, the City shall require appropriate mitigation to lessen the impact to the degree feasible. This mitigation measure shall not apply to minor projects that would otherwise qualify for an 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1236 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-43 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation exemption under CEQA, such as, but not limited to, room additions, reroofs, and the removal of minor accessory structures and landscaping projects. 3.4-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5. CULT-2: Prior to development of a project that involves ground disturbance, the project proponent shall retain a qualified archaeologist, defined as meeting the Qualification Standards for archaeology, to conduct an archaeological resources assessment including: a records search at the South Central Coastal Information Center; a Sacred Lands File search at the Native American Heritage Commission; a pedestrian field survey; recordation of all identified archaeological resources on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms; an assessment of the the potential to encounter subsurface archaeological resources and human remains; subsurface investigation to define the horizontal and vertical extents of any identified archaeological resources; and preparation of a technical report documenting the methods and results of the study. All identified archaeological resources to result in direct and/or indirect effects on those resources and any archaeological resource that cannot be avoided shall be Significant and unavoidable Less than significant 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1237 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-44 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation evaluated for its potential significance prior publication of subsequent CEQA documents. The qualified archaeologist shall provide recommendations regarding protection of avoided resources and/or recommendations for additional work, treatment, or mitigation of significant resources that will be affected by the project. This mitigation measure shall not apply to minor projects that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, such as, but not limited to, the construction of a single-family residences, excavations for swimming pools, and landscaping projects. 3.4-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries. None required Less than significant N/A 3.4-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1238 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-45 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. 3.5 Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. None required Less than significant N/A 3.5-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with an None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1239 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-46 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. 3.5-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation. None required Less than significant N/A 3.5-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. None required Less than significant N/A 3.6 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology 3.6-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault, ii. Strong seismic ground shaking, None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1240 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-47 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, or iv. Landslides. 3.6-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. None required Less than significant N/A 3.6-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. None required Less than significant N/A 3.6-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property. None required Less than significant N/A 3.6-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water. None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1241 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-48 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.6-6 Implementation of the Proposed Project would/would not directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. GEO-1: Prior to development of projects that involve ground disturbance or excavations in undisturbed native soils, the project proponent shall retain a paleontologist meeting the Society of qualified professional paleontologist (SVP, 2010) to conduct an paleontological resources assessment including: a site-specific database search at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and/or other appropriate facilities (such as the University of California Museum of Paleontology); geologic map and scientific literature review; a pedestrian field survey, where deemed appropriate by the qualified professional paleontologist; paleontological sensitivity and paleontological monitoring requirements (locations, depths, duration, timing); and preparation of a technical report that documents the methods and results of the study. The report shall be prepared prior to the City of Dia plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. GEO-2: The City shall require paleontological resources monitoring for any project that has a high potential for encountering subsurface paleontological resources. The location, depths, Significant and unavoidable Less than significant with mitigation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1242 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-49 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation duration, and timing of monitoring shall be determined by the qualified professional paleontologist based on the sensitivity assessment in the study required as part of MM-GEO-1. Prior to the start of ground disturbance, the project proponent shall retain a qualified monitor meeting the Society of paleontological resource monitors (SVP, 2010), and who shall work under the direct supervision of the qualified professional paleontologist. In the event that paleontological resources are unearthed during ground- disturbing activities, the monitor shall be empowered to halt or redirect ground- disturbing activities away from the vicinity of the discovery until the qualified professional paleontologist has determined its significance and provided recommendations for preservation in place or recovery of the resource. The monitor shall keep daily logs detailing the types of activities and soils observed, and any discoveries. After cessation of ground disturbance, the qualified professional paleontologist shall prepare a report that details the results of monitoring. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1243 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-50 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.7 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one- quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment. None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1244 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-51 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.7-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development 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 uses airport, and would result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area. None required No impact N/A 3.7-6 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-7 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-8 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1245 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-52 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.7-9 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would exacerbate fire risks due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, thereby exposing project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-10 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines, or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. None required Less than significant N/A 3.7-11 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would expose people or structures to significant None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1246 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-53 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality. None required Less than significant N/A 3.8-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. None required Less than significant N/A 3.8-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: i. Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site, ii. Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1247 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-54 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite, iii. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff, or iv. Impede or redirect flood flows. 3.8-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not risk release of pollutants in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones due to project inundation. None required Less than significant N/A 3.8-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. None required Less than significant N/A 3.9 Land Use and Housing 3.9-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not physically divide an established community. None required Less than significant N/A 3.9-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1248 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-55 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. 3.9-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. None required Less than significant N/A 3.10 Noise 3.10-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. None required Less than significant N/A 3.10-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. None required Less than significant N/A 3.10-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, and could expose people None required No impact N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1249 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-56 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. 3.11 Noise 3.11-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities. None required Less than significant N/A 3.11-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. None required Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 3.11-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might None required Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1250 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-57 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 3.12 Transportation 3.12-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. None required Less than significant N/A 3.12-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). None required Significant and unavoidable Significant and unavoidable 3.12-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). None required Less than significant N/A 3.13 Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, or storm water drainage facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects. None required Less than significant Less than significant 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1251 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-58 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation 3.13-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. None required Less than significant N/A 3.13-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the isting commitments. None required Less than significant N/A 3.13-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals. None required Less than significant N/A 3.13-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste. None required. Less than significant N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1252 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-59 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation Impacts Not Potentially Significant Implementation of the Proposed Project would not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use. None required No impact N/A Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract. None required No impact N/A Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)). None required No impact N/A Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non- forest use. None required No impact N/A Implementation of the Proposed Project would not involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in None required No impact N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1253 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Executive Summary ES-60 Table ES-4: Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Significance before Mitigation Significance after Mitigation conversion of Farmland, to non- agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state None required No impact N/A Implementation of the Proposed Project would not 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. None required No impact N/A 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1254 1 Introduction This Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared on behalf of the City of Diamond Bar in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). The EIR analyzes potential environmental impacts of the adoption and implementation of the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan (CAP), Project preparation of the EIR. The City of Diamond Bar is the lead agency responsible for ensuring that the Proposed Project 1.1 Purpose of the EIR The primary intent of CEQA is to ensure that public agency decision-makers document and consider the environmental implications of their actions in order to avoid or minimize environmental damage that could result from the implementation of a project wherever feasible, and to balance environmental, economic, and social objectives. The purpose of an EIR is to identify the significant effects on the environment of a project, to identify alternatives to the project, and to indicate the manner in which those significant effects can be mitigated or avoided (California Public Resources Code [PRC] Section 21002.1). However, it is an informational document, not a decision document. PURPOSE This EIR serves the following purposes: • To satisfy CEQA requirements for analysis of environmental impacts by including a complete and comprehensive programmatic evaluation of the physical impacts of adopting and implementing the Proposed Project; • To recommend a set of measures to mitigate any significant adverse impacts; • To analyze a range of reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Project; • To inform decision-makers and the public of the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Project prior to taking action on the Proposed Project, and to assist City officials in reviewing and adopting the proposed General Plan and CAP; and • To provide a basis for the review of subsequent development projects and public improvements proposed within the Planning Area. Subsequent environmental documents may be tiered from the Final EIR. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1255 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-2 The Proposed Project consists of policies, diagrams, and standards to guide the future development of the City of Diamond Bar, as described in Chapter 2: Project Description. In addition, the policies and programs in the proposed CAP are included in the Proposed Project. This EIR contains analysis of all potential environmental impacts expected to result from buildout of the proposed General Plan and implementation of the various policies and programs identified as part of the Proposed Project, including those that serve to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts. In accordance with CEQA requirements, this EIR also identifies and evaluates alternatives to the Proposed Project, including the No Project Alternative, which represents the continued implementation of the current General Plan. An environmentally superior alternative is identified as part of the alternatives analysis. This EIR represents the best effort, at a programmatic level, to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Project given its 2040 planning horizon. It can be anticipated that conditions will change; however, the assumptions used are the best available at the time of preparation and reflect existing knowledge of patterns of development. INTENDED USES OF THE EIR The CEQA Guidelines (Section 15124(d)) require EIRs to identify the agencies that are expected to use the EIR in their decision-making, and the approvals for which the EIR will be used. This EIR will inform the City of Diamond Bar, in addition to other responsible agencies, persons, and the general public, of the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Project and the identified alternatives. The City of Diamond Bar will use the EIR as part of its review and approval of the proposed General Plan and CAP. Future implementing actions for the proposed General Plan may include rezoning, Tentative Subdivision Maps, and Development Permits. This EIR is a program-level EIR and does not evaluate the project-specific impacts of individual developments that may be allowed under the Proposed Project. Pursuant to CEQA Section 15152, subsequent projects that are consistent with the Proposed Project mitigation measures it contains in order to streamline environmental review or to focus on project- specific environmental effects not considered in this EIR, if any. Additionally, subsequent projects that satisfy the requirements of CEQA Section 15182 or 15183 may be eligible for streamlined environmental review. This EIR serves as the environmental document for all discretionary actions associated with development under the Proposed Project. This EIR is intended to be the primary reference document in the formulation and implementation of a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Proposed Project. This EIR is also intended to assist other responsible agencies in making approvals that may be required for development under the Proposed Project. Federal, State, regional, and local government agencies that may have jurisdiction over development proposals in the planning area include: • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Federal Emergency Management Agency • California Department of Fish and Wildlife • California Department of Transportation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1256 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-3 • Los Angeles County Transportation Commission • Walnut Valley Unified School District • Pomona Unified School District • South Coast Air Quality Management District • Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board The Proposed Project would require the following approvals and discretionary and ministerial actions by the City of Diamond Bar: • Planning Commission - Recommendation to adopt the Proposed Project - Recommendation to certify the EIR pursuant to CEQA • City Council - Adoption of the Proposed Project - Certification of the EIR pursuant to CEQA - Adoption of ordinances, guidelines, programs, and other mechanisms for implementation of the Proposed Project • Other City Boards and Commissions - Adoption of programs or other actions that implement the Proposed Project 1.2 Approach and Scope of the EIR TYPE OF EIR addressing a] series of actions that can be characterized as one large project and are related either: (1) Geographically; (2) A[s] logical parts in the chain of contemplated actions; (3) In connection with the issuance of rules, regulations, plans, or other general criteria to govern the conduct of a continuing program; or (4) As individual activities carried out under the same authorizing statutory or regulatory authority and having generally similar environmental impacts which can be mitigated in similar Program EIRs can be used as the basic, general environmental assessment for an overall program of future projects, policies, and related implementation actions, such as the Proposed Project, intended to be developed or implemented over a 20-year planning horizon. A program EIR has several advantages. First, it provides a basic reference document to avoid unnecessary repetition of facts or analysis in subsequent project-specific assessments. Second, it allows the lead agency to look at the broad, regional impacts of a program of actions before its adoption and eliminates redundant or contradictory approaches to the consideration of regional and cumulative effects. As a programmatic document, this EIR presents a citywide assessment of the potential impacts of the Proposed Project. It does not separately evaluate subcomponents of the Proposed Project nor 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1257 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-4 does it assess project-specific impacts of potential future projects under the Proposed Project, all of which are required to comply with CEQA and/or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as applicable. As a program EIR, the preparation of this document does not relieve the sponsors of specific projects from the responsibility of complying with the requirements of CEQA (and/or NEPA for projects requiring federal funding or approvals). As noted, individual projects are required to prepare a more precise, project-level analysis to fulfill CEQA and/or NEPA requirements as applicable. The lead agency responsible for reviewing these projects shall determine the level of review needed, and the scope of that analysis will depend on the specifics of the particular project. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15152 (Tiering), these projects may, however, use the discussion of impacts in this EIR as a basis for their assessment of these regional, citywide, or cumulative impacts, provided that the projects are consistent with the General Plan and the data and assumptions used in this EIR remain current and valid. PLANNING HORIZON For analytic purposes in this EIR, the base year is 2018 unless otherwise noted, and the horizon year representing future conditions is 2040. In cases where current data is not available, the most recent known data is used to depict baseline conditions. The horizon year of 2040 represents the target year of the Proposed Project when projects and programs are anticipated to be fully implemented. In reality, full implementation of the Proposed Plan may take more or less than 20 years. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AREAS Information gathered about the environmental setting is used to define relevant planning issues, determine thresholds of significance, and evaluate potential impacts. Based on the initial analysis of environmental setting and baseline conditions and comments received during the EIR Scoping Period, the following issues are analyzed in this EIR: • Aesthetics • Air Quality • Biological Resources • Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources • Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases • Geology, Soils, Seismicity and Paleontology • Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire • Hydrology and Water Quality • Land Use, Population, and Housing • Noise • Public Facilities and Recreation • Utilities and Service Systems 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1258 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-5 • Transportation ALTERNATIVES CEQA requires the EIR to evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives to the Proposed Project that could feasibly attain most of the basic project objectives and would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant environmental impacts. This EIR evaluates alternatives in Chapter 4. 1.3 Environmental Review Process In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15090, prior to adopting the Proposed Project, the City must certify that the Draft and Final EIRs have been completed in compliance with CEQA, and that the decision-making body of the lead agency considered the information contained in the Final EIR . This section describes the environmental review process undertaken for this EIR pursuant to CEQA. NOTICE OF PREPARATION AND SCOPING The Notice of Preparation (NOP) was issued on May 31, 2018 and public scoping period was provided from June 7 to July 6, 2018. A scoping meeting was held on June 21, 2018 at Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. The NOP for analysis of the proposed General Plan and Climate Action Plan and associated discretionary actions, and related comments letters received are included as Appendix A of this EIR. TRIBAL CONSULTATION Pursuant to State law (AB 52), tribal consultation was conducted as part of preparation of this EIR. Documentation of consultation is provided in Section 3.4 of this EIR. Tribal consultation for the proposed General Plan was conducted pursuant to the requirements of SB 18. DRAFT EIR REVIEW The Draft EIR is distributed for review to the public and interested and affected agencies for a period of 45 identifying and analyzing the possible impacts on the environment and ways in which the (a), CEQA Guidelines). In accordance with Sections 15085(a) and 15087 (a)(1) of the CEQA Guidelines, upon completion of the Draft EIR, a Notice of Completion is filed with the State Office of Planning and Research and Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR issued in a newspaper of general circulation in the area. The Draft EIR and all related technical studies are available for review during the public review period at the offices of the City of Diamond Bar Planning Division, located at 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765 and on the Planning Division website: www.DiamondBarCa.gov. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1259 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-6 FINAL EIR AND CERTIFICATION Following the end of the public review period, the City, as Lead Agency, will consider all comments and will provide written responses to comments received on the Draft EIR per CEQA Guidelines Section 15088. All comments and responses will be included in the Final EIR. Detailed responses to the comments received during public review, a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), Findings of Fact, and a Statement of Overriding Considerations for any impacts identified in the EIR as significant and unavoidable will be prepared and compiled as part of the EIR finalization process. The culmination of this process is a public hearing where the City Council will determine whether to certify the Final EIR as being complete and in accordance with CEQA. The Final EIR will be available for public review at least 10 days before the public hearing in order to provide commenters the opportunity to review the written responses to their comment letters. RELEVANT PLANS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15150, an EIR may incorporate by reference all or portions of another document which is a matter of public record or is generally available to the public. Where all or part of another document is incorporated by reference, the incorporated language shall be considered to be set forth in full as part of the text of the EIR. Documents incorporated by reference must be briefly summarized in the EIR and made available to the public for inspection at a public place or public building. The following reports are hereby incorporated by reference and are available for review at the City of Diamond Bar Planning Division: • City of Diamond Bar Existing Conditions Report, Volumes I, II, and III (March 2017) • City of Diamond Bar Proposed General Plan (July 2019) • City of Diamond Bar Proposed Climate Action Plan (July 2019) ORGANIZATION OF THE EIR This EIR is organized into the following chapters, plus appendices. ES. Executive Summary. Summarizes the EIR by providing an overview of the Proposed Project, the potentially significant environmental impacts that could result from the Proposed Project, the mitigation measures identified to reduce or avoid these impacts, alternatives to the Proposed Project, and identification of the environmentally superior alternative. 1. Introduction. Introduces the purpose for the EIR, explains the EIR process and intended uses of the EIR, and describes the overall organization of this EIR. 2. Project Description. Describes in detail the proposed General Plan and Climate Action Plan, including the location and planning boundaries, purpose and objectives, buildout, and implementation of the Proposed Project. 3. Environmental Settings and Impacts. Analyzes the environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. Impacts are organized by major topic. Each topic area includes a description of the environmental setting, significance criteria, methodology and potential impacts, a significance determination, and, as applicable, mitigation measures. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1260 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-7 4. Analysis of Alternatives. Presents a reasonable range of alternatives to the Proposed Project including the No Project Alternative and two General Plan alternatives; provides discussion of environmental impacts associated with each alternative, compares the relative impacts of each alternative to those of the Proposed Project and other alternatives, discusses the relationship of each alternative to the Proposed objectives, and identifies the environmentally superior alternative. 5. CEQA Required Conclusions. Summarizes significant environmental impacts, including growth-inducing, cumulative, and significant and unavoidable impacts; significant irreversible environmental change; and impacts found not to be significant. 6. References. Lists documents and other information sources used in the preparation of the EIR. 7. List of Preparers. Identifies the persons and organizations that contributed to the preparation of the EIR. 8. Appendices. Includes the NOP and compilation of agency and public comments received on the NOP, as well as technical documentation of data used for environmental analysis in this EIR. Appendices are listed in the Table of Contents. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1261 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-8 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1262 2 Project Description This EIR analyzes the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 (General Plan) and the proposed California Government Code Section 65300 et. seq., cities are required to prepare a general plan that establishes policies and standards for future development, circulation, housing affordability, and resource protection for the entire planning area. By law, a general plan must be an integrated, internally consistent statement of city policies. California Government Code Section 65302 requires that the general plan include the following seven elements: land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. State law allows cities to include additional (or optional) elements in general plans as well. Optional elements included in the proposed General Plan address community values related to economic development, community character, community health, and sustainability. All elements of the Proposed Project have equal weight, and no one element supersedes another. The Proposed Project includes six of the seven elements. The Housing Element, which is subject to a separate, State-mandated eight-year update cycle, was last updated in 2014, and is not part of the Proposed Project. This chapter introduces the purpose and objectives of the Proposed Project and provides a description of the Proposed Project that is used throughout the EIR analysis. This includes a description of the existing regional and local project setting, an outline of the projected population and employment growth rates and development patterns through the planning horizon year, the proposed General Plan land use diagram, key data tables, and key policy direction for both the proposed General Plan and the proposed CAP. This project description provides the basis for the environmental analysis in Chapter 3. 2.1 Regional Location and Project Boundaries REGIONAL LOCATION The City of Diamond Bar is located at the far eastern edge of the San Gabriel Valley, within 30 miles driving distance of the cities of Los Angeles, Riverside, and Irvine. The western edge of the City lies at the intersection of State Route 57 (SR-57) and SR-60, with SR-57 connecting the City to Interstate 10 (I-10) one and a half miles to the north and SR-60 connecting to SR-71 roughly two miles to the Industry, providing east-west transit connections to Los Angeles and Riverside. The regional setting is depicted in Figure 2.1-1. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1263 A ngeles National F o r est N C lev elan d Nation a l F o r est DiamondBar a na d LOS ANGELES COUNTYSAN BERNADINO COUNTYRI V E R S I D E C O U N T Y O R A N G E C O U N T Y ORANGE COUNTY LOS ANGELES COUNTY LakeElsinore LakeMatthewsSantaAnaRiverChino Hills State Park Firestone ScoutReservation PowderCanyon ArroyoPescadero G r it h Park WhittierNarrows Limestone Ca nyon Regional Park Bommer C anyo n SAN BERNADINO COUNTY RIVERSIDE COUNTY IrvineLake Fr ank G Bonellli Los Angeles Pasadena Burbank Inglewood Torrance Downey Anaheim LongBeach Cerritos Fullerton WestCovina Pomona Ontario Chino ly Orange SantaAna Irvine NewportBeach HuntingtonBeach n Hawthorne Fontana Be Corona Riverside JurupaValley LakeForest LagunaNiguel LagunaBeach SanClemente Oceanside LakeElsinore DanaPoint Rancho Palos Verde MontereyPark Alhambra Covina Clairmont Arcadia BaldwinPark RanchoCucamonga Yorba Linda Placentia Carson South Gate CulverCity Whittier Glendale Norwalk El Monte Compton Montebello Rialto Avalon Westminster Cypress La Habra Lakewood s Walnut ORANGE COUNTYRIVERSIDE COUNTYSAN D I E G O COUNTY RIVER S I D E COUNTY San Dimas 10 10 5 5 5 405 405 605 605 710 110 105 210 210 210 15 215 15 215 91 60 66 60 71 57 1 1 1 110 101 138 22 74 241 133 58 58 241 7 73 405 10 0402010 MILES Figure 2.1-1: Regional Setting City of Diamond Bar Parks/Open Space Freeways Highways Rail and Light Rail Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019, Dyett & Bhatia 2019 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1264 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-3 PLANNING AREA General Plan The Planning Area for the General Plan, shown in Figure 2.1-2, is defined as the land area addressed by the ions. The Planning Area encompasses 13,039 acres, of which 9,526 acres (73 percent of the total) are in the City limits and the remaining 3,513 acres (27 percent) are in the Sphere of Influence (SOI). It is bounded by the Cities of Industry and Walnut to the north, Pomona and Chino Hills to the east, and Brea to the south, and unincorporated Los Angeles County to the west. While Diamond Bar does not have jurisdiction in areas outside of its City This typically includes a C SOI. Climate Action Plan As a document adopted by the Diamond Bar City Council, the CAP applies to the municipal limits of the City of Diamond Bar. All information and data presented in the CAP, unless otherwise noted, is f 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1265 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDHighways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 2.1-2: Planning Area 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILESSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019RiversideMetrolinkLin e7.1.h Packet Pg. 1266 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-5 2.2 Purpose and Objectives of the Proposed Project (California Code of Regulations [CCR] 15124). GENERAL PLAN Purpose California Government Code Section 65300 requires each city and county in California to adopt a Diamond Bar General Plan can be considered the C development constitution, contai vision of its long-term development as well as the policies to support that vision by guiding the physical growth of the City. The proposed General Plan contains policies to guide decision-making related to development, housing, transportation, environmental quality, public services, parks, and open spaces. The proposed General Plan is a document to be adopted by the City Council that serves to: • Establish a long-range vision that reflects the goals and desires of the Diamond Bar community; • Provide City departments, the Planning Commission, and the City Council with strategies and implementing actions to achieve the vision; • Provide a basis for evaluating whether individual development proposals and public projects are in harmony with the General Plan vision and policies; • Provide standards and guidance to allow City departments, other public agencies, and private developers to design projects that are consistent with the General Plan vision and policies; • Provide the basis for establishing other implementing plans and programs, such as the Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, specific and master plans, and the Capital Improvement Program. Due to the general and long-range nature of the proposed General Plan, there will be instances where subsequent, more detailed studies will be necessary in order to implement the p 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1267 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-6 OBJECTIVES The objective of the Proposed Project is to implement the Diamond Bar the City and the seven Guiding Principles described below. Community Vision of the collective hopes and aspirations that members of the Diamond Bar community have for the future, and was formed from all of the input shared by community members throughout the planning process. In 2040 Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively Town Center provides community members with access to local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and preserving the strong connections and environmental resources that define Guiding Principles The following Guiding Principles expand upon the community vision, establishing detailed, actionable objectives that support the vision and provide a foundation for the policies in the General Plan. The Guiding Principles emerged from the various comments and community one or more of the Guiding Principles in order to achieve the community vision. 1. Maintain a welcoming, safe small-town feel. Continue to cultivate a welcoming, safe small- preserving existing neighborhoods. 2. Promote a family-friendly community. Promote Diamond B for families to continue to make Diamond Bar a desirable place for families. 3. Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented dine, and gather. 4. Develop attractive commercial centers and thriving businesses. existing commercial centers and businesses to thrive, and attract new businesses to centrally located focus areas to serve the daily needs of residents. 5. Establish a balanced circulation network. Improve mobility for all residents, visitors, and workers by providing a diversity of safe and convenient transportation options in a cohesive network, including active transportation, transit, and automobile facilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1268 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-7 6. Support Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles. Promote human and community health and environmental quality through the provision of parks and open spaces, community programs and services, the preservation of local and regional environmental resources, and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. 7. Foster a strong, collaborative community. Provide opportunities for gatherings among friends, families, and the community at large and encourage all members of the community to participate in planning and decision-making for the future. CLIMATE ACTION PLAN Purpose HG) emissions. The proposed CAP was developed concurrently with the proposed General Plan, reflecting the The proposed CAP is i and demonstrate how the City will comply with State GHG emission reduction standards. As a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, the CAP will also enable streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. Specifically, the proposed CAP quantifies existing and projected GHG emissions in the Planning Area through horizon year 2040 resulting from activities within the Planning Area and the region, and it includes GHG emissions reduction targets for the year 2040 commitment to achieve State GHG reduction targets through monitoring and reporting processes to ensure that targets are met, and options for reducing GHG emissions beyond State requirements. If the proposed CAP is adopted, projects that demonstrate consistency with the updated Diamond Bar General Plan and CAP will be subject to a streamlined CEQA review process for mitigation of GHG emissions, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15183.5. California has taken an aggressive stance to reduce GHG emissions in order to combat the impacts of climate change. Executive Order S-3-05 (EO S-3- increased temperatures causing human health impacts, rising sea levels, and reduced Sierra snowpack due to a changing climate. The Executive Order established targets to reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2010, to 1990 levels by 2020, and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32, or AB 32) codified the target set in EO S-3-05 of statewide reductions to 1990 emissions levels by 2020. Executive Order S-3-15 (EO S-3-15), issued in 2015, established an interim target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. In 2016, the California Legislature passed Senate 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update recommends that local governments target 6 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per capita for 2030 emissions and 2 MTCO2e per capita for 2050 emissions. -3-15, SB 32, and EO S-3-05 following the CAP guidelines established in the 2017 Scoping Plan. The CAP uses a threshold of 4 MTCO2e per capita for 2040 GHG emissions, which is calculated as the midpoint 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1269 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-8 between 2030 and 2050 targets recommended by the 2017 Scoping Plan. This threshold is more conservative than a target of 60 percent below 1990 emissions levels, which would mirror emissions targets codified in EO S-3-05 and EO S-3-15, and ensures that the proposed CAP is capable of ggressive GHG emissions reduction goals. Objectives Section 15183.5 of the CEQA Guidelines permits lead agencies to analyze and mitigate the significant effects of GHG emissions at a programmatic level through a plan to reduce GHG gas emissions. In doing so, later project-specific environmental documents may tier from and/or meet CEQA requirements (CCR Section 15183.5) to allow for future tiering and streamlining of the analysis of GHG emissions, which state that a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions should: • Quantify GHG emissions, both existing and projected over a specified time period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area; • Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to GHG emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable; • Identify and analyze the GHG emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area; • Specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level; • require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels; • Be adopted in a public process following environmental review. INTENDED USES OF THE EIR The CEQA Guidelines (Section 15124(d)) require EIRs to identify the agencies that are expected to use the EIR in their decision-making, and the approvals for which the EIR will be used. This EIR will inform the City of Diamond Bar, in addition to other responsible agencies, persons, and the general public, of the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Project and the identified alternatives. The City of Diamond Bar will use the EIR as part of its review and approval of the proposed General Plan and Climate Action Plan. Other agencies expected to use the EIR include: Los Angeles County, California Department of Transportation District 7, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and Southern California Association of Governments, and any other responsible or trustee agencies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1270 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-9 2.3 General Plan 2040 PLANNING HORIZON The planning horizon is the period of time for which the Proposed Project looks ahead in order to comprehensively plan for the next major phase of growth, change, and investment. The Proposed Project establishes a horizon year of 2040. As planning is a continuous and dynamic process, the proposed General Plan is intended to be reviewed regularly and amended as necessary PLANNING PROCESS The Diamond Bar General Plan was first adopted in 1995. Since then, substantial changes to the planning context of the City have occurred, including accelerated growth in the region and shifts health, and placemaking. In light of these changes, the City undertook a comprehensive update of the General Plan as an opportunity to reassess and refine its long-term vision and identify the new challenges it will face, opportunities it will follow, and approaches it will use to make that vision a reality. The update process began in the summer of 2016 and included the following steps. • Project Initiation and Issue Identification • Existing Conditions, Trends, and Opportunities Assessment • Exploring Alternatives • Preferred Plan and Key Goals • Draft General Plan • Draft Climate Action Plan • Environmental Impact Report • Adoption Outreach Activities Public participation was an essential part of the General Plan update process. A variety of outreach activities took place throughout the planning process to provide a forum to discuss priorities and values, allow for the evaluation of different policy options, and bring a wide range of community members and perspectives into the conversation. Summaries of each activity were made available to members of the public and decision-makers and are part of the public record. Stakeholder Interviews The planning team conducted a series of interviews with stakeholders representing a range of local and regional interests. A total of 23 stakeholders participated, including real estate professionals, local developers, commercial property owners, service organization representatives, major employers, active community members, former City Council members, school district administrators, small business owners, and youth organizations. Stakeholders were given the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1271 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-10 planning concerns, and other topics of specific interest. The interviews provided the planning team with insight into issues of significance for each of the stakeholder groups. Surveys Two online surveys were conducted over the course of the planning process. The first survey occurred during the visioning phase of the project and was intended to explore City as well as uncover any important issues related to various aspects of life in Diamond Bar. The survey was available online in October 2016 in English, Korean, and Chinese, and was also administered in person at pop-up booths at four different community events (Barktober Fest, Quail Summit Elementary School Carnival, Eco Expo, and Diamond Bar High School Food Festival). The survey received a total of 501 responses. The second survey took place between October 12 and November 12, 2017 and was focused on gathering community reactions to the three land use alternatives. The survey was available online in English, Chinese, and Korean, and printed versions were also provided at the Whispering Fountains of Diamond Bar senior housing complex, the Diamond Bar Center, the public library, and City Hall. Respondents also had the option of printing out the survey from the project website to complete by hand and return to City Hall. A total of 638 people responded to the survey. Workshops The first community workshop was held on November 9, 2016 and used activities and discussion to collect information from community members regarding their visions for the future and their perspectives on major planning issues to be addressed during the update. Around 80 community members participated in the workshop, while a number of Planning Commissioners, City Council members, and General Plan Advisory Committee members observed the event. Translation services were provided for Mandarin, Korean, and American Sign Language. The second community workshop took place on October 19, 2017 and focused on the three land use alternatives. Participants received a presentation on the alternatives and their potential impacts and took part in discussions about their preferences and concerns for each alternative. Approximately 130 community members attended the workshop, along with members of the Planning Commission, City Council, and GPAC who observed. Mandarin and Korean translation services were provided. Pop Ups Over the course of the project, the City held a number of pop-up events to raise awareness about the planning process and gather comments from a large cross-section of Diamond Bar residents. During the visioning phase of the project, the City set up booths at four community events to promote the first public workshop and administer the first survey. During the alternatives phase, the City focused on popular destinations such as the high schools and local markets to promote the alternatives workshop and survey and receive feedback. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1272 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-11 Newsletters The City used direct mailings to update community members on progress, announce upcoming workshops and surveys, and provide background information on the process. Two newsletters were mailed to all Diamond Bar addresses to announce the start of the project and introduce the alternatives. The newsletters were also available online through the project website. The City also made announcements through its monthly newsletter, DBConnection, and news releases through Social Media Toolkit A social media tool kit was developed to provide key stakeholders with copy-ready text for incorporation into social media sites. The kit included graphics and content to easily convey project information. Key stakeholders were asked to choose the content that best resonated with their constituents and contacts list and copy and paste it to their social media platforms. The social media tool kit consisted of post for social media venues, a brief article, and a widget that could easily be pinned to websites and social media platforms. Stakeholders invited to participate included educational institutions/principals, homeowner associations, and civic and professional groups. Website A project website was created to provide updates on the planning process, meeting materials and minutes, documents for public review, and additional background information on Diamond Bar and the General Plan update. Public Meetings General Plan Advisory Committee A General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) was established by the City Council to serve in an advisory role to the Planning Commission and City Council on matters related to the General Plan update. The GPAC was convened to provide input on the project, reviewing work products and draft policies, receiving and considering public comments, and sharing perspectives based on their experiences and conversations with community members before making recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. The GPAC was made up of 15 volunteers from the community who met a total of 10 times over the course of the project. All GPAC meetings were open to the public and allowed for public comment, and were subject to the Brown Act. Planning Commission and City Council The Planning Commission and City Council held three public joint study sessions to provide direction on the General Plan update. The first, held on August 10, 2016, covered the responsibilities of the GPAC and the identification of issues that the project should address. The second meeting, held on March 29, 2017, covered findings from community outreach and the existing conditions research. The third meeting, held on January 30, 2018, covered the land use alternatives and resulted in the selection of the Preferred Plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1273 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-12 Upon completion of the Public Review Draft General Plan and Environmental Impact Report, the Planning Commission and City Council scheduled two joint study sessions prior to the formal adoption hearings toward the end of 2019. GENERAL PLAN ORGANIZATION The proposed General Plan is organized by topic in eight chapters. Chapters 2 through 8 constitute the seven elements of the General Plan. The proposed General Plan differs from the seven 1995 General Plan elements in the following ways: it introduces three new optional elements Community Character and Placemaking, Public Facilities and Services, and Community Health and Sustainability, incorporates the topic of Economic Development into the Land Use element, incorporates the Conservation and Open Space elements into the Resource Conservation element, and incorporates the Safety and Noise elements into the Public Safety element. Additionally, as housing elements are required to be updated more frequently on a State-mandated cycle, the Diamond Bar Housing Element is provided under a separate cover. The elements and goals of the proposed General Plan are summarized as follows. • Chapter 1: Introduction. guiding principles for its growth and development, provides a basic context for the General , organization, and requirements for administration. • Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development. This chapter describes the existing growth. The goals and policies in this chapter provide the physical framework for land use and development in the City. In addition, this chapter provides an overview of the population and employment context in Diamond Bar, and outlines goals and policies to support economic development. The land use portion of this chapter is required by State law, while the economic development portion is an optional topic. Goals for this chapter include: - Managing growth and maintaining community character; - Promoting high-quality and sustainable development; - Preserving open space and natural resources; and - Attracting new development and supporting existing businesses to sustain a diverse economy and stable fiscal standing. • Chapter 3: Community Character and Placemaking. This element provides policy direction on the desired character of Diamond Bar at a citywide scale, as well as an urban design framework for development occurring in the Town Center, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and Community Core focus areas. This is an optional element not required by State law. Goals for this element include: - Fostering a distinctive community character; - Preserving open spaces and existing residential neighborhoods; and - Encouraging development into accessible, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use areas. • Chapter 4: Circulation. This element includes policies and standards that seek to maintain safe and efficient circulation for all modes of travel. It identifies street improvements, and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1274 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-13 addresses walking, biking, transit, and parking to support a multi-modal circulation system. Specific street improvements include traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive; new connections within mixed-use areas to provide for pedestrian and bicycle connections; construction of secondary access to Diamond Ranch High School; new Class IV Protected Bike Lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road (North), Pathfinder Road, and Chino Hills Parkway; and improved crosswalks along Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue. This element is required by State law. Goals for this element include: - ystem and encouraging reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT); - Emphasizing a Complete Streets concept that promotes pedestrian and bicycle comfort, connectivity, and accessibility and is compatible to adjacent land uses; - Accommodating future transportation options in a way that ensures safety and access for all users and modes; - Creating programs for funding transportation improvements; - Maximizing the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of public transit service; - Providing adequate parking while promoting walkability, ride-sharing, and alternative transportation modes; and - Minimizing quality of life impacts of goods movement while facilitating safe and efficient movement practices. • Chapter 5: Resource Conservation. This element includes background information and policies relating to the conservation and preservation of open space resources, biological resources, water resources, air quality, and cultural resources. This element meets the State requirements of both an Open Space Element and a Conservation Element. Goals for this element include: - Preserving, enhancing, and restoring natural resources and scenic views; - Ensuring stewardship of natural resources; - Improving regional air quality; and - Protecting historic, cultural, and archaeological resources. • Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Services. This element contains background information, goals, and policies related to schools, community facilities and libraries, parks and recreation, water supply and demand, and public utilities. This is an optional element not required by State law. Goals for this element include: - Providing high quality parks and recreational services; - Developing a system of interconnected parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails; - Providing all residents with access to high quality local education facilities and learning opportunities; - Providing high-quality, sustainable, and efficient public facilities and services; and - Providing high-quality telecommunications service to all residents, businesses, and visitors. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1275 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-14 • Chapter 7: Public Safety. This element provides an overview of the public safety risks in Diamond Bar related to seismic and geologic hazards, flood hazards, hazardous materials and operations, airport hazards, fire hazards, and noise, as well as corresponding mitigating policies. A Safety Element and a Noise Element are required by State law. Goals for this element include: - Effectively coordinating responses to emergencies and natural disasters; - Maintaining safety servi - - Maintaining high levels of health and safety. • Chapter 8: Community Health and Sustainability. This element outlines public health concerns related to the General Plan, and includes goals and policies to improve public health through environmental justice, active living, healthy food, social connections, and sustainable living. This is an optional element not required by State law. Goals for this element include: - Supporting healthy and active lifestyles for all residents by integrating opportunities for active transportation and physical activity; - Providing equal access to health services, medical facilities, and other public services; - Promoting a healthy and equitable food system; - Promoting health equity and environmental justice by involving all interested parties; - Enhancing sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and fostering open spaces, and promoting energy efficiency; - Encouraging waste reduction and diversion practices; and - change impacts. LAND USE FRAMEWORK The land use framework of the proposed General Plan is depicted on the proposed General Plan Land Use Diagram (Figure 2.3-1), which is a graphic representation of the land use themes and policies in the proposed General Plan. It designates the proposed general location, distribution, and extent of land uses. The classifications are meant to be broad enough to give the City flexibility in implementation, but clear enough to provide sufficient direction to carry out the goals of the proposed General Plan. The diagram is to be used and interpreted only in conjunction with the text and other figures contained in the proposed General Plan. The legend of the proposed General Plan Land Use Map includes the land use classifications described below. Overall, the Proposed Project retains the existing land use framework of the 1995 General Plan, with some targeted changes. The Proposed Project provides for four focus areas where major land use changes are planned to take place as part of a strategy to provide walkable mixed-use activity centers (Figure 2.3-2). These focus areas provide opportunities for infill development that can incorporate a range of housing, employment, and recreational uses to meet the needs of families, young people, senior citizens, and residents of all incomes. These focus areas were designed in 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1276 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-15 response to community priorities including a desire for expanded access to entertainment and population. New Land Use designations are proposed for each of these focus areas to facilitate their development, as described under Land Use Classifications, below. • The Town Center focus area is proposed along Diamond Bar Boulevard, between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, to build on the success of recent commercial redevelopment in that area. The Town Center would serve as a center of activity for residents of Diamond Bar, providing entertainment and retail opportunities and community gathering spaces in a pleasant, walkable environment. • The Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area is envisioned as a combination of residential and ancillary neighborhood-serving retail and service uses to promote revitalization of the segment of North Diamond Bar Boulevard between the SR-60 interchange and Highland Valley Road. The neighborhood has potential to benefit from its proximity to Mt. San Antonio College and Cal Poly Pomona. • The Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area leverages underutilized sites adjacent to the Metrolink station to provide for higher-density housing, offices, and supporting commercial uses close to regional transit. The focus area would allow for growth in employment opportunities in addition to contributing to housing availability in the City, and would be a key location to emphasize multi-modal transportation options tied to land use. • The Community Core focus area covers the existing Diamond Bar Golf Course, which is currently operated by Los Angeles County. Should the County choose to discontinue operation of the golf course or to reduce the size of the golf course, the Community Core for reuse of the site. The Community Core is envisioned as a master-planned mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. The majority of the northern portion is envisioned to support a park or consolidated golf course along with additional community or civic uses. The southern portion is envisioned to accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. This location would benefit greatly from proximity to the freeways and nearby commercial uses. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1277 !(T Significant Ecological Area DiamondRanch HighSchool PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPointE.S. Little LeagueField ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReaganPark Star ShinePark SummitridgePark Country Park LarkstonePark Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOM ING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLD SPRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Land Use Designations Rural Residential Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Medium Density Residential Medium High Density Residential High Density Residential High Density Residential-30 Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use Light Industrial General Commercial Office Water School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Significant Ecological Area Private Recreation Planning Area Specific Plan Community Core Overlay City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 2.3-1: Land Use Plan 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1278 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation RiversideMetrolinkLine}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSR D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLD SPRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDChange Areas 1 2 3 4 Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Figure 2.3-2: Proposed Land Use Change Areas 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1279 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-18 Land Use Classifications The following land use designations shown on the Proposed Project Land Use Diagram would apply in the Planning Area. These designations are meant to be broad enough to give the City flexibility in implementing the Proposed Project; however, they are also meant to be clear enough to provide sufficient direction regarding the expected type and location of land uses planned in the City, as well Ordinance contains more detailed provisions and standards. More than one zoning district may be consistent with a single General Plan land use designation. The Proposed Project introduces six new land use designations and a Community Core overlay. The Neighborhood Mixed Use, Town Center Mixed Use, and Transit Oriented Mixed Use designations and the Community Core Overlay are described above. The new Office designation and existing General Commercial designation incorporate land designated as Professional Office and Commercial/Office under the 1995 General Plan Land Use Element, given that there are no material differences between the two designations. The Proposed Project does not include a Fire land use designation, and instead applies the General Commercial designation to the entire parcel containing the Town Centre Village and Los Angeles County Fire Department located at Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard. The Proposed Project does not propose the removal or construction of any Fire Department facilities. The Proposed Project also applies specific land use designations to parcels within the five Planning Areas designated under the 1995 General Plan in accordance with of the SOI as Significant Ecological Area 15, the new Significant Ecological Area designation is applied to this area. The Proposed Project would retain allowable density ranges specified for land use designations under the 1995 General Plan and 2013 Land Use Element Update.1 Proposed Project land use changes are shown in Table 2.3-1. Residential • Rural Residential. Allows for residential development at densities of 1.0 dwelling unit per gross acre (1 du/ac), with lower density for sites with slopes greater than 25 percent, in accordance with the slope density standard. • Low Density Residential. Allows for single-family detached residential development reaching a maximum of 3.0 dwelling units per gross acre (3.0 du/ac). • Low-Medium Residential. Allows for single-family detached residential development reaching a maximum of 5.0 dwelling units per gross acre (5.0 du/ac). • Medium Density Residential. Allows for townhome, condominium, apartment, mobile home, and other multi-family residential development reaching a maximum of 12.0 dwelling units per gross acre (12.0 du/ac). 1 The Land Use Element was updated for the sole purpose of adding the High Density Residential-30 designation to implement the Fourth and Fifth Cycle Housing Elements as certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1280 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-19 • Medium High Residential. Allows for townhome, condominium, apartment, and other multi-family residential development reaching a maximum of 16.0 dwelling units per gross acre (16.0 du/ac). • High Density Residential. Allows for high-density condominium, apartment and other high-density residential development reaching a maximum of 20.0 dwelling units per gross acre (20.0 du/ac). • High Density Residential-30. Allows for high-density condominium, apartment, and other high-density residential development with a minimum net density of 20.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 du/ac) and a maximum net density of 30.0 dwelling units per acre (30.0 du/ac). This applies to Planning Area 5, which was established under a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to implement the Fourth and Fifth Cycle Housing Elements and was designated RH-30. This land use designation was introduced in the 2013 General Plan Land Use Element Update. Commercial, Office, and Industrial • General Commercial. Allows regional, freeway-oriented and/or community retail and service commercial uses. Development is to maintain a floor area ratio (FAR) between 0.25 and 1.0. • Office. Allows for office-based working environments including general, professional, and administrative offices, and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses. Development is to maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.0. This land use designation is new and incorporates land designated Commercial/Office and Professional Office under the 1995 General Plan Land Use Element given that there are no material differences between the two designations. • Light Industrial. Allows light industrial uses such as manufacturing, distribution, research and development, business support services, and commercial uses requiring more land area than is available under the General Commercial or Office designations. Development is to maintain an FAR between 0.25 and 1.00. Mixed Use • Town Center Mixed Use. Allows and encourages a mix of uses with an emphasis on community-serving and destination retail, dining, and entertainment uses. Offices and professional services, and residential uses are also permitted. Maximum FAR is 1.5, including residential uses, and a maximum residential density of 20.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 du/ac) is permitted. This land use designation is new. • Neighborhood Mixed Use. Allows a range of housing types and commercial uses, with a maximum FAR of 1.25, including residential uses, and a maximum residential density of 30.0 dwelling units per acre (30.0 du/ac). General Plan policies further delineate permitted 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1281 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-20 and desired mix of uses and housing types based on parcel size and project location. This land use designation is new. • Transit-Oriented Mixed Use. Allows high density residential live/work units, office, retail, commercial, and service uses, with a maximum FAR of 1.5 combined for residential and non-residential uses. Residential uses, where provided, should be at a density ranging from 20.0 to 30.0 dwelling units per acre (20.0 - 30.0 du/ac) of gross site area. Existing light industrial uses shall be permitted to remain as conforming uses in accordance with the Light Industrial land use designation and associated zoning regulations. This land use designation is new. • Community Core Overlay. The underlying Golf Course designation permits continued operation of the present golf course use. Should the golf course cease operation, this overlay designation would require a master plan for the entire golf course property to ensure the orderly and cohesive implementation of its reuse. This land use designation is new. Other • Planning Area. Designed to conserve open space resources and is to be applied to properties where creative approaches are needed to integrate future development with existing natural resources. All proposed development within these designated areas shall require the formation of a Specific Plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450. • Specific Plan. This designation is intended to encourage the innovative use of land resources and development of a variety of housing and other development types, provide a means to coordinate the public and private provision of services and facilities, and address the unique needs of certain lands. It designates large-scale development areas in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facility, and other land uses may be permitted, or large properties (in excess of 10 acres) that are proposed to be annexed into the City, where a specific plan pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 shall be required that will protect unique biological and open space resources, create fiscal benefits for the City and enhance its infrastructure, and minimize future adverse impacts to both the human and natural environment of the City and region. • Golf Course. Identifies the Diamond Bar Country Club and Golf Course. • Park. Existing and future public parks. • Open Space. Provides recreational opportunities, preservation of scenic and environmental values, protection of resources (water reclamation and conservation), protection of public safety, and preservation of native plant and animal life, habitats, and ecosystems. This designation includes lands which may have been restricted to open space use by map restriction, deed (dedication conditions, covenant, and/or restriction), by an Open Space Easement pursuant to California Government Code Section 51070 et seq. This designation carries with it a maximum development potential of one single-family unit per 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1282 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-21 existing parcel, unless construction was previously restricted or prohibited on such properties by the County of Los Angeles. • Private Recreation. Identifies major private recreation facilities. May be applied to lands required to be set aside for recreational use which have not been dedicated to or accepted by a public agency; no development may take place on these lands other than open space uses specifically permitted by the applicable Planned Unit Development and/or deed restrictions. • Public Facility. Identifies land for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community, such as schools and educational facilities; government facilities, including public safety facilities; public utilities; and other facilities of a public or quasi-public nature. These uses maintain development standards which do not exceed that of the most restrictive adjacent designation. This land use designation is new. • Water. Identifies publicly-owned water facilities. • School. Identifies school facilities. • Significant Ecological Area. designation of this area as Significant Ecological Area 15. The area covered by this jurisdiction. This land use designation is new. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1283 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-22 Table 2.3-1: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street (Change Area 1) Light Industrial Transit Oriented Mixed Use Allow a mix of high-density residential, commercial, office, and industrial uses Walnut Elementary School (Change Area 1) Light Industrial School Designate as School to accurately reflect existing uses Diamond Bar Boulevard between Golden Springs Drive SR 60 (Change Area 2) General Commercial Town Center Mixed Use Allow a mix of commercial, office, and residential use North Diamond Bar Boulevard between Highland Valley and SR-60 Offramps (Change Area 3) Commercial/Office Neighborhood Mixed Use Allow a range of housing types and commercial uses, including residential uses Golf Course (Change Area 4) Golf Course Golf Course, Community Core Overlay Allow continued operation of the present golf course use. Should golf course cease operation, require master plan to ensure cohesive implementation of its reuse Planning Area 2 Planning Area 2/Specific Plan Open Space Designate as Open Space to preserve natural resources and provide recreational opportunities Vantage residential development (Planning Area 3) Planning Area 3/Specific Plan Specific Plan Designate large-scale development area in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facility, and other land uses may be permitted where a specific plan is proposed. Parts of Planning Area 3 have been developed under the Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan Target (Planning Area 3) Planning Area 3/Specific Plan General Commercial Designate as General Commercial to accurately reflect existing uses Golden Springs Drive and Copley Drive (Planning Area 3) Planning Area 3/Specific Plan Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1284 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-23 Table 2.3-1: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Planning Area 4 at Brea Canyon Road Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Public Facility Designate for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community South Pointe residential community (Planning Area 4) Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Specific Plan Parts of Planning Area 4 have been developed under the South Pointe West Specific Plan as the South Pointe residential community and Larkstone Park. Brea Canyon Road to Larkstone Park (Planning Area 4) Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Public Facility Designate for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community Larkstone Park Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Park Designate as Park to accurately reflect existing uses Diamond Canyon Park Specific Plan Park Designate as Park to accurately reflect existing uses Summitridge Park North Park Public Facility Designate for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community Quail Summit Elementary School South School Park Designate as Park to accurately reflect existing and future uses Golden Prados Drive and Golden Springs Drive Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Designate as Low-Medium Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area South Brea Canyon Road at Castle Rock Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Designate as Low-Medium Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area Golden Springs Drive and South Lemon Avenue West Low-Medium Residential Low Density Residential Designate as Low Density Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area Bain Avenue Southeast Low-Medium Residential Low Density Residential Designate as Low Density Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area Brea Canyon Road at Eastbound SR- 60 Offramp Professional Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder Road East Professional Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1285 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-24 Table 2.3-1: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard Southeast Professional Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Montefino Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard Commercial/Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Fire Department Station 21 on Grand Avenue Fire Public Facility Consolidate public facility designations Grand Avenue East of Fire Department General Commercial Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Grand Avenue West of Fire Department Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Brea Canyon Cutoff Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard West Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue Northeast Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue Southeast Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Golden Springs Drive and Copley Drive Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Route 57 and Route 60 Southwest Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Brea Canyon Road and Via Sorella Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder Road West Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1286 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-25 Table 2.3-1: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Route 57 and Pathfinder Road East Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. BUILDOUT Buildout refers to the estimated amount of new development and corresponding growth in population and employment that is projected to take place under the Proposed Project through the horizon year of 2040. Buildout estimates should not be considered a prediction for growth, as the actual amount of development that will occur through 2040 is based on many factors outside of the individual property owners. Therefore, buildout estimates represent one potential set of outcomes rather than definitive figures. Additionally, the designation of a site for a specific land use in the Proposed Project does not guarantee that a site will be developed or redeveloped at the assumed density during the planning period, as future development will rely primarily on each property City limits and the SOI, lands remain under the development control of Los Angeles County unless annexed. For this EIR, buildout projections for 2040 were based on multiple factors as described below. Methodology Buildout is calculated by summing existing development, development that is planned, permitted, of potential new development in the Planning Area. New development is generally expected to occur in the size, environmental constraints, and current zoning), as well as on a portion of vacant properties in the neighborhoods. The methodology used to calculate buildout for this analysis is summarized below. Existing Development The buildout estimated the existing number of residential units and non-re refers to existing development that is not assumed to redevelop by 2040. Estimates of existing developme system (GIS) database as of 2018. The database contains detailed information about land use, the number of residential units on each parcel, and the amount of non-residential square feet on each parcel. In addition, existing development (to stay) also includes projects currently under construction, approved, or under review by Planning Division as of May 2019. While it is possible that some of these projects may not be constructed, using totals from approved and planned projects 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1287 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-26 provides the most accurate buildout estimate for vacant parcels. All pipeline projects had been constructed as of May 2019. Future Development To estimate buildout for the planning horizon, assumptions were made about the density of development in each proposed land use designation, as well as the percentage of parcels that would actually develop depending on location and land use designation. Not all parcels identified as vacant or opportunity sites were assumed to fully develop by the planning horizon year of 2040 in order to reflect more realistic development patterns. The buildout estimate assumes 75 percent development of identified opportunity sites and assumed maximum allowable density under the Proposed Project (as discussed on page 2-18). Future development projected in the City considers potential development on opportunity sites, in the Proposed Project change areas, and on vacant sites designated as residential in the Proposed Project. The buildout estimate represents a reasonable case scenario for purposes of impact analysis in this EIR. Residential Buildout The residential buildout population takes into consideration the population estimated for 2016, as well as additional population associated with housing units projected to be built through the planning horizon. The population projection assumes a standard residential vacancy rate of 5 percent and 3.097 population per occupied unit based on the 2016 population per occupied unit of 3.16 with the percent change projected through 2040 from Southern California Associated Governments (SCAG). Table 2.3-3 describes the projected population at buildout of the Proposed Project and potential residential development resulting from application of land uses shown on the Proposed Project Land Use Diagram (Figure 2.3-1), according to analysis undertaken for the Proposed Project. Table 2.3-2: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Housing Units 18,913 3,264 22,177 Single-Family Residential 13,252 142 13,394 Multi-Family Residential 5,661 3,122 8,783 Households 18,308 3,226 22,533 Population 57,853 8,832 66,685 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1288 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-27 Non-Residential Buildout The total number of future jobs was calculated based on jobs-per-square-foot assumptions for retail/restaurant, hotel, and office jobs. Table 2.3-3 describes projected non-residential development in terms of square feet and potential jobs. Table 2.3-3: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Non-Residential (sq ft) 5,564,484 1,617,583 7,182,066 Retail 586,659 607,283 1,193,942 Office 2,406,803 519,892 2,926,694 Industrial 1,052,869 (203,001) 849,868 Other 1,518,153 693,409 2,211,562 Jobs 14,702 7,042 21,744 Retail 1,467 1,613 3,079 Office 7,334 4,102 11,436 Industrial 2,106 (406) 1,700 Other 3,795 1,734 5,529 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. 2.4 Climate Action Plan PLANNING PROCESS General Plan, and links elements of the plan with the goal of GHG reduction. The CAP was prepared in 2019 by City staff and consultants, using public input from the General Plan update process and referencing CEQA Guidelines, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2017 Scoping Plan, and State GHG targets established by EO S-3-05 and AB 32. Drafting of the proposed CAP involved the development of an emissions inventory describing direct GHG emissions from sources within the city, as well as indirect emissions associated with the consumption of energy generated outside of the city, using modeling tools, activity data, and emissions factors. Forecasts were conducted for GHG emissions through 2040 to determine whether, with State and federal actions and the policies of the proposed General Plan, additional action would be required in order to ensure that the City meets GHG reduction targets. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1289 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-28 ORGANIZATION The proposed CAP includes the following four chapters: 1. Introduction. This chapter describes the scope and purpose of the proposed CAP, provides an overview of climate change and GHGs, introduces the California GHG reduction legal framework and State and federal standards on GHG emissions, and describes the planning process and how the plan is intended to be used. 1. Emissions Inventory. This chapter identifies the major sources and the overall magnitude of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar, pursuant to Sections 15183.5(b)(1)(A) and 15183.5(b)(1)(C) of the state CEQA Guidelines. 2. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets and Forecasts. This chapter describes the GHG reduction targets provided by State law, provides a baseline forecast of GHG emissions, and models forecasts of future GHG emissions through 2040. The chapter also quantifies GHG reductions from (1) State actions and (2) the updated General Plan policies and actions, and applies these reductions to the emissions forecast. 3. Monitoring Progress and Potential Additional Measures. This chapter describes steps to monitor progress, as well as potential additional measures that can be taken in the future should the City so desire. PROPOSED CAP MEASURES Monitoring Progress The proposed CAP forecast analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will . Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not needed for Diamond Bar to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. Therefore, the proposed CAP provides a framework for the City of Diamond Bar to monitor progress toward GHG emissions and continue to meet emissions targets. Monitoring would enable the City to make timely adjustments to existing policies, replace ineffective actions, and/or add new policies as changes in technology, federal and State programs, or other circumstances warrant. The monitoring framework consists of the following two steps: • Monitoring and Reporting. The City will periodically monitor and report on progress towards achieving the emissions targets, potentially every five years, unless otherwise required more frequently by State law. The monitoring report will include information on the status of the federal and State level emissions reductions measures identified in Chapter 3 of the CAP, as well as any new efforts that may emerge in the reporting year. The report will be presented to the City Council at a public meeting during which interested parties may comment on the report. • Updating GHG Inventory and the CAP. The City will update the GHG inventory periodically. For continuity, the inventory updates will tally emissions from the same sectors analyzed in Chapter 2 of this CAP. If an updated inventory reveals that Diamond Bar is not making adequate progress toward meeting the GHG target, or that new technologies and programs emerge that warrant inclusion in the CAP, the City will adjust the CAP by modifying, adding, and/or replacing policies in the General Plan or elsewhere, or by incorporating additional measure(s) outlined in Section 4.2 of the CAP. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1290 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-29 Optional Measures to Further Reduce Emissions Additional measures are offered as a menu of choices should the City decide to more aggressively target GHG emissions at a future date. Measures are optional, and could be undertaken independently or collectively. • Measure A: Promote Installation of Residential Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. • Measure B: Promote Installation of Commercial PV Systems. • Measure C: Encourage Residential Energy Efficiency Retrofits. • Measure D: Encourage Commercial Efficiency Retrofits. • Measure E: Promote Switching from Natural Gas to Clean Electricity. • Measure F: Promote an Increase in the Amount of Zero-Emissions Vehicle Travel. • Measure G: Establish a Zero-Waste Framework. • Measure H: Promote and Maximize Utility Clean Energy Offerings. 2.5 Proposed Project Implementation The City would use a variety of regulatory mechanisms and administrative procedures to implement the Proposed Project. Under California law, Diamond Bar is required to ensure that its Zoning Ordinance is consistent with the General Plan. In fact, the consistency requirement is the keystone of General Plan implementation. Without a consistency requirement, there is no assurance that proposed General Plan policies broadly related to land use would be implemented. Zoning Ordinance General Plan policies into specific use regulations, development standards, and performance criteria that govern development on individual properties. The General Plan establishes the policy framework, while the Zoning Ordinance prescribes standards, rules, and procedures for development. The Zoning Map provides more detail regarding the desired location of specific uses than the General Plan Land Use Diagram. As noted above, the current Zoning Ordinance will be revised to implement the new land use provisions of the Proposed Project, if the Proposed Project is adopted. Specific Plans The proposed General Plan states that existing specific plans, including the Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan, the South Pointe West Specific Plan, and the Site D Specific Plan, are required to be consistent with General Plan and are therefore incorporated by reference. Other Plans and Regulatory Items Other plans and regulatory items specified in the proposed General Plan that will require updates to comply with the proposed General Plan include the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, Sewer System Management Plan, Economic Development Action Plan, and City of Diamond Bar Design Guidelines. In addition, the proposed 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1291 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 2: Project Description 2-30 General Plan calls for the development or potential development of several plans and regulatory items as follows: • Curbside Management Guidelines • Recreational Trails and Bicycle Route Master Plan • City street design standards • Design guidelines for designated truck routes • Landscape Manual • Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy • Recycled water expansion plan in collaboration with Walnut Valley Water District • Drainage Master Plan in collaboration with Los Angeles County Flood Control District • Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with Los Angeles County Fire Department • Communications infrastructure network improvement and expansion plan • Planting requirements and species guidelines. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1292 3 Environmental Settings and Impacts Overview Chapter 3 includes information related to existing conditions for each issue area, method of analysis, summary of impacts, and detailed analyses of the type and magnitude of individual and/or cumulative environmental impacts, and, as applicable, mitigation measures. Sections 3.1 through 3.13 analyze the potential environmental impacts that may occur as a result of implementation of the Proposed Project, as described in Chapter 2. The environmental issues subject to detailed analysis in the following sections include those that were identified by the City as potentially significant: 3.1 Aesthetics 3.2 Air Quality 3.3 Biological Resources 3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.5 Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.6 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology 3.7 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality 3.9 Land Use and Housing 3.10 Noise 3.11 Public Facilities and Recreation 3.12 Transportation 3.13 Utilities and Service Systems These assessments do not satisfy the need for project-level CEQA analysis for individual projects. Consistent with Section 15168 of CEQA Guidelines, this program EIR evaluates the broad policy direction of the planning documents, but does not examine the potential site-specific impacts of individual projects that may be proposed in the future that are consistent with the plan. Program will require project-level analysis at the time they are proposed based on the details of those projects and the existing conditions at the time such projects are pursued. Environmental topics that were determined not to be potentially significant are addressed in Chapter 5 (Section 5.5). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1293 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts 3-2 Impacts Considered According to the CEQA Guidelines, the following general types of environmental impacts must be considered in this program EIR: • Direct or primary impacts, which are caused by the project and occur at the same time and place as the project. • Indirect or secondary impacts, which are caused by the project and occur later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Indirect or secondary impacts may include growth-inducing impacts and other impacts related to induced changes in the pattern of land use, population density, or growth rate, and related impacts on air and water and other natural systems, including ecosystems. Indirect or secondary impacts may also include cumulative impacts. • Short-term impacts, which are those of a limited duration, such as the impacts that would occur during the construction phase of a project. • Long-term impacts, which are those of greater duration, including those that would endure for the life of a project and beyond. • Significant unavoidable impacts, which cannot be mitigated to a level that is less than significant. • Irreversible environmental changes, which may include current or future irretrievable commitments to using non-renewable resources, or growth-inducing impacts that commit future generations to similar irretrievable commitments of resources. Such changes are addressed in Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions. • Cumulative impacts, which include two or more individual impacts that when considered together are considerable or which compound or increase other adverse environmental effects. The individual impacts may be changes resulting from a single project or a program of projects. The cumulative effect from several projects is the change in the environment that results from the incremental effect of the Proposed Project when added to other closely related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor, but collectively significant, projects taking place over a period of time. Cumulative impacts are addressed in Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions. Organization Each section of this chapter is formatted to include a summary of existing conditions, including regulatory context; the criteria for determination of significance for each impact; evaluation of potential project impacts; a mitigation framework, if applicable; and a conclusion of significance after mitigation for impacts identified as significant. The Proposed Project incorporates several goals, policies and programs that require the Proposed Project to be implemented in a manner that avoids or reduces impacts. Such goals, policies and programs are documented within each Impact Analysis section within this chapter. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1294 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts 3-3 PHYSICAL SETTING This subsection provides relevant information about the existing physical environment related to the particular environmental topic. In accordance with Section 15125 of the CEQA Guidelines, the discussion of the physical environment describes existing conditions within the planning area at the time the NOP was filed on May 31, 2018, unless otherwise noted. CEQA Guidelines require that special emphasis be placed on environmental resources that are rare or unique to the region and that would be affected by the Proposed Project. The existing conditions serve as the baseline for the analysis of potential program-level environmental impacts that would result from implementation of the proposed Plan. REGULATORY SETTING This subsection describes federal, State, regional, and local plans, policies, regulations, and laws that may apply to the environmental topic under evaluation. RELEVANT PROPOSED GOALS, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS If applicable, relevant Proposed Project goals, policies, and implementation programs that would reduce potential impacts are summarized and are referenced under individual impact discussions in the Impact Analysis. IMPACT ANALYSIS This subsection focuses on an analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Project described in Chapter 2: Project Description, of this EIR. The impact analysis in this EIR assumes implementation of the proposed Plan through 2040 and does not include an analysis of interim development phases; the potential impacts of such projects can only be known when they are proposed at some point in the future. All potential direct and indirect impacts in Chapter 3 are evaluated in relation to applicable City, State, and federal standards. Consistent with CEQA requirements for General Plan EIRs, the programmatic environmental analysis examines construction and operational impacts of entire General Plan buildout rather than examining individual projects that may occur. Thresholds of significance based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines are used to identify the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Project; the methods used to conduct the impact analysis are summarized; and the impacts analyzed in the respective sub-section are summarized. Following this is a more in-depth analysis of the potential environmental impacts, divided by impact significance criterion, presented in the following format: Impact 3.X-X The impact statement briefly summarizes the findings of the impact discussion based on the identified threshold of significance. The level of significance is included at the end of the impact statement. Levels of significance listed in this EIR (as described below) are no impact, less than significant, less than significant with mitigation, or significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1295 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts 3-4 The impact discussion is contained in the paragraphs following the impact statement. The analysis compares implementation of the Proposed Project to existing conditions. In addition, the effects of policies in the Proposed Project that will reduce the impacts are discussed. Mitigation Measures If the impact is determined to be less than significant, no mitigation measures are required. Where a significant impact is identified, any feasible mitigation measures that could reduce an impact to less than significant is provided. Where no mitigation measures have been identified that could reduce an impact to less than significant, no mitigation measures are listed. As stated in CEQA Guidelines Section 15370, mitigation includes: 1. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action. 2. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation. 3. Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the impacted environment. 4. Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action. 5. Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments. In general, subsequent projects that qualify for an exemption pursuant to CEQA are not subject to the mitigation measures identified in this document. For example, the installation of a residential swimming pool, which is Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, would not be subject to archaeological monitoring unless evidence exists that would necessitate an exception to that exemption. Determining Level of Significance For each potential environmental impact identified in this EIR, a statement of the level of significance of the impact is provided. Impacts are assessed as one of the following categories: • be adversely affected by implementation of the Proposed Project. It means no change from existing conditions. This impact level does not need mitigation. • environment, but the impact would not meet or exceed the significance threshold. This impact level does not require mitigation, even if feasible, under CEQA. • An impact that is effect on the physical environment but can be reduced to a less than significant level with mitigation. Under CEQA, mitigation measures must be provided, where feasible, to reduce the magnitude of significant or potentially significant impacts. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1296 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts 3-5 • An impact that is change in the environment, and no known feasible mitigation measures are available to reduce the impact to a less than significant level. Under CEQA, a project with significant and unavoidable impacts may be approved, but the lead agency (in this case, the City) must the CEQA Guidelines, explaining how the benefits of the project outweigh the potential for significant impacts. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1297 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts 3-6 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1298 3.1 Aesthetics This section assesses potential local and regional impacts on aesthetics from future development under the Proposed Project, including those related to scenic vistas, scenic resources, visual character, and light and glare. The section provides context regarding the Planning A visual character and scenic resources, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There was one comment on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Hills for Everyone requested that the EIR address how the Proposed Project will align with idelines, handle tree removal and aesthetic impacts, maintain scenic vistas and resources, reduce night lighting in wild areas, and retain visual character and charm of the existing community. Three additional comments on the NOP mentioned tree protection and removal; however, this topic is covered more fully in Section 3.3: Biological Resources. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Visual Character Overview hills and valleys. Similar to other bedroom communities in the area, most residential streets in Diamond Bar are curvilinear. Street patterns in Diamond Bar are predominantly determined by topography, with streets conforming to the contours of the terrain. In particularly steep areas such as in The Country Estates, development is concentrated only on the peaks of the hills and along ridgelines. Street patterns in flatter residential areas also conform to the slope of the terrain, but streets and a larger number of homes are clustered together owing to the relative flatness of the topography. Due to the distinctive street patterns of individual neighborhoods, similarity of housing typologies, and the lack of connections to other neighborhoods, the neighborhood unit contributes significantly to the identification and feeling of place in Diamond Bar. As Diamond Bar is primarily residential, commercial uses are limited to small clusters and are concentrated around intersections of greater street hierarchy. Land uses tend to be separated, and are easiest to access via automobile. Shopping centers and office parks are suburban in character, meaning buildings tend to be set far back from the street, are primarily auto-oriented, and consist 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1299 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-2 of almost exclusively commercial land uses. Commercial facilities are predominantly located on four- to six-lane arterial streets, spanning about 100 feet across. Storefronts generally face towards inner parking lots rather than the street. Heights in commercial areas are limited to 35 feet, though most retail facilities are one story tall. Owing to these characteristics a dispersed system of shopping clusters oriented towards customers arriving via automobile Diamond Bar lacks a City placemaking and iconography t Windmill, the oldest community landmark, is situated in front of the Diamond Bar Towne Center. Recent streetscape improvements near the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue including native landscaping, diamond-patterned pedestrian crossings, and decorative ranch-style rail and post features City entry points near the intersections of Longview Drive and Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard and Temple Avenue, and Golden Springs Drive and Calbourne Drive are marked with large and visually attractive entry monuments welcoming visitors to Diamond Bar. A city entry landmark, featuring cattle sculptures and a stylized recreation of the original Diamond Bar Ranch gateway, is located at Diamond Canyon Park, near the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road. These features are part of a unified streetscape design theme intended to be established throughout Diamond Bar. City entry points at Brea Canyon Cutoff Road and Grand at Golden Springs will be improved over time with features that follow the current streetscape theme and palette. South of Diamond Bar within the Sphere of Influence, land is devoted exclusively to vacant areas and parks and open spaces. This land is designated as a Significant Ecological Area and contains rare riparian, valley grassland, coastal sage scrub and walnut woodland ecosystems. Trails located in this area may reach elevations between 600 and 1,400 feet and offer panoramic views of surrounding open space, the City of Diamond Bar, and surrounding counties. Scenic Resources and Vistas Open Spaces and Vacant Natural Areas Both publicly-owned and privately-owned natural areas and open spaces, including ridges and hillsides, are some of the most defining and integral components Some of the Planning Ar open space that accommodates trails such as the Summitridge Trail. Parts of the Sphere of Influence, including trails within Tonner Canyon and the Firestone Scout Reservation, are also open space that is available for recreational use. Views of open space from various points within the Planning Area range from the distant San Gabriel mountain range, to the steep vegetated landforms of the ridges and hillsides dominated by natural and naturalized plant communities. Scenic Corridors San Gabriel range and of local hillsides are offered from myriad roadways and trails within the Planning Area, including from Grand Avenue east of South Diamond Bar Boulevard and from North Diamond Bar Boulevard north of SR-60. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1300 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-3 While there are no State or County Scenic Highways in the vicinity of the Planning Area, the southeasternmost portion of the SR-57 within Diamond Bar is included on the Caltrans list of eligible scenic highways (California Department of Transportation, 2011) as shown on Figure 3.1- 1. SR-57 features views of the San Gabriel range. The application to nominate eligible scenic highways for official designation requires the preparation of a visual assessment and Scenic Highway Proposal, which has not yet been completed. Light and Glare Light and glare sources within the Planning Area are primarily associated with residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. In commercial and industrial areas, signage and cars in parking lots may produce light. The light and glare that exist in these developed areas of the city are typical for an urban setting. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1301 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDScenic Highways Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.1-1 Los Angeles County Scenic Highways 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILESSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019RiversideMetrolinkLin e7.1.h Packet Pg. 1302 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-5 REGULATORY SETTING State Regulations California Scenic Highways Program Recognizing the value of scenic areas and the value of views from roads in such areas, the California State Legislature established the California Scenic Highway Program in 1963. This legislation sees scenic highways as "a vital part of the all- beauty, amenity and quality of life." Under this program, a number of State highways have been designated as eligible for inclusion as scenic routes. An eligible highway may change to an officially designated highway when the local jurisdiction adopts a scenic corridor protection program, applies to the California Department of Transportation for scenic highway approval, and receives notification from Caltrans that the highway has been designated as a Scenic Highway. Part of State Route 57 in Diamond Bar is included on the Caltrans list of eligible scenic highways. Local Regulations Diamond Bar Municipal Code (DBMC) Sections 22.16.050 (Exterior Lighting) and 22.30.070 (Off- Street Parking and Loading Standards) DBMC Section 22.16.050 limits exterior lighting levels and requires shielding to reduce light spillage (glare) from nonresidential properties so that the light sources are not directly visible from any point five feet or more beyond parcel boundaries of such properties. Section 22.30.070 prohibits parking lot lighting spillover beyond property lines and requires lighting fixtures in parking areas to have 90-degree horizontal cut-off flat lenses. DBMC Section 22.16.130 (View Protection) DBMC Section 22.16.130 addresses the protection of views belonging to existing residential uses. terrain, canyons, geologic features, and community amenities (e.g., parks, landmarks, permanent open space)he term does not mean an unobstructed panorama of these features. View protection measures alluded to in this section of the City Code include creating view corridors and reducing heights of new development. Diamond Bar City Code Chapter 22.22 (Hillside Management) Chapter 22.22 addresses the management of hillside development in Diamond Bar, including the protection of views and view corridors to and from hillside areas. This Chapter ensures development on or near topographic features relates to surrounding topography, and will not disrupt scenic views due to the design or its location. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1303 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-6 City of Diamond Bar Citywide Design Guidelines Pursuant to Section 22.16.130 of the City Diamond Bar City Code, when reviewing projects with potential view blockage impacts, the council, commission, or director shall refer to the view protection guidelines in the "city-wide design guidelines". These guidelines are intended to provide design professionals, property owners, residents, staff, and planning, design, and review of development proposals. The guidelines contain view protection provisions that address the definition of important view elements, and building siting, building design, bulk and massing, and landscaping as it relates to view protection. Los Angeles County General Plan The Los Angeles County General Plan applies to unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County, including the SOI. The Los Angeles County Special Management Areas, or areas requiring additional development regulations to prevent the loss of life and property, and to protect the natural environment and important resources. Scenic Resources in the unincorporated areas of the County are regulated by Hillside Management Area (HMA) policies as well as the corresponding HMA Ordinance, which is discussed below. In addition to HMAs, the General Plan protects ridgelines, scenic viewsheds, and areas along scenic highways. Scenic resources are addressed in greater detail in the Conservation and Natural Resources Element, which seeks to guide the long-term conservation of natural resources and preservation of available open space areas. Specific Scenic Resources policies include protecting ridgelines from incompatible development, encouraging development with a visual relationship to surrounding terrain and vegetation, and prohibiting outdoor advertising and billboards along scenic routes, corridors and other scenic areas. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances The Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances applies to unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County, including the SOI. The Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances addresses development regulations that pertain to Special Management Areas, including Hillside Management Areas and Significant Ecological Areas. The Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances applies to all unincorporated land within the Planning Area. Hillside Management Ordinance The HMA Ordinance, which was adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on October 6, 2015, allows clustering development at the base of the slope, limits grading, and ensures that the drainage configuration remains as natural as possible and will not adversely impact offsite property. The County defines HMAs as mountainous or foothill terrain with a natural slope of 25 percent or greater hillsides within the City, as indicated on Figure 3.1-2. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1304 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-7 Hillside Design Guidelines Hillside Design Guidelines apply to all development in HMAs in Los Angeles County, unless Guidelines is optional but encouraged. The Guidelines include specific and measurable design techniques that can be applied to residential, commercial, industrial, and other types of projects. The Guidelines seek to minimize hillside alteration, conserve ridgeline silhouettes, determine traffic circulation and building placement by topography, and incorporate trails where appropriate. Significant Ecological Areas Ordinance Update The County is also in the midst of updating its Significant Ecological Areas Ordinance (as of May of 2019). Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) include land that is identified to hold important biological resources representing the wide-ranging biodiversity of the County, based on the criteria for SEA designation established by the General Plan and as mapped in the SEA Policy Map (Figure 3.1-3 f Influence is considered an SEA. The SEA Ordinance establishes regulations to conserve the unique biological and physical diversity of the natural communities within Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) by requiring development to be designed to avoid and minimize impacts on SEA Resources. The regulation of development in SEAs also seeks to preserve scenic resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1305 Hillside Management Areas and Ridgeline Management Map Figure 9.8 101 14 118 110 170 91 134 210 60 2 103 47 22 57 101 71 90 5 210 10 405 110 710 10 605 105 5PACIFIC OCEAN KERN COUNTY VENTURA COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST ANTELOPE VALLEY LOSANGELES LOSANGELES LANCASTER IRWINDALE SAN MARINO COVINA EL SEGUNDO INGLEWOOD WEST COVINA WALNUT GLENDORA ARCADIA AGOURA HILLS POMONA ALHAMBRA SANTA MONICA PICO RIVERABELL LA HABRA HEIGHTS DOWNEY SOUTH GATE LA MIRADA COMPTON CARSON GLENDALE BURBANK MONROVIA SAN DIMAS EL MONTE MONTEREY PARK MALIBU TORRANCE PASADENA AZUSA DIAMOND BAR NORWALK WHITTIER LOS ANGELES CALABASAS LONG BEACH PALMDALE SANTA CLARITA SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND SANTA CATALINA ISLAND NOTE: Islands are not shown in their true locations. Castaic CSD - Primary Ridgelines Castaic CSD - Secondary Ridgelines Significant Ridgelines Hillside Management Area (25 - 50% slope) Hillside Management Area (50%+ slope) Unincorporated Areas Cities Miles 0 105 Source: Department of Regional Planning, May 2014. Additional Sources: Hillside Management Area slope data was derived from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) produced by Intermap, Inc. for the County of Los Angeles in 2001. The DEM was created using IFSAR technology with 5 meter posting. SANTA M O N I C A M O U N T A IN S S A NTA SUZANAMNT S.SIERRA PE L ON A V ERDUGO M N T S. SANGABRIELMOUN TA I N S P A LOSVERDES H I L L S PUENTE HILLS Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 3.1-2 Los Angeles County Hillside Management Areas and Ridgeline Management Map 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1306 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDSignificant Ecological Area Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.1-3 Significant Ecological Areas and Coastal Resource Areas Policy Map 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILESSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019RiversideMetrolinkLin e7.1.h Packet Pg. 1307 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-10 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista; Criterion 2: Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway; Criterion 3: In a non-urbanized area, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings, or in an urbanized area, conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality; or Criterion 4: Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Aesthetics and visual resources are generally subjective by nature, and therefore the level of the is was conducted qualitatively, assessing potential implications of implementation of the proposed General Plan update on the existing visual character and scenic quality of the Planning Area. The proposed CAP does not include any land use changes or other measures that would affect scenic vistas, scenic corridors, or light and glare, and would therefore have no impact in any of the impact topics discussed below. IMPACTS Impact 3.1-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. (Less than Significant) Scenic vistas in the Planning Area consist of those afforded from the circulation network as well as of and from open spaces, local hillsides and ridges, and distant views of the San Gabriel Mountain Range. The proposed General Plan would continue to regulate development in these areas, and contains policies to ensure that opportunities to enjoy scenic views are either preserved or enhanced. Thus, as discussed below, substantial adverse effects are not expected to occur. The proposed General Plan introduces land use changes throughout the city. In the majority of cases, the land use change sites are located in or near already developed areas and coincide with areas designated for development under the existing General Plan. By focusing development in infill areas, the proposed General Plan relieves pressure to develop in open space and agricultural 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1308 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-11 areas while filling visual gaps in existing neighborhoods. This allows for the preservation of open space views and the enhancement of urban views. There are some land use changes in the hillsides and vacant natural areas, but these land use changes support the preservation of open spaces by designating areas formerly designated as Planning Areas or Low Density Residential as Open Space. As stated below, the Proposed Project also includes several policies pertaining to preserving the unique visual qualities of the Pl and vegetation. There are also policies to preserve these natural features, and consequently their scenic qualities. Policies include context-specific design of new development and limiting development in hillside areas. Individual development projects will still be subject to development and planning review, and must therefore conform to zoning and other ordinances regarding aesthetic qualities such as lighting, signage, landscaping, and building setbacks. Due to the focus on infill development in the proposed General Plan, and policies that ensure that new development will have minimal impact on open spaces and other scenic resources, the Proposed Project will have a less than significant Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-1. Maintain a balanced mix of land uses, including employment, residential, retail, and open space, including open space devoted to the preservation of natural LU-G-2. Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and the Tres Hermanos Ranch; enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-28. Preserve open space, ridgelines, and hillsides to protect the visual character of the city, provide for public outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, support groundwater recharge, protect existing and planned wildlife corridors, and ensure public safety. LU-P-2. Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed developments as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. LU-P-8. Require that new residential development be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of building scale, density, massing, and design. Where the General Plan designates higher densities, require adequate transitions to existing development. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1309 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-12 LU-I-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. LU-I-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: c. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; d. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; e. Does not create unsafe conditions; f. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; g. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; h. program; i. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and j. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Community Character & Placemaking CC-G-1. Foster and maintain a distinctive city identity that value and environmental resources, and focusing new development into accessible, pedestrian-oriented areas integrated with existing neighborhoods, augmented with parks, and connected by an attractive and safe street network. CC-G-4. Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods and ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. CC-P-12. Develop and enforce private slope maintenance standards for properties with rear descending slopes that face public streets, with special emphasis on those along Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Pathfinder Road, and the freeways. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1310 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-13 CC-P-30. Ensure that infill residential development is designed to be sensitive to the scale, character, and identity of adjacent existing development. CC-P-35. Ensure the protection of views of hillsides and ridges from public streets, parks, trails, and community facilities by requiring a visual impact analysis for new development that identifies potential impacts to visual resources as well as feasible measures to mitigate any potential impacts. Resource Conservation RC-G-1. Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure public health and safety. RC-G-2. Seek to link the various elements of the open space network through the development of an integrated system of trails and greenways. RC-G-3. Preserve as open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. RC-P-1. Obtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-5. Link parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails with a trail network where feasible, acknowledging topographical constraints and other barriers. Incorporate existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, working with willing landowners to prioritize land acquisition where necessary. Where possible, incorporate landscaping and enhance natural features to create greenways along the trail network. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1311 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-14 RC-P-7. Minimize visual and environmental impacts to ridgelines, hilltops, and slopes through regulations that minimize grading, ensure that development conforms to natural topography, and maximize safety, correlating development intensity with the steepness of terrain. Landform grading criteria and maximum allowable densities shall be based upon the slope density formula as set forth in the Development Code. RC-P-8. Work with other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the city and its Sphere of Influence. Such features include, but are not limited to, areas identified by Los Angeles County as Significant Ecological Areas; Tonner Canyon; the hills within Tres Hermanos Ranch; and the hillsides along SR-57, between Diamond Bar and Brea. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.1-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway. (No Impact) As is discussed in the settings section, no adopted State scenic highway is located in Diamond Bar. The portion of SR-57 adjacen Diamond Bar city limits to SR--60 is, however, eligible for official scenic highway status. Along this portion of SR-57 within the Planning Area, s land use changes are minimal, given that these portions of the highway are adjacent to developed areas. Landscaped areas and/ or right of way directly adjacent to the freeway on either side also serve to ensure that development does not block views along SR-57. Given that no adopted State scenic highways are located within the Planning Area, and that the adjacent land uses are undergoing minimal changes or development as a part of the proposed General Plan, there is no impact. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1312 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-15 Impact 3.1-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not, in a non- urbanized area, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings, or in an urbanized area, conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality. (Less than Significant) CEQA Guidelines Section 15387 defines an urbanized area as a central city or a group of contiguous cities with a population of 50,000 or more, together with adjacent densely populated areas having a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile. The Planning Area consists of the City of Diamond Bar, which can be understood as an urbanized area Sphere of Influence, which can be understood as a non-urbanized area. Zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality applicable to the City of Diamond Bar include Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances provisions relating to hillside management, development review, and subdivision design, and the Diamond Bar Citywide Design Guidelines. Policies in the proposed General Plan are intended to complement and further the intent of these provisions regulating scenic quality and resources, and any development occurring under the proposed General Plan would be subject to regulations in the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances. Scenic quality-related impacts associated with the Project would thus be less than significant. No land use changes are proposed as part of the General Plan update in the non-urbanized Sphere of Influence. In addition, the Los Angeles County General Plan and Code of Ordinances contain provisions that would protect ridgelines and hillsides and scenic resources through the designation of Hillside Management Areas and Significant Ecological Areas. The proposed General Plan would therefore not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the Sphere of Influence and its surroundings. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Goals LU-G-1, LU-G-2, LU-G-28, CC-G-1, CC-G-4, RC-G-1, RC-G-2, RC-G-3, and Policies LU- P-2, LU-P-8, LU-P-55, LU-P-56, CC-P-12, CC-P-30, CC-P-35, RC-P-1, RC-P-5, RC-P-7, and RC- P-8 as discussed under Impact 3.1-1. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1313 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics 3.1-16 Impact 3.1-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. (Less than Significant) New development resulting from implementation of the proposed General Plan would necessitate the use of additional light fixtures and would contribute to existing conditions of light and glare. New light sources may include residential and non-residential interior and exterior lighting, parking lot lighting, commercial signage lighting, and lamps for streetscape and public recreational areas. Most new development resulting from the Proposed Project would take place in or near developed and urbanized areas, where moderate light and glare already exist, and would not be out of character with the urban environment. As described below, the proposed General Plan includes policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats, and between new development and existing uses. Finally, the Diamond Bar Municipal Code contains provisions that would limit light and glare for new non-residential and residential development. With these measures in place, this impact is considered less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact RC-P-11. Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: • Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; • Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; • Provide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; • Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; • Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; • Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; • Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and • To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowing into waterways Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1314 3.2 Air Quality This section assesses potential local and regional impacts on air quality from future development under the Proposed Project, including those related to air quality plans and standards, criteria pollutants, sensitive receptors, and objectionable odors. The section provides context regarding air quality standards and local air quality, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. This section focuses on criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants; greenhouse gases (GHGs) are evaluated in Section 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases. Calculations and supporting documentation is provided in Appendix B Air Quality Assumptions and Calculations. There were numerous comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Air Quality. • One comment stated that impacts from the existing and future TOD development on air quality needs to be addressed. In response, the emissions impacts from the Transit- Oriented Development (TOD) have been included in the air quality analysis; however are not directly identified. TOD tends to reduce mobile source emissions which, in general, are the greatest criteria pollutant emitters. Therefore, in general, TODs tend to reduce air quality pollutant emissions. • One comment stated that the EIR needs to address increased traffic on Grand Ave./Golden Springs with respect to air quality emissions. In response, the air quality analysis takes into account the increase in mobile source emissions throughout the planning area on both a regional and local level. On the regional level, mobile source emissions are not identified based on impacts due to individual intersections. However, localized impacts from carbon monoxide emissions associated with individual intersections are discussed under Impact 3.2-3 in this EIR. • One comment asked how will the EIR account for and mitigate air quality impacts with the ? In response, under CEQA, the Proposed Project is not required to mitigate for actions of other nearby projects. Therefore, any mitigation, plans or policies identified in this EIR and associated Climate Action Plan would be anticipated development. While there may be co-benefits that will reduce impacts from growth in neighboring cities, the extent of those benefits are not discussed in this EIR. • One comment stated that the EIR should study the impacts of losing open space associated with Tres Hermanos Ranch with respect to air quality and health. Health impacts associated with the loss of open space are directly related to the development that replaces it. While site-specific emissions are not identified in this EIR, these impacts are discussed as part of the overall project impacts in this analysis. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1315 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-2 • A member of Hills for Everyone (HFE) requested that the EIR: - Address if and how the Air Quality Management Plan has been met. A discussion of the current status of the Air Quality Management Plan is included in the Regulatory Section of this chapter. - Inventory the emissions of NOx, PM10, and PM25. An emissions inventory for NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 are included under Impacts 3.2-2 and 3.2-3 in this EIR. - Address dust and diesel impacts. Fugitive dust impacts are discussed under Impact 3.2- 2 below. Diesel impacts are discussed under Impact 3.2-3 in this EIR. - Evaluate acute and chronic impacts on the community. Discussions of acute and chronic health impacts are included under Impacts 3.2-2 and 3.2-3 in this EIR. • A member of HFE encouraged the City of Diamond Bar to complete a Health Risk Assessment based on its proximity to major freeways. • SCAQMD has requested a copy of the DEIR upon completion, including raw modeling files. provided. • SCAQMD provides guidance for conducting the air quality analysis as well as potential mitigation measures and SCAQMD Rules and regulations that the Proposed Project could be subject to. The guidance provided by SCAQMD was used in the preparation of the EIR section as indicated in the methodology section below. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Climate and Meteorology The Project Site is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Air Basin). The Air Basin covers approximately 6,745 square miles and is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east. The Air Basin includes all of Orange County; the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties; and the San Gorgonio Pass area in Riverside County. The Air Basin has some of the worst air pollution in the country. The air pollution problems are a meteorological conditions unfavorable to the dispersion of those emissions, and mountainous terrain surrounding the Air Basin that traps pollutants, as they are pushed inland with the sea breeze. Southern California also has abundant sunshine, which drives the photochemical reactions that form pollutants such as ozone (O3) and a significant portion of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) (SCAQMD, 2017a). The Air Basin lies in the semi-permanent high-pressure zone of the eastern Pacific Ocean. The usually mild climatological pattern is interrupted by periods of hot weather, winter storms, or Santa Ana winds. The extent and severity of pollutant concentrations in the Air Basin is a function physical characteristics (weather and topography) and human influences 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1316 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-3 (development patterns and lifestyle). Factors such as wind, sunlight, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and topography all affect the accumulation and dispersion of pollutants throughout the Air combination with regional topography, are conducive to the formation and retention of ozone, which is a secondary pollutant that forms through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. Thus, the greatest air pollution impacts throughout the Air Basin typically occur from June through September. This condition is generally attributed to the emissions occurring in the Air Basin, light winds, and shallow vertical atmospheric mixing. These factors reduce the potential for pollutant dispersion causing elevated air pollutant levels. Pollutant concentrations in the Air Basin vary with location, season, and time of day. Concentrations of ozone, for example, tend to be lower along the coast, higher in the near inland valleys, and lower in the far inland areas of the Air Basin and adjacent desert. Pollutants of Concern Criteria Pollutants Elevated concentrations of certain air pollutants in the atmosphere have been recognized to cause notable health problems and consequential damage to the environment either directly or in reaction with other pollutants. In the United States, such pollutants have been identified and are regulated as part of the overall endeavor to prevent further deterioration and facilitate improvement in air quality. The following pollutants are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and are subject to emissions control requirements The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for each of the monitored pollutants and their effects on health are discussed below. Ozone (O3): Ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by the chemical reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the presence of sunlight under certain meteorological conditions, such as high temperature and stagnation episodes. Ozone concentrations are generally highest during the summer months when direct sunlight, light wind, and warm temperature conditions are favorable. According to the US EPA, ozone can cause the muscles in the airways to constrict potentially leading to wheezing and shortness of breath (US EPA, 2018a). Ozone can make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously; cause shortness of breath and pain when taking a deep breath; cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat; inflame and damage the airways; aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis; increase the frequency of asthma attacks; make the lungs more susceptible to infection; continue to damage the lungs even when the symptoms have disappeared; and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (US EPA, 2018a). Long-term exposure to ozone is linked to aggravation of asthma, and is likely to be one of many causes of asthma development. Long-term exposures to higher concentrations of ozone may also be linked to permanent lung damage, such as abnormal lung development in children (US EPA, 2018a). Inhalation of ozone causes inflammation and irritation of the tissues lining human airways, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1317 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-4 causing and worsening a variety of symptoms, and exposure to ozone can reduce the volume of air that the lungs breathe in and cause shortness of breath (CARB, ND1). The US EPA states that people most at risk from breathing air containing ozone include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers (US EPA, 2018a). Children are at greatest risk from exposure to ozone because their lungs are still developing and they are more likely to be active outdoors when ozone levels are high, which increases their exposure (US EPA, 2018a). Studies show that children are no more or less likely to suffer harmful effects than adults; however, children and teens may be more susceptible to ozone and other pollutants because they spend nearly twice as much time outdoors and engaged in vigorous activities compared to adults (CARB, ND1). Children breathe more rapidly than adults and inhale more pollution per pound of their body weight than adults and are less likely than adults to notice their own symptoms and avoid harmful exposures (CARB, ND1). Further research may be able to better distinguish between health effects in children and adults (CARB, ND1). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are organic chemical compounds of carbon and are in the presence of sunlight they form ozone, and are regulated to prevent the formation of ozone (US EPA, 2017a). Some VOCs are highly reactive and play a critical role in the formation of ozone. Potential health effects of ozone exposure are discussed above. Other VOCs can result in adverse health effects from direct exposure, and are classified by the State of California as Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) or Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS) by USEPA (CARB, 2016). The health effects of VOCs, as TACs/HAPs, are discussed more thoroughly below. VOCs are typically formed from combustion of fuels and/or released through evaporation of organic liquids. Fuel combustion can occur in internal combustion sources, such as motor vehicle usage, landscape and other portable equipment, and stationary generators, or external combustion, such as for water and space heating. Evaporation sources include fueling operations, consumer products (e.g., cleaning solutions), and architectural coatings (CARB, 2016). Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOX): NOX is a term that refers to a group of compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen. As mentioned above, NOx combines with VOCs in the presence of sunlight to form ozone. The health effects associated with the formation of ozone are discussed above under Ozone. The primary compounds of air quality concern include NO2 and nitric oxide (NO). Ambient air quality standards have been promulgated for NO2, which is a reddish-brown, reactive gas (CARB, ND2). The principal form of NOX produced by combustion is NO, but NO reacts quickly in the atmosphere to form NO2, creating the mixture of NO and NO2 referred to as NOX. Major sources of NOX include emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment. The terms NOX and NO2 are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the term NOX is typically used when discussing emissions, usually from combustion-related activities, and the term NO2 is typically used when discussing ambient air quality standards. Where NOX emissions are discussed in the context of the thresholds of significance or impact analyses, the discussions are based on the conservative assumption that all NOX emissions would oxidize in the atmosphere to form NO2. Short-term exposures to NO2 can potentially aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing), hospital 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1318 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-5 admissions and visits to emergency rooms while longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO2 may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections (US EPA, 2016a). Controlled human exposure studies that show that NO2 exposure can intensify responses to allergens in allergic asthmatics (CARB, ND2). In addition, epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between NO2 exposure and premature death, cardiopulmonary effects, decreased lung function growth in children, respiratory symptoms, emergency room visits for asthma, and intensified allergic responses (CARB, ND2). Infants and children are particularly at risk from exposure to NO2 because they have disproportionately higher exposure to NO2 than adults due to their greater breathing rate for their body weight and their typically greater outdoor exposure duration while in adults, the greatest risk is to people who have chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CARB, ND2). Much of the information on distribution in air, human exposure and dose, and health effects is specifically for NO2 and there is only limited information for NO and NOX, as well as large uncertainty in relating health effects to NO or NOX exposure (CARB, ND2). Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO is primarily emitted from combustion processes and motor vehicles due to the incomplete combustion of fuel, such as natural gas, gasoline, or wood, with the majority of outdoor CO emissions from mobile sources (CARB, ND3). Breathing air with a high concentration of CO reduces the amount of oxygen that can be transported in the blood stream to critical organs like the heart and brain and at very high levels, which are possible indoors or in other enclosed environments, CO can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and death (US EPA, 2016b). Very high levels of CO are not likely to occur outdoors; however, when CO levels are elevated outdoors, they can be of particular concern for people with some types of heart disease since these people already have a reduced ability for getting oxygenated blood to their hearts and are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO when exercising or under increased stress (US EPA, 2016b). In these situations, short-term exposure to elevated CO may result in reduced oxygen to the heart accompanied by chest pain also known as angina (US EPA, 2016b). The most common effects of CO exposure are fatigue, headaches, confusion, and dizziness due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain (CARB, ND3). For people with cardiovascular disease, short- to the increased oxygen demands of exercise, exertion, or stress; inadequate oxygen delivery to the heart muscle leads to chest pain and decreased exercise tolerance (CARB, ND3). Unborn babies, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease are most likely to experience health effects with exposure to elevated levels of CO (CARB, ND3). Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): The largest source of SO2 emissions in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities while smaller sources of SO 2 emission include industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore; natural sources such as volcanoes; and locomotives, ships and other vehicle and heavy equipment that burn fuel with a high sulfur content (US EPA, 2018b). In 2006, California phased-in the ultra-low-sulfur diesel regulation limiting vehicle diesel fuel to a sulfur content not exceeding 15 parts per million, down from the previous 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1319 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-6 requirement of 500 parts per million, substantially reducing emissions of sulfur from diesel combustion (CARB, 2004). Short-term exposures to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult (US EPA, 2018b). Health effects at levels near the State one-hour standard are those of asthma exacerbation, including bronchoconstriction accompanied by symptoms of respiratory irritation such as wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, especially during exercise or physical activity and exposure at elevated levels of SO2 (above 1 parts per million (ppm)) results in increased incidence of pulmonary symptoms and disease, decreased pulmonary function, and increased risk of mortality (CARB, ND4). Children, the elderly, and people with asthma, cardiovascular disease, or chronic lung disease (such as bronchitis or emphysema) are most likely to experience the adverse effects of SO2 (CARB, ND4; US EPA, 2018b). Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5): Particulate matter air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air (US EPA, 2018c). Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye while other particles are so small that they can only be detected using an electron microscope (US EPA, 2018c). Particles are defined by their diameter for air quality regulatory purposes: inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller (PM10); inhalable particles with diameters that are 2.5 micrometers or less (PM2.5) (US EPA, 2018c). Thus, PM2.5 comprises a portion or a subset of PM10. Sources of PM10 emissions include dust from construction sites, landfills and agriculture, wildfires and brush/waste burning, industrial sources, and wind-blown dust from open lands (CARB, 2017). Sources of PM2.5 emissions include combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood (CARB, 2017). PM10 and PM2.5 may be either directly emitted from sources (primary particles) or formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases (secondary particles) such as SO2, NOX, and certain organic compounds (CARB, 2017). Both PM10 and PM2.5 can be inhaled, with some depositing throughout the airways; PM10 is more likely to deposit on the surfaces of the larger airways of the upper region of the lung, while PM2.5 is more likely to travel into and deposit on the surface of the deeper parts of the lung, which can induce tissue damage, and lung inflammation (CARB, 2017). Short-term (up to 24 hours duration) exposure to PM10 has been associated primarily with worsening of respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, leading to hospitalization and emergency department visits (CARB, 2017). The effects of long-term (months or years) exposure to PM10 are less clear, although studies suggest a link between long-term PM10 exposure and respiratory mortality. The International Agency for Research on Cancer published a review in 2015 that concluded that particulate matter in outdoor air pollution causes lung cancer (CARB, 2017). Short-term exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart or lung causes, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, respiratory symptoms, and restricted activity days. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to premature death, particularly in people who have chronic heart or lung diseases, and reduced lung function growth in children (CARB, 2017). According to CARB, populations most likely to experience adverse health effects with exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 include older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children, and asthmatics. Children and infants are more susceptible to harm from inhaling pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 compared to healthy adults 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1320 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-7 because they inhale more air per pound of body weight than do adults, spend more time outdoors, and have developing immune systems (CARB, 2017). Lead (Pb): Major sources of lead emissions include ore and metals processing, piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded aviation fuel, waste incinerators, utilities, and lead-acid battery manufacturers (US EPA, 2017b). In the past, leaded gasoline was a major source of lead emissions; however, the removal of lead from gasoline has resulted in a decrease of lead in the air by 98 percent between 1980 and 2014 (US EPA, 2017b). Lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system, and affects the oxygen carrying capacity of blood (US EPA, 2017b). The lead effects most commonly encountered in current populations are neurological effects in children, such as behavioral problems and reduced intelligence, anemia, and liver or kidney damage (CARB, ND5). Excessive lead exposure in adults can cause reproductive problems in men and women, high blood pressure, kidney disease, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain (CARB, ND5).1 Air Toxics Toxic Air Contaminants TACs, or HAPs as defined by the US EPA, are defined as those contaminants that are known or suspected to cause serious health problems, but do not have a corresponding ambient air quality standard (US EPA, 2018c). For consistency within this document they are referred to as TACs. eveloping cancer and/or other serious health effects. TACs are emitted by a variety of industrial processes such as petroleum refining, electric utility and chrome plating operations, commercial operations such as gasoline stations and dry cleaners, and motor vehicle exhaust. TACs may exist as PM10 and PM2.5 or as vapors (gases) (US EPA, 2018c). TACs include metals, other particles, gases absorbed by particles, and certain vapors from fuels and other sources. The emission of a TAC does not automatically create a health hazard. Other factors, such as the amount of the TAC, its toxicity, how it is released into the air, the weather, and the terrain, all influence whether the emission could be hazardous to human health. Emissions of TACs into the air can be damaging to human health and to the environment. Human exposure to TACs at sufficient concentrations and durations can result in cancer, poisoning, and rapid onset of sickness, such as nausea or difficulty in breathing. Other less measurable effects include immunological, neurological, reproductive, developmental, and respiratory problems. TACs deposited onto soil or into lakes and streams affect ecological systems and eventually human health through consumption of contaminated food. The carcinogenic potential of TACs is a particular public health concern because many scientists currently believe that there is no "safe" level of exposure to carcinogens. Any exposure to a carcinogen poses some risk of contracting cancer (US EPA, 2018c). 1 While the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook contains numerical indicators of significance for lead, project construction and operation would not include sources of lead emissions and would not exceed the numerical indicators for lead. Unleaded fuel and unleaded paints have virtually eliminated lead emissions from commercial land use projects that may occur under the Proposed Project. As a result, lead emissions are not further evaluated in this Draft EIR. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1321 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-8 TACs is a significant public health issue in California. The Air Toxics State law requiring facilities to report emissions of TACs to air districts (CARB, ND6). The program is designated to quantify the amounts of potentially hazardous air pollutants released, the location of the release, the concentrations to which the public is exposed, and the resulting health risks. The State Air Toxics Program (Assembly Bill 2588) identified over 200 TACs, including the 188 TACs identified in the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) (CARB, ND6). The US EPA has assessed this expansive list and identified 21 TACs as Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) (US EPA, 2004). MSATs are compounds emitted from highway vehicles and non-road equipment. Some toxic compounds are present in fuel and are emitted to the air when the fuel evaporates or passes through the engine unburned. Other toxics are emitted from the incomplete combustion of fuels or as secondary combustion products. Metal air toxics also result from engine wear or from impurities in oil or gasoline. US EPA also extracted a subset of these 21 MSAT compounds that it now labels as the nine priority MSATs: 1,3-butaidene, acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, diesel particulate matter/diesel exhaust organic gases, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, and polycyclic organic matter (POM). While these nine MSATs are considered the priority transportation toxics, US EPA stresses that the lists are subject to change and may be adjusted in future rules (DOT, 2016). Diesel Exhaust According to the California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality, the majority of the estimated health risks from TACs can be attributed to relatively few compounds, the most important being particulate matter from the exhaust of diesel-fueled engines, i.e., diesel particulate matter (DPM) (CARB, 2010a). DPM differs from other TACs in that it is not a single substance, but rather a complex mixture of hundreds of substances. Diesel exhaust is composed of two phases, gas and particle, both of which contribute to health risks. The gas phase is composed of many of the urban hazardous air pollutants, such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The particle phase is also composed of many different types of particles by size or composition. Fine and ultra-fine diesel particulates are of the greatest health concern, and may be composed of elemental carbon with adsorbed compounds such as organic compounds, sulfate, nitrate, metals and other trace elements. Diesel exhaust is emitted from a broad range of diesel engines; the on- road diesel engines of trucks, buses and cars and the off-road diesel engines that include locomotives, marine vessels and heavy-duty equipment. Although DPM is emitted by diesel-fueled internal combustion engines, the composition of the emissions varies depending on engine type, operating conditions, fuel composition, lubricating oil, and whether an emission control s ystem is present. The most common exposure to DPM is breathing air that contains diesel exhaust. The fine and ultra-fine particles are respirable (similar to PM2.5), which means that they can avoid many of the human respiratory system defense mechanisms and enter deeply into the lung. Exposure to DPM comes from both on-road and off-road engine exhaust that is either directly emitted from the engines or lingering in the atmosphere. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1322 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-9 Diesel exhaust causes health effects from long-term chronic exposures. The type and severity of health effects depends upon several factors including the amount of chemical exposure and the duration of exposure. Individuals also react differently to different levels of exposure. There is limited information on exposure to only DPM, but there is enough evidence to indicate that inhalation exposure to diesel exhaust causes chronic health effects as well as having cancer-causing potential. Because it is part of PM2.5, DPM also contributes to the same non-cancer health effects as PM2.5 exposure. These effects include premature death, hospitalizations and emergency department visits for exacerbated chronic heart and lung disease, including asthma, increased respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function in children. Several studies suggest that exposure to DPM may also facilitate development of new allergies. Those most vulnerable to non-cancer health effects are children whose lungs are still developing and the elderly who often have chronic health problems (CARB, ND7). Gasoline Exhaust Similar to diesel exhaust, exhaust from gasoline-fueled engines is composed of two phases, gas and particle, both of which contribute to health risks. The gas phase is composed of the same hazardous air pollutants, such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The particle phase is also composed of many different types of particles by size or composition. Fine and ultra-fine diesel particulates are of the greatest health concern, and may be composed of elemental carbon with adsorbed compounds such as organic compounds, sulfate, nitrate, metals and other trace elements. Gasoline exhaust is primarily emitted from light- duty passenger vehicles. The compounds in the gas and particles phases can cause health effects from short and long-term exposures. Visibility Reducing Particles Visibility-reducing particles are any particles in the atmosphere that obstruct the range of visibility by creating haze (CARB, ND8). These particles vary in shape, size and chemical composition, and come from a variety of natural and manmade sources including windblown metals, soil, dust, salt, and soot. Other haze-causing particles are formed in the air from gaseous pollutant (e.g., sulfates, nitrates, organic carbon particles) which are the major constituents of fine PM, such as PM2.5 and particles is not based on health effects, but rather on welfare effects, such as reduced visibility and damage to materials, plants, forests, and ecosystems. The health impacts associated with PM2.5 and PM10 are discussed above under Particulate Matter. Existing Conditions Regional Air Quality in combination with regional topography, are conducive to the formation and retention of ozone. Pollutant concentrations in the Air Basin vary with location, season, and time of day. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1323 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-10 Attainment Status California Health and Safety Code section 39607(e) requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish and periodically review area attainment designation criteria. Local monitoring data collected by the ambient air quality monitoring stations are used to designate areas as nonattainment, maintenance, attainment, or unclassified for NAAQS and CAAQS. The four designations are further defined as: • Nonattainment. Assigned to areas where monitored pollutant concentrations violate the standard in question. • Maintenance. Assigned to areas where monitored pollutant concentrations exceeded the standard in question in the past but are no longer in violation of that standard. • Attainment. Assigned to areas where pollutant concentrations meet the standard in question over a designated period of time. • Unclassified. Assigned to areas where data are insufficient to determine whether a pollutant is violating the standard in question. Table 3.2-1 provides a summary of the attainment status of the Los Angeles County portion of the Air Basin with respect to the federal and State standards. Table 3.2-1: Attainment Status Pollutant Federal Standards California Standards O3 (1-hour standard) N/Aa Non-attainment O3 (8-hour standard) Non-attainment Extreme Non-attainment CO Attainment Attainment NO2 Attainment Attainment SO2 Attainment Attainment PM10 Attainment Non-attainment PM2.5 Non-attainment Non-attainment Lead Non-attainment (Partial, Los Angeles County)b Attainment Visibility Reducing Particles N/A Unclassified Sulfates N/A Attainment Hydrogen Sulfide N/A Unclassified Vinyl Chloride N/A N/A c Notes: N/A = not applicable a The NAAQS for 1-hour ozone was revoked on June 15, 2005, for all areas except Early Action Compact areas. b Partial Nonattainment designation Los Angeles County portion of the Air Basin only for near-source monitors. c In 1990, CARB identified vinyl chloride as a toxic air contaminant and determined that it does not have an identifiable threshold. Therefore, CARB does not monitor or make status designations for this pollutant. Sources: US EPA, 2019; CARB, 2018. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1324 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-11 As shown in Table 3.2-1, the Los Angeles portion of the Air Basin (where the project is located) is designated under federal or State ambient air quality standards as nonattainment for ozone, PM10, PM2.5, and lead. It is noteworthy to mention that air quality in the Air Basin has improved substantially over the years, primarily due to the impacts of air quality control programs at the federal, State and local levels. The ozone and PM levels have fallen significantly compared to the worst years and are expected to continue to trend downward in the future despite increases in the economy and population in the Air Basin (SCAQMD, 2017a). The State-only criteria air pollutants (sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, visibility reducing particles, and vinyl chloride) are shown in Table 3.2-1, Future development of land uses allowed under the Proposed Project would not use these pollutants during day-to-day operations or construction, and therefore, would not generate emissions of those pollutants (hydrogen sulfide, vinyl chloride, and lead. However, if such emissions would be generated, these emissions are accounted for as part of the pollutants estimated in this analysis (e.g., visibility reducing particles are associated with particulate matter emissions, and sulfates are associated with SO2). Vinyl chloride is used in the process of making polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and vinyl products, and is primarily emitted from industrial processes (CARB, ND9). Vinyl chloride would not be emitted directly during operations or during construction; therefore, there would be no project emissions of vinyl chloride. In addition, CARB determined there is not sufficient scientific evidence available to support the identification of a threshold exposure level for vinyl chloride, therefore, CARB does not monitor or make status designations for this pollutant (CARB, 2011). Types of Sources The major sources of air pollution in the Air Basin are divided into four major source classifications: point and area stationary sources, and on-road and off-road mobile sources. Point and area sources are the two major subcategories of stationary sources (SCAQMD, 2017a). Point sources are permitted facilities that contain one or more emission sources at an identified location (e.g., power plants, refineries, emergency generator exhaust stacks). Area sources consist of many small emission sources (e.g., residential water heaters, architectural coatings, consumer products, restaurant charbroilers and permitted sources such as large boilers) which are distributed across the region. Mobile sources consist of two main subcategories: On-road sources (such as cars and trucks) and off-road sources (such as heavy construction equipment). Local Area Conditions Existing Ambient Air Quality in the Surrounding Area In order to measure and establish ambient pollutant concentrations, SCAQMD maintains a network of air quality monitoring stations located throughout the Air Basin. The monitoring station most representative of the Project Site is the Pomona Monitoring Station, located at 924 N. Garey Avenue, Pomona. Since PM10 and PM2.5 data are not available at the Pomona station, the monitoring data collected at the station located at 840 Laurel Ave, Glendora was used for it being relatively close to and having similar surroundings as the Proposed Project. SO2 is not monitored at a site near enough to the City of Diamond Bar to provide data relevant to local conditions. The most recent data available from SCAQMD for these two monitoring stations are from years 2016 to 2018 (SCAQMD, 2018, 2017b, 2016). The pollutant concentration data for ozone, NO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 for these years are summarized in Table 3.2-2. As shown in Table 3.2-2, the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1325 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-12 CAAQS and NAAQS were exceeded in the vicinity of the Planning Area for ozone and the CAAQS were exceeded for PM10 and PM2.5 between 2016 and 2018. Table 3.2-2: Ambient Air Quality in the Project Vicinity Pollutant/Standard a,b,c 2016 2017 2018 Ozone, O3 (1-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (0.09 ppm) 0.127 20 0.147 18 0.112 7 Ozone, O3 (8-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (0.070 ppm) Days > NAAQS (0.070 ppm) 0.092 29 26 0.114 35 35 0.092 10 10 Nitrogen Dioxide, NO2 (1-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (0.18 ppm) 98th Percentile Concentration (ppm) Days > NAAQS (0.100 ppm) 0.068 0 0.063 0 0.081 0 0.063 0 0.068 0 0.060 0 Nitrogen Dioxide, NO2 (Annual) Annual Arithmetic Mean (0.030 ppm) 0.020 0.021 0.019 Carbon Monoxide, CO (1-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (20 ppm) Days > NAAQS (35 ppm) Carbon Monoxide, CO (8-hour) Maximum Concentration (ppm) Days > CAAQS (9.0 ppm) Days > NAAQS (9 ppm) 1.7 0 0 1.3 0 0 2.0 0 0 1.6 0 0 2.1 0 0 1.8 0 0 Respirable Particulate Matter, PM10 (24-hour) Maximum Concentration (µg/m3) Samples > CAAQS (50 µg/m3) Samples > NAAQS (150 µg/m3) Respirable Particulate Matter, PM10 (Annual) Annual Arithmetic Mean (20 µg/m3) d 74 12 0 33.7 83 6 0 31.4 78 20 0 32.2 Fine Particulate Matter, PM2.5 (24- hour) Maximum Concentration (µg/m3) 98th Percentile Concentration (µg/m3) Samples > NAAQS (35 µg/m3) Fine Particulate Matter, PM2.5 (Annual) Annual Arithmetic Mean (12 µg/m3) e 32.17 29.01 0 10.15 24.9 21.2 0 10.42 30.20 25.9 0 10.35 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1326 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-13 Table 3.2-2: Ambient Air Quality in the Project Vicinity Pollutant/Standard a,b,c 2016 2017 2018 Note: a ppm = parts per million; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter b The monitoring station most representative of the City of Diamond Bar is the Pomona Monitoring Station, which is used to establish ambient ozone, NO2, and CO, levels. Since PM10 and PM2.5 data are not available at the Pomona station, the monitoring data collected at the station Glendora monitoring station are used. The most recent data available from the SCAQMD for these two monitoring stations are from years 2016 to 2018. c CAAQS are based on a not to exceed standard. NAAQS are based on a 3 year average of the annual 4th highest daily maximum 8 hour concentration. d State annual average (AAM) PM10 standard is > 20 µg/m3. Federal annual PM10 standard (AAM > 50 µg/m3) was revoked in 2006. e Both Federal and State standards are annual average (AAM) > 12.0 µg/m3. Sources: SCAQMD, 2018; SCAQMD, 2017b; SCAQ, 2016. Existing Health Risk in the Surrounding Area In 2015, SCAQMD issued the Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study (MATES IV) (SCAQMD, 2015a), which estimated long-term inhalation carcinogenic exposure risks from more than 30 air pollutants, including both gases and particulates, for the Air Basin. The monitoring study was accompanied by a computer modeling study in which SCAQMD estimated the risk of cancer from breathing toxic air pollution throughout the region based on emissions and weather data. The predictive study based on computer modeling concluded a background cancer risk of approximately 1,023 in one million. A population-weighted average risk was determined at approximately 997 in one million based on actual monitored data measured throughout the Air Basin. These estimates used the cancer risk calculation methods adapted by the California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) in 2015. These methods utilize higher estimates of cancer potency during early life exposures and use different assumptions for breathing rates and length of residential exposures (CalEPA, 2015). Under the updated OEHHA methodology, the relative reduction in the overall cancer risk from the MATES IV results compared to MATES III would be about 65 percent and 57 percent, respectively. Based on the online MATES IV Carcinogenic Risk Interactive Map, the background cancer risk estimate in the City of Diamond Bar ranges from approximately 607 in one million to 1,206 in one million (SCAQMD, 2015a). According to the MATES IV, approximately 68 percent of the airborne carcinogenic risk in the Air Basin is attributed to DPM emissions, approximately 22 percent to other toxics associated with mobile sources (including benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde), and approximately 10 percent is attributed to stationary sources (which include industries and certain other businesses, such as dry cleaners and chrome plating operations) (SCAQMD, 2015a). Generally, the risk from air toxics is lower near the coastline and increases inland, with higher risks concentrated near large diesel sources (e.g., freeways, airports, and ports). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1327 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-14 Existing Local Emissions The City of Diamond Bar is a mix of residential, commercial, retail, office, industrial, school recreational and open space land uses. Everyday operational activities at these residences and businesses result in the emission of air pollutants associated with vehicle trips, off-road equipment (such as forklifts), landscaping equipment, on-site combustion of natural gas for heating and cooking, and fugitive emissions of VOCs from the use of aerosol products and coatings and landscaping. However, data with respect to the exact activity level (i.e. utility consumptions, trip generation) at each business may not be obtainable, so existing emissions estimates are based on default values (provided by the existing utilities for Natural Gas consumption), vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (provided by Fehr & Peers), OFFRoad Mobile Emissions Source Emission Factors for offroad equipment, and the California Emissions Estimator (CalEEMod) for area source emissions. Table 3.2-3 presents the regional emissions from the existing development in the City of Diamond Bar. Table 3.2-3 Existing Diamond Bar Emissions (lbs/day) Source VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5 Existing Regional Emissions Area (Consumer Products, Landscaping) 832 205 1,662 1 24 24 Energy (Natural Gas) 24 207 110 1 16 16 Motor Vehicles 303 2,743 6,749 14 1,121 318 Total Regional Existing Emissions 1,158 3,155 8,521 17 1,161 358 Existing Localized Emissions Area (Consumer Products, Landscaping) 832 205 1,662 1 24 24 Energy (Natural Gas) Motor Vehicles 24 303 207 2,743 110 6,749 1 14 16 1,121 16 318 Total Localized Existing Emissions 856 412 1,772 3 40 40 Note: a Totals may not add up exactly due to rounding in the modeling calculations. Detailed emissions calculations are provided in Appendix B. Source: ESA, 2019. Sensitive Populations and Receptors Certain population groups, such as children, elderly, and acutely and chronically ill persons (especially those with cardio-respiratory diseases), are considered more sensitive to the potential effects of air pollution than others. SCAQMD defines sensitive receptors as any residence (including private homes, condominiums, apartments, and other living quarters), schools, preschools, daycare centers and health facilities such as hospitals or retirement and nursing homes. It also includes long-term care hospitals, hospices, prisons, and dormitories or similar live-in housing. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1328 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-15 Because the Proposed Project is a planning document that does not include exact locations, sizes, or land use type for any individual projects that will occur within the City under the General Plan, there are no specific sensitive locations identified with respect to the Proposed Project. As a conservative estimate of impacts, sensitive receptors are anticipated to be located directly adjacent to new development. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations The 1963 federal CAA was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control and has been amended numerous times in subsequent years, with the most recent amendments occurring in 1990. At the federal level, US EPA is responsible for implementation of certain portions of the CAA including mobile source requirements. The CAA establishes federal air quality standards and specifies future dates for achieving compliance. The CAA also mandates that the State submit and implement a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for areas not meeting these standards. SIPs must include pollution control measures that demonstrate how the NAAQS will be met. The 1990 amendments to the CAA identify specific emission reduction goals for areas not meeting the NAAQS. These amendments require both a demonstration of reasonable further progress toward attainment and incorporation of additional sanctions for failure to attain or to meet interim milestones. The sections of the CAA that are most applicable to the Proposed Project include Title I (Nonattainment Provisions). Title I requirements are implemented for the purpose of attaining NAAQS for the following criteria air pollutants: O3; NO2; CO; SO2; PM10; and lead. The NAAQS were amended in July 1997 to include an 8-hour standard for O3 and to adopt a NAAQS for PM2.5. The NAAQS were also amended in September 2006 to include an established methodology for calculating PM2.5 as well as revoking the annual PM10 threshold. Table 3.2-4 shows the NAAQS currently in effect for each criteria air pollutant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1329 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-16 Table 3.2-4: Ambient Air Quality Standards Pollutant Average Time California Standardsa National Standardsb Concentrationc Methodd Primaryc,e Secondaryc,f Methodg O3 h 1 Hour 0.09 ppm (180 µg/m3) Ultraviolet Photometry Same as Primary Standard Ultraviolet Photometry 8 Hour 0.070 ppm (137 µg/m3) 0.070 ppm (137 µg/m3) NO2 i 1 Hour 0.18 ppm (339 µg/m3) Gas Phase Chemi- luminescence 100 ppb (188 µg/m3) None Gas Phase Chemi- luminescence Annual Arithme tic Mean 0.030 ppm (57 µg/m3) 53 ppb (100 µg/m3) Same as Primary Standard CO 1 Hour 20 ppm (23 mg/m3) Non- Dispersive Infrared Photometry (NDIR) 35 ppm (40 mg/m3) None Non-Dispersive Infrared Photometry (NDIR) 8 Hour 9.0 ppm (10mg/m3) 9 ppm (10 mg/m3) 8 Hour (Lake Tahoe) 6 ppm (7 mg/m3) SO2 j 1 Hour 0.25 ppm (655 µg/m3) Ultraviolet Fluorescence 75 ppb (196 µg/m3) Ultraviolet Fluorescence; Spectrophotome try (Pararosaniline Method) 3 Hour 0.5 ppm (1300 µg/m3) 24 Hour 0.04 ppm (105 µg/m3) 0.14 ppm (for certain areas)j Annual Arithme tic Mean 0.030 ppm (for certain areas)j 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1330 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-17 Table 3.2-4: Ambient Air Quality Standards Pollutant Average Time California Standardsa National Standardsb Concentrationc Methodd Primaryc,e Secondaryc,f Methodg PM10k 24 Hour 50 µg/m3 Gravimetric or Beta Attenuation 150 µg/m3 Same as Primary Standard Inertial Separation and Gravimetric Analysis Annual Arithme tic Mean 20 µg/m3 PM2.5k 24 Hour No Separate State Standard 35 µg/m3 Same as Primary Standard Inertial Separation and Gravimetric Analysis Annual Arithme tic Mean 12 µg/m3 Gravimetric or Beta Attenuation 12.0 µg/m3 k 15 µg/m3 Leadl,m 30 Day Average 1.5 µg/m3 Atomic Absorption High Volume Sampler and Atomic Absorption Calenda r Quarter 1.5 µg/m3 (for certain areas)m Same as Primary Standard Rolling 3-Month Average -- 0.15 µg/m3 Visibility Reducing Particlesn 8 Hour Extinction coefficient of 0.23 per kilometer visibility of ten miles or more (0.07 30 miles or more for Lake Tahoe) due to particles when relative humidity is less than 70 percent. Method: Beta Attenuation and Transmittance through Filter Tape. No Federal Standards Sulfates (SO4) 24 Hour 25 µg/m3 Ion Chromatograp hy Hydrogen Sulfide 1 Hour 0.03 ppm (42 µg/m3) Ultraviolet Fluorescence Vinyl Chloridel 24 Hour 0.01 ppm (26 µg/m3) Gas Chromatograp hy 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1331 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-18 Notes: a California standards for ozone, carbon monoxide (except 8-hour Lake Tahoe), sulfur dioxide (1 and 24 hour), nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and visibility reducing particles), are values that are not to be exceeded. All others are not to be equaled or exceeded. California ambient air quality standards are listed in the Table of Standards in Section 70200 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. b National standards (other than ozone, particulate matter, and those based on annual arithmetic mean) are not to be exceeded more than once a year. The ozone standard is attained when the fourth highest 8 -hour concentration measured at each site in a year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than the standard. For PM10, the 24-hour standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with a 24 -hour average 3) is equal to or less than one. For PM2.5, the 24-hour standard is attained when 98 percent of the daily concentrations, averaged over three years, are equal to or less than the standard. c Concentration expressed first in units in which it was promulgated. Equivalent units given in parentheses are based upon a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr. Most measurements of air quality are to be corrected to a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr; ppm in this table refers to ppm by volume, or micromoles of pollutant per mole of gas. d Any equivalent procedure which can be shown to the satisfaction of the California Air Resources Board to give equivalent results at or near the level of the air quality standard may be used. e National Primary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health. f National Secondary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of a pollutant. g but h On October 1, 2015, the national 8-hour ozone primary and secondary standards were lowered from 0.075 to 0.070 ppm. i To attain the 1-hour national standard, the 3-year average of the annual 98th percentile of the 1-hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 100 ppb. j On June 2, 2010, a new 1-hour SO2 standard was established and the existing 24-hour and annual primary standards were revoked. To attain the 1-hour national standard, the 3-year average of the annual 99th percentile of the 1-hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 75 ppb. The 1971 SO2 national standards (24-hour and annual) remain in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2010 standard, except that in areas designated non-attainment for the 1971 standards, the 1971 standards remain in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2010 standards are approved. k On December 14, 2012, the national annual PM2.5 3 to 12.0 3. l The California Air Resources Board has identified lead and vinyl chloride as 'toxic air contaminants' with no threshold level of exposure for adverse health effects determined. These actions allow for the implementation of control measures at levels below the ambient concentrations specified for these pollutants. m The national standard for lead was revised on October 15, 2008 to a rolling 3-month average. The 1978 2008 standard, except that in areas designated non-attainment for the 1978 standard, the 1978 standard remains in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2008 standard are approved. n In 1989, the California Air Resources Board converted both the general statewide 10-mile visibility standard and the Lake Tahoe 30-mile visibility standard to instrumental equivalents, which are "extinction of 0.23 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1332 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-19 Table 3.2-4: Ambient Air Quality Standards Pollutant Average Time California Standardsa National Standardsb Concentrationc Methodd Primaryc,e Secondaryc,f Methodg per kilometer" and "extinction of 0.07 per kilometer" for the statewide and Lake Tahoe Air Basin standards, respectively. Source: CARB, 2019. State Regulations California Clean Air Act The California Clean Air Act (CCAA), signed into law in 1988, requires all areas of the State to achieve and maintain the CAAQS by the earliest practical date. The CAAQS are established to protect the health of the most sensitive groups and apply to the same criteria air pollutants as the federal Clean Air Act and also includes State-identified criteria air pollutants, which are sulfates, visibility-reducing particles, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride (CARB, ND10). Table 3.2-4, provided above, shows the CAAQS currently in effect for each of the federally identified criteria air pollutants, as well as, state recognized pollutants, such as sulfates, visibility-reducing particles, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. Mobile Source Regulations Mobile sources are a significant contributor to the air pollution in California. CARB has established exhaust emission standards for automobiles, which are more stringent than the federal emissions standards. Through its Mobile Sources Program, CARB has developed programs and policies to reduce emissions from on-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Specifically, the On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Regulation requires diesel trucks and buses that operate in the State to be upgraded to reduce emissions. By January 1, 2023, nearly all vehicles must have engines certified to 2010 model year engines or equivalent. The Innovative Clean Transit Program (ICT) sets emissions reduction standards for new public transit vehicles and requires major transit agencies to only purchase zero emission buses after 2029. The Solid Waste Collection Vehicle Regulation requires solid waste collection vehicles and heavy diesel-fueled on-road single engine cranes to be upgraded. The Rule for On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Public and Utility Fleets requires fleets to install emission control devices on vehicles or purchase vehicles that run on alternative fuels or use advanced technologies to achieve emissions requirements by specified implementation dates. CARB also established an In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation to impose limits on idling and require fleets to retrofit or replace older engines. California Air Resources Board On-Road and Off-Road Vehicle Rules In 2004, CARB adopted an Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to limit heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle idling in order to reduce public exposure to diesel PM and other TACs. The measure applies to diesel-fueled commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings greater than 10,000 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1333 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-20 pounds that are licensed to operate on highways, regardless of where they are registered. This measure does not allow diesel-fueled commercial vehicles to idle for more than 5 minutes at any given time. In 2008, CARB approved the Truck and Bus Regulation to reduce NOX, PM10, and PM2.5 emissions from existing diesel vehicles operating in California. The requirements were amended in December 2010 and apply to nearly all diesel fueled trucks and busses with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 pounds. For the largest trucks in the fleet (i.e., those with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds), there are two methods to comply with the requirements. The first method is for the fleet owner to retrofit or replace engines, starting with the oldest engine model year, to meet 2010 engine standards, or better. This is phased over eight years, starting in 2015 and would be fully implemented by 2023, meaning that all trucks operating in the State subject to this option would need to meet or exceed the 2010 engine emission standards for NOX and PM by 2023. The second option, if chosen, requires fleet owners, starting in 2012, to retrofit a portion of their fleet with diesel particulate filters achieving at least 85 percent removal efficiency, so that by January 1, 2016, their entire fleet is equipped with diesel particulate filters. However, diesel particulate filters do not typically lower NOX emissions. Thus, fleet owners choosing the second method must still comply with the 2010 engine emission standards for their trucks and busses by 2020. Beginning January 1, 2020, this requirement will be enforced by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In 2017, Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, authorized and Bus Regulation. If a vehicle is not compliant with the rule, DMV will no longer register that vehicle starting January 1, 2020. In addition to limiting exhaust from idling trucks, CARB promulgated emission standards for off- road diesel construction equipment of greater than 25 horsepower such as bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and forklifts, as well as many other self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles. The regulation aims to reduce emissions by installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the retirement, replacement, or repower of older, dirtier engines with newer emission-controlled models. Implementation is staggered based on fleet size (which is the total of all off-road horsepower under common ownership or control), with the largest fleets to begin compliance by January 1, 2014. Each fleet must demonstrate compliance through one of two methods. The first option is to calculate and maintain fleet average emissions targets, which encourages the retirement or repowering of older equipment and rewards the introduction of newer cleaner units into the fleet. The second option is to meet the Best Available Control Technology (BACT) requirements by turning over or installing Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (e.g., engine retrofits) on a certain percentage of its total fleet horsepower. The compliance schedule requires that BACT turn overs or retrofits be fully implemented by 2023 in all equipment in large and medium fleets and across 100 percent of small fleets by 2028. Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375) SB 375 directs CARB to set regional targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks (OPR, 2011). Planning Organization (MPO) is responsible for preparing a Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS) that integrates transportation, land-use, and housing policies to plan for achievement of the emissions target for their region. Specifically, SB 375 focuses on reducing VMT and encouraging more compact, complete, and efficient communities. Further, SB 375 established CEQA 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1334 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-21 streamlining and relevant exemptions for projects that are determined to be consistent with the land use assumptions and other relevant policies of an adopted SCS. Regional Regulations South Coast Air Quality Management District SCAQMD has jurisdiction over air quality planning for all of Orange County, Los Angeles County except for the Antelope Valley, the non-desert portion of western San Bernardino County, and the western and Coachella Valley portions of Riverside County. The Air Basin is a subregion within SCAQMD jurisdiction. While air quality in the Air Basin has improved, the Air Basin requires continued diligence to meet the air quality standards. Air Quality Management Plan SCAQMD has adopted a series of Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) to meet the CAAQS and NAAQS, the 2012 and the 2016 AQMPs. While the 2016 AQMP is the most recent and was adopted by SCAQMD and CARB, it has not received US EPA approval for inclusion in the SIP. Therefore, until such time as the 2016 AQMP is approved by the US EPA, the 2012 AQMP remains the applicable AQMP; however, this analysis considers both the 2012 and 2016 AQMPs as appropriate. The 2012 AQMP includes a comprehensive strategy aimed at controlling pollution from all sources, including stationary sources, and on-road and off-road mobile sources. It highlights the significant amount of emission reductions needed and the urgent need to identify additional strategies, especially in the area of mobile sources, to meet all federal criteria air pollutant standards within the timeframes allowed under the CAA (SCAQMD, 2013). The key undertaking of the 2012 AQMP is to bring the Air Basin into attainment with the NAAQS for the 24-hour PM2.5 standard. It also intensifies the scope and pace of continued air quality improvement efforts toward meeting the 2024 8-hour O3 standard deadline with new measures designed to reduce reliance on the CAA Section 182(e)(5) long-term measures for NOX and VOC reductions. SCAQMD expects exposure reductions to be achieved through implementation of new and advanced control technologies as well as improvement of existing technologies. In 2017, the SCAQMD Governing Board adopted the 2016 AQMP (SCAQMD, 2017a) and CARB approved the 2016 AQMP. Key elements of the 2016 AQMP include implementing fair-share emissions reductions strategies at the federal, state, and local levels; establishing partnerships, funding, and incentives to accelerate deployment of zero and near-zero-emissions technologies; and taking credit from co-benefits from GHG, energy, transportation and other planning efforts (SCAQMD, 2017a). The strategies included in the 2016 AQMP are intended to demonstrate attainment of the NAAQS for the national non-attainment pollutants ozone and PM2.5 (SCAQMD, 2017a). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1335 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-22 South Coast Air Quality Management District CEQA Guidelines planning agencies. The CEQA Air Quality Handbook (Handbook) published by SCAQMD provides local governments with guidance for analyzing and mitigating project-specific air quality impacts (SCAQMD, 1993). SCAQMD is currently updating some of the information and methods in the Handbook, such as the screening tables for determining the air quality significance of a project and the on-road mobile source emission factors. While this process is underway, SCAQMD recommends using other approved models to calculate emissions from land use projects, such as CalEEMod (SCAQMD, 2019). The SCAQMD Guidance Document for Addressing Air Quality Issues in General Plans and Local Planning considers impacts on air quality sensitive receptors from TAC-emitting facilities (SCAQMD, 2005) CARB (e.g., a 500-foot siting distance for air quality sensitive receptors proposed in proximity to freeways and high-traffic roads, and the same siting criteria for distribution centers and dry cleaning facilities). The SCAQMD Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology and Final Methodology to Calculate Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and PM2.5 Significance Thresholds provides guidance when evaluating the localized effects of emissions in the CEQA evaluation (SCAQMD, 2006; SCAQMD, 2008). These guidance documents were promulgated by the SCAQMD Governing Board as a tool to assist lead agencies to analyze localized impacts associated with project-specific level proposed thresholds for projects that are five acres or less. For projects that are larger than five acres, such as the Proposed Project, it is recommended that project-specific air quality dispersion modeling is completed to determine localized air quality (see the discussion on Air Dispersion Modeling, below, for more details). South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules and Regulations Several SCAQMD rules, adopted to implement portions of the 2012 and 2016 AQMPs, may apply to the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project may be subject to the following SCAQMD rules and regulations: Regulation IV Prohibitions: This regulation sets forth the restrictions for visible emissions, odor nuisance, fugitive dust, various air emissions, fuel contaminants, start-up/shutdown exemptions and breakdown events. The following is a list of rules which apply to the Proposed Project: • Rule 401 Visible Emissions: Rule 401 states that a person shall not discharge into the atmosphere from any single source of emission whatsoever any air contaminant for a period or periods aggregating more than three minutes in any one hour which is as dark or darker in shade as that designated No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart or of such opacity as to obscure an observer's view. • Rule 402 Nuisance: Rule 402 states that a person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1336 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-23 or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. • Rule 403 Fugitive Dust: Rule 403 requires projects to prevent, reduce or mitigate fugitive dust emissions from a site. Rule 403 restricts visible fugitive dust to a project property line, restricts the net PM10 emissions to less than 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) and restricts the tracking out of bulk materials onto public roads. Additionally, projects must utilize one or more of the best available control measures, which may include adding freeboard to haul vehicles, covering loose material on haul vehicles, watering, using chemical stabilizers and/or ceasing all activities. Regulation XI Source Specific Standards: Regulation XI sets emissions standards for specific sources. The following is a list of rules which may apply to the Proposed Project: • Rule 1113 Architectural Coatings: This rule requires manufacturers, distributors, and end users of architectural and industrial maintenance coatings to reduce VOC emissions from the use of these coatings, primarily by placing limits on the VOC content of various coating categories. • Rule 1138 Control of Emissions from Restaurant Operations: This rule specifies PM and VOC emissions and odor control requirements for commercial cooking operations that use chain-driven charbroilers to cook meat. • Rule 1146.2 Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Large Water Heaters and Small Boilers and Process Heaters: This rule requires manufacturers, distributors, retailers, refurbishers, installers, and operators of new and existing units to reduce NOX emissions from natural gas-fired water heaters, boilers, and process heaters as defined in this rule. • Rule 1186 PM10 Emissions from Paved and Unpaved Roads, and Livestock Operations: This rule applies to owners and operators of paved and unpaved roads and livestock operations. The rule is intended to reduce PM10 emissions by requiring the cleanup of material deposited onto paved roads, use of certified street sweeping equipment, and treatment of high-use unpaved roads (see also Rule 403). Regulation XIII New Source Review (NSR): Regulation XIII sets requirements for preconstruction review required under both federal and state statutes for new and modified sources located in areas that do not meet the Clean Air Act standards ("non-attainment" areas). NSR applies to both individual permits and entire facilities. Any permit that has a net increase in emissions is required to apply BACT. Facilities with a net increase in emissions are required to offset the emission increase by use of Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs). The regulation provides for the application, eligibility, registration, use and transfer of ERCs. For low emitting facilities, SCAQMD maintains an internal bank that can be used to provide the required offsets. In addition, certain facilities are subject to provisions that require public notice and modeling analysis to determine the downwind impact prior to permit issuance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1337 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-24 Regulation XIV Toxics and Other Non-Criteria Air Pollutants: Regulation XIV sets requirements for new permit units, relocations, or modifications to existing permit units which emit toxic air contaminants or other non-criteria air pollutants. The following is a list of rules which may apply to the Proposed Project: • Rule 1401 New Source Review of Toxic Air Contaminants: Rule 1401 regulates new or modified facilities to limit cancer and non-cancer health risks from facilities located within the SCAQMD jurisdiction. • Rule 1402 Control of Toxic Air Contaminants from Existing Sources: Rule 1402 regulates facilities that are already operating in order to limit cancer and non-cancer health risks. Rule 1402 incorporates the requirements and methodology of the AB 2588 Air Toxics "Hot Spots" program. • Rule 1403 Asbestos Emissions from Demolition/Renovation Activities: Rule 1403 requires owners and operators of any demolition or renovation activity and the associated disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, any asbestos storage facility, or any active waste disposal site to implement work practice requirements to limit asbestos emissions from building demolition and renovation activities, including the removal and associated disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (see Section 3.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials). • Rule 1470 Requirements for Stationary Diesel-Fueled Internal Combustion and Other Compression Ignition Engines: Rule 1470 applies to stationary compression ignition (CI) engine greater than 50 brake horsepower and sets limits on emissions and operating hours. In general, new stationary emergency standby diesel-fueled engines greater than 50 brake horsepower are not permitted to operate more than 50 hours per year for maintenance and testing. SCAG Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the MPO for the region in which the City of Diamond Bar is located. In 2016, SCAG adopted the 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy: A Plan for Mobility, Accessibility, Sustainability and a High Quality of Life (RTP/SCS), which is an update to the previous 2012 RTP/SCS (SCAG, 2016). The 2016 RTP/SCS considers the role of transportation in the broader context of economic, environmental, and quality-of-life goals for the future, identifying regional transportation strategies to address mobility needs. The 2016 RTP/SCS describes how the region can attain the GHG emission-reduction targets set by CARB by achieving an 8 percent reduction in passenger vehicle GHG emissions on a per capita basis by 2020, 18 percent reduction by 2035, and 21 percent reduction by 2040 compared to the 2005 level. Although the focus of the 2016 RTP/SCS is on GHG emission-reduction, compliance with and implementation of 2016 RTP/SCS policies and strategies would also have co-benefits of reducing per capita criteria air pollutant and TAC emissions associated with reduced per capita VMT. Improved air quality with implementation of the 2016 RTP/SCS policies would decrease reactive organic gases (ROG) (i.e., VOCs) by 8 percent, CO by 9 percent, NOx by 9 percent, and PM2.5 by 5 percent (SCAG, 2016). builds on the land use policies that were incorporated into the 2012 RTP/SCS, and provides specific strategies for successful implementation. These strategies include 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1338 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-25 -use districts that concentrate housing, employment, and a mix of retail and services in close proximity to each other; encouraging employment development around current and planned transit stations and neighborhood complete s icy that meets the needs of all users of the streets, roads and highways including bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, motorists, electric vehicles, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of public transportation, and seniors; and supporting alternative fueled vehicles. The 2016 RTP/SCS overall land use pattern reinforces the trend of focusing new housing and employment in infill areas well served by transit. In addition, the 2016 RTP/SCS includes goals and strategies to promote active transportation and improve transportation demand management (TDM). The 2016 RTP/SCS strategies support local planning and projects that serve short trips, increase access to transit, expand understanding and consideration of public health in the development of local plans and projects, and support improvements in sidewalk quality, local bike networks, and neighborhood mobility areas. The 2016 RTP/SCS proposes to better align active transportation investments with land use and transportation strategies, increase competitiveness of local agencies for federal and state funding, and to expand the potential for all people to use active transportation. RTP/SCS and the determination that the 2016 RTP/SCS would, if implemented, achieve the 2020 and 2035 GHG emission reduction targets established by CARB (SCAG, 2016). Local Regulations City of Diamond Bar Building Code The City of Diamond Bar has not yet adopted a sustainability plan or GHG reduction plan; however, the proposed Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategy. Further, the City has adopted latest edition of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). CALGreen, which applies to all new buildings (residential and non- residential), increases energy efficiency and reduces waste. Green building standards also have the co-benefit of reducing criteria pollutant emissions through the increase in energy efficiencies. of CALGreen includes local, more restrictive amendments deemed necessary to account for local climatic, geological and topographical conditions. Los Angeles County General Plan, Air Quality Element The Air Quality Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan (County of Los Angeles, 2015) outlines goals and policies in the General Plan that will improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Los Angeles County Renewable Energy Ordinance The Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO) became effective on January 12, 2017. The REO updates projects. The ordinance helps California meet its goals for renewable energy generation and greenhouse gas reduction, while minimizing environmental and community impacts. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1339 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-26 Los Angeles County Green Building Standards As stated, the California Green Building Standards are applicable statewide. Los Angeles County adopted CALGreen under Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan; Criterion 2: Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard; Criterion 3: Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations; or Criterion 4: Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors adversely affecting a substantial number of people). METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Construction Regional Construction of the growth anticipated by the Proposed Project would have the potential to temporarily emit criteria air pollutant emissions through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment, such as excavators, cranes, and forklifts, and through vehicle trips generated from workers and haul trucks traveling to and from project sites. In addition, fugitive dust emissions would result from demolition and various soil-handling activities. As previously described, construction emissions of VOC, NOX, CO, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5 are included in this analysis. Construction emissions can vary substantially from day-to-day, depending on the intensity and specific type of construction activity. The maximum daily regional emissions are predicted values for the worst-case day and do not represent the emissions that would actually occur during every day of construction. The Proposed Project is a planning-level document, and, as such, there are no specific projects, project construction dates, or specific construction plans identified. Therefore, quantification of emissions associated with buildout cannot be specifically determined at this time. However, the type and size of total anticipated growth is known. Construction emissions are based on the type and amount of off-road construction equipment and the size of the project. Therefore, since CalEEMod provides default construction scenarios based on size and land use type, a reasonable 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1340 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-27 worst case annual construction scenario was analyzed to provide an idea of daily emissions that could occur due to construction under the Proposed Project.2 Construction was estimated to begin in January of 2020 and continue throughout 2040. Construction emissions were forecast based on an expectation that a maximum of 10 percent of the total new development could be developed in any year (i.e., 20 years of development at an even annual rate equals 5 percent per year; therefore, conservatively assume a maximum year of twice as much development at 10 percent). Emission calculations assumed construction in 2020 as a conservative peak emissions year. In a year later, construction emissions would be less because cleaner construction equipment and vehicle fleet mix are expected as a result of State regulations that require cleaner construction equipment to be phased-in for heavy-duty equipment (CARB, 2010b). Thus, construction emissions occurring in later years would be less than the impacts disclosed herein. Construction activities would include demolition, site preparation, excavation/grading, building construction, paving, and architectural coating. CalEEMod defaults were used to determine construction equipment based on the type of construction. Modeling assumed 12 single-family residential units, 377 multi-family residential units, 182,058 square feet of non-residential buildings, and 1.23 acres of parks could be developed in any one year, or 10% of the total growth anticipated. The modeling also assumes that 20,300 square feet of existing light industrial uses would be demolished in a given year. The modeling assumes project development would be infill development (i.e., within existing development). Project construction assumed earthmoving (i.e., excavation and grading) cut and fill of soil would be balanced onsite, to minimize soil import or export by haul trucks. Heavy-duty equipment, vendor supply trucks and concrete trucks would be used during construction of foundations, parking structures, and buildings. Landscaping and architectural coating would occur during the finishing activities. Daily regional criteria air pollutant emissions for the different phases of construction were forecast based on construction activities, on-road and off-road mobile sources, and fugitive dust emission factors associated with the specific construction activity. Off-road mobile source emissions would result from the use of heavy-duty construction equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, and cranes. These off-road mobile sources emit VOC, NOX, CO, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5. The emissions were estimated using CalEEMod (Version 2016.3.2) software, an emissions inventory software program recommended by the SCAQMD. CalEEMod is based on outputs from the OFFROAD model and EMission FACtor (EMFAC) model, which are emissions estimation models developed by CARB and used to calculate emissions from construction activities, heavy-duty off-road equipment, and on-road vehicles. Activities parameters, such as number of equipment and equipment usage hours were provided by the future applicant. Fugitive dust emissions (using PM10 as a surrogate) during construction activities were estimated in CalEEMod, which are based on the methods described in the US EPA AP-42 Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors. During the application of architectural coatings, evaporation of solvents contained in surface coatings result in VOC emissions. CalEEMod was used to calculate 2 Note that CalEEMod estimates daily emissions based on the size and type of the development (determined as 10% of complete the activity (CalEEMod default) and the amount of equipment and employees that would be needed to accomplish construction (CalEEMod default). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1341 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-28 VOC emissions based on the building surface area and the default VOC content provided by the air district or C Asphalt paving of parking areas are another source of VOC emissions. CalEEMod was used to calculate VOC off-gassing emissions based on the parking lot size and SCAQMD default emission factors. On-road mobile sources during construction also have the potential to generate temporary criteria air pollutant emissions through worker vehicles and haul trucks traveling to and from project sites during construction. Mobile source emissions were calculated using VMT data provided in Chapter 3.12: Transportation, which takes into account mode and trip lengths. CalEEMod default vehicle trips and trip lengths were used. However, traffic reduction policies within the General Plan Circulation element, which the regional travel demand model is not sensitive to (such as connectivity in neighborhoods, presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management measures), are not reflected in these estimates. Therefore, estimated mobile source emissions are conservatively higher. Emission factors for passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks used the regional emission factors generated from the EMFAC model 2017 (EMFAC2017), because although EMFAC2017 has not understanding of motor vehicle travel activities and their associated Although CARB restricts idling times to no more than 5 minutes at any one location, it was conservatively assumed that truck idling activities would total 15 minutes per trip, representing three separate 5- minute idling occurrences: check-in to the Project Site or queuing at the site boundary upon arrival, on-site idling during loading/unloading, and check-out of the Project Site or queuing at the site boundary upon departure. Local The localized effects from the on-site portion of daily construction emissions are evaluated at nearby sensitive receptor locations potentially impacted by implementation of the growth anticipated by the Significance Thresholds (LST) methodology, which provides guidance on analyzing localized emissions for comparison to state and federal ambient air quality standards (AAQS). LSTs are only applicable to the following criteria pollutants: NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. LSTs represent the maximum emissions from a project that are not expected to cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable AAQS, and are developed based on the ambient concentrations of that pollutant for each source receptor area (SRA) and distance to the nearest sensitive receptor. For PM10 and PM2.5, LSTs were derived based on requirements in SCAQMD Rule 403, Fugitive Dust. Construction emissions are based on the daily operation of construction equipment, which is determined by CalEEMod based on size of the development and the area to be disturbed during construction. Based on the anticipated 10 percent development per year, the modeling assumed a total of 5 individual development projects could occur on any given day, therefore the localized analysis was conducted based on the default acreages assigned in CalEEMod for the potential development of each land use type. Single-family and multi-family residential development assumed approximately 5 and 13 acres of development, respectively, whereas non-residential development assumed approximately 2 acres of development. For conservative purposes, the localized analysis assumed the nearest sensitive receptors would be within 25 meters of 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1342 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-29 construction activities. Therefore, the LST analysis uses the mass-rate look-up tables at 25 meters for 5 acres for residential projects and 2 acres for non-residential projects located within SRA 10. Operational Regional Operation of development allowed by the proposed General Plan would generate criteria air pollutant emissions from vehicle trips throughout the City, energy sources, such as natural gas combustion, and area sources, such as operation of landscaping equipment and use of consumer products, including solvents used in non-industrial applications which emit VOCs during their product use, such as cleaning supplies, kitchen aerosols, cosmetics and toiletries. Operational impacts were assessed for the full Proposed Project buildout year of 2040, as well as, the existing uses. Daily maximum criteria air pollutant emissions were compared with the SCAQMD operational thresholds to determine the operational impacts of the Proposed Project. VMT data, which takes into account mode and trip lengths, was developed for the transportation analysis presented in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. Emissions from motor vehicles are dependent on vehicle type. Thus, the emissions were calculated using a representative motor vehicle fleet mix for the Proposed Project based on EMFAC2017 and default fuel type. EMFAC2017 was used to generate emissions factors for operational mobile sources based on fuel type and vehicle class. However, traffic reduction policies within the General Plan Circulation element, which the regional travel demand model is not sensitive to (such as connectivity in neighborhoods, presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management measures), are not reflected in these estimates. Therefore, estimated mobile source emissions are conservatively higher. The operational area emissions from the Proposed Project were estimated using the CalEEMod software. Area source emissions are based on hearth emissions, architectural coatings, landscaping equipment, and consumer product usage rates provided in CalEEMod. CalEEMod default values were used for area source emissions except that wood stoves and wood fireplaces were removed from the emissions calculations as they are not permitted within SCAQMD jurisdiction. Natural gas consumption values used in the GHG inventories for the Climate Action Plan were used for determining energy emissions. Emissions were calculated outside of CalEEMod using CalEEMod emission factors. Natural gas consumption for buildout was adjusted to take into account the 2019 Title 24 standards which will be in place prior to beginning construction. Local LST The localized effects from the on-site portion of daily operational emissions are dependent on the exact size, nature, and location of an individual land use type, combined with reductions in localized impacts from the removal of existing land use types as applicable (i.e. conversion of light industrial uses). Because no specific development projects are identified under the General Plan Update, the location of development projects, and the exact nature of the potential development are unknown, determining localized impacts from operational activities at this time is speculative. Therefore, the analysis of localized impacts is discussed qualitatively in this analysis. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1343 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-30 Intersection Hotspot Analysis Operation of the Proposed Project has the potential to generate traffic congestion and increase delay times at intersections within the local study area. The pollutant of primary concern when local intersections is CO because an elevated concentration of CO tends to accumulate near areas of heavy traffic congestion and where average vehicle speeds are low. Tailpipe emissions are of concern when assessing localized impacts of CO along paved roads. the NAAQS or CAAQS. SCAQMD does not currently have guidance for conducting intersection hot spot analysis. However, Caltrans has guidance for evaluating CO hot spots in their Transportation Project-Level Carbon Monoxide Protocol (CO Protocol) (Caltrans, 1997). Detailed guidance discussing which modeling programs to use, calculating emission rates, receiver placement, calculating 1-hour and 8-hour concentrations, and utilizing background concentrations The potential for the Project to cause or contribute to CO hotspots is evaluated by comparing project intersections (both intersection geometry and traffic volumes) with prior studies conducted by SCAQMD in support of their AQMPs and considering existing background CO concentrations. Toxic Air Contaminants Impacts (Construction and Operations) Construction and operational activities have the potential to result in health risk impacts (cancer, or other acute or chronic conditions) related to TACs exposure from airborne emissions, specifically the emissions of diesel particulate matter. Health risk is a cumulative localized impact based exposure of nearby sensitive receptors to specific construction activities as well as on location to the construction and operational activities that emit TACs. Because there are no specific development projects identified under the General Plan Update, the location of the development projects, and the exact nature of the development are unknown, determining health risk as this time is speculative. Therefore, the analysis of health risk is discussed qualitatively in this analysis. Climate Action Plan The proposed CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, General Plan land use and circulation system, and additional General Plan policies. This analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not required for City of Diamond Bar to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. The proposed CAP does not contain additional specific measures to reduce GHG emissions and energy use from future development, nor does it incorporate land use changes. Therefore, impacts on air quality from the proposed CAP are considered less than significant and are not discussed further. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1344 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-31 IMPACTS Impact 3.2-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. (Less than Significant) The following analysis addresses the Proposed Project consistency with applicable plans and policies that govern air quality. In particular, the analysis addresses consis AQMP, which, as discussed above, is an air quality plan that includes strategies for achieving attainment of applicable ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 standards. As discussed above, SCAQMD has adopted a series of AQMPs to lead the Air Basin into compliance with several criteria air pollutant standards and other federal requirements, while taking into account construction and operational emissions associated with population and economic growth 2016 RTP/SCS (SCAG, 2016). SCAQMD recommends that, when determining whether a project is consistent with the relevant AQMPs, the lead agency should assess whether the project would directly obstruct implementation of the plans efforts to achieve attainment with respect to any criteria air pollutant for which it is currently not in attainment of the NAAQS and CAAQS (e.g., ozone, PM10, and PM2.5) and whether it is consistent with the demographic and economic assumptions (typically land use related, such as employment and population/residential units) upon which the plan is based. SCAQMD guidance indicates that projects whose growth is included in the projections used in the formulation of the AQMP are considered to be consistent with the plan and would not interfere with its attainment. SCAQMD thresholds for construction and operational emissions are designed for the analysis of individual projects and not for long-term planning documents, such as the City of General Plan Update, which will be implemented over a 20-year period. Emissions are dependent on the exact size, nature, and location of an individual land use type, combined with reductions in localized impacts from the removal of existing land use types, as applicable (i.e. conversion of light industrial uses). Emissions associated with the operation of individual projects, could exceed project-specific thresholds established by SCAQMD. CEQA requires that general plans be evaluated for consistency with the AQMP. Because the AQMP strategy is based on projections from local general plans, only new or amended general plan elements, specific plans, or individual projects under the general plan need to undergo a consistency review. Projects considered consistent with the local general plan are consistent with the air quality- related regional plan. Indicators of consistency include: • Control Strategies: Whether implementation of a project would increase the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations; would cause or contribute to new violations; or would delay the timely attainment of AAQS or interim emissions reductions within the AQMP. • Growth Projections: Whether implementation of the project would exceed growth assumptions within the AQMP, which in part, bases its strategy on growth forecasts from local general plans. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1345 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-32 Construction Control Strategies The Air Basin is designated nonattainment for O3 and PM2.5 under the CAAQS and NAAQS, nonattainment for lead (Los Angeles County only) under the NAAQS, and nonattainment for PM10 under the CAAQS. The Proposed Project involves long-term growth associated with buildout of the City of Diamond Bar, therefore the emissions of criteria pollutants associated with future developments under the Proposed Project could exceed SCAQMD thresholds for criteria Update would be required to -term emissions from on-road and off-road diesel equipment, including the ATCM to limit heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle idling to no more than 5 minutes at any given time, and wit fugitive dust and Rule 1113 for controlling VOC emissions from architectural coatings. Furthermore, as applicable to the type of growth, individual projects under Proposed General Plan would comply with fleet rules to reduce on-road truck emissions (i.e., 13 CCR, Section 2025 (CARB Truck and Bus regulation)). Compliance with these measures and requirements would be consistent with and meet or exceed the AQMP requirements for control strategies intended to reduce emissions from construction equipment and activities. Therefore, the construction anticipated by the Proposed Project would be consistent with the AQMP under the first indicator. Growth Projections The Proposed Project would result in an increase in short-term employment compared to existing conditions. Although the construction anticipated by the Proposed Project will generate construction workers, it would not necessarily create new construction jobs, construction-related jobs generated by the Proposed Project would likely be filled by employees within the construction industry within the City of Diamond Bar and the greater Los Angeles County region. Construction industry jobs generally have no regular place of business, as construction workers commute to job sites throughout a given region, which may change several times a year. Moreover, these jobs would be temporary in nature. Therefore, the construction jobs generated by the Proposed Project would not conflict with the long-term employment or population projections upon which the AQMPs are based. Operation Control Strategies Future development under the Proposed Project would be required to comply with CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and, to the extent applicable, to the 2016 RTP/SCS. As discussed above, the AQMP includes land use and transportation strategies from the 2016 RTP/SCS that are intended to reduce VMT and resulting regional mobile source emissions. The applicable land use strategies include: planning for growth around livable corridors; providing more options for short trips/neighborhood mobility areas; supporting zero emission vehicles & expanding vehicle charging stations; supporting local sustainability planning. The applicable transportation strategies include: managing through the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program and the Transportation System Management (TSM) Plan including advanced 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1346 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-33 ramp metering, and expansion and integration of the traffic synchronization network; promoting active transportation. The majority of the transportation strategies are to be implemented by cities, counties, and other regional agencies such as SCAG and SCAQMD, although some can be furthered by individual development projects. The location, design, and land uses of the growth anticipated by the Proposed Project would implement land use and transportation strategies related to reducing vehicle trips for residents and employees of the City by increasing commercial and residential density near public transit with the new land use designations such as Town Center Mixed-Use, Neighborhood Mixed-Use, and Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use. The City of Diamond Bar is served by Foothill Transit and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The City of Diamond Bar is also served by the Metrolink Riverside Line along the northwestern boundary of the City, which runs from Downtown Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and provides service Monday to Friday. Transit facilities in the City of Diamond Bar consist of bus stops for Foothill Transit buses along Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and other roads. OCTA bus stops are on Brea Canyon Road. The Metrolink station can be accessed via Brea Canyon Road. A significant portion of the bus stops and station in the City have a bench or a shaded bus shelter. The availability of public transportation and the focus on increasing density relative to the existing public transportation, enables the Proposed Project to potentially reduce vehicle trips, VMT, and associated transportation-related emissions per capita, compared to the existing conditions. Therefore, the General Plan Update would result in a less than significant impact associated with air quality. The Proposed Project would be consistent with the AQMP under the first indicator. Growth Projections The Emissions inventory for the South Coast Air Basin is formed, in part, by existing city and county general plans. The AQMP is based on population, employment and VMT forecasts by SCAG. A project might be in conflict with the AQMP if the development is greater than that Future development in the City of Diamond Bar that is consistent with the General Plan Update would increase vehicle trips and VMT that would result in emissions of ozone precursors and particulate matter. Individual projects under the General Plan Update would be required to undergo subsequent environmental review pursuant to CEQA, and would be required to demonstrate compliance with the AQMP. Individual projects would also be required to demonstrate compliance with SCAQMD rules and regulations governing air quality. The City of Diamond Bar continues to coordinate with SCAQMD and SCAG to ensure city-wide growth projections, land use planning efforts, and local development patterns are accounted for in the regional planning and air quality planning processes. Therefore, the operation of the proposed General Plan Update and associated CAP would not conflict with or obstruct the implementation of the applicable air quality plan. The proposed policies of the General Plan listed below would potentially reduce emissions, which would address potential impacts related to conflicts with an applicable air quality plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1347 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-34 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use LU-G-4 Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth. LU-G-9 Provide for the concentration of office and commercial uses near regional access routes, transit stations, and existing and proposed employment centers. LU-P-17 Require that site designs create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. LU-P-34 Require that development evaluates and mitigates noise and air quality issues related to the proximity of the SR 60 and Metrolink. LU-P-49 Require convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the center and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. Circulation CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local city congestion based on defined Levels of Service (LOS) standards. CR-P-32 Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul- de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33 Ensure that new developmen networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-55 Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multifamily residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-56 Establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for Electric Vehicles. Resource Conservation RC-P-10. Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1348 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-35 RC-P-19 Require new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems. RC-P-20 Require the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-21 Require builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought-tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-22 Require the use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction in accordance with the standards -Efficient Landscape Ordinance. RC-P-28. Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality through the following measures: a. Use of building materials and methods that minimize air pollution. b. Use of fuel-efficient heating equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler units, and low or zero-emitting architectural coatings. c. Use of clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local funding sources. RC-P-30 Ensure that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. RC-P-33. Consult with SCAQMD when siting new facilities with dust, odors, or Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) emissions to avoid siting those facilities near sensitive receptors and avoid siting sensitive receptors near sources of air pollution. Require proposed land uses that produce TACs to incorporate setbacks and design features that reduce TACs at the source to minimize potential impacts from TACs. For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. (New from SCAQMD Guidance) RC-P-34 For new or modified land uses that have the potential to emit dust, odors, or TACs that would impact sensitive receptors require the business owners to notify the SCAQMD, and residents and businesses adjacent to the proposed use prior to business license or building permit issuance. RC-P-35 Require new residential developments and other sensitive uses within the 500-foot AQMD buffer (e.g. schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, and medical facilities) to prepare an air quality study of the site that evaluates potential impacts of air pollution on sensitive receptors and associated health risks and identifies measures to feasibly mitigate any impacts to protect the health of residents. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1349 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-36 RC-P-37 Require construction and grading plans to include state and AQMD mandated measures to the maximum extent possible fugitive dust and pollutants generated by construction activities and those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling and maintenance as well as mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from vehicle and equipment operations. RC-P-43 Design traffic plans, including suggested truck routes, to minimize diesel truck idling and the exposure of residential neighborhoods and sensitive receptors to diesel truck traffic. Community Health and Sustainability CHS-P-3 Promote physical activity and active transportation programs through events sponsored by the City, particularly the Parks & Recreation Department. CHS-P-4 Remove barriers and improve multi-modal mobility throughout the City for all community members by supporting transit, pedestrian, and bicycle connections between residential neighborhoods and major destinations, including parks, civic facilities, school campuses, other educational institutions, employment centers, shopping destinations, parks, and recreation areas, where appropriate. CHS-P-5 Implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments. CHS-P-14 such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-33 Plan land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. CHS-P-38 Accelerate the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through actions such as: a. Establishing incremental growth goals for solar power/alternative energy systems in Diamond Bar; b. Developing guidelines, recommendations, and examples for cost-effective solar and/or other alternative energy-based installation; and c. Installing solar/alternative energy technology on available City spaces. CHS-P-40 Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy-efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities that establish public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes as safe, efficient, and desirable alternatives. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1350 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-37 CHS-P-41 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities. CHS-P-44 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through the implementation of the Green Building Codes. CHS-P-57 Encourage water conservation, drought-tolerant landscaping and the use of greywater and reclaimed and recycled water, where appropriate, with a view to reducing water use. CHS-P-58 Encourage the installation of green roofs and cool (reflective) roofs to reduce temperatures of roof surfaces and the surrounding air. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.2-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. (Significant and Unavoidable) Ozone, NO2, VOC and PM10 and PM2.5 are pollutants of concern, as the South Coast Air Basin has been designated as a nonattainment area for State ozone, PM10 and PM2.5 and as a federal nonattainment area for ozone and PM10.3 The South Coast Air Basin is currently in attainment for State and Federal CO, SOx and NO2 and federal attainment for PM10. SCAQMD has established numerical significance thresholds for regional emissions during construction and operation. The numerical significance thresholds are based on the recognition that the Air Basin is a distinc t geographic area with a critical air pollution problem for which ambient air quality standards have been promulgated to protect public health (SCAQMD, 1993). The Proposed Project would potentially cause or contribute to an exceedance of an ambient air quality standard if the following would occur: Regional construction emissions from both direct and indirect sources would exceed any of the following SCAQMD prescribed daily emissions thresholds (SCAQMD, 2015b): • 75 pounds a day for VOC, • 100 pounds per day for NOX, 3 The Los Angeles County portion of the South Coast Air Basin has been designated as a partial nonattainment area for lead. While the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook contains numerical indicators of significance for lead, project construction and operation would not include sources of lead emissions and would not exceed the numerical indicators for lead. Unleaded fuel and unleaded paints have virtually eliminated lead emissions from commercial land use projects that may occur under the Proposed Project. As a result, lead emissions are not further evaluated in this Draft EIR. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1351 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-38 • 150 pounds per day for PM10, and • 55 pounds per day for PM2.5. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1352 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-39 Regional operational emissions exceed any of the following SCAQMD prescribed daily emissions thresholds (SCAQMD, 2015b): • 55 pounds a day for VOC, • 55 pounds per day for NOX, • 150 pounds per day for PM10, and • 55 pounds per day for PM2.5. Construction Construction of the growth anticipated by the proposed General Plan has the potential to temporarily emit criteria air pollutant emissions through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment, and through vehicle trips generated by workers and haul trucks. In addition, fugitive dust emissions would result from demolition and various soil-handling activities. Mobile source emissions, primarily NOX and PM emissions (i.e., PM10 and PM2.5), would result from the use of diesel-powered on- and off-road vehicles and equipment. Construction emissions can vary substantially from day-to-day, depending on the level of activity and the specific type of construction activity. Information regarding the specific development projects and location of receptors for those projects is required in order to model specific emissions throughout the buildout horizon. Construction activities are anticipated to occur at various levels throughout the 20-year buildout horizon (2020 to 2040). Since specific projects are unknown at this time, as is the level of intensity of construction over the 20 years, the analysis provides emissions from an anticipated reasonable worst-case construction scenario. Conservatively it was assumed that 10 percent of total buildout would be constructed in one year. As detailed in the methodology section above, daily emissions were estimated for the construction of a single-family residential project (including a park), a multi-family residential project and three non-residential projects. As timing of construction is unknown, it was assumed that the phase with the greatest emissions from each of the five projects would overlap. Detailed calculations for all individual phases are included in Appendix B. The results of the criteria air pollutant calculations are presented in Table 3.2-5. The calculations used to develop construction emissions incorporate compliance with applicable dust control measures required to be implemented during each phase of construction by SCAQMD Rule 403 (Control of Fugitive Dust), and fugitive VOC control measures required to be implemented by architectural coating emission factors based on SCAQMD Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1353 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-40 Table 3.2-5 Maximum Regional Construction Emissions (lbs/day)a Sourceb VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5 Demolition 2 24 16 <1 2 1 Single Family Residential 11 42 35 <1 12 7 Multi- Family Residential 125 50 51 <1 9 6 Non-Residential 69 33 31 <1 4 2 Maximum Daily Emissions 346 215 194 <1 33 21 SCAQMD Thresholds 75 100 550 150 150 55 Significant? Yes Yes No No No No Notes: a Totals may not add up exactly due to rounding in the modeling calculations. Detailed emissions calculations are provided in Appendix B. b Emissions represent the maximum daily emissions anticipated throughout each of the development types and demolition. Source: ESA, 2019. As shown in Table 3.2-5, construction-related daily emissions would exceed the SCAQMD significance thresholds for VOCs and NOx. Therefore, short-term regional construction emissions would be potentially significant. Operation Operation of the Proposed Project would generate criteria air pollutant emissions from Project- generated vehicle trips traveling within the City, energy sources such as natural gas combustion, and area sources such as landscaping equipment and consumer products usage. The on-road mobile sources related to the operation of the Proposed Project include passenger vehicles, onsite use of off-road equipment and delivery trucks. VMT data, takes into account ridership, mode, and distance on freeways and local streets as provided in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. Projected emissions resulting from operational activities of the Proposed Project are presented in Table 3.2- 6. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1354 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-41 Table 3.2-6 Maximum Regional Operational Emissions (lbs/day)a Sourceb VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5 Area 957 210 1,943 1 26 26 Energy 22 194 113 1 15 15 Mobile 103 1,729 2,774 11 1,155 311 Maximum Daily Emissions 1,082 2,134 4,829 13 1,196 352 SCAQMD Thresholds 55 55 550 150 150 55 Significant? Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Notes: a Totals may not add up exactly due to rounding in the modeling calculations. Detailed emissions calculations are provided in Appendix B. b Emissions represent the maximum daily emissions anticipated throughout each of the development types and demolition. Source: ESA, 2019. As identified in Table 3.2-6, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed regulatory thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. While these thresholds are the only thresholds available for numerically determining significance, it should be noted that these thresholds were specifically developed for use in determining significance for individual projects and not for program-level documents, such as the General Plan. However, as emissions for VOC, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 exceed regulatory thresholds, the regional operational emissions would be potentially significant. Although emissions from buildout exceed regulatory thresholds, with the exception of PM10, emissions from buildout would have less emissions for all other criteria pollutants than total emissions under the existing conditions. This is due to the increases in energy efficiencies for building equipment, implementation of RPS strategies, as well as increases in fuel efficiency increases. The proposed policies of the General Plan listed below would potentially reduce emissions, which could potentially address impacts related to conflicts with an applicable air quality plan. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-P-28, RC-P-30, RC-P-33, RC-P-34, RC-P-37, and CR-P-6, discussed under Impact 3.2- 1. Mitigation Measures Mitigation is necessary to reduce impacts from project construction, specifically with respect to the generation of VOC and NOx emissions. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1355 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-42 MM-AQ-1 Construction Features. Future development projects implemented under the General Plan will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD construction emission thresholds. Where emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD thresholds, the following measures shall be incorporated as necessary to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures. • Require all off-road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) used for this Project to meet USEPA Tier 4 final off-road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. This DPF will reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions during construction activities. • Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling. • Require building materials to contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. • Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products. If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs. MM-AQ-2: Future development. Under the Proposed Project, future development would be or projects where operational emissions exceed regulatory thresholds the following measures may be used to reduce impacts. Note the following measures are not all inclusive and developers have the option to add or substitute measures that are equally or more appropriate for the scope of their project. • Develop a project specific TDM program for residents and/or employees that provides opportunities for carpool/vanpools. • Provide onsite solar/renewable energy in excess of regulatory requirements. • Require that owners/tenants of non-residential or multi-family residential developments use architectural coatings that are 10 grams per liter or less when repainting/repairing properties. • Require dripless irrigation and irrigation sensor units that prevent watering during rain storms. • Ensure all parking areas are wired capability of future EV charging and include EV charging stations that exceed regulatory requirements. Level of Significance After Mitigation: Implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ-1 would reduce the emissions from construction activities with respect to NOx emissions, as shown in Table 3.2-7. While implementation of this mitigation measure would also reduce VOC impacts, the extent to which the impacts would be reduced would have to be determined on a project-by-project basis, as necessary. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1356 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-43 Table 3.2-7 Mitigated Regional Construction Emissions (lbs/day)a Sourceb VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5 Demolition <1 4 16 <1 1 <1 Single Family Residential 8 5 39 <1 9 5 Multi- Family Residential 122 9 54 <1 7 4 Non-Residential 67 9 33 <1 3 1 Maximum Daily Emissions 322 45 207 <1 25 13 SCAQMD Thresholds 75 100 550 150 150 55 Significant? Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes NOTES: a Totals may not add up exactly due to rounding in the modeling calculations. Detailed emissions calculations are provided in Appendix B. b Emissions represent the maximum daily emissions anticipated throughout each of the development types and demolition. Source: ESA, 2019. The exact emissions from construction of development anticipated by the Proposed Project cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which mitigation can be applied. Individual projects anticipated by the proposed General Plan Update will be required to implement their own environmental review. Therefore, it is unknown if emissions with the implementation of MM-AQ-1 can reduce emissions of all criteria pollutants to below regulatory levels. Therefore, short-term regional construction emissions would be significant and unavoidable. With respect to operational emissions, future development under the General Plan Update would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and the proposed General Plan Update policies and actions. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects, it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no feasible mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans and Mitigation Measure MM-2, that would reduce impacts. Therefore, long-term regional operational emissions would be significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1357 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-44 Impact 3.2-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. (Significant and Unavoidable) Criteria air pollutant emissions have the potential to result in health impacts on sensitive receptors located near new development within the Proposed Project area. As discussed previously, localized impacts are associated with onsite activities. In addition to these localized impacts, vehicle travel associated with the Proposed Project has the potential to result in exposure of sensitive receptors to CO emissions from intersection congestion. Based on the nature and extent of new development, nearby sensitive receptors could be exposed to levels of toxic air contaminants that could result in a potential increase in cancer, acute, and/or chronic risk. The Proposed Project would potentially cause a significant impact if one of the following would occur: Localized emissions from NO2 and CO for the Proposed Project, when combined with existing ambient concentrations, would exceed the CAAQS. Localized emissions from PM10 and PM2.5 would result in exceedance of the following incremental increase thresholds: • 10.4 µg/m3 (24-hour) and 1 µg/m3 of PM10 (Annual) for construction, • 10.4 µg/m3 (24-hour) of PM2.5 for construction, • 2.5 µg/m3 (24-hour) and 1.0 µg/m3 (Annual) of PM10 for operations, and • 2.5 µg/m3 (24-hour) of PM2.5 for operation. Buildout of the Proposed Project would emit carcinogenic materials or TACs that exceed the maximum incremental cancer risk of ten in one million or an acute or chronic hazard index of 1.0; or if cancer burden corresponds to an increase in more than 0.5 excess cancer cases in areas where the Project-related increase in individual cancer risk exceeds 1 in one million. Construction Local Air Quality SCAQMD recommends the evaluation of localized air quality impacts on sensitive receptors in the immediate vicinity of the Project. The thresholds are based on applicable short-term (24-hrs) CAAQS and NAAQS. The screening criteria provided in the Localized Significance Threshold Methodology were used to determine localized construction emissions thresholds for the Project. As discussed previously, localized emissions impacts are only analyzed for onsite emissions of NO2, CO, PM10 and PM2.5. Because the development anticipated by the Proposed Project would be constructed over the 20-year buildout horizon, and throughout the City of Diamond Bar, it is not anticipated that more than one development project would impact the same sensitive receptor at the same time. Therefore, the analysis compares the onsite emissions of each modeled project type to the appropriate screening levels. Results of the localized construction emission calculations are presented in Table 3.2-8. The emissions for increase in construction-related daily emissions for the criteria and precursor pollutants (NOX, CO, PM10, and PM2.5) would be below the SCAQMD thresholds of significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1358 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-45 Therefore, Project-related localized construction emissions would result in a less than significant impact. Table 3.2-8 Unmitigated Localized Construction Emissions (lbs/day)a Source NOX CO PM10 PM2.5 2 Acre Screening Analysis Demolition 21 15 2 1 Non-Residential 31 29 3 2 Maximum Emissions 31 29 3 2 Screening Level 83 885 6 4 Exceed Screening Level? No No No No 5 Acre Screening Analysis Single-Family Residential 42 33 9 6 Multi- Family Residential 50 33 9 6 Maximum Emissions 50 33 9 6 Screening Level 131 1,556 12 7 Exceed Screening Level? No No No No Notes: a Totals may not add up exactly due to rounding in the modeling calculations. Detailed emissions calculations are provided in Appendix B. Source: ESA, 2019. Operational Local Air Quality SCAQMD recommends the evaluation of localized air quality impacts on sensitive receptors in the immediate vicinity of the Project. However, the impacts are based on specific equipment and operations. Because the exact nature, location, and operation of the future developments are unknown, quantification of potential localized operational risk would be speculative. However, as operation of these future developments will occur within close proximity to sensitive receptors, there is the potential for localized emissions to exceed regulatory levels. Therefore, localized operational emissions with respect to the Proposed Project would be potentially significant. Intersection Hotspot Analysis The potential for the Project to cause or contribute to CO hotspots is evaluated by comparing project intersections (both intersection geometry and traffic volumes) with prior studies conducted by SCAQMD in support of their AQMPs and considering existing background CO concentrations. As discussed below, this comparison demonstrates that the Proposed Project would not cause or contribute considerably to the formation of CO hotspots, that CO concentrations at project impacted intersections would remain well below the ambient air quality standards, and that no further CO analysis is warranted or required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1359 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-46 As shown previously in Table 3.2-2, CO levels in the Proposed Project area are substantially below the Federal and State standards. Maximum CO levels in recent years are 2.1 ppm (1-hour average) and 1.8 ppm (8-hour average) compared to the thresholds of 20 ppm (1-hour average) and 9.0 ppm (8-hour average). CO levels decreased dramatically in the Air Basin with the introduction of the catalytic converter in 1975. No exceedances of CO have been recorded at monitoring stations in the Air Basin for some time and the Air Basin is currently designated as a CO attainment area for both the CAAQS and NAAQS. Thus, it is not expected that CO levels at Proposed Project-impacted intersections would rise to the level of an exceedance of these standards. Additionally, SCAQMD conducted CO modeling for the 2003 AQMP for the four worst-case intersections in the Air Basin: (1) Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue; (2) Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue; (3) La Cienega Boulevard and Century Boulevard; and (4) Long Beach Boulevard and Imperial Highway. In the 2003 AQMP, SCAQMD notes that the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue is the most congested intersection in Los Angeles County, with an average daily traffic volume of approximately 100,000 vehicles per day. This intersection is located near the on- and off-ramps to Interstate 405 in West Los Angeles. The evidence provided in the 2003 AQMP (Table 4-10 of Appendix V) shows that the peak modeled CO concentration due to vehicle emissions at these four intersections was 4.6 ppm (1-hour average) and 3.2 (8-hour average) at Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. When added to the existing background CO concentrations, the screening values would be 7.6 ppm (1-hour average) and 6.2 ppm (8-hour average). traffic levels exceed 100,000 vehicles per day at any project impacted intersection, there would be the potential for significant impacts and dispersion modeling would need to be conducted to determine project level impacts. Based on Chapter 3.12: Transportation, of the studied intersections under the buildout horizon, the intersection with the maximum potential peak traffic would be that of Grand Ave and Golden Springs Drive. This intersection would have peak volumes of approximately 62,500 vehicles per day, which is below the 100,000 vehicles per day in the 2003 AQMP. As a result, CO concentrations are expected to be less than those estimated in the 2003 AQMP, which would not exceed the applicable thresholds. Thus, this comparison demonstrates that the Proposed Project would not contribute considerably to the formation of CO hotspots and no further CO analysis is required. The Project would result in less than significant impacts with respect to CO hotspots. Toxic Air Contaminants Construction and operation of the Proposed Project would result in emissions of TAC, predominantly from diesel particulate emissions from on- and off-road vehicles during construction and from the operation of diesel fueled equipment or generators during operational activities. Because the exact nature, location, and operation of the future developments are unknown, and because health risk impacts from TACs are cumulative over the life of the nearby receptors, quantification of potential health risks would be speculative. However, as construction and operation of these future developments will occur within close proximity to sensitive receptors, there is the potential for risk to exceed regulatory levels. Therefore, health risk with respect to the development anticipated by the Proposed Project would be potentially significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1360 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-47 Health Impacts Because regional emissions exceed the SCAQMD regulatory thresholds during construction and operational activities, there is the potential that these emissions would exceed the CAAQS and NAAQS thus resulting in a health impact. Without knowing the exact specifications for all projects that may be developed under the General Plan Update, there is no way to accurately calculate the potential for health impacts from the overall Proposed Project. Individual projects will be required to provide their own environmental assessments to determine health impacts from the construction and operation of their projects. Because there is no way to determine the potential for these projects to affect health of sensitive receptors within the City of Diamond Bar, the Proposed Project would result in potentially significant health impacts. The proposed policies of the General Plan listed below would potentially reduce emissions, which could potentially reduce impacts related to conflicts with an applicable air quality plan. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-P-28, RC-P-30, RC-P-33, RC-P-34, RC-P-35, RC-P-37, and CR-P-7, discussed under Impact 3.2-1. Mitigation Measures Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-AQ-1 (detailed under Impact 3.2-2) would reduce impacts with respect to toxic air contaminants, as well as, health impacts by reducing emissions of criteria pollutants due to more efficient construction equipment. Level of Significance After Mitigation: With respect to local operational emissions, and construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts, future development under the General Plan would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and the proposed General Plan policies and actions. Implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ-1 would also reduce criteria pollutant emissions. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects, it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no feasible mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans and mitigation measures MM-1 and MM-2 that would further reduce impacts. Therefore, localized operational impacts, construction and operational health and toxic air impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1361 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-48 Impact 3.2-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors adversely affecting a substantial number of people). (Significant and Unavoidable) The Proposed Project would have a potentially significant odor impact if it results in odors that affect a substantial number of people. Further the Proposed Project could potentially cause or contribute to an exceedance of an ambient air quality standard with respect to CO and Sox, if the following would occur: Regional construction emissions from both direct and indirect sources would exceed any of the following SCAQMD prescribed daily emissions thresholds (SCAQMD, 2015b): • 550 pounds per day for CO, • 150 pounds per day for SOX, Regional operational emissions exceed any of the following SCAQMD prescribed daily emissions thresholds (SCAQMD, 2015b): • 550 pounds per day for CO, • 150 pounds per day for SOX, Construction Odors Potential sources that may emit odors during construction activities include the use of architectural coatings and solvents. SCAQMD Rule 1113 (Architectural Coatings) limits the amount of VOCs from architectural coatings and solvents. According to the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, construction equipment is not a typical source of odors. Odors from the combustion of diesel fuel would be minimized by complying with the CARB ATCM that limits diesel-fueled commercial vehicle idling to 5 minutes at any given location, which was adopted in 2004. The Proposed Project would also comply with SCAQMD Rule 402 (Nuisance), which prohibits the emissions of nuisance air contaminants or odorous compounds. Through adherence with mandatory compliance with SCAQMD Rules and State measures, construction activities and materials would not create objectionable odors. Construction of the Proposed would not be expected to generate nuisance odors at nearby air quality sensitive receptors. Impacts with respect to odors would be less than significant. Regional Emissions Table 3.2-5, under Impact 3.2-ainment pollutants CO and SOx. As shown, construction-related daily emissions would not exceed the SCAQMD significance thresholds for these attainment pollutants. Therefore, short-term regional construction emissions would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1362 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-49 Operational Odors The Proposed growth in residential, office, retail/restaurant, commercial, and park land uses and are not expected to introduce substantial sources of other emissions, including odors. According to the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, land uses associated with odor complaints typically include agricultural uses, wastewater treatment plants, food processing plants, chemical plants, composting, refineries, landfills, dairies, and fiberglass molding. The Proposed Project would not involve elements related to these types of uses. The Proposed Project would include various trash receptacles. On-site trash receptacles used by the Proposed Project would be covered and properly maintained to prevent adverse odors. With proper housekeeping practices, trash receptacles would be maintained in a manner that promotes odor control, and no adverse odor impacts are anticipated from the uses. Impacts with respect to odors would be less than significant. Regional Emissions As identified in Table 3.2-6, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed regulatory thresholds for CO. Emissions of SOx are well below regulatory thresholds. While these thresholds are the only thresholds available for numerically determining significance, it should be noted that these thresholds were specifically developed for use in determining significance for individual projects and not for program level documents such as the General Plan. However, as emissions for CO exceed regulatory thresholds, the regional operational emissions would be potentially significant. The proposed policies of the General Plan listed below would potentially reduce emissions, which would potentially reduce impacts related to conflicts with an applicable air quality plan. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-P-28, RC-P-30, RC-P-33, RC-P-34, RC-P-35, RC-P-37, and CR-P-7, discussed under Impact 3.2-1. Mitigation Measures None available. Level of Significance After Mitigation: With respect to operational emissions, future development under the proposed General Plan would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and the proposed General Plan policies and actions. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects, it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would reduce impacts. Therefore, long-term regional operational emissions would be significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1363 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.2: Air Quality 3.2-50 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1364 3.3 Biological Resources This section assesses potential environmental impacts on existing biological resources from anticipated development under the Proposed Project, including those related to sensitive species and/or habitats, riparian or streamside resources under the jurisdiction of federal or State agencies, and adopted regulations or policies. The section describes biological resources in the Planning Area, including habitats, wetlands, critical habitat, and special-status species, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were numerous comments received on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments included the following topics specific to Biological Resources. • The California Oaks Coalition of the California Wildlife Foundation (CWF) expressed concern that the habitat mapping used in the General Plan materials does not accurately r recent available data of habitat types and special status species within the Planning Area. • A member of the public stated that Tonner Canyon (and 75 percent of Tres Hermanos Ranch) should remain as open space and a wildlife corridor, and that development destroys trees, vegetation, and wildlife, but it also adds to the traffic and pollution. The proposed General Plan designates the Sphere of Influence, which includes Tonner Canyon, as a Significant Ecological Area. The Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority has acquired Tres Hermanos and limits the use of the property to open space, public use, or preservation. • A member of the public stated that accurate inventory and scientific study should be mitigation and adaptation, water filtration and greenhouse gas mitigation, and noise abatement. They added that there needs to be an accurate inventory and study of the biological resources and sensitive habitats throughout Diamond Bar and how these will be affected by all proposed land-use changes and potential developments. The member of the public questioned the methodology used to assess sensitive habitats and watersheds in the Planning Area within the Existing Conditions Report. This chapter assesses impacts associated with biological resources in the Planning Area, and other topics mentioned in this comment letter are discussed in Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases and Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality. The assessment of sensitive habitats and watersheds in this EIR is based on literature review and the Hamilton Biological Resources Report, as discussed below, rather than on the Existing Conditions Report. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1365 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-2 • A representative from Hills for Everyone (HFE) requested that the EIR discuss how the General Plan addresses existing and planned wildlife movement corridors; incorporates planning features to add wildlife movement corridors; protect endangered, threatened, or species of special concern; protect federally or state designated critical habitat; protect sensitive habitat; ensure bird migration routes are available for the Pacific Flyway; ensure new developments reduce impacts to wildland areas; reduce habitat fragmentation in existing wildland areas; and limit edge effects in existing wildland areas. These topics are addressed in the analysis within this chapter. • HFE requested that the General Plan update figures of special-status plant and animal species. Figures 3.3-3 and 3.3-4 are based on 2019 CNDDB data. • A representative from Save the Tres Hermanos Group stated that the City of Diamond Bar should establish a wildlife corridor connecting Chino Hills State Park, City of Diamond Bar, Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor and Whittier Narrows located on the Tres Hermanos property bordering Chino Hills, Brea, and Pomona. Natural open space like Tres Hermanos should be considered for preservation or enhanced to support human safety, watersheds, green infrastructure and create habitat connectivity to larger land parcels. The representative stated that these resources need to be thoroughly identified, documented, and the potential impacts be stated in the General Plan and EIR. Impact 3.3- 4 discusses preservation of and potential impacts to wildlife corridors in the Planning Area. This assessment addresses each of these comments in a manner consistent with industry accepted standards for programmatic EIRs according to CEQA Guidelines. Environmental Setting FIELD RECONNAISSANCE ESA (Environmental Science Associates) biologists conducted a reconnaissance survey on August 25, 2016, to develop a broad-scale classification of the vegetation communities within the Planning Area. Prior to field surveys, a desktop analysis was conducted to obtain contextual information relevant to the area. Mapping and habitat types were compiled based on a desktop analysis of 2015 aerial imagery, as well as the reconnaissance survey to confirm natural communities as interpreted from aerial imagery (Google Maps 2015) and the reconnaissance-level inspection. Hamilton Biological, Inc. conducted a reconnaissance level survey as well. The context of this biological resources assessment is a program EIR. As such, no specific site assessments or focused surveys were performed. However, it should be noted that site specific assessments and focused surveys have been conducted in areas of future development anticipated by the Proposed Project where the occurrence of special status species do exist. The Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan, South Pointe West Specific Plan, and Site D Specific Plan previously completed assessments of biological resources located within their planning areas. The City of Industry has completed multiple site specific assessments of Tonner Canyon. A study funded by Diamond Bar residents, Diamond Bar Responsible Land Use, Diamond Bar Preservation Alliance, and the Sierra Club (known as the Hamilton Biological Report) analyzed biological resources within the City of Diamond Bar as of February 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1366 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-3 Physical Setting The City is located in southeast Los Angeles County within the Puente-Chino Hills complex. Topographically, much of the City exhibits steep to gently rolling slopes and ridges with intervening narrow canyons. Along its southeastern boundary, the City includes portions of the Tonner Canyon land within the City limits consists of developed land, primarily residential communities, businesses, schools, roads, and small parks. The incorporated city encompasses approximately 9,526 acres; and, the SOI encompasses approximately 3,513 acres for a total Planning Area of approximately 13,039 acres. Vegetation Communities and Other Land Cover Types1 The classification system and descriptions of the vegetation communities provided herein are based on Sawyer et. al. (2009) vegetation classifications, and more specifically the Sawyer et. al. (2009) vegetation alliances (Sawyer, Keeler-Wolf, & Evens, 2009). 2 Alliances, in turn, are broken into associations.3 There are several classification systems that are used industry-wide. For purposes of this assessment addressing the resources within the 13,039-acre Planning Area, Sawyer et. al. was considered to be the most appropriate, particularly since the Planning Area is large and future projects will involve site-specific assessments. As such, the following characterization of vegetation in the Planning Area is initially identified by its general composition and structure (woodland, shrubland, or grassland/herbland). Within the description of the general vegetation type, the alliance used by Sawyer et. al. is provided, followed by the more distinctive plant associations, or alliances within the Planning Area. Therefore, this classification system and the vegetation mapping shown in Figure 3.3-1 should be used as a guide for future site-specific assessments. Table 3.3-1 identifies the basic vegetation communities and land cover types within the Planning Area. A description of each vegetation community type is provided following the table. Table 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types within Diamond Bar and Its SOI ID Type Within City Limits (Acres) Within Sphere of Influence (Acres) TOTAL Planning Area (Acres) DEV Developed 6,435.78 6,435.78 DIS Disturbed 5.85 15.95 21.80 1 The reader should note that the classification system has been changed from a more general classification, as initially described, to one more current and consistent with the CDFW and its affiliate organizations. 2 A vegetation alliance is a classification unit containing one or more associations and defined by a characteristic range of species composition, habitat conditions, physiognomy, and diagnostic species, typically at least one of which is found in the uppermost or dominant vegetation 3 A vegetation association is a classification unit defined on the basis of a more defined range of species composition, diagnostic species occurrences, habitat conditions and physiognomy. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1367 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-4 DS Disturbed Shrubland 125.43 107.42 232.85 GC Diamond Bar Golf Course 172.25 172.25 NNR Non-Native Semi-Natural Riparian 13.61 13.61 NNW Non-Native Woodland 28.56 28.56 NO/WW Native Oak / Walnut Woodland 1,162.98 819.30 1,982.28 NS/S Natural Shrublands and Scrub 490.95 1,922.66 2,413.61 RW/S Riparian Woodland and Scrub 9.97 54.51 64.48 SNHS Semi-Natural Herbaceous Stands 1,080.57 593.01 1,673.58 TOTAL 9,525.96 3,512.84 13,038.8 0 Source: Environmental Science Associates, 2019. Native Oak and Walnut Woodlands Although considered distinct vegetation alliances by Sawyer et. al., there is a high degree of intermixing between the oak woodland alliance and walnut woodland alliance. For the purpose of this assessment it was not practical to distinguish between the two over the mosaic these alliances form in the City and SOI. However, this distinction may need to be determined at the project- specific level. The Quercus agrifolia woodland alliance, or coast live oak woodland, is one where coast live oak is dominant or co-dominant in the tree canopy. Depending on the classification author, >50% to >60% of the relative tree cover is associated with coast live oaks. Typically, shrub cover is sparse to intermittent. Underlying herbaceous cover is sparse or grassy. Within the Planning Area, it is found in canyon bottoms, stream banks and on slopes and flats where soils are deep with high organic matter. There are several associations that could occur in the Planning Area. These include pure stands of coast live oak, pure stands of coast live oak with understories of annual forbs and grasses, greenbark ceanothus (Ceanothus spinosus), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), white sage (Salvia apiana), or black sage (Salvia mellifera), and mixed stands with coast live oak and California walnut (Juglans californica) and other tree species. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1368 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-5 In comparison, the Juglans californica woodland alliance, or California walnut groves, is one where the California walnut is dominant or co-dominate in the tree canopy. Typically, membership rules are >50% relative cover by California walnut in the tree canopy or >30% relative cover by California walnut with the presence of coast live oak. The largest stands of this alliance are found in the Puente Hills and the Chino Hills that include the Planning Area (Quinn, 1989). There are several associations that are found in the Planning Area including California walnut with an understory of annual forbs and grasses, California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), greenbark ceanothus, toyon, or laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and mixed stands with California walnut and coast live oak. As can be seen in the above description of these alliances, there can be misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed from a distance or in aerial photography, particularly in the winter when the winter-deciduous California walnut has no leaves. For this reason, the mapping of these alliances in Figure 3.3-1 should be viewed as being subject to site-specific investigations. Native Shrublands and Scrub Native shrubland and scrub alliances include various compositions of coastal sage scrub and chaparral. The Adenostoma fasciculatum shrubland alliance, or chamise chaparral, may be present as a monotypic stand association and in associations with annual forbs and grasses, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and toyon. This alliance and its associations are dominated by chamise in stands where its relative cover is >50%. This alliance can occur over varied topography with commonly shallow soils. Stands where chamise is co-dominant with white sage in the shrub canopy (both 30-60% relative cover) are classified by Sawyer et. al as an Adenostoma fasciculatum-Salvia apiana shrubland alliance, or chamise-white sage chaparral. This alliance is more typical of south to east-facing slopes. Similarly, the Adenostoma fasciculatum-Salvia mellifera shrubland alliance, or chamise-black sage chaparral is co-dominated by chamise and black sage (30-60% relative canopy cover). A variety of coastal sage scrub alliances may be found in the Planning Area. These include: Artemisia californica shrubland alliance, or California sagebrush scrub, where California sagebrush comprises >60% of the shrub canopy; Artemisia californica-Eriogonum fasciculatum shrubland alliance, or California sagebrush-California buckwheat scrub, where these two species both have 30-60% relative cover; Artemisia californica-Salvia mellifera shrubland alliance, or California sagebrush-black sage scrub, where these two species both comprise 30-60% of the relative cover; Baccharis pilularis shrubland alliance, or coyote brush scrub, where coyote brush is present in >50% of the relative cover; Eriogonum fasciculatum shrubland alliance, or California buckwheat scrub, where this species comprises >50% relative cover; Eriogonum fasciculatum- Salvia apiana shrubland alliance, or California buckwheat-white sage scrub, where these two species are both 30-60% relative cover; Acmispon glaber scrub, or deer weed scrub , where cover by deer weed is >50%; and, Opuntia littoralis shrubland alliance, or coast prickly pear scrub, where this species represents >30% of the relative cover. There are a number of more distinct associations these alliances may form. Usually these are described as the species defining the alliance followed by one or two other species that are not dominant or co-dominant, but are common in the stand. As with the native oak and walnut woodlands, there can be considerable overlap and mixing of shrubland and scrub alliances which can lead to misinterpretations of the alliance type when viewed 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1369 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-6 from a distance or in aerial photography, particularly in the summer when many scrub species are deciduous. For this reason, the mapping of these alliances and their mixtures in Figure 3.3-1 should be considered to be subject to site-specific investigations. Riparian Woodland and Scrub There are four noteworthy drainage features in the Planning Area where distinctively riparian vegetation is found. A Salix lasiolepis shrubland alliance, or arroyo willow thicket, is found along Brea Canyon Creek downstream of residential development, along Tonner Canyon Creek within ary of Tonner Canyon Creek above Arnold Reservoir. There are likely to be other willow species (Salix sp.) as well as mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), but arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) is the dominant plant in these areas. In upper Tonner Canyon there is also a small stand of Platanus racemosa woodland alliance, or California sycamore woodland. The soils appear to be rocky or cobble alluvium. Spread throughout this stand are coast live oak and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana). Semi-Natural Herbaceous Stands Sawyer et. al. provides for the classification of various semi-natural stands, several of which are likely to occur in the Planning Area. These and their associated membership rules are described below. Avena (fatua, barbata) semi-natural herbaceous stands, or wild oats grasslands, are described as being over 50-75% relative cover by wild oats (Avena fatua, A. barbata) with <5% absolute cover by native plants or <10% relative cover by the herbaceous layer, depending on the classification system. Brassica nigra and other mustards semi-natural herbaceous stands, or upland mustards, are stands where non-native mustard species (Brassica sp., Hirschfeldia incana) are dominant in the herbaceous layer. Bromus rubens-Schismus (arabicus, barbatus) semi-natural herbaceous stands, or red brome or Mediterranean grass grasslands are stands that have >80% relative cover by red brome (Bromus rubens) and/or Mediterranean grasses (Schismus arabicus, S. barbatus). Often broadly grouped as annual grasslands, these stands may support populations of scattered or limited native species, some of which are of a special status. Therefore, it is important to have project applicants arrange for spring and/or fall surveys when special status plants are blooming. Non-Native Semi-Natural Riparian Stands Non-native riparian consists of densely vegetated riparian thickets heavily dominated by invasive plant species. Within the City, this community consists largely of Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta), Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.). Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and ornamental pines (Pinus sp.) also occur within this community. There is some presence of arroyo willow and coast live oak, but natives such as these make up less than 25 percent of the vegetation cover within this community. Non-native semi-natural riparian stands are located in a single patch that runs along the south side of State Route 60 in the northern portion of the City. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1370 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-7 Disturbed Disturbed areas have been physically altered by previous human activity and are no longer able to support recognizable or complete vegetation alliances. The soil is often highly compacted or frequently disturbed. Disturbed habitat within the City has shown evidence of disking or high compaction. Included in this classification are Disturbed and Disturbed Shrubland categories Developed Developed/urban and suburban areas have been physically altered to the point in which they can no longer support native vegetation. The land cover type includes areas with permanent or semi- permanent structures, pavement or other hardscape, and landscaped areas that require irrigation. Developed land constitutes nearly three-quarters of the land within the City limits as well as localized areas of the SOI. It includes businesses, residences, schools, parks, highways and other roads, sidewalks, and irrigated landscapes. Within the areas called out as developed land cover there may be some oak trees, walnut trees, or other small pockets of native habitat. However, these pockets are generally too small and isolated to support other than urban- and suburban-adapted wildlife species. Non-Native Woodland Non-native woodland typically consists of planted or invasive, non-native trees, often characterized by eucalyptus. Within the City and its SOI, non-native woodland consists of Brazilian pepper trees, ornamental pines, eucalyptus, and acacia (Acacia sp.), among others. Wildlife Common Wildlife The vegetation alliances discussed above provide wildlife habitat for a wide range of species. While a few wildlife species are entirely dependent on a single natural community or on only a few of these communities, other wildlife species use most or all of the entire mosaic of all the alliances within the Planning Area and adjoining areas. Other species are highly tolerant of urban and suburban environments and proliferate within developed areas. Following is a general discussion of wildlife populations within the City and SOI, segregated by taxonomic group. The list is not exhaustive and represents examples of each taxonomic group either observed, reported, or expected within the Planning Area are provided. It is expected that more detailed lists of wildlife occurrences will be compiled on a project-specific basis. In general, mostly terrestrial amphibian habitats occur within the Planning Area boundaries. As such, amphibian populations are expected to be relatively limited in distribution and number of species. Typical species expected to be present include the western toad (Bufo boreas), western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), California treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina), and black-bellied slender salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris). Although largely terrestrial in their adult stages, water to support reproduction in some species is required in the form of slow flowing streams and temporary pools that are primarily associated with creeks located within Tonner Canyon. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1371 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-8 Reptilian diversity and abundance typically varies with habitat type and character. Some species prefer only one or two natural communities; however, most will forage in a variety of habitats. Some reptile species prefer open habitats that allow free movement and high visibility. Most species occurring in open habitats rely on the presence of small mammal burrows or rock fissures for cover and to escape from predators and extreme weather. Reptile species expected to occur within the Planning Area include, but are not limited to, western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri), San Diego gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus annectens), California kingsnake (Lampropeltis califoriae), ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus) and striped racer (Coluber lateralis). A number of additional species have a potential to reside within the Planning Area as well. Habitats within the City and its SOI provide foraging and cover habitat for year-round and seasonal avian residents including birds of prey, perching birds and running birds. Avian species commonly observed within the Planning Area include, the California towhee (Pipilo crissalis), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), common raven (Corvus corax), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura Calypte anna Thryomanes bewickii), cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), and California quail (Callipepla californica), among many others. The habitats within the City and its SOI also provide some foraging and breeding habitat for raptors. Raptorial species that are expected to be frequently observed or heard include the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), white tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), Accipiter cooperi), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Mammals expected consist of several rodents and medium-sized species, including the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans), desert wood rat (Neotoma lepida), California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis), and valley pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). In addition, there are several larger mammals known to occur in the Planning Area, including coyote (Canis latrans), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), bobcat (Felis rufus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands The Planning Area includes portions of four watersheds, parts of which have been channelized. These include the upper and middle sections of Tonner Creek; Diamond Bar Creek from its upper watershed to its confluence with San Jose Creek; Brea Canyon, much of which has been channelized prior to its leaving the City limits but remaining naturalized throughout the SOI; and San Jose Creek which is mostly channelized. In California, certain drainage features and the associated riparian resources fall under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and CDFW. These features can include: perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams; lakes, ponds, and other impounded water bodies; and wet meadows and wetlands. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1372 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-9 Whereas the ACOE and RWQCB use the ordinary high water mark to determine their jurisdiction, CDFW includes the bed, banks, and associated riparian habitat within its jurisdiction. In order to assess the locations of potentially jurisdictional waterways within the City and the SOI, a preliminary desktop analysis was performed based on the blue line streams depicted on 7.5 minute USGS topographic maps. Blue line streams were assessed based on a 2015 aerial of the City (Google Maps 2015). For this assessment, areas of blue line streams that have since been developed were removed, and potentially jurisdictional drainages were added based off the topographic relief and aerial (Figure 3.3-2). Additional jurisdictional drainages are likely to occur within the City and its SOI and project-specific field surveys will need to be performed to determine the potential presence of jurisdictional features. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1373 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57 Coast Live Oak Woodland Sycamore Alluvial Woodland Non-Native Woodland Non-Native Grassland Non-Native Riparian Southern Willow Scrub Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Diamond Bar Golf Course Developed City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.3-1: Vegetation Communities California Walnut Woodland / Coast Live Oak Woodland California Walnut Woodland / Coast Live Oak Woodland / Venturan Coastal Sage Scrub California Walnut Woodland 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1374 !(T GOLDENSPRINGSDREVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S.PEACEFU LHILLSR D Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOM ING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLD SPRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: ESA, 2019; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Blueline Streams Potentially Jurisdictional Drainages City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.3-2: Major Waterways and Tributaries 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1375 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-12 Critical Habitat United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for listed plant or wildlife species does not occur within the Planning Area. The nearest critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor in the City of Puente Hills located to the southwest of the SOI. Additional critical habitat for the Coastal California gnatcatcher is located within the City of Walnut but is not adjacent to the Planning Area boundaries. Sensitive Natural Communities4 The City boundaries and SOI contain vegetation alliances considered sensitive by CDFW due to their scarcity and/or because they support special status plant and wildlife species. A listing of all alliances that occur in the Planning Area and their global and state sensitivity levels is provided in Table 3.3-2. The definition of the levels is provided at the end of the table. The reader should note that all vegetation associations associated with the listed alliances below are considered to be at the same sensitivity level as the alliance. Table 3.3-2 Sensitive Natural Communities/Habitats within the City and Its SOI Alliance State Level Global level Considered Sensitive Juglans California Woodland Alliance S3 G3 Yes Adenostoma fasciculatum-Salvia apiana Shrubland Alliance S3 G3 Yes Opuntia littoralis Shrubland S3 G4 Yes (High) Platanus racemosa Woodland Alliance S3 G3 Yes Quercus agrifolia Woodland Alliance S4 G5 Yes Salix lasiolepis Shrubland Alliance S4 G4 Yes Eriogonum fasciculatum-Salvia apiana Shrubland Alliance S4 G4 No Artemisia californica-Eriogonum fasciculatum Shrubland Alliance S4 G4 Yes Eriogonum fasciculatum-Salvia mellifera Shrubland Alliance S4 G4 Yes Adenostoma fasciculatum Shrubland Alliance S5 G5 No 4 Natural Communities have been part of the Natural Heritage conservation triad, along with Diversity Data Base (CNDDB -1990s, however, CDFW and our partners, including the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), have been working on classifying vegetation types using the new state standards embodied in the Survey of California Vegetation, which comply with the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1376 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-13 Table 3.3-2 Sensitive Natural Communities/Habitats within the City and Its SOI Alliance State Level Global level Considered Sensitive Adenostoma fasciculatum-Salvia mellifera Shrubland Alliance S4 G4 Yes Artemisia californica Shrubland Alliance S5 G5 Yes Baccharis pilularis Shrubland Alliance S5 G5 No Eriogonum fasciculatum Shrubland Alliance S5 G5 No Acmispon glaber Shrubland Alliance S5 G5 No Notes: Ranking of alliances according to their degree of imperilment (as measured by rarity, trends, and threats) Heritage Methodology, in which all alliances are listed with a S (state) rank and G (global) rank. State Ranking: The state rank (S-rank) is assigned much the same way as the global rank, but state ranks refer to S1 = Critically Imperiled Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S2 = Imperiled Imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S3 = Vulnerable Vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S4 = Apparently Secure Uncommon but not rare in the state; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. S5 = Secure Common, widespread, and abundant in the state. Global Ranking: The global rank (G-rank) is a reflection of the overall status of an element throughout its global range. Both Global and State ranks represent a letter and number score that reflects a combination of Rarity, Threat, and Trend factors, with weighting being heavier on Rarity than the other two. G1 = Critically Imperiled At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. G2 = Imperiled At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. G3 = Vulnerable At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. G4 = Apparently Secure Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. G5 = Secure Common; widespread and abundant. Source: Environmental Science Associates, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1377 Wildlife Corridors Early definitions of habitat corridors approached the concept from a very literal perspective historically connected habitat/natural areas, and are meant to facilitate movement between these natural areas. More recent definitions reflect a broadened understanding of movement and habitat corridors, which are now described as components of the landscape that facilitate the movement of organisms and processes between areas of intact habitat including both biotic processes (e.g. animal movement, plant propagation, genetic exchange) and abiotic processes (water, energy, materials). In broad terms, there are three types of wildlife movement in corridors: • Dispersal- one-way movement away from a home site; • Migration- round trip seasonal movements; and, • Home range- movements to support daily movements including breeding, resting and foraging. There are generally three habitat types within wildlife corridors: • Transitional habitat- suitable only for movement of a disperser; • Marginal habitat- allows survival and sometimes reproduction; and, • Survival habitat- All of these types of corridors and habitats exist in the Planning Area and to varying degrees provide habitat connectivity. These include current open space areas and the natural areas of City parks and the SOI and, to a lesser degree mature ornamental woodlands. Connectivity can be broken the physical relationship between landscape elements whereas functional connectivity describes the degree to which landscapes actually facilitate or impede the movement of organisms and processes. Functional connectivity is a product of both landscape structure and the response of organisms and processes to this structure. Thus, functional connectivity or corridor permeability is both species- and landscape-specific. Distinguishing between these two types of connectivity is important because structural connectivity does not imply functional connectivity. That is, in contrast to landscape connectivity which characterizes the capacity of individual species to move between areas of habitat via corridors and habitat linkage zones permeability refers to the degree to which regional landscapes, encompassing a variety of natural, semi-natural and developed land cover types, are conducive to wildlife movement and sustain ecological processes. Major roadway arterials, suburban development and areas of intense human activity are examples of non-natural features that can result in a corridor being highly impermeable to many wildlife species. Tonner Canyon, to the southeast of the City within wildlife movement corridor that provides a linkage between the Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains (via the Cold Canyon State Route undercrossing that has been converted from vehicular movement to wildlife movement) and the Chino Hills (including the 14,000-acre Chino Hills State Park). From the State Park, the corridor continues to the west through Tonner 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1378 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-15 Canyon into the Puente Hills. The importance of Tonner Canyon is due not only to its being largely undeveloped, but also its funneling effect on wildlife movement to the only natural undercrossing of State Route 57. Figure 3.3-3 provides a general delineation of the corridor in relation to the Planning Area. The corridor, known as the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, has been the subject of several research studies on the amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The results of these studies are summarized in Spencer, along with his own analysis (Spencer, 2005). According to Spencer, this corridor appears to be functional for at least large mammals and birds, such as mountain lions, bobcat, coyote, mule deer, California gnatcatcher, and northern harrier, although moving west from the Chino Hills there is a declining gradient of amphibian and reptile diversity. The same may hold true for small mammals as the result increasing edge effects and barriers to movement. The Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor has also been the focus of the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA), a public and private coalition, and the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority that obtain funds to purchase land for the corridor. In addition to the ecological importance of the corridor, the SOI has been designated as a component of the Los Angeles County General Plan Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) that identifies biologically significant areas in which a balance between land development and conservation is deemed necessary (Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning 2009). not jeopardize the unique biotic diversity within the County. called Tonner Canyon-Puente Hills SEA), is part of SEA #15, which is adjacent to the southern border of the City (Figure 3.3-4). SEA 15, with its diverse mixture of habitats including grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian, and oak and walnut woodlands, offers a rich ecosystem range of wildlife and plant species, as well as numerous special status species. SEA 15, as well as Tonner Canyon as a whole, is regionally important to many resident and migrating species, especially large mammals, wintering raptors, and songbirds, in large part due to regional the biological significance of SEA 15 and, at one time, had established its own SEA Technical Advisory Committee to provide advice regarding projects adjacent to the SEA. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1379 !(T GOLDENSPRINGSDREVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S.PEACEFU LHILLSR D Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAMO N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I NG RD S UNSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M I N O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENAD R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IAM O N D BA RBLV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y ON C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA L C O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELW YMAPLEHILLRDMONTEFINOAVEGREATBENDD R SYLVAN G LE N RD HIGHLA N D V LY RD D E C O R AH R D S E A GREEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: ESA, 2019; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Puente/Chino Hills Movement Corridor City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.3-3: Puente/Chino Hills Movement Corridor 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1380 !(T GOLDENSPRINGSDREVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S.PEACEFU LHILLSR D Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOM ING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLD SPRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: ESA, 2019; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Significant Ecological Area (Existing)City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.3-4: Significant Ecological Area 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1381 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-18 Special-Status Species Special Status Plants Sensitive plants include those listed, or candidates for listing, by the USFWS and CDFW, and species considered sensitive by the CNPS (particularly Lists 1A, 1B, and 2). Several sensitive plant species were reported in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) as recorded within a 12-quad search of the City and its SOI, although the majority of these species are not expected to be present for one or both of the following reasons: suitable habitat to support the species is not present within the Planning Area; or the species occurrences are highly localized some distance from the Planning Area. Table 3.3-3 describes the habitat requirements and status of each sensitive plant species with a low, moderate, or high potential to occur within the Planning Area, as determined through the literature review and habitat evaluations made during the reconnaissance survey. Special Status Wildlife Special status wildlife species include those species listed as endangered or threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act FESA or (CESA), candidates for listing by USFW or CDFW, California Species of Special Concern (SSC) by the CDFW, fully protected by CDFW, or on the CDFW watch list. Table 3.3-4 provides a summary of the sensitive wildlife species with a low, moderate, or high potential of occurring within the Planning Area based upon their known geographic ranges, distributions, and preferred habitats. Other Species to Consider In addition to the state and federal listing, the Los Angeles County Sensitive Bird Species Working Group (SBSWG) maintains a list of birds that are considered sensitive at the county level.5 These species are included in Table 3.3-4 insofar as the SBSWG considers them to be vulnerable to extirpation in Los Angeles County and therefore warranting consideration in the environmental consideration of site-specific projects. 5 http://planning.lacounty.gov/site/sea/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LA-Countys-Sensitive-Bird -Species.pdf 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1382 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-19 Table 3.3-3: Special Status Plant Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Angiosperms (Dicotyledons) Asteraceae Sunflower Family Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha Small- flowered microseris 4.2 Cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/clay. Recorded in study area south of Diamond Ranch High School. Senecio aphanactis Rayless ragwort 2B.2 Cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, drying alkaline flats. Puddingstone Dam (1932); moderate potential where habitat occurs. Pseudognaphalium leucocepalum White rabbiy- tobacco 2B.2 Sandy wash habitats Not recorded from the Puente Hills; low potential in study area. Symphyotrichum defoliatum San Bernardino aster 1B.2 Low potential to occur in moist habitats. Recorded from study area vicinity, but possibly extirpated. Brassicaceae Mustard Family Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii pepper grass 4.3 Chaparral and coastal scrub. Recorded in the Puente Hills and within the study area Convolvulaceae Morning-Glory Family Convolvulus simulans small- flowered morning glory 4.2 Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/clay, serpentine seeps. Moderate potential where habitat occurs. Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Dudleya multicaulis Many- stemmed dudleya 1B.2 California plant communities including sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland; heavy clay soils or rock outcrops. Bonelli Regional Co. Park (1987 and 1982); recorded on Way Hill (1987); Many CNDDB records throughout the area; high potential to occur in study area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1383 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-20 Table 3.3-3: Special Status Plant Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Fabaceae Legume Family Astragalus brauntonii1 milk-vetch 1B.1 Sage scrub, chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, closed cone coniferous forest; limestone endemic, carbonate soils, recent burns and disturbed areas. Recorded in San Gabriel Mountain foothills to the north and the Santa Ana Mountain foothills to the south; moderate potential to occur in study area. Quercus engelmannii Engelmann oak 4.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Recorded in the Chino and Puente Hills; moderate potential to occur in study area. Hydrophyllaceae Waterleaf Family Phacelia hubbyi phacelia 4.2 Sage scrub and chaparral Recorded in the Puente Hills and west Pomona hillsides; high potential to occur in the study area. Juglandaceae Walnut Family Juglans californica Southern California black walnut 4.2 Sage scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland; often in association with oaks/oak woodland; frequently found on steep hillsides with northern exposures; deep alluvial soils. Occurs throughout much of the study area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1384 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-21 Table 3.3-3: Special Status Plant Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Liliaceae Lily Family Brodiaea filifolia Thread- leaved brodiaea 1B.1 Sage scrub, valley/foothill grassland, cismontane woodland; vernal pools (clay soils). Recorded from the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and Santiago Hills to the southeast; low potential to occur in the study area. Calochortus catalinae Catalina mariposa lily 4.2 Openings in chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, cismontane woodland; heavy soils. Recorded within the study area within openings in shrublands and scrub. Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis Slender mariposa lily 1B.2 Chaparral, especially in foothill canyons.; generally found in shade. Low potential where habitat occurs. Calochortus plummerae Plummer's mariposa lily 4.2 Sage scrub, valley and foothill grassland, yellow pine forest; dry, rocky or sandy sites, granitic or alluvial soil; to 4,800 feet. Potentially present in the study area. Calochortus weedii var. intermedius Intermediate mariposa lily 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grasslands. Recorded in study area and at Elephant Hill (1991) in Pomona. Orchidaceae Orchid Family Piperia cooperi rein-orchid 4.2 Scrub, chaparral and oak/walnut woodlands Not recorded in the Puente Hills, but is recorded in the Santa Ana River Canyon to the south; low potential to occur in the study area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1385 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-22 Table 3.3-3: Special Status Plant Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name CNPS Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Polygalaceae Milkwort Family Polygala cornuta var. fishiae milkwort 4.3 Oak/walnut woodlands and chaparral Recorded in Chino Hills State Park to the south; high potential to occur in the study area. Roseaceae Rose Family Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula Mesa horkelia 1B.1 Prefers chaparral, woodland, and coastal scrub habitats. Moderate potential to occur in the study area. Notes: 1. Federally listed as endangered CNPS Listing Status: List 1B - Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and elsewhere List 2 - Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, but more common elsewhere List 3 - Plants about which we need more information a review list List 4 - Plants of limited distribution a watch list Database (CNDDB). These ranks are added as a decimal code after the CRPR List (e.g., List 1B.1). The threat codes are as follows: 0.1 - Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat) 0.2 - Fairly endangered in California (20 80% occurrences threatened) 0.3 - Not very endangered in California (<20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known) Source: California Native Plant Society, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1386 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-23 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records INVERTEBRATES Bombus crotchii Crotch bumblebee S1S2 G3G4 Recorded at scattered locations in southern California. High potential to occur in study area. Helminthoglypta tudiculata Southern California shoulder- band snail S1S2 Recorded at scattered locations in southern California. High potential to occur in study area. Helminthoglypta traskii shoulder- band snail G1G2 S1 Recorded at scattered locations in southern California. High potential to occur in study area. VERTEBRATES Amphibians Pelobatidae Spadefoot Toad Family Spea hammondii Western spadefoot SSC Open areas in lowland grasslands, chaparral, and oak woodlands, areas of sandy or gravelly soil in alluvial fans, washes, and floodplains. High potential to occur in the study area. Salamandridae Newt Family Taricha torosa Coast range newt SSC Moist woodlands. Not recorded in the Puente/Chino Hills; low potential to occur in the study area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1387 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-24 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Reptiles Colubridae Colubrid Snake Family Lampropeltis zonata pulchra San Diego mountain kingsnake SSC Moist woods, woodlands, chaparral and sage scrub. Moderate potential to occur in study area. Salvador hexalepis virgultea Coast patch- nosed snake SSC Sage scrub, chaparral, and oak/walnut woodlands. Moderate potential to occur in study area. Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped garter snake SSC Riparian and freshwater marshes with perennial water. Moderate potential to occur in the study area. Arizona elegans occidentalis California glossy snake SSC Sage scrub, chaparral, and oak/walnut woodlands with loose soil for burrowing. Moderate potential to occur in the study area. Emydidae Turtle Family Emmys marmorata Western pond turtle SSC Ponds, slow moving streams. Known to occur in Brea Creek; moderate potential to occur in suitable habitat elsewhere in the study area. Iguanidae Iguanid Lizard Family Phrynosoma blainvillii Coast horned lizard SSC Most valley and foothill scrub, chaparral and woodland natural communities. High potential in open space in the study area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1388 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-25 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Teiidae Whiptail Lizard Family Anniella stebbinsi Southern California legless lizard SSC Several habitats but especially in valley-foothill woodlands, chaparral, and scrub habitats. Moderate potential in habitats in the study area. Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal whiptail SSC Several habitats but especially in valley-foothill woodlands, chaparral, and scrub habitats. High potential in habitats in the study area. Viperiidae Viper Snake Family Crotalus ruber Red diamond rattlesnake SSC Cactus and sage scrub and chaparral. High potential in suitable habitats in the study area. Birds Accipitridae Hawks, Kites, Harriers and Eagle Family Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle SSC, SFP, FP Mountains, deserts, and open country; prefer to forage over grasslands, deserts, savannahs and early successional stages of forest and shrub habitats. Recorded over the study area; nesting in the Chino Hills; High potential to forage within the study area. Circus hudsonius Northern harrier SSC Freshwater marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields. Recorded in the Tres Hermanos and Firestone Scout Reservation areas. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1389 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-26 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Elanus leucurus White-tailed kite SFP Grasslands with scattered trees, near marshes, along highways. Recorded in the Tres Hermanos and Firestone Scout Reservation areas. High potential in study area. Buteo regalis Ferruginous hawk SBSWG Winters in expansive rangelands and agricultural areas in the region. Recorded in the Chino Basin; moderate potential to occur in the study area. Alaudidae Lark Family Eremophila alpestris Horned lark SBSWG Open ground. Moderate potential to occur in the Tres Hermanos and SOI areas. Falconidae Falcon Family Falco mexicanus Prairie falcon SBSWG Open country, especially arid. Moderate potential to occur migrating through the study area. Stringidae True Owl Family Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl SSC Dry grasslands and agricultural, and scrub areas. Reported from the Tres Hermanos Ranch High potential to occur within the study area. Asio otus Long-eared owl SSC Riparian and live oak woodlands. High particularly in oak and walnut woodlands. Asio flammeus Short-eared owl SSC Winters in open areas. Low potential in herbaceous stands. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1390 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-27 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Troglodytidae Wren Family Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Coastal cactus wren SSC Coastal sage scrub, vegetation with thickets of prickly pear or cholla cactus. Recorded at Sycamore Canyon and Summit Ridge Parks; High potential wherever cactus scrub occurs. Turdidae Bluebird Family Sialia currucoides Mountain bluebird SBSWG Winters in open country. Moderate potential to occur in the Tres Hermanos and SOI areas. Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatcher Family Empidonax traillii Willow flycatcher FE SE Low elevational sites: Riparian woodlands that contain water and low growing willow thickets. Low potential for nesting. Icteriidae Yellow-breasted chat Family Icteria virens Yellow- breasted chat SSC Riparian woodlands with a thick understory. High potential along Brea and Tonner Creeks. Sturnella neglecta Western meadowlark SBSWG Grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields. Recorded in the study area. Icteridae Blackbird Family Agelaius tricolor Tricolored blackbird SE Freshwater marshes and riparian scrub. Moderate potential to forage in open areas of Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1391 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-28 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Laniidae Shrike Family Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike SSC Open habitats with scattered shrubs, trees, posts, fences, utility lines, or other perches. High potential to occur in Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon open areas. Passerellidae Sparrow Family Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper sparrow SSC Expansive grasslands Recorded in the study area; moderate potential to occur in Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon. Amphispiza belli belli sparrow SSC Dense, dry chamise chaparral and coastal slopes of coastal sage scrub. High potential in study area where habitat occurs. Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow SBSWG Open grassy areas. High potential to occur in Tres Hermanos and Tonner Canyon open areas. Parulidae Wood Warbler Family Setophaga petechia Yellow warbler SSC Sparse to dense woodland and forest habitats with or without heavy brush understory. High Potential in oak, rirarian and walnut woodlands. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1392 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-29 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Polioptilidae Gnatcatchers Polioptila californica California gnatcatcher FT, SSC Coastal sage scrub vegetation; generally avoids steep slopes and dense vegetation for nesting. Several recent recorded occurrences in the study area at Summit Ridge, and Pantera parks, Steep Canyon and hills south of Diamond Ranch High School; high potential in sage scrub habitats. Vireonidae Vireo Family Vireo bellii pusillus vireo FE, SE Perennial and intermittent streams with low, dense riparian scrub and riparian woodland habitats; nests primarily in willows and forages in the riparian and occasionally in adjoining upland habitats. Associated with willow, cot Reported from Tonner Canyon; Moderate potential to occur along Brea Creek Cuculidae Cuckoo Family Geococcys californianus greater roadrunner SBSWG Open country with scattered brush. Recorded in the study area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1393 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-30 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Mammals Heteromyidae Kangaroo Rat, Pocket Mice, and Kangaroo Mice Family Chaetodipus fallax NW San Diego pocket mouse SSC Sandy herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel, sagebrush, scrub, annual grassland, chaparral and desert scrubs. High potential in study area particularly in cactus and sage scrub occurs. Molossidae Free-tailed Bats Eumops perotis californicus Western mastiff bat SSC In arid and semi- arid lowlands; roosts in cliffs and rock crevices. Low potential for roosting sites but may forage in the study area. Vespertilionidae Evening Bat Family Lasiurus blossevillii Western red bat Roosts in cliffs and in buildings. Moderate potential in study area; roosts in exfoliating bark on many tree species including ornamental trees. Lasiurus xanthinus Western yellow bat SSC Roosts primarily in palms under dead fronds. Moderate potential to roost in the study area. Antrozous pallidus Pallid bat SSC Roosts in cliffs, crevices, mine tunnels, caves, house attics and other man-made structures. High potential in study area; roosts in exfoliating bark on oak trees. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1394 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-31 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records Leporidae Rabbit and Hare Family Lepus californicus bennetti San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit SSC Open brushlands and scrub habitats. Moderate potential to occur throughout the study area. Muridae Mice, Rats, and Vole Family Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert woodrat SSC Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodland. High potential to occur where suitable habitat is found. Procyonidae Raccoon Family Bassariscus astutus Ringtail cat SFP Commonly found in rocky habitats, where it nests in the hollows of trees or abandoned wooden structures. Seldom observed; low potential to occur in the study area. Mustelidae Weasel Family Taxidea taxus American badger SSC Open grasslands with available prey. High potential to occur in the study area. Notes: Agency Listing Status: FE Federally listed as Endangered FT Federally listed as Threatened FP Federally protected SE State-listed as Endangered SFP State Fully Protected SSC California Species of Special Concern NatureServe Ranking: S1 = Critically Imperiled Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations) or because of factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S2 = Imperiled Imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the state. S3 = Vulnerable Vulnerable in the state due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation from the state. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1395 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-32 Table 3.3-4: Special Status Animal/Wildlife Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring within the Planning Area Scientific Name Common Name Agency Listing Status Preferred Habitat Records S4 = Apparently Secure Uncommon but not rare in the state; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. S5 = Secure Common, widespread, and abundant in the state. G1 = Critically Imperiled At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. G2 = Imperiled At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors. G3 = Vulnerable At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors. G4 = Apparently Secure Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. G5 = Secure Common; widespread and abundant. Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Diversity Database, 2018. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1396 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-33 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations The following provides an overview of the applicable regulations with regard to the biological resources that may be present within the City and its Sphere of Influence (SOI). Federal Endangered Species Act and Special Status Classifications likely to become an Endangered Species within the (USFWS), through regulation, has interpreted the considered and applied on a case-by-case basis and often vary from species to species. Of legal note, the FESA does not protect or regulate federal threatened or endangered listed plant species on private property unless a federal action, such as regulatory permit approval or federal funding, is involved. All references to federally protected species in this section include the most current published status or candidate category to which each species has been assigned by USFWS. Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404 Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates the discharge of dredged material, placement of fill material, or excavation within waters of the United States and authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for such actions. eams, and lakes sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional waters of the United States and wetlands. Federal Clean Water Act, Section 401 The mission of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is to develop and enforce water quality objectives and implement plans that will best protect the beneficial uses of the climate, topography, geology, and hydrology. Section 401 of the CWA requires that: State, shall provide the Federal permitting agency a certification from the State in which 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1397 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-34 the discharge is proposed that states that the discharge will comply with the applicable Before the USACE will issue a Section 404 permit, the Project Applicant must apply for and receive a Section 401 water quality certification from the RWQCB. A complete application for 401 Certification will include a detailed Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) that addresses the key water quality features of the Project to ensure the integrity of water quality in the area during and after construction. Under separate authorities granted by state law (i.e., the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act), a RWQCB may choose to regulate discharges of dredge or fill materials by issuing or waiving (with or without conditions) Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs), a type of state discharge permit, instead of taking a water quality certification action. Processing of a WDR is similar to that of a Section 401 certification; however, the RWQCB has slightly more discretion to add conditions to a project under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act than under the federal CWA. International Migratory Bird Treaty Act The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects native bird species from destruction or harm. This protection extends to individuals as well as any part, nest, or eggs of any bird listed as migratory. In practice, federal permits for projects potentially impacting migratory birds typically have conditions that require pre-disturbance surveys for nesting birds. Nesting season is typically observed during the Springtime from February 15th to August 31st. In the event nesting is observed, a buffer area with a specified radius must be established around the nest, within which no disturbance or intrusion is allowed until the young have fledged and left the nest or it has been determined that the nest has failed. If not otherwise specified in the permit, the size of the buffer area varies with species and local circumstances (e.g., presence of busy roads, intervening topography) and is based on the professional judgment of a monitoring biologist. Treaty Act or any part of such migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations does not apply to non-native birds, including the European starling, house sparrow, brown-headed cowbird and rock dove (that are commonly found in urban and suburban environments). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1398 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-35 State Regulations State of California Fish and Game Code In a similar fashion to the MBTA, Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code protect native birds. Mitigation for avoidance of impacts on nesting native birds are typically necessary for individual projects to comply with these Sections of the Fish and Game Code. Section 3503 Section 3503 states Section 3503.5 Section 3503.5 states Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by this code or a Section 3513 Section 3513 states the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or any part of such migratory nongame bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the Migratory -native birds, including the European starling, house sparrow, brown-headed cowbird and rock dove (that are commonly found in urban and suburban environments). Section 1602 Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code requires any entity (e.g., person, state or local government agency, or public utility) which proposes a project that will substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow of, or substantially change or use any material from the bed, channel, or bank of, any river, stream, or lake, or deposit or dispose of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or lake, to first notify the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) of the project. The CDFW will review the project as it affects streambed habitats within the project area. The CDFW may then place conditions on the Section 1602 clearance to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the potentially significant adverse effects within CDFW jurisdictional limits. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1399 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-36 California Endangered Species Act State of California Protection and Special Status Classifications danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or hough not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as rare on commission has formally noticed as being under review by the department for addition to either the list of endangered species or the list of threatened species, or a species for which the commission has afforded temporary protection as though they were already listed as threatened or endangered at the discretion of the Fish and Game Commission. Unlike the FESA, CESA does not include listing provisions for invertebrate species. Article 3, Sections 2080 through 2085, of the CESA addresses the taking of threatened or endangered species by stating: this State, any species, or any part or product thereof, that the commission determines to be an pursue, catch, capture, or kil Additionally, some sensitive mammals and birds are protected by the State as Fully Protected Mammals or Fully Protected Birds, as described in the California Fish and Game Code, Sections 4700 and 3511, respectively. California Species of Special Concern are species designated as vulnerable to extinction due to declining population levels, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats. Informally listed species are not protected per se, but warrant consideration in the preparation of CEQA biological assessments. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1400 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-37 California Native Plant Society The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a private plant conservation organization dedicated to the monitoring and protection of sensitive species in California. CNPS has compiled an inventory comprising information focusing on geographic distribution and qualitative characterization of Rare, Threatened, or Endangered vascular plant species of California. Sensitive species that occur or potentially could occur within the project Planning Area are based on one or more of the following: (1) the direct observation of the species during one of the biological surveys; (2) a record reported in the CNDDB; and (3) the project Planning Area is within known distribution of a species and contains appropriate habitat. Local Regulations Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority Tres Hermanos Ranch is 2,445 acres: 1750 acres in the City of Chino Hills and 695 acres in the City of Diamond Bar. The land is located on both sides of Grand Avenue at Chino Hills' western border, and to the north extending into City of Diamond Bar. The Board consists of seven members with City of Industry allotted three members, Diamond Bar two members, and Chino Hills two members. The recently created Authority is the result of a settlement of several lawsuits brought against the City of Industry by the cities of Diamond Bar and Chino Hills who opposed the development of an extensive solar field on the historical ranch property. The purchase and sale agreement to transfer the Tres Hermanos Ranch to the Conservation Authority included limits on Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority The Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) is a coalition of public and private entities created to provide for the proper planning, conservation, environmental protection and maintenance of the habitat and wildlife corridor between the Whittier-Puente Hills, Chino Hills, and Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains. In this regard, WCCA is an advisory ent context for land use decisions that may affect its mission. City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Chapter 22.38 Tree Preservation and Protection l Code requires the preservation and maintenance of native trees including oak, sycamore, and willow trees, as well as trees of significant cultural and historic value and pepper trees where appropriate. The purpose of these provisions is to protect and preserve these trees, with exemptions, and when removal is allowed as the result of new development, to require their replacement. Individuals are required to obtain a tree removal permit prior to removing or relocating a protected tree or developing within the protection zone of a protected tree. Individuals are required to obtain a tree pruning permit prior to pruning a protected tree with branches over four inches in diameter at the point of the cut. The maximum amount allowed for the pruning of a protected tree is 20 percent, except for oak trees which is 10 percent. When the removal or relocation of a protected tree is proposed in connection with an application for another 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1401 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-38 discretionary permit, the director may waive the requirement of a separate tree removal permit and require necessary information to be submitted as part of the discretionary permit application. A protected tree is any of the following: • Native Oak, walnut, sycamore and willow trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eight inches or greater; • Trees of significant historical or value as designated by the council; • Any tree required to be preserved or relocated as a condition of approval for a discretionary permit; • Any tree required to be planted as a condition of approval for a discretionary permit; and • A stand of trees, the nature of which makes each tree dependent upon the others for survival. Tree replacement/relocation standards include the following: • Replacement trees shall be indigenous to the area whenever feasible as determined by an arborist. • Replacement trees shall be planted at a minimum 2:1 ratio for residential properties less than 20,000 square feet. Residential parcels greater than 20,000 square feet and commercial and industrial properties shall be planted at a minimum 3:1 ratio. The director or commission may grant exceptions to these requirements or may require additional replacement trees based on the following considerations: 1) the vegetative character of the subject property; 2) the number of protected trees which are proposed to be removed in relation to the number of protected trees currently existing on the subject property; and 3) the anticipated effectiveness of the replacement of trees, as determined by arborists' report submitted by the applicant. • Replacement trees shall be a minimum box size of 24 inches for six or fewer replacement trees. For greater than six replacement trees, the sizes shall be determined by the director. Smaller container sizes may be approved by the director or commission when additional replacement trees are provided significantly exceeding the required replacement ratios. • Tree relocation or replacement shall be on the same site to the extent feasible. A written report by an arborist is required concerning the methodology and feasibility of transplanting trees. Where site conditions preclude the long-term success of replacement trees, the director or commission may require either or both of the following alternatives: 1) planting replacement trees on public property (e.g., designated open space areas or public parks); and/or 2) monetary donation to a tree replacement fund in the amount equal to the value of required replacement trees, and the cost of installation as established by an arborist's report. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1402 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-39 Los Angeles County Oak Tree Protection Ordinance The Oak Tree Ordinance (Section 22.56.2050 of the Los Angeles County Code) is a permitting process intended to protect individual trees. It is the intent of the oak tree permit to maintain and enhance the general health, safety and welfare by assisting in counteracting air pollution and in minimizing soil erosion and other related environmental damage. The oak tree permit is also intended to preserve and enhance property values by conserving and adding to the distinctive and unique aesthetic character of many areas of Los Angeles County in which oak trees are indigenous. The stated objective of the oak tree permit is to preserve and maintain healthy oak trees in the development process. (Ord. 88-0157 § 1, 1988: Ord. 82-0168 § 2 (part), 1982.). Except as otherwise provided in the ordinance, a person shall not cut, destroy, remove, relocate, inflict damage or encroach into a protected zone of any tree of the oak genus which is (a) 25 inches or more in circumference (eight inches in diameter) as measured four and one-half feet above mean natural grade; in the case of an oak with more than one trunk, whose combined circumference of any two trunks is at least 38 inches (12 inches in diameter) as measured four and one half feet above mean natural grade, on any lot or parcel of land within the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, or (b) any tree that has been provided as a replacement tree within the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, unless an oak tree permit is first obtained. Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan On October 7, 2001, the Governor approved the California Oak Woodlands Conservation Act (AB 242) which requires that Los Angeles County (County) develop an Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan (Plan) to qualify for funding to preserve oak woodlands through the State of und (Fund). Accordingly, the County Board of Supervisors adopted Motion 95-C on October 7, 2008, which directed the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCD) to develop such a plan. The RCD assembled a group known as the Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance (Alliance), consisting of biologists, arborists, environmentalists, foresters, planners, Building Industry Association representatives and academics. The Alliance completed the Plan in May 2011 and the Board of Supervisors adopted Part 1 of the Plan on August 23, 2011. As of January 2005, California Public Resources Code Section 21083.4 (2004 Senate Bill 1334) requires that when a county is determining the applicability of CEQA to a project, it must determine whe law requires that they be mitigated. Acceptable mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, conservation of other oak woodlands through the use of conservation easements and planting replacement trees, which must be maintained for seven years. One notable exemption to this law is ak woodlands on agricultural land that includes land that is used to produce 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1403 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-40 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Criterion 2: Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service; Criterion 3: Have a substantial adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means; Criterion 4: Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites; Criterion 5: Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance; or Criterion 6: Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Insofar as the proposed General Plan provides a general framework for future growth of the City of Diamond Bar (City), and does not contain specific development details, this analysis is programmatic in nature. As with any analysis of this type, subsequent projects carried out under the updated General Plan may warrant site-specific biological assessments and surveys once plans have been detailed and evaluated on a project-by-project basis. This assessment summarizes information gained largely from a literature review. The study began with a literature review conducted to determine special status natural communities and plant and animal species known to occur in the vicinity of the City. In accordance with industry accepted standards, database records for a total of nine USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles including the San Dimas and eight surrounding quadrangles were reviewed using the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Natural Diversity Data Base application Rarefind and the California Native 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1404 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-41 Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. In addition, information provided by ebird and the Public & Diamond Bar Preservation Foundation were considered in this assessment. In particular, a study funded by Diamond Bar residents, Diamond Bar Responsible Land Use, Diamond Bar Preservation Alliance, and the Sierra Club provided substantial information that contributed to this assessment (Hamilton Biological, Inc., 2019). Additional background documentation relevant to the project area such as aerial imagery and the original City of Diamond Bar General Plan (1995) were also reviewed. For each impact, organized by the significance criteria, the analysis applied the magnitude, uniqueness, and susceptibility estimates for each resource to determine potential significance. Mitigation measures were considered and applied, and then a final determination of significance reached. In conducting the impact analysis, three principal components of the CEQA Guidelines outlined above were considered: • Magnitude of the impact (e.g., substantial/not substantial); • Uniqueness of the affected resource (i.e., rarity of the resource); and • Susceptibility of the affected resource to perturbation (i.e., sensitivity of the resource). The evaluation of the significance of the impacts considered the interrelationship of these three components. Biological resources may be either directly or indirectly affected by a project. Impacts may occur as a result of construction of projects anticipated under the proposed General Plan and as a result of operation after construction is complete. Furthermore, direct and indirect impacts may be either permanent or temporary. Permanent impacts result in irreversible impacts or irreversible removal of biological resources, such as the elimination of a plant or animal community or habitat loss. Temporary impacts are those considered reversible, such that biological resources can be successfully restored. The proposed General Plan includes policies that protect and preserve biological resources within the City by designating specific resources and areas as protected, restricting activities and uses in protected areas, providing for the management of the resources on City lands, specifying impact avoidance and mitigation requirements for types of activities and by type of biological resource, and providing guidance for development and conservation decisions over the long-term. The policies anticipate the potential impacts on biological resources from the land uses and activities that are anticipated to occur under the proposed General Plan and serve to avoid, reduce, and/or mitigate those impacts. The key policies regarding biological resources are in the Conservation, Open Space, and Land Use Elements. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1405 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-42 IMPACTS Impact 3.3-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not have an adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) CONSTRUCTION Adverse impacts on wildlife are generally associated with the degree of habitat loss including a physical character, quality, and diversity, in addition to abundance of vegetation. As anticipated by the proposed General Plan, construction of some projects could result in direct removal of wildlife habitat and the potential mortality of common wildlife species existing on‐site as well as the displacement of more mobile species to suitable habitat areas nearby. However, with implementation of proposed General Plan policies related to resource conservation, effects on special-status species would be less than significant, as discussed below. Special-Status Plants There are 19 special status plants that have been recorded or have the potential to occur in the Planning Area. One (1) federally--vetch) and two (2) plant species seriously threatened in California and elsewhere (Mesa horkelia and thread-leaved brodiaea CNPS Rank 1B.1) have the potential to occur in the Planning Area. Due to the high degree of sensitivity and threat to these species, any loss of individuals and populations as the result of specific projects would be considered significant in the absence of mitigation. Four (4) plant species (San Bernardino aster, many-stemmed dudleya, intermediate mariposa lily, and slender mariposa lily) are considered to be fairly endangered in California and elsewhere (CNPS Rank 1B.2). In the case of these species, it is important to avoid and minimize impacts on regionally significant populations through the implementation of conservation measures. Two (2) plants (California groundsel and white rabbit-tobacco), with the potential to occur in the Planning Area are considered to be fairly threatened in California but more common elsewhere (CNPS Rank 2B.2). Given the importance of conserving biological diversity within the Planning Area and surrounding region, mitigation would be required to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts of the Proposed Project associated with the loss of regionally significant populations. The remaining 10 special status plants (- flowered morning glory, Southern - -orchid and Engelman oak) reported or having the potential to occur in the Planning Area are considered to be of limited distribution or infrequent throughout a broader area of California and are moderately to not very threatened in California (CNPS Rank 4.2 and 4.3). As such, while their status should be monitored, any losses of these species are not expected to be potentially significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1406 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-43 Special-Status Wildlife Among the animal species recorded or having the potential to occur on-site, four (4) are federally and/or state listed (tricolored blackb both federally and state listed as endangered; and coastal California gnatcatcher federally listed as threatened). In addition, there are three species of invertebrates considered to be critically imperiled in the state (Crotch bumblebee, Southern California shoulder--band snail). Although these three species have not been provided special status by federal or state agencies, they should be considered under CEQA due to their contribution to biodiversity. Due to the high degree of sensitivity and threat to these species, any loss of individuals and populations as the result of specific projects would be considered significant. Three (3) species recorded in the Planning Area are fully protected (golden eagle, white-tailed kite and ringtail cat). Fully protected is a legal designation administered by CDFW, intended to conserve wildlife species that risk extinction within the state of California. Taking or possessing fully protected species is unlawful although take may be authorized for necessary scientific research. In addition, the golden eagle is protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The purpose of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection act is to prohibit agitation of the bald and golden eagle including: 1) abusing an eagle; 2) interfering with its substantial lifestyle, including shelter, breeding, feeding; or 3) nest abandonment. Any project that interferes with nesting fully protected species would result in a significant impact. Planned activities that would affect golden eagle habitat are authorized if the habitat is more than one‐half mile from an active or historically active nesting site. If the habitat is less than one‐half mile from an active or historically active nesting site, planned activities should be sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site. Tonner Canyon has been rated as a conservation priority for the golden eagle and the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor serves as a wildlife corridor for this species (Spencer, 2005). Any take of these species without a permit from CDFW would result in a significant adverse impact. Twenty-eight wildlife species in Table 3.3-4 are listed by CDFW as Species of Special Concern (SSC) which are species, subspecies, or distinct populations of an animal native to California that currently satisfies one or more of the following (not necessarily mutually exclusive) criteria: • Is extirpated from the State or, in the case of birds, is extirpated in its primary season or breeding role; • Is listed as Federally-, but not State-, threatened or endangered; meets the State definition of threatened or endangered but has not formally been listed; • Is experiencing, or formerly experienced, serious (noncyclical) population declines or range retractions (not reversed) that, if continued or resumed, could qualify it for State threatened or endangered status; • Has naturally small populations exhibiting high susceptibility to risk from any factor(s) that if realized, could lead to declines that would qualify it for State threatened or endangered status. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1407 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-44 Two (2) of these species are amphibians (Coast Range newt and western spadefoot); nine (9) are reptiles (western pond turtle, coast horned lizard, coastal whiptail; Southern California legless lizard, San Diego mountain kingsnake, California glossy snake, coast patch-nosed snake, two- striped garter snake and red diamond rattlesnake); 10 are birds (northern harrier, burrowing owl, long-eared owl, short-eared owl, loggerhead shrike, cactus wren, yellow-breasted chat, yellow warbler and grasshopper sparrow; and eight are mammals (pallid bat, western mastiff bat, western red bat, western yellow bat, northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, San Diego desert woodrat, San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit, and American badger). Finally, there are seven (7) bird species that, according to the SBSWG, are sensitive in Los Angeles County and warrant mitigation for their habitat losses (greater roadrunner, ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, horned lark, mountain bluebird, vesper sparrow, and western meadowlark). Given the importance of conserving biological diversity within the Planning Area and surrounding region, avoidance and minimization of impacts on these species should include the conservation of their habitats. By the nature of their status, the conservation of habitat for the species listed above is important in preserving the biological diversity and ecological stability in the region. Implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, discussed below, would somewhat minimize the effects of development under the Proposed Project on the relative status of these species in the Planning Area. However, mitigation is required to ensure impacts would be reduced to a level that is less than significant. In the case of state and/or federal listed endangered or threatened wildlife species, future projects shall comply with CESA and/or FESA through their regulatory permitting processes. The specific compensatory measures required to take a listed species or to eliminate its habitat will be determined at the time of permitting. The measures will likely include habitat conservation, payment of in lieu fees, and limitations to the extent and timing of construction. Nesting Birds The Planning Area supports trees, shrubs, and ground cover that could be used by breeding raptors and songbirds. Disturbing or destroying active nests is a violation of the MBTA and nests and eggs are protected by Fish and Game Code, Section 3503. The removal of active nests or harassment of a breeding bird protected under these regulations is considered a potentially significant impact. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies, including the requirement of a biotic resources evaluation prior to approval of discretionary development projects located adjacent to a significant biological resource area, would somewhat minimize impacts on nesting birds but mitigation is required to reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1408 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-45 OPERATIONS Special-Status Plants Potential adverse impacts on special-status plants associated with development anticipated by the proposed General Plan may include introducing non-native or invasive species into undeveloped areas that support special-status species and could result in invasive species outcompeting these natives for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies designed to protect special-status species, preserve mature native trees, and encourage planting of native species in new development would somewhat reduce impacts associated with invasive species associated with development under the Proposed Project. However, given that the proposed General Plan does not include any policies that would explicitly prohibit removal of special-status plant species or introduction of invasive species, further mitigation is required to reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant. Wildlife and Nesting Birds Potential adverse indirect impacts on special-status wildlife associated with development anticipated by the proposed General Plan include: (1) increased vehicular traffic and a corresponding increase in noise and threat of road kill by traffic; (2) an increase in human presence in preserved open space areas; (3) an increase in predatory and feral pets; (4) an increase in litter, pollutants, dust, oil, and other human debris; and (5) an increase in nighttime light trespass onto preserved open space. Mitigation is required to reduce these impacts to a level that is less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Resource Conservation RC-G-4. Maintain, protect, and preserve biologically significant areas, including Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other areas of natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural opportunities as can be designed in a way that sustains, repairs or restores ecosystems rather than detracts from them. RC-G-5. Protect rare, threatened, endangered, and other special-status plant and animal communities. RC-G-6. Promote the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical. RC-P-9. Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist, requiring that time-specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1409 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-46 biological resources, and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. RC-P-10. Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Review the ordinance periodically and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-11. Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: a. Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; b. Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; c. Provide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; d. Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; e. Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; f. Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; g. Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and h. To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowing into waterways RC-P-13. Utilize native and drought-tolerant plants in landscaping for public buildings and parks and encourage the use of native and drought-tolerant species on private property. Develop a list of recommended native, low-water-use, and drought- tolerant plant species, as well as a list of invasive species to avoid. RC-P-14. Partner with local school districts, environmental groups and volunteers to offer environmental education programs. RC-P-15. Support efforts to establish mitigation bank programs to restore habitat within Open Space-designated and deed-restricted lands. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1410 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-47 RC-P-24. Protect and, where feasible, enhance or restore the City s and drainages, preventing erosion along the banks, removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. Mitigation Measures The Proposed Project could result in potentially significant impacts on special-status plant and wildlife species during both construction and use of specific projects, including plant and animal species included in Tables 3.3-3 and 3.3-4, as well as nesting birds protected under the MTBA and CDFG Code (3503). However, implementation of project-specific Mitigation Measures MM BIO- 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I and 1k will minimize impacts so as to be less than significant. Mitigation Measures MM BIO-1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, and 1K apply to future development under the Proposed Project in the following areas where special-status species have been identified: Planning Area 1 (Tres Hermanos Ranch), Planning Area 2, Planning Area 4 (under the South Pointe West Specific Plan), and the Golf Course. MM-BIO-1A Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Plants: To mitigate impacts on special status plant species, the applicant shall implement the following measures: • Prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status plant species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status plants are found on the Planning Area, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall prepare a plan to relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding public open space areas that would remain undisturbed. For those species that cannot be physically transplanted, the biologist(s) shall collect seeds from the plants.6 • To the extent feasible the preconstruction surveys shall be completed when species are in bloom, typically between May and June. Two species, the white rabbit-tobacco and San Bernardino aster, are perennial herbs that grow up to three feet in height and can be identified by their dried stalks and leaves following their blooming period. MM-BIO-1B Special-Status Plant Planting Plan: Prior to any ground disturbance for projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on special-status plants, the project applicants shall prepare a Special Status Plant Planting Plan for the species to be transplanted. At a minimum, the plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the project and receiver site(s), transplanting and/or seed collection/off-site seeding or installation methods, a two-year monitoring program, any other necessary monitoring procedures, plant spacing, and maintenance requirements. The City shall also require proof that the plan preparer 6 Lilies generally can be transplanted in bulb-form. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1411 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-48 consulted with US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel or appropriate herbarium botanists in order to maximize transplanting success.7 MM-BIO-1C Listed Endangered and Threatened Plants: In addition to MM BIO-1A and -1B, the City shall require the project applicant to provide proof of the US Fish and Wildlife Service permitting the take of listed endangered and threatened plants. The FESA does not address listed plants on private property. However, if a federal action is required for a project (funding, Clean Water Act compliance, etc.), a permit from the USFWS to take a listed species is required. MM-BIO-1D Environmental Awareness Program: In order to reduce indirect impacts on special-status plants, sensitive natural communities, preserved open space and wildlife corridors, the City shall implement the following measures: • The City shall implement an Environmental Awareness Program on its web site intended to increase awareness to residents and city workers of the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats that occur in the preserved open space areas. The intention of the program shall be to encourage active conservation efforts among the residents and city to help conserve the habitats in the preserved open space. The program shall address impacts associated with the introduction of invasive plant species as a result of new development. At a minimum, the Environmental Awareness Program shall include the following components: • Informational kiosks shall be added or modified at entrance points to hiking and equestrian trails to inform city workers, residents and trail users on the sensitive flora and fauna that rely on the habitats found within the preserved open space. The intent of these kiosks is to bring awareness to the sensitive plants, wildlife and associated habitats which occur in the area. • For informational purposes, the City shall provide future project applicants a brochure which includes a list of plant species to avoid in residential landscaping near natural areas to prevent the introduction of invasive plant species to the surrounding natural communities. MM-BIO-1E Preconstruction Surveys for Special-Status Wildlife: Within one (1) week prior to initiating disturbance activities, clearance surveys for special-status animal species shall be performed by a qualified biologist(s) within the boundaries of the future project disturbances. If any special-status animals are found on the site, a qualified biologist(s) with a CDFG Scientific Collection Permit shall relocate these species to suitable habitats within surrounding open space areas that would remain undisturbed, unless the biologist determines that such relocation cannot reasonably be accomplished at which point CDFG will be consulted regarding whether relocation efforts should be terminated. Relocation methods (e.g., trap 7 Such as CDFW in Ontario, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens in Claremont, UC Riverside, or Cal Poly Pomona. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1412 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-49 and release) and receiver sites shall be verified and approved by the CDFG prior to relocating any animals. MM-BIO-IF Listed Endangered or Threatened Wildlife: Prior to approval of individual projects that have the potential to cause direct or indirect impacts on suitable habitat for federally or state listed endangered or threatened species, the City shall require a habitat evaluation to be completed by a qualified biologist well versed in the requirements of the associated species to be completed. If no suitable habitat for listed species is identified within 300 feet of construction or maintenance activities, no further measures would be required in association with the project. If suitable habitat for the species is identified within 300 feet of such activities, prior to construction, the City shall require that a survey be completed by a qualified biologist for the species in accordance with protocols established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.8 Table 3.3-5 provides a listing of endangered and threatened species by habitat type and potential for occurrence. In the event a state or federal listed species is determined to occupy the proposed Planning Area or its immediate surroundings, the CDFW and/or USFWS shall be consulted, as required by CESA and/or FESA. In order to address and acknowledge the potential for listed species to occur within the Planning Area or be impacted by future development projects, this assessment acknowledges future actions by state and federal resource agencies in addition to the analyses necessary and required under CEQA. Compensation is likely to include one or more of the following on- or off-site measures: dedication/preservation of suitable habitat for the species; habitat enhancement/creation; and provisions for long-term habitat management. Table 3.3-5 Focused Habitat Evaluations and Surveys Suitable Habitat Type Species to Be Surveyed Potential for Occurrence Native Oak and Walnut Woodlands Braun Moderate Native Shrublands and Scrub Coastal California gnatcatcher Braun milk vetch High Moderate Riparian Woodlands and Scrub Willow flycatcher Tri-colored blackbird Low Moderate Moderate Source: Environmental Science Associates, 2019. 8 In some cases, the USFWS requires the surveyor to hold a Section 10(a) permit in order to complete the survey. Non-compliance with the permit requirements will cause the agencies to reject the survey findings and possibly result in a 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1413 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-50 MM-BIO-1G Nesting Bird Surveys: All vegetation clearing for construction and fuel modification shall occur outside of the breeding bird season, if feasible, to ensure that no active nests would be disturbed unless clearing and/or grading activities cannot be avoided during that time period.9 If clearing and/or grading activities cannot be avoided during the breeding season, all suitable habitats shall be thoroughly surveyed for the presence of nesting birds by a qualified biologist prior to removal. Suitable nesting habitat on the Planning Area includes grassland, scrub, chaparral, and woodland communities. If any active nests are detected, the area shall be flagged, along with a 300-foot buffer for song birds and a 500-foot buffer for raptorial birds (or as otherwise appropriate buffer as determined by the surveying biologist), and shall be avoided until the nesting cycle is complete or it is determined by the surveying biologist that the nest is no longer active. MM-BIO-1H Protection of Eagle Nests: No development or project activities shall be permitted within one-half mile of a historically active or active golden eagle nest unless the planned activities are sited in such a way that the activity has minimal potential to cause abandonment of the nesting site, as determined by a qualified biologist.10 In addition, the eagle nest (if active) shall be monitored by a biologist who is highly familiar with the signs of eagle distress during the project development activities. The monitoring shall continue until the monitoring biologist is confident the nest will not be disturbed. The monitoring biologist shall have the authority to stop project activities as needed. MM-BIO-1I Use of Buffers Near Active Bat Roosts: During the November 1 to March 31 hibernation season, construction activities shall not be conducted within 100 feet of woodland habitat that provides suitable bat roosting habitat. Bat presence is difficult to detect using emergence surveys during this period due to decreased flight and foraging behavior. If a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology determines that woodland areas do not provide suitable hibernating conditions for bats and they are unlikely to be present in the area, work may commence as planned. MM BIO-1J Bat Maternity Roosting Season: Night-time evening emergence surveys and/or internal searches within large tree cavities shall be conducted by a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology during the maternity season (April 1 to August 31) to determine presence/absence of bat maternity roosts near wooded project boundaries. All active roosts identified during surveys shall be protected by a buffer to be determined by a qualified bat biologist. The buffer will 9 The nesting bird season is February 15 to August 31. 10 Generally, information regarding the location of raptorial bird nests is kept highly confidential. As such it is recommended that representatives of CDFW, USFWS and/or the Chino Hills State Park be notified of any proposed projects in the SOI or Tres Hermanos portions of the Planning Area. In consultation with agency representatives, it can be determined if the project is within one-half mile of the eagle nest without the location being specifically identified. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1414 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-51 be determined by the type of bat observed, topography, slope, aspect, surrounding vegetation, sensitivity of roost, type of potential disturbance, etc. Each exclusion zone would remain in place until the end of the maternity roosting season. If no active roosts are identified, then work may commence as planned. Survey results are valid for 30 days from the survey date. Should work commence later than 30 days from the survey date, surveys should be repeated. MM BIO-1K Bat Roost Replacement: All special-status bat roosts that are destroyed by the project must be documented and shall be replaced at a 1:1 ratio on- or off-site with a roost suitable for the displaced species (e.g., bat houses for colonial roosters). The design of such replacement habitat shall be coordinated with CDFG. The new roost shall be in place prior to the time that the bats are expected to use the roost as determined by a qualified biologist who is highly familiar with bat biology, and shall be monitored periodically for five (5) years to ensure proper roosting habitat characteristics (e.g., suitable temperature and no leaks). The roost shall be modified as necessary to provide a suitable roosting environment for the target bat species. Impact 3.3-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not have an adverse effect on a riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) CONSTRUCTION A quantification of potential impacts on riparian or other sensitive natural communities cannot be made until the design and nature of specific projects is known. As a general rule, however, the removal and/or fragmentation of sensitive natural communities identified by the CDFW and listed in Table 3.3-2 would be considered to be potentially significant due to their decline in the region and/or their suitability as habitat for sensitive species. In particular, the loss and/or fragmentation of riparian alliances and most native shrubland and scrub alliances could adversely affect rare, endangered or threatened plant and wildlife species. It should also be noted that areas of specific project disturbance include fuel modification zones in this regard. USFWS designated critical habitat for listed plant or wildlife species does not occur within the Planning Area. However, the SOI has been identified as a Significant Ecological Area under the Los Angeles County General Plan and is subject to the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan. Under the proposed General Plan, the SOI is designated as a Significant Ecological Area and any development in this area would be subject to provisions of the Los Angeles County SEA Ordinance regarding preservation of biological resources. The proposed General Plan does not propose any development within the SOI and includes policies that seek to protect existing oak woodlands. also intended to protect individual native trees within city limits. While proposed General Plan policies represent an affirmative action, it does not necessarily guarantee 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1415 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-52 that functioning oak woodlands will be conserved. Therefore, impacts to oak woodlands and other native woodlands could be significant and unavoidable. OPERATIONS On-going human activities at specific Planning Areas has the potential to adversely affect abutting sensitive natural communities in several ways. Invasive non-native plants used in landscaping can invade adjacent native vegetation; periodic fuel modification activities can prevent habitats from reaching their complete structure and function; and light and noise trespass into native habitats can deter occupation by various wildlife species. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-G-4, RC-G-5, RC-P-9, RC-P-10, RC-P-11, and RC-P-24 as discussed under Impact 3.3- 1, in addition to the following: Resource Conservation RC-P-12. Support and cooperate with the efforts of other local, State, and federal agencies, groups, and private entities including Los Angeles County, neighboring jurisdictions, and conservation groups to preserve environmentally sensitive hillsides, canyon areas, wildlife corridors and SOI, including the Puente - Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and SEA 15 to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural habitats and biological resources. a. Discourage development in areas with identified significant biological resources, such as SEAs. b. Discourage development in riparian habitats, streambeds, wetlands, coastal sage scrub, cactus scrub, and native woodlands in order to maintain and support their preservation in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities. c. Preserve and restore oak woodlands and other native woodlands that are conserved in perpetuity with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands. Mitigation Measures Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in significant impacts on sensitive natural communities, including oak and walnut woodlands, riparian habitats, and sage scrub habitats. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-2, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4, and MM- BIO-5 would minimize impacts so as to be less than significant. Mitigation Measures MM-BIO-2, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4, and MM-BIO-5 apply to future development under the Proposed Project in the following areas where special-status species have been identified: Planning Area 1 (Tres Hermanos Ranch), Planning Area 2, Planning Area 4 (under the South Pointe West Specific Plan), and the Golf Course. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1416 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-53 MM BIO-2 Sensitive Natural Communities: To mitigate impacts on sensitive shrubland and scrub natural communities, project applicants shall implement the following mitigation measures prior to any ground disturbance: • If avoidance cannot be reasonably accomplished, impacts on any shrubland, scrub or woodland alliance indicated as sensitive in Table 3.3-2 shall be mitigated through on- restoration/enhancement. For off-site restoration/enhancement, the applicant shall acquire mitigation land of similar habitat at a ratio of at least 1:1. On-site restoration/enhancement shall also be completed at a ratio of at least 1:1. • For projects that have the potential to result in direct or indirect impacts on sensitive natural communities, a habitat restoration plan shall be prepared prior to any ground disturbance. The Plan shall include adaptive management practices as specified by the Department of the Interior to achieve the specified ratio for restoration/enhancement. At a minimum, the Plan shall include a description of the existing conditions of the receiver site(s), goals and timeline, installation methods, monitoring procedures, plant spacing, adaptive management strategies, and maintenance requirements to ensure the sensitive communities referred to above re-established successfully at the ratios set forth above. MM BIO-3 Jurisdictional Waters: To mitigate for impacts on jurisdictional waters, the applicant shall implement the following measures in consultation with the regulating agencies (USACE, CDFW, and RWQCB, where applicable) over the course of the project: • The applicant shall provide on- and off-site replacement and/or restoration/enhancement of USACE, RWQCB and CDFG jurisdictional waters and wetlands at a ratio no less than 1.5:1 and/or include the purchase • If replacement and/or restoration/enhancement would occur, a restoration plan shall be prepared that describes the location of restoration and provides for replanting and monitoring for a three-year period following construction. MM-BIO-4 Oak Woodlands: In the event a future project would result in the loss of an oak woodland, the project shall be subject to the mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide.11 11 The Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan Guide, dated March 18, 2014 was ted in n October 7, 2001. The Woodlands Conservation Fund (Fund). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1417 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-54 If a future project cannot be redesigned to avoid impacts on oak woodland, then one of the following measures shall be implemented:12 • Acquire oak woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1. • Restore degraded oak woodlands o Off-site restoration should be prioritized over on-site restoration and where feasible, should be located nearby the impacted property, preferably within the same watershed or sub-drainage as deemed appropriate by a qualified biologist, or within the same planning area as the impacted property. Off-site restoration may include any of the following: acquiring off-site fee title for oak woodland habitat; replacement planting; and/or restoring moderately or severely degraded oak woodlands (more specifically, removing exotics and restoring appropriate native plant diversity). o On-site restoration of a ratio of at least 1:1 should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent oak woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded oak woodlands. If possible, on-site restoration areas should be located adjacent to preserved natural space. The project applicant shall replace/restore lost canopy area. More specifically, the project applicant shall provide mitigation trees of the same Oak species. All replacement trees should be planted on native undisturbed soil and should be the same species of oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree with appropriate associated native vegetation in the understory. The location of the replacement tree should be in the vicinity of other oak trees of the same species. If replacement trees cannot be planted on native undisturbed soil or are not in the vicinity of the same species of oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree, the city may require implementation of additional measures as listed in MM-BIO-4 to ensure that trees thrive. Mitigation areas or land should be at a minimum of two (2) to one (1) canopy cover area for the amount removed. This is the expected canopy extent of mature trees.13 All mitigation areas or land should be placed in a conservation easement within six 12 For purposes of implementing this mitigation measure the definition of an oak woodland follows Los Angeles County guidelines. According to those guidelines, an oak woodland exists whenever two or more oak trees with diameter breast heights of at least five inches have overlapping areas of influence when the tree radii are increased 3.2 times. That is, the two or more trees may not actually have overlapping, canopies but do function as a woodland due to their proximity to one another. 13 A more convenient way to think of it might be to base it on stem density, then apply that density over twice the acreage of the impacted area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1418 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-55 . If a conservation easement is not possible, the land shall be protected in perpetuity by other means deemed acceptable by the City. Mitigation land may be designated public open space by the City if deemed appropriate per the description of Open Space found in Chapter 2: Land Use of the proposed General Plan. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a seven-year period and shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress and allow for adjustments to the program, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet success criteria. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the City and should contain the following components: description of the project impact and mitigation site; specific objectives/success criteria, evaluated based on approved survival rates and percent cover of planted native species; control of invasive plant and animal species within the mitigation site; monitoring and maintenance activities conducted since the previous report; and any contingency measures implemented since the previous report. Success criteria should be based on a reference site supporting the desired oak species and understory that the mitigation site is designed to achieve. Once the mitigation project has been completed, the applicant shall submit a final report to the City. The report shall discuss the implementation, monitoring and management of the mitigation project over the seven-year period, and indicates whether the mitigation project has, in part, or in whole, been successful based on established success criteria. The project shall be extended if success criteria have not been met at the end of the seven-year period to the satisfaction of the City. MM-BIO-5 Walnut Woodlands: In the event a future project would result in the loss of a walnut woodland, then one of the following measures shall be implemented: • Acquire walnut woodland habitat that is comparable to the habitat that was impacted at a ratio of 1:1. • Restore degraded walnut woodlands o Off-site restoration should be prioritized over on-site restoration and where feasible, should be located nearby the impacted property, preferably within the same watershed or sub-drainage as deemed appropriate by a qualified biologist, or within the same planning area as the impacted property. Off-site restoration may include any of the following: acquiring off-site fee title for walnut woodland habitat; replacement planting; and/or restoring moderately or severely degraded walnut woodlands (more specifically, removing exotics and restoring appropriate native plant diversity). o On-site restoration of a ratio of at least 1:1 should be utilized when circumstances at the site allow for long-term sustainability of the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1419 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-56 replacement plantings, the potential to expand/connect to adjacent walnut woodlands, and/or the improvement of degraded walnut woodlands. If possible, on-site restoration areas should be located adjacent to preserved natural space. The project applicant shall replace/restore lost canopy area. More specifically, the project applicant shall provide mitigation trees of the same species comprising the walnut woodland, including the constituent or co-dominant oak species. All replacement trees should be planted on native undisturbed soil and should be the same species of walnut (Juglans sp.) and oak (Quercus sp.) as the removed tree with appropriate associated native vegetation in the understory. The location of the replacement tree should be in the vicinity of other trees of the same species. If replacement trees cannot be planted on native undisturbed soil or are not in the vicinity of the same species as the removed tree, the city may require implementation of additional measures as listed in MM-BIO-5 to ensure that trees thrive. Mitigation areas or land should be at a minimum of two (2) to one (1) canopy cover area for the amount removed. This is the expected canopy extent of mature trees.14 All mitigation areas or land should be placed in a conservation easement within six months of a . If a conservation easement is not possible, the land shall be protected in perpetuity by other means deemed acceptable by the City. Mitigation land may be designated public open space by the City if deemed appropriate per the description of Open Space found in Chapter 2: Land Use of the proposed General Plan. Project mitigation shall be monitored and reported on over a seven-year period and shall incorporate an iterative process of annual monitoring and evaluation of progress and allow for adjustments to the program, as necessary, to achieve desired outcomes and meet success criteria. Annual reports discussing the implementation, monitoring, and management of the mitigation project shall be submitted to the City and should contain the following components: description of the project impact and mitigation site; specific objectives/success criteria, evaluated based on approved survival rates and percent cover of planted native species; control of invasive plant and animal species within the mitigation site; monitoring and maintenance activities conducted since the previous report; and any contingency measures implemented since the previous report. Success criteria should be based on a reference site supporting the desired walnut woodland species and understory that the mitigation site is designed to achieve. Once the mitigation project has been completed, the applicant shall submit a final report to the City. The report shall discuss the implementation, monitoring and management of the mitigation project over the seven-year period, and indicates whether the mitigation project has, in part, or in whole, been successful based on 14 A more convenient way to think of it might be to base it on stem density, then apply that density over twice the acreage of the impacted area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1420 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-57 established success criteria. The project shall be extended if success criteria have not been met at the end of the seven-year period to the satisfaction of the City. Impact 3.3-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not have an adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) CONSTRUCTION A quantification of potential impacts on federally protected wetlands cannot be made until site- specific jurisdictional delineations are completed and the design and nature of specific projects anticipated by the Proposed Project is known. In particular, there appears to be an extensive wetland area extending upstream from Arnold Reservoir and north of Grand Avenue in the Tres Hermanos portion of the Planning Area. It is also possible that wetlands occur within areas of level topography. The bed and banks and associated wetland vegetation along these creeks and their tributaries are also regulated by CDFW. Impacts on state and federal jurisdictional features are considered potentially significant. OPERATIONS Based on the General Plan Policies related to Land Use, Open Space, Water Resources and Resource Conservation, it is anticipated that water leaving specific Planning Areas would be similar to existing conditions, and no significant effects on the downstream hydrology and habitat within Tonner and Brea creeks are expected to occur. Although General Plan Policies address and discourage it, the proposed project could result in impacts on jurisdictional streambeds and riparian habitats. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-G-4, RC-P-11, RC-P-12, and RC-P-24 as discussed under Impacts 3.3-1 and 3.3-2, in addition to the following: Land Use & Economic Development LU-P-2. Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed developments as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. Preservation can occur through methods including, but not limited to, dedication to the City or a conservation entity such as a conservancy, mitigation bank, or trust, or through conservation easements, deed restrictions, or other means. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1421 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-58 LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Resource Conservation RC-G-7. Protect waterways including creeks, riverines, artesian springs, seeps, and wetlands and watersheds in Diamond Bar from pollution and degradation as a result of urban activities. RC-G-9. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation to promote groundwater recharge. RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on-site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. RC-P-26. Require the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and inspection by a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP), during construction and post construction to limit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading and cut-and-fill; avoid steep slopes, unstable areas, and erosive soils; and minimize disturbance of natural vegetation and other physical or biological features important to preventing erosion or sedimentation. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1422 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-59 Mitigation Measures If and when avoidance of drainage features is not feasible, the City shall implement Mitigation Measures MM-BIO-2 and MM-BIO-3 (see description under Impact 3.3-2), which require project applicants to adopt compensatory measures in consultation with and as required by permitting regulating agencies (USACE, CDFG, and RWQCB). The specific compensatory measures required will be determined at the time of permitting. However, MM-BIO-2 and MM-BIO-3 require one of more of the following: habitat conservation; payment of in lieu fees to restoration/conservation funds; implementation of on- and off-site replacement and/or restoration/enhancement; and preparation of a restoration plan. Under the purview of the permitting agencies, these mitigation measures would reduce impacts on federally- and state-protected wetlands to a less than significant level. Impact 3.3-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) CONSTRUCTION The Project Area includes a portion of the only fully permeable habitat linkage between the Chino Hills to the east and the Puente Hills to the west. The ecological value of this linkage is discussed above as it is critical to maintaining biological diversity in the Puente Hills ecosystem. Accordingly, General Plan Policies RC-1-9 and RC-1-16 address the importance of maintaining this corridor as well as local corridors. Currently, the width of this linkage is approximately 6,400 feet (1.2 miles) between development in the Country and the Olinda Alpha Landfill. Past studies suggest that, although it is difficult to success (e.g., location, cover, lighting, roads, frequency of use, disturbance), for corridors that cover a span of approximately 0.5 miles or less, corridor width should be at least 300 feet wide provided that other conditions for the corridor are favorable (e.g., good location, sufficient woody cover, no lighting, few disturbances).15, 16 If conditions are not favorable, the width should be increased as corridor length increases. Whereas, the existing corridor width is well above the 300-foot minimum suggested by past studies, it can be argued that 300 feet is insufficient in this case. The undercrossing of Brea Creek and State Route 57 is approximately 300 feet, including paved road surfaces. This width, in itself, is a less that fully permeable corridor given the noise of traffic on the above freeway. As a consequence, live-in corridor habitats should be available on both sides of the narrowed corridor to increase the potential numbers of dispersing wildlife. 15 Beier, P. and R.H. Barrett. 1993. The cougar in the Santa Ana Mountain Range, California. Final report. Orange County Cooperative Mountain Lion Study, Department of Forestry and Resource Management, University of California, Berkeley, USA. 16 Beier, P.1993. Determining minimum habitat areas and habitat corridors for cougars. Conservation Biology 7:94 108. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1423 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-60 undercrossing in an adverse way. It is also important to include Tonner Creek in the corridor for cover and water during movement. In an effort to minimize edge effects on the wildlife corridor, any proposed project in the SOI should avoid the substantial loss of corridor habitat and provide for adequate buffering from light and noise trespass. Otherwise, a potentially significant impact could result. OPERATIONS The ongoing removal of vegetation from fuel modification thinning practices should also be considered. Such activities could reduce vegetation cover to a point where wildlife would not use the area for passage, foraging and shelter. Other indirect impacts of future projects anticipated by the proposed General Plan, such as lighting, roads and other disturbances, may collectively deter wildlife from using corridors in the Planning Area. Indirect impacts include an increase in the ambient lighting within the area due to higher nighttime light levels from the adjacent roads and development. As the natural habitats within the area are further constrained, increased development can pose additional threats to the corridor. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-P-1, RC-P-9, RC-P-12, and RC-P-24 as discussed under Impact 3.3-1. Mitigation Measures The Proposed Project could result in direct and indirect impacts on wildlife movement corridors. However, consistency with proposed General Plan policies for Open Space and Resource Conservation, and implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-6 would reduce potential impacts to less than significant. MM-BIO-6 Wildlife Movement Corridor: In order to ensure the existing integrity of the Tonner Canyon movement corridor, the following land use design criteria shall be adhered to when reviewing future projects: Corridor Features • The corridor should be as wide as possible. The corridor width may vary with habitat type or target species, but a rule of thumb is about a minimum of 1,000 feet wide (but larger if possible). • Maintain as much natural open space as possible next to any culverts and road undercrossings to encourage the use of these by wildlife. • Maximize land uses adjacent to the corridor that reduce human impacts on the corridor. • Avoid development or other impacts to project into the corridor to form impediments to movement and increase harmful edge effects. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1424 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-61 • If development is to be permitted next to the corridor, put conservation easements on adjacent lots to prohibit structures nearest the corridor. • Develop strict maximum brightness restrictions for development adjacent to the corridor to prevent light trespass into the corridor. Lights must be directed downward and inward toward the development. Culvert Design • Bridged undercrossings are preferable. • If a bridge is not possible, use a 12-foot by 12-foot box culvert or bigger for larger animals. • Install a small, one-foot diameter tube parallel to the large box culvert for small animals. The upstream end of the small tube should be a few inches higher than the bottom of the upstream end of the box culvert, so that it will stay dry and free of debris. • The culvert bottoms should be as close as possible to any canyon bottom and not be perched up a fill slope. • Use natural substrate on the bottom of the culvert, such as dirt with pebbles. • On roads above the undercrossings and culverts, install speed bumps and wildlife crossing signs to slow the cars, and avoid street lighting to facilitate use of the crossing. • Plant and maintain vegetative cover (shrubs and low cover) near the entrance- exits of the culverts, without visually or physically blocking the entries. • Install appropriate fencing (at least six feet in height) to funnel animals towards the undercrossings and culverts. Vegetation Restoration • Require maintenance or restoration of native vegetation, and long-term management. • Develop an adequate endowment program for restoration and management of the corridor. • Plant native trees, shrubs, and other plants to provide food and cover, as well as nesting opportunities for birds. Management and Enforcement 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1425 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-62 • If housing is to be permitted adjacent to the corridor, require the homeowners associations or each homeowner to maintain -- on their own property -- a mowed, 30-foot to 60-foot buffer along a flat or slightly sloped grade between the native vegetation in the corridor and each adjacent lot, for fire abatement. • Avoid fencing in the corridor that would bottleneck the corridor. • Unleashed domestic pets should not be allowed in the corridor. • Educate each landowner adjacent to the corridor about the regulations (lighting, mowing the buffer, no trespass, do not place pet food outside, etc.) and develop a pamphlet and convene a community meeting. In appropriate locations, install educational signs about the corridor and the species that could potentially use the corridor. Impact 3.3-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not potentially conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance. (No Impact) The Proposed Project would not introduce any potential conflicts with the City of Diamond Bar tree preservation ordinance, which applies to development within city limits, or the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Protection Ordinance, which applies to the SOI. Development under the adherence to its management and trimming procedures. The proposed General Plan does not propose any development within the SOI and designates this area as a Significant Ecological Area. Therefore, no significant impacts would occur. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.3-6 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) CONSTRUCTION As discussed above in Impact 3.3-4, the project could have adverse effects on the integrity of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor conservation program being led by WCCA. Although not a federal or state mandated conservation program, for the purpose of this assessment, they should be viewed as such in that the achievement of the Puente Hills Chino Hills corridor will render regional ecological benefits. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1426 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-63 OPERATIONS The reader is referred to the discussion in Impact 3.3-4. Implementation of the Proposed Project could conflict with applicable conservation plans and policies, specifically the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor conservation program. The proposed General Plan includes policies that protect and preserve biological resources within the City by designating specific resources and areas as protected, restricting activities and uses in protected areas, providing for the management of the resources on City lands, specifying impact avoidance and mitigation requirements for types of activities and by type of biological resource, and providing guidance for development and conservation decisions over the long-term. The policies anticipate the potential impacts on biological resources from the land uses and activities that will occur under the proposed General Plan and serve to avoid, reduce, and/or mitigate those impacts. However, implementation of mitigation measure MM-BIO-6 as discussed under Impact 3.3-4 would be required to ensure that impacts to the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor conservation would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies RC-P-1, RC-P-11, RC-P-12, and RC-G-4 as discussed under Impact 3.3-1. Resource Conservation RC-G-1. Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure public health and safety. RC-G-3. Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. RC-P-3. A decision to rescind, terminate, abandon, remove, or modify an open space deed restriction, map restriction or Open Space land use designation must be preceded by both a finding by the City Council that the decision confers a significant benefit on the City and a favorable vote of the electorate at a regular or special election. RC-P-4. Maintain an inventory of open lands which were set aside for open space uses as part of previous development approvals through the County and require verification as to the existence of any potential open space restrictions previously approved on a subject property prior to accepting development proposals. RC-P-8. Work with other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the City and its Sphere of Influence. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1427 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources 3.3-64 Such features include, but are not limited to, areas identified by Los Angeles County as Significant Ecological Areas; Tonner Canyon; the hills within Tres Hermanos Ranch; and the hillsides along SR-57, between Diamond Bar and Brea. Mitigation Measures The Proposed Project could result in direct and indirect impacts on wildlife movement corridors and therefore conflict with the efforts of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor conservation program. However, consistency with proposed General Plan policies for Open Space and Resource Conservation, and implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-BIO-6 as discussed under Impact 3.3-4 would reduce potential impacts to less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1428 3.4 Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources This section assesses potential environmental impacts on historic and cultural resources from future development anticipated by the Proposed Project, including those related to historic, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources, as well as human remains. The section describes the historical setting of the Planning Area, as well as the context for historic, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources in the Planning Area. It also includes a description of relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs related to historic and cultural resources. There were two comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments included the following topics specific to Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources. • Hills for Everyone requested that the EIR and General Plan address the protection of Native American artifacts, preservation of historic structures, and sites considered valuable to Native American Councils. This is addressed under Impacts 3.4-1 and 3.4-4. • The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) provided a brief summary of portions of Senate Bill (SB) 18 and Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and discussed the NAHC Recommendations for Cultural Resources Assessments. NAHC also discussed requirements for determining the significance of and potential impacts to tribal cultural resources under AB 52 and the California Environmental Quality Act. A discussion of SB 18 and AB 52 is provided in the Environmental Setting. This EIR uses the discussed requirements to determine the significance of and potential impacts to tribal cultural resources under Impact 3.4-4. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Historic Setting Prehistoric Period The chronology of Southern California is typically divided into three general time periods: the Early Holocene (9,600 cal B.C. to 5,600 cal B.C.), the Middle Holocene (5,600 cal B.C. to 1,650 cal B.C.), and the Late Holocene (1,650 cal B.C. to cal A.D. 1769). This chronology is manifested in the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1429 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-2 archaeological record by particular artifacts and burial practices that indicate specific technologies, economic systems, trade networks, and other aspects of culture. While it is not certain when humans first came to California, their presence in Southern California by about 9,600 cal B.C. has been well documented. At Daisy Cave, on San Miguel Island, cultural remains have been radiocarbon dated to between 9,150 and 9,000 cal B.C. (Byrd and Raab, 2007). During the Early Holocene (9,600 cal B.C. to 5,600 cal B.C.), the climate of Southern California became warmer and more arid and the human populations, who were represented by small hunter gatherers until this point and resided mainly in coastal or inland desert areas, began exploiting a wider range of plant and animal resources (Byrd and Raab, 2007). During the Late Holocene (1,650 cal B.C. to cal A.D. 1769), many aspects of Millingstone culture persisted, but a number of socioeconomic changes occurred (Erlandson, 1994; Wallace, 1955; Warren, 1968). The native populations of Southern California were becoming less mobile and populations began to gather in small sedentary villages with satellite resource-gathering camps. Increasing population necessitated the intensified use of existing terrestrial and marine resources (Erlandson, 1994). Evidence indicates that the overexploitation of larger, high-ranked food resources may have led to a shift in subsistence, towards a focus on acquiring greater amounts of smaller resources, such as shellfish and small-seeded plants (Byrd and Raab, 2007). Between about A.D. 800 and A.D. 1350, there was an episode of sustained drought, known as the Medieval Climatic Anomaly (Jones et al., 1999). While this climatic event did not appear to reduce the human population, it did lead to a change in subsistence strategies in order to deal with the substantial stress on resources. Given the increasing sedentism and growing populations during the Late Holocene, territorial conscription and competition became acute. Primary settlements or village sites were typically established in areas with available freshwater, and where two or more ecological zones intersected. This strategic placement of living space provided a degree of security in that when subsistence resources associated with one ecological zone failed, the resources of another could be exploited. Villages typically claimed and carefully defended fixed territories that may have averaged 30-square miles in size encompassing a variety of ecological zones that could be exploited for subsistence resources (McCawley, 1996). The Late Holocene marks a period in which specialization in labor emerged, trading networks became an increasingly important means by which both utilitarian and non-utilitarian materials were acquired, and travel routes were extended. Trade during this period reached its zenith as asphaltum (tar), seashells, and steatite were traded from Catalina Island (Pimu or Pimugna) and coastal Southern California to the Great Basin. Major technological changes appeared as well, particularly with the advent of the bow and arrow sometime after cal A.D. 500, which largely replaced the use of the dart and atlatl (Byrd and Raab, 2007). Ethnographic Period The City is located within Gabrielino (Gabrieleño, Tongva, or Kizh) territory. According to Bean and Smith (1978) wealthiest, most populous, and most powerful ethnic nationality in aboriginal Southern Named after the San Gabriel Mission, the Gabrielino occupied sections of Los Angeles, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1430 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-3 Orange, and San Bernardino counties, and the islands of San Nicolas, Santa Catalina, and San Clemente. The Gabrielino subsisted on a variety of resources in several ecological zones. Acorns, sage, and yucca were gathered throughout the inland areas whereas shellfish, fish, as well as a variety of plants and animals were exploited within the marshes and along the coast. Deer and various kinds of small mammals were hunted on an opportunistic basis. Their material culture reflected the subsistence technology. Lithic tools such as arrow points and modified flakes were used to hunt and process animals. A variety of ground stone grinding implements, such as the mortar, pestle, mano, and metate, were used to process both plant and animal remains for food (Bean and Smith, 1978). The settlement patterns of the Gabrielino, and other nearby groups such as the Juaneño and Luiseño, were similar and they often interacted through marriage, trade and warfare. The seasonal availability of water and floral and faunal resources dictated seasonal migration rounds with more permanent villages and base camps being occupied primarily during winter and spring months. In the summer months, the village populations divided into smaller units that occupied seasonal food procurement areas. The more permanent settlements tended to be near major waterways and food sources and various secular and sacred activities, such as food production and storage and tool manufacturing, were conducted at these areas (Bean and Smith, 1978). Historic Context European contact with the Gabrielino that inhabited the City and surrounding region began in 1542 when Spanish explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, arrived by sea during his navigation of the California coast. Sebastian Vizcaino arrived in 1602 during his expedition to explore and map the western coast that Cabrillo visited 60 years earlier. In 1769, another Spanish explorer, Gaspar de Portola, passed through Gabrielino territory and interacted with the local indigenous groups. In 1771, Mission San Gabriel was established and it slowly integrated Gabrielinos from the surrounding region and, quite possibly, the City. By 1833, the California missions had been secularized and most Gabrielinos became laborers for the gentry class (Bean and Smith, 1978). In 1840, Governor Juan Alvarado deeded 4,340 acres (which included parts of Diamond Bar), to with this Mexican land grant. He died in 1847 and his widow sold a choice portion of the ranch to Ricardo Vejar for $100 in merchandise, 10 Vejar already owned the nearby Rancho San Jose (now the City of Pomona) so this acquisition made him the fifth wealthiest landowner in Los Angeles County, with 10,000 acres. Starting in 1864, the land that encompassed the original Rancho Los Nogales changed ownership over the next several decades. One such owner was Louis Phillip, a young livestock owner who subdivided portions of the ranch for sale. Frederick E. Lewis II purchased 7,800 acres of the original the symbol for which the City of Diamond Bar was named. Diamond Bar Ranch became a successful ranch primarily through hog breeding, although other activities such as horse breeding also took place on site (City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society, 2014). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1431 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-4 In 1943, Lewis sold the Ranch to the Bartholomae family, who continued to maintain it as a successful ranch by raising cattle on it for the next thirteen years. William A Bartholomae was president of the family oil company and in 1956 sought to make a more lucrative use of the land. At that time the Ranch looked much as it did in 1840, with grassy rolling hills supporting large herds of cattle, as well as abundant walnut tree orchards and scattered oak trees. The Christiana Oil Corporation and the Capital Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Transamerica Corporation, purchased 8,000 acres of Brea Canyon for $10,000,000, which encompassed the Ranch and the Ranch Headquarters Compound. Their plan was to develop a master-planned community that would eventually become home to more than 50,000 people. A master plan was adopted in 1958 and work began immediately on utilities and infrastructure. The plan included a central business district, two shopping districts, and parks including an 18 - hole golf course. Education was also considered a very important aspect of the plan (City of Diamond Bar and Diamond Bar Historical Society, 2014). The first model homes were built in 1960 in the north end of the City and the development continues to this day. After a lengthy process, the City incorporated in 1989 and becam (City of Diamond Bar, 1995; 2016). The first General Plan was adopted in 1995 and the City has since grown to approximately 58,000 residents. Historic Resources Records searches were conducted at the California Historical Resources Information System South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) on September 19, 2016 and June 25, 2019 to identify previously recorded historic built environment resources within the Planning Area and a half-mile radius. (HRI), California Historical Landmarks (CHL), California Points of Historical Interest (PHI), National Register of Historic Places (National Register) listings, and California Register of Historical Resources (California Register) listings were reviewed. The results of the records search indicated that there are two previously recorded built environment resources within the City (Table 3.4-1). These two historic resources include: (1) segment of the Union/Southern Pacific Railroad (19-186112), which has been previously recommended eligible for listing in the National Register under Criteria A and B for its associations with the development of Los Angeles and the Big Four (Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington, Leland Stanford, and Charles Crocker); and (2) an aboveground water tank/reservoir associated with the Walnut Valley Water District (19-189748) that was recommended ineligible for listing in the National Register under Criteria A-D. A review of the HRI, CHL, PHI, National Register, and California Register indicated that there are no federally, state, or locally identified, designated, or listed historic resources within the Planning Area. Although not on file at the SCCIC or listed in any historic register, the historic windmill that now stands at the entrance to the Diamond Bar Towne Center, a shopping center located at the northeast corner of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, may be of local interest or significance. The windmill is reported to have been in operation as part of the Diamond Bar Ranch (now demolished) at a location approximately 600 feet from its current location (City of Diamond Bar and Diamond 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1432 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-5 Bar, 2014). The windmill is the only remaining vestige of the ranch. The windmill would not qualify for listing in the National Register or California Register since it has been moved from its original location and lacks context with its historical use (i.e., has lost its integrity). As such, it would not qualify as a historical resource under CEQA unless a lead agency determined it to be a historical resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(a)(4). Table 3.4-1: Previously Recorded Buildings/Structures Primary No. (19-) Resource Name Address Eligibility *186112 Union/Southern Pacific Railroad - Recommended eligible for National Register under Criteria A and B *189748 Water tank/reservoir - Recommended not eligible for National Register under Criteria A-D * denotes resources within City limits Source: California Historical Resources Information System, South Central Coastal Information Center, 2016. Archaeological Resources Records searches were conducted at the SCCIC on September 19, 2016 and June 25, 2019 to identify previously recorded archaeological resources within the Planning Area and a half-mile radius. The results of the records search indicated that a total of 110 cultural resource studies have been conducted within the one-half mile radius of the Planning Area. Of these 110 studies, 62 have been conducted within the Planning Area. A total of 15 archaeological resources have been recorded within a one-half mile radius of the Planning Area (Table 3.4-2). Of the 15 previously recorded archaeological resources, 11 are within the Planning Area (seven within the City limits and four within the Sphere of Influence). The seven resources within the City limits consist of five prehistoric archaeological sites (CA-LAN-852, CA-LAN-853 and CA-LAN-854, CA-LAN-1704, and 19- 002805), one prehistoric isolate (19-101010), and one historic-period archaeological site (CA-LAN- 3771H). The four resources within the sphere of influence consist of two historic-period isolates (19-100794 and 19-100795) and two prehistoric isolates (19-100793 and 19-101223). The locations of these resources remain confidential, pursuant to State and federal policies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1433 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-6 Table 3.4-2: Previously Recorded Archaeological Resources Primary No. Permanent Trinomial (CA- -) Description Date Recorded Eligibility - *LAN-852 Prehistoric site: chipped stone 1976 Unknown - *LAN-853 Prehistoric site: chipped stone 1976 Unknown - *LAN-854 Prehistoric site: small chipped stone scatter 1976 Unknown 30-001291 ORA-1291H Historic site: rock retaining wall with refuse 1990 Unknown - LAN-1414 Prehistoric site: chipped and ground stone 1988 Unknown - *LAN-1704 Prehistoric site: chipped and ground stone 1980 Unknown - *LAN-3771H Historic site/landscape: eucalyptus trees and concrete debris associated with Diamond Bar Ranch Headquarters 2008 Not eligible *19-002805 Prehistoric site: chipped and ground stone 2000 Unknown 30-100478 - Historic isolate: can 2008 Not eligible 30-100479 - Historic isolate: can 2008 Not eligible **19- 100793 - Prehistoric isolate: flake 2010 Not eligible **19- 100794 - Historic isolate: white earthenware flatware 2010 Not eligible **19- 100795 - Historic isolate: white earthenware flatware 2010 Not eligible **19- 101223 - Prehistoric isolate: ground stone fragment 2000 Not eligible *19-101010 - Prehistoric isolate: ground stone fragment 2013 Not eligible * denotes resources within City limits ** denotes resources within sphere of influence Source: California Historical Resources Information System, South Central Coastal Information Center, 2016. A Sacred Lands File (SLF) search was commissioned through the NNAHC. The SLF records search results letter dated October 7, 2016 revealed that no known Native American resources from the NAHC database have been recorded within the City; however, this does not preclude their existence with the City. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1434 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-7 Tribal Cultural Resources Pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21074, a tribal cultural resource is a site, feature, place, cultural landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a tribe that is included or determined to be eligible for inclusion in the California Register, included in a local register of historical resources, or otherwise determined to be significant by the lead agency of an environmental review process. A search of the NAHC SLF was negative for the Planning Area. However, the long heritage of Native American tribes in the region suggests that the presence of tribal cultural resources is a possibility that future development will need to consider. The identification of tribal cultural resources can be supported by records, but can only be fully determined through consultation with local Native American tribes. Thus, maintaining good communication with local tribes will be critical to ensuring that resources are identified and respectfully preserved. consult with California Native American tribes for the purpose of preserving specified places, AB 52 requires CEQA documents to examine tribal cultural resources in determination of project impacts and mitigation and establishes a consultation process with California Native American tribes to avoid damaging effects to tribal cultural resources. Since this is a program EIR for a general plan, the City is required to consult with local Native American tribal groups/representatives under both SB 18 and AB 52 (see Pursuant to SB 18, the City contacted the NAHC in May 2018 to obtain a list of California Native American tribes whom the City would engage for the purposes of avoiding, protecting, and/or mitigating impacts on tribal cultural resources through the General Plan update process. In May 2018 the NAHC provided the City with a list of seven California Native American tribes to contact in accordance with SB 18 the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians Kizh Nation, the Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, the Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe, the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians Pauma and Yuima Reservation, and the San Fernando Band of Mission Indians. The City sent a Notice of Preparation to the seven tribes previously listed on May 31, 2018 but no responses were received. The NAHC provided a comment letter, which is discussed above. Pursuant to AB 52, the City contacted the NAHC again in April 2019 to request a search of its SLF and to obtain a list of California Native American tribes whom the City would engage for the purposes of avoiding, protecting, and/or mitigating impacts on tribal cultural resources. No California Native American tribes independently contacted the City to request notice under AB 52. In May 2019 the NAHC provided the City with a list of five California Native American tribes to contact in accordance with AB 52 the Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians Kizh Nation, the Gabrielino/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, the Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, and the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe. Of the five tribes contacted by the City, only one response, from the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians Kizh Nation, was received. In its response letter, the tribe stated that tribal consultation would not be required given that there would not be any ground disturbance associated with the Proposed Project. Correspondence with the NAHC and tribal contacts is included in Appendix C of this EIR. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1435 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-8 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations National Historic Preservation Act The principal federal law addressing historic properties is the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended (54 United States Code of Laws [USC] 300101 et seq.), and its implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800). Section 106 requires a federal agency with jurisdiction over a effects of the undertaking on historic properties, and to provide the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) an opportunity to comment on the undertaking. or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Regi l)(1)). The implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800) describe the process for identifying and evaluating historic properties, for assessing the potential adverse effects of federal undertakings on historic properties, and seeking to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects. The Section 106 process does not require the preservation of historic properties; instead, it is a procedural requirement mandating that federal agencies take into account effects to historic properties from an undertaking prior to approval. The steps of the Section 106 process are accomplished through consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), federally-recognized Indian tribes, local governments, and other interested parties. The goal of consultation is to identify potentially affected historic properties, assess effects to such properties, and seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects on such properties. The agency also must provide an opportunity for public involvement (36 CFR 800.1(a)). Consultation with Indian tribes regarding issues related to Section 106 and other authorities (such as NEPA and Executive Order No. 13007) must recognize the government-to- government relationship between the Federal government and Indian tribes, as set forth in Executive Order 13175, 65 FR 87249 (Nov. 9, 2000), and Presidential Memorandum of Nov. 5, 2009. Section 106 (36 CFR 800.13(b)) also provides a process for the lead federal agency to review unanticipated discoveries, if historic properties are unexpectedly encountered after the Section 106 process has been completed and no agreement document is in place. If discovered, the lead federal agency shall make reasonable efforts to avoid, minimize, or mitigate ad verse effects to such properties. National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (National Register) was established by the NHPA of 1966, groups and recognizes a broad range of cultural resources that are significant at the national, state, and local levels and can include districts, buildings, structures, objects, prehistoric archaeological sites, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1436 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-9 historic-period archaeological sites, traditional cultural properties, and cultural landscapes. As noted above, a resource that is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register is considered To be eligible for listing in the National Register, a property must be significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Properties of potential significance must meet one or more of the following four established criteria: A. Are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; B. Are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; C. Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or D. Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. In addition to meeting one or more of the criteria of significance, a property must have integrity. . recognizes seven qualities that, in various combinations, define integrity. The seven factors that define integrity are location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. To retain historic integrity a property must possess several, and usually most, of these seven aspects. Thus, the retention of the specific aspects of integrity is paramount for a property to co nvey its significance. Ordinarily religious properties, moved properties, birthplaces or graves, cemeteries, reconstructed properties, commemorative properties, and properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years are not considered eligible for the National Register unless they are integral parts of districts that meet the criteria or fall into one of the categories of the Criteria Considerations (A- G), in addition to meeting at least one of the four significance criteria and possessing integrity. State Regulations California Environmental Quality Act CEQA is the principal statute governing environmental review of projects occurring in the state and is codified at Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. CEQA requires lead agencies to determine if a proposed project would have a significant effect on the environment, including significant effects on historical or unique archaeological resources. Under CEQA (Section 21084.1), a project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. The CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations Section 15064.5) recognize that historical resources include: (1) a resource listed in, or determined to be eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission, for listing in the California Register; (2) a resource included in a local register of historical resources, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k) or identified as significant in a historical resource survey meeting the requirements of Public 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1437 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-10 Resources Code Section 5024.1(g); and (3) any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which a lead agency determines to be historically significant or significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California by the lead agency, supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole record. The fact that a resource does not meet the three criteria outlined above does not preclude the lead agency from determining that the resource may be an historical resource as defined in Public Resources Code Sections 5020.1(j) or 5024.1. If a lead agency determines that an archaeological site is a historical resource, the provisions of Section 21084.1 of CEQA and Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines apply. If an archaeological site does not meet the criteria for a historical resource contained in the CEQA Guidelines, then the site may be treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 21083, which is as a unique archaeological resource. As defi is an archaeological artifact, object, or site, about which it can be clearly demonstrated that without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability that it meets any of the following criteria: • Contains information needed to answer important scientific research questions and there is a demonstrable public interest in that information; • Has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the best available example of its type; or, • Is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or historic event or person. If an archaeological site meets the criteria for a unique archaeological resource as defined in Section 21083.2, then the site is to be treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 21083.2, which state that if the lead agency determines that a project would have a significant effect on unique archaeological resources, the lead agency may require reasonable efforts be made to permit any or all of these resources to be preserved in place (Section 21083.1(a)). If preservation in place is not feasible, mitigation measures shall be required. The CEQA Guidelines note that if an archaeological resource is neither a unique archaeological nor a historical resource, the effects of the project on those resources shall not be considered a significant effect on the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(c)(4)). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1438 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-11 A significant effect under CEQA would occur if a project results in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(a). of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of a historical resource CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(b)(1)). According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(b)(2), the significance of a historical resource is materially impaired when a project demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics that: A. Convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for, inclusion in the California Register; B. Account for its inclusion in a local register of historical resources pursuant to section 5020.1(k) of the Public Resources Code or its identification in a historical resources survey meeting the requirements of section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code, unless the public agency reviewing the effects of the project establishes by a preponderance of evidence that the resource is not historically or culturally significant; or C. Convey its historical significance and that justify its eligibility for inclusion in the California Register as determined by a Lead Agency for purposes of CEQA. In general, a project that complies with the of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings (Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties) (Weeks and Grimer, 1995) is considered to have mitigated its impacts on historical resources to a less-than-significant level (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(b)(3)). California Register of Historical Resources ve listing and guide to be used by State and local agencies, private groups, and citizens in identifying the existing historical resources of the State and to indicate which resources deserve to be protected, to the extent prudent and feasible, from substa Public Resources Code Section 5024.1(a)). The criteria for eligibility for the California Register are based upon National Register criteria (Public Resources Code Section 5024.1(b)). Certain resources are determined by the statute to be automatically included in the California Register, including California properties formally determined eligible for, or listed in, the National Register. To be eligible for the California Register, a prehistoric or historic-period property must be significant at the local, state, and/or federal level under one or more of the following four criteria: 1. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of 2. Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past; 3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or 4. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1439 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-12 A resource eligible for the California Register must meet one of the criteria of significance described above, and retain enough of its historic character or appearance (integrity) to be recognizable as a historical resource and to convey the reason for its significance. It is possible that a historic resource may not retain sufficient integrity to meet the criteria for listing in the National Register, but it may still be eligible for listing in the California Register. Additionally, the California Register consists of resources that are listed automatically and those that must be nominated through an application and public hearing process. The California Register automatically includes the following: • California properties listed on the National Register and those formally determined eligible for the National Register; • California Registered Historical Landmarks from No. 770 onward; and, • Those California Points of Historical Interest that have been evaluated by the OHP and have been recommended to the State Historical Commission for inclusion on the California Register. Other resources that may be nominated to the California Register include: • Historical resources with a significance rating of Category 3 through 5 (those properties identified as eligible for listing in the National Register, the California Register, and/or a local jurisdiction register); • Individual historical resources; • Historical resources contributing to historic districts; and, • Historical resources designated or listed as local landmarks, or designated under any local ordinance, such as an historic preservation overlay zone. California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 requires that in the event human remains are discovered, the County Coroner be contacted to determine the nature of the remains. In the event the remains are determined to be Native American in origin, the Coroner is required to contact the NAHC within 24 hours to relinquish jurisdiction. California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 provides procedures in the event human remains of Native American origin are discovered during project implementation. Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 requires that no further disturbances occur in the immediate vicinity of the discovery, that the discovery is adequately protected according to generally accepted cultural and archaeological standards, and that further activities take into account the possibility of multiple burials. Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 further requires the NAHC, upon notification by a County Coroner, designate and notify a Most Likely Descendant (MLD) regarding the discovery of Native American human remains. The MLD has 48 hours from the time of being granted access to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1440 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-13 the site by the landowner to inspect the discovery and provide recommendations to the landowner for the treatment of the human remains and any associated grave goods. In the event that no descendant is identified, or the descendant fails to make a recommendation for disposition, or if the land owner rejects the recommendation of the descendant, the landowner may, with appropriate dignity, reinter the remains and burial items on the property in a location that will not be subject to further disturbance. California Government Code Sections 6254(r) and 6254.10 These sections of the California Public Records Act were enacted to protect archaeological sites from unauthorized excavation, looting, or vandalism. Section 6254(r) explicitly authorizes public and sacred places maintained by the Native American Heritage Commissi information and reports, maintained by, or in the possession of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Historical Resources Commission, the State Lands Commission, the Native American Heritage Commission, another state agency, or a local agency, including the records that the agency obtains through a consultation process between a Native American tribe and a state or Tribal Consultation under Assembly Bill 52 and Related Public Resources Code Sections AB 52 added provisions to CEQA regarding tribal consultation and consideration of project impacts on Tribal Cultural Resources, including consideration of mitigation and alternatives that may be proposed by the Tribal representative. AB 52 was approved by California State Governor Public Resources Code Section 5097.94, and added Public Resources Code Sections 21073, 21074, 21080.3.1, 21080.3.2, 21082.3, 21083.09, 21084.2, and 21084.3. AB 52 applies specifically to projects for which a Notice of Preparation (NOP) or a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) will be filed on or after July 1, 2015. The primary intent of AB 52 is to include California Native American Tribes early in the environmental review process and to establish a new category of resources related to Native Americans that require consideration under CEQA, known as tribal cultural resources. Public Resources Code Section 21074(a)(1) and objects with cultural value to a Californi determined to be eligible for inclusion in the California Register or included in a local register of historical resources, or a resource that is determined to be a tribal cultural resource by a lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence. On July 30, 2016, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted the final text for tribal cultural resources update to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, which was approved by the Office of Administrative Law on September 27, 2016. Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 requires that within 14 days of a lead agency determining that an application for a project is complete, or a decision by a public agency to undertake a project, the lead agency must provide formal notification to the designated contact, or a tribal representative, of California Native American Tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the project (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21073) and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1441 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-14 who have requested in writing to be informed by the lead agency (Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1(b)). Tribes interested in consultation must respond in writing within 30 days from the lead agency must begin consultation Public Resources Code Sections 21080.3.1(d) and 21080.3.1(e)). Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.2(a) identifies the following as potential consultation discussion topics: the type of environmental review necessary; the significance of tribal cultural s; project alternatives or appropriate measures for preservation; and mitigation measures. Consultation is considered concluded when either: (1) the parties agree to measures to mitigate or avoid a significant effect, if a significant effect exists, on a tribal cultural resource; or (2) a party, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached (Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.2(b)). If a California Native American tribe has requested consultation pursuant to Section 21080.3.1 and has failed to provide comments to the lead agency, or otherwise failed to engage in the consultation process, or if the lead agency has complied with Section 21080.3.1(d) and the California Native American tribe has failed to request consultation within 30 days, the lead agency may certify an EIR (Public Resources Code Section 21082.3(d)(2) and (3)). Compliance with AB 52 requirements is documented in the Physical Setting (above). Public Resources Code Section 21082.3(c)(1) states that any information, including, but not limited to, the location, description, and use of the tribal cultural resources, that is submitted by a California Native American tribe during the environmental review process shall not be included in the environmental document or otherwise disclosed by the lead agency or any other public agency to the public without the prior consent of the tribe that provided the information. If the lead agency publishes any information submitted by a California Native American tribe during the consultation or environmental review process, that information shall be published in a confidential appendix to the environmental document unless the tribe that provided the information consents, in writing, to the disclosure of some or all of the information to the public. Senate Bill 18 Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) (Statutes of 2004, Chapter 905), which went into effect January 1, 2005, requires local governments (city and county) to consult with Native American tribes before making certain planning decisions and to provide notice to tribes at certain key points in the planning in local land use decisions at an early planning stage, for the purpose of protecting, or mitigating The purpose of involving tribes at these early planning stages is to allow consideration of cultural places in the context of broad local land use policy, before individual site-specific, project-level, land use designations are made by a local government. The consultation requirements of SB 18 apply to general plan or specific plan processes proposed on or after March 1, 2005. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1442 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-15 According to the Tribal Consultation Guidelines: Supplement to General Plan Guidelines responsibilities of local governments: • Prior to the adoption or any amendment of a general plan or specific plan, a local government must notify the appropriate tribes (on the contact list maintained by the NAHC) of the opportunity to conduct consultations for the purpose of preserving, or mitigating impacts on, cultural pla jurisdiction that is affected by the proposed plan adoption or amendment. Tribes have 90 days from the date on which they receive notification to request consultation, unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe (Government Code Section 65352.3). • Prior to the adoption or substantial amendment of a general plan or specific plan, a local government must refer the proposed action to those tribes that are on the NAHC contact list and have traditio must allow a 45-day comment period (Government Code Section 65352). Notice must be sent regardless of whether prior consultation has taken place. Such notice does not initiate a new consultation process. • Local government must send a notice of a public hearing, at least 10 days prior to the hearing, to tribes who have filed a written request for such notice (Government Code Section 65092). Local Regulations Diamond Bar General Plan The Diamond Bar General Plan (1995) includes the following strategies applicable to cultural resources: Strategies 1.1.6 Pursue the preservation of areas within Diamond Bar and its Sphere of Influence, of outstanding scenic, historic, and cultural value. 1.1.12 New development should include the preservation of significant trees of cultural or historical value. These strategies are being strengthened as part of the proposed General Plan update. Los Angeles County Historic Preservation Ordinance The Los Ang Ordinance (HPO) on September 1, 2015. The HPO establishes criteria for designating landmarks and historic districts and provides protective measures for designated and eligible historic resources. The HPO applies to all privately owned property within the unincorporated territory of the County and all publicly owned landmarks, except properties that were not listed prior to the issuance of a demolition permit or properties affiliated with religious organizations. The HPO 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1443 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-16 historic distri contributing properties which has been designated as an historic district by the Board of they are 50 years of age and meets one of the following criteria: 1. It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the history of the nation, State, County, or community in which it is located; 2. It is associated with the lives of persons who are significant in the history of the nation, State, County, or community in which it is located; 3. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, architectural style, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of an architect, designer, engineer, or builder whose work is of significance to the nation, State, County, or community in which it is located; or possesses artistic values of significance to the nation, State, County, or community in which it is located; 4. It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, significant and important information regarding the prehistory or history of the nation, State, County, or community in which it is located; 5. It is listed, or has been formally determined eligible by the United States National Park Service for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places, or is listed, or has been formally determined eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission for listing, on the California Register of Historical Resources; 6. If it is a tree, it is one of the largest or oldest trees of the species located in the County; or 7. If it is a tree, landscape, or other natural land feature, it has historical significance due to an association with an historic event, person, site, street, or structure, or because it is a defining or significant outstanding feature of a neighborhood. Historic Districts Property less than 50 years of age may be designated as a landmark if it meets one or more of the criteria and exhibits exceptional importance. A geographic area, including a noncontiguous grouping of related properties, may be designated as an historic district if all of the following requirements are met: 1. More than 50 percent of owners in the proposed district consent to the designation; 2. The proposed district satisfies one or more of criteria 1 through 5; and 3. The proposed district exhibits either a concentration of historic, scenic, or sites containing common character-defining features, which contribute to each other and are unified aesthetically by plan, physical development, or architectural quality; or significant geographical patterns, associated with different eras of settlement and growth, particular transportation modes, or distinctive examples of parks or community planning. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1444 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-17 County of Los Angeles General Plan The Conservation and Natural Resources Element (applicable to unincorporated lands in the Planning Area) indic resources are an important part of . This element provides the following goal and policies for the treatment of cultural resources: Goal C/NR 14: Protected historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. Policy C/NR 14.1: Mitigate all impacts from new development on or adjacent to historic, cultural, and paleontological resources to the greatest extent feasible. Policy C/NR 14.2: Support an inter-jurisdictional collaborative system that protects and enhances historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. Policy C/NR 14.3: Support the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings. Policy C/NR 14.5: Promote public awareness of historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. Policy C/NR 14.6: Ensure proper notification and recovery processes are carried out for development on or near historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would meet at least one of the following criteria: Criterion 1: Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5; Criterion 2: Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5; Criterion 3: Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries; or Criterion 4: Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1445 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-18 a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or B) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Historical Resources The records search included a review of all recorded historic built environment resources within the Planning Area and a one-half mile radius. In addition, the HRI, CHL, PHI, National Register, and California Register listings were reviewed. The purpose of this research is to determine whether or not there are previously recorded historic built environment resources within the Planning Area that require inclusion in the current analysis. Archaeological Resources Cultural resources records searches were conducted on September 19, 2016 and June 25, 2019 at the SCCIC. The records searches included a review of all recorded archaeological resources and previous studies within the Planning Area and a one-half mile radius. Historic topographic maps on file at the SCCIC were also reviewed. The purpose of the record searches is to determine whether or not there are previously recorded archaeological resources within the Planning Area that require inclusion in the current analysis. The results also provide a basis for assessing the sensitivity of the Planning Area in regards to the potential for surface and subsurface archaeological resources to exist. An SLF search was commissioned through the NAHC on September 21, 2016. Results of the SLF search provide information pertaining to the nature and location of additional prehistoric or Native American cultural resources in addition to those on file at the SCCIC and that require inclusion in the current analysis. Tribal Cultural Resources The analysis of tribal cultural resources is based on a 2016 SLF search through the NAHC, as well as project notification letters that the City submitted to seven (7) Native American individuals and and request to consult letters that the City 9, 2019. Human Remains The analysis of human remains is based on the SCCIC and SLF search results. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1446 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-19 IMPACTS Impact 3.4-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5. (Significant and Unavoidable) Future development proposals anticipated under the General Plan that include construction, demolition, or alteration of buildings/structures/objects/landscape features (hereafter referred to could have the potential to cause a substantial adverse change to historical resources as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. Anticipated development in Diamond Bar and redevelopment or revitalization of underutilized properties could result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource through physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource. New construction through infill development on vacant property could result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource through alteration of the resourc Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties is considered as mitigated to a level of less than significant impact on the historical resource. Projects that propose alteration of a historical resource and that do not adhere to these standards have the potential to result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Other projects that propose demolition or alteration of, or construction adjacent to, existing historic resources over 45 years in age (the California Office of a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Changes in the setting of historic buildings and structures can result from the introduction of new visible features, significant landscape changes, or other alterations that change the historic integrity of the setting of a significant resource. Background research resulted in the identification of one known historical resource (19- 186112, Union/Southern Pacific Railroad), which has been recommended for listing in the National Register. There are no federally or state designated or listed properties within the Planning Area. However, the City has not been subject to a comprehensive Citywide historic resources survey to identify historic-age properties that could qualify for listing for national or state listing (the City does not have a local designation program). Any property that is or becomes of historic age may be a potential historical resource. A review of historic aerials indicates that there are numerous properties within the City that are more than 45 years in age. Any project that proposes the demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of property more than 45 years in age could result in a significant impact on historical resources. The General Plan policies listed below would address the impact by requiring that new development be compatible with the character, scale, massing, and design of existing development, which is part of the requirements of the Properties. However, these policies do not require the identification and evaluation of historic-age properties to determine if there are historical resources within or nearby a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project, nor do they require the retention or rehabilitation of historical resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1447 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-20 Mitigation is required to ensure that historical resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified historical resources are reduced. However, impacts on historical resources that are demolished or altered in an adverse manner such that they are no longer able to convey their historical significance and such that they are no longer eligible for inclusion in the California Register typically cannot be mitigated to a level of less than significant. 1, 2 Without information on specific future projects or a Citywide historic resources survey to identify and/or dismiss the historic significance of structures more than 45 years old, it is impossible to know if future development will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources. It is reasonable to assume that future development proposals initiated under the proposed General Plan that include demolition, or substantial alteration of buildings could affect yet-identified historic structures. Therefore, even with mitigation, impacts on historical resources would be significant and unavoidable under the Proposed Project. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-17. Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale of adjacent residential uses, while allowing for higher intensity development along Diamond Bar Boulevard to foster the corridor's revitalization. LU-G-21. Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale, density, and massing of adjacent residential uses and potential sources of noise and air pollution. LU-P-8. Require that new residential development be compatible with the prevailing character of the surrounding neighborhood in terms of building scale, density, massing, and design. Where the General Plan designates higher densities, require adequate transitions to existing development. LU-P-12. Require that commercial uses and shopping centers are designed in a manner compatible with adjacent residential areas in terms of traffic and noise impacts, building scale, and appropriate transitions and buffers. 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(2) states that in some circumstances, documentation of an historical resource, by the way of narrative, photographs or architectural drawings, as mitigation for the effects of demolition of the resource will not mitigate the effects to the point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur. 2 In Documentation of the historical features of the building and exhibition of a plaque do not reasonably begin to alleviate the impacts of its destruction. A large historical structure, once demolished, normally cannot be adequately replaced by reports and commemorative markers. Nor, we think, are the effects of the demolition reduced to a level of insignificance by a proposed new building with unspecified design elements which may incorporate features of the original architecture into an entirely different shopping center. This is so particularly where, as here, the plans for the substitute building remain tentative and vague. We conclude that the stated mitigation measures do not reduce the effects of the demolition to less than a level of significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1448 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-21 LU-P-18. Require development to be sensitive to the building form, density, massing, and scale of surrounding residential neighborhoods. Community Character and Placemaking CG-G-4 Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods and ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. CC-G-16. Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale of adjacent residential uses and potential sources of noise and air pollution. CC-P-30. Ensure that infill residential development is designed to be sensitive to the scale, character, and identity of adjacent existing development. Resource Conservation RC-G-15 for the educational, aesthetic, and environmental contribution that they make to RC-P-45. Support property owners in seeking registration of eligible historic structures and Points of Historical Interest, California Register of Historical Resources, and the National Register of Historic Places. Mitigation Measures In order to ensure that historical resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified historical resources are reduced, MM-CULT-1 is required. This would require research and survey by a qualified architectural historian, evaluation of properties for listing in the California Register, and assessment of project-specific impacts under CEQA thresholds. MM-CULT-1 Prior to development of any project on a parcel containing at least one structure more than 45 years old and until such time a Citywide historic resource survey is completed, the project proponent shall retain a qualified architectural historian, defined as meeting the Professional Qualification Standards for architectural history, to conduct a preliminary assessment. If the property appears to be potentially eligible for a local, state and/or federal listing, a full historic resources assessment shall be required. A full historic resources assessment shall include: a records search at the South Central Coastal Information Center; a review of pertinent archives, databases, and sources; a pedestrian field survey; recordation of all identified historic resources on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms; and preparation of a technical report documenting the methods and results of the assessment. All identified historic resources indirect effects on those resources and any historic resource that may be affected shall be evaluated for its potential significance under national and state criteria 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1449 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-22 prior to the City approval of project plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. The qualified architectural historian shall provide recommendations regarding additional work, treatment, or mitigation for affected historical resources to be implemented prior to their demolition or alteration. Impacts on historical resources shall be analyzed using CEQA thresholds to determine if a project would result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. If a potentially significant impact would occur, the City shall require appropriate mitigation to lessen the impact to the degree feasible. This mitigation measure shall not apply to minor projects that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, such as, but not limited to, room additions, reroofs, and the removal of minor accessory structures and landscaping projects. Even with implementation of MM-CULT-1, impacts on historical resources would remain significant and unavoidable. Impact 3.4-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5. (Less than Significant) Future development proposals anticipated by the General Plan that include construction-related ground disturbance (e.g., grubbing/clearing, grading, excavation, trenching, and boring) into native soil are activities that have potential to impact, or cause a substantial adverse chang e to archaeological resources. Future development that does not require ground-disturbing activities would cause no impacts on archaeological resources. Other development activities that include ground disturbance of heavily disturbed soils or engineered artificial fill would also cause no impact on significant archaeological resources since they have likely been displaced from previous disturbances and there is very limited to no potential to encounter intact and significant resources in disturbed soils. However, intact significant resources may be encountered beneath the depth of previous disturbances or in pockets of undisturbed soils within existing developments. Anticipated development in the Planning Area would occur through infill development on vacant property, and through redevelopment or revitalization of underutilized properties, which could result in damage to prehistoric and historic-period archaeological resources located at or near previously undisturbed ground surfaces as result of construction-related ground disturbance. In addition, infrastructure and other improvements requiring ground disturbance could result in damage to or destruction of archaeological resources buried below the ground surface. The SLF records search revealed that no known Native American resources from the NAHC database have been recorded within the City. However, a total of 11 archaeological resources have been recorded within the Planning Area. These resources consist of five prehistoric archaeological sites (CA-LAN-852, CA-LAN-853 and CA-LAN-854, CA-LAN-1704, and 19-002805), three prehistoric isolates (19-100793, 19-101010 and 19-101223), one historic-period archaeological site (CA-LAN-3771H), and two historic-period isolates (19-100794 and 19-100795). The prehistoric resources are chipped and ground stone scatters located within drainages or on knoll tops. CA- LAN-3771H is associated with the Diamond Bar Ranch Headquarters once owned by Frederick E. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1450 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-23 Lewis. Research and archaeological testing on CA-LAN-3771H have added significant information to the local history of the City. Based on results of the records search and other research, the Planning Area appears to have been a highly suitable area for the inhabitance of prehistoric people. For instance, the area contains many creeks and drainages, which would have provided fresh water for consumption. The Planning Area also encompasses portions of Tonner Canyon, which would have provided native inhabitants with food resources, such as plants and animals (oak and walnut woodland plants, the California ground squirrel, cottontail rabbit, coyote, and deer). The records search information has additionally confirmed that archaeological resources exist within the Planning Area and that these resources have been recorded as being located within drainages or on knoll tops. Although much of the Planning Area is developed, there are still many areas that contain undeveloped land. As a result of all these findings, the potential for archaeological resources in the Planning Area is considered high. Significant archaeological sites are those that have the potential to contain intact deposits of artifacts, associated features, and dietary remains that could contribute to the regional prehistoric or historic record, or that may be of cultural or religious importance to Native American groups. Any project that proposes ground disturbance could result in a significant impact on archaeological resources. Projects that identify significant archaeological resources (i.e., those resources that qualify as historical or unique archaeological resources pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 and Public Resources Code Section 21083.2, respectively) and preserve them through avoidance, permanent conservation easements, capping, or incorporation into open space, would reduce impacts on archaeological resources to a level that is less than significant. If preservation in place is not feasible, projects that conduct data recovery to recover the scientifically consequential information contained in the archaeological resource would also reduce impacts to less than significant. The General Plan policies listed below would help reduce the impact by requiring that new development include archaeological monitoring by a qualified archaeologist during grading activities within a project site that contains or is suspected to contain significant archaeological resources and that discoveries be examined by a qualified archaeologist to determine appropriate protection and preservation. However, these policies do not require the pre-construction identification and evaluation of prehistoric or historic archaeological resources to determine if there are historical or unique archaeological resources within a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project. Mitigation is required to ensure that significant archaeological resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified significant resources are reduced. With mitigation, impacts on archaeological resources would be less than significant under the Proposed Project. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1451 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-24 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Resource Conservation RC-G-15 for the educational, aesthetic, and environmental contribution that they make to RC-P-46. Establish a procedure for the management of archaeological materials found on- site during a development, including the following provisions: a. If significant resources are known or suspected to be present on a site, require that a qualified archaeologist conduct monitoring of building demolition and/or construction grading activities. b. If materials are found on-site during construction activities, require that work be halted until a qualified archaeologist evaluates the find and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. RC-P-47. Seek to preserve discovered archaeological resources in place to maintain the relationship between the artifacts and their archaeological context, where feasible. RC-P-48. Preservation can be achieved through measures such as planning construction to avoid archaeological sites, incorporating sites within open space areas, capping the site prior to construction, and permanently protecting the site using a conservation easement. Mitigation Measures To reduce impacts on archaeological resources for projects that would not otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, project-specific archaeological studies are required for all future development that includes ground disturbance (including any action that has the potential to disturb surface soils). Project-specific archaeological studies would include archival research, geoarchaeological review or subsurface sensitivity assessment, pedestrian survey, and, possibly, subsurface testing during the CEQA planning process (i.e., prior to construction). Future development that does not require ground-disturbing activities would cause no impacts on archaeological resources and therefore no additional studies is necessary for these specific types of activities. MM-CULT-2 Prior to development of a project that involves ground disturbance, the project proponent shall retain a qualified archaeologist, defined as meeting the Secretary Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology, to conduct an archaeological resources assessment including: a records search at the South Central Coastal Information Center; a Sacred Lands File search at the Native American Heritage Commission; a pedestrian field survey; recordation of all identified archaeological resources on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms and the potential to encounter subsurface archaeological resources and human 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1452 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-25 remains; subsurface investigation to define the horizontal and vertical extents of any identified archaeological resources; and preparation of a technical report documenting the methods and results of the study. All identified archaeological resources n direct and/or indirect effects on those resources and any archaeological resource that cannot be avoided shall be evaluated for its potential significance prior to approval of project plans and publication of subsequent CEQA documents. The qualified archaeologist shall provide recommendations regarding protection of avoided resources and/or recommendations for additional work, treatment, or mitigation of significant resources that will be affected by the project. This mitigation measure shall not apply to minor projects that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, such as, but not limited to, the construction of a single-family residences, excavations for swimming pools, and landscaping projects. Implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-CULT-2 would reduce impacts on archaeological resources to less than significant. Impact 3.4-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries. (Less than Significant) Impacts on human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries, could occur as a result of future development proposals initiated under the General Plan that include ground disturbance (e.g., grubbing/clearing, grading, excavation, trenching, and boring) into native soil, as described above under Impact 3.4-2. Future development that does not require ground-disturbing activities would cause no impacts on human remains. No known cemeteries are within the Planning Area. The SCCIC and SLF searches did not identify known human remains locations. However, given the prehistoric and historic-era occupation of the area, it is possible that as yet unknown human remains could be encountered during projects that require ground disturbance. The treatment of human remains is regulated by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and the treatment of Native American human remains is further prescribed by Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. These regulations are applicable to all projects within the Planning Area. While the General Plan does not include any policies related to the treatment of human remains, future development anticipated under the General Plan would be required to comply with these regulations. Therefore, impacts associated with the disturbance of human remains would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.4-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1453 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-26 resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. (Less than Significant) Impacts on tribal cultural resources could occur as a result of future development proposals anticipated under the General Plan that include ground disturbance (e.g., grubbing/clearing, grading, excavation, trenching, and boring) into native soil, as described above under Impacts 3.4- 2 and 4.3-3. Future development that results in changes to the setting through incompatible adjacent construction or facilitates public access to culturally significant sites could result in additional impacts to tribal cultural resources. As discussed in the Environmental Setting, no tribal contacts responded with identification of tribal cultural resources within or adjacent to the Planning Area. The SLF search revealed that no known Native American resources from the NAHC database have been recorded within the City. Additionally, a review of the National Register and California Register indicated that there are no federally, state, or locally identified, designated, or listed Native American resources within the Planning Area. However, there are unevaluated prehistoric resources within the Planning Area that could be potential tribal cultural resources and, given the historic occupation of the area, it is possible that future potential development within the Planning Area may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources. Nonetheless, future projects that would not otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA, such as room additions, reroofs, and the removal of accessory structures and landscaping projects, would be required to comply with the provisions of AB 52 to incorporate tribal consultation into the CEQA process. Consultation may include discussing the type of environmental review necessary, bal cultural resources, and alternatives and mitigation measures recommended by the tribe. The General Plan policies listed below would help address impacts to tribal cultural resources by requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Implementation of the General Plan policies and adherence to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1454 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-27 existing regulations would ensure that development anticipated by the Proposed Project tribal cultural resources impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Reduce the Impact Resource Conservation RC-G-15. archaeological resources for the educational, aesthetic, and environmental contribution that they make to RC-P-49. Establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources. Where possible, seek to preserve resources in place, exploring opportunities of permanent protection of the resources where feasible. RC-P-50. Conduct project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process to ensure adequate data recovery and mitigation for adverse impacts to significant Native American sites. Ensure that City staff and local developers are aware of their responsibilities to facilitate Native American consultation under Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1455 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.4: Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources 3.4-28 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1456 3.5 Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases This section assesses potential environmental impacts related to energy use, greenhouse gases (GHGs), and climate change from growth anticipated by the Proposed Project (proposed General Plan Update and proposed Climate Action Plan). This section describes existing energy usage, GHG emissions, and sources of GHGs in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. Calculations and supporting documentation are in Appendix D, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Calculations and Appendix E, Climate Action Plan There were numerous comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to GHGs. • A member of the public indicated that climate must be addressed for any changes from open property to developed property that can radiate or reflect heat and change airflow patterns. Similarly, a comment indicated that the EIR should study the impacts of losing open space associated with Tres Hermanos Ranch with respect to GHG and climate change. Tres Hermanos Ranch is designated as Planning Area under the proposed General Plan, but development is not slated to occur in this area given the conditions of the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority. A net reduction in GHG sequestration would result if development were to occur in this area. Given that the Proposed Project does not propose conversion of Tres Hermanos, and that the amount and timing of any potential conversion is unknown, quantifying sequestration loss from conversion would be speculative. The potential conversion of oak woodland is discussed in more detail under Impact 3.5-1 and Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources. • A member of the public indicated that a study of how the golf course contributes to greenhouse gas and climate change mitigation and adaptation should be conducted. Golf courses are considered developed property and as such, due to maintenance activities such as water consumption and operation of club houses and green maintenance equipment, are typically considered an emissions source. The Proposed Project applies a Community Core Overlay to the golf course while still retaining the underlying Golf Course designation. Should the County of Los Angeles choose to cease operation of the golf course, this overlay designation would require a master plan for the entire golf course property to ensure the orderly and cohesive implementation of its reuse. For the purposes of a conservative analysis within this EIR and in order to address this comment, energy and corresponding potential GHG emissions from the conversion of golf course land has been accounted for in the energy consumption analyzed in Impact 3.5-3. • A member of the public indicated that the EIR needs to address increased traffic on Grand Ave./Golden Springs with respect to GHG emissions. Greenhouse gases are a cumulative 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1457 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-2 impact as the impacts do not directly affect local residents and instead contribute to the global impact of increased emissions. The analysis includes the aggregate contribution from mobile source emissions from anticipated future development. • A member of the public questioned how the EIR would account for and mitigate GHG Under CEQA, the Proposed Project is not required to mitigate for actions of other nearby projects. Any mitigation, plans or policies identified in this EIR and associated CAP are recommended anticipated development. While there may be co-benefits that will reduce impacts from growth in neighboring cities, the extent of those benefits are not discussed in this EIR. Impacts associated with generation of GHG emissions within the Planning Area are assumed to be cumulatively considerable and regional in nature and are discussed in this chapter and Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions. • Hills for Everyone supported creating an EIR as well as a Climate Action Plan. No response is needed. • Hills for Everyone requested that: o A baseline GHG inventory be included. A baseline GHG inventory has been included as part of the CAP. The baseline inventory is summarized here and is provided in detail in Appendix E. o A future conditions GHG inventory be included. A future GHG inventory has been included as part of the CAP. The future inventory is summarized here and is provided in detail in Appendix E. o Get to or near a CO2 neutral plan. Currently the technology does not exist for Diamond Bar to reach a CO2 neutral level (Net Zero) under this CAP. However, the CAP as discussed below, has been developed to reduce GHG impacts to the furthest technological feasibility. The majority of the reduction measures required to reach a Net Zero impact are related to electrical generation and fossil fuel c inventories but are beyond the direct control of the City to mandate restrictions. • The Sierra Club indicates that CEQA requires the EIR address the potential effects of greenhouse gas emissions related to conversion of oak woodland. Currently the amount of oak woodland that would be converted, when it would be converted, or the amount of oak woodland that would be replaced is unknown. Therefore, the calculation of emissions from conversion of oak woodland would be speculative. Nonetheless, a discussion of carbon sequestration in relation to Oak woodlands is provided in Impact 3.5-1. • The Sierra Club states that the CAP should include a thorough discussion of the values of the existing oak woodland, California Native landscapes, wildlife habitat, green space, watershed, and wetlands as contributing to a successful plan. This is discussed in the Climate Action Plan in Appendix E. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1458 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-3 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Energy Regional Energy Conditions Electricity The production of electricity requires the consumption or conversion of energy resources including water, wind, oil, gas, coal, solar, geothermal, and nuclear resources, into energy. The delivery of electricity involves a number of system components for distribution and use. The electricity generated is distributed through a network of transmission and distribution lines commonly called a power grid. Energy capacity, or electrical power, is generally measured in watts (W), while energy use is measured in watt-hours (Wh). For example, if a light bulb has a capacity rating of 100 W, the energy required to keep the bulb on for 1 hour would be 100 Wh. If ten 100 W bulbs were on for 1 hour, the energy required would be 1,000 Wh or 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh). On a uti capacity is typically rated in megawatts (MW), which is one million watts, while energy usage is measured in megawatt-hours (MWh) or gigawatt-hours (GWh), which is one billion watt-hours. Southern California Edison (SCE) provides electrical services to approximately 15 million people, 15 counties, 180 incorporated cities including the City of Diamond Bar, 5,000 large businesses, and 280,000 small businesses throughout its 50,000-square-mile service area, across central, coastal and southern California, an area bounded by Mono County to the North, Ventura County to the West, San Bernardino County to the East, and Orange County to the South (SCE, 2019). SCE produces and purchases energy from a mix of conventional and renewable generating sources. SCE generates power from a variety of energy sources, including large hydropower (greater than 30 MW), coal, gas, nuclear sources, and renewable resources, such as wind, solar, small hydropower (less than 30 MW), and geothermal sources. In 2017, SCE demand of 23,508 MW (SCE, 2018; CEC, 2019). Approximately 32 percent of SCE 7 electricity purchases were from renewable sources, which is similar to the 29 percent statewide percentage of electricity purchases from renewable sources (CEC, 2017a). The annual electricity sale to customers in 2018 was approximately 87,143,000 megawatt hours (MWh) (SCE, 2017). See Table 3.5-1for a 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1459 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-4 Table 3.5-1: Existing Regional Annual Energy Use Energy Usage (2018) Electricity (SCE) 87,143,000 MWh Natural Gas (SoCalGas) 988,785,000 MMBtu Gasoline (County of LA) 3,659,000,000 gallons Diesel (County of LA) 590,196,078 gallons Sources: SCE, 2018; California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018; CEC, 2017b. Natural Gas Natural gas is a combustible mixture of simple hydrocarbon compounds (primarily methane) that is used as a fuel source. Natural gas consumed in California is obtained from naturally occurring reservoirs and delivered through high-pressure transmission pipelines. Natural gas provides almost one-Natural gas is measured in terms of both cubic feet (cf) or British thermal units (Btu). The City of Diamond Bar is served by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), which is the principal distributor of natural gas in Southern California, serving residential, commercial, and industrial markets. SoCalGas serves approximately 21.6 million customers in more than 500 communities encompassing approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and southern California, from the City of Visalia to the US/Mexican border (SoCalGas, 2019). SoCalGas, along with five other California utility providers, released the 2018 California Gas Report, presenting a forecast of natural gas supplies and requirements for California through the year 2035. This report predicts gas demand for all sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, energy generation and wholesale exports) and presents best estimates, as well as scenarios for hot and cold years. Overall, SoCalGas predicts a decrease in natural gas demand in future years due to a decrease displacing fossil fuels including natural gas (California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018). SoCalGas receives gas supplies from several sedimentary basins in the western United States (US) and Canada, including supply basins located in New Mexico (San Juan Basin), west Texas (Permian Basin), the Rocky Mountains, and western Canada as well as local California supplies (California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018). Sources of natural gas in the southwestern US will continue to but is used as an alternative supplementary supply source, and Canadian sources provide only a small share of SoCalGas supplies due to the high cost of transport (California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018). Gas supply available to SoCalGas from California sources averaged 2,625 million cf per day or 2,717 million Btu (MMBtu) in 2017, the most recent year for which data are available (California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018). This equates to an annual average of 892,060 million cf per year or 992 million MMBtu per year. See Table 3.5-1 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1460 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-5 Transportation Energy According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), transportation accounted for nearly 38.5 percent of total energy consumption in California during 2015 (CEC, 2017c). In 2016, 15.5 billion gallons of gasoline and 3.8 billion gallons of diesel fuel were consumed in California (CEC, 2017b). Petroleum-based fuels currently account for more than 90 percent transportation fuel use (CEC, 2017d). The State is now working on developing flexible strategies to reduce petroleum use. Over the last decade, California has implemented several policies, rules, and regulations to improve vehicle efficiency, increase the development and use of alternative fuels, reduce air pollutants and GHGs from the transportation sector, and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Accordingly, gasoline consumption in California has declined. The CEC predicts that the demand for gasoline will continue to decline over the next 10 years, and there will be an increase in the use of alternative fuels (CEC, 2017c). According to fuel sales data from the CEC, fuel consumption in Los Angeles County was approximately 3.66 billion gallons of gasoline and 0.59 billion gallons of diesel fuel in 2017 (CEC, 2017b). See Table 3.5-1 for a summary of Statewide fossil fuel consumption in 2017. Local Energy Conditions The City of Diamond Bar is a mix of residential, commercial, retail, office, industrial, school, and open space land uses (see Chapter 3.9: Land Use and Housing for a complete description of existing land uses). All of these uses, besides the existing open space, actively consume electricity for lighting, electronics, appliances, and water conveyance. Natural gas is also used for cooking, water heating, and building heating/cooling at the four active land uses, and transportation fuels are used for visitor, vendor, and worker trips to and from the existing active land uses, as well as, off road equipment used onsite by some of the land uses. The existing energy use consumption for the active uses within the Planning Area are summarized in Table 3.5-2. Detailed energy calculations are provided in Appendices D and E of this Draft EIR. Table 3.5-2 Estimated Existing Energy Consumption within the Planning Area Energy Usage Electricity (SCE) 231,577 MWh Natural Gas (SoCalGas) 805,647 MMBtu Gasoline 22,963,590 gallons Diesel 4,156,399 gallons Sources: ESA, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1461 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-6 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse Gases GHGs are compounds in the e near the e Specifically, these gases allow high-frequency shortwave solar radiation to enter the e back from the earth towards space, resulting in a warming of the atmosphere. Not all GHGs possess the same ability to induce climate change; as a result, GHG contributions are commonly quantified in the units of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). Mass emissions are calculated by converting pollutant specific emissions to CO2e emissions by applying the proper global warming potential (GWP) value. These GWP ratios are available from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). By applying the GWP ratios, CO2e emissions can be tabulated in metric tons per year. Typically, the GWP ratio corresponding to the warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period is used as a baseline. The State of California uses the GWPs from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) in the official State GHG emissions inventory (IPCC, 2007). Prior to the 2014 reporting year, the State utilized GWPs from the IPCC Second Assessment Report (SAR). Compounds that are regulated as GHGs are discussed below. • Carbon Dioxide (CO2). CO2 is the most abundant GHG in the atmosphere and is primarily generated from fossil fuel combustion from stationary and mobile sources. CO2 is the reference gas (GWP of 1) for determining the GWPs of other GHGs. • Methane (CH4). CH4 is emitted from biogenic sources (i.e., resulting from the activity of living organisms), incomplete combustion in forest fires, landfills, manure management, and leaks in natural gas pipelines. The GWP of CH4 is 21 in the IPCC SAR and 25 in the IPCC AR4. • Nitrous Oxide (N2O). N2O produced by human-related sources including agricultural soil management, animal manure management, sewage treatment, mobile and stationary combustion of fossil fuel, adipic acid production, and nitric acid production. The GWP of N2O is 310 in the IPCC SAR and 298 in the IPCC AR4. • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are fluorinated compounds consisting of hydrogen, carbon, and fluorine. They are typically used as refrigerants in both stationary refrigeration and mobile air conditioning systems. The GWPs of HFCs ranges from 140 for HFC-152a to 11,700 for HFC-23 in the IPCC SAR and 124 for HFC-152a to 14,800 for HFC-23 in the IPCC AR4. • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). PFCs are fluorinated compounds consisting of carbon and fluorine. They are primarily created as a byproduct of aluminum production and semiconductor manufacturing. The GWPs of PFCs range from 6,500 to 9,200 in the IPCC SAR and 7,390 to 17,700 in the IPCC AR4. • Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6). SF6 is a fluorinated compound consisting of sulfur and fluoride. It is a colorless, odorless, nontoxic, nonflammable gas. It is most commonly used as an electrical insulator in high voltage equipment that transmits and distributes electricity. SF6 has a GWP of 23,900 in the IPCC SAR and 22,800 in the IPCC AR4. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1462 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-7 Effects of Global Climate Change sponsible for global climate change has improved over the past decade, and its predictive capabilities are advancing. However, there remain significant scientific uncertainties in, for example, predictions of local effects of climate change, occurrence, frequency, and magnitude of extreme weather events, effects of aerosols, changes in clouds, shifts in the intensity and distribution of precipitation, and changes accurately model all climate parameters, the uncertainty surrounding climate change may never be completely eliminated. Nonetheless, the IPCC, in its Fifth Assessment Report, Summary for Policy 100 percent] that more than half of the observed increase in global average surface temperature from 1951 to 2010 was caused by the anthropogenic 2013). A report from the National Academy of Sciences concluded that 97 to 98 percent of the climate researchers most actively publishing in the field support the tenets of the IPCC in that climate change is very likely caused by human (i.e., anthropogenic) activity (Anderegg, 2010). According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the potential impacts in California due to global climate change may include: loss in snow pack; sea level rise; more extreme heat days per year; more high ozone days; more large forest fires; more drought years; increased erosion of -lines and sea water intrusion into the Sacramento and San Joaquin Deltas and associated levee systems; and increased pest infestation (CalEPA, 2006). Below is a summary of some of the potential effects, reported by an array of studies that could be experienced in California as a result of global warming and climate change. Temperature Increase The primary effect of adding GHGs to the atmosphere has been a rise in the average global temperature. The impact of human activities on global temperature is readily apparent in the observational record. Since 1895, the contiguous US has observed an average temperature increase of 1.5°F per century. The last five-year period (2014 2018) is the warmest on record for the contiguous US (NOAA, 2018), while the 20 warmest years have occurred over the past 22-year period (Climate Central, 2019). The Fourth Assessment indicates that average temperatures in California could rise 5.6°F to 8.8°F by the end of the century, depending on the global trajectory of GHG emissions (OPR, 2018). According to the Cal-Adapt website, the portion of the state in which the city is located could result in an average increase in temperature of approximately 4.2° to 6.9°F by 2070-2090, compared to the baseline period of 1961-1990. With climate change, extreme heat conditions and heat waves are predicted to impact larger areas, last longer, and have higher temperatures. Heat waves, defined as three or more days with temperatures above 90°F, are projected to occur more frequently by the end of the century. Extreme heat days and heat waves can negatively impact human health. Heat-related illness includes a 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1463 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-8 spectrum of illnesses ranging from heat cramps to severe heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke (CalEPA, 2013). Air Quality Higher temperatures, conducive to air pollution formation, could worsen air quality in California and make it more difficult for the State to achieve air quality standards. Climate change may increase the concentration of ground-level ozone in particular, which can cause breathing problems, aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the magnitude of the effect, and therefore, its indirect effects, are uncertain. Emissions from wildfires can lead to excessive levels of particulate matter, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (Kenward, 2013). Additionally, severe heat accompanied by drier conditions and poor air quality could increase the number of heat-related deaths, illnesses, and asthma attacks throughout the state (CalEPA 2013). Water Supply There is a high degree of uncertainty with respect to the overall impact of global climate change on future water supplies in California. Studies indicate considerable variability in predicting precise impacts of climate change on California hydrology and water resources. Increasing uncertainty in the timing and intensity of precipitation will challenge the operational flexibility water management systems. Warmer, wetter winters would increase the amount of runoff available for groundwater recharge; however, this additional runoff would occur at a time when some basins are either being recharged at their maximum capacity or are already full. Conversely, reductions in spring runoff and higher evapotranspiration because of higher temperatures could reduce the amount of water available for recharge (CNR, 2014).In addition, droughts in California are a recurring feature o The most recent drought from 2012-2016 was one of extreme proportions, with record-high temperatures and record-low levels of snowpack and precipitation. Drought negatively impacts both the quantity and quality of water supplies. Drought can also compromise water quality, such as by concentrating salts and other contaminants, reducing dissolved oxygen levels, and increasing water temperatures. Hydrology and Sea Level Rise Climate changes could potentially affect: the amount of snowfall, rainfall and snow pack; the intensity and frequency of storms; flood hydrographs (flash floods, rain or snow events, coincidental high tide and high runoff events); sea level rise and coastal flooding; coastal erosion; and the potential for salt water intrusion. Sea level rise can be a product of global warming through two main processes: expansion of seawater as the oceans warm, and melting of ice over land. A rise in sea levels could result in coastal flooding and erosion and could jeopardize Californ supply. Sea level could potentially rise as much as two feet along most of the US coastline. Increased storm intensity and frequency could affect the ability of flood-control facilities, including levees, to handle storm events (CNR, 2014). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1464 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-9 Agriculture California has a massive agricultural industry that represents 11.3 percent of total U .S agricultural revenue. Higher CO2 levels can stimulate plant production and increase plant water-use efficiency. However, a changing climate presents significan water quality and availability; changing precipitation patterns; extreme weather events including drought, severe storms, and floods; heat stress; decreased chill hours; shifts in pollinator lifecycles; increased risks from weeds, pest and disease; and disruptions to the transportation and energy (CNR, 2014). Ecosystem and Wildlife Increases in global temperatures and the potential resulting changes in weather patterns could have ecological effects on a global and local scale. Increased concentrations of GHGs are likely to accelerate the rate of climate change. Scientists expect that the average global surface temperature could rise by 2-11.5°F (1.1-6.4°C) by 2100, with significant regional variation (NRC, 2010). Soil moisture is likely to decline in many regions, and intense rainstorms are likely to become more frequent. With climate change, ecosystems and wildlife will be challenged by the spread of invasive species, barriers to species migration or movement in response to changing climatic conditions, direct impacts to species health, and mismatches in timing between seasonal life-cycle events such as species migration and food availability (CNR, 2014). Wildfires The hotter and dryer conditions expected with climate change will make forests more susceptible to extreme wildfires. One study found that, if GHG emissions continue to rise, the frequency of extreme wildfires burning over approximately 25,000 acres would increase by nearly 50 percent, and the average area burned statewide each year would increase by 77 percent, by the year 2100. In the areas that have the highest fire risk, wildfire insurance is estimated to see costs rise by 18 percent by 2055 and the fraction of property insured would decrease (Westerling, 2018). Existing Conditions Global Emissions Worldwide human-made emissions of GHGs were approximately 49,000 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2e annually including ongoing emissions from industrial and agricultural sources and emissions from land use changes (e.g., deforestation) (IPCC, 2014). Emissions of CO2 from fossil fuel use and industrial processes account for 65 percent of the total while CO2 emissions from all sources accounts for 76 percent of the total. Methane emissions account for 16 percent and N2O carbon dioxide at 5,300 MMTCO2e (China was the largest emitter of carbon dioxide at 10,300 MMTCO2e) (PBL, 2014). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1465 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-10 US Emissions In 2017, the United States emitted about 6,457 MMT of CO2e, 76.1 percent of which came from fossil fuel combustion. Of the major sectors nationwide, transportation accounts for the highest amount of GHG emissions (approximately 29 percent), followed by electricity (28 percent), industry (22 percent), agriculture (9 percent), commercial buildings (6 percent), and residential buildings (5 percent). Between 1990 and 2017, total US GHG emissions rose by 1.3 percent, but emissions have generally decreased since peaking in 2005. Since 1990, US emissions have increased at an average annual rate of 0.4 percent (US EPA, 2019). California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory CARB compiles GHG inventories for the State. Based on the 2016 GHG inventory data (i.e., the latest year for which data are available from CARB) prepared by CARB in 2018, California emitted 429.4 million metric tons of CO2e (MMTCO2e) including emissions resulting from imported electrical power (CARB, 2018a). Between 1990 and 2016, the population of California grew by approximately 9.4 million (from 29.8 to 39.2 million) (DOF, 2019). This represents an increase of approximately 31 percent from 1990 population levels. In addition, the California economy, measured as gross state product, grew from $773 billion in 1990 to $2.26 trillion in 2016 representing an increase of approximately 292 percent (almost three times the 1990 gross state product) (DOF, 2018). 2016 s 1990 levels, which is the 2020 GHG reduction target codified in California Health and Safety Code (HSC), Division 25.5, also known as The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). Table 3.5- 3 identifies and quantifies statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions and sinks (e.g., carbon sequestration due to forest growth) in 1990 and 2016. As shown in Table 3.5-3, the transportation sector is the largest contributor to statewide GHG emissions at approximately 39 percent in 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1466 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-11 Table 3.5-3: State of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Category Total 1990 Emissions Using IPCC SAR (MMTCO2e) Percent of Total 1990 Emissions Total 2016 Emissions using IPCC AR4 (MMTCO2e) Percent of Total 2016 Emissions Transportation 150.7 35% 169.4 39% Electric Power 110.6 26% 68.6 16% Commercial 14.4 3% 15.2 4% Residential 29.7 7% 24.2 6% Industrial 103.0 24% 89.6 21% Recycling and Wastea - - 8.8 2% High GWP/Non-Specifiedb 1.3 <1% 19.8 5% Agriculture/Forestry 23.6 6% 33.8 8% Forestry Sinks -6.7 c c Net Total (IPCC SAR) 426.6 100%e Net Total (IPCC AR4) d 431 100%e 429.4 100% a Included in other categories for the 1990 emissions inventory. b High GWP gases are not specifically called out in the 1990 emissions inventory. c Revised methodology under development (not reported for 2012). d GWPs from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4). e Total of individual percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Revised methodology under development (not reported for 2016). Sources: CARB, 2007; CARB 2018a. City of Diamond Bar Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory The City of Diamond Bar has developed a GHG Emissions Inventory for the City in conjunction with the development of the Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP is a part of the Proposed Project evaluated in this environmental analysis and is included as Appendix E. Table 3.5-4 is a summary 2016 emissions from each sector. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1467 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-12 Table 3.5-4: City of Diamond Bar GHG Emissions by Sector (2016) Sector MTCO2e Percent of Total Residential 64,175 18.4% Commercial 31,755 9.1% Industrial 245 0.1% Transportation 242,007 69.4% Solid Waste 6.180 1.8% Water 1,016 0.3% Wastewater 650 0.2% Off-Road Equipment 1,985 0.6% Public Lighting 776 0.2% TOTAL 348,790 100% Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. As shown in Table 3.5-4 in 2016 are 348,790 MTCO2e. The transportation sector was the largest contributor to the most recent inventory at over 69 percent of the total. Residential Energy consumption is the second-largest contributor to emissions at 18.4 percent of the total, followed by Commercial (9.1 percent). Industrial Energy, Solid Waste, Water, Wastewater, Off-Road Equipment, and Public Lighting make up the remaining 3.1 percent. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Energy Policy Act of 1992 The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 was passed to reduce US dependence on foreign petroleum and improve air quality. EPAct includes several provisions intended to build an inventory of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in large, centrally fueled fleets in metropolitan areas. EPAct requires certain Federal, State, and local government and private fleets to purchase a percentage of light-duty AFVs capable of running on alternative fuels each year. Financial incentives are also included in EPAct. Federal tax deductions will be allowed for businesses and individuals to cover the incremental cost of AFVs. States are also required by the EPAct to consider a variety of incentive programs to help promote AFVs. Energy Policy Act of 2005 The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes provisions for renewed and expanded tax credits for electricity generated by qualified energy sources, such as landfill gas; provides bond financing, tax incentives, grants, and loan guarantees for clean renewable energy and rural community electrification; and establishes a Federal purchase requirement for renewable energy. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1468 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-13 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards Established by the US Congress in 1975, the CAFE standards reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and US EPA jointly administer the CAFE standards. The US Congress on given to: (1) technological feasibility; (2) economic practicality; (3) effect of other standards on fuel economy; and (4) need for the nation to conserve energy.1 Fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks have been jointly developed by US EPA and NHTSA. The Phase 1 heavy-duty truck standards apply to combination tractors, heavy- duty pickup trucks and vans, and vocational vehicles for model years 2014 through 2018, and result in a reduction in fuel consumption from 6 to 23 percent over the 2010 baseline, depending on the vehicle type (US EPA, 2011). US EPA and NHTSA have also adopted the Phase 2 heavy-duty truck standards, which cover model years 2021 through 2027 and require the phase-in of a 5 to 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption over the 2017 baseline depending on the compliance year and vehicle type (US EPA, 2016). US Department of Transportation, US Department of Energy, and US Environmental Protection Agency on Transportation Energy On the federal level, the US Department of Transportation, US Department of Energy, and US EPA are three agencies with substantial influence over energy policies related to transportation fuels consumption. Generally, federal agencies influence transportation energy consumption through establishment and enforcement of fuel economy standards for automobiles and light trucks, through funding of energy-related research and development projects, and through funding for transportation infrastructure projects. US Environmental In Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, 549 U.S. 497 (2007), 12 states and cities, including California, together with several environmental organizations, sued to require US EPA to regulate GHGs as pollutants under the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA). The US Supreme Court regulate GHGs. 1 For more information on the CAFE standards, refer to https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average- fuel-economy. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1469 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-14 In 2009, the US EPA Administrator signed two distinct findings regarding GHGs under Section 202(a) of the CAA: • Endangerment Finding: The current and projected concentrations of the six key GHGs CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations • Cause or Contribute Finding: The combined emissions of these GHGs from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines contribute to the GHG pollution that threatens public health and welfare. These findings did not, by themselves, impose any requirements on industry or other entities. However, these actions were a prerequisite for implementing GHG emissions standards for motor vehicles. Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule On September 22, 2009, US EPA released its final Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule (Reporting Rule). The Reporting Rule was a response to the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764; Public Law 110- GHGs above appropriate thresholds in to most entities that emit 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more per year at their facility from stationary sources. Starting in 2010, facility owners were required to submit an annual GHG emissions report with detailed calculations of facility GHG emissions. The Reporting Rule also mandated recordkeeping and administrative requirements in order for US EPA to verify annual GHG emissions reports. Vehicle Emissions Standards In 1975, Congress enacted the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which established the first fuel economy standards for on-road motor vehicles in the US. Pursuant to the act, US EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are responsible for establishing additional vehicle standards. In 2012, standards were adopted for model year 2017 through 2025 for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Under the standards, by 2025 vehicles are required to achieve 54.5 mpg (if GHG reductions are achieved exclusively through fuel economy improvements) and 163 grams of CO2 per mile. According to US EPA, a model year 2025 vehicle would emit one-half of the GHG emissions as compared to emissions from a model year 2010 vehicle (US EPA, 2012). California harmonized its vehicle efficiency standards through 2025 with the federal standards (see Advanced Clean Cars Program below). In 2017, US EPA issued its Mid-Term Evaluation of the GHG emissions standards, finding that it would be practical and feasible for automakers to meet the model year 2022-2025 standards through a number of existing technologies. In 2018, US EPA revised its 2017 determination, and issued a proposed rule that maintains the 2020 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and CO2 standards for model years 2021 through 2026 (Federal Register, 2018). The estimated CAFE and CO2 standards for model year 2020 are 43.7 mpg and 204 grams of CO2 per mile for passenger cars and 31.3 mpg and 284 grams of CO2 per mile for light trucks, projecting an overall industry average of 37 mpg, as compared to 46.7 mpg under the standards issued in 2012. In 2019, the state of 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1470 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-15 California, joined by 16 other states and the District of Columbia, filed a petition challenging the e the vehicle emissions standards, arguing that US EPA had reached erroneous conclusions about the feasibility of meeting the existing standards (Amicus Brief, 2019). As of April, 9, 2019, the case was pending and oral arguments had not been scheduled. Accordingly, due to the uncertainty of future federal regulations, this analysis assumes that the existing CAFE standards will remain unchanged. State Regulations California Public Utilities Commission The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is a State agency created by a constitutional amendment to regulate privately owned utilities providing telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation services, and in-State moving companies. The CPUC is responsible for assuring that California utility customers have safe, reliable utility services at reasonable rates, while protecting utility customers from fraud. The CPUC regulates the planning and approval for the physical construction of electric generation, transmission, or distribution facilities; and local distribution pipelines of natural gas (CPUC, 2019). California Energy Commission agency. The CEC has five major responsibilities: (1) forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical energy data; (2) licensing thermal power plants 50 MW or larger; (3) promoting energy efficiency through appliance and building standards; (4) developing energy technologies and supporting renewable energy; and (5) planning for and directing State response to energy emergencies. Senate Bill 1389 Senate Bill (SB) 1389 (Public Resources Code PRC sections 25300 25323) requires the CEC to prepare a biennial integrated energy policy report that assesses major energy trends and issues recommendations to conserve resources; protect the environment; ensure reliable, secure, and diverse energy Resources Code PRC section 25301(a)). The 2017 Integrated Energy Policy Report provides the a including energy efficiency, strategies related to data for improved decisions in the Existing Buildings Energy energy system, achieving 50 percent renewables by 2030, the California Energy Demand Forecast, the Natural Gas Outlook, the Transportation Energy Demand Forecast, Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program benefits updates, an update on electricity infrastructure in Southern Cal . 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1471 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-16 California Health and Safety Code, Division 25.5 California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) In 2006, following the issuance of Executive Order S-3-05, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (passed as Assembly Bill (AB) 32 and codified in the California Health and Safety Code [HSC], Division 25.5) focuses on reducing GHG emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020. HSC Division 25.5 defines GHGs as CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 and represents the first enforceable statewide program to limit emissions of these GHGs from all major industries with penalties for noncompliance. The law further requires that reduction measures be technologically feasible and cost effective. AB 32 also tasked the CEC and CPUC with providing information, analysis, and recommendations to CARB regarding strategies to reduce GHG emissions in the energy sector. Under HSC Division 25.5, CARB has the primary responsibility for reducing GHG emissions. CARB is required to adopt rules and regulations directing state actions that would achieve GHG emissions reductions equivalent to 1990 statewide levels by 2020.In 2016, SB 32 and its companion bill AB 197 amend HSC Division 25.5 and establish a new climate pollution reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and include provisions to ensure that the benefits of state climate policies reach into disadvantaged communities. Senate Bill (SB) 1078 (Sher) (Chapter 516, Statutes of 2002) and SB 107 (Simitian) (Chapter 464, Statutes of 2006) In 2002, the passage of SB 1078 established the Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires retail sellers of electricity, including investor-owned utilities and community choice aggregators, to provide at least 20 percent of their supply from eligible renewable sources by 2017. SB 107, adopted in 2006, changed the target date to 2010. Executive Order S-14-08 In 2008, Executive Order S-14- 2020. In 2009, Executive Order S-21-09 directed CARB (under its AB 32 authority) to enact regulations to help the state meet the 2020 goal of 33 percent renewable energy. The 33 percent by 2020 RPS goal was codified with the passage of Senate Bill X1-2. This new RPS applied to all electricity retailers in the state, including publicly owned utilities (POUs), investor-owned utilities, electricity service providers, and community choice aggregators. determining annual procurement targets and enforcing compliance; (2) reviewing and approving each investor-rocurement plan; (3) reviewing contracts for RPS- eligible energy; and (4) establishing the standard terms and conditions used in contracts for eligible renewable energy. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1472 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-17 SB 100 (Chapter 312, Statutes of 2018) In 2018, SB 100 established that 100 percent of all electricity in California must be obtained from renewable and zero-carbon energy resources by the end of 2045. SB 100 also creates new standards for the RPS, increasing required energy from renewable sources for both investor-owned utilities and publicly-owned utilities from 50 percent to 60 percent by the end of 2030. Incrementally, these energy providers must also have a renewable energy supply of 44 percent by the end of 2024, and 52 percent by the end of 2027. The updated RPS goals are considered achievable, since many California energy providers are already meeting or exceeding the RPS goals established by SB 350. California Building Standards Code (Title 24, Parts 6 and 11) The California Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 24, Part 6) were adopted to ensure that building construction and system design and installation achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality. The current California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 standards) are the 2016 Title 24 standards, which became effective 2017. The 2016 Title 24 standards include efficiency improvements to the residential standards for attics, w alls, water heating, and lighting; and efficiency improvements to the non-residential standards include alignment with the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1- 2013 national standards. The CEC first adopted Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (CCR, Title 24, Part 6) in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce energy consumption in the State. Although not originally intended to reduce GHG emissions, increased energy efficiency and reduced consumption of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels would result in fewer GHG emissions from residential and nonresidential buildings subject to the standard. The standards are updated periodically (typically every three years) to allow for the consideration and inclusion of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. The current Title 24, Part 6 standards (2016 standards) were made effective 2017. The next update to the Title 24 energy efficiency standards (2019 standards) goes into effect 2020. The California Green Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 11), commonly referred to as the CALGreen Code, became effective 2017. The 2016 CALGreen Code includes mandatory measures for non-residential development related to site development, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation; material conservation and resource efficiency; and environmental quality. Most mandatory measure changes, when compared to the previously applicable 2013 CALGreen Code, were related to the definitions and to the clarification or addition of referenced manuals, handbooks, and standards. For example, several definitions related to energy that were added or revised affect electric vehicle (EV) chargers and charging, and hot water recirculation systems. For new multi-family dwelling units, the residential mandatory measures were revised to provide additional EV charging requirements, including quantity, location, size, single EV space, multiple EV spaces, and identification. For non-residential mandatory measures, Table 5.106.5.3.3 of the CALGreen Code, identifying the number of required EV charging spaces has been revised in its entirety. Refer to Section 3.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, of this Draft EIR for additional details regarding these standards. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1473 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-18 California Assembly Bill (AB) 1493 (Pavley) In 2002, AB 1493 (Pavley) required CARB to set GHG emission standards for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, and other vehicles whose primary use is non-commercial personal transportation manufactured in and after 2009. To meet the requirements of AB 1493, CARB approved amendments to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) in 2004, requiring automobile manufacturers to meet fleet-average GHG emissions limits for all passenger cars, light-duty trucks within various weight criteria, and medium-duty passenger vehicle weight classes (i.e., any medium-duty vehicle with a gross vehicle weight [GVW] rating of less than 10,000 pounds and that is designed primarily for the transportation of persons), beginning with model year 2009. For passenger cars and light-duty trucks with a loaded vehicle weight (LVW) of 3,750 pounds or less, the GHG emission limits for model year 2016 are approximately 37 percent lower than the limits for the first year of the regulations, model year 2009. For light-duty trucks with an LVW of 3,751 pounds to a GVW of 8,500 pounds, as well as for medium-duty passenger vehicles, GHG emissions will be reduced approximately 24 percent between 2009 and 2016. Because t stricter standards than those under the CAA, California applied to the US EPA for a waiver under the CAA. In 2009, US EPA granted the waiver, which has been extended consistently since 2009. As discussed previously, the federal government adopted standards for model year 2012 through 2016 light-duty vehicles. In addition, US EPA and US Department of Transportation (USDOT) have adopted GHG emission standards for model year 2017 through 2025 vehicles. These standards Program), but the state of California has agreed not to contest them, in part due to the fact that while the national standard would achieve slightly fewer reductions in California, the national standard would achieve greater reductions nationally and is stringent enough to meet state GHG emission reduction goals California Assembly Bill (AB) 341 In 2011, Assembly Bill 341 requires that integrated waste management plans set a policy goal of reducing not less than 75% of solid waste to be diverted from landfill disposal by 2020. AB 341 also requires that any business that generates more than 4 cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week to arrange for recycling services. Clean Air Act The Federal Clean Air Act, passed in 1970 and last amended in 1990, forms the basis for the national air pollution control effort. The EPA is responsible for implementing most aspects of the Clean Air Act, including the setting of NAAQS for major air pollutants, hazardous air pollutant standards, approval of State attainment plans, motor vehicle emission standards, stationary source emission standards and permits, acid rain control measures, stratospheric O3 protection, and enforcement CO, NO2, SO2, PM10, PM2.5, and lead. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1474 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-19 Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel-Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling In 2004, CARB adopted an Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel-Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling to reduce public exposure to diesel particulate matter emissions (Title 13 California Code of Regulations [CCR] Section 2485). The measure applies to diesel-fueled commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings greater than 10,000 pounds that are licensed to operate on highways, regardless of where they are registered. This measure prohibits diesel- fueled commercial vehicles from idling for more than five minutes at any given location. While the goal of this measure is primarily to reduce public health impacts from diesel emissions, compliance with the regulation also results in energy savings in the form of reduced fuel consumption from unnecessary idling. Airborne Toxic Control Measure to for Stationary CI Engines In 2004, CARB adopted an Airborne Toxic Control Measure to reduce public exposure to diesel particulate matter emissions and criteria pollutant emissions from stationary diesel-fueled compression ignition (CI) engines (Title 17 California Code of Regulations [CCR] Section 93115). The measure applies to any person who owns or operates a stationary CI engine in California with a rated brake horsepower greater than 50, or anyone who either sells, offers for sale, leases, or purchases a stationary CI engine. This measure outlines fuel and fuel additive requirements; emission standards; recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring requirements; and compliance schedules for CI engines. Low Carbon Fuel Standard In 2007, Executive Order S-01-07 mandates that the state: (1) establish a statewide goal to reduce a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) for transportation fuels in California. The overall goal of the LCFS is to lower the carbon intensity of California transportation fuel. The 2017 Scoping Plan Update calls for the LCFS to reduce fuel carbon intensity by at least 18 percent by 2030. In 2018, CARB extended the LCFS program to 2030, making significant changes to the design and implementation of the Program including a doubling of the carbon intensity reduction to 20 percent by 2030. Regulations to Reduce Emissions of Diesel Particulate Matter, Nitrogen Oxides and other Criteria Air Pollutants, from In-Use Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Vehicles In addition to limiting exhaust from idling trucks, in 2008, CARB approved the Truck and Bus regulation to reduce NOX, PM10, and PM2.5 emissions from existing diesel vehicles operating in California (13 CCR section 2025). The phased regulation aims to reduce emissions by requiring installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the retirement, replacement, or retrofit of older engines with newer emission-controlled models. The phasing of this regulation has full implementation by 2023. CARB also promulgated emission standards for off-road diesel construction equipment of greater than 25 horsepower (hp) such as bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and forklifts, as well as many other self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles. The In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets regulation 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1475 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-20 adopted by CARB in 2007, aims to reduce emissions by installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the retirement, replacement, or repower of older, dirtier engines with newer emission- controlled models (13 CCR section 2449). The compliance schedule requires full implementation by 2023 in all equipment for large and medium fleets and by 2028 for small fleets. While the goals of these measures are primarily to reduce public health impacts from diesel emissions, compliance with the regulation has shown an increase in energy savings in the form of reduced fuel consumption from more fuel-efficient engines (Cummins, 2014). The Advanced Clean Cars Emissions-Control Program was approved by CARB in 2012 and is closely associated with the Pavley regulations (CARB, 2017a). The program requires a greater number of zero-emission vehicle models for years 2015 through 2025 to control smog, soot, and GHG emissions. This program includes the Low-Emissions Vehicle (LEV) regulations to reduce criteria air pollutants and GHG emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles; and the Zero- Emissions Vehicle regulations (ZEV) to require manufactures to produce an increasing number of -in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) between 2018 and 2025. Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375) In 2008, SB 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008) established mechanisms for the development of regional targets for reducing passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Under SB 375, CARB is required, in consult regional GHG reduction targets for the passenger vehicle and light-duty truck sector for 2020 and 2035 (CARB, 2018b). Under SB 375, the regional reduction target must be incorporate Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), which is used for long-term transportation planning, in a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). Certain transportation planning and programming activities need to be consistent with the SCS, and consistency with the SCS can provide certain CEQA streamlining for proposed projects; however, SB 375 expressly provides that the SCS does not regulate the use of land, and further provides that local land use plans and policies (e.g., general plan) are not required to be consistent with either the RTP or SCS. In 2011, CARB adopted GHG emissions reduction targets for SCAG, the MPO for the region in which the City of Diamond Bar is located. In 2018, CARB updated the SB 375 targets to require an 8 percent reduction by 2020 and a 19 percent reduction by 2035 in per capita passenger vehicle GHG emissions (CARB, 2017b; CARB, 2018c). As these reduction targets were updated after SCAG adopted the 2016-2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2016 RTP/SCS), it is expected that a future iteration of the RTP/SCS will be updated to reflect these targets. The proposed reduction targets explicitly exclude emission reductions expected from the AB 1493 and the LCFS regulations. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1476 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-21 Executive Order S-3-05 In 2005, Executive Order S-3-05 established the following GHG emission reduction targets: • By 2010, California shall reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels; • By 2020, California shall reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels; and • By 2050, California shall reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. Executive Order B-30-15 In 2015, Executive Order B-30-15: • Established a new interim statewide reduction target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030; • Ordered all state agencies with jurisdiction over sources of GHG emissions to implement measures to achieve reductions of GHG emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 reduction targets; and • Directed CARB to update the Climate Change Scoping Plan to express the 2030 target in terms of million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. 2017 CARB Climate Change Scoping Plan A specific requirement of AB 32 was the preparation of a Climate Change Scoping Plan for achieving the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG emission reduction by 2020. CARB developed and approved the initial Scoping Plan in 2008, outlining the regulations, market-based approaches, voluntary measures, policies, and other emission reduction programs that would be needed to meet the 2020 statewide GHG emission limit and initiate the -range climate objectives (CARB, 2008). The First Update to the Scoping Plan was approved by CARB in 2014 and built upon the initial Scoping Plan with new strategies and recommendations and a revised target. In response to SB 32 and the 2030 GHG reduction target, CARB approved the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update (2017 Scoping Plan Update) in 2017. The 2017 Scoping Plan Update outlines the proposed framework of action for achieving the 2030 GHG target of 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions relative to 1990 levels. The 2017 Scoping Plan Update identifies key sectors of the dustry, transportation sustainability, natural and working lands, waste management, and water. Through a combination of data synthesis and modeling, CARB determined that the target statewide 2030 emissions limit is 260 MMTCO2e, and that further commitments will need to be made to achieve an additional reduction of 50 MMTCO2e beyond current policies and programs. The cornerstone of the 2017 Scoping Plan Update is an expansion of the Cap-and-Trade Program (discussed further below) to meet the aggressive 2030 GHG emissions goal and ensure achievement of the 2030 limit set forth by E.O. B-30-15. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1477 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-22 full range of legislative actions and state-developed plans that have relevance to the year 2030, including the following, described elsewhere in this section: • Extending the LCFS beyond 2020 and increasing the carbon intensity reduction requirement to 18 percent by 2030; • SB 350, which increases the RPS to 50 percent by 2030 and requires the CEC to establish annual targets for statewide energy efficiency savings and demand reduction that will achieve a cumulative doubling of statewide energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas final end uses of retail customers by 2030. These targets may be achieved through energy efficiency savings and demand reductions from a variety of programs, including but not limited to appliance and building energy efficiency standards and a comprehensive program to achieve greater energy efficiency standards in existing buildings; • The 2016 Mobile Source Strategy is estimated to reduce emissions from mobile sources including an 80 percent reduction in smog-forming emissions and a 45 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter from 2016 levels in the South Coast Air Basin, a 45 percent reduction in statewide GHG emissions (from both on-road and off-road mobile sources) and a 50 percent reduction in statewide consumption of petroleum-based fuels; • The Sustainable Freight Action Plan to improve freight efficiency and transition to zero- emission freight handling technologies (described in more detail below); • SB 1383, which requires a 50 percent reduction in anthropogenic black carbon and a 40 percent reduction in hydrofluorocarbon and methane emissions below 2013 levels by 2030; and • AB 398, which extends the state Cap-and-Trade Program through 2030. In the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, CARB recommends statewide targets of no more than six MT CO2e per capita by 2030 and no more than two metric tons CO2e per capita by 2050. CARB acknowledges that because the statewide per capita targets are based on the statewide GHG emissions inventory that includes all emissions sectors in the state (including large industrial hey are not applicable for use at the local level. Rather, it is appropriate for local jurisdictions to derive evidence-based local per-capita goals based on local emissions sectors and growth projections. To demonstrate how a local jurisdiction can achieve their long-term GHG goals at the community plan level, CARB recommends developing a geographically specific GHG reduction plan (i.e., climate action plan) consistent with the requirements of CEQA Guidelines section 15183.5(b). A so--qualified with a streamlining tool for project-level environmental review of GHG emissions, provided there are adequate performance metrics for determining project consistency with the plan. Absent co GHG reduction measures, to the degree feasible, to minimize GHG emissions. Achieving no net additional increase in GHG emissions, resulting in no contribution to GHG impacts, is an 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1478 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-23 SB 32 and AB 197 In 2016, SB 32 and its companion bill AB 197, augmented AB 32 and amended HSC Division 25.5, establishing a new climate pollution reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and including provisions to ensure the benefits of state climate policies reach into disadvantaged communities. Cap-and-Trade Program Initially authorized by AB 32, and extended through the year 2030 with the passage of AB 398 in 2017, the California Cap-and-Trade Program is a core strategy that the state is using to meet its GHG reduction targets for 2020 and 2030, and ultimately achieve an 80 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. CARB designed and adopted the California Cap-and-Trade Program to reduce 2 (e.g., electricity generation, petroleum refining, cement production, and large industrial facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons CO2e per year), setting a firm cap on statewide GHG emissions and employing market mechanisms to achieve reductions.3 Under the Cap-and-Trade Program, an overall limit is established for GHG emissions from capped sectors. The statewide cap for GHG emissions from the capped sectors commenced in 2013. The cap declines over time. Facilities subject to the cap can trade permits to emit GHGs.4 Cap-and-Trade Program will be responsible for relatively fewer emissions reductions. If cted, then the Cap- and-Trade Program will require relatively more emission reductions. In other words, the Cap-and- Trade Program can be adaptively managed by the s and 2030 GHG emissions reduction mandates, depending on whether other regulatory measures are more or less effective than anticipated. California Environmental Quality Act and Senate Bill 97 In 2007, SB 97, acknowledged that climate change is an environmental issue requiring analysis unde develop, and transmit to the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions, as required by CEQA. SB 97 required the CNRA to certify or adopt those guidelines. In 2009, CNRA adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines, as required by SB 97. In 2010, the CEQA Guidelines amendments provide guidance to public agencies regarding the analysis and mitigation of the effects of GHG emissions in draft CEQA documents. 2 compliance obligation as specified in subarticle 7 of the Cap-and-Trade Regulation; and that has emitted, produced, imported, manufactured, or delivered in 2008 or any subsequent year more than the applicable threshold level specified in section 95812 (a) of the Regulation. 3 17 CCR §§ 95800 to 96023. 4 See generally 17 CCR §§ 95811, 95812. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1479 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-24 Advanced Clean Cars Program In 2012, CARB approved the Pavley II (LEV III) Advanced Clean Cars Program, an emissions- control scheme for model years 2015 through 2025 that allows manufacturers to comply with the 2017 through 2025 national standards while meeting state law. The program includes components to reduce smog-forming pollution, reduce GHG emissions, promote clean cars, and provide the fuels for clean cars. The ZEV program will act as the focused technology of the Advanced Clean Cars Program by requiring manufacturers to produce increasing numbers of ZEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in the 2018 to 2025 model years (CARB, 2017c). Executive Order B-16-12 (2025 Goal for Zero-Emission Vehicles) In 2012, Executive Order B-16-12 established a goal of 1.5 million ZEVs on California roads by 2025. In addition to the ZEV goal, EO B-16-12 stipulated that by 2015 all major cities in California will have adequate infr - have established adequate infrastructure to support 1 million ZEVs; that by 2050, virtually all personal transportation in the state will be based on ZEVs; and that GHG emissions from the transportation sector will be reduced by 80 percent below 1990 levels. Mobile Source Strategy In 2016, CARB released the updated Mobile Source Strategy that demonstrates how the state can simultaneously meet air quality standards, achieve GHG emission reduction targets, decrease health risk from transportation emissions, and reduce petroleum consumption over the next 15 years. The strategy promotes a transition to zero-emission and low-emission vehicles, cleaner transit systems and reduction of VMT. The Mobile Source Strategy calls for 1.5 million ZEVs (including plug-in hybrid electric, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) by 2025 and 4.2 million ZEVs by 2030. The strategy also calls for more stringent GHG requirements for light-duty vehicles beyond 2025 as well as GHG reductions from medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles and increased deployment of zero-emission trucks primarily for class 3 in California. Statewide, the Mobile Source Strategy would result in a 45 percent reduction in GHG emissions from mobile sources and a 50 percent reduction in the consumption of petroleum-based fuels (CARB, 2016c). Executive Order B-48-18 (2030 Goal for Zero-Emission Vehicles) In 2018, Executive Order B-48-18 established a goal of 5 million ZEVs on California roads by 2030, in recognition of the critical need to reduce emissions from the transportation sector in order to meet the GHG emissions target of SB 32. Senate Bill 350 SB 350 (The Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015, Chapter 547, Statutes of 2015) increased the RPS by requiring an increase in the amount of electricity generated and sold to retail customers per year from eligible renewable energy resources from 33 percent to 50 percent by the end of 2030. SB 350 also requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to establish annual targets for statewide energy efficiency savings and demand 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1480 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-25 reduction that will achieve a cumulative doubling of statewide energy efficiency savings in existing electricity and natural gas final end uses of retail customers by January 2030. SB 1383 (Short-lived Climate Pollutants) In 2016, SB 1383 required statewide reductions in short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) across various industry sectors. SLCPs covered under AB 1383 include methane, fluorinated gases, and black carbon all GHGs with a much higher warming impact than carbon dioxide and with the potential to have detrimental effects on human health. SB 1383 requires the CARB to adopt a strategy to reduce methane by 40 percent, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40 percent, and anthropogenic black carbon by 50 percent below 2013 levels by 2030. The methane emission reduction goals include a 75 percent reduction in the level of statewide disposal of organic waste from 2014 levels by 2025. Regional Southern California Association of Governments The 2016 2040 RTP/SCS is a long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental, and public health goals, with a specific goal of achieving an 8 percent reduction in passenger vehicle GHG emissions on a per capita basis by 2020, 18 percent reduction by 2035, and 21 percent reduction by 2040 compared to the 2005 level. Although the RTP/SCS is not technically an energy efficiency plan, consistency with the RTP/SCS has energy implications, including the reduction of VMT, which reduces GHG emissions and has the co- benefit of reducing fossil fuel consumption from travel to and from the Project Site. 16 RTP/SCS is designed to support development of compact communities in existing urban areas, with more mixed-use and infill development, and reuse of developed land that is also served by high quality transit. The 2016 RTP/SCS describes how the region can attain the GHG emission-reduction targets set by CARB by reducing VMT to achieve an 8 percent reduction in passenger vehicle emissions by 2020, 19 percent reduction by 2035, and 21 percent reduction by 2040 compared to the 2005 level on a per capita basis. As shown in Tables 3.5-4 and 3.5-6, implementation of State and local actions, General Plan land use and circulation elements, and proposed General Plan policies would reduce transportation-related emissions by 21 percent between 2016 and 2040 (242,007 MTCO2e and 168,154 MTCO2e, respectively). The 2016 RTP/SCS includes strategies for transportation and land use that are designed to reduce VMT and the GHG emissions associated with on-road vehicle travel. This includes, but is not limited to, strategies that increase the density and mix of land uses; focus growth around transit; provide transit improvements; expand active transportation networks; expand regional charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and expand TDM programs. The 2016 RTP/SCS overall land use pattern reinforces the trend of focusing new housing and employment in infill areas well served by transit. The 2012 RTP/SCS also identified High Quality Transit Areas (HQTAs), which are defined as locations where two or more high frequency transit routes intersect. The 2016 RTP/SCS assumes that 46 percent of new housing and 55 percent of new 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1481 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-26 employment locations developed between 2012 and 2040 will be located within infill areas well served by transit, which comprise only three percent of the total land area in the SCAG region. The TDM strategies in the 2016 RTP/SCS are focused on reducing peak period and SOV travel by encouraging behavior shifts to carpooling or vanpooling or reducing peak period travel. SCAG encourages employers to offer telecommuting or alternative work week schedules to help reduce peak period travel. TDM strategies, together with emerging trends in the workplace, aim to increase telecommuting from 5 percent to 10 percent by 2040 and alternative work schedules from 4 percent to 15 percent by 2040. South Coast Air Quality Management District The Proposed Project Planning Area is located in the South Coast Air Basin (Air Basin), which consists of Orange County, Los Angeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley portion), and the western, non-desert portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in addition to the San Gorgonio Pass area in Riverside County. SCAQMD is responsible for air quality planning in the Air Basin and developing rules and regulations to bring the area into attainment with the ambient air quality standards. This is accomplished though air quality monitoring, evaluation, education, implementation of control measures to reduce emissions from stationary sources, permitting and inspection of pollution sources, enforcement of air quality regulations, and supporting and implementing measures to reduce emissions from motor vehicles. In 1990, , the policy commits SCAQMD to consider global impacts in rulemaking and in drafting revisions to the Air Quality Management Plan. In 1992, the SCAQMD Governing Board reaffirmed this policy and adopted amendments to the policy to include the following directives: • Phase out the use and corresponding emissions of chlorofluorocarbons, methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane or TCA), carbon tetrachloride, and halons by December 1995; • Phase out the large quantity use and corresponding emissions of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by the year 2000; • Develop recycling regulations for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (e.g., SCAQMD Rules 1411 and 1415); • Develop an emissions inventory and control strategy for methyl bromide; and • Support the adoption of a California GHG emission reduction goal. In 2008, SCAQMD released draft guidance regarding interim CEQA GHG significance thresholds (SCAQMD, 2008), which proposed the use of a percent emission reduction target to determine significance for commercial/residential projects that emit greater than 3,000 MTCO2e per year. In 2008, the SCAQMD Governing Board adopted the staff proposal for an interim GHG significance threshold for stationary source/industrial projects where the SCAQMD is lead agency. However, SCAQMD did not adopt a GHG significance threshold for land use development projects (e.g., mixed-use/commercial projects) and formed a GHG Significance Threshold Working Group to further evaluate potential GHG significance thresholds. This Working Group has been inactive 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1482 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-27 since 2011 and SCAQMD has not formally adopted any GHG significance threshold guidance for land use development projects. Local Regulations City of Diamond Bar Building Code The City of Diamond Bar has not yet adopted a sustainability plan or GHG reduction plan, but has drafted a CAP in conjunction with the General Plan Update, which, if adopted, will serve as the . Moreover, the City has adopted latest edition of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). CALGreen, which applies to all new buildings (residential and non-residential), increases energy efficiency and reduces waste. Green building standards also have the co-benefit of reducing criteria pollutant emissions through the increase in energy efficiencies. CALGreen mandates green building requirements throughout California. deemed necessary to account for local climatic, geological and topographical conditions. City of Diamond Bar Climate Action Plan The City of Diamond Bar has prepared a draft CAP to guide the City in reducing environmental impacts from GHG emissions. The CAP is included in the Proposed Project analyzed in this EIR and discussed in more detail below. LA County Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) In 2015, the 2020 Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) was adopted by the County of Los Angeles (County). The CCAP by reducing GHG emissions from community activities in the unincorporated areas of the County by at least 11% below 2010 levels by 2020. The 2020 CCAP is in the process of being updated by the County. LA County Renewable Energy Ordinance The Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO), adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2016, wind energy projects. The REO helps California meet its goals for renewable energy generation and GHG gas reduction, while minimizing environmental and community impacts. LA County Green Building Program Standards As stated, the California Green Building Standards are applicable statewide. Los Angeles County adopted CALGreen under Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1483 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-28 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment; Criterion 2: Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases; Criterion 3: Cause wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation; or Criterion 4: Conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Greenhouse Gas Emissions Construction The Proposed Project is a planning-level document, and, as such, there are no specific projects, project construction dates, or specific construction plans identified. Therefore, quantification of emissions associated with buildout cannot be specifically determined at this level of review. Based on the proposed land use designations, a reasonable buildout scenario has been assumed for purposes of programmatic analysis. Construction emissions are based on the type and amount of off-road construction equipment and the size of the project. Therefore, since CalEEMod provides default construction scenarios based on size and land use type, a reasonable worst case annual construction scenario was analyzed.5 Construction anticipated by the Proposed Project may result in GHG emissions of CO2 and smaller amounts of CH4 and N2O from construction equipment and mobile sources, such as haul trucks and worker vehicles. Construction emissions were calculated for each year of construction activity using CalEEMod and applying emission factors from EMFAC2017 to calculate mobile source emissions. Construction emissions were forecasted based on an expectation of a maximum of 10 percent of the total buildout area that could be potentially developed in any year. This is a 5 Note that CalEEMod estimates daily emissions based on the size and type of the development (determined as 10% of complete the activity (CalEEMod default) and the amount of equipment and employees that would be needed to accomplish construction (CalEEMod default). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1484 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-29 conservative assumption used to provide a worst-case daily estimate of construction emissions. The buildout will likely occur throughout the full 20-year horizon, and therefore, likely more total project construction emissions would occur (i.e. it is likely that some projects would extend for more than one year, and therefore, would increase total project emissions) Therefore, this analysis uses a conservative estimate of total project emissions by assuming the annual emissions from the 10 percent construction scenario would occur throughout the entire 20-year planning horizon. Also, since it is assumed that construction occurs at the earliest possible time (i.e. modeling for a 2020-year construction scenario), the potential for reduction in GHG emissions from more efficient engines is not accounted for, as older equipment phases out over the 20-year buildout horizon. CalEEMod defaults were used to determine construction equipment based on the type of construction anticipated by the Proposed Project. Modeling assumed 12 single-family residential units, 377 multi-family residential units, 182,058 square feet of non-residential buildings, and 1.23 acres of park could be developed in any one year. The modeling also assumes that 20,300 square feet of existing light industrial uses would be demolished in a given year. Consistent with SCAQMD methodology, GHG emissions from construction were amortized over a 30-year lifetime, as it is assumed that new uses would continue to operate for at least 30 years. Operational Operational emissions anticipated by the Proposed Project include emissions from energy use (electricity and natural gas), on-road motor vehicles (mobile), off-road motor vehicles (e.g. forklifts and aerial lifts), solid waste, water and wastewater, area sources (landscaping), and onsite stationary sources (emergency generators). Detailed methodology for each emission source is presented below. Methodology for quantifying existing and future operational GHG emissions is detailed in Appendix E and summarized here. A community inventory was developed and compiled by emissions sector, for current and future operational GHG emissions in the City of Diamond Bar. The inventory uses a base year of 2016 (the year from which most data was available) and projects GHG emissions levels for the SB 32 target year of 2030 and the General Plan horizon year of 2040. In addition to using the most recent VMT calculated for the proposed General Plan, the analysis also calculated additional reductions from policies already included in the Proposed Project (e.g. bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, traffic calming measures, parking policies, etc.). Energy The growth anticipated by the Proposed Project would consume energy (electricity and natural gas) for multiple purposes including, but not limited to, building heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics. For all land uses, building electricity and natural gas usage for existing uses were provided by the Southern California Edison and the Southern California Gas Company. Forecasting for future years assumed a growth rate based on buildout for each land use type and increased, or decreased (in the case of light industrial use) the consumption accordingly. GHG emissions also take into account the RPS requirements throughout the planning period. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1485 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-30 Mobile Sources Operations anticipated by the Proposed Project would include vehicle trips related to the operation of land uses. Mobile source emissions were calculated using VMT data as provided in Chapter 3.12: Transportation, which takes into account mode and trip lengths. However, policies within the General Plan Circulation element, which the regional travel demand model is not sensitive to (such as connectivity in neighborhoods, presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management measures), are not reflected in these estimates. Proposed policies which would reduce overall VMT and consumption of transportation-related energy are listed in the Impact Analysis below. VMT was provided for 2016, 2030, and 2040 and emissions were calculated based on EMFAC2014 emission factors for CO2, CH4, and N2O. Solid Waste Solid waste generation anticipated by the Proposed Project would include generation from day-to- day operational activities, which generally consists of product packaging, grass clippings, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, plastic, and other items routinely disposed of in trash bins. A portion of the waste is diverted to waste recycling and reclamation facilities. Waste that is not diverted is typically sent to local landfills for disposal, where it results in GHG emissions of CO2 and CH4 from the decomposition of the waste that occurs over the span of many years. The amount of solid waste generated by the existing City activities was provided by the City of Diamond Bar, Waste Management, and Valley Vista Services. Solid waste generation anticipated by the Proposed Project was estimated by assuming the generation of solid waste increases with population and was scaled accordingly. Emissions factors from the Waste Reduction Model (WARM) version 14 were used to determine the GHG emissions associated with each target year. Water and Wastewater GHG emissions from water use and wastewater are associated with the electrical energy used to treat and transport the water. Emissions associated with the Proposed Project operations were calculated based on water consumption and wastewater generation. Water consumption was provided by the City of Diamond Bar, the Walnut Valley Water District, and the San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant for the 2016 baseline year. Water consumption for future years was determined based on growth assumptions as detailed in the Climate Action Plan emissions calculations. Anticipated water usage for the project at buildout is 12,153 acre feet per year. Wastewater assumptions used the wastewater treatment intensity factor provided by CEC. Energy The discussion below presents the methodology used to analyze the potential energy usage anticipated by the Proposed Project, including electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels during construction and operational phases. Specific assumptions and data sources needed to quantify energy consumption during both construction and operation are detailed in Appendices D and E respectively. The methods used for the energy calculations are the same as those used for the GHG calculations. Similar to GHG emissions analysis, the construction analysis here quantifies 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1486 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-31 a worst case potential construction scenario for informational purposes and to support the qualitative findings. Construction Construction energy consumption anticipated by the Proposed Project would result from transportation fuels (e.g., diesel and gasoline) used for haul trucks, heavy-duty construction equipment, construction workers traveling to and from project sites, electricity consumed to light and cool the construction trailers, conveyance of water for dust control, and any electrically-driven construction equipment. Construction activities could vary substantially from day-to-day, depending on the specific type of construction activity and the number of workers and vendors that would travel to project sites. This analysis considered these factors and provides the estimated maximum construction energy consumption for the purposes of evaluating the associated impacts on energy resources. Construction fuel use was forecasted by assuming a conservative estimate of construction activities based on CalEEMod default assumptions. Construction assumed 10 percent of all new uses and demolition would occur in a year to provide a worst-case construction year. Additionally, the initial construction year of 2020 was used as a conservative estimate of emissions from vehicle fleets and construction equipment. As the onset of construction would very throughout the planning horizon, construction impacts would be similar to or less than those analyzed, because more energy-efficient and cleaner burning construction equipment and vehicle fleet mix would be expected in the future. This is due to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation implemented by CARB that requires construction equipment fleet operators to phase-in less polluting heavy-duty equipment and trucks over time (CARB, 2010). Electricity Construction electricity use was estimated for water usage from dust control activities. In addition to emissions outputs, CalEEMod, was used to estimate project emissions of criteria air pollutants and GHGs, and estimates of electricity, natural gas, and water use. In order to achieve internal consistency through this EIR, the same model used for air quality and GHG analyses was also used for the purposed of estimating energy use. Electricity use from water conveyance for dust control on-site anticipated by the Proposed Project was conservatively estimated using a standard water usage factor per square foot for irrigated landscaping areas that would be generally equivalent to conveying water to a construction site. The calculated water usage was then converted to electricity used for conveyance using default CalEEMod electricity intensity factors for the South Coast Air Basin (SCAQMD, 2017). Natural Gas Natural gas is not expected to be consumed in a large quantity during construction of development anticipated by the Proposed Project because construction offices would not be heated with natural gas, and construction equipment and vehicles would be primarily powered by either diesel, gasoline, or electricity. Therefore, natural gas associated with anticipated construction activities was considered negligible. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1487 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-32 Transportation Fuels Transportation fuels would be consumed for transportation of construction workers and materials to and from the Project Site, and operation of construction equipment on the Project Site throughout construction activities. Fuel consumption from on-site heavy-duty construction equipment was calculated based on the CalEEMod default equipment mix and usage factors provided in the CalEEMod construction output files included in Appendix D of this EIR. Total fuel consumption from Off-road Construction Emissions was calculated multiplying annual GHG emissions by the conversion factor per gallon of diesel fuel. Fuel consumption from construction on-road worker, vendor, and delivery/haul trucks anticipated by the Proposed Project was calculated using the trip rates and distances consistent with the air quality and GHG emissions modeling worksheets and CalEEMod construction output files. Total VMT for these on-road vehicles were then calculated for each type of construction-related trip and divided by the corresponding county-7 model. The model was used to calculate fuel consumed based on the total annual VMT for each vehicle type. CalEEMod assumed trip lengths were used for worker commutes, vendor and concrete trucks, and haul truck trips. Consistent with CalEEMod, construction worker trips were assumed to include a mix of light duty gasoline automobiles and light-duty gasoline trucks. Construction vendor trucks were assumed to be a mix of medium-heavy-duty and heavy-duty diesel trucks and haul trucks were assumed to be heavy-duty diesel trucks. Operational Operational energy impacts anticipated by the Proposed Project were assessed based on the increase in energy demand compared to baseline conditions described above under GHG methodology. The following discusses the methodology for existing and new operational activities. As discussed in more detail under GHG methodology, for all land uses, building electricity and natural gas usage for existing uses were provided by the Southern California Edison and the Southern California Gas Company. Forecasting for future years assumed a growth rate based on buildout for each land use type and increased, or decreased (in the case of light industrial use) the consumption accordingly. GHG emissions also take into account the RPS requirements throughout the planning period. Mobile source emissions were calculated using VMT data as provided in Chapter 3.12: Traffic and Transportation, which takes into account mode and trip lengths. VMT was provided for 2016, 2030, and 2040. Energy consumption anticipated by the Proposed Project was calculated by multiplying annual GHG emissions by the conversion factor per gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel as appropriate to the vehicle type. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1488 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-33 IMPACTS Impact 3.5-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. (Less than Significant) Development anticipated by the Proposed Project could result in a significant impact, if the per capita emissions from the 2030 and 2040 (buildout) years exceed the reduction targets identified in statewide GHG targets for 2030, as well as, for the 2040 horizon year. The derivation of the applicable targets is discussed in detail in Appendix E. The CAP compared the State GHG Reduction Targets and the State Climate Change Scoping Plan Targets to determine the most conservative option. Compliance with the most conservative emissions threshold (calculated as total MTCO2e) would ensure that the General Plan and resultant projects stemming from its -term emissions reduction goals. The CAP has determined reduction targets of 6 MTCO2e for 2030 and 4 MTCO2e for 2040. Construction and Operation GHG Emissions Construction and operational activities anticipated by the Proposed Project may emit GHGs that could, in combination with other regional and global emissions, result in an increase in CO2e emissions that may result in changes in local and global climate. The following emissions were calculated for the potential construction and operation of the City at buildout. Table 3.5-5 shows these emissions on an amortized annual basis. Based on SCAQMD methodology, construction emissions are added to operational emissions to determine a total annual emissions inventory from the City. Table 3.5-5: Annual Construction GHG Emissions Phase MTCO2e Demolition 635 Single-Family Residential & Park 7,809 Multi-Family Residential 17,099 Non-Residential 17,363 TOTAL Project (20 years of construction) 42,905 Amortized (30 year) Emissions 1,430 Source: ESA, 2019 (Appendix D). Table 3.5-6 shows the forecasted GHG emissions for 2030 and 2040 compared to their respective emissions targets, assuming implementation of State and local actions, land use and circulation elements, and policies. As discussed below, the CAP recommends measures to further reduce GHG emissions but implementation of these measures is not required. Table 3.5-6 also assumes the potential full-buildout of the Proposed Project by 2040 and conservatively assumes the maximum associated annual construction emissions. Therefore, if 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1489 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-34 build-out levels are less than anticipated, City emissions would be reduced from the estimates provided in the analysis. Table 3.5-6: Annual Diamond Bar GHG Emissions Sector 2030 MTCO2e 2040 MTCO2e Residential 45,251 40,655 Commercial 26,383 30,242 Industrial 118 106 Transportation 171,489 168,154 Solid Waste 6,714 7,124 Water 743 820 Wastewater 617 682 Off-Road Equipment 2,441 2,811 Public Lighting 453 480 Total Operational 254,209 251,074 Amortized Construction 1,430 1,430 Total Emissions 255,612 252,504 Population 62,852 66,685 Per Capita Emissions 4.06 3.79 Target 6 4 Exceed Target No No Sources: ESA, 2019 (Appendix D); Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 (Appendix E). The CAFE Standards, AB 1493, LCFS, and will reduce impacts from future transportation throughout the City by increasing fuel efficiency of vehicles and promoting the use of Zero-Emission vehicles. Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 requires the regional reduction in VMTs, which will reduce mobile emissions generations from the City. SB 1078 and SB 350 will reduce impacts from energy consumption by requiring electrical providers to use renewable resources for up to 50 percent of the electrical generation by 2030. LA County Renewable Energy Ordinance, and LA County Green Building Programs would increase energy efficiencies and reduce waste from anticipated development by the Proposed Project. Proposed General Plan policies, as detailed below, will enhance the regulatory policies of the State in order to provide reductions specific to the City with respect to mobile sources and energy consumption. Given that the Proposed Project would be able to meet emissions targets with implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, the proposed CAP provides recommended, but not mandatory, measures to further reduce emissions. Following the adoption of the Proposed Project, the City of Diamond Bar may choose to implement these measures. Therefore, this EIR does not take into account potential reductions from CAP policies (see Appendix E for a detailed explanation). As the CAP is designed for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change protection, policies recommended in the CAP would not cause any adverse effects on GHG emissions, and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1490 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-35 would further reduce emissions if adopted. Recommended measures include installation of residential and commercial photovoltaic systems, establishing a zero-waste framework, increasing opportunities for zero-emissions travel, and establishing clean power partnerships. Implementation of these measures would reduce consumption of natural gas and increase access to renewable power, therefore reducing GHG emissions associated with natural gas consumption in homes, businesses, and vehicles in Diamond Bar. Implementation of the policies aimed at resource conservation and VMT reduction would reduce overall GHG emissions compared to existing conditions and would ensure ceed the respective emissions targets. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment and the Proposed Project would have a less than significant impact. Conversion of Oak and Walnut Woodland The development anticipated by the Proposed Project has the potential to convert oak woodland to developed areas. While the majority of Oak Woodland is located in the Sphere of Influence to the south of the City, which has no plans for conversion to new types of uses, there are some acres of oak woodland in the northern portion of the City in the Planning Area south of Diamond Ranch High School and in the City to the east of the Planning Area, and in the areas surveyed as Walnut Woodland (see Section 3.3 Biological Resources for more details on the Walnut Woodland survey area). Because the amount of oak woodland that would be converted, when it would be converted, or the amount of oak woodland that would be replaced is unknown, the quantification of emissions from conversion would be speculative and therefore, was not included in the emissions calculations. However, according to US EPA, for every acre of forest removed, an average of 0.85 MTCO2 sequestration is lost (US EPA, 2018). For urban trees planted, average annual sequestration is 0.06 MTCO2 per tree planted (US EPA, 2018). The Proposed policies require that all new developments preserve mature native trees including oak under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Additionally, Mitigation Measures BIO-4 and BIO-5 (discussed in Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources) would require future projects that cannot avoid impacts on oak and walnut woodland to follow mitigation requirements set forth in the Los Angeles County Oak Woodland Conservation Management Plan Guide. These include, but are not limited to, acquiring comparable oak and walnut woodland habitat, restoring degraded oak and walnut woodlands either on-site or off-site, locating mitigation areas adjacent to preserved natural space, placing mitigation areas in a conservation easement, and monitoring and reporting project mitigation through a report submitted to the City. Therefore, the potential conversion of oak and walnut woodland during anticipated development under the Proposed Project is minimal. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1491 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-36 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-4 Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth. LU-G-9 Provide for the concentration of office and commercial uses near regional access routes, transit stations, and existing and proposed employment centers. LU-P-17 Require that site designs create active street frontages and introduce pedestrian-scaled street networks and street designs. LU-P-49 Require convenient, attractive, and safe pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections both within the Community Core area and between the center and surrounding neighborhoods and other destinations within Diamond Bar. Circulation CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local city congestion based on defined Levels of Service (LOS) standards. CR-P-55 Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multifamily residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-56 Establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for Electric Vehicles. CR-P-32 Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul- de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33 Ensure that new development integrates networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. Resource Conservation RC-P-10 Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore, and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. RC-P-19 Require new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems. (Based on current GP Resource Management Strategy 2.1.3) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1492 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-37 RC-P-20 Require the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-21 Require builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought-tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-22 Require the use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction in accordance with the standards -Efficient Landscape Ordinance. RC-P-28. Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality through the following measures: a. Use of building materials and methods that minimize air pollution. b. Use of fuel-efficient heating equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler units, and low or zero-emitting architectural coatings. c. Use of clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local funding sources. Community Health & Sustainability CHS-P-3 Promote physical activity and active transportation programs through events sponsored by the City, particularly the Parks & Recreation Department. CHS-P-4 Remove barriers and improve multi-modal mobility throughout the City for all community members by supporting transit, pedestrian, and bicycle connections between residential neighborhoods and major destinations, including parks, civic facilities, school campuses, other educational institutions, employment centers, shopping destinations, parks, and recreation areas, where appropriate. CHS-P-5 Implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments. CHS-P-14 such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-33 Plan land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1493 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-38 CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform for outlining and implementing measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. CHS-P-38 Accelerate the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through actions such as: a. Establishing incremental growth goals for solar power/alternative energy systems in Diamond Bar; b. Developing guidelines, recommendations, and examples for cost-effective solar and/or other alternative energy-based installation; and c. Installing solar/alternative energy technology on available City spaces. CHS-P-40 Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy-efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities that establish public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes as safe, efficient, and desirable alternatives. CHS-P-41 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities. CHS-P-44 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through the implementation of the Green Building Codes. CHS-P-49 Continue to educate residential, commercial, and industrial generators about source reduction and recycling programs and encourage their participation in these programs through promotional campaigns and incentives. CHS-P-53 Require commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. CHS-P-55 Protect and enhance areas identified as healthy functioning ecosystems that provide the ecological, cultural, public health and safety, and economic value of ecosystem services, or benefits. CHS-P-57 Encourage water conservation, drought-tolerant landscaping and the use of greywater and reclaimed and recycled water, where appropriate, with a view to reducing water use. CHS-P-58 Encourage the installation of green roofs and cool (reflective) roofs to reduce temperatures of roof surfaces and the surrounding air. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1494 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-39 Impact 3.5-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. (Less than Significant) A significant and unavoidable impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would result in conflicts with regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. Emissions of GHGs throughout the City may increase as anticipated development by the Proposed Project occurs thereby resulting in more emissions than existing conditions, potentially conflicting with State Goals of reducing GHG emissions. The General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan are planning documents used by the City to structure the growth and development within the City and its Sphere of Influence. Proposed Project provides policies that are designed specifically to reduce GHG emissions or to reduce other types of pollutants and has the co-benefit of reducing GHG emissions. The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, Proposed Project land use and circulation system, and additional Proposed Project policies. This analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not required for the City of Diamond Bar to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. emissions is discussed below. Consistency with 2017 Scoping Plan Update The Proposed Project would be consistent with key state plans and regulatory requirements referenced in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update designed to reduce statewide emissions. According to the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, reductions needed to achieve the 2030 target are expected to be achieved by increasing the RPS to 50 percent of greatly increasing the fuel economy of vehicles and the number of zero-emission or hybrid vehicles, reducing the rate of growth in VMT, supporting high speed rail and other alternative transportation options, and increasing the use of high efficiency appliances, water heaters, and HVAC systems. The Proposed Project would not impede implementation of these potential reduction strategies identified by CARB, and it would benefit from statewide and utility-provider efforts towards increasing the portion of electricity provided from renewable resources.6 The Proposed Project would also benefit from statewide efforts towards increasing the fuel economy standards of vehicles and reducing the carbon content of fuels. The Proposed Project would utilize energy efficient appliances and 6 Update, requiring retail sellers and local publicly-owned electric utilities to procure eligible renewable electricity for 44 percent of retail sales by the end of 2024, 52 percent by the end of 2027, and 60 percent by the end of 2030; and requires that CARB should plan for 100 percent eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by the end of 2045. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1495 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-40 equipment, as required by Title 24, and would encourage the establishment of EV charging stations to support the future use of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles by employees and visitors. Additionally, as shown under Impact 3.5-2030 and 2040 GHG emissions would meet the per capita emissions targets. As discussed in the CAP (Appendix E), the 2017 Scoping Plan per capita emissions targets represent the most conservative emissions thresholds for 2030 and 2040. For these reasons described above, the Proposed Project emissions trajectory would decline over time, consistent with the 2017 Scoping Plan Update. SCAG 2016 40 RTP/SCS With the Proposed Project, new land use designations such as Town Center Mixed-Use, Neighborhood Mixed-Use, and Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use will be added. These land uses support the development of infill and increase in transit oriented development consistent with the 2016 RTP/SCS. Goal 6 of the 2016 RTP/SCS aims to improve air quality and encourage active transportation. The incorporation of Mixed-Use and Transit-Oriented development would reduce vehicle trips by providing adequate alternative services. The Proposed Project also encourages bicycle and electrical vehicle parking and the enhancement of bicycle routes. This would reduce VMT per capita through the use of alternative transportation. Goal 7 of the 2016 RTP/SCS aims to actively encourage and create incentives for energy efficiency. The Proposed Project requires the utilization of energy efficiency appliances and equipment, as required by Title 24, and will develop a requirement for EV charging stations to support the future use of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles throughout the City. In addition, all anticipated development under the Proposed Project would include compliance with CalGreen Code. These actions would be consistent with Goal 7 of the 2016 RTP/SCS. Executive Order S-3-05 Executive Order No. S-3-05 established a long-term goal of reducing California ons to 80 percent below the 1990 level by the year 2050. The extent to which GHG emissions from mobile sources indirectly attributed to the Proposed Project would change in the future depends on the quantity (e.g., number of vehicles, average daily mileage) and quality (i.e., carbon content) of fuel that would be available and required to meet both regulatory standards, and resident and worker needs. Renewable power requirements, LCFS, and vehicle emissions standards, discussed above, would decrease GHG emissions per unit of energy delivered or per VMT. Due to the uncertainty of technological advancements that could be anticipated over the next 30 years and the unknown parameters of the regulatory framework in 2050, further quantitative analysis of the Proposed Project impacts relative to the 2050 target would be speculative. Section 15145 of the CEQA impact is too speculative for evaluation, the agency should note its conclusion and terminate 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1496 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-41 Even though the State has not provided a clear regulatory and technological roadmap to achieve the 2050 goal, it has demonstrated the potential pace at which emission reductions can be achieved through new regulations, technology deployments, and market developments. In developing the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, CARB, CEC, CPUC, and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) commissioned a study to evaluate the feasibility and cost of meeting the 2030 target along the way to reaching the State goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. With input from the agencies, the explores scenarios for meeting the State long term GHG emissions targets, encompassing the entirety of California economy with detailed representations of the buildings, industry, transportation, and electricity sectors (E3, 2015). While acknowledging the inherent uncertainty associated with its modeling assumptions, the PATHWAYS study emphasizes the need for significant action and continued policy development by the State to support low-carbon technologies and markets for energy efficiency, building electrification, renewable electricity, zero-emission vehicles, and renewable liquid fuels. The study underscores the need for a periodic review of State policies and programs for reducing GHG emissions, as was anticipated by AB 32 in its directive to update the Scoping Plan at least every five years. A 2018 update to the PATHWAYS study advanced the understanding of what is required for technology deployment and other GHG mitigation strategies if California is to meet its long-term climate goals. The 2018 study concludes that to achieve high levels of consumer adoption of zero- carbon technologies, particularly of electric vehicles and energy efficiency and electric heat in buildings, market transformation is needed to reduce the capital cost and to increase the range of options available. This market transformation can be facilitated by 1) higher carbon prices (which can be created by the Cap and Trade and LCFS programs); 2) codes and standards, regulations and direct incentives, to reduce the upfront cost to the customer; and 3) business and policy innovations to make zero-carbon technology options the cheaper, preferred solutions compared to fossil fueled alternatives (E3, 2018). Statewide efforts are underway to facilitate the achievement of the EO S-3-05 goals. It is reasonable to expect the GHG emissions from development anticipated by the Proposed Project would decline over time, as the regulatory initiatives identified by CARB in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update are implemented, and other technological innovations occur. Given the reasonably anticipated decline in Proposed Project emissions, the Proposed Project would not conflict with or interfere with the ability of the State to achieve the 2050 horizon-year goal of EO S-3-05. Mobile Source Strategy and Executive Order B-48-18 State goals for ZEVs are expressed in the Advanced Clean Cars Initiative (ACC) and the ZEV mandate established by Executive Order B-16-1, which sets a target of reaching 1.5 million ZEVs (meaning battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles According to EMFAC2017, which incorporates the State ZEV mandate, there will be approximately 31,700,000 passenger cars and light trucks on the road in California by 2030, at which time 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1497 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-42 1.5 million ZEVs would constitute approximately 4.7 percent of all vehicles.7 The more aggressive Mobile Source Strategy, included in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update as a component of the overall strategy for achieving the 2030 GHG target, calls for 4.2 million ZEVs on the road by 2030, equivalent to about 13.2% of passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. The Proposed Project would be consistent with the State ZEV mandate by encouraging dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles through General Plan policies and the recommended measures under the Climate Action Plan. Neither the General Plan nor the Climate Action Plan mandate specific numbers or locations of ZEV facilities, but would make ZEVs a priority for the City of Diamond Bar. City of Diamond Bar CAP The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, General Plan land use and circulation system, and additional General Plan policies. This analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not required for the City to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. As the Proposed Project is designed in conjunction with the CAP, future development under the General Plan will be held to the requirements in the CAP and therefore the General Plan update will be consistent with the future City of Diamond Bar CAP. In summary, the Proposed Project would be consistent with policies and regulations established for the reduction of GHG emissions and therefore would result in less than significant impacts. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact See policies listed under Impact 3.5-1. Mitigation Measures None required. 7 on for 2030 is approximately 3.6 percent of all passenger and light duty vehicles, but the 3.6 percent figure represents the equivalent percentage of all vehicles operating as a pure zero- emission vehicle (e.g., 100% battery electric), whereas the actual population would include PHEVs that operate partially on fossil fuels. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1498 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-43 Impact 3.5-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation. (Less than Significant) The development anticipated by the Proposed Project may result in a significant and unavoidable impact if the consumption of energy would exceed the existing supply or would unnecessarily increase the consumption of resources through the use of inefficient equipment or vehicles. Construction During construction of future development anticipated by the Proposed Project, energy would be consumed in the form of electricity for water conveyance for dust control, and other construction activities. Based on typical construction practices discussed in the Methodology and Assumptions section above, natural gas would not be consumed in any appreciable amount. Project construction would also consume energy in the form of petroleum-based fuels associated with the use of off- road construction vehicles and equipment on the project site, construction workers travel to and from the project site, and delivery and haul truck trips (e.g., hauling of demolition material to offsite reuse and disposal facilities). Table 3.5-7 provides a summary of potential annual average electricity, natural gas, gasoline fuel, and diesel fuel estimated to be consumed during construction of the development anticipated by the Proposed Project. Each of these energy types is discussed and analyzed in greater detail in the sections below. Note that this is an estimation, given that the Proposed Project does not propose any specific development. Table 3.5-7: Construction Energy Use Energy Project Usage County/Utility Usage Percent State/Utility Use Electricity 199 MWh 112,159,000 MWh <0.001% Natural Gas - MMBtu 988,785,000 MMBtu 0.000% Gasoline 60,061 gallons 3,659,000,000 gallons 0.001% Diesel 170,040 gallons 590,196,078 gallons 0.027% Sources: SCE, 2018; California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018; CEC, 2017b. Electricity During construction of development anticipated by the Proposed Project, electricity would be supplied by SCE and would be obtained from the existing electrical lines that connect to the individual project sites or exist nearby. As shown in Table 3.5-7, annual average construction electricity usage may be approximately 199 MWh. Although there may be a temporary increase in electricity consumption during construction of the development anticipated by the Proposed Project, the electrical consumption would be within the supply and infrastructure capabilities of SCE (112,159 GWh net energy for 2020)2020 supply (SCE, 2018). Construction of development anticipated by the Proposed Project is expected to occur throughout buildout of the Proposed Project until 2040. The electricity demand at any given time 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1499 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-44 would vary throughout the construction period based on the construction activities being performed, and would cease upon completion of construction. Electricity use from construction would be short-term, limited to working hours, used for necessary construction-related activities, and represents a small fraction of the Proposed Furthermore, the electricity used for off-road light construction equipment would have the effect of reducing construction-related air pollutant and GHG emissions from more traditional construction-related energy in the form of diesel fuel. Therefore, under a reasonable worst case scenario, impacts from construction electrical demand would be less than significant and would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy. Natural Gas As stated above, construction activities would not consume appreciable amounts of natural gas during construction of anticipated development by the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts from construction natural gas demand would be less than significant and would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy. Transportation Energy Table 3.5-7 reports the amount of petroleum-based transportation energy that could potentially be consumed during construction based on the conservative set of assumptions provided in Appendix D of this Draft EIR. Annual construction on- and off-road vehicles are anticipated to consume approximately 60,061 gallons of gasoline and 170,040 gallons of diesel. For comparison purposes only, and not for the purpose of determining significance, the fuel usage during project construction would represent approximately 0.001 percent of the 2017 annual on-road gasoline- related energy consumption and 0.02 percent of the 2017 annual diesel fuel-related energy consumption in Los Angeles County, as detailed in Appendix D of this EIR. Transportation fuels (gasoline and diesel) are produced from crude oil, which can be domestic or imported from various regions around the world. Based on current proven reserves, crude oil production would be sufficient to meet over 50 years of worldwide consumption (BP Global, 2018). The Proposed Project would comply with CAFE standards, which would result in more efficient use of transportation fuels (lower consumption). Project-related vehicle trips would also comply with Pavley and LCFS, which are designed to reduce vehicle GHG emissions, but would also result in fuel savings in addition to compliance with CAFE standards. Construction of development anticipated by the Proposed Project would utilize fuel-efficient equipment consistent with state and federal regulations, such as fuel efficiency regulations in accordance with the CARB Pavley Phase II standards, the anti-idling regulation in accordance with Section 2485 in Title 13 of the CCR, and fuel requirements for stationary equipment in accordance with Section 93115 (concerning Airborne Toxic Control Measures) in Title 17 of the CCR, and would comply with State measures to reduce the inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy, such as petroleum-based transportation fuels. While these regulations are intended to reduce construction emissions, compliance with the anti-idling and emissions regulations discussed above would also result in fuel savings from the use of more fuel-efficient engines. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1500 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-45 Based on the analysis above, construction of development anticipated by the Proposed Project would utilize energy only for necessary on-site activities and to transport construction materials and demolition debris to and from project sites. As discussed above, idling restrictions and the use of cleaner, energy-efficient equipment would result in less fuel combustion and energy consumption and thus minimize the Proposed -related energy use. Therefore, even under a reasonable worst case scenario, construction would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy, and the impact would be less than significant. Operational During operation of development anticipated by the Proposed Project, energy would be consumed for multiple purposes throughout the City, including, but not limited to, heating ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, EV charging, emergency generators, aerial lifts, and forklifts for building operations. Energy would also be consumed during operations related to water usage, solid waste disposal, and vehicle trips. The Pr potential operational energy use is shown in Table 3.5-8. As shown in Table 3.5-8, the development anticipated by the Proposed Project annual net new energy demand would be approximately 250,351 MWh of electricity, 750,957 MMBtu of natural gas, 14,412,238 gallons of gasoline, and 5,685,918 gallons of diesel fuel. Each of these is discussed and analyzed in greater detail in the sections below. Table 3.5-8: Summary of Annual Energy Use during Project Operation at Buildout Energy Project Usage County/Utility Usage Percent State/Utility Use Electricity 250,351 MWh 87,143,000 MWh 0.287% Natural Gas 750,957 MMBtu 988,785,000 MMBtu 0.076% Gasoline 14,412,238 gallons 3,659,000,000 gallons 0.394% Diesel 5,685,918 gallons 590,196,078 gallons 0.963% Sources: SCE, 2018; California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018; CEC, 2017b. Electricity Assuming compliance with 2019 Title 24 standards and applicable 2019 CALGreen requirements, at buildout the development anticipated by the Proposed Project would result in an annual demand for electricity totaling approximately 250.351 MWh, as shown in Table 3.5-8. By 2020 SCE is required to procure at least 33 percent of its energy portfolio from renewable sources with 50 percent renewable required by 2030. SCE sources. These sources accounted for 32 percent of SCE l energy mix in 2017, the most recent year for which data are available, and represent the available off-site renewable sources of energy that would meet the Proposed (CEC, 2017a). Based on SCE in its 2018 Annual Report, SCE -2018 fiscal year (the latest data available) was 87,143,000 MWh of electricity (SCE, 2018). As such, potential development anticipated by the Proposed Project may increase annual electricity consumption in the City of Diamond Bar, that would represent approximately 0.27 percent of SCE 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1501 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-46 supplied electricity for 2017-2018 30 (the latest forecasted year available) is estimated at 110,000,000 MWh (CEC, 2018). Future energy use associated with development anticipated by the Proposed Project would represent approximately 0.23 percent of total estimated SCE 2030 sales and would be within SCE supplies (CEC, 2018). As previously described, the Proposed Project incorporates a variety of energy and water conservation measures and features to reduce energy usage and minimize energy demand and 2040. Therefore, with the incorporation of these measures and features, operation of development anticipated by the Proposed Project would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of electricity, and the impact would be less than significant. Natural Gas With compliance with 2019 Title 24 standards and applicable 2016 CALGreen requirements, at buildout, development anticipated by the Proposed Project would generate an estimated annual demand for natural gas totaling approximately 750,957 MMBtu, as shown in Table 3.5-8. SoCalGas accounts for anticipated regional demand based on various factors including growth in employment by economic sector, growth in housing and population, and increasing State goals for reducing GHG emissions. SoCalGas accounts for an increase in employment and housing between 2018 to 2035. Development anticipated by the Proposed Project would add jobs within the SoCalGas region and would be consistent with the growth projections set forth in the 2018 California Gas Report (California Gas and Electric Utilities, 2018). As shown in Table 3.5-8, development anticipated by the Proposed Project would account for approximately 0.08 percent of the planning area and would fall for 2030 and would be consistent with . Therefore, with the incorporation of these measures and features, operation of the development anticipated by Proposed Project would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of natural gas, and the impact would be less than significant. Transportation Energy Vehicle use may result in the consumption of petroleum-based fuels related to vehicular travel to and from the new land uses anticipated within the City. Annual trips for the Proposed Project were estimated using trip rates provided in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. As discussed in that section, VMT is expected to increase compared to baseline conditions, therefore resulting in a significant and unavoidable impact with respect to CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). However, policies within the General Plan Circulation element which the regional travel demand model is not sensitive to (such as connectivity in neighborhoods, presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management measures) are not reflected in these estimates, which are thus conservative estimates. Proposed policies which would reduce overall VMT and consumption of transportation-related energy are listed below. As reported in Table 3.5-7 -based fuel usage would be approximately 14,412,283 gallons of gasoline and 5,682,918 gallons of diesel. Based on the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1502 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-47 employees in Los Angeles County consumed 3,659,000,000 gallons of gasoline and approximately 590,200,000 gallons of diesel fuel in 2017 (CEC, 2017b). The Proposed Project may account for 0.002 percent of County-wide gasoline consumption and 0.03 percent of County-wide diesel consumption, based on the available County fuel sales data for the year 2017. Transportation fuels (gasoline and diesel) are produced from crude oil, which can be domestic or imported from various regions around the world. Based on current proven reserves, crude oil production would be sufficient to meet over 50 years of worldwide consumption (BP, 2018). The transportation anticipated by the Proposed Project would comply with CAFE fuel economy standards, which would result in more efficient use of transportation fuels (lower consumption). Project-related vehicle trips would also comply with Pavley and Low Carbon Fuel Standards which are designed to reduce vehicle GHG emissions, but would also result in fuel savings in addition to compliance with CAFE standards. Development anticipated by the Proposed Project would support statewide efforts to improve transportation energy efficiency and reduce transportation energy consumption with respect to private vehicle use. The Proposed Project design and characteristics would be consistent with and would not conflict with the goals of the SCAG 2016 RTP/SCS. As discussed under Impact 3.5-2, the mixed-use design of the Proposed Project would increase the density of an infill site served by a variety of transit options. The City of Diamond Bar is served by Foothill Transit. The City is also served by the Metrolink Riverside Line along the northwestern boundary of the City. This line runs from Downtown Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles , and provides service Monday to Friday. Transit facilities in Diamond Bar consist of bus stops for Foothill Transit buses along Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and other roads. OCTA bus stops are on Brea Canyon Road. The Metrolink station can be accessed via Brea Canyon Road. A significant portion of the bus stops and station in the City have a bench or a shaded bus shelter. While development anticipated by the Proposed Project may increase VMT over existing conditions, the development of mixed-use land uses will provide close proximity of residents to retail, restaurant, entertainment, commercial, and job destinations support achievement of reductions in VMT that are not reflected in the regional travel demand model. Additionally, the will establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for Electric Vehicles. Projects designed under the Proposed Project would provide for the installation of the conduit and panel capacity to accommodate future electric vehicle charging stations pursuant to the CALGreen Code, reducing the amount of fossil fuel consumed during vehicular travel to and from the Proposed Project. City of Diamond Bar CAP The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, General Plan land use and circulation system, and additional General Plan policies. This analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not required for the City to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1503 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-48 For the reasons described above, the Proposed Project would minimize operational transportation fuel demand consistent with and not in conflict with state, regional, and City goals. Therefore, operation of the Proposed Project would not result in the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy and the impact would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-4 Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth. LU-G-9 Provide for the concentration of office and commercial uses near regional access routes, transit stations, and existing and proposed employment centers. LU-G-12 Encourage compact mixed-use developments and projects that are walkable, designed to encourage community interaction, and fulfill a diversity of local commercial, employment, housing and recreational needs. Circulation CR-G-1 Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions while minimizing disruption to the environment and established neighborhoods due to transportation projects CR-G-2 Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role of streets as corridors for movement, but also reflects a Complete Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and complementary to adjacent land uses, including neighborhood schools. CR-G-3 Strive to achieve a finer grained network of streets and pedestrian/bicycle connections as development occurs, especially in pedestrian- and transit-oriented areas such as the Transit Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed- use areas. CR-G-4 Develop neighborhood streets and alleys that encourage walking, biking, and outdoor activity through engineering and urban design principles that reduce the potential for speeding and cut-through traffic, which may include traffic calming measures. CR-G-5 Track the use of future transportation options such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1504 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-49 requirements, such as roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety and access for all users and modes. CR-G-7 Encourage reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CR-G-9 Provide adequate parking for all land use types, while balancing this against the need to promote walkable, mixed-use districts and neighborhoods in targeted areas, and promoting ride-sharing and alternative transportation modes. CR-P-1 When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes, such as by including shade for pedestrians, lighting at the pedestrian scale, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2 Require that new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-3 Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian-scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. Examples include connections that incorporate protected bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, public shuttle services, and bike and pedestrian trails that link to parks and other public facilities. See chapter 7: Community Character and Placemaking Element for more detailed policies related to designing for connectivity in mixed-use development areas. CR-P-6 Require that all new development study the impact of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local city congestion based on defined Levels of Service (LOS) standards. CR-P-12 Balance meeting LOS standards with the need to reduce VMT through maintaining and supporting multimodal connectivity such as transit, bicycling, and walking, by encouraging infill development with a pedestrian-friendly urban design character that has appropriate densities. CR-P-24 Coordinate with local, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, parking pricing, on-site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit passes, and ridesharing. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1505 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-50 CR-P-25 Encourage participation in transportation demand programs, such as those promoting walking, cycling, and transit, through the use of City publications and public displays in order to decrease use of single occupancy vehicles. CR-P-53 Update parking requirements in the Municipal Code to ensure that they are reflective nd and taking into consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. CR-P-57 Incentivize the provision of preferential parking for high occupancy vehicles to encourage carpooling. CR-P-54 Adopt criteria in the Development Code as part of the comprehensive update to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-55 Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multifamily residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-59 Work with Caltrans to evaluate existing Caltrans-operated park-n-ride facilities within the City and expand the facilities where necessary. CR-P-56 Establish requirements to provide dedicated parking and charging stations for Electric Vehicles. CR-P-32 Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul-de- sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33 networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-49 Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first/last mile connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. CR-P-67 Ensure that trucks do not interfere with cyclist or pedestrian activity by: • Incorporating off-street or buffered bike lanes and walking paths where truck routes overlap with bicycle routes or streets with heavy pedestrian traffic; and • Designing driveways and curb cuts to avoid maneuvering on sidewalks or in street traffic, while also facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trucks. Resource Conservation RC-P-28. Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality through the following measures: a. Use of building materials and methods that minimize air pollution. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1506 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-51 b. Use of fuel-efficient heating equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler units, and low or zero-emitting architectural coatings. c. Use of clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local funding sources. Community Health & Sustainability CHS-P-3 Promote physical activity and active transportation programs through events sponsored by the City, particularly the Parks & Recreation Department. CHS-P-4 Remove barriers and improve multi-modal mobility throughout the City for all community members by supporting transit, pedestrian, and bicycle connections between residential neighborhoods and major destinations, including parks, civic facilities, school campuses, other educational institutions, employment centers, shopping destinations, parks, and recreation areas, where appropriate. CHS-P-5 Implement street design features that facilitate walking and biking in both new and established areas. Require a minimum standard of these features for all new developments. CHS-P-14 such as the clusters of commercial uses that draw residents from the entire community into the Neighborhood Mixed Use, the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use, and the Town Center focus areas. CHS-P-15 Establish opportunities for gathering areas in new neighborhoods. CHS-P-33 Plan land uses to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), prioritizing infill development and incorporating vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, public transit, and active transportation facilities where appropriate, recognizing that the transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in Diamond Bar and in California more broadly. CHS-P-35 Use the City's CAP as the platform for outlining and implementing measures to improve energy conservation and increase renewable energy use in existing and new development. CHS-P-38 Accelerate the adoption of rooftop and parking lot solar power and/or other alternative energy usage on developed sites in Diamond Bar through actions. CHS-P-40 Require the inclusion, where feasible, of provisions for energy-efficient modes of transportation and fixed facilities that establish public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes as safe, efficient, and desirable alternatives. CHS-P-41 Support the use of clean fuel and "climate friendly" vehicles in order to reduce energy use, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions by residents, businesses, and City government activities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1507 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-52 CHS-P-44 Promote energy conservation and retrofitting of existing buildings through the implementation of the Green Building Codes. CHS-P-58 Encourage the installation of green roofs and cool (reflective) roofs to reduce temperatures of roof surfaces and the surrounding air. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.5-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project would result in a significant environmental impact if it would result in conflicts with regulations adopted for the purpose of increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency. Energy consumption throughout the City may increase as development anticipated by the Proposed Project occurs, therefore, resulting in more consumption than existing conditions and has the potential to conflict with State Goals of reducing GHG emissions. The Proposed Project is a planning document used by the City to structure the growth and development within the City and its SOI. Proposed Project provides policies that are designed specifically to reduce energy consumption or to reduce other types of pollutants and has the co-benefit of reducing energy consumption. regulations and policies for the reduction of GHG emissions is discussed below. CALGreen Code and Title 24 The Proposed Project does not propose development of any specific projects and therefore does not identify project-specific green building strategies. However, development anticipated by the Proposed Project would be designed in a manner that is consistent with relevant energy conservation plans that encourage efficient use of energy resources. The Proposed Project would comply with CALGreen and Title 24 requirements to reduce energy consumption by implementing energy efficient building designs, reducing indoor and outdoor water demand, providing EV charging spaces, and installing energy-efficient appliances and equipment. As a result, the Proposed less than significant. SCAG 2016-2040 RTP/SCS As discussed in impact 3.5-2, the Proposed Project would be consistent with the 2016-2040 2016-2040 RTP/SCS is designed to support development of compact communities in existing urban areas, with more mixed-use and infill development, and reuse of developed land that is also served by high quality transit. The 2016-2040 RTP/SCS describes how the region can attain the GHG emission-reduction targets set by CARB by reducing VMT to achieve an 8 percent reduction in passenger vehicle emissions by 2020, 18 percent reduction by 2035, and 21 percent reduction by 2040 compared to the 2005 level on a per capita basis. Impact 3.5-2, details the features incorporated into the Proposed Project to reduce vehicle trips, resulting in less gasoline 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1508 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-53 and diesel fuel use. As discussed implementation of State and local actions, General Plan land use and circulation elements, and proposed General Plan policies would reduce transportation-related emissions by 21 percent between 2016 and 2040 (242,007 MTCO2e and 168,154 MTCO2e, respectively). Overall, the Proposed -40 RTP/SCS by supporting reduction in transportation-related emissions. Although the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS is not technically an energy efficiency plan, consistency with the RTP/SCS has energy implications (such as the reduction of VMT and thereby fuel energy consumed), including proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing per capita VMT, which subsequently reduces GHG emissions and reduces fossil fuel consumption from travel. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant. City of Diamond Bar CAP The CAP, once adopted, will serve as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy, enabling streamlined environmental review of future development projects, in accordance with CEQA. The future emissions inventory for the City of Diamond Bar incorporates reductions from State actions, General Plan land use and circulation system, and additional General Plan policies. This analysis shows that projected GHG emissions in 2030 and in 2040 will be well below the standards established in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan. Thus, additional GHG reduction actions are not required for the City to have and maintain a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy. In summary, the Proposed Project would incorporate project design features and policies such that it would be consistent with applicable plans, policies and regulations adopted for the purpose of promoting renewable energy and overall energy efficiency. Therefore, the impacts from the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact See policies listed under Impact 3.5-3. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1509 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases 3.5-54 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1510 3.6 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology This section describes existing soils and geologic conditions, including geologic and seismic hazards, in the Planning Area; applicable regulatory framework regarding geology, soils, and seismicity; and the potential geologic, soils, and seismic impacts of future development in the community in accordance with the Proposed Project. This section also addresses paleontological resources. There were four comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments included the following topics specific to Geology, Soils, and Seismicity. • Save Tres Hermanos stated that Diamond Bar's landslide status and seismic risk may increase if sensitive areas like Tres Hermanos are developed. • A member of Hills for Everyone requested that the General Plan and EIR address earthquake faults within or near the City, known and/or historic landslides, known or potential locations for liquefaction, alteration of landforms, site contaminants within or near the City, reduction of the wildland-urban interface, new development in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. • The Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force requested that specific geographic qualities be Ranges, and San Dimas/Yorba Linda Quadrangles. • The Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force also requested that the EIR thoroughly discuss how human safety and hillside natural infrastructure will be preserved under the Proposed Project given the findings of the USGS Deep Landslide Susceptibility assessment. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Geological and Paleontological Setting The Planning Area is located in the Los Angeles Basin approximately 27 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. The Planning Area is situated in the Puente Hills, along the Southern California coast and within the Southern California Mountains and Valleys ecoregion. The city consists of a series of interconnected valleys and rolling hills ranging in elevation from 500 to 1,470 feet. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1511 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-2 The Planning Area is in the northern tip of the Peninsular Range province, a well-defined geologic unit that extends 975 miles from the Traverse Ranges geomorphic province to the tip of Baja California (Richard & Jahns, 1954). The province varies in width from about 30 to 100 miles and is bound on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Colorado Desert Province. This province is described by a southeast to northwest structural grain that is best illustrated by a series of faults connected with the San Andreas fault system, consisting of the Whittier fault and the Newport-Inglewood fault in the Los Angeles basin, and by northwest-trending folds, made up of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Puente and Coyote Hills. Local Geographic Setting The Plan Area is located mostly in the Yorba Linda Quadrangle and has its northern part in the San Dimas Quadrangle. The Plan Area is mantled with a thin to relatively thick layer of colluvial/alluvial materials, varying from approximately five to twenty feet in thickness. These materials are generally described as dark gray-brown, damp to moist, porous, silty clay to clayey silt. The colluvial/alluvial soils are susceptible to moderate consolidation and settlement (NMG 2018). Hillsides and steep slopes are the main geological feature throughout the Planning Area, as shown in Figure 3.6-1: Steep Slopes. The Planning Area has Hillside Management Areas (HMAs), mountainous or foothill terrain with a natural slope of 25 percent or greater, as identified in the Los Diamond Bar Boulevard runs through the bottom of the valley and eventually becomes Brea Canyon. Residential developments overlook the boulevard on both sides of the surrounding hills. The Sphere of Influence (SOI) includes Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs), the Firestone Scout Reserve, to the south of the City. There are no significant bodies of water within the Planning Area. Geology Soils Diamond Bar is underlain by several thousand feet of sediments which were laid down over the last 25 million years. Quaternary alluvial deposits cover approximately 35 percent of the Yorba Linda quadrangle (California Geological Survey, 2005). Bedrock materials are not well consolidated and consist of various sandstones, shales, and siltstones. Stream-carried (alluvial) materials are present in the natural canyons while fill is found in developed areas. Natural sediments are described as being composed mainly of clayey silt, silty fine-grained sand, fine- to medium-grained sand, and loam, generally loose to moderately dense. Local soils are mainly derived from weathering of the bedrock units (City of Diamond Bar, 1995). Soil types within the Plan Area are shown in Figure 3.6-2 Soil Types. Expansive Soils Expansive soils have shrink-swell capacity, meaning they may swell when wetted and shrink when dried. Expansive soils can be a hazard for built structures, and may cause cracks in building foundations, distortion of structural elements, and the warping of doors and windows. The higher the clay content of a soil, the higher its shrink-swell potential. Soils in the Planning Area, including 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1512 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-3 Altamont Clay Loam and Yolo Clay Loam, have moderate to high clay content, and therefore have a moderate shrink-swell potential. Expansive soil conditions are pervasive in the City, and well-documented in geotechnical reports. Copper re-piping is a common home repair in Diamond Bar. Although some soil movement is unavoidable over time, solutions can be engineered to established factors of safety. Subdivisions, primarily in The County Estates, do have Restricted Use Areas (RUAs) recorded on the maps for areas, usually back slopes, that were not evaluated for constructability. Subsidence and Differential Settlement Subsidence occurs when a large portion of land is displaced or compressed vertically. This typically is due to human activities, the withdrawal of groundwater, oil, or natural gas. The Planning Area is located on the San Gabriel Basin, which is an unconfined aquifer, where the groundwater is not separated from the ground surface by an impermeable geological boundary (LADPW, 2005). Instead, the groundwater flows through the porous alluvium soils. Subsidence is more likely to occur in soils with high clay content, such as the Altamont Clay Loam and Yolo Clay Loam soils located along the hillsides in the Planning Area. Differential Settlement occurs when the soil beneath a structure expands, contracts, or shifts the can result in structural damage. Seismic and Geologic Hazards Seismic Conditions The Los Angeles Basin is located in a seismically active region of Southern California and is surrounded by fault systems. A fault is classified as active if it has moved during Holocene time (within the last 11,000 years); potentially active if it has moved within Quaternary time (within the last 1.8 million years); or inactive if it has not moved in the last 1.8 million years. Surface displacement can be recognized by the presence of cliffs in alluvium, terraces, offset stream courses, fault troughs and saddles, the alignment of depressions, and the existence of steep mountain fronts. While the Planning Area is located in a seismically active region, there are no active faults within its boundaries and it is not situated within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. The geologic structure of the entire southern California area is dominated mainly by northwest-trending faults associated with the San Andreas system, which is located 26 miles northeast of the Planning Area, and is considered to have the greatest potential to cause regional damage. However, there are four potentially active local faults, Whittier, San Jose, Central Avenue and Walnut Creek, that have a higher potential for causing local damage (Figure 3.6-3: Regional Faults). The Whittier-Elsinore fault, which is classified as an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, is the closest active fault to the Planning Area, located a couple miles south of the SOI. It is a right-lateral strike-slip fault and has an estimated slip rate between 2.5 and 3.0 mm/yr. Its estimated length is 25 miles. The most recent surface rupture occurred in the Holocene Epoch. Historical activity has been limited to microseismicity and several Magnitude 4 or less events. The Whittier-Elsinore fault is considered capable of producing an earthquake with a magnitude between 6.0 and 7.2 (SGRCMP, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1513 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-4 2005). The San Jose fault passes north of the Planning Area, and at its closest point is approximately two miles from the Planning Area. The Central Avenue and Walnut Creek faults are smaller in scale and are located within 5 miles to the north-east and north-west of the Planning Area respectively. Seismic hazards that can potentially affect the Planning Area are dependent on the type and magnitude, the distance to the epicenter of the earthquake, the nature of the fault on which the earthquake is located, and the intensity and magnitude of the seismic event. Groundshaking and Fault Rupture Groundshaking can be caused by activity along faults in the broader region. Effects of groundshaking can vary depending on the magnitude of the earthquake, distance from the fault, depth, and type of geologic material. Areas that are underlain by bedrock tend to experience less ground shaking than those underlain by unconsolidated sediments such as artificial fill or unconsolidated alluvial fill. Severe groundshaking can result in damage to or collapse of buildings and other structures. Surface rupture is the breaking of the ground along a fault during an earthquake and is primarily a risk for areas overlying active faults. As there are no active faults in the Planning Area, risk of surface rupture is low. Landsliding and Slope Stability Landslides, also referred to as slope failures, is a general term for a falling, sliding, or flowing mass of soil, rocks, water and debris. They can either be triggered by static (i.e., gravity) or dynamic (i.e., earthquake) forces. Exposed rock slopes may undergo rockfalls, rockslides, or rock avalanches, while soil slopes may experience shallow soil slides, rapid debris flows, and deep-seated rotational slides. They can destroy the roads, buildings, utilities, and other critical facilities necessary to respond to and recover from an earthquake. Landslide-susceptible areas are characterized by steep slopes, downslope creep of surface materials, and unstable soil conditions. On slopes greater than 30 percent, these soils are subject to rapid runoff and present moderate to high erosion hazards. Landslides are more likely to occur during the wet season and in areas of high groundwater and saturated soils, or in post-wildfire areas. Earthquake-induced landslide zones encompass more than 35 percent of the Yorba Linda Quadrangle because the hilly terrain has relatively low rock strength (California Geological Survey, 2005). Steep slopes are common throughout the Planning Area, in areas designated for development and nearby residential land uses. Diamond Bar has a high likelihood of encountering such risks, especially in areas with steep slopes. Managing erosion and landslide hazards will involve approaches that help residents and decision-makers understand the particular potential risks facing individual projects and pursuing mitigation to reduce risks to an acceptable level. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1514 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-5 Liquefaction Liquefaction occurs when ground shaking causes wet granular soils to change from a solid state to a liquid state. This results in the loss of soil strength and the soil's ability to support weight. Buildings and their occupants are at risk when the ground can no longer support these buildings and structures. Geologic units that are generally susceptible to liquefaction include late Quaternary alluvial and fluvial sedimentary deposits and artificial fill. Three conditions must be met for liquefaction to occur. The first condition is strong ground shaking of relatively long duration. The second is the presence of loose, or unconsolidated, recently deposited sediments consisting primarily of silt and sand. The third condition is water-saturated sediments within about 50 feet of the surface. Liquefaction has been a major cause of earthquake damage in Southern California. According to Map 5-8 of the Los Angeles County All Hazard Mitigation Plan, the valley and town of Diamond Bar is a liquefaction zone (OEM, 2014). Mitigation options for liquefaction include: strengthening structures to resist predicted ground movement, selecting appropriate foundation type and depth (or modifying existing foundational structures) that may extend below a zone of liquefiable soil, and stabilizing soil to minimize or eliminate the potential for liquefaction (EERI, 1994). Liquefaction and landslide hazards are shown in Figure 3.6-4. Lateral Spreading Lateral spreads involve lateral displacement of gently sloping, saturated soil masses as a result of earthquake induced liquefaction. The magnitude of lateral spreading displacement depends on earthquake magnitude, distance between the site and the seismic event, thickness of the liquefied layer, ground slope, average particle size of the materials comprising the liquefied layer, and the standard penetration rates of the materials. Because portions of the Planning Area consist of slopes and are underlain by mostly alluvial and fine soils, there is a potential for lateral spreading. Mitigation includes hillside management techniques as well as such options described in the above liquefaction section. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1515 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDSources: Esri, USGS, NOAA Slopes over 30 Percent Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, 2016; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Riv ersideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.6-1: Steep Slopes 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1516 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDAltamont Clay Loam (A) Chino Silt Loam (CS-1) Upper San Gabriel River (USGR-Y) Yolo Clay Loam (YC) Yolo Loam (Y) Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.6-2: Soil Types 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2016; Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, 2016; RiversideMetrolinkLine7.1.h Packet Pg. 1517 LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYIndianHillfault C entral A ve n u e fa ult Elsinore fault zone, W hittier section (W hittier fault) S a n J o s e f a u l t W a ln u t C re e k fa u ltFault Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0120.5 MILES Source: Esri, 2019; California Geological Survey (CGS), 2018; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 3.6-3: Regional Faults 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1518 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDSources: Esri, USGS, NOAA Seismic Hazard Zones Fault Line Liquefaction Zones Earthquake Induced Landslide Zones Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 00.71.40.35 MILES Source: Seismic Hazard Zones, Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation, 199, California Geological Survey (CGS), California Department of Conservation (DOC); Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineLiquefaction Zones: Areas where historical occurrence of liquefaction, or local geological, geotechnical and ground water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required. Landslide Zones: Areas where previous occurrence of landslide movement, or local topographic, geological, geotechnical and subsurface water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements such that mitigation as defined in Public Resources Code Section 2693(c) would be required. Figure 3.6-4: Liquefaction and Landslide Hazards 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1519 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-10 Paleontological Resources A paleontological resources records search was conducted by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on October 12, 2016. The results of the paleontological records search indicated that one vertebrate fossil locality exists within the city limits and that several other localities from the same sedimentary deposits occur nearby (McLeod, 2016). Portions of the Planning Area with low lying terrain (such as Brea Canyon and San Jose Creek) consist of younger Quaternary Alluvium derived from drainages, which are not known to contain significant vertebrate fossils in the uppermost layers. However, at shallow depths there are older sedimentary deposits that have the potential to yield significant vertebrate fossils. Elevated portions of the Planning Area (Puente Hills) have exposures of the marine late Miocene Puente Formation (also referred to as the Monterey Formation), which has produced significant fossil vertebrates. The closest vertebrate fossil locality from older Quaternary Alluvium deposits is LACM 8014, located southwest of the intersection of SR-60 and SR-71 (approximately one-half mile east of the northeastern boundary of the city), which yielded a fossil specimen of bison from unknown depths. Another locality from these same deposits is LACM 1728, located east of the central portion of the city (exact location unknown), which yielded fossil specimens of a horse and camel at a depth of 15 to 20 feet below surface. The Puente/Monterey Formation has yielded fauna of fossil fish including deep sea smelts, lantern fish, jacks and herrings (LACM 7190) within the southwestern boundaries of the city (southwest of the intersection of SR-60 and SR-57). Other localities from the Puente/Monterey Formation also exist outside the city limits (LACM 7153, 6171, 5837, 6170 and 7490-7492). LACM 7153 (located approximately 1.5 miles west of the northernmost portion of the city) yielded many specimens of San Jose Hills) yielded a fossil fish specimen of herring. LACM 5837 and LACM 6170 (located approximately 2.5 miles from the mid-western boundaries of the city) yielded fossil fish specimens of scad and oilfish. LACM 7490-7492 (located approximately 2.5 miles east of the east-central boundaries of the city) yielded a suite of marine fish including deep sea smelt, scad, herrings, croaker, mackerel and snake mackerel. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1520 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-11 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations U.S. Geological Survey Landslide Hazard Program The United States Geological Survey (USGS) created the Landslide Hazard Program in the mid - 1970s; the primary objective of the program is to reduce long-term losses from landslide hazards by improving our understanding of the causes of ground failure and suggesting mitigation strategies. The federal government takes the lead role in funding and conducting this research, whereas the reduction of losses due to geologic hazards is primarily a state and local responsibility. In Los Angeles County, plans and programs designed for the protection of life and property are coordinated by the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act reduce the risks to life and property from future earthquakes in the United States through the establishment and maintenance of an effective earthquake hazards and reduction program Act established the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). This program was last amended in 2004 by NEHRP. and vulnerabilities; improvement of building codes and land use practices; risk reduction through post-earthquake investigations and education; development and improvement of design and construction techniques; improvement of mitigation capacity; and accelerated application of research results. The NEHRP designates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the lead agency of the program. As lead agency, it develops, evaluates, and tests earthquake resistant design and construction practices for implementation in the building codes and engineering practice. Under NEHRP, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for developing earthquake risk reduction tools and promoting their implementation, as well as supporting the development of disaster-resistant building codes and standards. USGS monitors seismic activity, provides earthquake hazard assessments, and conducts and supports targeted research on earthquake causes and effects. Programs under NEHRP help inform and guide planning and building code requirements such as emergency evacuation responsibilities and seismic code standards. Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) (Public Law 106-390) amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 to establish a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program and new requirements for the federal post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). DMA2K encourages and rewards local and state pre-disaster planning. It promotes sustainability and seeks to integrate state and local planning with an overall goal of strengthening statewide hazard mitigation. This enhanced planning approach enables local, tribal, and state governments to identify specific strategies for reducing probable impacts of natural hazards such as floods, fire, and earthquakes. In order to be eligible for hazard mitigation funding 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1521 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-12 after November 1, 2004, local governments are required to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan that incorporates specific program elements of the DMA2K law. Antiquities Act Federal regulations regarding paleontological resources are generally applicable to a project if that project includes federally owned or federally managed lands or involves a federal agency license, permit, approval, or funding. The Antiquities Act of 1906 (54 U.S.C. 320301-320303 and 18 U.S.C. 1866(b)) requires protection of historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, as well as other objects of historic or scientific interest on federally administered lands, the latter of which would include fossils. The Antiquities Act establishes a permit system for the disturbance of any object of antiquity on federal land and also sets criminal sanctions for violation of these requirements. In 1958, the Federal-Aid Highways Act of 1958 extended the Antiquities Act to specifically apply to paleontological resources. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the consideration of important natural aspects of national heritage when assessing the environmental impacts of a project (P.L. 91-190, 31 Stat. 852, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4327). Federal Land Policy Management Act The Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-579; 90 Stat. 2743, U.S.C. 1701-1782) requires that public lands be managed in a manner that will protect the quality of their scientific values. Under the Federal Land Management Policy Act of 1976, Federal land management agencies are given the authority and the mandate to protect public resources, including those of scientific value. These resources include fossilized paleontological specimens. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40 Title 40: Protection of Environment is the section of the CFR that deals with EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment. Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Section 1508.2 identifies paleontological resources as a subset of scientific resources. Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) The Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (Title VI, Subtitle D of the Omnibus Land Management Act of 2009) furthers the protection of paleontological resources on federal lands by criminalizing the unauthorized removal of fossils. PRPA addresses the management, collection, and curation of paleontological resources from federal lands using scientific principles and expertise, including collection in accordance with permits; curation in an approved repository; and maintenance of confidentiality of specific locality data. PRPA authorizes civil and criminal penalties for illegal collecting, damaging, otherwise altering or defacing, or for selling paleontological resources, and the proposed rule further details the processes related to the civil penalties, including hearing requests and appeals of the violation or the amount of the civil penalties. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1522 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-13 State Regulations California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, also known as the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), was approved by FEMA in 2013. The SHMP outlines present and planned activities to address natural hazards. The adoption of the SHMP qualifies the State of California for federal funds in the event of a disaster. The State is required under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, described above, to review and update its SHMP and resubmit for FEMA approval at least once every five (5) years to ensure the continued eligibility for federal funding. The SHMP provides goals and strategies which address minimization of risks associated with natural hazards and response to disaster situations. The SHMP notes that the primary sources of losses in the State of California are fire and flooding. California Building Standards Code The California Building Standards Commission is responsible for coordinating, managing, adopting, and approving building codes in California. The State of California provides minimum standards for building design through the California Building Standards Code (CBC) (California Code of Regulations Title 24). Where no other building codes apply, Chapter 18 and Appendix J of the CBC regulates excavation, foundations, and retaining walls. The CBC applies to building design and construction in the state and is based on the International Building Code (IBC) used widely throughout the country (generally adopted on a state-by-state or district-by-district basis). The IBC has been modified for California conditions with numerous more detailed or more stringent regulations. The State earthquake protection law (California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq.) requires that structures be designed to resist stresses produced by lateral forces caused by wind and earthquakes. The CBC requires an evaluation of seismic design that falls into Categories A through F (where F requires the most earthquake-resistant design) for structures designed for a project site. prevention of collapse for the maximum level of groundshaking that could reasonably be expected to occur at a site. Chapter 16 of the CBC and the American Society of Civil Engineers Publication 7-10 (ASCE7-10) specifies exactly how each seismic design category is to be determined on a site- specific basis through the site-specific soil characteristics and proximity to potential seismic hazards. Chapter 18 of the CBC regulates the excavation of foundations and retaining walls. This chapter regulates the preparation of a preliminary soil report, engineering geologic report, geotechnical report, and supplemental ground-response report. Chapter 18 also regulates analysis of expansive soils and the determination of the depth to groundwater table. For Seismic Design Category C, Chapter 18 requires analysis of slope instability, liquefaction, and surface rupture attributable to faulting or lateral spreading. For Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F, Chapter 18 requires these same analyses plus an evaluation of lateral pressures on basement and retaining walls, liquefaction and soil strength loss, and lateral movement or reduction in foundation soil-bearing capacity. It also requires mitigation measures to be considered in structural design. Mitigation measures may include ground stabilization, selection of appropriate foundation type and depths, selection of 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1523 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-14 appropriate structural systems to accommodate anticipated displacements, or any combination of these measures. The potential for liquefaction and soil strength loss must be evaluated for site- specific peak ground acceleration magnitudes and source characteristics consistent with the design earthquake ground motions. Peak ground acceleration must be determined from a site-specific study, the contents of which are specified in CBC Chapter 18 and through the California Division of Mines and Geology. Finally, Appendix Chapter J of the CBC regulates grading activities, including drainage and erosion control and construction on unstable soils, such as expansive soils and areas subject to liquefaction. California Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act was passed in 1972 to mitigate the hazard of surface faulting to structures used for human occupancy. The main purpose of the law is to prevent the construction of buildings used for human occupancy on top of active faults. The law only addresses the hazard of surface fault rupture and is not directed toward other earthquake hazards, such as groundshaking or landslides. The law requires the State Geologist to establish regulatory zones (known as Earthquake Fault Zones or Alquist-Priolo Zones) around the surface traces of active faults, and to issue appropriate maps. As discussed in the Physical Setting section, there are no active faults in the Planning Area, and therefore no designated Alquist-Priolo fault zones. Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1973 The Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act (HSSA) was passed in 1973 to ensure that hospitals in California conform to high construction standards and are reasonably capable of providing services to the public after a disaster. The HSSA requires the establishment of rigorous seismic design regulations for hospital buildings and requires that new hospitals and additions to hospitals have the capacity, as far as is practical, to remain functional after a major earthquake. State law requires that all existing hospital buildings providing general acute care as licensed under provisions of Section 1250 of the California Health and Safety Code be in compliance with the intent of the HSSA by the year 2030. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Jurisdiction of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) includes State and interstate routes within California. Any work within the right-of-way of a federal or State transportation corridor is subject to Caltrans regulations governing allowable actions and modifications to the right-of-way. Caltrans standards incorporate the California Building Code, and contain numerous rules and regulations to protect the public from seismic hazards such as surface fault rupture and groundshaking. In addition, Caltrans standards require that projects be constructed to minimize potential hazards associated with cut and fill operations, grading, slope instability, and expansive or corrosive soils, as described in the Caltrans Highway Design Manual (HDM). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1524 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-15 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permits In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and its Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) administer the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The NPDES permit system was established as part of the Federal Clean Water Act to regulate both point source discharges and non-point source discharges to surface water of the United States, including the discharge of soils eroded from construction sites. The NPDES program consists of characterizing receiving water quality, identifying harmful constituents (including siltation), targeting potential sources of pollutants (including excavation and grading operations), and implementing a comprehensive stormwater management program. Construction and industrial activities typically are regulated under statewide general permits that are issued by the SWRCB. Additionally, the SWRCB issues Water Discharge Requirements that also serve as NPDES permits under the authority delegated to the RWQCBs, under the Clean Water Act. See Section 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality, for more information about the NPDES. Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 and Section 30244 Requirements for paleontological resource management are included in Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 and Section 30244. These statutes prohibit the removal of any paleontological site or feature from public lands without permission of the jurisdictional agency, define the removal of paleontological sites or features as a misdemeanor, and require reasonable mitigation of adverse impacts on paleontological resources from developments on public (state, county, city, district) lands. Regional Regulations South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules and Regulations Several SCAQMD rules, adopted to implement portions of the 2012 and 2016 AQMPs, may apply to the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project may be subject to the following SCAQMD rules and regulations: Regulation IV Prohibitions: This regulation sets forth the restrictions for visible emissions, odor nuisance, fugitive dust, various air emissions, fuel contaminants, start-up/shutdown exemptions and breakdown events. The following is a list of rules which apply to the Proposed Project: • Rule 401 Visible Emissions: Rule 401 states that a person shall not discharge into the atmosphere from any single source of emission whatsoever any air contaminant for a period or periods aggregating more than three minutes in any one hour which is as dark or darker in shade as that designated No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart or of such opacity as to obscure an observer's view. • Rule 402 Nuisance: Rule 402 states that a person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1525 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-16 or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. • Rule 403 Fugitive Dust: Rule 403 requires projects to prevent, reduce or mitigate fugitive dust emissions from a site. Rule 403 restricts visible fugitive dust to a project property line, restricts the net PM10 emissions to less than 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) and restricts the tracking out of bulk materials onto public roads. Additionally, projects must utilize one or more of the best available control measures, which may include adding freeboard to haul vehicles, covering loose material on haul vehicles, watering, using chemical stabilizers and/or ceasing all activities. LA County General Plan These elements govern the SOI, as is it within unincorporated Los Angeles County. Safety Element The Safety Element addresses several potential hazards in Los Angeles County, including seismic and geologic hazards. Goals of this element are to prevent loss of life and reduce property damage as a result of natural disasters, and to minimize the effects of hazardous conditions. Policy Three states that development should mitigate geotechnical hazards, such as soil instability and landsliding, in Hillside Management Areas. Hillside Management Areas occur throughout the Planning Area, primarily in the unincorporated within city limits, in two lines running from the southwest to northeast edges of the City. Hillside Management Areas are depicted in Figure 3.6-5, below. Policy Four supports efforts to retrofit masonry structures to help reduce the risk of structural and human loss in seismic hazards. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1526 Hillside Management Areas and Ridgeline Management Map Figure 9.8 101 14 118 110 170 91 134 210 60 2 103 47 22 57 101 71 90 5 210 10 405 110 710 10 605 105 5PACIFIC OCEAN KERN COUNTY VENTURA COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST ANTELOPE VALLEY LOSANGELES LOSANGELES LANCASTER IRWINDALE SAN MARINO COVINA EL SEGUNDO INGLEWOOD WEST COVINA WALNUT GLENDORA ARCADIA AGOURA HILLS POMONA ALHAMBRA SANTA MONICA PICO RIVERABELL LA HABRA HEIGHTS DOWNEY SOUTH GATE LA MIRADA COMPTON CARSON GLENDALE BURBANK MONROVIA SANDIMAS EL MONTE MONTEREYPARK MALIBU TORRANCE PASADENA AZUSA DIAMOND BAR NORWALK WHITTIER LOS ANGELES CALABASAS LONG BEACH PALMDALE SANTA CLARITA SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND SANTA CATALINA ISLAND NOTE: Islands are not shown in their true locations. Castaic CSD - Primary Ridgelines Castaic CSD - Secondary Ridgelines Significant Ridgelines Hillside Management Area (25 - 50% slope) Hillside Management Area (50%+ slope) Unincorporated Areas Cities Miles 0 105 Source: Department of Regional Planning, May 2014. Additional Sources: Hillside Management Area slope data was derived from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) produced by Intermap, Inc. for the County of Los Angeles in 2001. The DEM was created using IFSAR technology with 5 meter posting. SANTA M O N I C A M O U N T A IN S S A NTA SUZANAMNT S.SIERRA PE L O N A V ERDUGO M N T S. SANGABRIELMOUN TA I N S P A LOSVERDES H I L L S PUENTE HILLS Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 3.6-5: Hillside Management Areas 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1527 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-18 Hillside Management Ordinance The County recognizes that one aspect of scenic resource are Hillside Management Areas (HMAs), which are mountainous or foothill terrain with a natural slope of 25 percent or greater. Hillside development land use activities that may result in environmental degradation are subject to regulations and design guidelines for impacts affecting, but not limited to, slope, soil erosion, natural drainage channels, and seismic and fire hazards. The purpose of the Hillside Management Ordinance in Title 22 of the County Code is to regulate development within Hillside Management Areas to 1) protect the public from natural hazards associated with steep hillsides, and 2) to minimize the effects of development and grading on the scenic resources. The HMA Ordinance allows clustering development at the base of the slope, limits grading, and ensures that the drainage configuration remains as natural as possible and will not adversely impact offsite property. Hillside design guidelines are referenced during the pre-development and permit processing phases to minimize hillside alteration, conserve ridgeline silhouettes, determine traffic circulation and building placement by topography, and incorporate trails where appropriate. By imposing these design conditions, a more sensitive development will occur in hillsides in a manner that respects the natural topography and biological resources of the area. Conservation and Natural Resources Element that resources, which would apply to unincorporated lands in the Planning Area: • Goal C/NR 14: Protected historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. • Policy C/NR 14.1: Mitigate all impacts from new development on or adjacent to historic, cultural, and paleontological resources to the greatest extent feasible. • Policy C/NR 14.2: Support an inter-jurisdictional collaborative system that protects and enhances historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. • Policy C/NR 14.5: Promote public awareness of historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. • Policy C/NR 14.6: Ensure proper notification and recovery processes are carried out for development on or near historic, cultural, and paleontological resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1528 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-19 County of Los Angeles All-Hazard Mitigation Plan Wastewater and Sewer • Policy PS/F 4.3: Ensure the proper design of sewage treatment and disposal facilities, especially in landslide, hillside, and other hazard areas. Scenic Resources • Policy C/OS 13.2: Manage development in hillside management areas (25 percent slope or greater) to protect their natural and scenic character and minimize risks from natural hazards, such as fire, flood, erosion, and landslides. • Policy C/OS 13.3: Consider the following in the design of a project that is located within an HMA, to the greatest extent feasible: - Public safety and the preservation of hillside resources through the application of safety and conservation design standards, and - Maintenance of large contiguous open areas that limit landslide, liquefaction, and fire hazards and protect natural features, such as significant ridgelines, watercourses, and Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs). Seismic Hazard • Policy S 1.3: Require developments to mitigate geologic hazards, such as soil instability and landslides, in hillside management areas through siting and development standards. • Policy S 1.4: Support the retrofitting of unreinforced masonry structures to help reduce the risk of structural and human loss due to seismic or geological hazards. City of Diamond Bar, Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan The mission of the 2005 City of Diamond Bar Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan is to promote sound public policy designed to protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private property, and the environment from natural hazards. The plan goals describe the overall direction that City of Diamond Bar agencies, organizations, and citizens can take to work toward mitigating risk from natural hazards. The goals are as follows: Protect Life and Property • Implement activities that assist in protecting lives by making homes, businesses, infrastructure, critical facilities, and other property more resistant to losses from natural hazards. • Reduce losses and repetitive damages for chronic hazard events while promoting insurance coverage for catastrophic hazards. Improve hazard assessment information to make recommendations for discouraging new development in high hazard areas and encouraging preventative measures for existing development in areas vulnerable to natural hazards. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1529 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-20 Public Awareness • Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with natural hazards. • Provide information on educational tools, partnership opportunities, and funding resources to assist in implementing mitigation activities. Natural Systems • Balance natural resource management, and land use planning with natural hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment. • Preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance natural systems to serve natural hazard mitigation functions. Partnerships and Implementation • Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, citizens, non-profit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vested interest in implementation. • Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local and regional hazard mitigation activities. Emergency Services • Establish policy to ensure mitigation projects for critical facilities, services, and infrastructure. Strengthen emergency operations by increasing collaboration and coordination among public agencies, non-profit organizations, business, and industry. • Coordinate and integrate natural hazard mitigation activities, where appropriate, with emergency operations plans and procedures. Sewer System Management Plan, City of Diamond Bar Los Angeles County provides wastewater collection and treatment services under contract to the City of Diamond Bar. The Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) provides operation and maintenance services on the local collection system, while Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) provides operation and maintenance services on the trunk sewers and wastewater treatment services. The city and surrounding areas fall under the LA County Sanitation District No. 21. The local collection system consists of about 162 miles of gravity sewer lines and 11 pump stations. Diamond Bar Municipal Code (DBMC) DBMC Chapter 22.22 (Hillside the planning, design and development of sites that provide maximum safety with respect to fire hazards, exposure to geological and geotechnic(al) hazards, drainage, erosion and siltation, and materials of construction; provide the best use of natural terrain; and to prohibit development that 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1530 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-21 will create or increase fire, flood, slide, or other safety hazards to public health, welfare, and safety. Chapter 22.48 (Development Review) states that the intent of the development review process, among other things, is to limit construction in identified seismic or geologic hazard areas. DBMC Section 15.00.320 introduces additions and amendments to the California Building Code, as 1801.3, 1803.8, 1803.8.1, 1809.4, and 18.108.180. Section 1801.3 requires the inclusion of seismic hazard zone maps within the City code. Section 1803.8 states that no building or grading permit may be issued if a property outside the site of proposed work could be damaged by a proposed project. Section 1803.8.1 adds that work requiring a building or grading permit is not allowed in an area that the City Engineer determines to be subject to hazard from landslide, settlement, or slippage. Section 1809.4 is amended to include five building requirements for foundations on expansive soils, including that exterior walls and interior bearing walls shall be supported on continuous foundation and that the depth of foundations below the natural and finish grades shall not be less than 24 inches for exterior and 18 inches for interior foundations. Section 18.108.180 requires that permits shall be reviewed to determine that the proposed development is reasonably safe from mudslide hazards. Professional Standards Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Guidelines The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) has established standard guidelines (SVP, 1995; 2010) that outline professional protocols and practices for conducting paleontological resource assessments and surveys, monitoring and mitigation, data and fossil recovery, sampling procedures, and specimen preparation, identification, analysis, and curation. Most practicing professional vert monitoring requirements as specifically provided in its standard guidelines. Most state regulatory agencies with paleontological resource-specific Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, and Standards (LORS) accept and use the professional standards set forth by the SVP. As defined by the SVP (2010:11), significant nonrenewable paleontological resources are: Fossils and fossiliferous deposits, here defined as consisting of identifiable vertebrate fossils, large or small, uncommon invertebrate, plant, and trace fossils, and other data that provide taphonomic, taxonomic, phylogenetic, paleoecologic, stratigraphic, and/or biochronologic information. Paleontological resources are considered to be older than recorded human history and/or older than middle Holocene (i. e., older than about 5,000 radiocarbon years). As defined by the SVP (1995:26), significant fossiliferous deposits are: A rock unit or formation which contains significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources, here defined as comprising one or more identifiable vertebrate fossils, large or small, and any associated invertebrate and plant fossils, traces, and other data that provide taphonomic, taxonomic, phylogenetic, ecologic, and stratigraphic information (ichnites and trace fossils generated by vertebrate animals, e.g., trackways, or nests and middens which provide datable material and climatic information). Paleontologic resources are considered to be older than recorded history and/or older than 5,000 years BP [before present]. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1531 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-22 Based on the significance definitions of the SVP (1995), all identifiable vertebrate fossils are considered to have significant scientific value. This position is adhered to because vertebrate fossils are relatively uncommon, and only rarely will a fossil locality yield a statistically significant number of specimens of the same genus. Therefore, every vertebrate fossil found has the potential to provide significant new information on the taxon it represents, its paleoenvironment, and/or its distribution. Furthermore, all geologic units in which vertebrate fossils have previously been found are considered to have high sensitivity. Identifiable plant and invertebrate fossils are considered significant if found in association with vertebrate fossils or if defined as significant by project paleontologists, specialists, or local government agencies. impacts if there is a high probability that earth-moving or ground-disturbing activities in that rock unit will either directly or indirectly disturb or destroy fossil remains. Paleontological sites indicate that the containing sedimentary rock unit or formation is fossiliferous. The limits of the entire rock formation, both areal and stratigraphic, therefore define the scope of the paleontological potential in each case (SVP, 1995). Fossils are contained within surficial sediments or bedrock, and are therefore not observabl e or detectable unless exposed by erosion or human activity. In summary, paleontologists cannot know either the quality or quantity of fossils prior to natural erosion or human-caused exposure. As a result, even in the absence of surface fossils, it is necessary to assess the sensitivity of rock units based on their known potential to produce significant fossils elsewhere within the same geologic unit (both within and outside of the study area), a similar geologic unit, or based on whether the unit in question was deposited in a type of environment that is known to be favorable for fossil preservation. Monitoring by experienced paleontologists greatly increases the probability that fossils will be discovered during ground-disturbing activities and that, if these remains are significant, successful mitigation and salvage efforts may be undertaken in order to prevent adverse impacts on these resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1532 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-23 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault, ii. Strong seismic ground shaking, iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, or iv. Landslides; Criterion 2: Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil; Criterion 3: Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse; Criterion 4: Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property; Criterion 5: Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water; or Criterion 6: Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Geologic and Seismic Hazards This evaluation of geologic and seismic hazard conditions was completed using published geologic, soils, and seismic maps and studies from USGS, CGS, and Los Angeles County. In order to address potential hazards from earthquakes or other local geologic hazards, implementation of the Proposed Project would ensure that development will continue to be completed in compliance with local and State regulations. These regulations include the CBC and the Seismic Hazard Mapping Act. Policies and implementation measures developed for the Proposed Project include continued conformance with these applicable local and State building regulations. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1533 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-24 Paleontological Resources Paleontological Potential Paleontological potential is defined as the potential for a geologic unit to produce scientifically significant fossils. This is determined by rock type, past history of the geologic unit in producing significant fossils, and fossil localities recorded from that unit. Paleontological potential is derived from the known fossil data collected from the entire geologic unit, not just from a specific survey. Paleontologic (potential) for rock units: high, low, undetermined, and no potential: • High Potential. Rock units from which vertebrate or significant invertebrate, plant, or trace fossils have been recovered are considered to have a high potential for containing additional significant paleontological resources. Rocks units classified as having high potential for producing paleontological resources include, but are not limited to, sedimentary formations and some volcaniclastic formations (e. g., ashes or tephras), and some low-grade metamorphic rocks which contain significant paleontological resources anywhere within their geographical extent, and sedimentary rock units temporally or lithologically suitable for the preservation of fossils (e. g., middle Holocene and older, fine- grained fluvial sandstones, argillaceous and carbonate-rich paleosols, cross-bedded point bar sandstones, fine-grained marine sandstones, etc.). • Low Potential. Reports in the paleontological literature or field surveys by a qualified professional paleontologist may allow determination that some rock units have low potential for yielding significant fossils. Such rock units will be poorly represented by fossil specimens in institutional collections, or based on general scientific consensus only preserve fossils in rare circumstances and the presence of fossils is the exception not the rule, e. g. basalt flows or Recent colluvium. Rock units with low potential typically will not require impact mitigation measures to protect fossils. • Undetermined Potential. Rock units for which little information is available concerning their paleontological content, geologic age, and depositional environment are considered to have undetermined potential. Further study is necessary to determine if these rock units have high or low potential to contain significant paleontological resources. A field survey by a qualified professional paleontologist to specifically determine the paleontological resource potential of these rock units is required before a paleontological resource impact mitigation program can be developed. In cases where no subsurface data are available, paleontological potential can sometimes be determined by strategically located excavations into subsurface stratigraphy. • No Potential. Some rock units have no potential to contain significant paleontological resources, for instance high-grade metamorphic rocks (such as gneisses and schists) and plutonic igneous rocks (such as granites and diorites). Rock units with no potential require no protection or impact mitigation measures relative to paleontological resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1534 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-25 For geologic units with high potential, full-time monitoring is generally recommended during any project-related ground disturbance. For geologic units with low potential, protection or salvage efforts will not generally be required. For geologic units with undetermined potential, field surveys by a qualified vertebrate paleontologist should be conducted to specifically determine the paleontologic potential of the rock units present within the study area. Assessment of Significance The loss of identifiable fossils that could yield information important to prehistory, or that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type of organism, environment, period of time, or geographic region, would be a significant environmental impact. Direct impacts on paleontological resources primarily concern their potential destruction and the loss of information associated with these resources. This includes the unauthorized collection of fossil remains. If potentially fossiliferous bedrock or surficial sediments are disturbed, the disturbance could result in the destruction of paleontological resources and subsequent loss of information (significant impact). In general, for projects that are underlain by paleontologically sensitive geologic units, the greater the amount of ground disturbance, the higher the potential for significant impacts on paleontological resources. Numerous paleontological studies have developed criteria for the assessment of significance for fossil discoveries (e.g. Eisentraut and Cooper, 2002; Murphey and Daitch, 2007; Scott and Springer, 2003, etc.). In general, these studies assess fossils as significant if one or more of the following criteria apply: 1. The fossils provide information on the evolutionary relationships and developmental trends among organisms, living or extinct; 2. The fossils provide data useful in determining the age(s) of the rock unit or sedimentary stratum, including data important in determining the depositional history of the region and the timing of geologic events therein; 3. The fossils provide data regarding the development of biological communities or interaction between paleobotanical and paleozoological biotas; 4. The fossils demonstrate unusual or spectacular circumstances in the history of life; or 5. The fossils are in short supply and/or in danger of being depleted or destroyed by the elements, vandalism, or commercial exploitation, and are not found in other geographic locations. Significant paleontological resources are determined to be fossils or assemblages of fossils that are unique, unusual, rare, uncommon, or diagnostically important (Eisentraut and Cooper, 2002; Murphey and Daitch, 2007; Scott and Springer, 2003). Significant fossils can include remains of large to very small aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates or remains of plants and animals previously not represented in certain portions of the stratigraphy. Assemblages of fossils that might aid stratigraphic correlation, particularly those offering data for the interpretation of tectonic events, geomorphologic evolution, and paleoclimatology are also critically important (Scott and Springer, 2003; Scott et al., 2004). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1535 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-26 A paleontological resources records search was conducted by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on October 12, 2016. The records search included a review of all recorded fossil localities within the city limits and vicinity. Geologic maps were also reviewed. The purpose of the research is to determine whether or not there are previously recorded fossil localities or paleontologically sensitive formations within the Planning Area that require inclusion in the current analysis. The results also provide a basis for assessing the sensitivity of the Planning Area in regards to the potential for surface and subsurface paleontological resources to exist. IMPACTS Impact 3.6-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault, ii. Strong seismic ground shaking, iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, or iv. Landslides. (Less than Significant) The proposed General Plan would have less than significant impacts regarding fault rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction, and landslides as discussed below. Fault Rupture As noted in the Physical Setting section, the Planning Area is located within a geographic area that is considered active or potentially active by the California Geological Survey. However, none of these faults pass through the Planning Area. Additionally, no Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones overlap with the Planning Area. Potential adverse effects on people or structures from the rupture of a known earthquake fault would be minimized to the greatest extent feasible by CBC requirements that protect buildings from fault rupture. Due to the absence of active faults in the Planning Area, the risk of surface rupture, or the breaking of the ground is very low. Therefore, the impacts related to fault rupture are less than significant. Groundshaking Earthquakes in and near the Planning Area have the potential to cause ground shaking of significant magnitude. Figure 3.6-3: Regional Faults displays the location and extent of the profiled earthquake faults near the Planning Area. The Proposed Project would allow for additional development within the Planning Area, which could expose people and property to strong seismic ground shaking. However, all new buildings would be constructed in compliance with the CBC. Section 1613 of the CBC requires that all structures be designed and constructed to resist the effects of earthquake motions in accordance with the Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures established by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Additionally, the Proposed Project policies listed below would address any potential impacts associated with strong seismic groundshaking. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1536 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-27 Therefore, compliance with the CBC and implementation of the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts on people and structures from strong seismic groundshaking. Liquefaction Liquefaction typically occurs in areas underlain with loose saturated cohesionless soils within the upper 50 feet of subsurface materials. These soils, when subjected to ground shaking, can lose their strength as a result of the buildup of excess pore water pressure, causing them to behave closer to a liquefied state. Due to the presence of unconsolidated groundwater table and steep terrain, there is a risk of liquefaction and lateral spreading within the valley basins in the Planning Area, notably along Diamond Bar Boulevard. Additional areas located within liquefaction zones include land directly south of the Metrolink Station (located at 600 S Brea Canyon Rd, City of Industry), along Highway 57 and 60 at the western border of the Planning Area, and within the SOI and Tres Hermanos Ranch. The Proposed Project policies listed below would address liquefaction potentials. Therefore, the potential impact related to liquefaction would be less than significant. Seismically Induced Landslides Rapid erosion and landslides are most likely to occur on sloped areas. As the Planning Area consists of steep hills of 30 percent slope or greater, the Planning Area is subject to a high risk of landslides. The potential impacts from landslides on development of future land uses associated with the Proposed Project would be addressed through site-specific geotechnical studies prepared in accordance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, as needed, which would specifically address landslide hazards. Development would conform to the current design provisions of the CBC to mitigate losses from landslides. In addition, the Proposed Project policies that seek to protect hillside development would serve to address impacts in this area to a level that is less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-P-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1537 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-28 a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Public Safety PS-G-1. education efforts aimed at preventing potential loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from seismic ground shaking and other geologic hazards such as landslides and mudslides. PS-P-1. Require new emergency facilities, including, but not limited to, fire stations, paramedic services, police stations, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the maximum credible earthquake event. PS-P-2. Require areas identified as having significant liquefaction potential (including secondary seismic hazards such as differential compaction, lateral spreading, settlement, rock fall, and landslide) to undergo site-specific geotechnical investigation prior to development and to mitigate the potential hazard to a level of insignificance or, if mitigation is not possible, to preserve these areas as open space or agriculture. PS-P-3. Periodically update the grading standards to supplement the State and local building and construction safety codes with detailed information regarding rules, interpretations, standard specifications, procedures requirements, forms, and other information applicable to control excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, and provide guidelines for preparation of geotechnical reports in the city. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1538 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-29 PS-P-4. Carry out a review of critical facilities that may be vulnerable to major earthquakes and landslides and develop programs to upgrade them. PS-P-5. Develop a City-based public awareness/earthquake preparedness program to educate the public about seismic hazards and what to do in the event of an earthquake. PS-P-6. Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks through hillside protection and management. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.6-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. (Less than Significant) Development anticipated by the Proposed Project would likely include earthwork activities that could expose soils to the effects of erosion or loss of topsoil. Once disturbed, either through removal of vegetation, asphalt, or an entire structure, stockpiled soils can be exposed to the effects of wind and water if not managed properly. The Proposed Project includes policies, listed below, that require the use of best management practices (BMPs) to control soil erosion during and after ground-disturbing activities and geotechnical reports for projects requiring grading permits. In addition, development that disturbs more than one acre would be subject to compliance with a NPDES permit, including the implementation of BMPs, some of which are specifically implemented to reduce soil erosion or loss of topsoil, and the implementation of a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) through the local jurisdiction. BMPs that are required under a SWPPP include erosion prevention measures that have proven effective in limiting soil erosion and loss of topsoil. Generally, once construction is complete and exposed areas are revegetated or covered by buildings, asphalt, or concrete, the erosion hazard is substantially eliminated or reduced. Therefore, the potential for adverse soil erosion and topsoil loss impacts related to land use changes from implementation of the Proposed Project is less than significant with implementation of the proposed policies below. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PS-G-1, PS-P-1, PS-P-2, PS-P-3, PS-P-4, PS-P-5, PS-P-6, LU-P-55, and LU-P-56 as listed under Impact 3.6-1 above, in addition to the following: Resource Conservation RC-P-24. preventing erosion along the banks, removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1539 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-30 RC-P-26. Require the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and inspection by a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP), during construction and post construction to limit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading and cut-and-fill; avoid steep slopes, unstable areas, and erosive soils; and minimize disturbance of natural vegetation and other physical or biological features important to preventing erosion or sedimentation. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.6-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. (Less than Significant) Some improvements associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could be located on geologic units or soils that are unstable, or that could become unstable and result in geologic hazards if not addressed appropriately. Areas with underlying materials that include undocumented fills, soft compressible deposits, or loose debris could be inadequate to support development, especially multi-story buildings. Soils that exhibit expansive properties when exposed to varying moisture content over time could result in damage to foundations, walls, or other improvements. Structures, including residential units and commercial buildings, could be damaged as a result of settlement or differential settlement where structures are underlain by materials of varying engineering characteristics. Construction of new structures in the vicinity of relatively steep slopes could provide additional loading causing landslides or slope failure from unstable soils or geologic units. Slope failure can occur naturally through rainfall or seismic activity, or through earthwork and grading related activities. Because Diamond Bar is composed of mostly hilly terrain, some of which is categorized as steep slopes of over 30-degree inclines, it has the potential for landslides, with the exception of the valley, where the majority of proposed development is located. The potential hazards of unstable soil or geologic units would be addressed largely through the integration of geotechnical information in the planning and design process for projects to determine the local soil suitability for specific projects in accordance with standard industry practices and state-provided requirements, such as CBC requirements that are used to minimize the risk associated with these hazards. Geotechnical investigations would be required to thoroughly evaluate site-specific geotechnical characteristics of subsurface soils and bedrock to assess potential hazards and recommend site preparation and design measures to address any hazards which may be present. These measures are enforced through compliance with the CBC to address hazards relating to unstable soils and slope failure. Furthermore, policies in the Proposed Project would address risk of exposure to geological hazards, including lateral spreading and landslide, by mandating site-specific geotechnical investigation and mitigation prior to development, protection and management. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1540 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-31 The potential for landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse impacts related to changes from implementation of the Proposed Project is less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PS-G-1, PS-P-2, PS-P-3, PS-P-6, RC-P-26, LU-P-55, and LU-P-56, as listed under Impact 3.6-1 and Impact 3.6-2 above. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.6-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property. (Less than Significant) Ordinance Section 1809.4 addresses construction on expansive soils, stating that, unless otherwise specified by a registered geotechnical engineer, foundation systems within Diamond Bar are considered to be on expansive soil. Development associated with the Proposed Project could therefore include development occurring on soils considered to be expansive. This is especially true within Change Areas 2 and 4, which overlie significant regions of Altamont Clay Loam. Soils that exhibit expansive properties when exposed to varying moisture content over time could result in damage to foundations, walls, or other improvements. The potential hazards of expansive soils would be addressed largely through the integration of geotechnical information in the planning and design process for projects to determine the local soil suitability for specific projects in accordance with standard industry practices and state-provided requirements, such as CBC requirements that regulate the analysis of expansive soils. Geotechnical investigations would be required to thoroughly evaluate site-specific geotechnical characteristics of subsurface soils to assess potential hazards and recommend site preparation and design measures to address any hazards which may be present. These measures are enforced through compliance with the CBC to address hazards relating to unstable soils. Diamond Bar has adopted the CBC through Ordinance Section 15.00.310, and introduced legislation explicitly addressing measures to reduce risk associated with foundation construction on expansive soil in Ordinance Section 1809.4. Furthermore, policies in the Proposed Project would address risk of exposure to geological hazards, including expansive soils, by mandating site-specific geotechnical investigation and mitigation prior to development, and . Compliance with existing regulations and implementation of the Proposed Project policies and implementing actions would ensure that any impact occurs at a less than significant level. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PS-G-1, PS-P-2, PS-P-3, and RC-P-26, as listed under Impact 3.6-1 and Impact 3.6-2 above. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1541 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-32 Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.6-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water. (Less than Significant) A significant impact could occur if new development under the Proposed Project locates structures in areas without connection to sanitary sewer system and on soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks. The majority of existing development within Diamond Bar is connected to the sanitary sewer system, and the majority of new development resulting from implementation of the Proposed Project would be in central areas served by the current sewer system. Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development in areas having soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. The local system of sewer lines and pump stations feed two trunk sewer lines that convey wastewater to a Los Angeles County Sanitation Department (LACSD) treatment facility. These lines convey wastewater to a County treatment facility outside city limits, also maintained by the LACSD. As new development occurs, the LACSD requires the new developments to annex into its service area for operation, maintenance, and treatment services. In general, future development is subject to the City and County subdivision ordinances regulating the use of septic systems and connections to public sewer lines. In most cases, new development and renovation is subject to review by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which requires designation and feasibility testing of a future expansion area for septic systems in cases where public sewers are not available1. The associated feasibility report includes a soil profile and discussion of soil qualities including the presence of bedrock outcroppings and any features that may affect subsurface wastewater dispersal. Additionally, Diamond Bar and Los Angeles County enforce standard plans and specifications for the construction of sanitary sewers and associated infrastructure2. The regulations of the General Plan would ensure the continued maintenance and expansion of wastewater collection facilities and requires that wastewater services be made available to new development. These activities will be carried out in conjunction with Diamond Ba sewer line maintenance and inspection programs. 1Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 2018. Conventional and Non-Conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems - Requirements and Procedures. Online: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/docs/ep_lu_OWTS_ReqAndProc.pdf. Accessed June 26, 2019. 2 Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, 2018. Water Resources Core Service Area Sewer Management Plan for the Consolidated and Marina Sewer Maintenance Districts. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/smd/smd/ssmp.pdf. Accessed June 26, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1542 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-33 Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than significant impact related to soils capability to support wastewater disposal. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policy RC-P-26, as discussed under Impact 3.6-2, in addition to the following: Public Facilities PF-G-6. Ensure that public facilities and services, including water, wastewater, sewage, electricity, natural gas, and solid waste, are provided in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-P-31. Require the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and other necessary public facilities, and encourage storm water capture prior to or concurrent with new development. PF-P-32. Require project sponsors to provide all necessary infrastructure improvements, including the pro rata share of system-wide improvements. PF-P-33. Maintain a development fee structure that ensures that costs for new capital facilities and expansion of existing facilities necessitated by the approval of new development or intensification of existing development are funded by the proponents or beneficiaries of projects, in proportion to the demand created by the development. PF-P-38. Work with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems and treatment facility capacity is available to serve planned development within Diamond Bar. PF-P-39. Continue to monitor and assess wastewater and sewer system operations to identify and subsequently address system deficiencies. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1543 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-34 Impact 3.6-6 Implementation of the Proposed Project would/would not directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) The proposed Climate Action Plan would have no potential impact on paleontological resources. Future development proposals initiated under the proposed General Plan that include construction-related ground disturbance (e.g., grubbing/clearing, grading, excavation, trenching, and boring) into native soil are activities that have potential to destroy paleontological resources. Future development that does not require ground-disturbing activities would cause no impacts on paleontological resources. Other development activities that include ground disturbance of heavily disturbed soils or engineered artificial fill would also cause no impact on significant paleontological resources since they have likely been displaced from previous disturbances (such as the original / previous construction) and there is very limited to no potential to encounter intact and significant resources in disturbed soils. However, intact significant resources may be encountered beneath the depth of previous disturbances or in pockets of undisturbed soils within existing developments. Anticipated development in the Planning Area would occur through infill development on vacant property, and through redevelopment or revitalization of underutilized properties, which could result in damage to paleontological resources located at or near previously undisturbed ground surfaces as result of construction-related ground disturbance. In addition, infrastructure and other improvements requiring ground disturbance could result in damage to or destruction of paleontological resources buried below the ground surface. The results of the paleontological resources records search and geologic map review indicated that the Planning area is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium and the Puente/Monterey Formation. Surficial deposits of Quaternary Alluvium are unlikely to contain fossils given the recent age of the sediments. However, younger Quaternary Alluvium deposits are underlain by older Quaternary Alluvium soils that have yielded significant vertebrate fossils from similar sediments nearby. The Quaternary Alluvium deposits are assigned a low-to-high paleontological potential with sensitivity increasing with depth. The Puente/Monterey Formation has yielded significant vertebrate fossils, including one known locality within the city limits as noted in the environmental setting. The Puente/Monterey Formation is assigned a high paleontological potential. Significant or unique paleontological resources have the potential to contribute to the geological and paleontological record of the region and may be of scientific importance to researchers. Any project that proposes ground disturbance could result in a significant impact on unique paleontological resources. The General Plan policies listed below would help address the impact by requiring that new development establish a procedure for the management of paleontological materials found on-site during a development and that discoveries be examined by a qualified paleontologist to determine if it represents a significant paleontological resource and to make recommendations for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. However, these policies do not require the pre- construction identification of paleontological resources to determine if there are unique paleontological resources within a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project, nor do they require paleontological resources monitoring in areas with high paleontological potential. Therefore, the Proposed Project could directly or indirectly destroy unique paleontological resources. This impact would be potentially significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1544 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-35 Mitigation is required to ensure that unique paleontological resources are properly identified. With mitigation, impacts on unique paleontological resources would be less than significant under the Proposed Project. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Resource Conservation RC-I-50 Establish a procedure for the management of paleontological materials found on- site during a development, including the following provisions: • If materials are found on-site during grading, require that work be halted until a qualified professional evaluates the find to determine if it represents a significant paleontological resource, and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. • If the resource is determined to be significant, the paleontologist shall supervise removal of the material and determine the most appropriate archival storage of the material. • Appropriate materials shall be prepared, catalogued, and archived at the Mitigation Measures To reduce impacts on unique paleontological resources, project-specific paleontological resources studies are required for all future development that includes ground disturbance or excavations in undisturbed native soils. Project-specific paleontological studies would include a paleontological records search, geological map and scientific literature review, subsurface sensitivity assessment, and, possibly, pedestrian survey. Monitoring of construction-related ground disturbance for any project site or portion thereof that is determined to be sensitive for subsurface paleontological resources as a result of the paleontological resources studies would also be required. Monitoring would be conducted by a qualified monitor standards for paleontological resource monitors (SVP, 2010) and overseen by a qualified professional paleontologist. The proper treatment of paleontological resources and enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations would be required for significant discoveries. Future development that does not require ground-disturbing activities would cause no impacts on paleontological resources and therefore no additional studies or monitoring is necessary for these specific types of activities. MM-GEO-1 Prior to development of projects that involve ground disturbance or excavations in undisturbed native soils, the project proponent shall retain a paleontologist professional paleontologist (SVP, 2010) to conduct an paleontological resources assessment including: a site-specific database search at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and/or other appropriate facilities (such as the University of California Museum of Paleontology); geologic map and scientific 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1545 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity 3.6-36 literature review; a pedestrian field survey, where deemed appropriate by the paleontological sensitivity and paleontological monitoring requirements (locations, depths, duration, timing); and preparation of a technical report that documents the methods and results of the study. The report shall be prepared prior subsequent CEQA documents. MM-GEO-2 The City shall require paleontological resources monitoring for any project that has a high potential for encountering subsurface paleontological resources. The location, depths, duration, and timing of monitoring shall be determined by the qualified professional paleontologist based on the sensitivity assessment in the study required as part of MM-GEO-1. Prior to the start of ground disturbance, the project proponent shall retain a qualified monitor meeting the Society of paleontological resource monitors (SVP, 2010), and who shall work under the direct supervision of the qualified professional paleontologist. In the event that paleontological resources are unearthed during ground-disturbing activities, the monitor shall be empowered to halt or redirect ground-disturbing activities away from the vicinity of the discovery until the qualified professional paleontologist has determined its significance and provided recommendations for preservation in place or recovery of the resource. The monitor shall keep daily logs detailing the types of activities and soils observed, and any discoveries. After cessation of ground disturbance, the qualified professional paleontologist shall prepare a report that details the results of monitoring. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2 would reduce impacts on unique paleontological resources to a level that is less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1546 3.7 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire This section presents a general discussion of hazardous materials and public health and safety impacts within the Planning Area. This section assesses potential impacts from future development under the Proposed Project as related to hazards and hazardous materials, including those associated with the use, transportation, or disposal of hazardous materials; hazardous materials use in the vicinity of a school; hazardous materials sites; airport hazards; emergency response planning; and wildfire hazards. For discussion of geologic and seismic hazards, see Section 3.6: Geology, Soils, and Seismicity. For discussion of hydrologic and flood hazards, see Section 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality. There were two comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments included the following topics specific to Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire: • Hills for Everyone (HFE) requested that the EIR address impacts associated with earthquake faults within or near the City, known and/or historic landslides, known or potential locations for liquefaction, and alteration of landforms. HFE requested that the EIR address site contaminants within or near the City. Additionally, HFR requested that the EIR address impacts associated with the reduction of the wildland-urban interface and new development in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. • HFE also requested that the City complete a Health Risk Assessment based on its proximity to major freeways. Air quality impacts to sensitive receptors are discussed in Section 3.3-2. • The Los Angeles County Fire Department stated that the development of the General Plan must comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements for construction, access, water mains, fire flows, and fire hydrants. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1547 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-2 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Hazardous materials and wastes can result in public health hazards if improperly handled, released into the soil or groundwater, or released into the air through vapors, fumes, or dust. Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials, as defined by the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Section 66260.10, are substances with certain physical properties that could pose a substantial present or future hazard to human health or the environment when improperly handled, disposed, or otherwise managed. This refers to a variety of injurious substances, including pesticides, herbicides, toxic metals and chemicals, liquefied natural gas, explosives, volatile chemicals, and radioactive materials. Hazardous materials are commonly found throughout the Planning Area in households, businesses, and agricultural operations. Typical residential and commercial substances include motor oil, paint, cleaners and solvents, gasoline, refrigerants, and lawn and gardening chemicals. In rural areas, pesticides and herbicides are often used in conjunction with agricultural operations. The Los Angeles County Area Plan for Hazardous Materials was formulated to supplement the Los Angeles County Operational Area Emergency Response Plan, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 25503 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations. The plan is designed to address both known handlers of hazardous materials, and plans for action should an emergency release occur. The objectives of the plan include: provide procedures and protocols for emergency release personnel; facilitate pre-emergency planning; coordinate on-site activities between state, local, and federal agencies; train emergency personnel; and provide public safety information. Hazardous Waste A hazardous waste is any hazardous material that is discarded, abandoned, or slated to be recycled. (22 CCR § 66261.3). The criteria that render a material hazardous also make a waste hazardous. Nearly all businesses and households generate hazardous waste, and some businesses (such as industrial operations, gas stations and auto-related businesses, printers, and dry cleaners) may generate larger amounts. Medical waste, generated by hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, is also potentially hazardous. If improperly handled, hazardous materials and hazardous waste can be released into soils, groundwater, or air, where they can pose hazards to public health. The Los Angeles County Fire Department maintains records and conducts inspections1 of major hazardous waste generators within its jurisdiction. There are numerous firms throughout the City that currently produce, transport, or utilize hazardous materials of lesser quantities on a daily basis. 1 County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Hazardous Materials Program. Online:https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/hhmd- 2/hazardous-materials-program-2/ Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1548 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-3 It is expected that small handlers will continue to be distributed throughout the City, and could become more widespread as the City grows. There are currently no active landfills operating in Los Angeles County that accept hazardous wastes. Diamond Bar employs waste hauler franchise companies that specialize in the recycling of e-waste and disposal of hazardous waste materials, such as Curbside Inc., LA County HHW&E- .2 Hazardous Materials Transport Near the Planning Area, hazardous materials may be transported by vehicle along roadways or through transmission lines such as pipelines. Hazardous materials transported along roadways within the Planning Area includes wastes produced by businesses such as gasoline service stations, dry cleaners, auto body repair shops, and printers, as well as medical wastes from sources such as laboratories, clinics, and hospitals; and hazardous substances such as gas and diesel that are delivered to locations in the planning area. The SR-57 Freeway and the SR-60 Freeway are major truck routes that transverse the Planning Area, and are classified as hazardous material transport routes by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). In the immediate area of Diamond Bar, Interstate 10 and SR-71 are also classified as hazardous material routes. According to this classification, trucks inspection stops designated by the CHP within the City limit. A variety of hazardous materials are transported along the railroad lines that are located west of Diamond Bar. Two branch lines travel between Pomona and Los Angeles and traverse City of Industry. The rail line closest to the City is operated by Union Pacific, with segments adjacent to Sunset Crossing Park and the PONY Baseball fields, as well as the residential and industrial areas between the Diamond Bar Estates mobile home park and the westerly City limit at Walnut Drive. The other rail line to the north, running generally parallel to Valley Boulevard, is operated by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Transport of hazardous materials via rail is controlled by state and federal regulations. It is likely that a significant amount of hazardous materials is shipped by rail along these routes each year. The Proposed Project Study Area is located approximately 1.4 miles from the nearest railroad line3, approximately 1 mile from the nearest gas transmission pipeline, and approximately 1.5 miles from the nearest hazardous liquid pipeline4. Hazardous Materials Sites The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) track and identify sites with known or potential contamination and sites that may impact groundwater, as follows: 2 City of Diamond Bar, 2013. Draft Environmental Impact Report: General Plan and Zoning Amendment No. PL2013- 227. 3 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. Maps Geographic Information System. Online: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0053. Accessed: June 19, 2019 4 National Pipeline Mapping System. Public Viewer. Online: https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/GeneralPublic.aspx. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1549 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-4 • EnviroStor. The DTSC EnviroStor hazardous waste facility and cleanup sites database identifies sites that have known contamination or potentially contaminated sites requiring further investigation, and facilities permitted to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. The EnviroStor database includes lists of the following site types: federal Superfund sites; State Response, including military facilities and State Superfund; voluntary cleanup; and school sites. • GeoTracker. The SWRCB GeoTracker database tracks sites that impact groundwater or have the potential to impact groundwater. It includes sites that require groundwater cleanup such as Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs), Department of Defense, and Site Cleanup Program sites; as well as permitted facilities that could impact groundwater such as operating Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), irrigated lands, oil and gas production sites, and land disposal sites. Data for this analysis was downloaded from EnviroStor and GeoTracker databases. A total of 46 sites were identified as permitted hazardous waste facilities, land disposal sites, or USTs by DTSC, the EPA, or SWRCB. Three sites were identified by DTSC as open cleanup sites having known or potential hazardous substance release. In general, contaminated sites are largely located Diamond Bar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Golden Springs Drive), as depicted in Figure 3.7-1. The majority of sites listed by the SWRCB are LUST cleanup sites, most of which are automobile-related uses such as gas stations. As of 2019, most of those cases had been closed. Also present in the Planning Area are a number of sites enrolled in the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) program to regulate discharges into receiving waters. The program typically regulates discharges of domestic or municipal wastewater, food processing related wastewater, and industrial wastewater. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1550 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-5 Table 3.7-1: DTSC and SWRCB Hazardous Sites Site Name Location Site Type Status SWRCB Open Sites (Geotracker) Chevron Service Station Former 23671 Golden Spring Dr LUST Cleanup Site Open Site Assessment Conocophillips Company #2705690 2875 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Open - Remediation Country Hills Cleaners 1155 S Diamond Bar Blvd Cleanup Program Site Open Site Assessment Land Use Restrictions SWRCB Closed Sites (Geotracker) Al Sal Oil #26 301 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed ARCO #5528 780 S Brea Canyon Rd LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed ARCO #6212 3303 Diamond Bar Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed CALTRANS Diamond Bar Maint Sta 21420 Golden Springs Dr E LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Chevron #9-0679 150 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Chevron #9-1175 21095 Golden Springs Dr E LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Chevron #9-8559 (Former) 2707 Diamond Bar Blvd LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Country Hills Towne Center 2809 South Diamond Bar Blvd Cleanup Program Site Completed Case Closed Diamond Bar Country Club 22751 Golden Springs Dr E LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Expert Cleaners (Former) 20627 East Golden Springs Dr Cleanup Program Site Completed Case Closed Exxon #7-2882 (Former) 350 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed LA CO DPW Sewer Fountain SPGS 21418 E Fountain Springs LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed LA CO DPW Sewer Fountain Springs 21418 E Fountain Springs LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed LA CO FD Fire Station #119 20480 Pathfinder Rd E LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed LA CO FD Fire Station #121 346 Armitos LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1551 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-6 Table 3.7-1: DTSC and SWRCB Hazardous Sites Site Name Location Site Type Status Mobil #-18-002 504 Diamond Bar Blvd N LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Mobil #11-114 22628 Golden Springs Dr E LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Mobil #18-E67 (Former #11-E67) 1024 Brea Canyon Rd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Mobil #18-P6V 350 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Mobil 18-114 22628 Golden Springs Dr LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed One Hour Cleaner 1164 S Diamond Bar Blvd Cleanup Program Site Completed Case Closed Shell 206 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Shell #204-2173-0274 206 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Shell #204-2173-0308 3241 Brea Canyon Rd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Shell (Texaco Refining & Marketing) 21103 Golden Springs Dr LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed Shell Service Station 3241 Brea Canyon Road LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed UNOCAL #5683 2875 Diamond Bar Blvd S LUST Cleanup Site Completed Case Closed SWRCB WDR Sites (Geotracker) 2738 Clear Creek Lane 2738 Clear Creek Lane WDR Site Draft - WDR Former Country Hills Cleaners 1155 South Diamond Bar Boulevard WDR Site Active - WDR Garland and Chantal Lo 24002 Falcons View Drive WDR Site Draft - WDR Gasparian Project 2122 Indian Creek Road WDR Site Draft - WDR Mobil Station 18114 22628 Golden Springs Drive WDR Site Never Active - WDR OU Residence 2651 Braided Mane Drive WDR Site Active - WDR Peter MA, Linda MA 2969 Shady Ridge Lane WDR Site Draft - WDR 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1552 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-7 Table 3.7-1: DTSC and SWRCB Hazardous Sites Site Name Location Site Type Status Property at 24141 Lodgepole Rd, Diamond Bar 24141 Lodgepole Road WDR Site Historical - WDR Residence Rustom and Rita Contractor 2695 Shady Ridge Lane WDR Site Historical - WDR SWRCB Informational Sites (Geotracker) Shell Station Former 206 Diamond Bar Blvd S Non-case Information Informational Item DTSC Cleanup Sites (Envirostor) County Hills Cleaners 1155 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., Suite I Evaluation Refer: 1248 Local Agency Dairy 23671 Golden Springs Road Voluntary Cleanup Refer: RWQCB Oak Tree Plaza 916 N Diamond Bar Blvd. Voluntary Cleanup No Further Action Sources: Geotracker, SWRCB, 2019; Envirostor, DTSC, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. materials sites. The SMU issues no further action required letters upon the completion of site assessment and remediation, and confirmation that cleanup standards have been met. SMU jurisdiction includes soil-only remediation. Groundwater contamination is overseen by the RWQCB or DTSC, and oversight authority for underground storage tanks falls under the RWQCB, local city fire departments, or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1553 !(T ") ") ") ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDHazardous Sites (SWRCB) LUST Cleanup Site Cleanup Program Site ?Closed Sites Hazardous Sites (DTSC) ")Evaluation ")Voluntary Cleanup Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: GeoTracker, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), 2019; Envirostor, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019Riv ersideMetrolinkLineFig 3.7-1: Hazardous Materials Sites 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1554 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-9 Aerially-Deposited Lead Aerially-deposited lead is a common hazardous materials issue in urban areas. Soils adjacent to major roadways often contain elevated concentrations of lead. The lead deposition is the result of airborne particulates and surface water runoff associated with tailpipe emissions prior to the time lead was phased out of vehicle fuels. Studies by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) suggest that hazardous waste levels of lead, if present, are generally found in soils within 30 feet of the edge of the pavement (Department of Toxic Substances Control, 2000). The Planning Area contains several heavily-trafficked roadways, including California State Routes 57 and 60, Grand Avenue, S Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Golden Springs Drive. Properties located adjacent to roadways may contain elevated concentrations of lead in exposed surface soils, which could pose a health hazard to construction workers and users of the properties. Lead is a State- recognized carcinogen (causes cancer) and reproductive toxicant (causes birth defects or other reproductive harm) (CalEPA, 2007). Exposure of construction workers or future site occupants to lead in soil could result in adverse health effects, depending on the duration and extent of exposure. Hazardous Materials in Building Materials Hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos, may be found in building materials and disturbed during demolition and renovation activities associated with development or redevelopment. Lead compounds were commonly used in interior and exterior paints until they were banned in 1978. Prior to the 1980s, building materials often contained asbestos fibers, which were used to provide strength and fire resistance until they were banned. In addition, other common items present in buildings, such as electrical transformers, fluorescent lighting, electrical switches, heating/cooling equipment, and thermostats can contain hazardous materials, which may pose a health risk if not handled and disposed of properly. Demolition of buildings has the potential to release lead particles, asbestos fibers, and/or other hazardous materials to the air where they may be inhaled by construction workers and the general public. Federal and State regulations govern the demolition of structures where lead or material containing lead is present. During demolition, lead-based paint that is securely adhering to wood or metal may be disposed of as demolition debris, which is a non-hazardous waste. Loose and peeling paint must be disposed of as a California and/or federal hazardous waste if the concentration of lead exceeds applicable waste thresholds. State and federal construction worker health and safety regulations require air monitoring and other protective measures during demolition activities where lead-based paint is present. Federal, State, and local requirements also govern the removal of asbestos or suspected asbestos- containing materials (ACMs), including the demolition of structures where asbestos is present. All projects that include demolition, asbestos removal, and certain other activities must notify the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) before doing any work5. Workers 5 County of Los Angeles Public Health. Asbestos. Online: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/community/asbestos.htm. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1555 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-10 conducting asbestos abatement must be trained in accordance with State and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Fluorescent lighting tubes and ballasts, computer displays, and several other common items Universal waste regulations allow common, low-hazard wastes to be managed under less stringent requirements than other hazardous wastes. Management of other hazardous wastes is governed under the DTSC hazardous waste rules. Sensitive Receptors Some populations, such as children, the elderly, and the infirm, are more susceptible to health effects of hazardous materials than the general population. Hazardous materials used near schools, day care centers, senior housing, and hospitals must consider potential health effects to these contaminated properties that could potentially generate vapors or fugitive dust containing contaminants may potentially pose a health risk to these populations. In addition, commercial businesses in proximity to sensitive receptors may have hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials or wastes that could pose a health risk to these sensitive receptors. To protect sensitive receptors, Section 17210 et seq. of the State Education Code, Sections 21151.2, 21151.4, and 21151.8 of the Public Resources Code require that prospective school sites be reviewed to determine that such sites are not a current or former hazardous waste disposal site, a hazardous substance release site, or the site of hazardous substance pipelines. These laws also require consultation with local hazardous materials agencies and air quality districts to ensure that no sites within one-quarter mile of a school that handle or emit hazardous substances would potentially endanger future students or workers at the prospective school site. Pursuant to the State Education Code, all school districts receiving State funds are required to prepare a Phase I environmental assessment on prospective school sites. The Phase I assessment would detail the historical uses of the property and indicate any potential for contamination. DTSC must review this assessment and make one of the following findings: 1) that no further action is required; or 2) that concerns about contamination exist and the district must conduct a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA). The PEA process entails site sampling and the development of a detailed risk assessment of any contaminants present on the proposed school property. Airport Hazards Risks associated with airport operations include those to people and property located in the vicinity of the airport in the event of an accident, and those to the safety of persons aboard an aircraft. The closest airport to the City of Diamond Bar is Brackett Field, located 6.53 miles away from the centroid of the 91765 zip code6. Other nearby airports include Chino Airport, Cable Airport, Ontario International Airport, Fullerton Municipal Airport, El Monte Airport, Corona Municipal 6 Allplaces. Airport Search Results. Online: https://www.allplaces.us/afz.cgi?s=91765&rad=30. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1556 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-11 Airport, Riverside Municipal Airport, John Wayne Airport, Long Beach Airport, Flabob Airport, and Rialto Municipal Airport, all of which are located 10 to 25 miles away from the centroid of the 91765 zip code. Diamond Bar does not fall within the Area of Influence of any of these airports7. Emergency Response Emergency operations in the Planning Area are undertaken by the Los Angeles County Fire , Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, and the American Red Cross8. The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the organization and direction of preparedness efforts within Los Angeles County and serves as the Operational Area coordinator for the Planning Area. The County of Los Angeles adopted an All-Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2014. by FEMA. The purpose of the HMP is to demonstrate the plan for reducing and/or eliminating risk in the County. The HMP assesses risks associated with flooding, earthquake, wildfire, hazardous material, and drought hazards, and identifies mitigation strategies to reduce the risk. The County Fire Department follows national guidelines that require a five-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and eight minutes for paramedic units in urban areas, as well as an eight-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and 12 minutes for paramedic units in suburban areas. In 2015, the average response time for fire and emergency calls in the City was 5:58 minutes, slightly above the target response time. According Department, the major obstacles to meeting response time standards are traffic during peak rush hour, and traffic in and around the schools during the beginning and ending of business hours. Los Angeles county is also served by the Emergency Network of Los Angeles (ENLA) in the Los Angeles County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD). This network represents a coalition of not-for-profit organizations, alongside government and private-sector partners, who serve a disaster function, and serves as a hub for sharing planning and recovery expertise among its members9. ENLA is recognized by the Los Angeles County Operational Area and the City of Los Angeles as the networking agency for community-based organizations10. The City recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness through the implementation of the Diamond Bar Emergency Operations plan and through collaboration on the implementation of the County of Los Angeles All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. These plans are based on the principles of the Standard Emergency Management Systems (SEMS), which follows the FIRESCOPE Incident Command System (ICS) identifying how the City fits into the overall SEMS structure. The California Emergency Services Act requires the City to manage and coordinate the overall emergency and recovery activities within its jurisdictional boundaries. Under SEMS, the City is responsible at two levels, the field response and local government levels. At the field response level, 7 Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/obj/anet/Main.html. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 8 City of Diamond Bar California. Emergency Preparedness. Online: https://www.diamondbarca.gov/216/Emergency- Preparedness. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 9 Emergency Network Los Angeles. Welcome to ENLA. Online: http://enla.org/. Accessed June 19, 2019. 10 Emergency Network Los Angeles. About ENLA. Online: http://enla.org/about-enla/. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1557 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-12 the City and all other agencies use ICS to aid in a standardized emergency response. At the local government level, a designated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is used as the central location for gathering and disseminating information and coordinating all jurisdictional emergency operations within the area. During disasters, the City is required to coordinate emergency operations with the County of Los Angeles Operational Area and, in some instances, other local governments. Local agencies are a part of a broader Emergency Management Systems, overseen by s Southern Region Emergency Operations Center. The City also relies on local disaster volunteer programs, including the following: • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The County of Los Angeles provides emergency preparedness information and disaster training for use by individuals in their own neighborhoods in times of an emergency, as well as continuing training for Affiliated CERT volunteers to assist the City before, during, and after a disaster or emergency. • Volunteer on Patrol Program. The County of Los Angeles Volunteer program offers volunteers an opportunity to be involved with nearly every aspect of a station, including search and rescue, clerical duties, and youth volunteer opportunities. • FEMA Independent Study Program. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) of the The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. Fire Hazards Wildland Fires Wildland fires occur in rural or heavily vegetated areas where abundant surface fuels are available to sustain a fire. Wildland fires that occur in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)areas where undeveloped wildlands intermix with or transition into developed land have the potential to greatly impact nearby structures and cities. Due to its setting amidst vegetated open space areas to the south and east, and the presence of open space areas interspersed among urban development, the Planning Area is at risk from wildland fires. In recent years, the State of California has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons due to factors such as prolonged drought conditions and high winds, and the accumulation of fuel. In 2017 and 2018, devastating fires such as the Camp and Tubbs fires in northern California and the Thomas Fire in southern California demonstrated the profound impact wildland fires can have on populated areas. As the State prepares for more incidents as the WUI continues to expand and changes in climate patterns become more apparent, wildfire risk management at the local level will become more and more important. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has mapped fire threat potential throughout California. CAL FIRE ranks fire threat according to the availability of fuel and the likelihood of an area burning (based on topography, fire history, and climate). The rankings include little or no fire threat, moderate, high, very high, and extreme fire threat. The Planning Area 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1558 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-13 contains regions of very high fire severity, including most of the designated open space areas and much of the Country Estates subdivision. Areas with higher frequency have included the SOI and surrounding open spaces outside of the city. Since the 1980s, wildfires have occurred in locations near Peaceful Hills Road, Eldertree Drive, Diamond Knoll Lane, and Wagon Train Lane in the southern portion of the city; in and around the SOI; and near to but outside of the northern city limits. This data is maintained and made publicly Fire threat levels, as defined by CAL FIRE, occurring within and around the Planning Area are depicted in Figure 3.7-2. Figure 3.7-3 highlights Very High Fire Severity Zones (VFHSZs) within both local and state responsibility areas. The entirety of the City falls within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA). Unincorporated lands within the Planning Area are State Responsibility Areas, where fire management and suppression is conducted by CAL FIRE. Chapter 9 of the California Building Code requires that all new structures install sprinklers and retain ample on-site storage of water to serve the system. Diamond Bar engineering standards require a minimum flow of water for fire protection in accordance with County of Los Angeles Fire Department, California Fire Code, and Insurance Services Office (ISO) standards. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1559 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDFire Threat Level (Cal Fire) Extreme Threat Very High Threat High Threat Moderate Threat Little or No Threat Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads State Responsibility Area (SRA) Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fire Threat, Fire and Resources Assessment Program (FRAP), Cal Fire 2005; Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Rive rsideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.7-2: Fire Threat 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1560 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDFire Hazard Severity Zones Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Very High State Responsibility Area (SRA) Very High High Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 2007 & 2009; Los Angeles County GIS Data Portal, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.7-3: Fire Hazard Severity Zones 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1561 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-16 Urban Fires Urban fires are fires that begin in urban centers. They are typically localized, but have the potential to spread to adjoining buildings, especially in areas where homes and/or business facilities are clustered closely together. Strong winds (such as the Santa Ana winds) that can easily spread fires are known to occur in the area. Other factors affecting urban fire risk and relative likelihood of loss of life or property include building age, height and use, storage of flammable material, building construction materials, availability of sprinkler systems, and proximity to a fire station and hydrants. Even with these risks, the Insurance Service Organization (ISO) gave the city a rating of three in 2000, which is a good rating for an urban area.11 This rating takes into account natural risks as well as the provision of fire protection services. Urban fire risk in the city is mitigated in a number of ways, including through the enforcement of updated building and fire codes and the involvement of the Los Angeles County Fire Department in the development review process. Fire Protection and Prevention The City is served by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, and unincorporated portions of the Planning Area are served by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and CAL FIRE. The locations of the three fire stations that serve the Planning Area are shown in Figure 3.7-4. See Section 3.11 Public Services and Facilities for more detail. 11 The ISO rating is from one to ten, with one being the best score reflecting the lowest risk. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1562 !(T !(F !(F !(F ^_ !(P Firestone Scout Reservation Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 121 Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 120 City Hall Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 119 Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFI NO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 !(F Fire Station !(P Police Station ^_City Hall Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence Figure 3.7-4: Public Safety Facilities 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1563 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-18 In addition to fire protection, the service provider implements fire prevention programming. The County of Los Angeles Fuel Modification Unit is responsible for approving landscape and irrigation plans for structures located in Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The goal of the Fuel Modification Unit is to create defensible space, which is a natural and/or landscaped area around a structure where the vegetation has been controlled, trimmed, or removed in order to reduce fire danger. Defensible space is necessary for effective fire protection of homes located within the Fire Hazard Severity Zones because it implements about 100 to 200 feet of defensible space near those homes. Additional fire prevention activities undertaken by the Los Angeles County Fire Department include conducting brush clearance (defensible space) inspections, releasing educational materials designed to help homeowners develop wildfire action plans and implement fire-resistance home retrofits, and running first responder training programs12. The Los Angeles County Fire Department works with the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Weed Hazard and Pest Abatement Bureau on brush clearance. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Environmental Protection Agency The Federal Toxic Substances Control Act (1976) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) established a program administered by the EPA for the regulation of the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA was amended in 1984 by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Act (HSWA), which affirmed and extended disposal of some hazardous wastes was specifically prohibited by the HSWA. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980. This law provided broad federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. CERCLA established requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites; provided for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites; and established a trust fund to provide for clean up when no responsible party could be identified. CERCLA also enabled the revision of the National Contingency Plan (NCP). The NCP provided the guidelines and procedures needed to respond to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The NCP also established the National Priorities List, which is a list of contaminated sites warranting further investigation by the EPA. CERCLA was amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) on October 17, 1986. 12 Los Angeles County Fire Department. Community Emergency Response Team. Online: https://www.lafd.org/join/volunteer/cert. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1564 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-19 United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) The USDOT Office of Hazardous Materials Safety prescribes strict regulations for the safe transportation of hazardous materials, as described in Title 40, 42, 45, and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and implemented by Title 17, 19, and 27 of the CCR. The USDOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) apply to persons who undertake transportation of hazardous materials. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issues the HMR. PHMSA has also issued procedural regulations, including provisions on registration and public sector training and planning grants (49 CFR Parts 105, 106, 107, and 110). PHMSA's regulatory functions include issuing rules and regulations governing the safe transportation of hazardous materials and representing USDOT in international organizations and working to assure the compatibility of domestic regulations with the regulations of bodies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA issues regulations concerning highway routing of hazardous materials, the hazardous materials endorsement for a commercial driver's license, highway hazardous material safety permits, and financial responsibility requirements for motor carriers of hazardous materials. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is authorized to regulate the transportation of hazardous materials via rail. Federal Emergency Management Agency The primary mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and supporting a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. (6 U.S.C. § 313(b)). Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 100-707) was signed into law on November 23, 1988 and amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-288). The Stafford Act constitutes the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs. Disaster Mitigation Act The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K) (Public Law 106-390) amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 to establish a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program and new requirements for the federal post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). DMA2K encourages and rewards local and state pre-disaster planning. It promotes sustainability and seeks to integrate state and local planning with an overall goal of strengthening statewide hazard mitigation. This enhanced planning approach enables local, tribal, and state governments to identify specific strategies for reducing probable impacts of natural hazards such as floods, fire, and earthquakes. In order to be eligible for hazard mitigation funding after November 1, 2004, local governments are required to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan that incorporates specific program elements of the DMA2K law. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1565 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-20 Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA requires state, tribal, and local governments to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance, including funding for mitigation projects. Jurisdictions must update their hazard mitigation plans and re-submit them for FEMA approval every five years to maintain eligibility. Through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs (Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and Flood Mitigation Assistance), FEMA offers planning grants that support state, tribal, and local governments in developing and updating mitigation plans. The City has complied with this requirement with the creation of its own Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (see Local Regulations, below, for a detailed description of this plan.) Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was included under SARA law and is commonly referred to as SARA Title III. EPCRA was passed in response to concerns regarding the environmental and safety hazards proposed by the storage and handling of toxic chemicals. EPCRA establishes requirements for federal, state, and local governments, tribes, and industry regarding emergency planning and Community Right-to-Know reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals. SARA Title III requires states and local emergency planning groups to develop community emergency response plans for protection from a list of Extremely Hazardous Substances (40 CFR Appendix B). The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the their release into the environment. Hazardous Materials Transportation Act The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) of 1975 was created to provide adequate protection from the risks to life and property related to the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by improving regulatory enforcement authority of the Secretary of Transportation. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1566 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-21 State Regulations California Code of Regulations Title 3 The California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 3: Food and Agriculture regulates the storage and transportation of pesticides. Pesticides, or any container or equipment that holds or has held a pesticide, shall not be stored, handled, emptied, disposed of, or left unattended in such a manner or at any place where they may present a hazard to persons, animals (including bees), food, feed, crops or property. Title 22 Hazardous substances are regulated by state and federal agencies in order to protect public health and the environment. Hazardous materials have certain chemical, physical, or infectious properties that threaten life, health, property, or environment. Title 27 The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and the SWRCB jointly issue regulations pertaining to waste disposal on land, including criteria for all waste management units, facilities, and disposal sites; documentation and reporting; enforcement, California Emergency Services Act. The California Emergency Services Act (Government Code Chapter 7, Sections 8550-8668) was s purpose is to ensure that preparations within the state will be adequate to deal with the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies. The act provides for emergency powers to be conferred upon the Governor and local executives; the establishment of the State Office of Emergency Services; the coordination and direction of State entities during an emergency, and mutual aid by the State and its departments and agencies, as well as political subdivisions. California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) The CalEPA has a major role in overseeing the management of hazardous materials and waste within California. CalEPA was created by the State of California to establish a cabinet-level voice for the protection of human health and the environment and to assure the coordinated deployment of State resources. Accidental Release Prevention Law/Chemical Accident Release Prevention Program (CalARP) SB 1889 established the merging of federal and State of California programs governing the accidental airborne release of chemicals listed under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. Effective January 1, 1997, CalARP replaced the previous California Risk Management and Prevention Program (RMPP) and incorporated the mandatory federal requirements. CalARP addresses facilities containing specified hazardous materials that, if involved in an accidental release, could 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1567 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-22 result in adverse off-site consequences. CalARP defines regulated substances as chemicals that pose a threat to public health and safety or the environment because they are highly toxic, flammable, or explosive. Within Los Angeles County, CalARP is administered by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. California Health and Safety Code Hazardous Materials Disclosure Program The California Health and Safety Code Chapter 6.95 includes provisions for Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory. The intent of the code is to protect the public health and safety and the environment; it is necessary to establish business and area plans relating to the handling and release or threatened release of hazardous materials. It calls for the establishment of a statewide environmental reporting system. Within Los Angeles County, the Hazardous Materials Disclosure Program provides threshold quantities for regulated hazards substances. When the indicated quantities are exceeded, a hazardous materials inventory and contingency plan is required pursuant to the regulations. Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Congress requires EPA Region 9 to make RMP information available to the public through the of access to select EPA environmental data. California Health and Safety Code (H&SC) Section 25270, Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act, requires registration and spill prevention programs for above ground storage tanks that store petroleum. In some cases, Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) for petroleum may be subject to groundwater monitoring programs that are implemented by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) and the SWRCB. State Underground Storage Tank Program State laws also regulate Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) and ASTs containing hazardous substances. These laws are primarily found in the Health and Safety Code, and, combined with CCR Title 23, comprise the requirements of the State UST program. The laws contain requirements for UST permitting, construction, installation, leak detection monitoring, repairs and corrective actions and closures. Cortese List The Cortese List refers to provisions in Government Code Section 65962.5. This Section requires the DTSC, State Department of Health Services, SWRCB, and designated local enforcement agencies to compile and update lists of hazardous materials sites under their purview as specified in the code. code (See Table 3.7-1, above, for a detailed inventory of all sites within the Planning Area to whom Government Code Section 65962.5 applies.) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1568 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-23 State of California Emergency Plan, 2009 California has developed an emergency response plan to coordinate emergency services provided by federal, State, and local governments and private agencies. Response to hazardous material incidents is one part of this plan. The plan is managed by the California Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates the responses of other agencies, including CalEPA, the California Highway Patrol, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and RWQCB. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment The State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) oversees implementation of many public health-related environmental regulatory programs within CalEPA, including implementing the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65). Proposition 65 requires the governor to publish, at least annually, a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. The proposition was to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Within CalEPA, the California DTSC has primary regulatory responsibility, with delegation of enforcement to local jurisdictions that enter into agreements with the state agency, for the management of hazardous materials and the generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste under the authority of the Hazardous Waste Control Law. Since August 1, 1992, the DTSC has been agement program for the CalEPA. The DTSC is responsible for compiling a list of hazardous materials sites pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, which includes five categories: 1. Hazardous waste facilities subject to corrective action pursuant to Section 25187.5 of the health and safety code; 2. Land designated as 3. Properties with hazardous waste disposals on public land; 4. Hazardous substance release sites selected for (and subject to) a response action; and 5. Sites included in the Abandoned Site Assessment Program. California Department of Transportation The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans is also the first responder for hazardous material spills and releases that occur on highway and freeway lanes and inter-city rail services. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1569 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-24 State Water Resources Control Board The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act of 1969 established the SWRCB and divided the state into nine regional basins, each with a RWQCB. The SWRCB is the primary state agency responsibl regional boards are responsible for developing and enforcing water quality objectives and implementation plans. The Planning Area is within the jurisdiction of Los Angeles RWQCB. The act authorizes the SWRCB to enact state policies regarding water quality in accordance with the U.S. EPA Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303. The SWRCB regulates the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances in construction projects. Permits and/or other action by the SWRCB may be required if contamination of water or soils occurs during the construction of the Proposed Project. In addition, the act authorizes the SWRCB to issue Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for projects that would discharge to State waters. California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, also known as the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), was approved by FEMA in 2013. The SHMP outlines present and planned activities to address natural hazards. The adoption of the SHMP qualifies the State of California for federal funds in the event of a disaster under the DMA2K. The SHMP provides goals and strategies which address minimization of risks associated with natural hazards and response to disaster situations. California Strategic Fire Plan, 2010 The California Strategic Fire Plan is a statewide plan developed by the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and CAL FIRE to achieve a more resilient natural and built environment that is more resistant to the occurrence and effects of wildland fire through local, State, federal, and private partnerships. The plan focuses on fire suppression and prevention efforts, including hazard and risk assessment, land use planning, cooperation between fire protection jurisdictions, fire-resistant development, as well as post-fire recovery efforts. Land use policies include providing for defensible space, fuel management, development review, and fire-resistant construction. California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Wildfire Regulations CPUC works to reduce the probability of wildfires associated with utility operation. CPUC approves wildfire mitigation plans submitted by utilities and transmissions owners13, issues rules and regulations regarding utility operation and maintenance for wildfire prevention, and identifies locations across California that are at high risk of power line fires14. 13 California Public Utilities Commission. Utility Wildfire Mitigation Plans (SB 901). Online: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/SB901/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 14 California Public Utilities Commission. CPUC Fire Safety Rulemaking Background. Online: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/firethreatmaps/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1570 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-25 California Senate Bill No. 1028 Signed into law in 2016, SB 1028 requires electrical corporations, local publicly owned electric utilities, and electrical cooperatives to construct, maintain, and operate electrical lines and equipment in a manner that minimizes the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Electrical corporations are required to annually prepare a wildfire mitigation plan, which must be submitted for review by the Public Utilities Commission, and must identify whether the installation of any overhead electrical lines and equipment would pose a significant risk of catastrophic wildfire in any portion of the electrical cooperative is required to gain approval for wildfire mitigation measures from the Public Utilities Commission15. Safe School Plan (California Education Code Sections 32282 et seq.) This statute requires public schools to prepare a school safety plan, which includes routine and emergency disaster procedures and a school building disaster plan. The plan can be amended as needed and shall be evaluated at least once a year to ensure that the comprehensive school safety plan is properly implemented. Carpenter-Presley-Tanner Hazardous Substance Account Act The Carpenter-Presley-Tanner Hazardous Substance Account Act (HSAA), which is modeled after CERCLA, imposes liability for hazardous substance removal or remedial actions and requires the DTSC to adopt, by regulation, criteria for the selection and for the priority ranking of hazardous substance release sites for removal or remedial action under the act. Public Resources Code 21151.4 Public Resources Code 21151.4 regulates hazardous materials near schools. Public Resources Code Section 21151.4 prohibits the certification of an EIR for a project involving the construction or alteration of a facility that might reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air emissions or handle extremely hazardous air emissions in a quantity greater than a certain threshold, within one- quarter mile of a school. 15 California Legislative Information, 2016. SB-1028 Electrical corporations: local publicly owned electric utilities: electrical cooperatives: wildfire mitigation plans. Online: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB1028. Accessed June 19, 2019 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1571 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-26 Local Regulations In 1993, Senate Bill 1082 gave CalEPA the authority and responsibility to establish a unified hazardous waste and hazardous materials management and regulatory program, commonly referred to as the Unified Program. The purpose of this program is to consolidate and coordinate six different hazardous materials and hazardous waste programs, and to ensure that they are consistently implemented throughout the state. CalEPA oversees the Unified Program with support from the DTSC, RWQCBs, the OES, and the State Fire Marshal. State law requires county and local agencies to implement the Unified Program. The agency in charge of implementing the program is called the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). The Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department is the designated CUPA for the county16. Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel Modification Plans Fuel Modification Plans have been required in Los Angeles County since 1996. Fuel modification plans are required within areas designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area17. Within these regions, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department requires approval of a Fuel Modification Plan is for all new construction, 50% or more remodels, construction of certain outbuildings and accessory structures over 120 square feet, parcel splits, and subdivisions18. Los Angeles County Hazardous Materials Program The Plan requires that businesses that handle, store, or generate hazardous materials obtain a hazardous material handler permit and prepare risk management plans according to the amount of hazardous material on site19. This program involves inspection of facilities that generate hazardous waste, evaluation of hazardous waste generating industries, investigation of reports of illegal hazardous waste disposal, and response to emergency hazardous chemical spills. Compliance with the Hazardous Materials Handler Permit Requirements would ensure that all hazardous 16 Public Works Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/UST/cupa.cfm. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 17 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 18 Los Angeles County Fire Department. Fuel Modification Section. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/category/fuel-modification-section/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 19 County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Hazardous Materials Program. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/hhmd-2/hazardous-materials-program-2/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1572 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-27 wastes generated by existing and proposed uses are properly handled, treated, stored, and disposed20. Los Angeles County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program Program provides no-cost waste disposal services for any products labeled as toxic, poisonous, combustible, corrosive, irritant, or flammable21. Los Angeles County Code (LACC), Title 11, Division 4 Title 11, Division 4 of the LACC established the program in 1983. The goal of the Underground Storage Tank Program is to protect the public, environment, and UST owners and operators by ensuring that UST facilities are permitted, designed, operated, and closed in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Currently, the UST Program permits and inspects underground storage tanks within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and 77 cities, including Diamond Bar22. Site Remediation Oversight Program The Site Mitigation Unit (SMU) of the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department provides corrective active and voluntary oversight remediation of contaminated sites, as well as approval of closure plans within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles County Unified Program Agency23. Los Angeles County Operational Area Emergency Response Plan The purpose of the Los Angeles County Operational Area Emergency Response Plan (OAERP) is to increase cooperation and coordination between relevant governmental agencies and jurisdictions in order to increase efficiency and minimize losses in the event of an emergency or disaster24. The OAERP establishes the Operational Area (OA) emergency organization, identifies departmental responsibilities, and specifies policies and general procedures for addressing emergencies impacting the OA. Further, this plan provides for the coordination of emergency 20 City of Azusa, 2015. Azusa TOD Specific Plan Draft EIR: 4.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/29998/4_7_Hazards?bidId=. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 21 Los Angeles County Public Works. HHW Collection Program. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 22 Los Angeles County Public Works. Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program. Online: https://pw.lacounty.gov/epd/ust/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 23 County of Los Angeles Fire Department Health Hazards Materials Division, 2009. Compliance Guide for Hazardous Wastes and Materials. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/HHMD-Compliance- Guidance-Document-2-1.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 24 Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1573 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-28 operations plans of agencies/jurisdictions. The OAERP conforms to the requirements of the National Incident Management System and the California Standardized Emergency Management System. The updated OAERP was adopted in 2011. Los Angeles County Fire Department Wildfire Action Plan Adopted in 2009, the Wildfire Action Plan contains guidelines that recommend fire prevention measures such as creating defensible space and conducting fire-resistance retrofits in homes. The plan provides residents with information regarding emergency preparedness25. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health environmental health and protection. Initiatives include the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, groundwater protection, and toxicology and environmental assessment26. Los Angeles County General Plan The Los Angeles County 2035 General Plan provides guidance and a policy framework for how and where the unincorporated county will develop through 2035. The General Plan contains land use, air quality, conservation and natural resources, and safety elements. The General Plan addresses response27. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances nces addresses hazards including household lead exposure, health hazard control at industrial facilities, hazardous oil well machinery, release of hazardous substances, and hazardous waste control28. City of Diamond Bar Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) lessening community impacts in the occurrence of a natural hazard event. The plan identifies potential natural hazards, the extent of risk posed, Diamond and the action the City will take to mitigate the potential loss and impact of the hazards. 25 Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 26 County of Los Angeles Public Health. Online: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 27 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 28 County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT11HESA_DIV1HECO _CH11.20HO_PT2RE. Accessed: June 19, 2919 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1574 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-29 The NHMP includes resources and information to assist City residents, public and private sector organizations, and others interested in participating in planning for natural hazards. The mitigation plan provides a list of activities that may assist Diamond Bar in reducing risk and preventing loss from future natural hazard events. The goals of the NHMP include: • Implement activities that assist in protecting lives by making homes, businesses, infrastructure, critical facilities, and other property more resistant to losses from natural hazards; • Reduce losses and repetitive damages for chronic hazard events while promoting insurance coverage for catastrophic hazards; • Improve hazard assessment information to make recommendations for discouraging new development in high hazard areas and encouraging preventative measures for existing development in areas vulnerable to natural hazards; • Develop and implement education and outreach programs to increase public awareness of the risks associated with natural hazards; • Provide information on educational tools, partnership opportunities, and funding resources to assist in implementing mitigation activities; • Balance natural resource management and land use planning with natural hazard mitigation to protect life, property, and the environment; • Preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance natural systems to serve natural hazard mitigation functions; • Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, citizens, non-profit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vested interest in implementation; • Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local and regional hazard mitigation activities; • Establish policy to ensure mitigation projects for critical facilities, services, and infrastructure; strengthen emergency operations by increasing collaboration and coordination among public agencies, non-profit organizations, business, and industry; and • Coordinate and integrate natural hazard mitigation activities, where appropriate, with emergency operation plans and procedures29. 29 City of Diamond Bar, 2013. Draft Environmental Impact Report: General Plan and Zoning Amendment No. PL2013- 227. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1575 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-30 Diamond Bar Municipal Code The Diamond Bar Municipal Code (DBMC) discusses general hazards under Title 8 Health and Safety, Chapter 8.04 General Hazards. The purpose of Chapter 8.04 is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, limb, safety, and public welfare by requiring protections from hazardous bodies of water, wells, and other defined excavations and abandoned chests, not currently covered by state statutes. The DBMC also discusses fire safety and wildlife fire under Title 16 Fire Safety, Chapter 16.00 Fire Code30,31. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials; Criterion 2: Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment; Criterion 3: Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school; Criterion 4: Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment; Criterion 5: Be 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 uses airport, and would result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area; 30 City of Diamond Bar, 2013. Draft Environmental Impact Report: General Plan and Zoning Amendment No. PL2013- 227. https://library.municode.com/ca/diamond_bar/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_TIT8HESA_CH8.00EM OR_S8.00.010PU 31 City of Diamond Bar. Diamond Bar Municipal Code. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/diamond_bar/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_TIT8HESA_CH8.00EM OR_S8.00.010PU. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1576 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-31 Criterion 6: Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; or Criterion 7: Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires. Criterion 8: Be located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; Criterion 9: Be located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would exacerbate fire risks due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, thereby exposing project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire; Criterion 10: Be located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines, or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment; or Criterion 11: Be located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS This analysis considers the range and nature of foreseeable hazardous materials use, storage, and disposal resulting from implementation of the Proposed Project, and identifies the primary ways that these hazardous materials could expose individuals or the environment to health and safety risks. The analysis included a qualitative evaluation of impacts associated with the potential presence of hazardous materials or hazards in the Planning Area, and an evaluation of the extent to which land use changes suggested within the Proposed Project could enable the development of industrial uses that commonly employ or generate hazardous materials or waste in their production processes, as well as development in or around Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. This analysis is based on a review of materials ranging from the Envirostor and Geotracker databases, hazard mapping, and relevant plans and regulations at the federal, State, and local levels. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1577 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-32 IMPACTS Impact 3.7-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. (Less than Significant) Potential new development anticipated by the Proposed Project could include the development of land uses, including residential, mixed-use, recreational, light industrial, commercial, and office uses, that may require the routine use, transport, and disposal of hazardous material and waste, such as fuel, landscaping chemicals, and cleaning supplies, within the Planning Area. Additionally, future construction activities associated with buildout of the development anticipated by the Proposed Project may generate hazardous materials and waste, such as fuels and oils from construction equipment and vehicles. These hazardous materials would be subject to the federal, State, and local regulations regarding the use, transportation, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials. As described in the Regulatory Setting, federal and State regulations require adherence to specific guidelines regarding the use, transportation, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials. Regulations associated with using, transporting, or disposing of hazardous materials include RCRA, EPCRA, HMTA, California Health and Safety Code, CCR Title 22, CCR Title 27, SB 1889, and the Consolidated Fire Code. Locally, facilities handing hazardous materials are subject to routine inspections by the Los Angeles County Fire Department32, further minimizing foreseeable risks of an accident that could create a hazard to the public or environment. The Proposed Project could allow the siting of new housing units (sensitive receptors) within the vicinity of highways that routinely transport fuels and other hazardous materials. However, the number of new sensitive receptors would be relatively limited. USDOT, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol regulate and manage routine transport of hazardous materials on SR-57 and SR- 60, the nearest highway to the Planning Area. Existing schools within the Planning Area would not be subjected to greater risk of exposure to routine transport of hazardous materials on highways, nor would the new residents. Because the Proposed Project does not result in significant land use changes or exposure to transport or use of hazardous materials along these corridors, there is very low risk of exposure, even among sensitive groups. Transportation of hazardous waste in connection with construction and operations of future development anticipated by hazardous materials transport and would require carriers to register with the DTSC. Policies in the Proposed Project seek to lessen the risk from transport through the Planning Area by discouraging traffic from SR-57 and SR-60 from using Diamond Bar roadways as alternatives to the freeway, minimizing truck traffic through residential areas, and promoting safe and efficient goods distribution throughout the city. These measures would reduce the amount of truck traffic on local roads near residential areas and protect the public from damaged fuel lines and hazardous cargos. 32 County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Hazardous Materials Program. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/hhmd-2/hazardous-materials-program-2/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1578 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-33 Meanwhile, policies in favor of advocating for low-emission transportation technology could ultimately reduce public exposure to potentially hazardous air pollutants. In compliance with existing regulations, businesses handling or storing certain amounts of hazardous materials would be required to prepare a hazardous materials business plan to inventory hazardous materials on-site and provide information on safe use and emergency response regarding such materials. Businesses would also be required to implement health and safety policies and procedures regarding hazardous materials used. For future development where employees would be expected to handle or work around hazardous materials, compliance with federal and State laws would be required. Existing regulations also specify storage areas for hazardous materials, designed to prevent accidental release and to protect against moderate explosion hazard, high fire or physical hazard, or health hazards. Additionally, future projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to complete all applicable environmental review processes and to conform with environmental regulations related to new construction, and hazardous materials use and storage. There are currently no permitted hazardous waste facilities in the Planning Area. Implementation of the applicable federal, State, and local regulations and policies would serve to lessen the risk of death, injury, and/or property loss associated with the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials by promoting safe handling and storage, documentation and information sharing, and appropriate emergency planning and response. In addition, compliance with Proposed Projec policies would further ensure safe practices regarding hazardous materials. Therefore, compliance with the Proposed policies and federal and State regulations will ensure the impact of routine use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials associated with implementation of the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Public Safety PS-G-4. Enforce applicable local, County, State, and federal regulations pertaining to the manufacture, use, transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes in the City with the primary focus on preventing injury, loss of life, and damage to property resulting from the potential detrimental effects (short- and long-term) associated with the release of such substances. PS-P-24. Work with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to maintain and enforce State regulations that require proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials to reduce the likelihood of leakage, explosions, or fire, and to properly contain potential spills from leaving the site. PS-P-28. Promote public awareness and participation in household hazardous waste management, solid waste, and recycling programs. PS-P-38. Maintain, review, and update Diamond Bar's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years, taking into account new hazard conditions in the Planning Area and new emergency management techniques. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1579 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-34 PS-P-39. Adopt, implement and update as necessary the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to develop strategies to address changing risks from flood, drought, fire, landslides, seismic activity, hazardous materials, and other potential hazards, including strategies related to monitoring, emergency preparedness, development policies, conservation, vulnerable populations, and community resilience. PS-P-42. Continue to disseminate public information and alerts regarding the nature and extent of possible natural and man-made hazards, resources identifying measures residents and businesses can take to prepare for and minimize damage resulting from these hazards, citywide response plans, and evacuation routes. Circulation CR-G-10. Discourage traffic from SR-57 and SR-60 from using Diamond Bar roadways as alternatives to the freeway. CR-G-15. Minimize quality of life impacts of goods movement in and through the city while facilitating the movement of goods destined for locations within the city. CR-G-16. Facilitate safe and efficient movement, loading, and unloading (i.e. pick-up and delivery) of goods at destinations within the city. CR-P-62. Revise the designation of truck routes to minimize truck traffic through or near residential areas. Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing software providers. CR-P-64. Continue prohibiting trucks heavier than 5 tons from operating on designated residential streets, except for emergency, maintenance, residential moving trucks, and transit vehicles, to maintain pavement integrity. CR-P-73. Advocate for clean truck technology or smaller vehicles with lower emission rates. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1580 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-35 Impact 3.7-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project does not propose future uses that pose a significant hazard to the public. Major land use changes are expected in the four focus areas, which are intended to provide opportunities for infill development incorporating housing, employment, and recreation. Within this low-risk variety of uses, new developments that utilize hazardous chemicals, such as dry cleaners or gas stations, could result in some potential for upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Any individual projects under the Proposed Project for which there could be potential significant impacts related to hazards would require a project-level environmental review at the time they are proposed. New development anticipated by the Proposed Project could also increase the risk of potential upsets of routinely used hazardous materials, such as a potential increase in the use of household cleaners and landscaping chemicals, but, as discussed in Impact 3.7-1 above, these would not be present in sufficient quantities to pose a significant risk to the public and must be used in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Although the risk of upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment cannot be completely eliminated, it can be reduced to a manageable level. Existing regulations at the federal, State, and local levels serve to minimize the potential for upset during routine transportation, use, and disposal. Additionally, regulations are in place to minimize the risk of upset or accident involving sites that have previously been contaminated by hazardous substances. Given existing regulations and programs and policies that address the potential for hazardous materials upsets and promote the ability of emergency services to respond to incidents, impacts associated with the release of hazardous materials into the environment would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Proposed General Plan Goals PS-P-24 and PS-P-42, as listed under Impact 3.7-1, would help reduce upset and accident conditions potentially involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment, along with the following policies. Public Safety PS-P-27. Work with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and other State and federal agencies to ensure adequate emergency response for hazardous materials incidents. PS-P-40. Continue to coordinate the City s emergency preparedness and response plans and operations with the State Office of Emergency Management, Los Angeles County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1581 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-36 PS-P-41. Maintain and expand as necessary community emergency preparedness resources including personnel, equipment, material, specialized medical and other training, and auxiliary communications. PS-P-43. Require all City staff to be adequately trained to respond to emergency situations, and conduct regular emergency preparedness drills with local organizations including the Los Angeles County fire and Sheriff s departments. PS-P-44. Leverage pre- and post-disaster assistance programs to support resilient planning, mitigation, and reconstruction strategies that consider future climate conditions, such as the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services' Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and California Disaster Assistance Act. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.7-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. (Less than Significant) Development anticipated by the Proposed Project could result in land uses that would be reasonably expected to handle hazardous materials or generate hazardous emissions. Under the land use designations of the Proposed Project, there could be a range of land uses potentially allowed within a quarter-mile of existing schools. The Proposed Project does not propose construction of any new schools in the Planning Area. The most intense uses allowed under the Proposed Project, under the Light Industrial designation, include manufacturing, distribution, research and development, business support services, and commercial uses requiring more land area than is available under the General Commercial or Office designations. One school, Walnut Elementary, falls within a quarter mile of this land use designation. The Proposed Project does not expand the industrial land use designations, and would therefore not increase school exposure to hazardous materials. Locations of the fourteen existing schools within the Planning Area are depicted in Figure 3.7-5. Individual users of hazardous materials would continue to be regulated by local disclosure, permitting, and notification requirements o consistent with all federal, State, and local laws. Public schools are also required to evaluate and potentially amend their school safety plan on an annual basis as described in greater detail in the Regulatory Setting discussion above. See also Impacts 3.7-1, and 3.7-2. In the case that new schools or alterations to existing schools would be required in the future, the siting of schools, including existing facilities and upgrading construction projects, would be regulated by the California Department of Education; and new facilities would not be constructed within a quarter mile of facilities emitting or handling materials consistent with California Department of Education requirements. In addition, Proposed Project policies, as provided below, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1582 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-37 prohibit the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air pollutants or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school and provide for emergency planning to address potential upsets. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Public Safety PS-P-26. Prohibit the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air emissions or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school. PS-G-8. Use the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan to address mitigation and response for local hazards, including seismic hazards, flood hazards, fire hazards, hazardous materials incidents, and hazardous sites, and to plan for the protection of critical facilities (i.e., schools, hospitals), disaster and emergency response preparedness and recovery, evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road width and clearance around structures. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1583 !(T Significant Ecological Area DiamondRanch HighSchool PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPointE.S. Little LeagueField ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReaganPark Star ShinePark SummitridgePark Country Park LarkstonePark Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOM ING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLD SPRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Quarter Mile Buffer from Existing Schools Rural Residential Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Medium Density Residential Medium High Density Residential High Density Residential High Density Residential-30 Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use Light Industrial General Commercial Office Water School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Significant Ecological Area Private Recreation Planning Area Specific Plan Community Core Overlay City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.7-5: Proposed Land Use and Schools 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1584 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-39 Impact 3.7-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment. (Less than Significant) As discussed in the Physical Setting section above, there are numerous sites in the Planning Area that are included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 or that need further investigation (see Figure 3.7-1 and Table 3.7-1). Several of the sites have reported releases to the ground resulting in soil and groundwater contamination and which are subject to various State and federal laws and regulators, including CERCLA, EPA, DTSC, and the RWQCB, and are in various stages of the cleanup process as stipulated by the relevant agencies. ys (e.g., Diamond Bar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Golden Springs Drive). As of 2019, the majority of these sites are closed, with three open sites remaining on Golden Spring Drive and South Diamond Bar Boulevard. Nine sites are subject to the regulations of the California Waste Discharge Requirements Program. Redevelopment of sites with existing soil or groundwater contamination in accordance with the Proposed Project could potentially pose a significant hazard to the public or the environment through releases of hazardous materials into the environment; however, as discussed in Impact 4.7-1, these sites are regulated by existing federal and State policies and have been or are being investigated and remediated. For future projects, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires developers to reference the Cortese List and state if the project or any alternatives would be located on a listed site. Therefore, compliance with existing federal, State, and local programs and regulations would ensure that impacts related to development on designated hazardous material sites would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1585 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-40 Impact 3.7-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development 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 uses airport, and would result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area. (No Impact) There are no airports within two miles of the planning area. The closest airport, Brackett Field, over six miles away, has an Air Impact Assessment (AIA) area that does not overlap with the planning area. Therefore, implementation of the land use changes and policies consistent with the Proposed Project would have no impact related to an airport-related safety hazard for people residing or working in the planning area. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.7-6 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. (Less than Significant) Development anticipated by the Proposed Project, including new land uses and increased densities, has the potential to create obstacles to the timely implementation of emergency response plans adopted for the City. Both the County of Los Angeles and the City plan for emergency response, and these plans would apply to the Planning Area. The County of Los Angeles Emergency Response Plan was adopted in 2011 and establishes emergency organization for the Operational Area of Los Angeles County, specifies policies and general procedures for addressing emergencies impacting the Operational Area, and provides for the coordination of emergency operations plans of agencies and jurisdictions. The City does not have an Emergency Response Plan. Rather, the City facilitates the coordination of emergency response efforts through its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Located at City Hall, the EOC is a central location of authority that allows for face-to-face coordination and decision making between City staff and outside organizations. Policies included in the Proposed Project regarding emergency access, evacuation route development, and roadway development and traffic flow would ensure that emergency vehicle movement could efficiently access all parts of the planning area. Emergency events may be a time of high vehicle activity for both emergency and civilian vehicles. The Proposed Project addresses the potential impact of new development on emergency traffic flow by requiring that new aintain or improve its current level of service standards. The Proposed Project also requires continued provision of successful emergency response, which could require the expansion of existing fire or police departments. Additionally, the City also utilizes local disaster volunteer programs, including These voluntary programs provide emergency preparedness information and disaster response 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1586 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-41 training, which would be available to new residents in the area and would aid in implementing emergency response plans. The Proposed Project would neither impair implementation nor interfere with Therefore, compliance with existing local programs and regulations and Proposed Project policies would ensure that impacts on emergency evacuation or response plans would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact The Proposed Project contains policies PS-P-41, PS-P-43, and PS-P-44, as discussed under impacts 3.7-1 and 3.7-2, that would support development and implementation of emergency response measures and address the potential harm associated with emergency events. Polices CR-G-15, CR- G-16, and CR-P-64, as discussed under impact 3.7-1, would address the potential harm associated with emergency events by facilitating the efficient movement of emergency response vehicles. Additional proposed policies for supporting emergency response appear below. Public Safety PS-P-15. Require adherence to Diamond Bar Fire and Building Codes, including minimum road widths and adequate access and clearance for emergency vehicles and the identification of all roads, streets, and major public buildings a in a manner that is clearly visible to fire protection and other emergency vehicles. PS-P-32. Support the achievement of police and fire response times through the implementation of traffic management measures that mitigate congestion during peak rush hour and during school drop-off and pick-up times. PS-P-33. Monitor fire-flow capability throughout the Planning Area and improve water availability and redundancy for any locations that have flows considered inadequate for fire protection. Continue to work with various water purveyors to maintain adequate water supply and require on-site water storage for areas where municipal water service is not available. PS-P-34. Coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to review all development applications for consistency with applicable Fire Codes. PS-P-35. Work cooperatively with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions to ensure that all portions of the Planning Area are served and accessible within an effective response time. PS-P-36. Work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that the cost of providing new staffing, facilities, and equipment, including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1587 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-42 PS-P-40. operations with the State Office of Emergency Management, Los Angeles County, schools, and other neighboring jurisdictions. Circulation CR-G-1. Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. CR-P-2. Require that new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-6. Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-G-7. Ensure smooth traffic flows by maintaining or improving traffic levels of service (LOS) that balance operational efficiency, technological and economic feasibility, and safety. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1588 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-43 Impact 3.7-7 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires. (Less than Significant) Areas where the Proposed Project anticipates that potential growth may take place occur within the southeastern and northeastern regions of the Planning Area, in locations that are predominately already zoned for office, commercial, and high density residential uses, all of which occur predominately in areas of moderate to little or no fire threat. Areas of high to extreme fire threat do occur throughout the planning area, predominately in the southwest and northwest corners of the . However, the open space or low- density zoning designations that the Proposed Project applies to these areas will ensure that development intensification within or around high wildland fire risk areas is kept to a minimum. Should development in or around areas of high wildland fire risk occur, policies would ensure that proposed development would not substantially increase the risk of exposure of people and structures to wildfires. Several policies in the Proposed Project address potential fire hazards. Fire prevention and response policies include coordinating with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that development decisions consider potential fire hazards and are informed by up-to-date High Fire Severity Zone maps, educating the public about fire prevention, employing ecosystem management techniques to address wildfire risk, and committing to maintain adequate fire response infrastructure and services. The Proposed Project guarantees that these services will be made available and accessible throughout the Planning Area, thus including any development that may occur in or around areas of high wildland fire risk. These policies gency support resources and ensuring that development decisions are made with the provision of emergency support services , including fire suppression, in mind. As the Proposed Project advocates preservation of open spaces and hillsides, infill development, and anticipates most new construction to occur in areas far removed from high wildland threat level areas and already designated for mixed, office, commercial, and high density residential use, intensive new development in open areas and those especially vulnerable to wildland fire is unlikely. Therefore, compliance with existing local programs and regulations and Proposed Project policies would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project on exposure to wildland fire risk would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact The Proposed Project contains policies PS-P-34, PS-P-35, and CR-P-2, which, as discussed under impact 3.7-6, would address the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire by mandating continued management and response programs. Other Proposed Policies to address risk associated with wildfire exposure are discussed below. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1589 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-44 Public Safety PS-G-3. Partner with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and affiliated agencies to implement hazard mitigation plans and community education efforts aimed at preventing the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from wildland and urban fires. PS-P-14. Educate the public about fire hazards and fire prevention. Work with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department and CAL FIRE to disseminate information on fire weather watches and fire risks and encourage all Diamond Bar residents to engage in risk reduction and fire preparedness activities. PS-P-16. For privately-owned property within areas designated for development that are subject to high wildfire risk, condition approval of development upon the implementation of measures to reduce risks associated with that development, including, but not limited to, fuel modification plans and Fire Code requirements in effect at the time of project approval. PS-P-17. Protect and promote native oak woodlands that border residential areas as fire buffers. PS-P-18. Work cooperatively with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions to address regional wildfire threats. PS-P-19. with changes in designation by CAL FIRE to ensure that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department is protecting the community from wildland-urban fires as future development takes place. PS-P-20. Prior to permit approval, ensure that all new development located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a State Responsibility Area (SRA) is served by adequate infrastructure, including safe access for emergency response vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies for fire suppression. PS-P-22. Support the County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Provision of weed abatement and brush thinning and removal services in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Areas in order to curb potential fire hazards. PS-P-23. Where development is proposed within High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, ensure that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has the opportunity to review the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazards and its potential as a source of fire, including fuel modification plan review for new development or additions that are equal or greater than 50 percent of the existing square footage. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1590 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-45 PS-P-32. Support the achievement of police and fire response times through the implementation of traffic management measures that mitigate congestion during peak rush hour and during school drop-off and pick-up times. PS-P-33. Monitor fire-flow capability throughout the Planning Area and improve water availability and redundancy for any locations that have flows considered inadequate for fire protection. Continue to work with various water purveyors to maintain adequate water supply and require on-site water storage for areas where municipal water service is not available. Land Use and Economic Development LU-G-2. Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of natural open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and Tres Hermanos Ranch; and enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-4. Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth principles. LU-P-2. Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed development as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. LU-G-28. Preserve open space, ridgelines, and hillsides to protect the visual character of the city, provide for public outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, support groundwater recharge, protect existing and planned wildlife corridors, and ensure public safety. LU-P-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1591 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-46 Impact 3.7-8 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. (Less than Significant) Areas where the Proposed Project anticipates that growth may take place occur along the southeastern and northeastern border of the Planning Area, as illustrated in Figure 3.7-6. These locations are predominately already zoned for office, commercial, and high-density residential uses, and none of them occur in or around VHFSZs or SRAs. VFHSZs are present in several locations within city limits, but are confined exclusively to those areas designated for open and rural residential land uses. The City shares its southern boundary with a State Responsibility Area; the Proposed Project zones all land adjacent to this SRA for rural residential, low to low-medium residential, or open space uses. Zoning-related restrictions on development in these areas will ensure that development intensification within or around VFHSZs and SRAs is minimal, at most. Should development in or around Very High Fire Severity Zones or SRAs occur, would ensure that proposed development would not substantially interfere with the implementation of emergency response or emergency evacuation plans. That portion of the Planning Area that falls within Diamond Bar city limits is under the purview of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and is thus serviced by the Los Angeles County Development anticipated by the Proposed Project, including new land uses and increased densities, has the potential to create obstacles to the implementation of emergency response plans adopted for the City. Neither the City nor County currently possess emergency evacuation plans. Implementation of development patterns proposed in the Proposed Project, including proposed discussed in Section 3.12 Transportation), will therefore have a less than significant impact on the efficacy of local evacuation routes. The resources and ensuring that development decisions are made with the provision of emergency support services in mind. Emergency prevention and response policies include coordinating with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that development decisions consider potential fire hazards and are informed by up-to-date High Fire Severity Zone maps, improving local hazard mitigation plans, and facilitating efficient movement of emergency response vehicles. Therefore, compliance with existing local programs and regulations policies would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project on emergency evacuation or response plans, as they apply to development occurring in or around Very High Fire Severity Zones or State Responsibility Areas, would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1592 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MetrolinkStation RiversideMetrolinkLine}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG EL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLEHILLR D MONTEFINOAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLA N D V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDLand Use Designations Rural Residential Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Medium High Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use Light Industrial General Commercial Office Water School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Significant Ecological Area Specific Plan Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 3.7-6: Change Areas 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1593 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-48 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact The Proposed Project contains policies PS-G-3, PS-P-14, PS-P-16, PS-P-17, PS-P-18, PS-P-19, PS- P-20, PS-P-22, PS-P-23, PS-P-32, PS-P-33, LU-G-2, LU-G-4, LU-P-2, LU-G-28, and LU-P-55, which, as discussed under Impact 3.7-7, address fire exposure risk through partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, considering location of High Fire Hazard Severity Zones at the outset of the development process, mandating compliance with local fire codes, engaging in wildfire prevention, and encouraging compact development patterns and preservation of open space. Additionally, CR-G-15, CR-G-16, and CR-P-64, as discussed under Impact 3.7-2, would improve emergency access. Additional policies for reducing the risk associated with wildfire and support emergency planning and evacuation resources and services appear below. Public Safety PS-P-36. Work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department and County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that the cost of providing new staffing, facilities, and equipment, including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. PS-P-37. Maintain area-wide mutual aid agreements and communication links with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions. Circulation CR-G-13 Establish evacuation routes to provide safe and expedient egress for emergencies and disasters. CR-G-14 Minimize emergency vehicle response time and improve emergency access. CR-P-65 Work with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other first responders to designate and mark emergency evacuation and access routes. CR-P-66 Collaborate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, neighboring jurisdictions, Los Angeles County, and Caltrans to prepare a plan for the movement of emergency vehicles, trucks, and vehicles in and out of Diamond Bar during natural disasters and emergencies. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1594 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-49 Impact 3.7-9 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would exacerbate fire risks due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, thereby exposing project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire. (Less than Significant) Areas where the Proposed Project anticipates that growth may take place occur within the southeastern and northeastern regions of the Planning Area, in locations that are predominately already zoned for office, commercial, and high density residential uses, none of which occur in or around VHFSZs or SRAs. VFHSZs are present in several locations throughout the Planning Area, but are confined exclusively to those areas that the Proposed Project designates for open and rural residential land uses. Associated density of development restrictions, as well as Proposed Project policies such as PS-P-16 and PS-P-23, will ensure that development intensification within or around VFHSZs and SRAs is minimal. As intensive development is not expected to occur in or around SRAs or VHFSZs, the impact that any development that should occur in these areas on fire risk is minimal. Should development in or around VHFSZs occur, Proposed Policies contained within the General Plan would ensure that proposed development would protect existing hillsides and would prevent an increase in exposure to wildfire risk. existing Hillside Management Area Ordinance regulates development in hillsides that have natural slope gradients of 25% or steeper, and potential hazards are analyzed as part of the permitting process. The Proposed also provide for the protection of sensitive receptors from hazardous concentrations of air pollutants, thereby reducing the potential for exposure to air pollutants associated with wildfire. In the event of a wildfire, SCAQMD provides air quality advisories across Los Angeles County33, helping ensure that residents can take the appropriate response to reduce exposure. Therefore, compliance with existing local programs and regulations and Proposed Project policies would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project on wildfire risk and associated pollutant exposure would be less than significant. 33 South Coast Air Quality Management District. Wildfires and Your Health. Online: http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/air-quality/advisories/wildfiresandhealth.pdf?sfvrsn=2. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1595 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-50 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact The Proposed Project contains policies PS-G-3, PS-P-14, PS-P-16, PS-P-17, PS-P-18, PS-P-19, PS- P-20, PS-P-22, PS-P-23, PS-P-32, PS-P-33, LU-G-2, LU-G-4, LU-P-2, LU-G-28, and LU-P-56, which, as discussed under impact 3.7-7, address the development risk associated with wildfire. One additional policy, CHS-P-27, is relevant to Impact 3.7-9, as it mandates the continued provision of clean air for sensitive receptors. Community Health and Sustainability CHS-P-27. Recognizing the adverse health impacts associated with compromised air quality, protect sensitive receptors from exposure to hazardous concentrations of air pollutants. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.7-10 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines, or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. (Less than Significant) Areas where the Proposed Project anticipates that growth may take place occur within the southeastern and northeastern regions of the Planning Area, in locations that are predominately already zoned for office, commercial, and high density residential uses, none of which occur in or around VHFSZs or SRAs. Generally, all new development can be expected to require some degree of infrastructure expansion. Construction of new roads and provision of new energy, water, and other utility services, as well as their associated ongoing maintenance, may produce some degree of environmental impact, including habitat disruption and release of waste products or hazardous materials. However, as the Proposed Project locates areas of potential development away from SRAs and VHFSZs, the construction of additional infrastructure required specifically to combat risk for fire exposure is expected to be minimal. The Planning Area does contain, as identified by the CPUC FireMap, areas that are vulnerable to powerline fires34. These regions are confined primarily to the southern and eastern portions of the Planning Area, and do not overlap with sites of anticipated high-intensity development. In the 34 California Public Utilities Commission. CPUC Fire Map. Online: https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/firemap/#. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1596 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-51 event that new development does occur in areas of elevated powerline fire risk, state regulations would govern utility-related wildfire hazard mitigation approaches. The Proposed Project contains no new major roads, and as such there is no exacerbation of fire risk or environmental impact associated with road construction. CAL FIRE oversees the design and construction of fuel breaks within its jurisdiction35, and maintains standards with regard to fuel breaks and environmental protection. Additionally, should development occur in or around State Responsibility Areas or VHFSZs, components of the Proposed Project serve to mitigate wildfire risk, and would thus keep the construction of additional infrastructure needed to combat fire to a minimum. Proposed policies w programs and continued adherence to local fire codes. Therefore, compliance with existing local programs and regulations and Proposed Project policies would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project on wildfire risk would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact The Proposed Project contains policies PS-G-3, PS-P-14, PS-P-16, PS-P-17, PS-P-18, PS-P-19, PS- P-20, PS-P-22, PS-P-23, PS-P-32, PS-P-33, LU-G-2, LU-G-4, LU-P-2, LU-G-28, and LU-P-56, which, as discussed under impact 3.7-7, address risk associated with wildfire exposure. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.7-11 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located in or near State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and would not expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. (Less than Significant) Areas where the Proposed Project anticipates that growth may take place occur within the southeastern and northeastern regions of the Planning Area, in locations that are predominately already zoned for office, commercial, and high density residential uses, none of which occur in or around VHFSZs or SRAs. VFHSZs are present in several locations throughout the Planning Area, but are confined exclusively to those areas designated for open and rural residential land uses. The City shares its southern boundary with a State Responsibility Area; all land adjacent to this S RA is zoned for rural residential, low to low-medium residential, or open space uses. Associated density 35 CAL FIRE, 2019. CAL FIRE Fuel Breaks and Use During Fire Suppression. Online: http://www.fire.ca.gov/general/downloads/45-DayReportPlans/Fuel_Break_Case_Studies_03212019.pdf. Accessed: June 20, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1597 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-52 of development restrictions, as well as Proposed Project policies such as PS-P-16 and PS-P-23, will ensure that development intensification within or around VFHSZs and SRAs is minimal. Therefore, compliance with existing local programs and regulations and Proposed Project policies would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project on wildfire risk and associated effects on soil and water movement would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact The Proposed General Plan contains policies PS-G-3, PS-P-14, PS-P-16, PS-P-17, PS-P-18, PS-P- 19, PS-P-20, PS-P-22, PS-P-23, PS-P-32, PS-P-33, LU-G-2, LU-G-4, LU-P-2, and LU-G-28, which, as discussed under impact 3.7-7, are intended to address risk associated with wildfire exposure. Additional policies intended to address risk associated with seismic, geotechnical, and flooding hazard are addressed below. Public Safety PS-G-2. Implement measures aimed at preventing the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of a 100-year storm and associated flooding. PS-P-2. Require areas identified as having significant liquefaction potential (including secondary seismic hazards such as differential compaction, lateral spreading, settlement, rock fall, and landslide) to undergo site-specific geotechnical investigation prior to development and to mitigate the potential hazard to a level of insignificance or, if mitigation is not possible, to preserve these areas as open space or agriculture. PS-P-3. Periodically update the Public Works Department grading standards to supplement the City of Diamond Bar building and construction safety codes with detailed information regarding rules, interpretations, standard specifications, procedures requirements, forms, and other information applicable to control excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, and provide guidelines for preparation of geotechnical reports in the city. PS-P-4. Carry out a review of critical facilities that may be vulnerable to major earthquakes and landslides and develop programs to upgrade them. PS-P-6. Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks through hillside protection and management. PS-P-8. Continue to implement and pursue flood control programs, such as the City s Grading and Floodplain Ordinances, that reduce flood hazards to comply with State flood risk management requirements. PS-P-9. Consider the impacts to health and safety from potential flooding on future development in flood-prone areas, including those identified as being within the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1598 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-53 100- or 500-year floodplains. Require installation of protective structures or other design measures to protect proposed building and development sites from the effects of flooding in these areas. PS-P-10. Ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer as a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementation of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. PS-P-11. Use the drainage master plan developed in coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (see Implementing Policy PSF-P-47) to assess existing and future flood control needs and related improvements within Diamond Bar. PS-P-13. Reduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system. Land Use LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1599 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.7: Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire 3.7-54 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1600 1434308.1 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality This section assesses potential environmental impacts on hydrology and water quality from future development under the Proposed Project. Issues addressed include water quality standards, groundwater resources, drainage, and flood hazards related to rivers, sea level rise, dam failure, seiches, tsunamis, and mudflows. The section describes existing surface water and groundwater hydrology, water quality, and flood hazards in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were two comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics addressed in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Hydrology and Water Quality. • The EIR needs to address possible water restrictions due to state imposed cutbacks, possible future drought conditions, reclaimed water systems, low impact development, water neutrality of new developments, and conduct a water supply assessment. The EIR does not evaluate these impacts specifically, rather it evaluates water supply issues as a whole, see Section 3.13 for additional information. • At the June 21, 2018 Scoping Meeting, a member of the public stated concerns over water pollution. Impacts of the Proposed Project on water pollution are addressed under Impacts 3.8-1, 3.8-3, and 3.8-4. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Climate The City (City) climate is a semi-arid, Mediterranean environment with mild winters, warm summers, and moderate rainfall, consistent with interior coastal Southern California. The usually mild climatological pattern is interrupted infrequently by periods of extremely hot weather or winter storms. The average monthly temperature ranges from about 52 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), with an annual average temperature of nearly 65°F. The daily average low and high temperatures have been measured to be 39°F and 90°F, respectively. Evapotranspiration (ETo) averages a total of 49.78 inches per year, while the average annual rainfall is nearly 12 inches. Records show that the average monthly precipitation ranges as high as 3 inches and as low as almost 0 inches. Most of the rainfall typically occurs during the period of November through January. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1601 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-2 Topography The City is located in the northern part of the Puente Hills, a northwesterly trending range of low- elevation, rounded hills between the Los Angeles basin to the west and the Upper Santa Ana River Valley on the east. According to geotechnical reports, these hills are underlain primarily by Miocene-age (+/- 10-15 million years old) marine sedimentary rocks that have been uplifted within the past million years or so (Pleistocene geologic epoch) by geologic forces. These rocks are primarily light-colored, well-bedded, mudstones, shales, and sandstones. The Miocene sedimentary rocks are intruded by Miocene-age volcanic rocks and underlain by older basement rocks at depths on the order of a mile or more. In many places, the Miocene rocks are covered by young slopewash and terrace sediments, and by Quaternary-age alluvium in the valleys and basins. Grand Avenue extends northerly across a narrow valley at the north end of the Puente Hills. The hills on the north side of the valley are composed of Miocene-age, marine, sedimentary rocks of the Yorba Member of the Puente Formation which is composed primarily of thin-bedded siltstone (shale) and sandstone. The hills on the south side of the valley are underlain by the Soquel and LaVida members of the Puente Formation. The valley is filled with loose, non-indurated (unconsolidated), young (Quaternary-age) sands and gravels. These are underlain by medium dense silts and sands. Bedrock of the Puente Formation occurs at a depth of about 45 to 50 feet. The City is in the valley of Diamond Bar Creek and San Jose Creek between the Los Angeles basin to the west and the Upper Santa Ana River Valley on the east, and the San Gabriel Valley and Mountains on the north. Diamond Bar Valley is a small, narrow valley with a flat floor ranging from about 550 feet on the west to 700 feet in elevation in the northeast. The Diamond Bar Valley is bounded by a ridge on the north that rises to about 800 feet elevation, and hills on the south that rise to about 1,000 feet before descending into Tonner Canyon on the south. Most of the level, easily developable land in Diamond Bar has already been developed, and much of the remaining land has a variety of geotechnical and topographic conditions that may constrain certain types of development. Large portions of the City contain steep slopes that pose a significant constraint to development. In addition to slope constraints, many of the hillsides in Diamond Bar have a potential for landslides. Slope stability is affected by such factors as soil type, gradient of the slope, underlying geologic structure, and local drainage patterns. The rolling topography and composition of local soils throughout Diamond Bar create numerous areas for potential landslide hazards. Although many historical landslide locations have been stabilized, there still exist a number of potential landslide areas in the eastern portion of the City as well as within Tonner Canyon in the Sphere of Influence. Groundwater Resources The City overlies the Puente and Spadra Groundwater Basins. Both groundwater basins do not contain potable water quality due to high levels of total dissolved solids and nitrates. As such, groundwater production is distributed within the recycled water distribution system. The City relies on Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) to provide reliable water supplies throughout the city. WVWD pumps groundwater from the Spadra Basin via one well and from the Puente Basin via five wells. In 2015, WVWD produced 872 acre-feet from the Puente Basin and 63 acre-feet from the Spadra Basin. However, annual groundwater production varies since WVWD only uses it to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1602 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-3 supplement recycled water supplies. WVWD has planned projects that will allow WVWD to produce potable groundwater from the Central Basin, Main San Gabriel Basin, and Six Basins. Both WVWD and Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) measure groundwater elevations in the Puente Basin. Groundwater elevation range from 250 feet to 600 feet across the basin. Surface Water Resources The City drains to the San Jose Creek and Diamond Bar Creek. The San Jose Creek is tributary to the San Gabriel River approximately 10.2 miles downstream from the Diamond Bar Creek confluence. The San Jose Creek subwatershed drains approximately 7.29 square miles to its confluence with the San Gabriel River. The San Gabriel River flows through the San Gabriel Estuary into San Pedro Bay through the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor, and into the Pacific Ocean, draining approximately 682 square miles of eastern Los Angeles County. headwaters are in the San Gabriel Mountains, traversing through the San Gabriel and Morris reservoirs, and collecting runoff from a highly urbanized watershed before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Diamond Bar Creek is within the Upper San Gabriel hydrologic area and belongs to the 405.20 hydrologic sub-area. Diamond Bar Creek flows west on the north side and parallel to SR-57/SR-60 within the project vicinity. After crossing under Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Creek flows for approximately 2.5 miles, bending northwest after entering the City of Walnut, before running into the San Jose Creek Reach 1 (SG Confluence to Temple St.). The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) has jurisdiction and the City is a Permittee unde regulates the waste discharge requirements for discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County. Water Quality Groundwater Quality As described above, the City overlies the Puente and Spadra Groundwater Basins; both of which are do not contain potable water quality due to high levels of total dissolved solids and nitrates. Per the Puente Basin Watermaster, WVWD collects water quality samples for total dissolved solids on a quarterly basis from several wells within the Puente Basin. Recent sampling shows total dissolved solids concentrations ranging from 920 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 1010 mg/L. Surface Water Quality As described, the City drains to Diamond Bar Creek, which confluences with San Jose Creek approximately 2.7 miles downstream of Grand Avenue. San Jose Creek is tributary to the San Gabriel River approximately 10.2 miles downstream from the Diamond Bar Creek confluence. The San Gabriel River flows through the San Gabriel Estuary into San Pedro Bay through the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor, and into the Pacific Ocean, draining approximately 682 square miles 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1603 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-4 traversing through the San Gabriel and Morris reservoirs, and collecting runoff from a highly urbanized watershed before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Portions of the San Gabriel River Watershed are listed on the 2016 Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) List of impaired water bodies. The 303(d) List for the San Jose Creek lists the following pollutants: ammonia, excess algal growth, indicator bacteria, selenium, temperature, total dissolved solids, toxicity, and pH. Flooding The City is located outside the 100-year flood plain (i.e., within Zone X), in which there is a 0.2 percent chance of flooding annually (Flood Insurance Rate Maps 0637C1725F, dated September 26, 2008 the 100-year flood plain (Zone A), in which there is a 1.0 percent chance of flooding annually (Flood Insurance Rate Maps 0637C1880F, dated September 26, 2008). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1604 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRD100 Year Floodplain (1.0% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) 500 Year Floodplain (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard) Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Lakes/Ponds City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: FEMA's NFHL Viewer, Effective Map Date 2008; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Ri versideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.8-1: FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1605 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-6 Dam and Levee Failure Inundation Zones The City is not subject to dam and levee failure inundation zones, as there are no dams or levees located within or near the City Coastal and Bay Hazards Sea Level Rise The City is not subject to rising sea level hazards. Seiches There are no bodies of water within or near the Project Area that are susceptible to seiches. Tsunamis The City is not subject to tsunami-related impacts due to its inland location. Mudflows As described above, many of the hillsides in Diamond Bar have a potential for landslides. The rolling topography and composition of local soils throughout Diamond Bar create numerous areas for potential landslide hazards. However, many historical landslide locations have been stabilized. Notwithstanding, a number of potential landslide areas still exist throughout the City, as well as within Tonner Canyon in the Sphere of Influence. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Clean Water Act (CWA) The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants -regulatory tools to sharply reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. Some of these tools include: • Section 303(d) Total Maximum Daily Loads • Section 401 Water Quality Certification • Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program • Section 404 Discharge of Dredge or Fill Material Section 303(d) requires states, territories, and authorized tribes to develop a list of water-quality limited segments of rivers and other water bodies under their jurisdiction. These waters on the list do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of pollution have installed the minimum required levels of pollution control technology. The law requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the list and develop action plans, called Total Maximum 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1606 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-7 Daily Loads (TMDL), to improve water quality. These are action plans designed to improve the quality of water resources. As part of the TMDL process, municipalities must examine the water quality problems and identify sources of pollutants in order to create specific actions designed to improve water quality. Section 401 requires every applicant for a federal permit or license for any activity that may result in a discharge to a water body to obtain a water quality certification that the proposed activity will comply with applicable water quality standards. Section 402 regulates point-source discharges to surface waters through the NPDES program. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) oversees the NPDES program, which is administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs). The NPDES program provides for both general permits (those that cover a number of similar or related activities) and individual permits. The NPDES program covers municipalities, industrial activities, and construction activities. The NPDES program includes an industrial stormwater permitting component that covers ten categories of industrial activity that require authorization under a NPDES industrial stormwater permit for stormwater discharges. Construction activities, also administered by the State Water Board, are discussed below. Section 402(p) of the federal Clean Water Act, as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, requires NPDES permits for stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity (including construction activities), and designated stormwater discharges, which are considered significant contributors of pollutants to waters of the United States. On November 16, 1990, USEPA published regulations (40 CFR Part 122), which prescribe permit application requirements for MS4s pursuant to CWA 402(p). On May 17, 1996, the U.S. EPA published an Interpretive Policy Memorandum on Reapplication Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, which provided guidance on permit application requirements for regulated MS4s. MS4 permits include requirements for post-construction control of stormwater runoff in what is known as Provision C.3. The goal of Provision C.3 is for the Permittees to use their planning authorities to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and redevelopment projects to address both soluble and insoluble stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects. This goal is to be accomplished primarily through the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques. Section 404 establishes a permit program, administered by USACE, to regulate the discharge of dredge or fill materials into waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Activities in waters of the U.S. that are regulated under this program include fills for development, water resource projects (such as dams and levees), infrastructure development (such as highways and airports), and conversion of wetlands to uplands for farming and forestry. CWA Section 404 permits are issued by USACE. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1607 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-8 Federal Antidegradation Policy, 40 CFR 131.12 The federal antidegradation policy is designed to protect existing water uses, water quality, and national water resources. The federal policy directs states to adopt a statewide policy that includes the following primary provisions: • Existing instream uses and the water quality necessary to protect those uses shall be maintained and protected; • Where existing water quality is better than necessary to support fishing and swimming conditions, that quality shall be maintained and protected unless the state finds that allowing lower water quality is necessary for important local economic or social development; and • Where high-quality waters constitute an outstanding national resource, such as waters of national and state parks, wildlife refuges, and waters of exceptional recreational or ecological significance, that water quality shall be maintained and protected. National Toxics Rule and California Toxics Rule, 40 CFR 131 In 1992, EPA promulgated the National Toxics Rule under the Clean Water Act to establish numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for 14 states to bring all states into compliance with the requirements of section 303(c)(2)(B) of the CWA. The National Toxics Rule established water Plans in September 1994, EPA initiated efforts to promulgate additional federal water quality standards for California. In May 2000, EPA issued the California Toxics Rule, which includes all the priority pollutants for which EPA has issued numeric criteria not included in the National Toxics Rule. Safe Drinking Water Act The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), administered by the U.S. EPA in coordination with t he states, is the main federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water. Under the SDWA, the EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. The Department of Public Health administers the regulations contained in the SDWA in the State of California. National Flood Insurance Program Congress passed the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. The intent of these acts was to reduce the need for large, publicly funded flood control structures and disaster relief by restricting development on floodplains. FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide subsidized flood insurance to communities that comply with FEMA regulations limiting development in floodplains. FEMA issues Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRMs) for communities participating in the NFIP. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1608 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-9 Executive Order 11988 Executive Order 11988 directs federal agencies to avoid to the extent practicable and feasible short and long-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development wherever there is a practicable alternative. Further, this Executive Order requires the prevention of uneconomic, hazardous, or incompatible use of floodplains; protection and preservation of the natural and beneficial floodplain values; and consistency with the standards and criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Federal Highway Administration regulations require that a local hydraulic study and risk assessment be performed where a planned facility or action would encroach on a base floodplain or support incompatible floodplain development. When the hydraulic study indicates significant encroachment, findings must be made that it is the only practicable alternative. The hydraulic study and risk assessment protocol are set forth in the Caltrans Highway Design Manual (Caltrans, 2018). This manual provides guidance and procedures whenever an encroachment permit is anticipated. Disaster Mitigation Act In 2000, FEMA adopted revisions to Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR). This revision is known as Disaster Mitigation Act (DMA). DMA 2000, Section 322 (a-d) requires that local governments, as a condition of receiving federal disaster mitigation funds, have a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) that describes the process for assessing hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities, identifying and prioritizing mitigation actions, and engaging/soliciting input from the community (public), key stakeholders, and adjacent jurisdictions/agencies. State Regulations Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act of 1969 The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act established the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and divided the state into nine regional basins, each with a Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The SWRCB is the primary state agency responsible for protecting the responsible for developing and enforcing water quality objectives and implementation plans. The Planning Area is within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Basin RWQCB (Region 4). The act authorizes the SWRCB to enact state policies regarding water quality in accordance with CWA 303. In addition, the act authorizes the SWRCB to assess Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) fees for projects that would discharge to state waters. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act requires that the SWRCB or the Los Angeles Basin RWQCB adopt water quality control plans (basin plans) for the protection of water quality. A basin plan must: • Identify beneficial uses of water to be protected; • Establish water quality objectives for the reasonable protection of the beneficial uses; and • Establish a program of implementation for achieving the water quality objectives. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1609 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-10 Basin plans also provide the technical basis for determining waste discharge requirements, taking enforcement actions, and evaluating clean water grant proposals. Basin plans are updated and reviewed every three years in accordance with Article 3 of Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and CWA 303(c). The local basin plans are described under Local Regulations, below. Cobey-Alquist Floodplain Management Act The Cobey-Alquist Floodplain Management Act (California Water Code 8400-8415) and Executive Order B-39-77 give support to the National Flood Insurance Program. The Act encourages local governments to plan, adopt, and enforce land use regulations for floodplain management, in order to protect people and property from flooding hazards. The Act also identifies requirements that jurisdictions must meet in order to receive State financial assistance for flood control. In 2002, the California Floodplain Management Task Force created and recommended a proposed revised California Department of Public Health The Drinking Water Program, which regulates public water supply systems, is a major component of the State Department of Public Health Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management. Regulatory responsibilities include the enforcement of the federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts, the regulatory oversight of public water systems, issuance of water treatment permits, and certification of drinking water treatment and distribution operators. State regulations for potable water are contained primarily within the Food and Agricultural Code, the Government Code, the Health and Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, and the Water Code. Regulations are from Title 17 and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The regulations governing recycled water are found in a combination of sources including the Health and Safety Code, Water Code, and Titles 22 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Issues related to treatment and distribution of recycled water are generally under the influence of the RWQCB, while issues related to use and quality of recycled water are the responsibility of the California Department of Public Health. State Water Quality Certification Program The RWQCBs also coordinate the State Water Quality Certification Program, or Section 401 of the CWA. Under Section 401, states have the authority to review any permit or license that will result in a discharge or disruption to wetlands and other waters under state jurisdiction, to ensure that the actions will be consistent with the st associated with Section 404 of the CWA, which obligates USACE to issue permits for the movement 404 requires permits for activities affecting wetlands. Prospective alterations of hydrologic features such as wetlands, rivers, and ephemeral creek beds resulting from construction require Section 404 permits. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1610 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-11 Streambed Alteration Agreement The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) regulates streambed alterations in accordance with the California Fish and Game Code 1601 1616: Streambed Alterations. Whenever a project proposes to alter a streambed, channel, or bank, an agreement with DFW is required. The agreement is a legally binding document that describes measures agreed to by both parties to reduce risks to fish and wildlife in the stream system during the project. This process is usually coordinated with CEQA compliance by being identified as a mitigation measure to be implemented prior to any encroachment into a jurisdictional waterway. California Construction Stormwater Permit The California Construction Stormwater Permit (Construction General Permit)1, adopted by the SWRCB, regulates construction activities that include clearing, grading, and excavation resulting in soil disturbance of at least one acre of total land area. The Construction General Permit authorizes the discharge of stormwater to surface waters from construction activities. It prohibits the discharge of materials other than stormwater and authorized non-stormwater discharges and all discharges that contain a hazardous substance in excess of reportable quantities established at 40 Code of Federal Regulations 117.3 or 40 Code of Federal Regulations 302.4, unless a separate NPDES Permit has been issued to regulate those discharges. The Construction General Permit requires that all developers of land where construction activities will occur over more than one acre do the following: • Complete a Risk Assessment to determine pollution prevention requirements pursuant to the three Risk Levels established in the General Permit; • Eliminate or reduce non-stormwater discharges to storm sewer systems and other waters of the Nation; • Develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which specifies Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will reduce pollution in stormwater discharges to the Best Available Technology Economically Achievable/Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology standards; and • Perform inspections and maintenance of all BMPs. In order to obtain coverage under the NPDES Construction General Permit, the Legally Responsible Person must electronically file all Permit Registration Documents with the SWRCB prior to the start of construction. Typical BMPs contained in SWPPPs are designed to minimize erosion during construction, stabilize construction areas, control sediment, control pollutants from construction materials, and address post construction runoff quantity (volume) and quality (treatment). The SWPPP must also include a discussion of the program to inspect and maintain all BMPs. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1611 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-12 Construction Dewatering Permit The RWQCB construction dewatering permit is required for construction activities such as excavating and trenching in areas with shallow groundwater. Dewatering is regulated under state requirements for stormwater pollution prevention and control. Discharge of non-stormwater from an excavation or trench that contains sediments or other pollutants to water bodies is prohibited. Discharge of uncontaminated groundwater from an excavation or trench is a conditionally exempted discharge by the RWQCB. Since the removed water could be contaminated by chemicals released from construction equipment, disposal of this water would require permits either from the RWQCB for discharge to surface creeks or local agencies for discharge to sewers. Dewatering operations would require a NPDES permit, or an exemption, from the RWQCB, which would establish discharge limitations for specific chemicals, as applicable. State Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan The State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, also known as the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), was approved by FEMA in 2013. The SHMP outlines present and planned activities to address natural hazards, including flooding hazards. The adoption of the SHMP qualifies the State of California for federal funds in the event of a disaster. The State is required under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, described above, to review and update its SHMP and resubmit for FEMA approval at least once every 5 years to ensure the continued eligibility for federal funding. The SHMP provides goals and strategies which address minimization of risks ass ociated with natural hazards and response to disaster situations. The SHMP notes that the primary sources of losses in the State of California are fire and flooding. Local Regulations Los Angeles Region Basin - Region 4, Water Quality Control Plan As stated, the Planning Area falls within the jurisdiction of Region 4 of the Los Angeles Basin RWQCB. The Region 4 Water Quality Control Plan establishes water quality standards for compliance in the Los Angeles Region Basin. The RWQCB is also responsible for implementing the provisions of the General Permit, including reviewing SWPPPs and monitoring reports, conducting compliance inspections, and taking enforcement actions. Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan The Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (GLACR IRWM) was updated in 2014. IRWM Plans are regional plans designed to improve collaboration in water resources management. The first IRWM Plan for GLACR IRWM was published in 2006 following a multi-year effort among water retailers, wastewater agencies, stormwater and flood managers, watershed groups, the business community, tribes, agriculture, and non-profit stakeholders to improve water resources planning in the Los Angeles Basin. It provides a mechanism for: 1) coordinating, refining, and integrating existing planning efforts within a comprehensive, regional context; 2) identifying specific regional and watershed-based priorities for implementation projects; and 3) providing funding support for the plans, programs, projects, and priorities of existing agencies and stakeholders. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1612 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-13 Los Angeles County Municipal Stormwater Permit (MS4 Permit) As discussed above, the Clean Water Act amendments of 1987 established a framework for regulating stormwater discharges from municipal, industrial, and construction activities under the NPDES program. For the Planning Area, the program requires compliance with Municipal Permit Order No. R4-2012-0175 and its Amendments, issued by the California RWQCB, Los Angeles Region. Pursuant to the Municipal Permit issued by the Los Angeles RWQCB, Permittees are required to develop and implement construction and permanent stormwater BMP regulations addressing stormwater pollution associated with private and public development projects. Development projects are also required to include BMPs to reduce pollutant discharges from the project site in the permanent design. The Municipal Stormwater Permit outlines the individual responsibilities of the Permittees including, but not limited to, the implementation of management programs, BMPs, and monitoring programs, within their jurisdiction and their watershed(s). BMPs associated with the final design are described in the Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan. The County of Los Angeles requires a stormwater management plan to describe potential construction and post-construction pollutants and identify BMPs to protect water resources. hydromodification, or changes in the natural flow pattern (surface flow or groundwater) of an area due to development. Hydromodification can be managed by reducing runoff flow and volume, along with including BMPs that reduce volume. City of Diamond Bar Water Pollution Control Regulations Diamond Bar Municipal Code (DBMC) Section 13.00.050, requires that water pollution control plants and facilities be designed so as to produce an effect which will not pollute underground or surface waters, create a nuisance, or menace the public peace, health or safety. In addition, the DBMC Section 13.00.1910, requires that a person shall not discharge or deposit or cause or suffer to be discharged or deposited at any time or allow the continued existence of a deposit of any material which may create a public nuisance, or menace to the public health or safety, or which may pollute underground or surface waters, or which may cause damage to any storm drain channel or public or private property. City of Diamond Bar Subdivisions and Floodplain Management Ordinance DBMC Section 18.108.010, promotes public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas by provisions designed to: • Protect human life and health; • Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects; • Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public; • Minimize prolonged business interruptions; 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1613 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-14 • Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets and bridges located in areas of special flood hazard; • Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the second use and develo pment of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas; • Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and • Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions. City of Diamond Bar Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance DBMC Section 8.12.1630, ensures that the future health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City and the water quality of the receiving waters of the County of Los Angeles and surrounding coastal areas by: • Reducing pollutants in storm water discharges to the maximum extent practicable; • Regulating illicit connections and illicit discharges and thereby reducing the level of contamination of storm water and urban runoff into the MS4; and • Regulating non-storm water discharges to the MS4. In addition, the ordinance aims to protect and enhance the quality of watercourses, water bodies, and wetlands within the city in a manner consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act, the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and the municipal MS4 permit. Further, the ordinance is also intended to provide the city with the legal authority necessary to control discharges to and from those portions of the municipal storm water system over which it has jurisdiction as required by the municipal MS4 permit and to hold dischargers to the municipal storm water system accountable for their contributions of pollutants and flows. Lastly, the ordinance sets forth requirements for the construction and operation of certain developments and projects are compliant with the storm water mitigation measures prescribed in the current version of the Lower San Gabriel Valley Low Impact Development Ordinance (LID) approved by the Los Angeles RWQCB (the LID requirements supersede the Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan, or SUSMP). . Los Angeles County General Plan 2035 The Los Angeles County General Plan 2035, which applies to unincorporated portions of the county, contains a Hillside Management Area Ordinance that aims to preserve significant natural features in hillside areas. In addition, the Los Angeles County General Plan 2035 contains a Safety Element in an effort to reduce the potential risk of death, injuries, and economic damage resulting from natural and man-made hazards. Policies seek to minimize potential risks through education, information provision, and emergency preparedness; protect people and property from flooding and other natural and manmade disasters; provide adequate emergency evacuation and access; and provide a Hazard Mitigation Plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1614 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-15 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality; Criterion 2: Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin; Criterion 3: Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: i. Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site, ii. Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite, iii. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff, or iv. Impede or redirect flood flows; Criterion 4: Risk release of pollutants in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones due to project inundation; or Criterion 5: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Potential impacts on surface and groundwater quality and the potential risk of flooding resulting from the anticipated development in the Proposed Project were evaluated based on relevant information from FEMA, Los Angeles County, and the City. Programmatic impacts are discussed in broad, qualitative terms. This assessment does not satisfy the need for project-level California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for individual projects. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1615 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-16 IMPACTS Impact 3.8-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality. (Less than Significant) As additional development occurs in the Planning Area, impervious surfaces may increase due to the creation or expansion of roads, parking lots, buildings, and other infrastructure. Impervious surfaces generate higher runoff volumes than pervious surfaces. In addition, impervious surfaces collect urban pollutants that can be mobilized during a rain fall event. Thus, increasing impervious surfaces may also increase the amount of urban pollution in the storm water runoff (e.g. sediment, fertilizers, bacteria, metal, trash, etc.). These negative water quality impacts can be mitigated through various storm water best management practices. Other sources of water quality impacts include direct discharge associated with industrial/commercial activities, automobiles, agriculture, and herbicides. Pollutant sources may be generated by past waste disposal practices and chemicals and fertilizers applied to landscaping. Contaminants may include sediment, PCBs/mercury, hydrocarbons and metals, pesticides, nutrients, bacteria, and trash. The Proposed Project would have a significant environmental impact if it would result in the violation of water quality standards and waste discharge requirements set out in Municipal Permit Order No. R4-2012-0175, NPDES Permit CAS004001, issued by the Los Angeles RWQCB. Violation of these permits could occur if the development anticipated in the Proposed Project would substantially increase pollutant loading levels in the sanitary sewer system or in groundwater underlying the city, either directly through the introduction of pollutants generated by industrial land uses, or indirectly through stormwater pollution. As NPDES Permit CAS004001 is based on the federal Clean Water Act, compliance with the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 of the Water Code, commencing with Section 13000), applicable state and federal regulations, all applicable provisions of statewide water quality control plans and policies adopted by the SWRCB, the Basin Plan adopted by the RWQCB, the California Toxics Rule, the California Toxics Rule Implementation Plan, and NPDES would ensure compliance with other applicable plans and regulations pertaining to water quality. The Proposed Project could allow for potential development and redevelopment within the city that would increase the area of impervious surfaces and could therefore increase the amount of runoff and associated pollutants during both construction and operation. However, as described in the Regulatory Setting section above, all construction activity within the Planning Area that has the potential to negatively affect water quality is required to comply with the MS4 Water Pollution Ordinance, Floodplain Management Ordinance, and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinances, discussed above, further protect water quality in the Planning Area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1616 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-17 Implementation of practices required by the MS4 Permit would reduce the volume of runoff from impervious surfaces and increase the amount of natural filtration of pollutants from stormwater occurring on site, generally improving the quality of stormwater before it enters the and/or stormwater system. Furthermore, the Proposed Project contains goals and policies pertaining to water quality, as listed below. The proposed goals and policies promote the protect slopes, open space, reduce impervious areas, ensure preparation and implementation of applicable water quality plans, require incorporation of BMPs, and otherwise ensure compliance with the MS4 Permit and other related regulations improved water quality in the Planning Area and continued compliance with federal, state, and local water quality regulations, and would ensure that water quality is protected to the maximum extent practicable. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Project would ensure that impacts are less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-28. Preserve open space, ridgelines, and hillsides to protect the visual character of the city, provide for public outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, support groundwater recharge, protect existing and planned wildlife corridors, and ensure public safety. LU-P-42. Avoid expanses of surface parking and require the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings. LU-P-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1617 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-18 d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits fuel modif modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Community Character & Placemaking CC-G-9. Encourage development that takes advantage of the focus area's dramatic topography by establishing unique open spaces and open space connections. CC-P-12. Develop and enforce private slope maintenance standards for properties with rear descending slopes that face public streets, with special emphasis on those along Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Pathfinder Road, and the freeways. CC-P-25. Encourage the design of shared parking for commercial and office uses where possible. CC-P-26. Establish reduced minimum commercial parking requirements for all development within new mixed-use land use designations. Reduced parking requirements should be supported by proximity to transit, shared parking, and technologies that, once mainstreamed, would reduce the need for conventional parking layouts. Resource Conservation RC-G-3. Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. RC-P-24. preventing erosion along the banks, removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on-site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1618 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-19 RC-P-26. Require the implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), and inspection by a Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP), during construction and post construction to limit land disturbance activities such as clearing and grading and cut-and-fill; avoid steep slopes, unstable areas, and erosive soils; and minimize disturbance of natural vegetation and other physical or biological features important to preventing erosion or sedimentation. RC-P-27. Require that post-development peak stormwater runoff discharge rates do not exceed the estimated pre-development rate and that dry weather runoff from new development not exceed the pre-development baseline flow rate to receiving water bodies. Public Safety PS-G-2. Implement measures aimed at preventing the potential for loss of life, physical injury, property damage, public health hazards, and nuisances from the effects of a 100-year storm and associated flooding. PS-P-25. On sites with known contamination of soil and groundwater, work with State and local agencies to continue to identify and compel cleanup of such sites to ensure that construction workers, future occupants, the public, and the environment are adequately protected from hazards associated with contamination. The City may reference the State Water Resources Control Board's Geotracker database to identify potentially hazardous sites. Figure 7-7 shows sites identified through these databases in 2019. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1619 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-20 Impact 3.8-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. (Less than Significant) As described in the Environmental Setting section above, the Planning Area is located in the Puente and Spadra Groundwater Basins. However, both groundwater basins do not contain potable water quality due to high levels of total dissolved solids and nitrates. As such, groundwater production is distributed within the recycled water distribution system. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge. Groundwater supplied recycled water could be a potential source of supply for landscape irrigation needs associated with potential additional development and redevelopment within the Planning Area, reducing potential impacts to imported and surface potable water supplies. The proposed General Plan policies listed below would help to conserve groundwater in the Planning Area. In addition, the proposed General Plan policies listed below would help to preserve permeable surfaces in the Planning Area. Water Pollution Ordinance, described in the Regulatory Section above, protects groundwater from potential sources of contamination. Therefore, impacts are less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-26. Should Los Angeles County choose to cease operations of the Diamond Bar Golf Course or reduce the area of the Golf Course, promote development of the portion of the Golf Course north of Grand Avenue predominantly as a public park/consolidated golf course with additional community or civic uses, and the portion south of Grand Avenue as a walkable mixed-use community and regional destination offering retail, dining, and entertainment uses; plazas and community gathering spaces; supporting residential uses; and civic and other supporting uses. LU-G-28. Preserve open space, ridgelines, and hillsides to protect the visual character of the city, provide for public outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, support groundwater recharge, protect existing and planned wildlife corridors, and ensure public safety. Resource Conservation RC-G-8. Protect natural groundwater recharge areas and regional spreading grounds. RC-G-9. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation to promote groundwater recharge. RC-G-10. Minimize the consumption and waste of potable water through water conservation and use of reclaimed water. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1620 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-21 RC-G-11. Work with regional organizations and other jurisdictions to manage groundwater resources of the San Gabriel Valley Basin. RC-G-12. Pursue methods to control, capture, and reuse stormwater runoff for the purposes of groundwater recharge and local water recovery. RC-P-16. Coordinate with local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed water, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation and other appropriate uses and consider construction of dual water systems, where feasible, for development RC-P-17. Continually evaluate and upgrade the efficiency of City irrigation systems, prioritizing the use of reclaimed water. RC-P-18. Carry out a comprehensive public outreach program to educate residents and businesses about water conservation, stormwater pollution prevention, and water reuse opportunities and advantages. RC-P-19. Require new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems. RC-P-20. Require the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-21. Require builders to provide information to prospective buyers or tenants within the City of Diamond Bar regarding drought-tolerant planting concepts. RC-P-22. Require the use of mulch in landscape areas to improve the water holding capacity of the soil by reducing evaporation and soil compaction in accordance with the -Efficient Landscape Ordinance. RC-P-23. Continue to partner with other local agencies to manage surface and groundwater resources through the implementation of the Walnut Valley Urban Water Management Plan and regional watershed and groundwater planning efforts. Public Facilities PF-P-40. Pursue the transfer of ownership of all portions of the storm drain system within Diamond Bar to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD). PF-P-41. Work with the LACFCD to complete a drainage master plan for Diamond Bar with a vie system, and update it periodically, as needed. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1621 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-22 Community Health & Sustainability CHS-P-56. Prepare a Landscape Manual or otherwise incorporate landscape standards in the Municipal Code to mitigate urban heat island effects and contribute to long-term carbon storage through maximum tree canopy coverage and minimum asphalt and paving coverage particularly for denser areas like the planned Town Center and mixed-use neighborhoods, existing shopping centers, and industrial and other areas with expansive surface parking. Consider the reflectance of stone and rock ground cover in heat generation. CHS-P-57. Encourage water conservation, drought-tolerant landscaping and the use of greywater and reclaimed and recycled water, where appropriate, with a view to reducing water use. CHS-P-59. Increase the efficiency of water usage in public places, such as irrigation in public parks, and utilize drought-tolerant landscaping in City parks and streetscapes. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.8-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: i. Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site, ii. Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite, iii. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff, or iv. Impede or redirect flood flows. (Less than Significant) Implementation of the Proposed Project would not involve the direct alteration of existing streams, rivers, or other drainage patterns. However, potential future development or redevelopment allowed anticipated by the Proposed Project could impact the existing drainage system. Increases to impervious surfaces, such as roofs, patios, driveways, and parking areas could lead to increased stormwater flow. The development anticipated by the Proposed Project could increase the amount of impervious surfaces within the city and could therefore increase runoff from these sites into the local storm drains in the Planning Area. An increase in runoff volumes could result in hydromodification effects such as erosion, siltation, and flooding on the hydrological systems within the Planning Area, which occur when rainfall runoff is increased from impervious areas 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1622 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-23 above the natural rainfall rate that would otherwise occur. However, the majority of development that may occur in the Planning Area is redevelopment of areas with already impervious surfaces. Furthermore, the City recognizes the importance of water quality and preventing hydromodification. As described in the Regulatory Setting section above, any development that would occur under the Proposed Plan Floodplain Management and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinances that help prevent flood damage resulting from hydromodification. Adherence to the ordinances would limit surface runoff from development under the Proposed Project, reducing siltation and erosion. In addition, the policies are intended to preserve natural watercourses and open spaces, and to ensure future development incorporates BMPs to reduce runoff from a site. For these reasons, impacts associated with the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies LU-G-26, LU-G-28, CC-G-9, RC-G-3, PS-G-2, LU-P-56, CC-P-12, CC-P-26, RC-P-24, RC-P-25, RC-P-26, RC-P-27, PF-P-40, and PF-P-41 as discussed under Impacts 3.8-1 and 3.8-2, in addition to the following: Land Use & Economic Development LU-P-2. Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed developments as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. Preservation can occur through methods including, but not limited to, dedication to the City or a conservation entity such as a conservancy, mitigation bank, or trust, or through conservation easements, deed restrictions, or other means. LU-P-4. Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments to anticipate and require mitigation to the greatest extent feasible to reduce land use, circulation, and economic impacts on Diamond Bar. LU-P-5. Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure are available or provided to support new development, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public safety, and parks. LU-P-6. Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-22. Require commercial development to incorporate outdoor green spaces appropriate and usable for patrons and visitors. LU-P-42. Avoid expanses of surface parking and require the consolidation and location of parking to the rear or side of buildings. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1623 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-24 LU-P-44. Require that a master plan or specific plan be prepared for any future development within the Community Core overlay area that creates a master-planned mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented community and regional destination. Approximately 100 acres north of Grand Avenue is to support a park or consolidated golf course along with additional community or civic uses. The southern portion is to accommodate a mix of uses emphasizing destination and specialty retail, dining, and entertainment, including opportunities for residential, hospitality, and community and civic uses. Community Character & Placemaking CC-G-9 Encourage development that takes advantage of the focus area's dramatic topography by establishing unique open spaces and open space connections. CC-P-6. Prioritize sustainability in site design. When incorporating on-site stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically integrated into the site design. CC-P-49. Encourage reductions in surface parking and allow for the development of consolidated parking structures, provided that they are screened from view from Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. Resource Conservation RC-G-7. Protect waterways including creeks, riverines, artesian springs, seeps, and wetlands and watersheds in Diamond Bar from pollution and degradation as a result of urban activities. Public Safety PS-P-7. Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that the City's floodplain information is up to date with the latest available hydrologic and hydraulic engineering data. PS-P-8. Continue to implement flood control programs, such as the City's Grading and Floodplain Ordinances, that reduce flood hazards to comply with State flood risk management requirements. PS-P-9. Consider the impacts to health and safety from potential flooding on future development in flood-prone areas, including those identified as being within the 100- or 500-year floodplains. Require installation of protective structures or other design measures to protect proposed building and development sites from the effects of flooding in these areas. Figure 7-4 shows flood zones in and around the Planning Area based on FEMA's 2016 flood hazard data. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1624 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-25 PS-P-10. Ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer as a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementation of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. PS-P-11. Use the drainage master plan developed in coordination with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department to assess existing and future flood control needs and related improvements within Diamond Bar. PS-P-12. As part of the Capital Improvement Program, consider and incorporate flood control improvements identified in the drainage master plan that specifies funding and timing of prioritized improvements. Coordinate the City's Capital Improvement Program with planned County improvements. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.8-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not risk release of pollutants in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones due to project inundation. (Less than Significant) The Planning Area is located sufficiently inland to be out of what would be considered a potential hazard area for seiches, tsunamis, and sea level rise. In addition, the vast majority of the Planning Area is outside of the flood hazard zone. Therefore, these impacts are less than significant. proposed General Plan policies listed below, ensure the impacts associated with flood hazard zones would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies LU-P-44, LU-P-55, LU-P-56, PS-G-2, PS-P-7, PS-P-8, PS-P-9, PS-P-10, PS-P-11, PS-P-12, CHS-P-57, and CHS-P-59 as discussed under Impacts 3.8-1, 3.8-2, and 3.8-3, in addition to the following: Public Safety PS-P-13. Reduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1625 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality 3.8-26 Impact 3.8-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. (Less than Significant) As described under Impact 3.8-1, the development anticipated by the Proposed Project could potentially degrade water quality; however, development would be subject to the RWQCB requirements and the City Municipal Code, as described above. Furthermore, the proposed General Plan contains goals and policies pertaining to water quality, as described previously. Overall, the Area and continued compliance with federal, state, and local water quality regulations, and would ensure that water quality is protected to the maximum extent practicable. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not substantially degrade water quality and impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies CC-P-6, RC-G-9, RC-G-10, RC-G-12, RC-P-16, RC-P-17, RC-P-18, RC-P-19, RC-P-20, RC-P-22, RC-P-23, RC-P-24, RC-P-26, RC-P-27, PF-P-40, PF-P-41, PS-P-13, PS-P-25, and CHS- P-55 as discussed under Impacts 3.8-1, 3.8-2, 3.8-3, and 3.8-4. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1626 3.9 Land Use and Housing This section assesses potential environmental impacts from future development anticipated by the Proposed Project, as related to land use and housing, including evaluation of Proposed Project consistency with existing land use plans and regulations, community division, and housing displacement. This section describes existing land uses, and housing in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. Population and growth inducement are addressed in Section 5.1. There were eight comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Land Use and Housing. • The City of Chino Hills stated that changes to the Diamond Bar General Plan Land Use Diagram appear reasonable, and requests that Diamond Bar include a policy within its General Plan Update to coordinate with the City of Chino Hills regarding plans for the future development of Tres Hermanos. Proposed General Plan policy RC-P-8 accommodates this request. • A member of the public stated that Tonner Canyon and 75 percent of Tres Hermanos Ranch should remain as open space and wildlife; Diamond Bar should oppose mandates from the State, Los Angeles County, and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to maximize high-density mixed-use development; and Diamond Bar should limit infill and the size and scope of any proposed mixed-use projects. The proposed General Plan designates the SOI, which includes Tonner Canyon, as a Significant Ecological Area and includes multiple policies aimed at preserving open space within Tres Hermanos and throughout the City of Diamond Bar. While the Proposed Project encourages mixed-use projects, the proposed General Plan provides allowable density ranges that are comparable with existing densities. Mixed-use development under the Proposed Project is concentrated within four focus areas and the Proposed Project aims to preserve existing neighborhoods. • A member of the public stated that Figure 3 of the Notice of Preparation properly colored the mobile home parks as high-density residential in order to delineate them as separate from the transit-oriented mixed-use area. This comment is acknowledged and carried forward in figures found within this chapter. • A member of the public stated that designation of the 720-acre area in the northeast corner of Diamond Bar as Planning Area would be inconsistent with the 2014 update to the 1995 Diamond Bar Zoning Map, which designates this area as Agricultural, and that this area should go through the entire zoning process update with public hearings before this change. This comment refers to the portion of Tres Hermanos Ranch within Diamond Bar. Designed to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1627 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-2 conserve open space resources and is to be applied to properties where creative approaches are needed to integrate future development with existing natural resources. All proposed development within these designated areas shall require the formation of a Specific Plan policies in the proposed General Plan are explicitly designed to conserve open space in Diamond Bar, including Tres Hermanos Ranch. Additionally, the Tres Hermanos Conservation pen under Impact 3.9-2. • A representative from Hills for Everyone requested that the EIR address how the General Plan will incorporate sustainable planning measures, ensure new residential buildings are pre-wired and pre-plumbed for solar, ensure community design features are incorporated into new projects, meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) goals, ensure minimal impacts to local schools and community centers, and ensure a balance between jobs and housing. Sustainable planning measures, solar-equipped facilities, and community design features are discussed in the Climate Action Plan and proposed General Plan Community Character and Community Health and Sustainability chapters. RHNA goals are discussed in Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions. Impacts to schools and community facilities are discussed in Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation. The projected jobs-housing balance is discussed in the Environmental Setting below. • SCAG provided relevant goals of the 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and demographic and growth forecasts for the City of Diamond Bar and the SCAG region for years 2020, 2035, and 2040. Compliance with the RTP/SCS goals is discussed in this chapter and Chapter 3.5: Energy, Climate Change, and Greenhouse Gases. Growth-inducing impacts of the Proposed Project are further discussed in Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions. • Southern California Edison stated that the General Plan Land Use Diagram provided in the NOP contains an error which shows the division of the SCE property; however, this would not unreasonably interfere with the exercise of any easements and/or facilities held by SCE. The comment is noted. The proposed General Plan and proposed General Plan land use diagram (shown in Figure 3.9-3) does not propose division of this property or relocation of facilities. • A representative from the Sierra Club provided input on identifying Significant Ecological Areas and requested that CEQA categorical exemptions be denied on residential development projects which potentially impact the wildland interface they overlay and align, all projects bordering wildland require a 200 foot protective buffer, and old develo required to perform current protocol surveys. The Sierra Club also requested that land designated as open space by deed, open space easement, or map restriction should not have its protections removed. This comment pertains to proposed General Plan land use and resource conservation policies and does not affect the analysis presented in this chapter. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1628 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-3 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING The City of Diamond Bar is located at the far eastern edge of Los Angeles County and the San Gabriel Valley, within 30 miles driving distance of the cities of Los Angeles, Riverside, and Irvine. The western edge of the City lies at the intersection of State Route 57 (SR-57) and SR-60, with SR- 57 connecting the City to Interstate 10 (I-10) one and a half miles to the north and SR-60 connecting to SR-71 roughly two northern border with the City of Industry, providing east-west transit connections to Los Angeles and Riverside. The Planning Area for the General Plan is defined as the land area addressed by the policies and land use designations. The Planning Area encompasses 13,039 acres, of which 9,526 acres (73 percent of the total) is in the City limits and the remaining 3,513 acres (27 percent) is in the Sphere of Influence (SOI). It is bounded by the cities of Industry and Walnut to the north, Pomona and Chino Hills to the east, and Brea to the south, and unincorporated Los Angeles County to the west. While Diamond Bar does not have jurisdiction in areas outside of its city limits, general may also include additional land. The SOI is defined as the ultimate physical boundary and service area of the City, and it encompasses both incorporated and unincorporated territory that is envisioned to be the City ultimate service area. The Los Angeles County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) reviews and approves proposed boundary changes and annexations affecting the SOI. The SOI, which has remained relatively constant since it was first approved in 1990, includes part of Tonner Canyon, an undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches in a crescent shape from SR-57 northwest to SR-60. Existing Land Use Diamond -family residential development throughout the city studded with clusters of multi-family residential and non- residential uses. Some of the single-family and multi-family residential uses in the City are part of gated communities, including The Country, an exclusive gate-guarded community of over 800 large-lot, detached single-family homes in the southeastern hills. Multi-family residential development tends to be located along the major thoroughfares of Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and Brea Canyon Road, and is often co-located with non-residential uses. Commercial and office uses tend to cluster at intersections (such as Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue), along major thoroughfares, and along the freeways, and tend to take the form of shopping centers and office parks. Industrial uses are concentrated in the western part of the City along the border with the City of Industry, among residential uses. The Gateway Corporate Center, a master-planned 255- acre business park, is located along the east side of the SR-57/60 confluence. The Gateway center is 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1629 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-4 home to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and several Fortune 500 companies and is a premier business center in the region due to its proximity to the freeways and the Ontario and John Wayne airports. The City is also dotted with a variety of open space slopes and areas that follow its many ridges and hillsides. Public parks and recreational facilities are found mostly in the eastern half of the City, bordering residential uses. The County-operated Diamond Bar Golf Course occupies a substantial portion of land in the north-central part of the City. Other public uses, such as schools and utilities, are relatively evenly distributed throughout the City. Undeveloped areas and open spaces are northeast by Chino Hills Parkway, as well as the entirety of the SOI to the south of the City limits. Residential uses account for half of all land within the City and 37 percent of land in the Planning Area overall. The vast majority of residential uses (89 percent) are single-family detached homes. Vacant land makes up 18 percent of all land within the City limits and 16 percent of land in the Planning Area overall, which includes areas within the City that are naturally undeveloped due to environmental constraints and other land use restrictions, but which are not formally developed or maintained as parkland.1 Parks and open spaces account for another eight percent of land in the City, and over 30 percent of land in the Planning Area due to the predominance of open space in the SOI. Public and community facilities make up four percent of land in the City and three percent of the Planning Area, which are very similar proportions to those for commercial and mixed uses . Industrial uses account for less than one percent of land in the City and the Planning Area. Existing land uses are summarized in Table 3.9-1, and Figure 3.9-1 shows the overall pattern of existing use of land in the Planning Area. 1 Open space is defined as any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to open space use, which may include the preservation of natural resources, the managed production of resources, outdoor recreation, the protection of public health and safety, support for the mission of military installations, or the protection of tribal cultural resources (California Government Code Sections 51075 and 65560). Unimproved land that is designated for other uses is considered vacant land rather than open space but may become open space if it is dedicated, acquired by a public entity, or otherwise preserved in perpetuity. Dedicated open spaces are designated on the Land Use Diagram with the Open Space land use classification. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1630 !(T Armstrong E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Chaparral M.S. Diamond Bar H.S. Diamond Point E.S. Diamond Ranch High School Evergreen E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Maple Hill E.S. Pantera E.S. Quail Summit E.S. South Pointe M.S. Walnut E.S. Little League Field Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Willow Heights Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2016 Single Family Residential-Detached Multi Family Residential Mobile Home Park Service Station Hotel/Motel/Lodging Commercial Auto Commercial Figure 3.9-1: Existing Land Use in Planning Area General/Retail Commercial Mixed Commercial & Office Office/Banks/Financial Services Light Industrial General Industrial/Warehousing Religious/Institutional Use Hospital/Medical Center Schools/Educational Use Public Facilities Parks & Recreation Golf Course Open Space/Greenways/Trails Utilities Vacant Vacant Natural Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence 00.71.40.35 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1631 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-6 Table 3.9-1: Existing Land Use in the Planning Area Existing Use of Land Category City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence Total Planning Area Acres Percentage Acres Percentage Acres Percentage Residential 4,772 50% - - 4,772 37% Single-family Residential 4,257 45% - - 4,257 33% Multi-family Residential 479 5% - - 479 4% Mobile Home Park 36 <1% - - 36 <1% Parks and Open Spaces 1,399 8% 3,156 90% 3,949 30% Open Space, Greenways, Trails, Natural Areas 311 3% 3,156 90% 3,467 27% Golf Course 172 2% - - 172 1% Parks & Recreation 310 3% - - 310 2% Public and Community Facilities 345 4% - - 345 3% Schools/Educational Facilities 279 3% - - 279 2% Religious/Institutional Facilities 42 <1% - - 42 <1% Hospital/Medical Center 13 <1% - - 13 <1% Public Facilities 11 <1% - - 11 <1% Commercial, Office, and Mixed Use 340 4% - - 340 3% Office/Banks/Financial Services 166 2% - - 166 1% General/Retail Commercial 135 1% - - 135 1% Hotel/Motel/Lodging Commercial 12 <1% - - 12 <1% Drive-thru Commercial 12 <1% - - 12 <1% Service Station 8 <1% - - 8 <1% Mixed Commercial & Office Uses 7 <1% - - 7 <1% Industrial 72 1% - - 72 1% Light Industrial 44 <1% - - 44 <1% General Industrial/Warehousing 27 <1% - - 27 <1% Vacant 1,673 18% 357 10% 2,030 16% Vacant 1,137 12% 357 10% 1,494 12% Vacant Natural Undeveloped Areas 536 6% - - 536 4% Other 1,531 16% - - 1,531 12% Utilities 28 <1% - - 28 <1 Street ROW, Private Roads, etc. 1,503 16% - - 1,503 12% Total 9,526 100% 3,513 100% 13,038 100% Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2016; Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1632 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-7 Population and Housing Past and Current Trends Between the 1990 U.S. Census and the 2016 California Department of Finance population projection, the City gained approximately 3,400 residents. This represents an annual growth rate of only 0.2 percent a year over a 26-year period. Since 1990, the City not kept pace with the region or C growth due to the fact that the City is largely built out and there have been limited opportunities for housing development. Projections The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has projected that the City will grow at a slower pace than experienced prior to its incorporation in 1989. As part of the General Plan update process, the City estimated its 2016 population based on the number of existing housing units in the Planning Area, assuming 3.16 persons per occupied unit in Diamond Bar and a vacancy rate of 3 percent (from the California Department of Finance E-5 Report), resulting in a population of 57,853. The 2040 population projection assumes a standard residential vacancy rate of 5 percent and 3.097 population per occupied unit based on the 2016 population per occupied unit of 3.16 with the two percent reduction projected through 2040 from Southern California Associated Governments (SCAG). grow from 57,853 to 66,685 residents, translating to a 0.6-percent annual growth rate over the next 20 years. Given the land use changes and policies proposed in this Plan as well as regional employment projections, the City projects strong overall job growth in Diamond Bar over the next 20 years, with projected employment increasing by nearly 48 percent from 14,700 jobs in 2016 to 21,700 jobs in 2040. Table 3.9-2 shows projected employment growth totals and by land use. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1633 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-8 Table 3.9-2: Projected Employment Growth by Non-Residential Land Use Category, 2016- 2040 Non-Residential Land Use Category 2016 Estimated Total Jobs Percent of Total 2040 Projected Total Jobs Percent of Total Estimated Change in Jobs, 2016- 2040 Retail 1,500 10% 3,100 14% 1,600 Office 7,300 50% 11,400 53% 4,100 Industrial 2,100 14% 1,700 8% (400) Other Commercial2 3,800 26% 5,500 25% 1,700 Total 14,700 100% 21,700 100% 7,000 Notes: 1. Totals may not add due to rounding. 2. Other commercial uses include accommodation and food services and other miscellaneous services (excluding public administration). Source: Dyett and Bhatia, 2019. Jobs-Housing Balance Jobs-housing balance refers to the condition in which a single community offers an equal supply of jobs and housing, which theoretically would reduce the need for people to commute in or out of town for work. In reality, the match of education, skills and interests is not always accommodated within the boundaries of one community. Still, matching the the workforce needs to availability of housing types/prices can potentially reduce commute travel. A jobs to housing ratio of 1.0 would indicate parity between jobs and housing, although because of regional inter-dependencies, inter- city commuting will still result. In 2016, the Planning Area had a jobs to housing ratio of about 0.78 (based on 14,702 jobs and 18,913 housing units in 2016), indicating that a number of residents commute outside of Diamond largely residential nature. Under full buildout of the Proposed Project, the jobs to housing ratio in the Planning Area would increase to 0.96 (based on 21,744 jobs and 11,667 housing units). The ratio rises predominantly due to the anticipated/projected influx of employment centers in mixed use neighborhoods and the proposed Town Center. SCAG projects a jobs to housing ratio of 0.90, based on 19,262 jobs and 21,341 housing units in 2040, which is slightly lower than under the Proposed Project. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1634 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-9 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations There are no relevant federal laws, policies, plans, or programs that apply to the Proposed Project in relation to this issue area. State Regulations California Relocation Law, Public Resources Code Section 7260 et seq. The California Relocation Law requires the fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced as a direct result of programs or projects undertaken by a public entity. The law requires agencies to prepare a relocation plan, provide relocation payments, and identify substitute housing opportunities for any resident that is to be displaced by a public project. California Government Code Section 65300 Government Code Sections 65300 states that each planning agency shall prepare and the legislative body of each county and city shall adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the county or city, and of any land outside its boundaries which in the planning California Government Code Sections 65919 to 65919.11 Government Code Sections 65919 to 65919.11 summarize procedures related to interagency referrals for different types of lead agency actions, including general plan updates. Among other referrals, this part of the Government Code provides a procedure and protocols for requesting counties keep cities informed regarding land use actions within the unincorporated portions of spheres of influences and planning areas. Department of Housing and Community Development The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is responsible for determining the regional housing need for all jurisdictions in California and ensuring the availability of affordable housing for all income groups. Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008) The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008, otherwise known as Senate Bill (SB) 375, requires the integration of land use, housing, and transportation planning to achieve regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, adopted by the California Air Resources Board. SB 375 requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS)a new element of the regional transportation plan (RTP)to plan for achieving these GHG reduction targets. The SCS must demonstrate the attainment of the regional GHG emissions reduction targets while accommodating the full projected population of the region. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1635 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-10 Local Regulations SCAG Regional Housing Needs Assessment The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a key tool for local governments to plan for anticipated growth. The RHNA quantifies the anticipated need for housing within each jurisdiction for the 5th Housing Element cycle extending from January 2014 to October 2021. Communities then determine how they will address this need through the process of updating the Housing Elements of their General Plans. The RHNA was adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) in October 2012. The total housing growth need for the City of Diamond Bar during the 2014-2021 planning period is 1,146 units. Los Angeles County General Plan Provisions of the Los Angeles County General Plan apply to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including the SOI adjacent to Diamond Bar city limits analyzed in the Proposed Project and EIR. The Los Angeles County General Plan Land Use Element outl Management Areas, or areas requiring additional development regulations to prevent the loss of life and property, and to protect the natural environment and important resources. Scenic Resources in the unincorporated areas of the County are regulated by Hillside Management Area (HMA) policies as well as the corresponding HMA Ordinance, which is discussed below. In addition to HMAs, the General Plan protects ridgelines, scenic viewsheds, and areas along scenic highways. Scenic resources are addressed in greater detail in the Conservation and Natural Resources Element, which seeks to guide the long-term conservation of natural resources and preservation of available open space areas. Specific Scenic Resources policies include protecting ridgelines from incompatible development, encouraging development with a visual relationship to surrounding terrain and vegetation, and prohibiting outdoor advertising and billboards along scenic routes, corridors and other scenic areas. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances The Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances addresses development regulations that pertain to Special Management Areas, including Hillside Management Areas and Significant Ecological Areas. The Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances applies to all unincorporated land within the Planning Area. Hillside Management Ordinance The HMA Ordinance, which was adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on October 6, 2015, allows clustering development at the base of the slope, limits grading, and ensures that the drainage configuration remains as natural as possible and will not adversely impact offsite property. The County defines HMAs as mountainous or foothill terrain with a natural slope of 25 percent or greater. A significant por hillsides within the City, as discussed in Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1636 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-11 Hillside Design Guidelines Hillside Design Guidelines apply to all development in HMAs in Los Angeles County, unless exempted Guidelines is optional but encouraged. The Guidelines include specific and measurable design techniques that can be applied to residential, commercial, industrial, and other types of projects. The Guidelines seek to minimize hillside alteration, conserve ridgeline silhouettes, determine traffic circulation and building placement by topography, and incorporate trails where appropriate. Significant Ecological Areas Ordinance Update The Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) Program Update, approved by the Los Angeles County designation of Conceptual SEAs to official SEAs. SEAs include land that is identified to hold important biological resources representing the wide-ranging biodiversity of the County, based on the criteria for SEA designation established by the General Plan and as mapped in the SEA Policy Map (Figure 3.1-3). As sho an SEA. The SEA Ordinance establishes regulations to conserve the unique biological and physical diversity of the natural communities within Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) by requiring development to be designed to avoid and minimize impacts on SEA Resources. The regulation of development in SEAs also seeks to preserve scenic resources. City of Diamond Bar Zoning Ordinance The City regulates the type, location, density, and scale of residential development through Title 22 and Zoning Map. Zoning regulations serve to implement the General Plan and are designed to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents. The Development Code also helps to preserve the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods. The Development Code and Zoning Map set forth residential development standards for each zoning district. City of Diamond Bar Citywide Design Guidelines The City of Diamond Bar Design Guidelines, adopted in 1998, are intended to provide design professionals, property owners, residents, staff, and decision makers with a clear and common nd review of development proposals. The Design Guidelines were created following adoption of the 1995 General Plan as a further measure to assist in the creation of a built environment of a quality and superiority in design beyond what can be achieved by simply meeting the minimum development standards of the Development Code. City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2013-2021 Housing Element A housing element must analyze existing and projected housing needs, examine special housing 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1637 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-12 needs within the population, evaluate the effectiveness of current goals and policies, identify governmental and other constraints, determine compliance with other housing laws, and identify opportunities to incorporate energy conservation into the housing stock. The element must also establish goals, policies and programs to maintain, enhance, and develop housing. -year plan for the period 2013-2021. Chapter V of the Housing Element, the Housing Action Plan, identifies strategies and programs that focus on: 1) conserving and improving existing affordable housing; 2) providing adequate housing sites; 3) assisting in the development of affordable housing; 4) removing governmental and other constraints to the housing development; and 5) promoting equal housing opportunities. Specific Plans The City uses specific plans to coordinate development and infrastructure improvements on large sites or series of parcels. Specific plans must be consistent with the General Plan and are typically used to establish development plans and standards to achieve the design and development objectives for a particular area. Existing and planned development under the following specific plans is included in buildout projections of the Proposed Project. Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan The Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan was adopted in May 2004. The 70.5-acre site covered by the Specific Plan is located southeastern corner of Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue intersection. The Specific Plan allowed the development of up to 200 high-density residential units, as well as up to 270,100 square feet of new commercial, retail, and institutional uses with a maximum FAR of 1.0. The Specific Plan stipulated new development on the site should meet the following goals: include a mix of uses, achieve citywide development goals described in the General Plan, feature landscaping and architectural elements cohesive with the identity of the community, and enhance the character and style of the region. South Pointe West Specific Plan The South Pointe West Specific Plan and tentative tract map were adopted in 2007, approving a mix of residential, park, and open space land uses on a 34.5-acre property west of Brea Canyon Road and South of Larkstone Drive. The plan allowed for a 99-unit detached residential condominium subdivision as well as Larkstone Park, a 6.8-acre neighborhood park off Larkstone Drive. Site D Specific Plan The Site D Specific Plan, adopted in 2012, pertains to an approximately 30-acre site in the southwestern portion of the City, located on the southeast corner of Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. Prior to development, the empty site was jointly owned by the Walnut Valley Unified School District and the City of Diamond Bar (97% and 3% respectively). The Specific open space, and recreational land uses. The Willow Heights gated community, which was completed in 2016 by Lennar Corporation, consists of 47 single family homes, 73 detached condominium units, and 62 multifamily condominium units within three distinct communities 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1638 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-13 182 residential units in total. As required under the Specific Plan and subsequent tract map, Lennar also constructed a 4.3-acre public park at the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Physically divide an established community; Criterion 2: Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect; Criterion 3: Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS This EIR analysis considers current and proposed General Plan policies and goals, existing and proposed land use conditions within Diamond Bar, and applicable regulations and guidelines. The proposed General Plan has a year 2040 horizon; however, the proposed General Plan does not speculate when buildout will occur, as long-range demographic and economic trends are difficult to predict. The designation within the proposed General Plan of a site for certain use, as seen in Figure 3.9-2, does not necessarily mean that the site will be developed or redeveloped with that use during the planning period, as most development will depend on property owner initiative. For the purposes of this EIR, the environmental analysis assumes that sites will be developed or redeveloped with the designated land use at buildout of the Proposed Project. With much of the City n space a priority, undeveloped land available for development is limited in Diamond Bar. The General Plan provides for four focus areas, depicted in Figure 3.9-3, where major land use changes are planned to take place as part of a strategy to provide walkable mixed-use activity centers. These focus areas provide opportunities for infill development that can incorporate a range of housing, employment, and recreational uses to meet the needs of families, young people, senior citizens, and residents of all incomes. These focus areas were designed in response to community priorities including a desire for expanded access to entertainment and community gathering places, and the need to ions are proposed for each of these focus areas to facilitate their development. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1639 !(T Significant Ecological Area DiamondRanch HighSchool PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPointE.S. Little LeagueField ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGS RDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReaganPark Star ShinePark SummitridgePark Country Park LarkstonePark Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOM ING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLD SPRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 00.510.25 MILES Land Use Designations Rural Residential Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Medium Density Residential Medium High Density Residential High Density Residential High Density Residential-30 Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use Light Industrial General Commercial Office Water School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Significant Ecological Area Private Recreation Planning Area Specific Plan Community Core Overlay City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Figure 3.9-2: General Plan Land Use Diagram 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1640 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELESCOUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINOCOUNTY MetrolinkStation RiversideMetrolinkLine}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LB AL LENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D BA RBLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E RDPEACEFU LHILLSR D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELW YMAPL EHILL R DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVAN G L E N R D HIGHLAN D V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O PLEYDRBRIDGEGATED RVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDLand Use Designations Rural Residential Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Medium High Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use Light Industrial General Commercial Office Water School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Significant Ecological Area Specific Plan Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 3.9-3: Proposed Land UseChange Areas 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1641 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-16 IMPACTS Impact 3.9-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not physically divide an established community. (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project would not physically divide any established community. Rather, by improving connectivity and land use consistency within and between existing neighborhoods, the proposed General Plan provides more linkages within the City and the region. The Transit- Oriented Mixed Use focus area, for instance, leverages underutilized commercial and light industrial sites adjacent to the Metrolink station to provide for higher-density housing, offices, and supporting commercial uses close to regional transit. Development of this focus area would contribute to housing availability in the City and would be a key location to emphasize multi-modal transportation options tied to land use. The Town Center focus area, which under existing conditions is a mix of commercial, retail, and office uses, would serve as a center for activity for Diamond Bar residents and allow residential density of up to 20.0 dwelling units per acre. Changes to land use designations under the Proposed Project, shown in Figure 3.9-3 and Table 3.9-3, would consolidate designations to reflect existing land uses and would not result in the division of any established community. Furthermore, proposed improvements to the bicycle, trail, and road networks will make it easier for citizens to travel throughout community. Therefore, the potential impact is less than significant. Table 3.9-3: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Brea Canyon Road and Lycoming Street (Change Area 1) Light Industrial Transit Oriented Mixed Use Allow a mix of high-density residential, commercial, office, and industrial uses Walnut Elementary School (Change Area 1) Light Industrial School Designate as School to accurately reflect existing uses Diamond Bar Boulevard between Golden Springs Drive SR 60 (Change Area 2) General Commercial Town Center Mixed Use Allow a mix of commercial, office, and residential use North Diamond Bar Boulevard between Highland Valley and SR-60 Offramps (Change Area 3) Commercial/Office Neighborhood Mixed Use Allow a range of housing types and commercial uses, including residential uses Golf Course (Change Area 4) Golf Course Golf Course, Community Core Overlay Allow continued operation of the present golf course use. Should golf course cease operation, require master plan to ensure cohesive implementation of its reuse 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1642 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-17 Table 3.9-3: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Planning Area 2 Planning Area 2/Specific Plan Open Space Designate as Open Space to preserve natural resources and provide recreational opportunities Vantage residential development (Planning Area 3) Planning Area 3/Specific Plan Specific Plan Designate large-scale development area in which residential, commercial, recreational, public facility, and other land uses may be permitted where a specific plan is proposed. Parts of Planning Area 3 have been developed under the Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan Target (Planning Area 3) Planning Area 3/Specific Plan General Commercial Designate as General Commercial to accurately reflect existing uses Golden Springs Drive and Copley Drive (Planning Area 3) Planning Area 3/Specific Plan Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Planning Area 4 at Brea Canyon Road Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Public Facility Designate for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community South Pointe residential community (Planning Area 4) Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Specific Plan Parts of Planning Area 4 have been developed under the South Pointe West Specific Plan as the South Pointe residential community and Larkstone Park. Brea Canyon Road to Larkstone Park (Planning Area 4) Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Public Facility Designate for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community Larkstone Park Planning Area 4/Specific Plan Park Designate as Park to accurately reflect existing uses Diamond Canyon Park Specific Plan Park Designate as Park to accurately reflect existing uses Summitridge Park North Park Public Facility Designate for publicly-owned facilities and institutions serving the needs of the general community 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1643 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-18 Table 3.9-3: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Quail Summit Elementary School South School Park Designate as Park to accurately reflect existing and future uses Golden Prados Drive and Golden Springs Drive Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Designate as Low-Medium Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area South Brea Canyon Road at Castle Rock Low Density Residential Low-Medium Residential Designate as Low-Medium Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area Golden Springs Drive and South Lemon Avenue West Low-Medium Residential Low Density Residential Designate as Low Density Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area Bain Avenue Southeast Low-Medium Residential Low Density Residential Designate as Low Density Residential to accurately reflect existing densities in this area Brea Canyon Road at Eastbound SR-60 Offramp Professional Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder Road East Professional Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard Southeast Professional Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Montefino Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard Commercial/Office General Commercial Allow for regional, freeway- oriented, and community retail and service commercial uses Fire Department Station 21 on Grand Avenue Fire Public Facility Consolidate public facility designations Grand Avenue East of Fire Department General Commercial Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Grand Avenue West of Fire Department Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Brea Canyon Cutoff Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard West Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1644 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-19 Table 3.9-3: Land Use Designation Changes Location 1995 Designation Proposed Designation Description of Change Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue Northeast Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Golden Springs Drive and Grand Avenue Southeast Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Golden Springs Drive and Copley Drive Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Route 57 and Route 60 Southwest Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Brea Canyon Road and Via Sorella Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder Road West Professional Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Route 57 and Pathfinder Road East Commercial/Office Office Allow for office-based working environments and supporting commercial, retail, and service uses Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-2. Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of natural open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and Tres Hermanos Ranch; and enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-4. Locate new residential growth in or adjacent to mixed-use centers and transit stations to support regional and statewide efforts to encourage sustainable land use planning and smart growth principles. LU-G-6. Preserve existing residential neighborhoods to retain the qualities Diamond Bar residents love, such as easy access to preserved natural open spaces, while 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1645 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-20 supporting and encouraging well-designed, complete neighborhoods with safe streets, access to shopping and services, and community parks and gathering places. LU-G-12. Encourage compact mixed-use developments and projects that are walkable, designed to encourage community interaction, and fulfill a diversity of local commercial, employment, housing, and recreational needs. LU-G-13. Maximize multi-modal accessibility to and connectivity within mixed-use areas. LU-G-14. Foster development of nodes or clusters of mixed-use centers to promote city and neighborhood identity, improve accessibility to stores, parks, natural open spaces, and services, and promote walkable, pedestrian-scaled retail and dining destinations. LU-G-15. Promote the development of a vibrant corridor with a mix of uses, including residential uses and neighborhood-serving services and amenities, including such as parks and open spaces that fulfill a diversity of local needs within walking and biking distance of neighborhood residents. LU-G-16. Create a well-designed, walkable, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages community interaction and healthy lifestyles while reducing reliance on automobiles. LU-G-19. Leverage the proximity of the City of Industry Metrolink station and Foothill Transit facility to create an engaging, compact, mixed-use neighborhood that encourages multi-modal transportation and responds to a diversity of housing needs. LU-P-7. As larger vacant or underutilized sites within the built environment are developed or redeveloped, maximize multimodal accessibility by requiring appropriately designed street networks, and walkable block sizes scaled to proposed uses. LU-P-39. Provide streetscape and intersection improvements along the major corridors of South Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive to enhance connectivity, comfort, and safety for all modes of travel, and increase accessibility to and from surrounding areas. LU-P-40. Study the implementation of safe pedestrian connectivity between the north and south sections of the Town Center Mixed-Use project site and at Lorbeer Middle School. Potential strategies for achieving safe pedestrian connectivity may include traffic calming measures along the roadways, crosswalk visibility improvements, ensuring adequate time for walk signals, refuge islands, bulb-outs, bridges, and others. Community Character & Placemaking CC-G-1. City and environmental resources, and focusing new development into accessible, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1646 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-21 pedestrian-oriented areas integrated with existing neighborhoods, augmented with parks, and connected by an attractive and safe street network. CC-G-5. Preserve the scale and character of existing residential neighborhoods and ensure sensitive transitions between densities and uses. CC-P-7. Ensure that new development provides an integrated pattern of roadways, bicycle routes and paths, and pedestrian connections within and between neighborhoods that are safe, comfortable, and accessible sidewalks for people of all ages and abilities. Circulation CR-P-3. Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian-scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. CR-P-30. Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a more detailed implementation strategy. CR-P-31. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan using community input and best practices to identify bicycle infrastructure needs such as gaps in the network, prioritize facilities and improvements, and identify funding for proposed facilities. Review and update the plan as necessary. CR-P-32. Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul-de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33. pedestrian networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-38. Study the feasibility of implementing a bike share program to connect neighborhoods and major destinations, such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed-use areas; local schools and colleges; parks; and commercial centers. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1647 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-22 Impact 3.5-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. (Less than Significant) Since a General Plan updates policies and land use designations for future development and would replace the 1995 General Plan, it may naturally be inconsistent with existing planning regulations outside of the proposed General Plan, such as density/intensity standards, zoning, and allowed uses, that were designed to implement the 1995 General Plan and subsequent amendments. These existing regulations would be updated to be consistent with and/or effectively implement the to implement the Proposed Project, as required by State Law (Government Code Section 65860[a]), and it would translate the proposed General Plan policies into specific use regulations, development standards, and performance criteria to govern development on individual properties. The Zoning Ordinance would ultimately prescribe standards, rules, and procedures for development and the Zoning Map will provide more detail than the proposed General Plan Land Use Diagram. The proposed General Plan includes multiple policies from the 1995 General Plan and proposes more stringent policies for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. However, these policies would not result in conflict with 1995 General Plan policies or existing planning regulations designed to implement the 1995 General Plan and subsequent amendments. In addition to its General Plan, the City of Diamond Bar has adopted specific plans for some areas within the City to tailor appropriate development standards and policies to individual neighborhoods, as described in the Regulatory Setting above. By State law, specific plans must be consistent with the General Plan. As of 2019, development under the Specific Plans is mostly complete. As discussed under Impact 3.9-1 and shown in Table 3.9-3 and Figures 3.9-2 and 3.9-3, the proposed General Plan includes changes to land use designations within the boundaries of various specific plans to ensure that land use designations throughout the City will be harmonious and consistent with existing land uses. For example, Planning Area 3 has been developed under the Diamond Bar Village Specific Plan with a Target store, housing units, and the Vantage Drive neighborhood. The proposed General Plan changes the land use designation of these parcels within Planning Area 3 in order to be consistent with their existing uses. The South Pointe West Specific Plan allows for a residential condominium subdivision and Larkstone Park in Planning Area 4, which are currently under construction. The proposed General Plan designates Larkstone Park as Specific Plan to be carried out throughout completion of construction. tency with existing uses following completion of development under these specific plans, and would not result in any conflicts. Proposed General Plan policies would not conflict with policies included in these specific plans adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. The Planning Department has primary responsibility for administering the laws, regulations, and requirements that pertain to the physical development of the City. Specific duties relating to implementation of the proposed General Plan would include preparing zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments, reviewing development applications, conducting investigations and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1648 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-23 making reports and recommendations on planning and land use, zoning, subdivisions, development plans, and environmental regulations. The Proposed Project also must be consistent with regional and local plans. The proposed General Plan seeks to maintain consistency with the policies of the Los Angeles County General Plan and Los Angeles County Code of Ordinance, particularly regarding the Significant Ecological Area Ordinance. The proposed General Plan designates the entirety of the SOI as a Significant Ecological Area, which is consistent with the designation of this area under the SEA Ordinance and the Los Angeles County General Plan. Compliance with the Hillside Management Ordinance is further discussed in Chapter 3.1: Aesthetics. Policies within the proposed General Plan would integrate land use, housing, and transportation planning to achieve regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, therefore supporting the Sustainable Communities Strategy. The City of Diamond Bar Housing Element would be reviewed for consistency and amended as necessary to maintain an internally consistent General Plan. Policies within the proposed General Plan would be consistent with the Citywide Design Guidelines. use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect, and (2) the preparation of amendments to other City policies and regulations where required to be consistent with the proposed General Plan, conflicts with existing local and regional plans and the Zoning Ordinance are expected to have a less than significant impact. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-25. Support continued operation of the Diamond Bar Golf Course by Los Angeles County as a public amenity. LU-G-26. Should Los Angeles County choose to cease operations of the Diamond Bar Golf Course or reduce the area of the Golf Course, promote development of the portion of the Golf Course north of Grand Avenue predominantly as a public park/consolidated golf course with additional community or civic uses, and the portion south of Grand Avenue as a walkable mixed-use community and regional destination offering retail, dining, and entertainment uses; plazas and community gathering spaces; supporting residential uses; and civic and other supporting uses. LU-P-33. Amend parking regulations in Title 22: Development Code of the Municipal Code to require lower parking minimums for developments with a mix of uses with different peak parking needs, as well as developments that implement enforceable residential parking demand reduction measures, such as parking permit and car share programs. LU-P-52. Collaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1649 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-24 and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. modification program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1650 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-25 Impact 3.9-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. (Less than Significant) The majority of developed land in the Planning Area is comprised of residential uses, which are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project focuses infill development opportunities in vacant and underutilized areas in Diamond Bar, while seeking to preserve existing neighborhoods. Throughout the Planning Area, the Proposed Project is projected to increase the overall number of dwelling units and provide housing to serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels. Proposed General Plan policies require the City to provide opportunities for and incentivize the development of housing types that are affordable to all segments of the Diamond Bar community, including senior housing and independent assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, and rental and for-sale housing units affordable to low- and moderate-income households. For sites larger than two acres in size, new development is required to construct a range of housing types that meet the needs of a diversity of income levels. The Proposed Project would also support the development of additional jobs, while featuring policies to both retain and foster existing businesses and attract new ones. Therefore, this impact is less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Goals LU-G-4, LU-G-6, LU-G-19, and CC-G-5 as discussed under Impact 3.9-1, in addition to the following: Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-7. Promote a variety of housing and neighborhood types that respond to a range of income, household sizes, and accessibility levels. LU-G-20. Ensure the adequate provision of spaces for recreation, community gathering, amenities, programming, and services that can adapt to fulfill the demographic needs of residents consistent with the Diamond Bar parkland standard (5 acres per 1,000 residents) and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. LU-G-21. Ensure that new development is sensitive to the scale, density, and massing of adjacent residential uses and potential sources of noise and air pollution. LU-P-10. Provide opportunities for and incentivize the development of housing types that are affordable to all segments of the Diamond Bar community, including senior housing and independent assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, and rental and for-sale housing units affordable to low- and moderate-income households. LU-P-18. Require development to be sensitive to the building form, density, massing, and scale of surrounding residential neighborhoods. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1651 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.9: Land Use, Population, and Housing 3.9-26 LU-P-23. For sites larger than two acres in size, require the construction of a range of housing types that meet the needs of a diversity of income levels and household sizes. Community Health & Sustainability CHS-P-11. Evaluate and make changes to the project review and permitting process to encourage and facilitate incorporation of universal lifecycle design principles (design that promotes the ability to remain in one's house as one ages) in new residential development, allowing community members to stay in their homes and neighborhoods longer. CHS-P-19. Encourage the use of schools as community and neighborhood centers to provide a range of services and programs, such as evening courses related to healthy living, job-training and retraining programs, and other services for the community at large. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1652 3.10 Noise This section assesses potential environmental impacts related to noise from future development under the Proposed Project, including those impacts associated with noise standards compliance, groundborne vibration, ambient noise levels, railway noise and airport noise. The section describes the characteristics, measurement, and physiological effects of noise; characteristics of groundborne vibration; and existing sources of noise and vibration in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were several comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section, as follows: • Caltrans stated that if residential development is considered near a freeway or highway, sound walls or equivalent measures should be implemented; and that the new General Plan should create community noise level standards, reduce construction noise impacts on existing businesses and residents, and avoid sensitive receptors. • A member of the public stated that the adjacent City of Industry and its unmitigable development projects exempted from an EIR, exposes the City of Diamond Bar to the greater noise from the freeway on-ramps/off-ramps and the industrial centers, ongoing earth-moving and future construction at the Industry project sites, which expose disadvantaged communities with lower income housing and schools to noise. The additional car trips that will be generated by high-density housing and commercial in TOD raise concerns about increasing exposure to noise. Evidence needs to be collected and studies conducted on existing levels and future impacts of TOD development on noise on major and minor roadways. In response, under CEQA, the Proposed Project is not required to mitigate for actions or projects in other jurisdictions. Any mitigation, plans or policies identified in this EIR and development. While there may be co-benefits that will reduce impacts from growth in neighboring cities, the extent of those benefits is not discussed in this EIR. Table 3.10-13 compares existing and future noise levels on major and minor roadways. • Hills for Everyone asked how will the new GP create community noise level standards in the general plan, reduce noise impacts to existing businesses/residents from construction, and avoid sensitive receptors. This DEIR addresses construction noise impacts to sensitive receptors under Noise Impact 3.10- and municipal code. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1653 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-2 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Noise Noise Characteristics and Measurement Because of the technical nature of noise and vibration impacts, a brief overview of basic noise principals and descriptors is provided below. Sound can be described as the mechanical energy of a vibrating object transmitted by pressure waves through a liquid or gaseous medium (e.g., air). Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound (i.e., loud, unexpected, or annoying sound). Acoustics is defined as the physics of sound. In acoustics, the fundamental scientific model consists of a sound (or noise) source, a receiver, and the propagation path between the two. The loudness of the noise source and obstructions or atmospheric factors affecting the propagation path to the receiver determines the sound level and characteristics of the noise perceived by the receiver. Acoustics addresses primarily the propagation and control of sound. Sound, traveling in the form of waves from a source, exerts a sound pressure level (referred to as sound level) that is measured in decibels (dB), which is the standard unit of sound amplitude measurement. The dB scale is a logarithmic scale that describes the physical intensity of the pressure vibrations that make up any sound, with 0 dB corresponding roughly to the threshold of human hearing and 120 to 140 dB corresponding to the threshold of pain. Pressure waves traveling through air exert a force registered by the human ear as sound. Sound pressure fluctuations can be measured in units of hertz (Hz), which correspond to the frequency of a particular sound. Typically, sound does not consist of a single frequency, but rather a broad band of frequencies varying in levels of magnitude, with audible frequencies of the sound spectrum ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The typical human ear is not equally sensitive to this frequency range. As a consequence, when assessing potential noise impacts, sound is measured using an electronic filter that deemphasizes the frequencies below 1,000 Hz and above 5,000 Hz in extremely high frequencies. This method of frequency filtering or weighting is referred to as A- weighting, expressed in units of A-weighted decibels (dBA), which is typically applied to community noise measurements. Some representative common outdoor and indoor noise sources and their corresponding A-weighted noise levels are shown in Figure 3.10-1. of noise at a given instant in time. However, noise levels rarely persist at that level over a long period of time. Rather, community noise varies continuously over a period of time with respect to the sound sources contributing to the community noise environment. Community noise is primarily the product of many distant noise sources, which together constitute a relatively stable background noise exposure, with many of the individual contributors being unidentifiable. The background 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1654 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-3 noise level changes throughout a typical day, but does so gradually, corresponding to the addition and subtraction of distant noise sources, such as changes in traffic volume. What makes community noise variable throughout a day, besides the slowly changing background noise, is the addition of short-duration, single-event noise sources (e.g., aircraft flyovers, motor vehicles, sirens), which are readily identifiable to the individual. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1655 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-4 Figure 3.10-1: Decibel Scale and Common Noise Levels 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1656 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-5 These successive additions of sound to the community noise environment change the community noise level from instant to instant, requiring the noise exposure to be measured over periods of time to legitimately characterize an existing community noise environment. The following noise descriptors are used to characterize environmental noise levels over time, which are applicable to the Project. • Leq: The equivalent sound level over a specified period of time, typically, one hour (Leq). The Leq may also be referred to as the average sound level. • Lmax: The maximum, instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. • Lmin: The minimum, instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. • Lx: The noise level exceeded a percentage of a specified time period. For instance, L50 and L90 represent the noise levels that are exceeded 50 percent and 90 percent of the time, respectively. • Ldn: The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after an addition of 10 dB to measured noise levels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for nighttime noise sensitivity. The Ldn is also termed the day-night average noise level (DNL). • CNEL: The Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day that includes an addition of 5 dB to measured noise levels between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and an addition of 10 dB to noise levels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. Physiological Effects of Noise Noise is generally loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired sound that is typically associated with human activity that is a nuisance or disruptive. The effects of noise on people can be placed into four general categories: 1. Subjective effects (e.g., dissatisfaction, annoyance) 2. Interference effects (e.g., communication, sleep, and learning interference) 3. Physiological effects (e.g., startle response) 4. Physical effects (e.g., hearing loss) Although exposure to high noise levels has been demonstrated to cause physical and physiological effects, the principal human responses to typical environmental noise exposure are related to subjective effects and interference with activities. Interference effects interrupt daily activities and include interference with human communication activities, such as normal conversations, watching television, telephone conversations, and interference with sleep. Sleep interference effects can include both awakening and arousal to a lesser state of sleep (Caltrans, 2013a). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1657 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-6 With regard to the subjective effects, the responses of individuals to similar noise events are diverse and influenced by many factors, including the type of noise, the perceived importance of the noise, the appropriateness of the noise to the setting, the duration of the noise, the time of day and the type of activity during which the noise occurs, and individual noise sensitivity. Overall, there is no completely satisfactory way to measure the subjective effects of noise, or the corresponding reactions of annoyance and dissatisfaction on people. A wide variation in individual thresholds of experiences with noise. Thus, an important way of predicting a human reaction to a new noise environment is the way it compares to the existing environment to which one has adapted (i.e., comparison to the ambient noise environment). In general, the more a new noise level exceeds the previously existing ambient noise level, the less acceptable the new noise level will be judged by those hearing it. With regard to increases in A-weighted noise level, the following relationships generally occur (Caltrans, 2013a): • Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of 1 dBA in ambient noise levels cannot be perceived; • Outside of the laboratory, a 3 dBA change in ambient noise levels is considered to be a barely perceivable difference; • A change in ambient noise levels of 5 dBA is considered to be a readily perceivable difference; and • A change in ambient noise levels of 10 dBA is subjectively heard as a doubling of the perceived loudness. These relationships occur in part because of the logarithmic nature of sound and the decibel scale. The human ear perceives sound in a non-linear fashion; therefore, the dBA scale was developed. Because the dBA scale is based on logarithms, two noise sources do not combine in a simple additive fashion, but rather logarithmically. Under the dBA scale, a doubling of sound energy corresponds to a 3 dBA increase. In other words, when two sources are each producing sound of the same loudness, the resulting sound level at a given distance would be approximately 3 dBA higher than one of the sources under the same conditions. For example, if two identical noise sources produce noise levels of 50 dBA, the combined sound level would be 53 dBA, not 100 dBA. Under the dB scale, three sources of equal loudness together produce a sound level of approximately 5 dBA louder than one source, and ten sources of equal loudness together produce a sound level of approximately 10 dBA louder than the single source (Caltrans, 2013a). Noise Attenuation When noise propagates over a distance, the noise level reduces with distance at a rate that depends on the type of noise source and the propagation path. Noise from a localized source (i.e., point Stationary point sources of noise, including stationary mobile sources such as idling vehicles, attenuate (i.e., reduce) at a rate between six easurement, as their energy is 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1658 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-7 continuously spread out over a spherical surface (e.g., for hard surfaces, 80 dBA at 50 feet attenuates to 74 at 100 feet, 68 dBA at 200 feet, etc.). Hard sites are those with a reflective surface between the source and the receiver, such as asphalt or concrete surfaces or smooth bodies of water. No excess ground attenuation is assumed for hard sites and the reduction in noise levels with distance (drop-off rate) is simply the geometric spreading of the noise from the source. Soft sites have an absorptive ground surface, such as soft dirt, grass, or scattered bushes and trees, which in addition to geometric spreading, increase the ground attenuation value by 1.5 dBA (per doubling distance) (Caltrans, 2013a). Roadways and highways consist of several localized noise sources on a defined path, and hence are Line sources (e.g., traffic noise from vehicles) attenuate at a rate between 3 dBA for hard sites and 4.5 dBA for soft sites for each doubling of distance from the reference measurement (Caltrans, 2013a). Therefore, noise due to a line source attenuates less with distance than that of a point source with increased distance. Additionally, receptors located downwind from a noise source can be exposed to increased noise levels relative to calm conditions, whereas locations upwind can have lowered noise levels. Atmospheric temperature inversion (i.e., increasing temperature with elevation) can increase sound levels at long distances (e.g., more than 500 feet). Other factors such as air temperature, humidity, and turbulence can also have significant effects on noise levels (Caltrans, 2013a). Noise-Sensitive Receptors Many land uses are considered sensitive to noise. Noise-sensitive receptors are land uses associated with indoor and/or outdoor activities that may be subject to stress and/or significant interference from noise, such as residential dwellings, transient lodging, dormitories, hospitals, educational facilities, and libraries. Industrial and commercial land uses are generally not considered sensitive to noise. Special Status species and their habitat may also be considered noise-sensitive. Noise- sensitive receptors within the Planning Area include single- and multi-family residential housing, schools, parks, libraries, hospitals, churches, habitat, and open space. Sources of Noise The Planning Area is an urbanized area with pockets of open space. The major sources of noise within the Planning Area include typical urban noise levels, such as vehicle traffic along roadways, industrial and commercial processes, and residential noises, such as people talking, sporting events in parks, and vocalizations from domesticated animals (e.g., dogs). Traffic Vehicular traffic is the predominant noise source within the city. Freeways within the City include SR-57 and SR-60. Arterial streets within the City include Brea Canyon Road, Chino Hills Parkway, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Grand Avenue, Lemon Avenue, Pathfinder Road, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1659 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-8 and a short segment of Chino Avenue (approximately 375 feet). The level of vehicular traffic noise varies with many factors, including traffic volume, vehicle mix (including percentage of trucks), traffic speed, and distance from the roadway. Existing traffic CNEL noise levels were calculated for roadway segments based on vehicular turning movement data at intersections identified for traffic impact analysis by the City (Fehr & Peers, 2019). Turning movements at each studied intersection were used to determine traffic volumes along 42 roadway segments within the Proposed Project Planning Area. The roadway segments selected for analysis were those that are expected to be the most directly impacted by Project-related traffic. Existing traffic Traffic Noise Model (FHWA-TNM) (Caltrans, 2013a) and traffic volumes at the study intersections reported in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. The model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, and site environmental conditions. The noise levels along these roadway segments (i.e., 50 feet from the centerline of the roadway segment) are presented in Table 3.10-1, and provide distances to the 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL existing noise contours, shown in Figure 3.10-2. As shown in Table 3.10-1, the ambient noise environment can be characterized by 24-hour CNEL levels attributable to existing traffic on local roadways. The calculated CNEL (at a distance of 40 feet from the roadway centerline to receptor locations) from actual existing traffic volumes on the analyzed roadway segments ranged from 67.7 dBA to 72.8 dBA. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1660 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-9 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) # Roadway Segment Distance (ft) from CL to 70 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 65 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 60 dBA CNEL Contour Noise Level dBA CNEL at 50 ft from CL 1 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 118 481 70.3 2 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd Oak Crest Dr to SR-57 SB Ramps <50 63 306 68.5 3 Brea Canyon Rd Washington Ave to Lycoming St <50 106 443 69.9 4 Brea Canyon Rd Lycoming St to SR-60 SB Ramps <50 143 561 70.9 5 Brea Canyon Rd SR-60 SB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr <50 226 823 72.4 6 Brea Canyon Rd Golden Springs Dr to Pathfinder Rd <50 192 715 71.8 7 Brea Canyon Rd Diamond Bar Blvd to Silver Bullet Dr <50 177 669 71.6 8 Chino Hills Pkwy Diamond Ranch Rd to Chino Ave <50 83 370 69.2 9 Chino Hills Pkwy south of Chino Ave <50 82 368 69.2 10 Diamond Bar Blvd Sunset Crossing Rd to SR-60 WB Ramps <50 84 372 69.3 11 Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 EB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr <50 131 523 70.6 12 Diamond Bar Blvd Golden Springs Dr to Goldrush Dr <50 135 533 70.7 13 Diamond Bar Blvd Goldrush Dr to Grand Ave <50 225 820 72.4 14 Diamond Bar Blvd Grand Ave to Quail Summit Dr <50 249 895 72.8 15 Diamond Bar Blvd Quail Summit Dr to Mountain Laurel Way <50 149 578 71.0 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1661 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-10 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) # Roadway Segment Distance (ft) from CL to 70 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 65 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 60 dBA CNEL Contour Noise Level dBA CNEL at 50 ft from CL 16 Diamond Bar Blvd Kiowa Crest Dr to Pathfinder Rd <50 237 858 72.6 17 Diamond Bar Blvd Pathfinder Rd to Cold Spring Ln <50 175 661 71.5 18 Diamond Bar Blvd Cold Spring Ln to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 201 743 72.0 19 Diamond Bar Blvd / Mission Blvd Temple Ave/Ave Rancheros to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 75 345 69.0 20 Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd Pathfinder Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 <50 245 67.7 21 Golden Springs Dr Racquet Club Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 172 653 71.5 22 Golden Springs Dr Copley Dr to Grand Avenue <50 213 782 72.2 23 Golden Springs Dr Brea Canyon Rd to Copley Dr <50 169 642 71.4 24 Golden Springs Dr SR-60 EB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd <50 148 575 71.0 25 Golden Springs Dr Lemon Ave to SR-60 EB Ramps <50 110 457 70.1 26 Golden Springs Dr west of Lemon Ave <50 180 678 71.6 27 Golden Springs Dr Grand Avenue to Racquet Club Dr <50 121 491 70.3 28 Grand Ave Lavender Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 217 793 72.3 29 Grand Ave Diamond Bar Blvd to Summitridge Dr <50 233 845 72.5 30 Grand Ave Summitridge Dr to Longview Dr <50 203 749 72.0 31 Grand Ave SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 183 686 71.7 32 Grand Ave SR-57 NB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr <50 154 594 71.1 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1662 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-11 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) # Roadway Segment Distance (ft) from CL to 70 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 65 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 60 dBA CNEL Contour Noise Level dBA CNEL at 50 ft from CL 33 Grand Ave Golden Springs Drive to Lavender Dr <50 179 673 71.6 34 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 WB Ramps to SR-60 EB Ramps <50 188 701 71.8 35 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Sunset Crossing Rd <50 126 506 70.5 36 Pathfinder Rd Brea Canyon Rd to SR-57 SB Ramps <50 167 638 71.4 37 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 125 504 70.4 38 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 NB Ramps to Fern Hollow Dr /Brea Canyon Rd <50 205 757 72.1 39 Pathfinder Rd Fern Hollow Dr /Brea Canyon Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 180 676 71.6 40 Pathfinder Rd west of Pathfinder Rd <50 75 345 69.0 41 S. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd <50 224 818 72.4 42 S. Diamond Bar Blvd Mountain Laurel Way to Kiowa Crest Dr <50 115 472 70.2 Notes: 1. Traffic volumes are per Fehr & Peers data received January 2019. 2. Truck percentage assumed to be 3% for all roadways. CL = Centerline (of roadway segment) Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019; ESA, 2019. Railway The noise impacts associated with train activity depends on the type of train, number of cars, track conditions, the number of trains operating per day, the speed of the engine car, and the proximity of the rail line to surrounding receptors. The Metrolink Commuter Rail System operates the Riverside line, which passes along the northwestern border of the City. The Riverside line travels in an easterly direction from downtown 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1663 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-12 Los Angeles to downtown Riverside and is travelled by commuter trains operated by Metrolink, as well as freight trains operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. The Riverside line passes by both commercial and residential uses located in the City. Stationary Noise Sources A stationary noise source is defined as a land use, building, or activity that produces noise at a fixed location. They can be temporary, intermittent, or continuous sources of noise. Stationary noise sources include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), appliances, power tools, generators, non-mobile motors, and other amplified sounds. Exposure to stationary sources can usually be limited by means of setbacks, housings for noise-emitting motors or generators, walls between properties, or dense landscaping. Temporary stationary noise sources include amplified music form parties or bars, engines idling, and pets barking. Noise from stationary sources are discussed under Section 8.12.720-810 of the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1664 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDExisting Noise Levels 75 dB Contour 70 dB Contour 65 dB Contour 60 dB Contour Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.10-2: Existing Noise Contours 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1665 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-14 Other Noise Sources Other noise sources may include overhead aircraft, fireworks, and special events. The closest airport to the City is Brackett Field located 6.5 miles away in La Verne. The largest major commercial airport is Ontario International Airport located 12.9 miles away in Ontario. Noise from aircrafts and other infrequent events would produce temporary noise lasting a short period of time. Groundborne Vibration Vibration Characteristics and Measurement Vibration can be interpreted as energy transmitted in waves through the ground or structures, which generally dissipate with distance from the vibration source. Because energy is lost during the transfer of energy from one particle to another, vibration becomes less perceptible with increasing distance from the source. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, groundborne vibration can be a serious concern for nearby neighbors of a transit system route or maintenance facility, causing buildings to shake and rumbling sounds to be heard (FTA 2018). In contrast to airborne noise, groundborne vibration is not a common environmental problem, as it is unusual for vibration from sources such as buses and trucks to be perceptible, even in locations close to major roads. Some common sources of groundborne vibration are trains, heavy trucks traveling on rough roads, and construction activities, such as blasting, pile-driving, and operation of heavy earth-moving equipment (Caltrans, 2013b). There are several different methods that are used to quantify vibration. The peak particle velocity (PPV) is defined as the maximum instantaneous peak of the vibration signal in inches per second (in/sec), and is most frequently used to describe vibration impacts on buildings. The root mean square (RMS) amplitude is defined as the average of the squared amplitude of the signal and is most frequently used to describe the effect of vibration on the human body. Decibel notation (VdB) is commonly used to measure RMS. The relationship of PPV to RMS velocity is expressed in terms of PPV is typically a factor of 1.7 to 6 times greater than RMS vibration velocity. The decibel notation VdB acts to compress the range of numbers required to describe vibration. Typically, groundborne vibration generated by man-made activities attenuates rapidly with distance from the source of the vibration. Sensitive receptors for vibration include buildings where vibration would interfere with operations within the building or cause damage (especially older masonry structures), locations where people sleep, and locations with vibration sensitive equipment (FTA, 2018). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1666 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-15 Effects of Vibration The effects of groundborne vibration include movement of the building floors, rattling of windows, shaking of items on shelves or hanging on walls, and rumbling sounds. In extreme cases, the vibration can cause damage to buildings. Building damage is not a factor for most projects, with the occasional exception of blasting and pile-driving during construction. Annoyance from vibration often occurs when the vibration levels exceed the threshold of perception by only a small margin. A vibration level that causes annoyance will be well below the damage threshold for normal buildings. Sources of Vibration Typical sources of groundborne vibration are construction activities (e.g., blasting, pile driving, and operating heavy-duty earthmoving equipment), steel-wheeled trains, and occasional traffic on rough roads. Problems with groundborne vibration and noise from these sources are usually localized to within about 100 feet of the vibration source, although there are examples of groundborne vibration causing interference out to distances greater than 200 feet.1 When roadways are smooth, vibration from traffic, even heavy trucks, is rarely perceptible. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Environmental Protection Agency Under the authority of the Noise Control Act of 1972, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) established noise emission criteria and testing methods published in Parts 201 through 205 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that apply to some transportation equipment (e.g., interstate rail carriers, medium trucks, and heavy trucks) and construction equipment. In 1974, USEPA issued guidance levels for the protection of public health and welfare in residential land use areas of an outdoor Ldn of 55 dBA and an indoor Ldn of 45 dBA (U.S. EPA, 1974). These guidance levels are not considered as standards or regulations and were developed without consideration of technical or economic feasibility. 1 Federal Transit Authority, 2006 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1667 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-16 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 United States Code [U.S.C.] Section 1919 et seq.), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted regulations designed to protect workers against the effects of occupational noise exposure. These regulations list permissible noise level exposure as a function of the amount of time during which the worker is exposed. The regulations further specify a hearing conservation program that involves monitoring the noise to which workers are exposed, ensuring that workers are made aware of ov Department of Housing and Urban Development are presented in 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 51. New construction proposed in high noise areas (exceeding 65 dBA DNL) must incorporate noise attenuation features to maintain acceptable interior noise levels. A goal of 45 dBA DNL is set forth for interior noise levels and attenuation requirements are geared toward achieving that goal. It is assumed that with standard construction, any building will provide sufficient attenuation to achieve an interior level of 45 dBA DNL or less if the exterior level is 65 dBA DNL or less. Approvals in a "normally unacceptable noise zone" (exceeding 65 dB, but not exceeding 75 dB) require a minimum of 5dB of additional noise attenuation for buildings having noise sensitive uses if the DNL is greater than 65 dB, but does not exceed 70 dB, or a minimum of 10 dB of additional noise attenuation, if the day-night average is greater than 70 dB, but does not exceed 75 dB. Federal Highway Administration An assessment of noise and consideration of noise abatement per Title 23 of the CFR, Part 772, for proposed federal or federal-aid highway construction projects on a new location, or the physical alteration of an existing highway that significantly changes either the horizontal or vertical alignment, or increases the number of through-traffic lanes. The FHWA considers noise abatement for sensitive receivers, such as picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sport areas, parks, residences, motels, hotels, schools, places of worship, libraries, and hospitals when - noise levels approach or exceed 67 dBA Leq. The California Department of Transportation Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC). Federal Transit Administration This analysis uses the FTA buildings, residences, and institutional land uses near railroads. The thresholds for residences and buildings where people normally sleep are 72 vibration decibels (VdB) for frequent events (more than 70 events of the same source per day), 75 VdB for occasional events (30 to 70 vibration events of the same source per day), and 80 VdB for infrequent events (less than 30 vibration events of the same source per day). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1668 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-17 As the threshold of perception is usually taken to be approximately 65 VdB, vibration from train pass-bys may be felt even if the requirements are met. Federal Aviation Administration The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces Title 14 of the CFR, Part 150, which describes the procedures, standards and methodology governing the development, submission, and review of airport noise exposure maps and airport noise compatibility programs. Title 14 also identifies the land uses that are normally compatible with various levels of exposure to noise by individuals. FAA has determined that sound levels up to 45 dBA CNEL are acceptable within residential buildings. Federal Railroad Noise Emissions Compliance Regulation FTA Noise Emissions Compliance Regulation that sets maximum sound levels from railroad equipment and for regulating locomotive horns. Federal Vibration Guidelines FTA has adopted vibration criteria that are used to evaluate potential structural damage to buildings by building category from construction activities. The vibration damage criteria adopted by FTA are shown in Table 3.10-2. Table 3.10-2 Construction Vibration Damage Criteria Building Category PPV (in/sec) I. Reinforced-concrete, steel, or timber (no plaster) 0.5 II. Engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster) 0.3 III. Non-engineered timber and masonry buildings 0.2 IV. Buildings extremely susceptible to vibration damage 0.12 Source: FTA, 2018. FTA has also adopted vibration criteria associated with the potential for human annoyance from groundborne vibration for the following three land-use categories: Category 1 High Sensitivity, Category 2 Residential, and Category 3 Institutional. FTA defines Category 1 as buildings where vibration would interfere with operations within the building, including vibration-sensitive research and manufacturing facilities, historic buildings, hospitals with vibration-sensitive equipment, and university research operations. Vibration-sensitive equipment includes, but is not limited to, electron microscopes, high-resolution lithographic equipment, and normal optical microscopes. Category 2 refers to all residential land uses and any buildings where people sleep, such as hotels and hospitals. Category 3 refers to institutional land uses such as schools, churches, other institutions, and quiet offices that do not have vibration-sensitive equipment but still have the potential for activity interference. FTA uses a screening distance of 100 feet for highly vibration- sensitive buildings (e.g., historic buildings, hospitals with vibration sensitive equipment, Category 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1669 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-18 1) and 50 feet for residential uses (Category 2) and institutional land uses with primarily daytime use (Category 3) (FTA, 2018). The vibration criteria associated with human annoyance for these three land-use categories are shown in Table 3.10-3. No vibration criteria have been adopted or recommended by FTA for commercial and office uses. Table 3.10-3 Indoor Groundborne Vibration Impact Criteria for General Assessment Land Use Category Frequent Eventsa Occasional Eventsb Infrequent Eventsc Category 1: Buildings where vibration would interfere with interior operations. 65 VdBd 65 VdBd 65 VdBd Category 2: Residences and buildings where people normally sleep. 72 VdB 75 VdB 80 VdB Category 3: Institutional land uses with primarily daytime use. 75 VdB 78 VdB 83 VdB a b source per day. c d This criterion is based on levels that are acceptable for most moderately sensitive equipment such as optical microscopes. Source: FTA, 2018. State Regulations State of California Noise Standards The State of California does not have statewide standards for environmental noise, but the evaluating the compatibility of various land uses as a function of community noise exposure. The purpose of these guidelines is to maintain acceptable noise levels in a community setting for different land use types. Noise compatibility by different land uses types is categorized into four general levels: multi-family residential uses, while a noise environment of 75 dBA CNEL or above for multi- In addition, California Government Code Section 65302 requires each county and city in the State to prepare and adopt a comprehensive long-range general plan for its physical development, with Section 65302(f) specifically requiring a noise element to be included in the general plan. The noise element must: (1) identify and appraise noise problems in the community and analyze and quantify current and projected noise levels; (2) show noise contours for noise sources stated in CNEL; (3) use noise contours as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses; and (4) implement measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise problems. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1670 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-19 The State of California has also established noise insulation standards for new multi-family residential units, hotels, and motels that would be subject to relatively high levels of transportation- related noise. These requirements are collectively known as the California Noise Insulation Standards (Title 24, California Code of Regulations). The noise insulation standards set forth an interior standard of 45 dBA CNEL in any habitable room. They require an acoustical analysis demonstrating how dwelling units have been designed to meet this interior standard where such units are proposed in areas subject to noise levels greater than 60 dBA CNEL. Title 24 standards are enforced by local jurisdictions through the building permit application process. Local Regulations City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Noise Ordinance The City has ordinances and enforcement practices that apply to intrusive noise and that guide new construction. These are summarized in the following sections. The C control ordinance (Chapter 8.12, Division 3, Noise Control) establishes sound measurement and criteria, minimum ambient noise levels for different land use zoning classifications, sound emission levels for specific uses (radios, television, vehicle repairs and amplified equipment, etc.), hours of operation for certain uses (construction activity, rubbish collection, etc.), standards for determining noise deemed a disturbance of the peace, and legal remedies for violations. The ambient noise standards are consistent with current state and federal noise standards, and correlated with land use zoning classifications in order to guide the measurement of intrusive noise that results in intermittent (periodic) or extended impacts on a geographically specific site. The intent is to maintain identified ambient noise levels and to limit, mitigate, or eliminate intrusive noise that exceeds the ambient noise levels within the zones specified. The standards guide building construction and equipment installation, equipment maintenance and nuisance noise enforcement. Sec. 8.12.380 of the that the following activities are exempt from restrictions: • The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency, or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work. • Warning devices necessary for the protection of public safety, for example, police, fire and ambulance sirens, and train horns. • Activities conducted on public playgrounds and public or private school grounds, including, but not limited to, school athletic and school entertainment events. • Construction, stationary nonemergency signaling devices, emergency signaling devices, refuse collection vehicles, residential air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, and forced-air blowers. • Activities in connection to production of motion pictures. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1671 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-20 • All locomotives and rail cars operated by any railroad which is regulated by the state public utilities commission. • Any activity, to the extent regulation thereof has been preempted by state or federal law. • All transportation, flood control, and utility company maintenance and construction operations at any time on public right-of-way, and those situations which may occur on private real property deemed necessary to serve the best interest of the public and to protect the public's health and well-being, including, but not limited to, street sweeping, debris and limb removal, removal of downed wires, restoring electrical service, repairing traffic signals, unplugging sewers, snow removal, house moving, vacuuming catch basins, removal of damaged poles and vehicles, repair of water hydrants and mains, gas lines, oil lines, sewers, etc. • Except as provided in section 8.12.830, all legal vehicles of transportation operating in a legal manner in accordance with local, state and federal vehicle-noise regulations within the public right-of-way or air space, or on private property. • Seismic surveys which are authorized by the state land commission. • All mechanical devices, apparatus or equivalent associated with agricultural operations conducted on agricultural property, unless if in the vicinity of residential land uses, in which case a variance permit is required to operate noise-producing devices. • Noise sources associated with the minor maintenance of residential real property, provided the activities take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Sec. 8.12.530 establishes exterior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-4. Table 3.10-4 City of Diamond Bar Exterior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Noise Zone Land Use (Receptor Property) Time Interval Exterior Noise Level Standard (dB) I noise-sensitive area Anytime 45 II residential properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 45 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 50 III commercial properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 55 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 60 IV industrial properties Anytime 70 Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.530. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1672 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-21 Section 8.12.540 establishes interior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-5. Table 3.10-5 City of Diamond Bar Interior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Land Use Time Interval Allowable Interior Noise Level (dB) All Multifamily 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 40 Residential 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 45 Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.540. Section 8.12.720 sets forth construction noise standards: drilling, repair, alteration or demolition work between weekday hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time on Sundays or holidays, such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real-property line, except for emergency work of public service utilities or by variance issued by the health officer is prohibited. The contractor shall conduct construction activities in such a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected buildings will not exceed those listed in Table 3.10-6 and Table 3.10- 7. Table 3.10-6 City of Diamond Bar Maximum Noise Levels for Mobile Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 75 dBA 80 dBA 85 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 60 dBA 64 dBA 70 dBA Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.720. Table 3.10-7 City of Diamond Bar Maximum Noise Levels for Stationary Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 60 dBA 65 dBA 70 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 50 dBA 55 dBA 60 dBA Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.720. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1673 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-22 Section 8.12.840 prohibits the operation of any device that creates vibration that is above the vibration perception threshold of 0.01 in/sec PPV over the range of 1 to 100 Hz at or beyond the property boundary of the source, if on private property, or at 150 feet (46 meters) from the source, if on a public space or public right-of-way. County of Los Angeles General Plan, Noise Element The Noise Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan (County of Los Angeles, 2015) includes noise goals and policies that are based on the community noise compatibility guidelines applicable to land uses generally (rather than short-term construction noise) established by the California DHS, as previously discussed under State regulations. Specific regulations that implement these guidelines are set forth in the Los Angeles County Municipal Code, as discussed below. County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Noise Ordinance The County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Noise Ordinance establishes noise standards to control unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration in the County. Sec. 12.08.390 states the exterior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-8. Table 3.10-8 County of Los Angeles Exterior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Noise Zone Land Use (Receptor Property) Time Interval Exterior Noise Level Standard (dB) I noise-sensitive area Anytime 45 II residential properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 45 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 50 III commercial properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 55 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 60 IV industrial properties Anytime 70 Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.390. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1674 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-23 Section 12.08.400 states interior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-9. Table 3.10-9 County of Los Angeles Interior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Land Use Time Interval Allowable Interior Noise Level (dB) All Multifamily 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 40 Residential 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 45 Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.400. Section 12.08.440 states construction noise standards: drilling, repair, alteration or demolition work between weekday hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time on Sundays or holidays, such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real-property line, except for emergency work of public service utilities or by variance issued by the health officer is prohibited. The contractor shall conduct construction activities in such a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected buildings will not exceed those listed in Table 3.10-10 and Table 3.10- 11. Table 3.10-10 County of Los Angeles Maximum Noise Levels for Mobile Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 75 dBA 80 dBA 85 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 60 dBA 64 dBA 70 dBA Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.440. Table 3.10-11 County of Los Angeles Maximum Noise Levels for Stationary Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 60 dBA 65 dBA 70 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 50 dBA 55 dBA 60 dBA Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.440. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1675 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-24 Section 12.08.560 prohibits the operation of any device that creates vibration that is above the vibration perception threshold of 0.01 in/sec PPV over the range of 1 to 100 hertz (Hz) at or beyond the property boundary of the source, if on private property, or at 150 feet (46 meters) from the source, if on a public space or public right-of-way. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse noise impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies; Criterion 2: Result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels; Criterion 3: Be located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, and could expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Construction Noise Construction noise impacts were evaluated using the FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (FHWA, 2006) and the associated reference noise levels for each piece of construction equipment that may be used under the proposed General Plan update. Noise impacts were assessed using the reference noise level distance of 50 feet from a sensitive receptor and were evaluated based on maximum noise levels produced by each piece of construction equipment. Construction vibration impacts were evaluated using FTA methodology from the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA, 2018). Setback distances for preventing vibration damage were evaluated using reference vibration levels for specific construction equipment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1676 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-25 Traffic Noise Roadway noise impacts were evaluated using the methodology described in the FHWA Traffic Noise Model Technical Manual based on the roadway traffic volume data provided in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. Calculations are provided in Appendix F of this Draft EIR. Railway Noise This analysis evaluates impacts associated with the proposed General Plan update at the program level. Accordingly, specific details on future railway expansions or improvements are unknown at this time, neither are the specific noise sources that might occur in conjunction with development of land uses near the railway under the Proposed Plan. Therefore, railway noise and vibration impacts are discussed on a qualitative basis. Stationary Noise This analysis evaluates impacts associated with the proposed General Plan update at the program level. Accordingly, specific details on future mechanical equipment or HVAC equipment and layout are unknown at this time, neither are the specific noise sources that might occur in conjunction with development of land uses allowable under the Proposed Plan. Therefore, stationary and other noise source impacts are discussed on a qualitative basis. IMPACTS Impact 3.10-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. (Less than Significant) Construction Existing limitations on construction have the potential to reduce noise and vibration generation and were taken into account in the analysis of potential impacts. Future developments, in accordance with the City and County requirements, would be required to limit construction hours for exterior construction and hauling activities to the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday, and prohibited on Sundays. However, it is anticipated that construction activities could occur outside of these hours provided that future projects obtain the necessary permits. In addition, construction activities would be required to be conducted such that the maximum noise levels at the affected residential and residential/commercial properties will not exceed the maximum noise level limits for mobile and stationary construction equipment at single-family, multi-family, and semi-residential/commercial listed for the City and the County in Tables 3.10-6 and 3.10-7, and Tables 3.10-10 and 3.10-11, respectively. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1677 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-26 On-Site Construction Noise Construction would require the use of heavy equipment during the demolition, grading, excavation, and other construction activities within the Planning Area. During each stage of development for any given construction project, a different mix of equipment would be used. As such, construction activity noise levels would fluctuate depending on the particular type, number, and duration of use of the various pieces of construction equipment. Individual pieces of construction equipment expected to be used during construction could produce maximum noise levels of 75 dBA to 101 dBA Lmax at a reference distance of 50 feet from the noise source, as shown in Table 3.10-12. These maximum noise levels would occur when equipment is operating at full power. The estimated usage factor for the equipment is also shown in Table 3.10-8 Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM) (FHWA, 2006). Table 3.10-12 Construction Equipment Noise Levels Construction Equipment Estimated Usage Factor, % Noise Level at 50 Feet (dBA, Lmax) Air Compressors 40% 78 Bore/Drill Rig 20% 79 Cement and Mortar Mixer 40% 79 Compactor 20% 83 Concrete Saw 20% 90 Crane 16% 81 Dumpers/Tenders 40% 76 Excavator 40% 81 Forklift 10% 75 Generator Sets 50% 81 Jackhammers 20% 89 Off-Highway Trucks 20% 76 Other Equipment 50% 85 Paver 50% 77 Paving Equipment 20% 90 Roller 20% 80 Rough Terrain Forklift 10% 75 Rubber Tired Loader 50% 79 Surfacing Equipment 50% 85 Tractor/Loader/Backhoe 25% 80 Vacuum Street Sweeper 10% 82 Vibratory Pile Driver 20% 101 Source: FHWA, 2006. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1678 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-27 The exact locations of future projects and construction that would be implemented under the proposed General Plan update are not known at this time, though it is assumed that some of the activities would take place in close proximity to sensitive receptors given that the planning area includes a wide range of receptors. The severity of construction-related noise impacts depends on the proximity of construction activities to sensitive receptors, the presence of intervening barriers, the number and types of equipment used, and the duration of the activity. While the details of these factors are not available for future projects under the proposed General Plan update, it is assumed that individual projects would be implemented in compliance with the City and County standards. Future development under the Proposed Plan would be required to comply with the restrictions of the City Municipal Code, as well as the County Municipal Code for activities within the SOI; if a project requests to deviate, the project proponent would need to obtain permission from the City and/or the County, including conditions and standards to minimize noise impacts. Therefore, assuming any future development complies with City and County noise regulations, temporary increases in noise levels from construction would less than significant. Traffic Noise The proposed General Plan update would generate traffic that would increase noise levels along existing and future roadways. The FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Model (FHWA-TNM) was used to evaluate future (2040) traffic-related noise conditions in the City and SOI at the study intersections. The model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, and site environmental conditions. Table 3.10-13 provides the existing and future buildout noise levels at 50 feet from the centerline of these roadway segments and the distances to the 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL future roadway noise contours, shown in Figure 3.10- 3. As shown in Table 3.10-13, traffic noise along the analyzed roadway segments would not be discernably different when existing noise levels are compared to future roadway noise levels with implementation of the proposed General Plan update. The maximum increase would be 2.3 dBA along Golden Springs Drive between SR-60 eastbound ramps and Brea Canyon Road. A 3 dBA increase in noise levels is considered barely perceivable by the human ear. Therefore, impacts from traffic noise would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1679 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-28 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) Existing Future with Proposed General Plan # Roadway Segment Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Distance (ft) from CL to 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL Contours Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Increase (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL 60 65 70 1 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps 70.3 <50 153 579 71.4 1.1 2 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd Oak Crest Dr to SR-57 SB Ramps 68.5 <50 76 336 69.3 0.8 3 Brea Canyon Rd Washington Ave to Lycoming St 69.9 <50 134 521 71.0 1.1 4 Brea Canyon Rd Lycoming St to SR-60 SB Ramps 70.9 <50 182 672 72.0 1.1 5 Brea Canyon Rd SR-60 SB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr 72.4 <50 245 873 73.1 0.7 6 Brea Canyon Rd Golden Springs Dr to Pathfinder Rd 71.8 <50 220 793 72.7 0.9 7 Brea Canyon Rd Diamond Bar Blvd to Silver Bullet Dr 71.6 <50 185 684 72.1 0.5 8 Chino Hills Pkwy Diamond Ranch Rd to Chino Ave 69.2 <50 104 427 70.2 1.0 9 Chino Hills Pkwy s/o Chino Ave 69.2 <50 99 409 70.0 0.8 10 Diamond Bar Blvd Sunset Crossing Rd to SR-60 WB Ramps 69.3 <50 101 418 70.1 0.9 11 Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 EB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr 70.6 <50 155 588 71.5 0.9 12 Diamond Bar Blvd Golden Springs Dr to Goldrush Dr 70.7 <50 148 565 71.3 0.6 13 Diamond Bar Blvd Goldrush Dr to Grand Ave 72.4 <50 248 882 73.1 0.7 14 Diamond Bar Blvd Grand Ave to Quail Summit Dr 72.8 61 290 101 5 73.7 0.9 15 Diamond Bar Blvd Quail Summit Dr to Mountain Laurel Wy 71.0 <50 180 668 72.0 1.0 16 Diamond Bar Blvd Kiowa Crest Dr to Pathfinder Rd 72.6 53 265 935 73.4 0.8 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1680 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-29 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) Existing Future with Proposed General Plan # Roadway Segment Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Distance (ft) from CL to 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL Contours Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Increase (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL 60 65 70 17 Diamond Bar Blvd Pathfinder Rd to Cold Spring Ln 71.5 <50 199 726 72.3 0.8 18 Diamond Bar Blvd Cold Spring Ln to Diamond Bar Blvd 72.0 <50 224 805 72.8 0.8 19 Diamond Bar Blvd / Mission Blvd Temple Ave / Ave Rancheros to SR-57 NB Ramps 69.0 <50 113 453 70.4 1.4 20 Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd Pathfinder Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd 67.7 <50 54 269 68.4 0.7 21 Golden Springs Dr Racquet Club Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd 71.5 <50 193 707 72.2 0.7 22 Golden Springs Dr Copley Dr to Grand Avenue 72.2 <50 238 849 73.0 0.8 23 Golden Springs Dr Brea Canyon Rd to Copley Dr 71.4 <50 216 780 72.6 1.2 24 Golden Springs Dr SR-60 EB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd 71.0 50 257 908 73.3 2.3 25 Golden Springs Dr Lemon Ave to SR-60 EB Ramps 70.1 <50 139 536 71.1 1.0 26 Golden Springs Dr w/o Lemon Ave 71.6 <50 222 798 72.7 1.1 27 Golden Springs Dr Grand Avenue to Racquet Club Dr 70.3 <50 142 547 71.2 0.8 28 Grand Ave Lavender Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd 72.3 77 340 117 2 74.3 2.0 29 Grand Ave Diamond Bar Blvd to Summitridge Dr 72.5 103 421 143 0 75.2 2.6 30 Grand Ave Summitridge Dr to Longview Dr 72.0 <50 251 890 73.2 1.1 31 Grand Ave SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps 71.7 <50 208 755 72.5 0.8 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1681 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-30 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) Existing Future with Proposed General Plan # Roadway Segment Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Distance (ft) from CL to 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL Contours Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Increase (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL 60 65 70 32 Grand Ave SR-57 NB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr 71.1 <50 191 703 72.2 1.1 33 Grand Ave Golden Springs Dr to Lavender Dr 71.6 <50 209 758 72.5 0.9 34 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 WB Ramps to SR-60 EB Ramps 71.8 <50 220 793 72.7 0.9 35 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Sunset Crossing Rd 70.5 <50 150 571 71.4 0.9 36 Pathfinder Rd Brea Canyon Rd to SR-57 SB Ramps 71.4 <50 197 720 72.3 0.9 37 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps 70.4 <50 148 565 71.3 0.9 38 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 NB Ramps to Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd 72.1 <50 224 805 72.8 0.7 39 Pathfinder Rd Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd 71.6 <50 189 694 72.2 0.6 40 Pathfinder Rd w/o Pathfinder Rd 69.0 <50 108 439 70.3 1.3 41 S. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd 72.4 <50 249 886 73.2 0.8 42 S. Diamond Bar Blvd Mountain Laurel Wy and Kiowa Crest Dr 70.2 <50 166 623 71.7 1.5 Notes: 1. Traffic volumes are per Fehr & Peers data received January 2019. 2. Truck percentage assumed to be 3% for all roadways. CL = Centerline (of roadway segments) Sources: Fehr & Peers, 2019; ESA, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1682 Existing Noise Levels 70 dB Contour 65 dB Contour 60 dB Contour Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Inuence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: ESA, 2016; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Riverside Metrolink LineFigure 3.10-3: Future Noise Contours (2040) !(T Walnut Pomona Industr y LOS ANGELES COUN TY ORAN GE COUNTY SAN BERN ARDINO COUN TY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M IT O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D R U SH DR G O LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA DR LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B AR BLVDBREA CANYO N C U T OF F RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALCO NS VIEW DRA L A MO HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN CLEAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRINGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C R ES T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR COPLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RD7.1.h Packet Pg. 1683 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-32 Railway Noise The proposed General Plan update includes a transit-oriented mixed-use designation near the existing City of Industry Metrolink station. However, policies within the General Plan update take into consideration the siting of sensitive receptors near potential noise generators and would limit the exposure of sensitive receptors to any existing railway noise. Furthermore, since the proposed General Plan update does not include any railway upgrades or improvement that would increase train volumes or number of tracks, the noise impacts would be less than significant. Stationary Noise As for mobile sources, new development associated with the proposed General Plan update could expose existing and new sensitive receptors to stationary noise sources., such as, rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Any new development under the proposed General Plan u the General Plan policies aimed at reducing noise levels from adjacent properties. Compliance with the City and County municipal code noise ordinances and General Plan update policies would reduce noise to a less than significant level. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact PS-G-10. d impose mitigation measures on future development and uses to prevent significant degradation of the future acoustic environment. PS-G-11. The location and design of transportation facilities, industrial uses, and other potential noise generators shall not adversely affect adjacent uses or facilities. PS-G-12. Support measures to reduce noise emissions by motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains. PS-P-46 Use the noise and land use compatibility matrix (Table 7-1)2 and Projected Noise Contours map as criteria to determine the acceptability of a given proposed land use, including the improvement/construction of streets, railroads, freeways, and highways. PS-P-47 Locate new noise‐sensitive uses including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and homes away from sources of excessive noise unless proper mitigation measures are in place. PS-P-48 As feasible, locate land uses to buffer residential uses from potential noise generators and site buildings to serve as noise buffers. 2 This refers to Table 7-1 in the draft General Plan Update document, as do several of the quoted polices that follow. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1684 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-33 PS-P-49 Maintain interior and exterior noise-related development standards through the Diamond Bar Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-50 Require that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7-1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-51 Evaluate the land use compatibility of any proposed development project prior to approval to avoid locating loud developments near noise sensitive receptors. When walls over six feet in height are necessary to mitigate noise, a berm/wall combination with heavy landscaping, a terraced wall heavily landscaped, or other similar innovative wall design technique shall be used to minimize visual impacts. PS-P-52 Coordinate with the Union Pacific Railroad and other agencies and private entities to consider the implementation of a railroad quiet zone and other methods of reducing railroad noise impacts on surrounding noise-sensitive uses along the Union Pacific Railroad line adjacent to the City. PS-P-53 Ensure that noise attenuation facilities are installed as feasible in all noise-sensitive areas impacted by County, State, or federal highways through coordination with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1685 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-34 Impact 3.10-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. (Less than Significant) Construction Vibration Future development under the proposed General Plan would generate groundborne noise and vibration near construction sites and, if sensitive receptors or land uses are adjacent to construction, there could be significant impacts. Vibration attenuates quickly, but high impact equipment such as pile drivers could cause impacts depending on the distance from the receptor or land use to the construction activity. Most construction activity does not require high impact equipment and would generate vibration mostly from bulldozers and loaded trucks. The use of large bulldozers and loaded trucks for construction would generate the highest groundborne vibration levels on a typical construction site. Based on the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (FTA, 2018), large bulldozers and loaded trucks would generate 0.089 in/sec PPV and 0.076 in/sec PPV, respectively, at a reference distance of 25 feet. Table 3.10-2, above, shows the damage threshold for Class I through IV structures ranging from reinforced concrete, steel, or timber (Class I) to buildings extremely susceptible to vibration (Class IV) (FTA, 2018). Table 3.10-14 shows the minimum distance that large bulldozers and loaded trucks could operate at for Class I through IV structures without causing significant damage. Construction activities. such the use of a large bulldozer, would be required to not operate within the distances for each structure type shown in Table 3.10-14 to avoid exceeding the vibration structural damage criteria. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Table 3.10-14 Distance within Vibration Damage Criteria Construction Equipment Type Class I: Reinforced concrete, steel, or timber Class II: Engineered concrete and masonry Class III: Non- engineered timber and masonry buildings Class IV: Buildings extremely susceptible to vibration 0.5 PPV (in/sec) 0.3 PPV (in/sec) 0.2 PPV (in/sec) 0.12 PPV (in/sec) Large Bulldozer 8 feet 12 feet 15 feet 21 feet Loaded Trucks 7 feet 10 feet 14 feet 19 feet Source: FTA, 2018 Traffic Vibration Vehicular traffic would generate groundborne vibration and under the proposed General Plan update, more land development would lead to more traffic volume. However, the vibration from vehicles is temporary and intermittent and generates up to 0.005 PPV in/sec (FTA, 2018). The vibration levels from traffic would be well below the threshold of perception for humans of 0.035 in/sec PPV, and impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1686 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-35 Rail Vibration The operation of Metrolink commuter trains currently generate vibration levels along the Riverside line that runs adjacent to the City in the north-northwest/south-southeast direction. Although the existing line does generate vibration, the proposed General Plan update would not change vibration levels from the expansion of rail lines. Furthermore, all future developments within the City are subject to the noise screening distances in the FTA Noise and Vibration Manual (FTA, 2018). The screening distance for commuter rail lines is 750 feet with no obstruction between the rail line and receptor and 375 feet with intervening buildings. At these distances, vibration levels would attenuate rapidly and any new developments would not be affected. Impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Goals PS-G-10, PS-G-11, PS-G-12, and policies PS-P-46 through PS-P-53 as discussed under Impact 3.10-1. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.10-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, and could expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. (No Impact) The Planning Area is not located within an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public use airport or private airstrip. The nearest airport is the Brackett Field Airport, which is a public airport in the City of La Verne, located approximately 6.5 miles north of the Planning Area. The Brackett Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan sets forth land use compatibility policies that are intended to ensure that future land uses in the surrounding area will be compatible with potential long-range aircraft activities and noise impacts are minimized. The Proposed Project Area is not located within the Airport Influence Area, including not in proximity to airport noise contours (Los Angeles County A irport Land Use Commission, 2015). Therefore, the proposed General Plan update would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels related to the operation of a private airstrip or public airport. No impact would occur. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1687 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-36 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1688 3.11 Public Facilities and Recreation This section provides an evaluation of potential impacts on public facilities and services projected by the Proposed Project, including impacts related to fire, police, school services, and park and recreation facilities. This section describes existing public services and facilities in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were three comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics addressed in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Public Facilities and Recreation: • Potential impacts of land use designation changes to the Walnut Unified School District offices and bus parking lot. • the Los Angeles County Library stated that the Proposed Project may impact library services in the immediate area. • Hills for Everyone requested that the EIR address impacts to urban-wildland interface areas, response times for emergency services, evacuation times for existing and/or future residents, in-lieu fees, and community facility districts. Environmental Setting The study area for this analysis is the Planning Area. The public safety discussion considers fire and police services within the Planning Area, as well as fire stations in neighboring jurisdictions that also serve the Planning Area. The schools discussion considers the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts, focusing on schools located within the Planning Area. The community facilities discussion considers community facilities such as libraries and community centers within the Planning Area. Finally, the parks, open space, and recreational facilities discussion considers parks, recreational facilities, and trails within the Planning Area. PHYSICAL SETTING Public Safety Services Fire Service Urban fires are fires that begin in urban centers. They are typically localized, but have the potential to spread to adjoining buildings, especially in areas where homes and/or business facilities are clustered close together or in the presence of strong winds such as the Santa Ana. Other factors affecting urban fire risk and relative likelihood of loss of life or property include building age, height 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1689 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-2 and use, storage of flammable material, building construction materials, availability of sprinkler systems, and proximity to a fire station and hydrants. Wildland fires occur in rural or heavily vegetated areas where abundant surface fuels are available to sustain a fire. Wildland fires that occur in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)areas where undeveloped wildlands intermix with or transition into developed land have the potential to greatly impact nearby structures and cities. Due to its setting amidst vegetated open space areas to the south (including the Sphere of Influence) and east, and the presence of open space areas interspersed among urban development, the Planning Area is at risk from wildland fires. The City of Diamond Bar is served by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (County Fire Department). a State Responsibility Area. The locations of the three fire stations that serve the City are depicted on Figure 3.11-1, and staffing and equipment at each station are shown in Table 3.11-1. The County Fire Department has 12 staff members stationed in Diamond Bar, including three captains, three firefighter specialists, four firefighter/paramedics, and two firefighters. Each fire station is equipped with one fire engine. Station 119 contains a two-person paramedic squad. The County Fire Department follows national guidelines that require a five-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and eight minutes for paramedic units in urban areas, as well as an eight-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and 12 minutes for paramedic units in suburban areas. In 2015, the average response time for fire and emergency calls in the City of Diamond Bar was 5:58 minutes, slightly above the target response time. Table 3.11-1. Fire Protection and EMS Staffing and Equipment Station Staffing Description Fire Engines Other Key Equipment Station 119 20480 East Pathfinder Road 1 Captain, 1 Fire Fighter Specialist, and 3 Fire Fighter/Paramedics 1 Three-Person Engine Company 1 Two-Person Paramedic Squad Station 120 1051 S. Grand Avenue 1 Captain, 1 Fire Fighter Specialist, 1 Fire Fighter/Paramedic, and 1 Fire Fighter 1 Four-Person Assessment Engine Company 1 Station 121 346 Armitos Place 1 Captain, 1 Fire Fighter Specialist, and 1 Fire Fighter 1 Three-Person Engine Company Note: 1. An engine company with some limited paramedic capabilities. Source: County of Los Angeles Fire Department, 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1690 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-3 Police Service (County Sheriff LASD ). The Walnut/Diamond Bar Station, located at 21695 East Valley Boulevard in Walnut (Figure 3.11-1), services Diamond Bar, Walnut, the easternmost portion of City of Industry and the unincorporated community of Rowland Heights. In the case of emergency, the San Dimas and Industry Stations can provide additional assistance. The LASD also provides general-service law enforcement to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including areas -time equivalent of 22.5 deputies, or nearly four deputies per 10,000 residents. Moreover, additional resources that can Bureau, Parks Bureau, County Services Bureau and Community Colleges Bureau). , According to peak rush hour, and traffic in and around the schools during the beginning and ending of business hours. Table 3.11-2: Los Division Number of Employees/Volunteers Status Traffic 4 Sworn Street Crime 15 Sworn Detective Unit 4 Sworn Communications (Dispatch) 3 Sworn/Non-sworn Reserve Officers 11 Sworn Community Service Officers 1 Non-sworn Volunteers in Public Safety 90 Non-sworn Total 128 Table 3.11-3. Response Standards and Times for Police Calls Response Time (Minutes) Police Service Department Standard Diamond Bar (2016) Emergency Calls 7 minutes 4.7 minutes Priority Calls 15 minutes 8.1 minutes Routine Calls 30 minutes 20.9 minutes 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1691 !(T !(F !(F !(F ^_ !(P Firestone Scout Reservation Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 121 Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 120 City Hall Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 119 Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFI NO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 !(F Fire Station !(P Police Station ^_City Hall Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence Figure 3.11-1: Public Safety Facilities 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1692 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-5 Schools The Planning Area is served by two school districts, the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) and the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD). Grand Avenue is a rough delineation between the two districts, with areas north served by PUSD and areas south served by WVUSD. The boundaries of the school districts are shown in Figure 3.11-2. WVUSD serves approximately 13,900 enrolled K-12 students within portions of the cities of Diamond Bar, Industry, West Covina, and Walnut, as well as portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. WVUSD schools within the Diamond Bar city limits serve approximately 8,000 students in five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Projections from acilities Action Plan anticipate that student enrollment will continue to decline through 2018-2019, followed by a period of growth. While excess capacity is predicted in the next ten years for middle schools and Diamond Bar High, the total seat shortage for WVUSD elementary schools in Diamond Bar is expected to grow from under 60 in 2015-2016 to over 660 in 2025-2026. The Facilities Action Plan suggests a need for an additional elementary school or the expansion of existing elementary school campuses to accommodate future enrollment growth. The excess capacity at the middle school level will be necessary to accommodate current elementary school students as they matriculate into middle school. PUSD serves approximately 23,200 enrolled K-12 students within portions of the cities of Diamond Bar, Industry, Pomona, and Chino Hills, as well as portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. PUSD schools within the Diamond Bar city limits serve approximately 3,500 students in four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Growth projections for PUSD are flat for the next five years, and while new housing developments in the City of Pomona should help their enrollment numbers, if trends persist, PUSD may need to develop alternative uses for multiple existing school buildings.1 Enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year, current enrollment capacity, and remaining capacity is shown in Table 3.11-4: 1 Enrollment projections provided by Pomona Unified School District via Decision Insite, 2014. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1693 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-6 Table 3.11-4: Public and Charter School Enrollment and Capacity in Diamond Bar School Name Total Enrollment, 2018-2019 Enrollment Capacity* Remaining Capacity Elementary Schools (K-6) 4,444 5,577 1,133 Pomona Unified School District 1,299 2,628 1,329 Armstrong Elementary 297 572 275 Diamond Point Elementary 301 740 439 Golden Springs Elementary 296 856 560 Pantera Elementary 405 460 55 Walnut Valley Unified School District 3,145 2,949 (196) Castle Rock Elementary 667 587 (80) Evergreen Elementary 643 675 32 Maple Hill Elementary 518 475 (43) Quail Summit Elementary 657 587 (70) Walnut Elementary 660 625 (35) Middle Schools (7-8) 2,797 3,545 742 Pomona Unified School District Lorbeer Middle 643 930 287 Walnut Valley Unified School District 2,154 2,615 461 Chaparral Middle 1,259 1,292 33 South Pointe Middle 895 1,323 428 High Schools (9-12) / Alternative Schools 4,234 5,685 1,451 Pomona Unified School District Diamond Ranch High 1,525 1,970 445 Walnut Valley Unified School District Diamond Bar High 2,709 3,715 1,006 Total 11,475 14,807 3,332 Source: Pomona USD, 2016; Walnut Valley USD, 2016. * 2015-2016 is most recent enrollment capacity data 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1694 !(T ")L !(C !(C !(C Armstrong E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Chaparral M.S. Diamond Bar H.S. Diamond Point E.S. Diamond Ranch High School Evergreen E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Maple Hill E.S. Pantera E.S. Quail Summit E.S. South Pointe M.S. Walnut E.S. Little League Field Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Willow Heights Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! ! ! ! Diamond Bar City Hall ! !US Post Office ! ! Diamond Bar Library Fire Station 121 Fire Station 120 Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond Bar Center Heritage Park Community Center Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LBALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S PRI N G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU MMITRIDGED R D IA M O N D B A R BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E RDPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO W A C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELW YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR BRIDGEGATED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 ")L Library !(C Community Centers Schools/Educational Facilities Public Facilities Parks, Recreation & Open Space School Districts Pomona Unified Walnut Valley Unified Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 3.11-2: Schools and Other Public Facilities 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1695 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-8 Other Community Facilities Community centers and other public facilities are shown in Figure 3.11-2. • Diamond Bar City Hall is located at 21810 Copley Drive, in a building the City purchased in 2011 after leasing space across the street in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) complex for 11 years. • Diamond Bar Library, a branch of the Los Angeles County Library, is housed on the first floor of the Diamond Bar City Hall building. This co-location has allowed the facility to function as a true community center, with many programs and activities. • The Diamond Bar Center, located in Summitridge Park, is a 22,500-square-foot facility containing banquet and meeting rooms, accommodating parties of up to 438 people and up to 1,000 people for meetings. A pad for a freestanding building is located on the grounds of the Diamond Bar Center, which was once contemplated as a potential library site. • The Heritage Park Community Center is located at 2900 S Brea Canyon Road. It accommodates up to 110 for dining and up to 200 for theatre events, and hosts classes and workshops. • The Pantera Park Activity Room is located at 738 Pantera Drive and accommodates groups up to 50 and hosts classes and workshops. Joint Use Agreements The City has joint use agreements with the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) and the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) to use gyms for adult basketball and volleyball programs, and with Pomona Unified School District to use the football field at Lorbeer Middle School. Parks, Open Space, and Recreational Facilities Park Classification For planning purposes, parks are classified by type based on the size, use, and physical characteristics of the land. • Community Parks. Community Parks are larger parks intended to accommodate a wide variety of active and passive recreation activities for the community. Amenities provided in a community park are focused on meeting the needs of several neighborhoods or large sections of the community, and they allow for group activities and recreational opportunities that may not be feasible in smaller neighborhood parks. Optimally, Community Parks range from 20 to 50 acres in size and serve neighborhoods within three to five miles of the park. Where a Community Park is located in a residential neighborhood, it also serves the immediate neighborhood within three-quarters of a mile to a mile. Amenities typically include community buildings, playground equipment, picnic areas and picnic shelters, barbeques, lit sports fields and courts, public restrooms, concessions, and on-site parking. Major events may be hosted in Community Parks that attract residents from throughout the city. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1696 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-9 • Neighborhood Parks. Neighborhood Parks are the basic unit of the park system and are typically found in residential neighborhoods. They typically range from 5 to 20 acres in size and are intended to serve surrounding neighborhoods within a 0.75-mile to one-mile radius. Ease of access and walkability to neighborhoods served are critical factors in siting and designing Neighborhood Parks. Amenities typically include playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, barbeques, sports fields and courts, public restrooms, and on-site parking. • Mini Neighborhood Parks. Mini Neighborhood Parks are Neighborhood Parks that range from a quarter acre to five acres in size. Mini Neighborhood Parks may serve neighborhoods within the same range as Neighborhood Parks but are best used to meet limited or specialized recreation needs. Mini Neighborhood Parks can provide landscaped public use areas, scenic overlooks, trail linkages, and facilities to serve a concentrated or limited population group such as youth or seniors. • Specialty Parks. Specialty Parks provide for a single use or activity and can include dog parks, trailheads, skate parks, and sports complexes. They may be standalone facilities or be located within or adjacent to other parks. Existing and Planned Facilities Existing parks, parks proposed in association with the Proposed Project, and recreational facilities in the Planning Area are shown in Figure 3.11-3. There are limited recreational facilities in the unincorporated portions of the Planning Area. As of 2016, with a city population of 57,081, the ratio of acres of parkland to 1,000 residents in Diamond Bar was 2.6, given that the Country Park is not counted towards the parkland ratio as it is a private amenity. City of Diamond Bar parks are described below, organized by type. Parkland acreage is summarized in Table 3.11-5. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1697 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-10 Table 3.11-5: Parkland Inventory (2019) Park Name Acreage Community Parks 109.0 Carlton Peterson Park 16.5 Pantera Park1 23.8 Summitridge Park 18.7 Sycamore Canyon Park2 50.1 Neighborhood Parks 30.9 Diamond Canyon Park 4.3 Heritage Park 3.3 Larkstone Park 6.8 Maple Hill Park 5.5 Paul C. Grow Park 4.5 Ronald Reagan Park 6.5 Sunset Crossing Park (future) 3 2.8 Mini Neighborhood Parks 12.0 Longview Park North 1.0 Longview Park South 0.8 Silver Tip Park 2.9 Stardust Park 1.0 Starshine Park 1.7 Summitridge Mini Park 1.3 Washington Park 0.5 Total City Parks 151.9 Other Parks 134.9 Country Park4 134.9 Total Park Land 286.9 Note: 1. Includes Pantera Wildlife Meadow/Dog Park, originally developed as a Specialty Park. 2. Includes Sycamore Canyon Trail Head Park, originally developed as a Specialty Park. 3. This will include sports fields and is contiguous with the PONY Baseball fields. While the park is smaller than five acres, it is developed as a Neighborhood Park for this area. 4. This is a private park located in the Country Estates neighborhood in Diamond Bar. While the neighborhood is a gated community, the park essentially serves as a Community Park for this development. Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1698 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-11 Parkland Ratio The General Plan establishes a parkland/recreational space standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, consistent with the Quimby Act. The Quimby Act allows the City to establish this standard as a means of requiring subdivision developers to provide a dedication of land or in lieu fees to ensure that the existing ratio of parkland acres per resident is maintained even as the number of residents increases with new development. As shown in Table 3.11-5, there are 151.9 acres of public Community and Neighborhood parkland in Diamond Bar in 2019, resulting in a ratio of 2.6 acres of public parkland per 1,000 residents. While the Country Park functions similarly to a Community Park within the Country Estates neighborhood, the 134.9 acres of parkland from Country Park cannot count towards the parkland ratio as it is a private amenity. Other Public Recreation Facilities and the County of Los Angeles-operated Diamond Bar Golf Course. Open space areas including Sandstone Canyon and the areas surrounding Summitridge and Pantera parks are accessible via the -owned open space that will be preserved in perpetuity. The Diamond Bar Golf Course which is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles occupies 172 acres near the western border of the city. The public golf course draws users from around the community and beyond, and offers 18 holes and clubhouse facilities. As discussed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development , the golf course is covered by the Community Core Overlay designation. Should the Golf Course cease to operate, that designation would require a master plan for the entire golf course property to ensure the orderly and cohesive implementation of its reuse. an undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches in a crescent shape from SR-57 northwest to SR-60. Approximately 800 acres of the Sphere of Influence is encompassed by the Firestone Boy Scout Reservation. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1699 !(C !(C !(C !(T ! Planned Neighborhood Park ! ! Planned Park ! ! Diamond Bar Pony Baseball ! ArmstrongE.S. Castle RockE.S. ChaparralM.S. DiamondBar H.S. DiamondPointE.S. DiamondRanch HighSchool EvergreenE.S. GoldenSpringsE.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. Maple HillE.S. PanteraE.S. Quail SummitE.S. South PointeM.S. WalnutE.S. Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! Maple Hill YMCA !! ! ! ! Diamond Point Club ! Deane Homes Swim Club ! Diamond Bar Golf Course ! Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond Bar Center Heritage ParkCommunity Center BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG EL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 City Parks Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Neighborhood Park Planned Park Other Recreational Facilities Sports/ Recreation Facilities Golf Course Open Space/ Greenways Private Park Existing Trail Proposed Trail Class 1 Bikeways Other Community Facilities !(C Community Centers Schools/ Educational Facilities Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of In uence County Boundary 5.157.000.375 MILES Parks Walkshed 5 Minute Walking Distance 10 Minute Walking Distance Parks Ser vice Area Three-Quarter Mile Buffer *Walksheds are calculated only for mini, neighborhood, and community parks. Figure 3.11-3: Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1700 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-13 Recreational Trails City of Diamond Bar Trails Diamond Bar has a trail system spanning 5.44 miles, summarized in Table 3.11-6 and shown in Figure 3.11-4. Some trails are located within City parks and open space, while others act as linkages between the parks or to other regional trails. Trails offer hikers and cyclists views of natural landscapes and the surrounding city. As of 2019, the Summitridge Trail System is the most comprehensive trail network in Diamond Bar and features an extensive system of interconnected trails. The Pantera, Peterson, and Sycamore Canyon Trails span undeveloped, natural areas of city parks. facilities, including the installation of mile markers and benches and programming educational activities. Additional trail segments planned within the City as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan include the Crooked Creek Trail and Sandstone Canyon Trails, while trails planned within the SOI include the Tonner Canyon Trail and the Schabarum Trail. These proposed trails are shown in Figure 3.11-4. Table 3.11-6: Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) Existing Trails Miles Pantera Park Trail 0.60 Peterson Park Trail 0.29 Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension) 7.94 Summitridge Trail 0.98 Summitridge Trail (Alternate Route) 0.61 Summitridge Trail (Canyon Route) 0.52 Summitridge Trail (Ridge Route) 0.62 Sycamore Canyon Park Trail 0.92 Tonner Canyon Trail 3.84 Subtotal: Existing Trails 16.31 Proposed Trails Miles Crooked Creek Trail Head 0.31 Larkstone Park Trail 0.44 Sandstone Canyon Trail Lower 0.79 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper 1.80 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper (Alt) 0.46 Subtotal: Proposed Trails 3.81 Total Existing Plus Proposed Trails 20.11 Source: City of Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 2011, Dyett and Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1701 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-14 Regional Trails Schabarum- Skyline Trail is a long connector trail through open spaces and flood control channels connecting communities from Covina to Whittier. The trail allows recreational users and commuters to connect to a variety of other trails in the area, such as those in the Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park and Puente Hills Nature Preserve, as well as the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo River Trails. As is depicted on Figure 3.11-4, the County of Los Angeles has proposed an extension to the Schabarum Trail running through another proposed trail that extends east-west through a portion of the Sphere of Influence. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1702 !(C !(C !(C !(T ! Planned Public Park ! ! Planned Park ! !SandstoneCanyonT r a ilUpper(Al t)S yc a m ore CanyonPar k TrailSummitridgeTrailPony League Field Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! Maple Hill YMCA !! ! ! ! ! Diamond Point Club ! Deane Homes Swim Club ! Diamond Bar Golf Course ! Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond BarCenter Heritage ParkCommunity Center BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG EL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSandstone Canyon Trail Upper SummitridgeTrail Peterson Park Trail Crooked CreekTrail Hea d Summitrid g e Trail(Cany o n Rte)Summitri dg e Trail(AltRte)PanteraParkTrailSummitridgeTrail(RidgeRte)SandstoneCanyonTrailLowerTonnerCanyonTrailSchabarumTrail(SkylineExt)SchabarumTrail(SkylineExt)Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Trails Existing 2011 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Proposed Trails Other Community Facilities !(C Community Centers City Parks Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Neighborhood Park Planned Park Other Recreational Facilities Sports/ Recreation Facilities Golf Course Open Space/ Greenways Vacant Natural Areas Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of In uence County Boundary 5.157.000.375 MILES Figure 3.11-4: Existing and Proposed Trail Network 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1703 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-16 REGULATORY SETTING State Regulations School Site Selection and Construction, California Education Code and California Public Resources Code California Education Code Part 10.5, Chapter 1 School Sites Sections 17210 to 17224 of the California Education Code governs the evaluation and selection of new sites and additions to existing sites for public schools, and for charter schools seeking state funding for school property acquisition or construction. Section 17211 requires the governing board of a school district to evaluate property proposed for a new school site or addition to an existing site at a public hearing prior to acquisition. Section 17212 requires the governing board of a school district to evaluate expert investigations into all factors affecting the public interest regarding a proposed school site prior to acquisition, including geological and soil engineering studies of such a nature as to preclude siting of a school in any location where the geological and site characteristics are such that the construction effort required to make the building safe for occupancy is economically infeasible. Under section 17212, the evaluation should also include the hazards, and surface drainage conditions, and other factors affecting the costs of the project. The chapter precludes the selection of a site where hazardous geological or soil conditions, hazardous substances, or proximity to an airport would pose a danger to public health or safety. California Education Code Part 10.5, Chapter 3 Construction of Buildings The California Department of Education (CDE) establishes standards for the selection of school sites pursuant to Education Code Section 17251. In 2000, the CDE School Facilities Planning Division (SFPD) updated the Guide to School Site Analysis and Development, which was originally published in 1966. The guide assists school districts in determining the amount of land needed to meet their educational purposes according to CDE recommendations. California Public Resources Code Section 21151.8 Public Resources Code Section 21151.8 requires that an EIR or negative declaration for a project involving the purchase of a school site or the construction of a new elementary or secondary school by a school district must include information on potential safety and health hazards to school occupants, including the presence of hazardous waste, hazardous substance release, pipelines, and air quality risks. SB 50 (Statutes of 1998), State School Funding, Education Code Section 17620 California Education Code 17620 establishes the authority of any school district to levy a fee, charge, dedication, or other requirements against any development within the school district for the purposes of funding the construction of school facilities, as long as the district can show justification for the fees. Senate Bill 50 was adopted in 1998. The legislation limits the power of cities and counties to require mitigation of school facilities impacts as a condition of approving new 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1704 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-17 development. It also authorizes school districts to levy statutory developer fees at levels higher than previously allowed and according to new rules. Quimby Act The 1975 Quimby Act (California Government Code section 66477) authorized cities and counties to pass ordinances requiring that developers set aside land, donate conservation easements, or pay fees for park improvements. Under the Quimby Act, fees must be paid and land conveyed directly to the local public agencies that provide park and recreation services communitywide; however, revenues generated through the Quimby Act cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities. The act states that the dedication requirement of parkland can be a minimum of three acres per thousand residents or more, and equal to the existing parkland provision (up to five acres per thousand residents) if the existing ratio is greater than the minimum standard. In 1982, the act was substantially amended. The amendments further defined acceptable uses of or restrictions on Quimby funds, provided acreage/population standards and formulas for determining the exaction, and indicated that the exactions must show a reasonable relationship to subdivision ordinance pursuant to the Quimby Act with a parkland standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents, as described below. California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Part of the California Building Standards Code, CALGreen mandates green building requirements for the planning, design, operation, construction, use, and occupancy of every newly-constructed building in the state of California2. CALGreen elements cover such environmental impacts as stormwater pollution, water use, energy conservation, construction waste, and building maintenance and operation3. Local Regulations Los Angeles County General Plan The Los Angeles County General Plan applies to the unincorporated County land in the Planning Area. Chapters 10 and 13 address parks and recreation and public services and facilities. Policies related to these general plan elements include parkland classifications, parkland dedication requirements, funding mechanisms for the planning and development of recreational facilities, and issuance of development fees45: 2 California Department of Housing and Community Development. CALGreen Compliance. Online: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/index.shtml. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 3 California Department of General Services. CALGreen. Online: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page- Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 4 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 10: Parks and Recreation Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch10.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 5 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 13: Public Services and Facilities Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch13.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1705 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-18 • Policy P/R 1.5: Ensure that County parks and recreational facilities are clean, safe, inviting, usable, and accessible. • Policy P/R 1.7: Ensure adequate staffing, funding, and other resources to maintain satisfactory service levels at all County parks and recreational facilities. • Policy P/R 2.2: Establish new revenue generating mechanisms to leverage County resources to enhance existing recreational facilities and programs. • Policy P/R 3.1: Acquire and develop local and regional parkland to meet the following County goals: 4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents in the unincorporated areas and 6 acres of regional parkland per 1,000 residents of the total population of Los Angeles County. • Policy P/R 6.4: Ensure that new buildings on County park properties are environmentally sustainable by reducing carbon footprints, and conserving water and energy. • Policy PS/F 1.1: Discourage development in areas without adequate public services and facilities. • Policy PS/F 7.3: Encourage adequate facilities for early care and education. • Policy PS/F 8.2: Support library mitigation fees that adequately address the impacts of new development. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances The Los Angeles County General Plan applies to the unincorporated County land in the Planning Area and contains provisions pertaining to green building, park dedication, and fire safety. Title 21 Subdivisions Title 21 of the Los Angeles County General Plan contains information pertaining the dedication of private and public park sites and identifies when park fees are required. Title 31 - Green Building Standards Code Title 31 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances establishes design and construction guidelines with regards to energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental air quality6. Title 32 Fire Code Title 32 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances addresses issues pertaining to fire safety and construction, including directions for fuel modification plan review, and activities permitted in hazardous wildland fire areas. 6 County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County, California Code of Ordinances. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT31GRBUSTCO. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1706 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-19 Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel Modification Plans Fuel Modification Plans have been required in Los Angeles County since 1996. Fuel modification plans are required within areas designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area7. Within these regions, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department requires approval of a Fuel Modification Plan is for all new construction, 50% or more remodels, construction of certain outbuildings and accessory structures over 120 square feet, parcel splits, and subdivisions8. Los Angeles County Fire Department Wildfire Action Plan Adopted in 2009, the Wildfire Action Plan contains guidelines that recommend fire prevention measures such as creating defensible space and conducting fire-resistance retrofits in homes. Defensible space is a natural and/or landscaped area around a structure where the vegetation has been controlled, trimmed, or removed in order to reduce fire danger. The plan provides residents with information regarding emergency preparedness9. City of Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances Chapter 16.00, California Fire Code The Fire Code is Chapter 16.00 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code. It adopts the California Fire Code without amendments. Chapter 21.32, Dedications and Exactions This section of the Code of Ordinances provides for the dedication of land and/or the payment of fees to the city for park and recreational purposes as a condition of the approval of a tentative map. This section is enacted as authorized by the provisions of article 3, chapter 4 of the map act, also known as the "Quimby Act." The chapter establishes standards for subdivider dedications of land or payment of fees in lieu thereof, in conjunction with subdivision approval. Required acreage and fee dedications are based on the number and type of units as specified in Section 21.32.040 of the Code of Ordinances. 7 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 8 County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Fuel Modification Section. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/category/fuel-modification-section/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 9 Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1707 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-20 Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Master Plan The Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides an inventory and assessment of existing park and trail facilities, summarizes community input and a needs assessment, provides recommendations for expansion of the park system, and provides an outline for implementation. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i. Fire protection, ii. Police protection, iii. Schools, iv. Parks, or v. Other public facilities; Criterion 2: Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated; or Criterion 3: Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Population As discussed in Chapter 2: Project Description, this analysis uses a Planning Area buildout population estimate of 66,685 for the Proposed Project, derived from a projected dwelling unit capacity of 22,177 units. Parks This analysis uses current General Plan standard of five acres of parkland per 1,000 population, consistent with the Quimby Act. To project the amount of parkland required at 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1708 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-21 buildout, the projected population at buildout in the planning area was divided by 1,000 and multiplied by five acres. The difference between this number and the existing amount of park acreage equals the area of new parkland needed to satisfy City park standards at buildout. An increase in population without progress toward meeting the standard would create a significant impact. Public Safety Services The County Fire Department follows national guidelines that require a five-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and eight minutes for paramedic units in urban areas, as well as an eight-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and 12 minutes for paramedic units in suburban areas. In 2015, the average response time for fire and emergency calls in the City of Diamond Bar was 5:58 minutes, slightly above the target response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units. Schools Projected demand for school facilities is based on student enrollment and generation data provided by WVUSD and PUSD. Projected demand for school facilities is based on the increase in housing units resulting from buildout of the proposed General Plan and demographic changes occurring over the Proposed Project n timeline. It is assumed that the proportion of Diamond Bar school students who reside in the city remains constant at 80%. 2040 generation rates are calculated by multiplying 2016-2017 generation rates by the percent change in elementary, middle, and high school aged children. Student generation rates used to project student population at buildout for elementary, junior, and high schools per single-family and multi-family unit are shown in Table 3.11-7 Assumed Student Generation Rates. Under SB 50 (Chapter 407, Statutes of 1998), a school district may levy impact fees on new development in order to mitigate potential impacts of the development on school facilities, and payment of these fees is considere or adjudicative act, or both, involving, but not limited to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental organization or reorganization as defined in Section Section 65995). Government Code Section 65995 limits the power of cities and counties to require mitigation of school facilities impacts as a condition of approving new development, stating that a but not limited to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental organization facilities mitigation that exceeds the amounts authorized pursuant to this section or pursuant to cts from development on school facilities anticipated under the Proposed Project is outside of the scope of this EIR and would be addressed at the time development is proposed through procedures outlined in Government Code Section 65995, and only indirect impacts resulting from the construction of new facilities are evaluated here. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1709 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-22 Table 3.11-7 Assumed Student Generation Rates Student Generation Rate School 2016-2017 2040 Elementary Schools (K-6) Pomona Unified School District Armstrong Elementary 0.02 0.01 Diamond Point Elementary 0.01 0.01 Golden Springs Elementary 0.02 0.01 Pantera Elementary 0.02 0.01 Walnut Valley Unified School District Castle Rock Elementary 0.03 0.02 Evergreen Elementary 0.03 0.02 Maple Hill Elementary 0.02 0.02 Quail Summit Elementary 0.03 0.02 Walnut Elementary 0.03 0.02 Middle Schools (7-8) Pomona Unified School District Lorbeer Middle 0.03 0.02 Walnut Valley Unified School District Chaparal Middle 0.05 0.04 South Pointe Middle 0.04 0.03 High Schools (9-12) / Alternative Schools Pomona Unified School District Diamond Ranch High 0.07 0.06 Walnut Valley Unified School District Diamond Bar High 0.13 0.10 Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1710 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-23 IMPACTS Impact 3.11-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities. (Less than Significant) Fire Service While the projected net service population increase of 6,781 residents by 2040 could increase the demand for emergency fire response and preventive services in the planning area, the increase in population would occur incrementally over the next 20 years. No new fire service facilities are included in the Proposed Project. Existing City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles policies would minimize calls for fire protection services. The Fire Code is Chapter 16.00 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code. It adopts the California Fire Code without amendments. Fuel modification plans are required within areas designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area10 Wildfire Action Plan contains guidelines that recommend fire prevention measures such as creating defensible space and conducting fire-resistance retrofits in homes11. Policies included in the Proposed Project regarding fire safety education and requiring the Fire ment proposals would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development, thus ensuring that new development would be located close to existing fire stations. In general, new development anticipated under the Proposed Project would be located within three miles of an existing fire station.12 Furthermore, policies associated with the Proposed Project, while promoting traffic calming, alternative transportation, and road diets, contain 10 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 11 Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 12 The Transit Oriented Mixed Use focus area is located approximately two miles from Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 119. The Town Center Mixed Use focus area is located approximately one mile away from Station 120 and Station 121. The Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area is located approximately one mile away from Station 121. The Community Core Overlay focus area is located approximately 0.5 miles away from Station 120. Land use changes at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard are located in the Town Centre Village, which is where Station 120 is based. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1711 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-24 language to ensure that emergency vehicles could efficiently access all parts of the Planning Area, thereby reducing the need for new facilities located closer to new development. Should new fire service facilities need to be constructed in the future, construction of those facilities could result in environmental impacts, including potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. In the event that implementation of the Proposed Project results in the need for new fire service facilities, existing regulations, such as CALGreen, would serve to reduce potential environmental impacts associated with construction. Additionally, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the proposed General Plan. These policies would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities could have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies, the concentration of new development in areas already well-served by fire protection services, and the addition of policies to reduce fire hazards in the city, this impact is considered less than significant for fire protection. Police Service No new police service facilities are included in the Proposed Project. to the city immediately, including the Homicide Bureau, Aero Bureau, OSS (gang unit), and Traffic Services Bureau. If needed, 26 other stations resources to Diamond Bar. The average response time in 2016 was under five minutes for emergency calls, just over 8 minutes for priority calls, and under 21 minutes for routine calls, all of which were well within the meeting response time standards are traffic during peak rush hour, and traffic in and around the schools during the beginning and ending of business hours. The Proposed Project promotes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and other public safety programs, which would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development and new development contiguous to existing urbanized areas. Thus, potential future 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1712 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-25 development would be located close to the existing police station. Furthermore, proposed policies regarding emergency access, and acceptable travel flow would ensure that emergency vehicles could efficiently access all parts of the Planning Area, thereby reducing the need for new facilities located closer to new development. Should new police service facilities need to be constructed in the future, construction of those facilities could result in environmental impacts, including disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. In the event that of the growth anticipated by the Proposed Project results in the need for new police service facilities, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the Proposed Project that would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and Proposed Project policies, the concentration of new development in areas already served by police protection services, and the addition of policies to address crime potential in the city, this impact is considered less than significant for police services. Schools The Proposed Project anticipates the construction of up to 3,264 new potential housing units in the Planning Area by 2040. Based on the student generation rates shown in Table 3.11-8, the Proposed Project will coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates by approximately 656 elementary students, 238 middle school students, and 313 high school students, between 2017 and 2040. No new school facilities are included in the Proposed Project. Although capacity at existing and planned facilities are estimated to be sufficient to accommodate future elementary and junior high school students, demand for new facilities is not based solely on total school capacity, but also on the geographic distribution of potential residential growth in relation to the distribution of school capacity. If new residential development occurs where the capacity of nearby schools is limited, new elementary and junior high school capacity also may be required. The construction of new schools or alterations to existing schools could have environmental impacts, including potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. The siting of new schools is regulated by the CDE. The California Education Code (see Regulatory Setting) contains various provisions governing the siting of new public schools that require school districts to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1713 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-26 consider potential hazards to school occupants as well as other factors relevant to the public interest prior to the acquisition of a proposed school site. Although in many cases the avoidance or mitigation of hazards to school occupants would reduce impacts to the surrounding environment, the provisions of the California Education Code would not eliminate the potential for all construction-based or operational impacts of a new school. In the event that the growth anticipated by the Proposed Project results in the need for new or expanded public school facilities, projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies associated with the Proposed Project that would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the expected decline in public school enrollment in schools throughout the Planning Area, the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and policies, this impact is considered less than significant for public school facilities. Parks The General Plan establishes a citywide standard of 5.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. As of 2019, the City provided 149 acres of publicly accessible community and neighborhood parks for 57,495 residents, or 2.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. The Proposed Project is projected to result in a new park of 2.8 acres (creating 177 acres of parkland in total) and an increase of approximately 6,367 residents at buildout (for a total population of 63,862), yielding a citywide parkland to 1,000 resident ratio of 2.77. This figure represents an improvement over the current parkland ratio, but remains below the City standard. New park and recreation facilities have the potential to negatively impact the environment through potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, an increase in impermeable surfaces, increased exposure of sensitive habitats to human activity and traffic, introduction of invasive species, and the conversion of open space that could otherwise have been preserved. New park developments would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1714 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-27 The land use diagram identifies locations where potential new parks may be located. The parks would be sited and designed as part of the planning for specific development projects, rather than piecemeal prior to any increase in demand for recreational facilities in those areas. Meanwhile, policies regarding maintenance and investment in existing parks would ensure that existing facilities could continue to serve the recreational needs of the community. The precise amount, type, and location of new parks and recreational facilities would be determined as part of a planning process. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the Proposed Project that would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, promotion of water-efficient landscaping, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and the policies to maintain existing parks, this impact is considered less than significant for park and recreation facilities. Other Public Facilities The anticipated growth associated with implementation of the Proposed Project may have an impact related to other public facilities, such as administrative facilities and the library. The Proposed Project does not establish precise service standards for these other public facilities; rather, the Proposed Project includes policies that direct the City to provide these facilities commensurate with new growth and demographic changes. In the event that implementation of the Proposed Project results in the need for new public facilities, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the Proposed Project. These policies would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies, this impact is considered less than significant for other public facilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1715 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-28 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use and Economic Development LU-G-2. Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and the Tres Hermanos Ranch; enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-5. Manage development in a manner consistent with the capabilities of the City to provide public services and facilities effectively. LU-P-2. Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed developments as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. LU-P-4. Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments to anticipate and require mitigation to the greatest extent feasible to reduce land use, circulation, and economic impacts on Diamond Bar. LU-P-5. Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure are available or provided to support new development, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public safety, and parks. LU-P-6. Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-19. Require new developments larger than four acres to incorporate public parkland in the neighborhoods where such developments are located. Require other development to provide dedicated parkland, in lieu of fees for sites under four creage standards, to meet the recreational needs of new residents. LU-G-27. Designate adequate and equitably-distributed land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-52. Collaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1716 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-29 LU-P-53. Ensure adequate parkland to serve the recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents by providing for a range of park sizes and amenities, equitably distributed throughout the city. Where necessary to adequately expand the park system and/or provide specialized recreational facilities and programming as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, actively pursue the acquisition of additional parkland. LU-P-54. When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer needed, advocate for the property to first be offered to other agencies, including the City of Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. LU-P-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits fuel modification as part of the Fi program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. ED-G-1. Prioritize infill development opportunities and the reuse of existing vacant long-term fiscal sustainability and promote conservation of natural open space. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1717 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-30 Community Character and Placemaking CC-P-5. Establish a landscaping palette made up of native, drought-tolerant plants and stormwater management systems with a view to enhancing beautification and sustainable landscaping practices. CC-P-6. Prioritize sustainability in design. When incorporating on-site stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically integrated into the site design. CC-P-13. Require that landscaped common public spaces are incorporated into new mixed- use development. CC-P-14. Ensure that public spaces are physically and visually accessible from the street, compatible with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, with signage acknowledging that the open space is for public use. Circulation CR-G-1. Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. CR-P-5. Require necessary transportation improvements to be in place, or otherwise guaranteed to be installed in a timely manner, before or concurrent with new development. In evaluating whether a transportation improvement is necessary, consider alternatives to the improvement consistent with CR-G- 1, and the extent to which the improvement will offset the traffic impacts generated by proposed and expected development. CR-P-6. Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local city congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. Resource Conservation RC-G-1. Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure public health and safety. See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Element for policies regarding the designation of open space land. See Chapter 5: Public Facilities and Services Element for policies related to parks and recreational facilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1718 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-31 RC-G-2. Seek to link the various elements of the open space network through the development of an integrated system of trails and greenways. RC-G-3. Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. RC-P-1. Obtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-2. As future parks are developed, incorporate natural open space areas and existing water resources and mature vegetation in order to provide for passive recreation opportunities and wildlife habitats. RC-P-6. Develop standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights-of-way. RC-P-7. Minimize visual and environmental impacts to ridgelines, hilltops, and slopes through regulations that minimize grading, ensure that development conforms to natural topography, and maximize safety, correlating development intensity with the steepness of terrain. Landform grading criteria and maximum allowable densities shall be based upon the slope density formula as set forth in the Development Code. RC-P-8. Work with other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the city and its Sphere of Influence. RC-G-4. Maintain, protect, and preserve biologically significant areas, including Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other areas of natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1719 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-32 opportunities as can be designed in a way that sustains, repairs or restores ecosystems rather than detracts from them. RC-G-6. Promote the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical. RC-P-9. Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist, requiring that time-specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources, and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. RC-P-10. Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Regularly review the ordinance and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-11. Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: • Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; • Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; • Provide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; • Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; • Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; • Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; • Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1720 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-33 • To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowing into waterways RC-P-12. Support and cooperate with the efforts of other local, State, and federal agencies, groups, and private entities including Los Angeles County, neighboring jurisdictions, and conservation groups to preserve environmentally sensitive SOI, including the Puente Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and SEA 15 to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural hillsides and biological resources. a. Discourage development in areas with identified significant biological resources, such as SEAs. b. Discourage development in riparian habitats, streambeds, wetlands, coastal sage scrub, cactus scrub, and native woodlands in order to maintain and support their preservation in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities. c. Preserve and restore oak woodlands and other native woodlands that are conserved in perpetuity with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands. RC-P-13. Utilize native and drought-tolerant plants in landscaping for public buildings and parks and encourage the use of native and drought-tolerant species on private property. Develop a list of recommended native, low-water-use, and drought- tolerant plant species, as well as a list of invasive species to avoid. RC-G-7. Protect waterways including creeks, riverines, artesian springs, seeps, and wetlands and watersheds in Diamond Bar from pollution and degradation as a result of urban activities. RC-G-9. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation to promote groundwater recharge. RC-G-10. Minimize the consumption and waste of potable water through water conservation and use of reclaimed water. RC-G-12. Pursue methods to control, capture, and reuse stormwater runoff for the purposes of groundwater recharge and local water recovery. RC-P-15. Support efforts to establish mitigation bank programs to restore habitat within Open Space-designated and deed-restricted lands. RC-P-16. Coordinate with local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed water, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation and other 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1721 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-34 appropriate uses and consider construction of dual water systems, where feasible, for development. RC-P-17. Continually evaluate and upgrade the efficiency of City irrigation systems, prioritizing the use of reclaimed water. RC-P-19. Require new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems. RC-P-20. Require the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-24. Protect and, where feas preventing erosion along the banks, removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on-site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. RC-P-28. Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality through the following measures: • Use of building materials and methods that minimize air pollution. • Use of fuel-efficient heating equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler units, and low or zero-emitting architectural coatings. • Use of clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local funding sources. RC-P-30. Ensure that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. RC-P-37. Require construction and grading plans to include State and AQMD-mandated measures to the maximum extent possible fugitive dust and pollutants generated by construction activities and those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling and maintenance as well as mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from vehicle and equipment operations. RC-P-39. Address impacts of new development projects that may individually have insignificant impacts on air quality, but which together with other projects in the Planning Area may be cumulative significant by establishing mitigation programs at the area wide or citywide level. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1722 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-35 RC-P-46. Establish a procedure for the management of archaeological materials found on- site during a development, including the following provisions: • If significant resources are known or suspected to be present on a site, require that a qualified archaeologist conduct monitoring of building demolition and/or construction grading activities. • If materials are found on-site during construction activities, require that work be halted until a qualified archaeologist evaluates the find and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. RC-P-47. Seek to preserve discovered archaeological resources in place in order to maintain the relationship between the artifacts and their archeological context, where feasible. RC-P-49. Establish development process to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources. Where possible, seek to preserve resources in place, exploring opportunities of permanent protection of the resources where feasible. RC-P-50. Conduct project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process to ensure adequate data recovery and mitigation for adverse impacts to significant Native American sites. Ensure that City staff and local developers are aware of their responsibilities to facilitate Native American consultation under Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. RC-P-51. Establish a procedure for the management of paleontological materials found on- site during a development, including the following provisions: • If materials are found on-site during grading, require that work be halted until a qualified professional evaluates the find to determine if it represents a significant paleontological resource, and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. • If the resource is determined to be significant, the paleontologist shall supervise removal of the material and determine the most appropriate archival storage of the material. • Appropriate materials shall be prepared, catalogued, and archived at the feasible. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1723 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-36 Public Facilities and Services PF-G-1. Maintain and expand the system of parks, recreation facilities, open spaces, and trails that meet the active and passive recreational needs of residents of all ages and abilities. PF-G-2. Provide new parks in concert with new residential development while ensuring that parkland is distributed equitably across the city. PF-G-3. Require that new development bears the costs of new park and recreation facilities that are needed to meet any increase in demand resulting from the new development, or from which the new development would benefit. PF-P-1. Periodically update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to assess existing park and recreational facilities, assets, and deficiencies, and to plan for new facility locations, programs, and funding. PF-P-2. Continue to seek public input on parks and recreation needs and preferences through surveys, presentations to the Parks and Recreation Commission, neighborhood meetings and workshops, and other community outreach methods as necessary, such as when siting/designing new parks, when updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, when renovating existing parks, etc. PF-P-3. Identify and pursue funding and financial resources to acquire land for parks and ls, and recreational facilities. PF-P-4. Encourage the co-location of new parks and recreational facilities with schools, community centers, libraries, and other public facilities to create neighborhood focal points that contribute to neighborhood identity. PF-P-5. Continue cooperative efforts with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts through joint use agreements for park and recreational facilities. PF-P-6. Lanterman site, and seek joint use opportunities for parks and recreation facilities developed on the site. PF-P-7. Distribute new parks equitably through Diamond Bar, ensuring that residents are within a ¾-mile radius of a neighborhood park or community park. PF-P-8. Develop and maintain a park impact fee consistent with the General Plan standard of five acres per 1,000 residents in Diamond Bar. PF-P-9. Prioritize public parkland dedication as a condition of new residential development, allowing the use of in lieu fees only where parkland dedication is not feasible, to ensure a public park system available to the entire community. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1724 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-37 PF-P-10. Should Los Angeles County choose to cease operations of the Diamond Bar Golf Course or reduce the area of the Golf Course, prepare a master plan for development that includes opportunities for public parks comprising a range of passive and active recreational uses to suit the needs of Diamond Bar residents. PF-P-11. Promote the joint development, use, and maintenance of parks and open space facilities with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. PF-P-12. Routinely review existing funding mechanisms and explore additional funding opportunities to support additional parks and recreation facilities and programs, such as State and federal grants, Park Bonds and property tax assessments, Community Facility Districts, and Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts. PF-P-13. Develop facility, park design, and site planning standards that take into consideration accessibility, flexible use, adaptability, energy and water efficiency, ease of maintenance, and sustainable design elements that take advantage of the natural processes of healthy ecosystems, while preserving historic and cultural resources and sensitive habitats. PF-P-14. Preserve existing and future City-owned recreational open space as recreational open space in perpetuity. City-owned recreational open space includes undeveloped areas of City parks that are available for passive recreational use, and portions of designated open space land that have been dedicated to the City for use as trails. See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Element and Chapter 5: Resource Conservation Element for additional policies regarding the preservation of open space. PF-P-15. Prioritize the development of additional recreational facilities such as athletic fields, hard courts, and other recreational facilities that respond to citizen needs and preferences. PF-P-16. Continue to provide programming and services for seniors, including active programs, classes, and activities and outings, adjusting programming based on PF-P-17. Require that the recreational needs of all children and adults, including persons with disabilities, seniors, and dependent adults, be addressed in recreational facility planning efforts. PF-P-18. Link parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails with a trail network. Incorporate existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, working with willing landowners to prioritize land acquisition where necessary. Where possible, incorporate landscaping and enhance natural features. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1725 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-38 PF-P-19. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to include standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open spaces, and rights-of-way. Encourage the installation of amenities such as rest areas, benches, water facilities, hitching posts and wayfinding signs serving trails and scenic routes that adhere to a standard signage palette. PF-P-20. Maintain the Parks and Recreation Master Plan goal of at least one mile of recreational trails for each 10,000 persons. PF-P-21. Seek grants and alternative funding mechanisms for trail development and maintenance. PF-P-22. Partner with non-profit organizations to assist in developing and managing the trails system and providing community outreach and education. PF-P-23. Coordinate trail planning with regional trail and open space plans to ensure connectivity and access to the regional trail system. PF-P-24. Coordinate land use planning with planning of school facilities. Work with the WVUSD and PUSD to monitor demographics and housing and enrollment trends, and work with the school districts from the early stages of area-wide planning and school site selection processes, reserving school sites to accommodate school district needs as necessary. Public Safety PS-P-1. Require new emergency facilities, including, but not limited to, fire stations, paramedic services, police stations, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the maximum credible earthquake event. PS-P-6. Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks through hillside protection and management. PS-P-10. Ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer as a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementation of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. PS-P-13. Reduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system. PS-P-15. Require adherence to Diamond Bar Fire and Building Codes, including minimum road widths and adequate access and clearance for emergency vehicles and the identification of all roads, streets, and major public buildings a in a manner that is clearly visible to fire protection and other emergency vehicles. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1726 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-39 PS-P-16. For privately-owned property within areas designated for development that are subject to high wildfire risk, condition approval of development upon the implementation of measures to reduce risks associated with that development, including, but not limited to, fuel modification plans and Fire Code requirements in effect at the time of project approval. PS-P-17. Protect and promote native oak woodlands that border residential areas as fire buffers. PS-P-20. Prior to permit approval, ensure that all new development located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a State Responsibility Area (SRA) is served by adequate infrastructure, including safe access for emergency response vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies for fire suppression. PS-P-21. Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that properties in and adjacent to High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as indicated in Figure 7-6 are adequately protected from wildland fire hazards in a manner that minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation and ecosystems through inspection and enforcement. Update Figure 7-6 as new information becomes available from CAL FIRE. PS-P-22. Support the County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Provision of weed abatement and brush thinning and removal services in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Areas in order to curb potential fire hazards. PS-P-23. Where development is proposed within High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, ensure that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has the opportunity to review the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazards and its potential as a source of fire, including fuel modification plan review for new development or additions that are equal or greater than 50 percent of the existing square footage. PS-G-5. Maintain safety services that are responsive to citizens' needs to ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community. PS-G-6. Support community-based policing partnerships to enhance public awareness of crime prevention and strengthen the relationship between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and neighborhoods throughout the city. PS-G-7. Provide effective emergency preparedness and response programs. PS-P-29. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for review of applications for new development and for the intensification of existing development, ensuring that review is consistent with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. CPTED is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. CPTED Principles include natural surveillance or "eyes 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1727 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-40 on the street," clear delineation and access to public and private spaces, and continued upkeep and maintenance of spaces. PS-P-30. Continue to promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and business watch programs to encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhoods. PS-P-31. Continue to utilize the contract model of government with Los Angeles County ide facilities, staffing, and equipment to attain the shortest possible response times as set forth by the adopted standards of those public safety organizations. PS-P-32. Support the achievement of police and fire response times through the implementation of traffic management measures that mitigate congestion during peak rush hour and during school drop-off and pick-up times. For additional traffic management policies, refer to Chapter 4: Circulation Element. PS-P-33. Monitor fire-flow capability throughout the Planning Area and improve water availability and redundancy for any locations that have flows considered inadequate for fire protection. Continue to work with various water purveyors to maintain adequate water supply and require on-site water storage for areas where municipal water service is not available. PS-P-34. Coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to review new development applications for consistency with applicable Fire Codes. PS-P-35. Work cooperatively with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions to ensure that all portions of the Planning Area are served and accessible within an effective response time. PS-P-36. Work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that the cost of providing new staffing, facilities, and equipment, including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. PS-P-37. Maintain area-wide mutual aid agreements and communication links with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions. PS-G-10. impose mitigation measures on future development and uses to prevent significant degradation of the future acoustic environment. PS-G-11. The location and design of transportation facilities, industrial uses, and other potential noise generators shall not adversely affect adjacent uses or facilities. PS-G-12. Support measures to reduce noise emissions by motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1728 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-41 PS-P-47. As feasible, locate land uses to buffer residential uses from potential noise generators and site buildings to serve as noise buffers. PS-P-48. Maintain interior and exterior noise-related development standards through the Diamond Bar Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-49. Require that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7-1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-50. Evaluate the land use compatibility of any proposed development project prior to approval to avoid locating loud developments near noise sensitive receptors. When walls over six feet in height are necessary to mitigate noise, a berm/wall combination with heavy landscaping, a terraced wall heavily landscaped, or other similar innovative wall design technique shall be used to minimize visual impacts. PS-P-52. Ensure that noise attenuation facilities are installed as feasible in all noise-sensitive areas impacted by County, State, or federal highways through coordination with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. Community Health and Sustainability CHS-P-1. Strive to ensure that all areas of the community have an equal distribution of public parks and public recreational facilities to maximize access. CHS-P-29. Require noise mitigation measures, which could include buffers, noise barriers, or natural open space, and vegetation, between new sensitive uses such as residential units and schools, and major noise polluters such as SR-57 and SR-60, the Metrolink Riverside rail line, and heavy industry. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1729 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-42 Impact 3.11-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. (Significant and Unavoidable) Without the development of new parks and adequate maintenance of existing parks, the potential increase in population anticipated by the Proposed Project could place additional physical demands on existing parks and facilities. An increase in the number of park users may cause parks to be in active use for longer periods of time and/or to be used more intensively over the course of a typical day. As a result, vital park elements such as vegetation, built structures, walking/biking paths, sport facilities, and others could face increased wear-and-tear over the course of the planning horizon and, without proper maintenance, their useful life could be shortened. The Diamond Bar Golf Course, which is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles, occupies 172 acres near the western border of the city. As discussed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, the golf course is covered by the Community Core Overlay designation. Should the Golf Course cease to operate, that designation would require that at least 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The Proposed Project includes provisions to ensure ongoing expansion, investment in, and maintenance of public recreation facilities, thus preventing any substantial physical deterioration of existing or new facilities. Proposed Project policies require the identification of funding for the expansion and maintenance of parks, trails, and other recreational facilities and programs. The Proposed Project seeks to make the development of future recreational facilities responsive to the needs and preferences of the public by soliciting public opinion and ensuring that parks are distributed equitably throughout the City, thereby reducing the likelihood that any existing neighborhood, community, or regional parks, or other recreational facilities would experience overuse that could result in the physical deterioration of those facilities. The Proposed Project requires the development and maintenance of park impact fees and prioritizes the dedication of public parkland as a condition for new residential development, thus ensuring that funding available for parkland expansion and maintenance rises in accordance with new development. The Proposed Project contains policies designed to minimize the environmental impact of park and recreational facility development, including the development of design and site planning standards that consider energy and water efficiency, sustainable design elements, and habitat and cultural resource preservation. While the policies contained in the Proposed Project will help address potential adverse effects of development on the quality and availability of park services, the Proposed Project does not provide for adequate parkland to meet the 5.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents standard. As shown in Figure 3.12-3, the Proposed Project contains one new proposed park site at the west terminus of Sunset Crossing Road. The completion of Sunset Crossing park system, resulting in a ratio of parkland per 1,000 residents of 2.77 for City-owned parkland. This ratio is below the Proposed Project lly, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1730 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-43 the Proposed Project contains plans for the change in several park designations, from Neighborhood to Community Park (Carlton J. Peterson Park, Pantera Park, Summitridge Park, and Sycamore Canyon Park). As shown in Figure 3.12-3, the Proposed Project contains sections of Diamond Bar that do not fall within the ¾ of service area of any existing or proposed park. These areas include a portion of the northeastern edge of the City, extending from the Riverside Metrolink Line to near Goldrush Drive, and two areas in the southeast, between Bella Pine and Pathfinder Drives and between Wagon Trail Lane and Diamond Bar city limits. These areas include land use classifications for Low -Medium Residential, Low Density Residential, and Rural Residential Development, and thus are likely to generate unmet demand for park access from residents. Therefore, even with implementation of policies contained in the Proposed Project, impacts associated with substantial physical deterioration of park and recreation facilities are significant and unavoidable. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-1, PF-G-2, PF-G-3, PF-P-1, PF-P-2, PF-P-3, PF-P-6, PF-P-7, PF-P-8, PF-P-9, PF-11, PF-P-12, PF-P-13, PF-P-14, PF-P-15, PF-P-16, PF-P-17, PF-P-18, PF-P-19, PF-P-20, PF-P-21, PF- P-22, PF-P-23, PF-P-24, LU-P-2, LU-P-5, LU-P-19, LU-G-27, LU-P-52, LU-P-53, RC-G-1, and RC-G-2 as discussed under Impact 3.11-1, in addition to the following: Resource Conservation RC-P-1. Obtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-2. As future parks are developed, incorporate natural open space areas and existing water resources and mature vegetation in order to provide for passive recreation opportunities and wildlife habitats. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1731 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-44 RC-P-6. Develop standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights-of-way. Community Health and Sustainability CHS-P-1. Strive to ensure that all areas of the community have an equal distribution of public parks and public recreational facilities to maximize access. CHS-P-24. Explore opportunities to incorporate community gardens into City parks and open space areas, and encourage the Diamond Bar Community Garden and other organizations to facilitate the development, administration, and operation of additional community gardens in the city. Mitigation Measures None available. The proposed General Plan includes several policies and land use changes aimed at increasing available and accessible parkland and open space. However, total parkland at buildout falls severely short of achieving the parkland ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, and no mitigation is feasible that can make up this gap. Calculation of the parkland ratio does not include the 134.9 acres of parkland from the Country Park, which is a private amenity, or the proposed 100 acres of parkland associated with the Community Core Overlay, given that Los Angeles County has not ceased operation of the golf course. Conversion of these two areas would increase the parkland ratio but is not feasible at the time of analysis. A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable. Impact 3.11-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. (Less than Significant) As stated, the Proposed Project anticipates the development of one new park at the westerly terminus of Sunset Crossing Road. In addition, the Proposed Plan calls for the continued support and adequate provision of library services, adult education programs, and community centers, in keeping with the needs and preferences of the population. Should new recreational facilities need to be constructed in the future, construction of those facilities could result in environmental impacts, including potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. New park developments would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. The precise amount, type, and location of the new parks and recreational facilities would be determined during the planning process for individual development projects or master/specific plans, and would be consistent with the Proposed Project land use designations and policies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1732 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-45 Elements of the Proposed Project designed to minimize the environmental impact of new development, including the development of new recreational facilities, include developing park and recreational facility design and planning standards that consider energy and water use efficiency and sensitive habitat preservation, and incorporate natural and/or drought-tolerant landscaping where reasonable; promoting sustainable stormwater management through the construction of on- site green infrastructure; and providing provisions for the construction of infill development and preservation of open space, hillsides, and Significant Ecological Areas. As discussed under Impact 3.12-1, impacts associated with new recreation facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-1, PF-G-2, PF-P-1, PF-P-14, PF-P-19, PF-P-22, PF-P-23, PF-P-25, PS-P-6, PS-P-10, PS-P-13, CC-P-5, CC-P-6, LU-P-2, LU-P-55, LU-P-56, ED-G-1, RC-P-2, RC-P-6, RC-P-7, RC-P- 8, RC-P-9, RC-P-10, RC-P-11, RC-P-12, RC-P-13, RC-P-15, RC-P-16, RC-P-17, RC-P-19, RC-P- 20, RC-P-24, RC-P-25, RC-P-28, RC-P-30, RC-P-37, RC-P-39, RC-P-46, RC-P-47, RC-P-49, RC- P-50, and RC-P-51 as discussed under Impact 3.11-1, in addition to the following: Resource Conservation RC-G-3. Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. Public Facilities and Services PF-G-4. Continue to provide residents of all ages and abilities with access to high quality local educational facilities and learning opportunities in cooperation with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts (WVUSD and PUSD, respectively), the Los Angeles County library system, and community organizations. PF-G-5. Continue to provide and expand opportunities for all residents to gather, interact, exchange ideas, and establish and realize common goals. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1733 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-46 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1734 3.12 Transportation This section assesses potential environmental impacts on the transportation system from future development anticipated by the Proposed Project, including those related to vehicle miles traveled (VMT), roadway hazards, emergency access, public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This section describes the existing transportation system, characteristics, and operations of the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were numerous comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Transportation. • Comments were received stating that Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) mandates that CEQA review of transportation impacts of proposed developments be modified by using vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as the primary metric in identifying transportation impacts. These comments are acknowledged, and VMT is the metric of transportation impact analysis utilized in this EIR. • A commenter asked if the CEQA Guidelines relating to SB 743 will be applied equally to Diamond Bar as compared to areas where there is less impact from major routes. In response to this inquiry, the SB 743 compliance analysis in the EIR addresses the type of trip, length of trip and number of trips. Congestion and cut-through traffic in the analysis affect trip routing which is reflected in the analysis. However, SB 743 analysis in the EIR compares Diamond Bar to itself with and without the proposed General Plan land use changes, and other cities with less congestion are compared to their own region, resulting in equal application of CEQA in each city. • There were requests that the EIR should go further in assessing traffic, noting that traffic calming is not the solution. Several major intersections that are currently saturated during peak hours and requests consideration of these locations. Any future projects that further increase traffic flow and volume at any of these intersections and routes should consider cut-through traffic from SR 57 and SR 60 and ensure that traffic flow is not negatively impacted as compared to traffic flow on these Diamond Bar streets and intersections. The response to these comments is that SB 743 has determined that VMT is the primary metric in identifying transportation impacts, not delay or congestion. Congestion was addressed as part of the General Plan but not the EIR. • The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) acknowledged the challenges in alleviating congestion and requested a focus on complete streets and TDM strategies to promote alternatives to driving and managing parking. Good traffic engineering design at ramp terminal intersections includes accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians. Caltrans notes that road diets are proven safety countermeasures, residential development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1735 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-2 near freeways should include sound walls, and recommends planning for increased transit facilities. The Proposed Project reflects these transportation planning principles in that complete streets and TDM strategies are included in the General Plan Goals and Policies and are addressed in the EIR. • The City of Chino Hills reviewed the land use changes near Diamond Bar Boulevard and SR-60/57 Interchange and documented that the changes seem reasonable. This comment is acknowledged; moreover, land use changes are addressed in greater detail in the EIR. • The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the Regional Transportation Planning Agency and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) pursuant to SB 375. SCAG summarized 2016 RTP/SCS goals, which seek to improve mobility, promote sustainability, facilitate economic development, and preserve the quality of life for residents in the region. The long-range visioning plan balances future mobility and housing needs with goals for the environment, the regional economy, social equity and environmental justice, and public health. RTP/SCS goals are utilized in the General Plan Goals and Policies and are addressed in the EIR. • Hills for Everyone (HFE) supports a Climate Action Plan to reduce VMT and help meet SCAG GHG targets and California Air Resource Board (CARB) statewide targets for SB 375. HFE asked how the General Plan will address level of service LOS, load and capacity for existing roads; reduce wait times at traffic signals; incorporate more pedestrian and bike- friendly amenities; reduce the use of vehicular transportation; and review shared parking ratios. The General Plan addresses LOS and roadway capacity from a high-level land use growth perspective and maintains a LOS D standard at intersections and roadways in the City. Some roadways were exempted from the policy. The General Plan also considers the adaptive signal timing program that will reduce vehicle delay on coordinated corridors and improve congestion Citywide. As noted above, complete streets and TDM policies were considered as goals and policies in the General Plan and were addressed in the EIR. • There are life and safety concerns when traffic is gridlocked and emergency vehicles are unable to navigate through the area. Opinions include that LOS C should be the minimum acceptable standard. Future development will further exacerbate the saturated condition. Congestion on SR-60 and SR-57 causes the worst congestion in Diamond Bar. Air quality will be worsened as long as there are gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. Diamond Bar has not felt the full impact of the build-out along Grand Avenue in the City of Industry or the effects on the environment and traffic from any developments in Tres Hermanos Ranch. CEQA in Diamond Bar should take into account the City of Industry. The concept of pedestrian-friendly communities is not practical when it is a mile or more to go shopping. The buildout of the General Plan utilizes the SCAG model which also includes buildout growth of the surrounding SCAG region. VMT analysis was conducted which considers the buildout of neighboring cities and the effect on Diamond Bar in the EIR. Pedestrian-friendly community strategies are prescribed in the General Plan Goals and Policies in order to minimize the transportation impact in the EIR. • Additional car trips that will be generated by high-density housing and commercial in TOD raise concerns about increasing exposure to pollution, noise, traffic congestion and hazards to safety. Studies need to be conducted on existing and future impacts of TOD development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1736 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-3 for the impacts of the newly opened freeway onramps/off-ramps by Lemon Avenue. There should be traffic calming features to prevent accidents near the school. Developing the golf course needs to be addressed at congested intersection Grand Avenue at Golden Springs Drive. The buildout of the General Plan utilizes the SCAG model which also includes inclusion of the TOD land uses and the future roadway network such as Lemon Avenue interchange. • Other public comments included accounting for induced travel concurrent with freeway widening projects, to prevent cut-through traffic in the City, to relieve congestion in the City, concerns over traffic collisions, and concerns over school traffic. The VMT assessment includes use of the SCAG model which is sensitive to induced travel when utilized within the limits of the model. The General Plan does not propose the widening of any roads or any new facilities that are not already planned as part of the 2016 SCAG RTP/SCS and therefore no modifications were applied to the roadway network that would be anticipated to induce travel in the analysis. 12.1 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING The City of Diamond Bar lies in Los Angeles County. It borders Walnut to the north-west, City of Industry to the west, Pomona to the northeast, Chino Hills to the south-east, and Rowland Heights to the south-west. The transportation system in Diamond Bar includes diverse elements including roadway systems and bicycle systems, as well as a public transit system providing both local and regional service. A field assessment was conducted in September 2016 to further assist in the existing conditions evaluation. The transportation elements within the City are discussed in greater detail below. Travel Characteristics An analysis of American Community Survey (ACS) data available from the US Census Bureau provides information related to the travel trends and behavior amongst workers in Diamond Bar and surrounding areas. According to the ACS 2014 5-Year estimates, 79 percent of commuters drive alone in Diamond Bar, compared to 74 percent in Los Angeles County and California and 76 percent in the United States (Table 3.12-1: Commuter Mode Share in Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas). Comparatively, 10 percent of workers in Diamond Bar carpooled, which approximately consistent with the County average. Transit, walking, and biking are all approximately 5 percent or less of commute trips. Approximately seven percent of workers work from home, which is slightly higher than local and regional rates. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1737 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-4 Table 3.12-1: Commuter Mode Split In Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas Commute Mode Choice Diamond Bar Los Angeles County California United States Single Occupant Auto 79.2% 73.7% 73.6% 76.4% Carpool 9.7% 9.6% 10.4% 9.2% Public Transit 3.1% 6.3% 5.2% 5.1% Bicycling/Walking 0.7% 3.6% 3.7% 3.3% Other Means 0.7% 1.5% 1.5% 1.2% Work at Home 6.6% 5.3% 5.6% 4.7% Source: American Community Survey (2013-2017). Census data also indicates that commute travel times for Diamond Bar residents are shorter than for the rest of Los Angeles County. Eight percent of Diamond Bar residents travel less than 10 minutes to work, versus four percent of countywide residents. Also, 33 percent of Diamond Bar residents travel less than 20 minutes, which is higher than the rest of the County (24 percent). Twelve percent of Diamond Bar residents take 60 or more minutes to reach work, compared to 19 percent of overall County residents. Another aspect of travel behavior relates to the propensity for residents to either remain within their community or travel outside of their community for their work trips. One data source for this information is the Longitudinal Employer Household Dynamics (LEHD). According to the LEHD database, 6.3 percent of Diamond Bar residents worked in the City and 93.7 percent worked elsewhere in 2015 (the most recent year available). Table 3.12-2 summarizes that this is consistent with local rates of surrounding cities. The percentage of persons living in Diamond Bar who also work in Diamond Bar has remained consistently between 6.3 percent and 6.9 percent from 2005 to 2015. The percentage of persons living in Diamond Bar but working elsewhere has remained above 93.7 percent during the same span of time. Table 3.12-2: Percentage of Residents Who Work in City of Residence (Diamond Bar and Surrounding Area) Work in City of Residence Diamond Bar 6.3% Walnut 6.3% Pomona 10.6% Chino Hills 5.1% Rowland Heights 5.8% Source: American Community Survey 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1738 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-5 Motorized Transportation Network Roadway Classifications The City of Diamond Bar is a primarily suburban community with well-developed traffic patterns. The street system consists of a network of local roadways that connect to major roadways in a typical residential street pattern with many loops and cul-de-sacs. The roadway system comprises five functional systems: major arterial, secondary arterial, boulevard, collector, and local streets. The classification of streets is based on a functional hierarchy defined by the number of travel lanes, roadway width (curb to curb), right-of-way (public property line to public property line), and traffic volumes. The network of arterial, collector, and local streets provide connectivity within the City of Diamond Bar and to neighboring communities. Regional connectivity to the City is provided by California State Route 57 (SR-57) and California State Route 60 (SR-60). The existing Circulation Element of the Diamond Bar General Plan designates five different roadway types in the City. Functional classification refers to how a road accommodates two characteristics: first, the extent to which the roadway prioritizes the through movement of traffic and second, the level of access provided to adjacent properties. Based on these generalized characteristics, roadways often vary in terms of right-of-way, roadway width, number of lanes, intersection and traffic signal spacing, speed, and other factors. The functional classification is assigned to a particular roadway based on the criteria above. Table 3.12-3 below identifies these roadway types for the City and provides the general geometric cross-sectional characteristics of each. Table 3.12-3: Diamond Bar General Plan Roadway Functional Classifications Roadway Type Description of Typical Street Cross Section Characteristics Arterial Street (Major and Secondary) A major arterial street generally features four or six lanes for through traffic and may contain additional lanes to accommodate turning movements, parking, and bicycle traffic, all within a right-of-way of 100-120 feet. A secondary arterial generally features four lanes for through traffic and may also contain additional lanes, all within a right-of-way of 60-100 feet. Boulevards Boulevards are a type of arterial designed to connect major destinations within the City, and are highly visible and aesthetically landscaped with shade trees and wide sidewalks. Collector Streets (Business and Residential) Collector streets serve business or residential land uses and are gener ally two or four lane roadways. Local Residential Streets A local residential street is a two-lane roadway with no median and is intended to serve solely local traffic. Source: Diamond Bar General Plan Circulation Element, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1739 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-6 The following descriptions categorize the roadways within the City of Diamond Bar. Freeways State Route 57 An eight-lane portion of SR-57 (Orange Freeway) runs along the C boundary and through its southern boundary and provides the City with important inter-city and inter-regional connectivity. SR-57 is connected to the City via interchanges on Diamond Bar Boulevard, Pathfinder Road, and Sunset Crossing Road. State Route 60 A ten-lane portion of SR-60 (Pomona Freeway) runs from the northern boundary and along the C City with important inter-city and inter- regional connectivity. SR-60 is connected to the City via interchanges on Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road, Grand Avenue, and Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Lemon Avenue. Please note that there is no freeway interchange connection from westbound SR-60 to northbound SR-57 or in the opposite direction. The locally designated Sunset Crossings Road and a segment of Diamond Bar Boulevard functions as the freeway-to-freeway connector for this direction. Boulevards Diamond Bar Boulevard Diamond Bar Boulevard is designated as a boulevard and provides two travel lanes and a bicycle lane in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. Diamond Bar Boulevard runs through both residential and commercial land uses. West of SR-57, this roadway continues as Brea Canyon Cutoff Road, a secondary arterial roadway. Golden Springs Drive (East of SR-57) East of SR-57, Golden Springs Drive is designated as a boulevard. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median between SR-57 and Grand Avenue only, left turn lanes, and a speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. There is also a bicycle lane in each direction that begins just east of Adel Avenue. Residential and commercial land uses are predominantly present around Golden Springs Drive. Grand Avenue (between Montefino Avenue and Cleghorn Drive) Grand Avenue is designated as a boulevard on this 2,000-foot segment of commercial uses. This segment provides three travel lanes in each direction with a raised, narrow, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 45 mph. Arterial Streets Brea Canyon Road Designated as a major arterial roadway north of Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road provides two to three travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a posted speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. South of Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road is designated as a secondary arterial roadway that provides two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane and a posted speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. Brea Canyon Road is primarily surrounded by commercial land uses north of Golden Springs Drive and residential land uses south of Golden Springs Drive. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1740 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-7 Brea Canyon Cutoff Road This roadway is designated as a secondary arterial and runs along the southwestern edge of the City. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane and a speed limit of 40 mph. Adjacent land uses are primarily open space and residential. Chino Avenue A very short segment of Chino Avenue that runs through Diamond Bar is designated as a secondary arterial roadway. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with left turn lanes and a posted speed limit of 50 mph. Residential land uses surround this portion of Chino Avenue. Chino Hills Parkway Chino Hills Parkway is designated as a major arterial roadway and provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised median and a speed limit of 50 mph. It is surrounded by vacant hillsides within Diamond Bar. Golden Springs Drive West of SR-57, Golden Springs Drive is designated as a major arterial roadway with two travel lanes in each direction, a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit ranging from 40-45 mph. Residential and commercial land uses are predominantly present around Golden Springs Drive. Grand Avenue (West of Montefino Avenue and East of Cleghorn Drive) West of Montefino Avenue, Grand Avenue is designated as a major arterial roadway, adjacent to commercial uses and freeway. This segment provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 45 mph. East of Cleghorn Drive, Grand Avenue is designated as a major arterial roadway, adjacent to residential uses. This segment provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 45 mph. Lemon Avenue (north of Golden Springs Drive) This short segment of Lemon Avenue runs north of Golden Springs Drive to the edge of the City and is designated as a major arterial roadway. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 40 mph. This roadway includes access to the SR-60 freeway by the recently constructed interchange. Adjacent land uses are primarily industrial. Temple Avenue The south side of Temple Avenue between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Road is within the City of Diamond Bar and the north half is within the City of Pomona. In both cities this street is designated as a major arterial. This segment of Temple Avenue contains two travel lanes in each direction which are separated by a landscaped median. There is no parking allowed on this stretch of Temple Avenue and the posted speed limit is 45 mph. Pathfinder Road Pathfinder Road is designated as a major arterial roadway running through residential land uses. Two travel lanes are provided in each direction. Most of this segment has a center turn lane, left turn lanes, and no median. The speed limit is 40 mph. Collector Streets Sunset Crossing Road (East of Prospectors Road) Sunset Crossing Road east of SR-57 is a two- lane collector street with street parking and a 25 mph speed limit running through primarily residential land uses with some commercial uses. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1741 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-8 Lycoming Street Lycoming Street is a two-lane collector street with street parking and a 25 mph speed limit running through primarily residential land uses with some commercial uses. Prospectors Road Prospectors Road is a two-lane collector street with street parking and a 25 mph speed limit running through residential land uses. Walnut Drive Walnut Drive is a four-lane collector street with a 40 mph speed limit running through primarily commercial and industrial land uses. Copley Drive/Gateway Center Drive Copley Drive is a two-lane collector street with a two-way turn lane and a 35 mph speed limit running through commercial and institutional land uses. North of Bridgegate Drive, Copley Drive turns into Gateway Center Drive. Bridgegate Drive/Valley Vista Drive Bridgegate Drive/Valley Vista Drive is a two-lane collector street with a two-way turn lane, street parking, and a 35 mph speed limit running through commercial and institutional land uses. Figure 3.12-1 shows the Diamond Bar roadway network by functional type. Table 3.12-4 outlines the classified facilities within the City. Table 3.12-4: Diamond Bar Roadways Classifications Roadways Boulevards Diamond Bar Boulevard Golden Springs Drive (east of SR-57) Grand Avenue (between Montefino Avenue and Cleghorn Drive) Arterial Streets (Major and Secondary) Chino Hills Parkway Golden Springs Drive (west of SR-57) Grand Avenue (west of Montefino Avenue and east of Cleghorn Drive) Lemon Avenue (north of Golden Springs Drive) Pathfinder Road Brea Canyon Cutoff Collector Streets Sunset Crossing Road (east of Prospectors Road) Lycoming Street Prospectors Road Walnut Drive Copley Drive Gateway Center Drive Valley Vista Drive Bridgegate Drive Local Streets All others Source: Diamond Bar General Plan Circulation Element, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1742 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETC R O S SING RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O S PLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTE R A DRLONGVIEW D R S U MMITRIDGED R D IAM O N DB AR BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANC R E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREA C A N Y O N CUTOFFR D BREACANYONRDH A W K WOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D RBREA CANYONRD LYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O NSVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDR WAGONTRA IN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYON RI D GE RDPEACEFULHILL S R D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RSSTCOLDSPR INGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNIN GCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN DRKIO W A C R E S TDRBIRDSE Y E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W Y M APLE HIL L RDMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEN D DR SYLVAN G L EN R D HIGH L A N D VLY RD DE LSOLLND E C O R A H R D S E A G R EEN DRC O PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTAD R ROCKRIVERRDFreeway Major Arterial Secondary Arterial Boulevard Collector Local Ramp Railroad City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 3.12-1: Circulation Diagram Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019 City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1743 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-10 Bicycle Facilities Highway Design Manual (HDM) (Chapter 1000: Bikeway Planning and Design) and California Assembly Bill 1193 codify four distinct classifications of bikeways. Bikeways offer various levels of separation from traffic based on traffic volume and speed, among other factors. Bikeway classifications and existing facilities of each type are described below. Class I Bikeway (Bike Path) Class I bicycle facilities are bicycle trails or paths that are off-street and separated from automobiles. They are a minimum of eight feet in width for two-way travel and include bike lane signage and designated street crossings where needed. A Class I Bike Path may parallel a roadway (within the parkway) or may be a completely separate right-of-way that meanders through a neighborhood or along a flood control channel or utility right-of-way. Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane) Class II bicycle facilities are striped lanes that provide bike travel and can be either located next to a curb or parking lane. If located next to a curb, a minimum width of five feet is recommended. However, a bike lane adjacent to a parking lane can be four feet in width. A striped buffered area may also be included between the bike lane and the vehicular travel lane to create further separation between the two travel modes. Bike lanes are exclusively for the use of bicycles and include bike lane signage, special lane lines, and pavement markings. Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) Class III Bikeways are streets that provide for shared use by motor vehicles and bicyclists. While bicyclists have no exclusive use or priority, signage both by the side of the street and stenciled on the roadway surface alerts motorists to bicyclists sharing the roadway space and denotes that the street is an official bike route. Class IV Bikeway (Separated Bikeway) Class IV bicycle facilities, sometimes called cycle tracks or separated bikeways, provide a right-of- way designated exclusively for bicycle travel adjacent to a roadway and are protected from vehicular traffic via separations (e.g. grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible physical barriers, on-street parking). California Assembly Bill 1193 (AB 1193) legalized and established design standards for Class IV bikeways in 2015. Bicyclists enjoy an extensive system of dedicated These facilities consist Class I, II and III facilities and are shown on Figure 3.12-2. Proposed Class I, II, III and IV facilities are also shown on Figure 3.12-2. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1744 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETC R O S SING RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R MI T O S PLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTE R A DRLONGVIEW D R S U MMITRIDGED R D IAM O N D B AR BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANC R E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREA C A N Y O N CUTOFFR D BREACANYONRDH A W K WOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D RBREA CANYONRD LYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALC O NSVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDR WAGONTRA IN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYON RI D GE RDPEACEFULHILL S R D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RSSTCOLDSPRIN GLNBELLA PINE DRMORNIN GCANYONRDSANT A Q UIN DRKIO W A C R E S TDRBIRDSE Y E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W Y M APLE HILL RDMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEN D DR SYLVAN G L EN R D HIGH L A N D V LY RD DE LSOLLND E C O R A H R D S E A G R EEN DRC O PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTAD R ROCKRIVERRDExisitng Facilities Class I: Multi-Use Path Class II: Bicycle Lane Proposed Facilities Class I: Multi-Use Path Class II: Bicycle Lane Class III: Bicycle Route Class IV: Protected Bike Lane City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fehr & Peers 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 3.12-2: Proposed Bicycle Network 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1745 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-12 Pedestrian Facilities The suburban, tract housing layout, with major through streets comprising a notable portion of the City, has resulted in an automobile dominant community. Six factors that affect walkability and the pedestrian experience in the City at large have been analyzed, including: Sidewalk Continuity Communities are more walkable if sidewalks do not end abruptly and are present on the entire segment and both sides of a roadway. This is especially important for the mobility-impaired or those pushing small children in strollers. Sidewalk Conditions - This refers to the physical condition of sidewalk surfaces. Sidewalks that are broken or cracked can deter walkability and pose a safety hazard, particularly for the mobility impaired, such as those in wheelchairs and persons using walkers or strollers. Shading - Persons are more inclined to walk in areas where there is shade present, particularly in Southern California with its relatively warm weather and limited rainfall as compared to other locations. Additionally, shade trees create an aesthetic value that is pleasing to the pedestrian. Grade - Persons are more inclined to walk in areas that are relatively flat or have limited grade changes. Amenities - All else being equal, persons are more inclined to walk in areas that are interesting environments with shopping, retail, restaurants, and other similar uses. Pedestrian-friendly amenities include street furniture, attractive paving, way-finding signage, enhanced landscaping, and improved lighting. Buffers - A more walkable environment is one in which there is some degree of separation between the pedestrian and the motorist. This typically includes wider sidewalks, street parking and sidewalk bulb-outs at intersections where feasible. Crosswalks with appropriate signage serve as an important buffer as well. A general evaluation of the pedestrian environment in Diamond Bar is provided in Table 3.12-5 below. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1746 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-13 Table 3.12-5: Existing Pedestrian Facilities Criteria Evaluation Sidewalk Continuity Most major roadways in Diamond Bar have continuous sidewalks on one or both sides. Most residential streets also have continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street. Sidewalk Conditions Throughout the City of Diamond Bar, sidewalks are generally in good condition, free of cracks, fissures, or uplift. While there are some examples of cracked pavement, no conditions were observed that would inhibit safe movement. Sidewalks are generally wide enough to accommodate multiple users, though in some cases there are obstructions due either to various utility boxes or overgrown landscaping. Shading Generally, shading is limited throughout Diamond Bar. There are some segments containing trees along the sidewalks, but these tend to provide very little shade. Some shade is provided by trees on private properties adjacent to sidewalks. In many cases, there is no shading. Grade Diamond Bar is a hillside community and therefore several of the major arterials in Diamond Bar have slopes. In addition, residential streets often have significant grade, which may be a barrier to walking. Amenities Offered Because the City of Diamond Bar is a largely residential city, most roadways provide very little in the way of amenities that serve or appeal to pedestrians. There are some gas stations, strip mall retail, and restaurants at some intersections, but these are typically designed to be oriented towards the automobile and are not generally intended to attract pedestrian clientele. Buffers Parking is generally not permitted along the major thoroughfares of Diamond Bar. Buffers that do exist largely consist of bike lanes and some landscaping, such as trees or parkways, between sidewalks and automobile travel lanes. Bike lanes on Diamond Bar Boulevard are especially wide, in some cases nearly as wide as a vehicle lane, providing a buffer between sidewalks and moving vehicle traffic. Source: Fehr & Peers, 2016. Public Transportation System Public transit in the City of Diamond Bar is provided through local bus service, commuter rail service, and demand-responsive paratransit service. City residents are eligible to receive a 20% subsidy on transit passes purchased online or at City Hall. The City of Diamond Bar is served by Foothill Transit. As of 2019, four Foothill Transit routes provide service to the City: 286, 482, 853, and 854. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1747 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-14 Foothill Transit 195 (Pomona) Line 195 runs through Pomona and along the northern edge of Diamond Bar on Temple Avenue. This line provides service seven days a week. Line 195 runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays and 6:15 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends. Headways are approximately 1 hour. 286 (Pomona to Brea) Line 286 runs from Pomona to Brea and connects Diamond Bar to Pomona and Brea. This line passes through Diamond Bar via SR-57 and Diamond Bar Boulevard and provides service seven days a week. Line 286 runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekends. Headways are approximately 1 hour. 482 (Pomona to Puente Hills) Line 482 serves Diamond Bar and runs from Pomona to Puente Hills and connects Diamond Bar to Walnut and Rowland Heights. Line 482 within Diamond Bar travels along Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road, Copley Drive, and Diamond Bar Boulevard. This line provides service seven days a week, from approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM on weekdays and 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM on weekends. Headways are approximately 30 minutes. 493 (Industry to Los Angeles) Line 493 runs from Industry to Los Angeles with service through Diamond Bar along Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive. This line provides service on weekdays, from approximately 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:15 PM to 8:00 PM. Headways range from approximately 10 to 30 minutes. This line does not operate on weekends. 495 (Industry to Los Angeles Express) Line 495 runs from the Industry Park & Ride, with connection to Lines 482 and 493, to Los Angeles. This line provides service on weekdays from approximately 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the westbound direction and from approximately 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the eastbound direction. Headways are approximately 20 minutes. This line does not operate on weekends. 497 (Chino to Los Angeles) Line 497 runs from Chino to Los Angeles with service through Diamond Bar on SR-60. This line provides service on weekdays from approximately 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the westbound direction and from approximately 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the eastbound direction. Headways are approximately 15 minutes. This line does not operate on weekends. 853 (Diamond Bar) Line 853 serves Diamond Bar and runs from Copley Drive & Golden Springs Drive to Diamond Ranch High School via Golden Springs Drive and Avenue Rancheros. Line 853 runs Monday to Thursday from approximately 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Headways are approximately 30 minutes in the morning. On Fridays, Line 853 runs from approximately 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Headways are approximately 10 minutes. This line does not operate on the weekends. 854 (Diamond Bar) Line 854 serves Diamond Bar and runs from Copley Drive & Golden Springs Drive to Diamond Ranch High School via Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Avenue Rancheros. Line 854 runs Monday to Thursday in the morning from approximately 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Headways are approximately five minutes. On Fridays, Line 854 runs in the morning from approximately 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. Headways are approximately ten minutes. Line 854 runs Monday to Friday in the afternoon from approximately 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Headways are approximately five minutes. This line does not operate on the weekends. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1748 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-15 Commuter Rail Service Diamond Bar is also served by the Metrolink Riverside Line along the northwestern boundary of the City at the Industry Metrolink Station, located east of the intersection of Brea Canyon Road at Currier Road. This line runs from Downtown Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and provides service Monday to Friday. There are six inbound trains that run from approximately 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM and six outbound trains that run from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Headways are approximately 30 minutes during the peak period. The nearest stations are the Montebello/Commerce station to the west and the Pomona Downtown station to the east. Paratransit Service Unlike fixed-route transit service, paratransit service does not follow fixed routes or schedules. Paratransit can consist of vans or mini-buses that provide on-demand curb-to-curb service from Access Services. Access Services is a curb-to-curb paratransit service serving Los Angeles County residents unable to use regular bus service. Access Services provides next day transportation service within ¾ of a mile on either side of any fixed route bus operated by the Los Angeles County public fixed route bus operators. Current fares are distance based and range from $2.75 to $3.50 for each one-way trip. Program, which is a subsidized curb- to-curb cab service program designed to supplement travel means for persons with disabilities and those age 60 and older residing in Diamond Bar. Within the City limits, the one-way fare is $.50. However, the program also offers subsidized fares to medical facilities within an approximately five-mile radius beyond the City limits, which includes Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and St. Jude Hospital/Medical Center in Fullerton. Transit Facilities Transit facilities in Diamond Bar consist of bus stops for Foothill Transit buses along Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and other roads. The Metrolink station in City of Industry can be accessed via Brea Canyon Road. A significant portion of the bus stops in the City have a bench or a shaded bus shelter. In addition, commuters can utilize two Caltrans park-and-ride lots on Diamond Bar Boulevard. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1749 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-16 Table 3.12-6: Summary of Transit Services in Diamond Bar Operator Line Characteristics Foothill Transit Line 195 T: Mon-Fri, 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM Weekends, 6:15 AM to 7:00 PM Headways: 60 min Line 286 T: Mon- Fri, 6:00 AM to 11:00PM Weekends, 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM Headways: 60 min Line 482 T: Mon-Fri, 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM Weekends, 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM Headways: 30 min Line 493 T: Mon- Fri, 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:15 PM to 8:00 PM Headways: 10 to 30 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 495 T: Mon- Fri, 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM Headways: 20 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 497 T: Mon- Fri, 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM Headways: 15 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 853 T: Mon-Thurs, 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 30 min Fri, 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 10 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 854 T: Mon-Thurs, 6:45 AM to 8:00 and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 5 min Fri, 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 10 min in AM, 5 min in PM No Weekend or Holiday Service. Metrolink Riverside Line Trips between Downtown Riverside and Downtown LA T: Mon- Fri, 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM service to LA, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM service to Riverside Headway: 30 min Paratransit Service Access Service Diamond Ride Trips within LA County Trips within Diamond Bar and medical facilities within a five-mile radius Sources: Metrolink, Foothill Transit, City of Diamond Bar, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1750 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDIN O COUNTY Metrolink Station Riverside Metrolink Line}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M IT O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D RUSH DR G O LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA D R LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREA CANYO N C UT OFF RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALC O NS VIEW DRA L A M O HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN C L EAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRI NGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C RE S T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR COPLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RDSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 3.12-3: Transit Corridors Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Park and Ride LotBus Routes Foothill Transit 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1751 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-18 Goods Movement Goods movement plays an important role in both the circulation network and the economy of a city such as Diamond Bar. Often, it can be difficult to balance accommodating trucks and other vehicles without impeding other modes or the well-being of residents of the City. According to the current General Plan, designated truck routes in the City of Diamond Bar consist of Lemon Avenue north of Golden Springs Drive, Golden Springs Drive between Lemon Avenue and Brea Canyon Road, Brea Canyon Road north of Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Sunset Crossing Road, and Sunset Crossing Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and SR-57. The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982 also defines a network of highways as truck routes. Large trucks are allowed to operate on these routes. Goods movement into and through Diamond Bar is currently accommodated by STAA-designated SR-57 and SR-60. The STAA also encourages local governments to accommodate trucks on roadways beyond those designated by the Act. These facilities are shown on Figure 3.12-4. Air Transportation There are no aviation facilities within the City of Diamond Bar. The closest facilities are the Ontario International Airport in Ontario approximately 16 miles east, Chino Airport in Chino Hills 13 miles south-east, and the Brackett Field Airport in La Verne six miles north. Planned Improvements Infrastructure improvements are planned for construction within the Planning Area over the planning horizon (through 2040), with major improvements described below. SR-57/ SR-60 Confluence Project The SR-57/SR-60 Confluence Project at Grand Avenue is a multi-year/multi-phase project intended to improve traffic operations on Grand Avenue from Golden Springs Drive to the interchange and increase interchange capacity. This project aims to improve traffic operation, reduce traffic weaving, increase weaving distance, and improve safety at the SR-57/SR-60 confluence. The construction is underway and expected to finish at the end of 2022; the project includes the construction of facilities such as on-ramps, off-ramps, auxiliary lanes, a bypass connector, and a bridge. Adaptive Signal Timing Program The City of Diamond Bar is implementing an adaptive signal timing program on major corridors throughout the City, including along Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. This program includes signal timing software and hardware improvements on signalized intersections throughout the corridors that will be more responsive to changes in traffic conditions than typical traffic signals or coordination, and will provide significant increases in capacity and relief in congestion. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1752 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-19 Policies for Improvements Capacity analysis at intersections and roadway segments throughout the City was conducted to of service (LOS) D standard. The following intersections and improvements were identified as needed by year 2040 and fit within the existing right-of-way: • At Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive, install a westbound right-turn overlap phase • At Diamond Bar Boulevard & Grand Avenue, restripe the eastbound right-turn lane to an eastbound shared through-right lane • At Lemon Avenue and Golden Springs Drive, install a westbound right-turn overlap phase infeasible due to lack of right-of-way, grade concerns, or total project construction costs: • Brea Canyon Road south of Diamond Bar Boulevard • Brea Canyon Road north of Diamond Bar Boulevard • Grand Avenue west of Country View Drive 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1753 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LBALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S PRI N G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A R BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E RDPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD A M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO W A C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELW YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLA ND V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGATED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDCity-Designated Truck Routes STAA-Designated Truck Routes Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Ri versideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.12-4: Goods Movement 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1754 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-21 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Department of Transportation Act of 1966 Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 specifies that a transportation project requiring the use of publicly owned parks, recreation areas, historic sites (including those owned privately), wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and many other types of resources can be approved only if the following findings can be made: 1. There is no prudent and feasible alternative to using that land; and 2. The program or project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the park, recreation area, wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or historic site resulting from the use. Each project proposal must include a Section 4(f) avoidance alternative (Caltrans 2011). Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) In 1982, the federal government passed the STAA. This act requires states to allow larger trucks on -interstate federal- aid p -foot trailers, (2) singles with 48- foot semi-trailers and unlimited kingpin-to-rear axle distance, (3) unlimited length for both vehicle combinations, and (4) widths up to 102 inches. SR 99 is defined as an STAA route. State Regulations California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Caltrans is the primary state agency responsible for transportation issues. One of its duties is the construction and maintenance of the state highway system. Caltrans has established standards for street traffic flow and has developed procedures to determine if intersections require improvements. For projects that may physically affect facilities under its administration, Caltrans requires encroachment permits before any construction work may be undertaken. For projects that would not physically affect facilities, but may influence traffic flow and levels of services at such facilities, Caltrans may recommend measures to mitigate the traffic impacts of such projects. California Transportation Commission (CTC) The CTC consists of nine members appointed by the California Governor. CTC is responsible for the programming and allocating of funds for the construction of highway, passenger rail, and transit improvements throughout the state. CTC is responsible for adopting the State Transportation Improvement Program and the State Highway Operation and Protection Program. Assembly Bill (AB) 32 With AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, the State of California committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is coordinating the response to comply with AB 32. In 2007, CARB adopted a list of early action programs that could be put in place by January 1, 2010. In 2008, CARB defined its 1990 baseline level of emissions, and by 2011 it completed its major rule 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1755 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-22 making for reducing GHG emissions. Rules on emissions, as well as market-based mechanisms like the cap and trade program, took effect in 2012. On December 11, 2008, CARB adopted its Proposed Scoping Plan for AB 32. This scoping plan included the approval of Senate Bill (SB) 375 as the means for achieving regional transportation related GHG targets. SB 375 provides guidance on how curbing emissions from cars and light trucks can help the state comply with AB 32. California Complete Streets Act The California Complete Streets Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 1358) of 2008 was signed into law on September 30, 2008. Beginning January 1, 2011, AB 1358 requires circulation element updates to address the transportation system from a multi-modal perspective. The act states that streets, roads, urban context of the transportation where appropriate, including walking, biking, car travel, and transit. The Complete Streets Act also requires circulation elements to consider the multiple users of the transportation system, including children, adults, seniors, and the disabled. AB 1358 tasks the undeveloped. Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, or Senate Bill (SB) 375, provides incentives for cities and developers to bring housing and jobs closer together and to improve public transit. The goal is to reduce the number and length of automobile commuting trips, helping to meet the statewide targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set by AB 32. SB 375 requires each Metropolitan Planning Organization to add a broader vision for growth, called a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), to its transportation plan. The SCS must lay out a plan enables the area to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The SCS should integrate transportation, land use, and housing policies to plan for achievement of the emissions target for the region. The most recent Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and SCS were adopted in 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1756 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-23 Senate Bill 743 This bill creates a new process for analyzing transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) finalized the proposed guidelines in December 2018. Jurisdictions have until July 1, 2020 to adopt thresholds of significance in accordance with SB 743. The required metric for determining transportation impacts is of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rather than vehicle delay (level of service, or LOS). Local Regulations Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) SCAG is the regional transportation planning agency in Los Angeles County. As such, they are responsible for planning and funding transportation projects throughout the region. The most recent RTP/SCS was adopted in 2016 and identifies numerous projects in the Diamond Bar area to improve mobility, such as: • Signalization of intersections; • Complete Streets improvements; • Interchange improvements; • Roadway widening; and • Intelligent Transportation System Improvements. Los Angeles Congestion Management Plan (CMP) The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has been required by state law to prepare, and update on a biennial basis, the Congestion Management Program (CMP) for the County of Los Angeles. The CMP process was established as part of a 1990 legislative package to implement Proposition 111, which increased the state gas tax from 9 to 18 cents per gallon. The intent of the CMP was to tie the appropriation of new gas tax revenues by linking transportation and land use decisions to mitigate congestion. Under the CMP, the 88 incorporated cities plus the County of Los Angeles share various statutory responsibilities, including monitoring traffic count locations on select arterials, implementing transportation improvements, adoption of travel demand management and land use ordinances, and mitigating congestion impacts. The framework for the CMP is based on the premise that congestion can be mitigated by continuing to add capacity to roadways. This is evidenced by the primary metric that drives the program, which is Level of Service (LOS). While the CMP requirement was one of the pioneering efforts to conduct performance-based planning, the approach has become antiquated and expensive. Recent state laws namely AB 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), SB 375 (Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008), and SB 743 (Environmental quality: transit oriented infill projects, judicial review streamlining for environmental leadership development projects)all move away from LOS directly or indirectly and instead focus on VMT as the appropriate metric to evaluate the performance of transportation investment. In sum, the CMP contradicts these key state policies regional transportation plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1757 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-24 On June 28, 2018, the Metro Board of Directors initiated the process to opt out of the state mandated CMP. California Government Code §65088.3 states that jurisdictions within a county may opt out of the CMP requirement without penalty, if a majority of local jurisdictions representing a majority of the c of the program. Metro is requesting that each governing body adopt a resolution to formally opt out of the CMP. On March 5, 2019, the Diamond Bar City Council joined a growing coalition of L.A. County cities electing to opt out of the CMP by adopting Resolution No. 2019-05. On August 28, 2019, Metro informed its member agencies that the statutorily required threshold of local jurisdictions in the County adopted resolutions electing to be exempt from the CMP, and that Metro notified the State Controller, the California Transportation Commission and the Office of Planning and Research that Los Angeles County has opted out of the CMP. City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code This includes parking requirements, truck routes, and design guidelines that provides detailed design information for the circulation system of new developments, including parking facilities, driveways, sidewalks, and pedestrian facilities. 12.2 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Conflict with applicable circulation plans, ordinances, or policies and applicable congestion management programs Criterion 2: Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b); Criterion 3: Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); or Criterion 4: Result in inadequate emergency access. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Vehicle Miles of Travel Analysis The City of Diamond Bar does not have adopted thresholds of significance related to SB 743 which requires VMT to be the metric to designate significant transportation impacts related to CEQA. The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) published the Technical Advisory on Evaluating 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1758 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-25 Transportation Impacts in CEQA (December 2018) which provides recommendations for conducting VMT analysis and thresholds of significance. The methodology below is consistent with the Technical Advisory and uses recommendations within to disclose transportation related impacts. For the purposes of this study, the cumulative condition was analyzed to determine if the proposed project would increase residential VMT per person or commuter VMT per person as detailed below, consistent with the Technical Advisory. The SCAG model consistent with the 2016 SCAG RTP/SCS growth projections was used to estimate the VMT generated by land uses in the Planning Area. To assess the VMT generated in Diamond Bar, the production and attraction (PA) method was used which records all home-based production and home-based-work production and attraction vehicular trips generated by land uses in the Planning Area across the entire regional network. Two types of trip purposes are isolated: • Home-Based Production trips - Includes all trips that begin at a household within the Planning Area. • Home-Based-Work Attraction trips - Includes all trips with a destination at an employment center within the Planning Area. The Vehicle Trips (VT) per day for home-based production trips and home-based-work attraction trips were estimated using the SCAG model. The VMT per day was derived by multiplying the number of VT per day by the average length of the trip by trip purpose. The VMT is normalized by dividing by the population or employment within the area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1759 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-26 IMPACTS Impact 3.12-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. (Less than Significant) a) Circulation Map The Project proposes to adopt a new circulation map that redefines the roadway classification of some Major Arterials to Boulevards. Boulevards are expected to have the same vehicle capacity as major arterials with additional emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The General Plan also redefines some existing roads that currently act as Major Arterials or Collectors as such which does not change the design or function of the roadway. The roadway network in Diamond Bar is considerably built out such that no roadway capacity improvements (lane additions, lane widenings, medians) are proposed that would change the function of the roadway network in a manner that would be considered significant. In fact, the plan implements Complete Street goals which often calm traffic, reduce lane widths, or install bike lanes and therefore this impact is considered less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Circulation CR-P-17. Maintain roadway design standards to manage vehicle speeds and traffic volumes, updating them as needed. Mitigation Measures None required. b) Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation The City of Diamond Bar does not have a standardized metric by which to evaluate the effectiveness of the bicycle circulation system nor the pedestrian circulation system. For this evaluation, the Proposed Project is considered to have an impact on bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities if it would adversely affect an existing bicycle or pedestrian facility or preclude the construction of planned facilities. From a policy perspective, implementation of the Proposed Project would enable the City to improve bicycling programs and infrastructure throughout the City, providing connections to the existing and planned regional bicycle network, resulting in a less than significant impact. Implementation of the Proposed Project would also enable the City to improve pedestrian programs and infrastructure throughout the City, providing connections to existing and planned pedestrian facilities, resulting in a less than significant impact. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1760 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-27 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Circulation CR-G-11. Expand and strengthen existing pedestrian and cyclist network and facilities. CR-G-12. Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. CR-P-30. Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a more detailed implementation strategy. CR-P-31. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan using community input and best practices to identify bicycle infrastructure needs such as gaps in the network, prioritize facilities and improvements, and identify funding for proposed facilities. Review and update the plan as necessary. CR-P-32. Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul- de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33. networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-34. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions and colleges such as Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College to establish a safe and efficient bicycle route between Diamond Bar and these institutions. CR-P-35. Develop bicycle and pedestrian facility standards for pavement design, signage, and roadway and intersection striping for each functional roadway classification, so streets are accessible by all users and modes. CR-P-37. Ensure that secure and convenient bicycle parking is available at major destinations such as the Town Center, commercial centers, transit stops, schools, parks, multi- family housing, and large employers. CR-P-38. Study the feasibility of implementing a bike share program to connect neighborhoods and major destinations, such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed-use areas; local schools and colleges; parks; and commercial centers. CR-P-39. Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speed limits and road narrowing; 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1761 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-28 b. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; c. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds and road diets along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; e. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR-60 on/off ramps; and f. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-40. Provide for a vibrant Town Center that encourages pedestrian activity and comfort within the Town Center Mixed Use area while accommodating through traffic along Diamond Bar Boulevard through the following strategies: a. Establishing a new pedestrian-oriented main street or pedestrian pathway in the Town Center; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Improving crosswalks at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and where Diamond Bar Boulevard intersects with the driveway to the Town Center; and e. Strengthening cyclist and pedestrian connections between the Town Center area and nearby schools to provide safe and convenient routes to the Town Center for students by identifying barriers such as safety hazards and gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian networks and implementing improvements to address those barriers. CR-P-41. Promote a fine-grained network of safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle connections in the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use area, emphasizing connectivity to the Metrolink station through the following strategies: a. Improving crosswalks along Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian- scaled lighting, where feasible; c. Providing high-visibility pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station; 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1762 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-29 d. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development; and e. Studying the potential for shuttle, bikeshare, and/or other linkages to improve the convenience of travel within the mixed-use area. CR-P-42. Develop and implement Safe Routes to School and Safe Routes for Seniors programs in collaboration with interested stakeholders such as school districts, senior living facilities, and community organizations to encourage active transportation among students and seniors while ensuring student and senior safety. CR-P-43. Strengthen the protection of cyclists in bike lanes by implementing improvements such as increasing visibility of lane markings and signage, increasing bike lane widths, raising lanes, designing safer intersection crossings and turns, and buffering lanes from traffic wherever feasible, prioritizing bicycle lanes along arterials. CR-P-44. Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort where feasible through means such as: a. Introducing bicycle- and pedestrian-level street lighting to improve safety at night; b. Furnishing intersections with crosswalks on all legs of the intersection; c. Improving pedestrian safety with intersection design features such as improved signal timing, sidewalk bulb- extend past the crosswalks, advance vehicle stop bars, high visibility crosswalk striping or decorative paving; d. Improving bicycle safety with intersection design features such as bicycle detection and signalization, painted bike boxes, and intersection crossing markings; e. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture; and f. Implementing traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and congestion. Mitigation Measures None required. c) Public Transit System The City of Diamond Bar has no standardized metric to evaluate transit service citywide. The Proposed Project is expected to increase the demand for travel in the Planning Area through development resulting in new residential and employment uses. This could increase the market for public transportation, resulting in increased ridership. Increased overall travel demand is expected to worsen the levels of service on some roadways increasing vehicle delays that could reduce the reliability of transit service. The Proposed Project provides transit supportive policies that are cognizant of the financial constraints of providing fixed-route and dial-a-ride transit service in a suburban setting, and is supportive of providing additional rail service to downtown, in addition to other supporting transit facilities, resulting in a less than significant impact. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1763 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-30 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Circulation CR-G-13. Maximize the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of public transit service. CR-P-46. Integrate transit nodes and connections with adjacent existing and proposed developments and destinations such as employment centers, commercial centers, major attractions, and public pedestrian spaces to make them more accessible to transit users. CR-P-47. Coordinate with Foothill Transit, Metrolink, and other transit providers to incorporate real-time information systems at transit stops so that passengers will know when their vehicle is expected to arrive. CR-P-48. Work with Foothill Transit to maintain and improve bus stops and shelters, as well as identify areas where service can be improved or expanded to increase system use. CR-P-49. Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. CR-P-50. Coordinate with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service at the City of Industry station, including service for shorter trips, to increase the convenience and use of transit. CR-P-51. Continue to support privately funded local transit systems that are accessible for seniors, youths, and individuals with disabilities, to ensure that all community members have the ability to travel while decreasing congestion. CR-P-52. In areas or on routes between destinations that have been determined to be infeasible for public transit providers to serve, explore the use of programs that subsidize the use program, particularly for populations with special needs, such as seniors, youths, or persons with disabilities, until such a time as mass transit becomes feasible. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1764 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-31 Impact 3.12-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). (Significant and Unavoidable) For the purposes of this EIR, the following thresholds of significance are used to determine if the proposed General Plan has an impact under the terms of Criteria 2: (a) Vehicle Miles Traveled: 1. A significant impact would occur if the proposed General Plan Update increases the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per person above the baseline conditions. In the case of a General Plan cumulative scenario, the baseline condition is considered the No Project condition or buildout of the existing general plan and SCAG 2016 RTP. As shown in Table 3.12-7: Future Year Conditions VMT Summary in the Planning Area, VMT is expected to increase under the proposed General Plan. Home-based production VMT per resident is expected to increase by five percent and home-based-work attraction VMT per employee is expected to increase by nine percent. Part of the increase is associated with the addition of more employment and retail opportunities within the City that have the potential to import vehicle trips from surrounding communities. Table 3.12-7: Future Year Conditions VMT Summary in Planning Area1 Diamond Bar No Project (SCAG 2016 RTP) Diamond Bar Proposed Plan Difference Population 57,790 66,685 8,895 Employment 18,855 21,744 2,889 VMT Home- Based Production Home- Based- Work Attraction Home- Based Production Home- Based- Work Attraction Home- Based Production Home- Based- Work Attraction Daily Vehicle Trips 89,611 21,381 102,370 26,903 12,758 5,523 Daily VMT 1,194,519 369,245 1,415,773 470,540 470,540 101,296 Average Trip Length 13.33 17.27 13.83 17.49 0.5 0.22 Daily VMT per Resident/Empl oyee 20.67 19.90 21.70 21.64 1.03 1.74 Notes: 1. Planning Area includes City limits and SOI. Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1765 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-32 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact As previously noted, the proposed plan will affect VMT in the area. It should be noted that the VMT information presented is produced from the regional travel demand model and only accounts for the built environment variables to which the model is sensitive. Additional policies in the General Plan Circulation Element supporting variables the model is not sensitive to (such as connectivity in neighborhoods, presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management (TDM) measures) are not reflected in these estimates. Thus, the VMT estimates in this analysis are conservatively high. The following proposed policies would reduce potential impacts by supporting TDM measures and requiring that new developments prepare transportation impact assessments to determine project specific impacts of new development under the proposed General Plan such that impacts can be appropriately mitigated. Additionally, City goals and policies strive to develop a multi-modal transportation network that would provide transportation alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle and encourage complete street design. Policies in CR-G-11, CR-G-12, CR-G-13, CR-P-30, CR-P-31, CR-P-32, CR-P-33, CR-P-34, CR-P- 35, CR-P-37, CR-P-38, CR-P-39, CR-P-40, CR-P-41, CR-P-42, CR-P-43, CR-P-44, CR-P-46, CR- P-47, CR-P-48, CR-P-49, CR-P-50, CR-P-51, and CR-P-52 as listed above, as well as the following policies. Circulation CR-G-1. Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. CR-G-2. Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role of streets as corridors for movement but also reflects a Complete Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and complementary to adjacent land uses, including neighborhood schools. CR-G-3. Strive to achieve a finer grained network of streets and pedestrian/bicycle connections as development occurs, especially in focus areas such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas. CR-G-4. Design roadways serving pedestrian-oriented mixed-use areas to promote neighborhood interaction, pedestrian comfort and walkability, and commercial patronage. CR-G-5. Develop neighborhood streets and alleys that encourage walking, biking, and outdoor activity through engineering and urban design principles that reduce the potential for speeding and cut-through traffic, which may include traffic calming measures. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1766 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-33 CR-G-6. Track the use of future transportation options such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City requirements, such as roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety and access for all users and modes. CR-P-1. When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by incorporating elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe pedestrian-friendly crossings/intersections, lighting at the pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2. Require that new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-3. Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian-scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. CR-P-4. Develop traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive in order to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian-friendly environment along and through the Neighborhood Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use areas. CR-P-6. Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-7. Develop City street design standards that: a. Address the needs of different modes according to roadway classification b. Reduce the potential for conflicts and safety risks between modes; and c. Support and manage the use of transportation options that will become increasingly popular in the future, such as TNCs, AVs, micro-transit (privately operated transit), and other emerging transportation technologies. CR-P-8. Plan for passenger pick-up/drop-off locations within both public right-of-way and on private properties for AVs, TNCs, and micro-transit to limit traffic disruptions and increase safety by identifying and designating specific locations for pick-ups and drop- offs. CR-P-9. mixed-use, and higher density areas to accommodate efficient package and food 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1767 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-34 deliveries; delivery of goods to restaurants/retail; pick-up/drop-off of passengers by transit, taxis, and on-demand shared ride services; and the safe movement of pedestrians and bicyclists. CR-P-10. Develop curbside management guidelines that ensure curb spaces meet multi-modal demands safely and efficiently. CR-P-11. Implement standards for inventorying and encoding curb use data to monitor the effectiveness of curbside management guidelines and provide evidence to support or make changes to curb space designations and/or management strategies. CR-G-8. Encourage reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CR-P-12. Balance meeting LOS standards with the need to reduce VMT through maintaining and supporting multi-modal connectivity such as transit, bicycling, walking, and by encouraging infill development with a pedestrian-friendly urban design character. CR-P-15. Limit street right-of-way dimensions where appropriate to maintain desired neighborhood character. Consider allowing narrower street rights-of-way and pavement widths for local streets in new residential subdivisions. CR-P-16. Allow exceptions to LOS standards upon findings by the City Council that achieving the designated LOS would: a. Be technologically or economically infeasible; or b. Comprom including but not limited to: i. Promoting alternate modes of transportation; ii. Ensuring pedestrian, bicycle and automobile safety, comfort, and convenience; iii. Reducing VMT and GHG emissions; and iv. Preserving and enhancing character of the community. CR-P-22. Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets and prioritize these measures over congestion management. CR-P-23. Maintain the integrity of existing residential areas and discourage cut-through traffic by retaining cul-de-sacs and implementing other traffic calming measures that promote safe driving at speeds appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood, particularly at Prospectors Road, Chaparral Drive, Sunset Crossing Road, Lycoming Street, and Washington Street. CR-P-24. Coordinate with local, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1768 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-35 parking pricing, on-site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit passes, and ridesharing. CR-P-25. Encourage participation in transportation demand programs, such as those promoting walking, cycling, and transit, through the use of City publications and public displays in order to decrease use of single occupancy vehicles. CR-P-26. Coordinate with other jurisdictions, including neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Caltrans, on improvements to street segments common to the City of Diamond Bar and other jurisdictions. CR-G-14. Provide adequate parking for all land use types, while balancing this against the need to promote walkable, mixed-use districts and neighborhoods in targeted areas, and promoting ride-sharing and alternative transportation modes. CR-P-53. Update parking standards in the Municipal Code to ensure that they are reflective of consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. CR-P-54. Incorporate criteria in the Municipal Code to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-55. Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multi-family residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-57. Incentivize the provision of preferential parking for high-occupancy vehicles to encourage carpooling. CR-P-59. Work with Caltrans to evaluate existing Caltrans-operated park-n-ride facilities within the City and expand the facilities where necessary. CR-P-67. Ensure that trucks do not interfere with cyclist or pedestrian activity by: a. Incorporating off-street or buffered bike lanes and walking paths where truck routes overlap with bicycle routes or streets with heavy pedestrian traffic; and b. Designing driveways and curb cuts to avoid maneuvering on sidewalks or in street traffic, while also facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trucks. The City shall implement all policies identified in the proposed General Plan Circulation Element to reduce the demand for vehicle travel within and through the Planning Area, as well as work with local, regional, and state agencies to implement regional transportation improvements. Additionally, new developments would be required to evaluate their project-specific impacts on the transportation system and fund improvements to maintain acceptable levels of service, except where exemptions are identified in the Transportation and Circulation Element of the proposed General Plan. However, even with implementation of these policies, the impact could remain significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1769 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-36 Impact 3.12-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project does not specify design features for the transportation system in the Planning Area, and would thus not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature. In general, the proposed General Plan land use diagram and policies emphasize transition areas and buffers between land uses of varying intensities, which would serve to reduce potential conflicts between users of the transportation system associated with each land use, including farm equipment, commercial and industrial truck traffic, commute traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. The specific design and operations of individual future development projects cannot be known at this time; however, policies included in the Proposed Project would serve to reduce potential impacts from future development. The Proposed Project has been developed with an emphasis on Complete Streets, which by their nature, would improve compatibility between different transportation modes as well as between the transportation system and adjacent land uses. Proposed policies that promote bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as the development of safe routes to school, and that require mitigation of traffic-related impacts would help to identify and address potential safety concerns. Therefore, with adherence to policies included in the Proposed Project, impacts increasing hazards due to a design feature or incompatible uses would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies CR-G-12, CR-P-7, CR-P-8, CR-P-42, CR-P-43, CR-P-44 and CR-P-67 as listed above, as well as the following policies. Circulation CR-G-6. Track the use of future transportation options such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City requirements, such as roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety and access for all users and modes. CR-G-16. Facilitate safe and efficient movement, loading, and unloading (i.e. pick-up and delivery) of goods at destinations within the City. CR-P-20. Implement measures such as additional signal timing and synchronization, speed limit regulations, and ITS techniques to increase safety and reduce congestion. Maintain a pavement management system and maintenance program for all public roadways throughout the City. CR-P-62. Revise the designation of truck routes to minimize truck traffic through or near residential areas. Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing software providers. CR-P-63. Develop design guidelines for designated truck routes, including proper turning radii at intersections. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1770 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-37 CR-P-64. Continue prohibiting trucks heavier than 5 tons from operating on designated residential streets, except for emergency, maintenance, residential moving trucks, and transit vehicles, to maintain pavement integrity. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.12-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in inadequate emergency access. (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project is presented at a programmatic level. Emergency accessibility typically is assessed at a project level. Project level review required by the City includes site access review for emergency vehicles and traffic control plans as needed that account for emergency vehicles. Implementation of the following proposed General Plan policies will ensure that inadequate emergency access does not occur and will result in a less-than-significant impact. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies CR-P-2 and CR-P-64 as listed above, as well as the following policies. Public Safety PS-G-8. Use the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan to address mitigation and response for local hazards, including seismic hazards, flood hazards, fire hazards, hazardous materials incidents, and hazardous sites, and to plan for the protection of critical facilities (i.e., schools, hospitals), disaster and emergency response preparedness and recovery, evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road width and clearance around structures. PS-P-42. Continue to disseminate public information and alerts regarding the nature and extent of possible natural and man-made hazards, resources identifying measures residents and businesses can take to prepare for and minimize damage resulting from these hazards, citywide response plans, and evacuation routes. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1771 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-38 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1772 3.13 Utilities and Service Systems This section assesses potential environmental impacts from future development under the Proposed Project as related to public utilities, including water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and solid waste services. This section describes existing water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure and services in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were two comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics addressed in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Utilities and Service Systems. • The General Plan and EIR need to address impacts from electrical lines, consider undergrounding electrical lines, and enhance or upgrade sewer or water/wastewater lines to accommodate new growth. The EIR does not evaluate impacts to specific utilities, rather it evaluates to overall utility system impacts based on proposed land use changes. Undergrounding of electrical lines and upgrading specific utility lines are typically completed in utility master plan documents. • Southern California Edison (SCE) provided what appeared to be a form letter intended for development projects, with standard requirements pertaining to utility easements and procedures for relocating utility assets. The letter has no relevance to the Proposed Project, and will not be addressed further. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Water System A fundamental yet long-term constraint for development is availability and quality of water. The City relies on Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD or the District) to provide reliable water supplies throughout the city. Nearly all water supplies are imported due to a limited availability of local groundwater. Imported water supplies are expected to remain attainable for at least three years, and projected supplies are expected to meet projected demands from 2020 through 2040 under single dry-year and multiple dry-year conditions1. Drought conditions will continue to strain water supply available to WVWD and the City as they do throughout Southern California. Thus a - 1 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1773 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-2 supply constraints and continues to invest in groundwater facilities. Existing and Planned Water Supply Water for the City is supplied by WVWD, which imports all potable water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). WVWD currently has projects underway that will produce groundwater from the San Gabriel Basin, Central Basin, and Six Basins to supplement potable water supplies. A description of available water supplies is provided below. Imported Water MWD obtains surface water from the Colorado River and from Northern California via the Colorado River Aqueduct and the California Aqueduct respectively. WVWD purchases water (TVMWD). Imported water supply volumes are projected to increase through 2035 at the same rate as population growth, which is 0.7 percent as reported by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)2. Groundwater WVWD currently operates six groundwater production facilities that supply the recycled water system. This groundwater is not potable as it contains high levels of total dissolved solids and nitrates. The following three projects will allow WVWD to produce potable groundwater, thereby reducing the need for imported water. The La Habra Heights County Water District Pipeline Project, completed in 2014, delivers up to 1,000 acre-feet of potable water per year from the Central Basin to WVWD. This project includes an inter-connection to the La Habra Heights County Water District system. The California Domestic Water Company Project consists of a new pipeline and pump station project that will connect to the California Domestic Water Company system. Annual deliveries to WVWD will be 2,500 acre-feet of potable water. Water stored in the Main San Gabriel Basin will supply potable water for this project, which was approved in September of 2015 and is currently in the design stage. Production from Six Basins will supply WVWD with approximately 928 acre-feet of potable water per year upon completion of the Pomona Basin Regional Groundwater Project. This project includes reactivating an existing well and constructing one new well, and is expected to be complete in 2019. 2 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2016-2040 RTP SCE Demographics and Growth Forecast, 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1774 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-3 Recycled Water WVWD currently owns, operates, and maintains a recycled water system that provides irrigation Pomona Water Reclamation Plant supplies recycled water to WVWD for irrigating large landscape areas such as parks, golf courses, greenbelts, and school grounds. Future uses will generally fit these categories, with potential demands for toilet flushing in high-rise buildings and industrial use. Local groundwater supplies may also help WVWD expand the current recycled water system. This system is completely separate from the potable system and helps reduce potable water demand. In -feet of water, including 511 acre-feet to customers within the city. Approximately 170 existing potable water irrigation users (approximately 1,050 acre-feet annually) throughout the city could be converted to recycled water use if the system is expanded. However, recycled water supplies are maxed out during peak summer months. Therefore, large-scale expansion of the system is not feasible until additional recycled water supplies become available. Future Water Projects The Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project will allow TVMWD to supply WVWD with water from a renewable aquifer in the eastern Mojave Desert. Approximately five -year life of the project. This will prevent loss of water to evaporation, provide a new water supply, and create a groundwater bank for Southern California water providers. This project is currently securing final approvals and a construction start date is not yet available. Water Demand WVWD maintains 26,836 water meters throughout its service area, 95 percent of which are -feet per year. Water use has generally declined during this time despite a continual increase in the total number of accounts, as shown in Table 3.13-1. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1775 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-4 Table 3.13-1: Historic and Projected Water Usage (Potable), City of Diamond Bar Year Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) 1993 11,772 12,681 1995 11,833 10,975 2000 11,971 13,188 2005 12,422 12,521 2010 12,426 9,260 2015 12,432 7,077 2020 (Projected) Not Available 8,281 2035 (Projected) Not Available 9,179 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. Historic data for recycled water is not available prior to 2010. However, usage is expected to increase through the 2035 system buildout, as shown in Table 3.13-2. Table 3.13-2: Historic and Projected Water Usage (Recycled), City of Diamond Bar Year Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) 2010 39 499 2015 42 511 System Buildout (2035, Projected) 210 1,561 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1776 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-5 A breakdown of all water uses from 2015 show single and multi-family residences use a majority of potable water (80 percent for 2015). Commercial properties provide the next highest demand for potable water (5.7 percent for 2015). See Table 3.13-3 below. Table 3.13-3: 2015 Water Usage Breakdown (Potable and Recycled), City of Diamond Bar Land Use Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) Single-Family Residential 11,936 5,115 Multi-Family Residential 100 974 Commercial 200 430 Industrial 0 0 Municipal/Public Use 134 374 Landscape 62 183 Total 2015 Potable Water Use 7,076 Landscape (Non-Potable) 42 511 Total 2015 Water Use 7,587 Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. Water Supply Versus Demand A comparison of projected water supplies and usage at regular intervals is only available for 3.13-4 below. According to WVWD staff, existing and planned facilities are capable of maintaining a sufficient level of service for projected population growth in the city. Table 3.13-4: 2015 Water Usage Breakdown (Potable and Recycled), Walnut Valley Water District Year Projected Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) Projected Water Supply (Acre-Feet per Year) 2020 19,357 20,074 2025 20,035 20,777 2030 20,736 21,505 2035 21,462 22,258 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1777 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-6 Water Conservation Ordinance No. 06-09-07 was adopted by WVWD to establish progressive water reductions during drought conditions. This ordinance implemented a water shortage contingency plan describing five stages of action, each targeting a percent reduction in water use. Stages of action will be mandatory 3.13-5. WVWD also established Demand Management Measures to enforce responsible water use. Wasteful consumption, including excessive runoff and washing hard or paved surfaces, is prohibited. Notified water users have five days to remedy any wasteful practices. Failure to comply may result in a disconnection of service. WVWD has public outreach/information programs that are also in effect and provide education and encouragement through newspapers, billing inserts, social media, signs, and community events. Similar outreach is conducted at schools, including in-class presentations and internship opportunities for high school students. Other incentives to conserve water include rebate programs for rain barrels and high-efficiency washing machines. Table 3.13-5: Water Shortage Stage of Actions MWD Stage WVWD Stage of Action Participation Reduction Objective None Initial Permanent 10% 1 or 2 Stage 1 Mandatory 10% - 15% 3 or 4 Stage 2 Mandatory 15% - 25% 5 or 6 Stage 3 Mandatory 25% - 35% 7, 8, 9 or 10 Stage 4 Mandatory 35% - 50% Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, 2016. Water Infrastructure service area includes the City, portions of the cities of Walnut, West Covina, Pomona, and a section commercial and industrial uses located in the City of Industry. Potable Water WVWD potable water distribution and storage system consists of the following facilities: • 23 water reservoirs; • 9 pump stations; • 29 pressure regulating stations; • 238.6 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline; and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1778 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-7 • 4 connections for importing water.3 Eight pressure zones are required to provide adequate water pressure to all consumers. was not available, therefore a comprehensive evaluation may be required to properly assess those facilities in the city. Improvements and upgrades are in process, including the development of a disinfectant residual control system to enhance and maintain water quality. An emergency power program is in process that will ensure availability of potable water after emergencies or power outages. Recycled Water WVWD recycled water distribution and storage system consists of the following facilities: • 2 water reservoirs; • 2 pump stations; • 6 wells; and • 8.37 miles of distribution pipeline.4 system. WVWD has funded installation of recycled water distribution mains and meters. Installation of new meters is required for all development projects that have a potential for recycled water use. Wastewater The County provides wastewater collection and treatment services under contract to the City. The Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) provides operation and maintenance services on the local collection system, while Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) provides operation and maintenance services on the trunk sewers and wastewater treatment services. The City and surrounding areas fall under the LA County Sanitation District No. 21. The City is currently in discussion with the LACPWD on the ownership responsibilities for the local collection system. The LACPWD maintains that the system is owned by the City and maintained by LACPWD; however, the City asserts that the system is both owned and maintained by LACPWD. While the system is generally in good order, as described below, there has not been an area-wide sewer study completed in the last 10 years that identifies sewage infrastructure system. were used to gather information about the existing system. 3 Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. 4 Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1779 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-8 Sanitary Sewer System Infrastructure The local collection system contains 11 pump stations and 162 miles of sewer mains within the city. According to City Staff, the local collection system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies. Los Angeles County Public Works be seen on Figure 3.13-1. The local system of sewer lines and pump stations feed two trunk sewer lines that convey wastewater to a LACSD treatment facility. The City has been completing systematic annual audits of the collection system, including closed- circuit television (CCTV) inspections of sewer lines, and manhole and pump station inspections. Any structural or maintenance deficiencies in the sewer system identified during the audit are reported with a recommended repair. In 2015, no sewer capacity issues were identified. However, the City regularly pumps wastewater at the intersection of Clear Creek Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard to overcome system deficiencies, which may warrant further investigation in the future. The City and LACPWD have been effective at keeping the number and total volume of sanitary system overflows (SSOs) within the city below the Statewide median, with only three SSOs reported in each of the last three years. In addition, the City rarely received complaints from citizens. The SSOs are typically related to debris, root intrusion, and/or fats/oil/grease causing the overflow issues. In addition, there are occasional SSOs related to pump station failures. Los Angeles County Sanitation District LACSD maintains two trunk sewer lines that originate south of SR-60 and west of SR-57. These lines convey wastewater to a County treatment facility outside city limits, also maintained by the LACSD. As new development occurs, the LACSD requires the new developments to annex into its service area for operation, maintenance, and treatment services. Service fees fund required upgrades to trunk sewer lines or treatment plant capacity. The following maps are included with this report: • Los Angeles County Sanitation District map; • Sanitation District No. 21 boundary map. Stormwater System The Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) owns and maintains all major flood control channels. In addition, a majority of the storm drain system within the city was formally transferred through resolution to LACFCD, which maintains complete ownership and maintenance of the system. However, some portions of the existing system were never transferred to LACFCD. This has resulted in ownership disputes with LACPWD, who provides maintenance only for said portions and makes no claims toward ownership. Stormwater quality is the responsibility of the City. While the system is generally in good order, a master drainage plan, identifying tructure system, has not been completed. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1780 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-9 Storm Drainage System Infrastructure The c 3.13-1. The local storm drain system generally consists of a series of catch basins and reinforced concrete pipes/boxes that convey stormwater runoff to other major flood control channels. The local storm drain system conveys water to one of three major flood control channels, the San Jose Creek, Diamond Bar Creek, and the Brea Canyon Channel. These major flood control channels are owned and maintained by the LACFCD. According to City Staff, the local storm drain system is in good standing with no know n major system deficiencies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1781 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDIN O COUNTY Metrolink Station Riverside Metrolink Line}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M IT O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D RUSH DR G O LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA D R LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREA CANYO N C UT OFF RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALC O NS VIEW DRA L A M O HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN C L EAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRI NGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C RE S T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR COPLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RDSource: TKE, 2019; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 3.13-1: Storm Drain System Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Storm Drain 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1782 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-11 Solid Waste The City receives refuse pickup and disposal service from Waste Management, Inc. for single- family residential uses and Valley Vista Services, Inc. for commercial and multi-family residential uses. Most multi-family residences within the City are provided with communal recycling bins, as well as with solid waste disposal bins. Other recycling services offered within the City include: • ARC International Corporation (e-waste only) • Curbside Inc. (hazardous waste only) • LA County HHW&E-Waste Roundups (hazardous and e-waste) • Los Angeles County Materials Exchange • Mission Recycling (e-waste only) • S.A.F.E. Collection Center (hazardous and e-waste); and • Waste Management provides weekly pickups for general trash service, recycling, and yard waste. In addition, Waste Management provides bulky item collection up to four times per customer per year and on-call used motor oil and sharps collections. Once collected from areas within the City, the refuse is currently delivered to El Sobrante Landfill. Valley Vista Services delivers refuse to El Sobrante Landfill and Alpha Olinda Landfill. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works prepares and administers the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP). For the current planning period from 2017 to 2032, the IWMP Annual Report estimates that a shortfall in permitted solid waste disposal capacity is not anticipated. The IWMP Report also states that the cumulative need for Class III landfill disposal capacity, approximately 126.4 million tons in 2032, will not exceed the 2017 remaining permitted Class III landfill capacity of 167.6 million tons. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Federal Safe Drinking Water Act The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), administered by the U.S. EPA in coordination with the states, is the main federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water. Under the SDWA, the EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. The Department of Public Health administers the regulations contained in the SDWA in the State of California. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1783 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-12 United States Environmental Protection Agency The 1986 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act and the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the primary authority for water programs. The EPA is the federal agency responsible for providing clean and safe surface water, groundwater, and drinking water, and protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems. The City is in EPA Region 9 (Pacific Southwest), which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, and Tribal Nations. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (Clean Water Act) The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants -regulatory tools to sharply reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. Some of these tools include: • Section 303(d) Total Maximum Daily Loads • Section 401 Water Quality Certification • Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program • Section 404 Discharge of Dredge or Fill Material Section 303(d) requires states, territories, and authorized tribes to develop a list of water-quality limited segments of rivers and other water bodies under their jurisdiction. These waters on the list do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of pollution have installed the minimum required levels of pollution control technology. The law requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the list and develop action plans, called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), to improve water quality. These are action plans designed to improve the quality of water resources. As part of the TMDL process, municipalities must examine the water quality problems and identify sources of pollutants in order to create specific actions designed to improve water quality. Section 401 requires every applicant for a federal permit or license for any activity that may result in a discharge to a water body to obtain a water quality certification that the proposed activity will comply with applicable water quality standards. Section 402 regulates point-source discharges to surface waters through the NPDES program. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) oversees the NPDES program, which is administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs). The NPDES program provides for both general permits (those that cover a number of similar or related activities) and individual permits. The NPDES program covers municipalities, industrial activities, and construction activities. The NPDES program includes an industrial stormwater permitting component that covers ten categories of industrial activity that require authorization under a NPDES industrial stormwater permit for stormwater discharges. Construction activities, also administered by the State Water Board, are discussed below. Section 402(p) of the federal Clean Water Act, as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, requires NPDES permits for stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity (including construction activities), and designated stormwater discharges, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1784 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-13 which are considered significant contributors of pollutants to waters of the United States. On November 16, 1990, USEPA published regulations (40 CFR Part 122), which prescribe permit application requirements for MS4s pursuant to CWA 402(p). On May 17, 1996, the U.S. EPA published an Interpretive Policy Memorandum on Reapplication Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, which provided guidance on permit application requirements for regulated MS4s. MS4 permits include requirements for post-construction control of stormwater runoff in what is known as Provision C.3. The goal of Provision C.3 is for the Permittees to use their planning authorities to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and redevelopment projects to address both soluble and insoluble stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects. This goal is to be accomplished primarily through the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques. Section 404 establishes a permit program, administered by USACE, to regulate the discharge of dredge or fill materials into waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Activities in waters of the U.S. that are regulated under this program include fills for development, water resource projects (such as dams and levees), infrastructure development (such as highways and airports), and conversion of wetlands to uplands for farming and forestry. CWA Section 404 permits are issued by USACE. Senate Bills 610 and 221 Enacted in 2002, SB 610, which was codified in the Water Code beginning with section 10910, requires the preparation of a water supply assessment (WSA) for projects within cities and counties that propose to construct 500 or more residential units or the equivalent. SB 610 stipulates that when environmental review of certain large development projects is required, the water agency that is to serve the development must complete a WSA to evaluate water supplies that are or will be available during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years during a 20-year projection to meet existing and planned future demands, including the demand associated with a Proposed Project. Enacted in 2001, SB 221, which was codified in the Water Code beginning with section 10910, requires that the legislative body of a city or county, which is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve a subdivision map, must condition such approval upon proof of sufficient 1 as the total water supplies available during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years within a 20-year projection that would meet the projected demand associated with the proposed subdivision. The definition of sufficient water supply also includes the requirement that sufficient water encompass not only the proposed subdivision, but also existing and planned future uses, including agricultural and industrial uses. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System The Clean Water Act was amended in 1987 to include urban and stormwater runoff, which required many cities to obtain an NPDES permit for stormwater conveyance system discharges. Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act prohibits discharges of pollutants contained in stormwater runoff, except in compliance with a NPDES permit. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1785 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-14 State Regulations California Department of Public Health The Drinking Water Program, which regulates public water supply systems, is a major component of the State Department of Public Health Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management. Regulatory responsibilities include the enforcement of the federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts, the regulatory oversight of public water systems, issuance of water treatment permits, and certification of drinking water treatment and distribution operators. State regulations for potable water are contained primarily within the Food and Agricultural Code, the Government Code, the Health and Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, and the Water Code. Regulations are from Title 17 and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The regulations governing recycled water are found in a combination of sources including the Health and Safety Code, Water Code, and Titles 22 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Issues related to treatment and distribution of recycled water are generally under the influence of the RWQCB, while issues related to use and quality of recycled water are the responsibility of the California Department of Public Health. California State Water Resources Control Board The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and nine regional water quality control boards address water quality and rights regulation. Created by the California Legislature in 1967, the five- member SWRCB protects water quality by setting statewide policy, coordinating and supporting the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) efforts, and reviewing petitions that contest RWQCB actions. The SWRCB is also solely responsible for allocating surface water rights. Each RWQCB makes critical water quality decisions for its region, including setting standards, issuing waste discharge requirements, determining compliance with those requirements, and taking appropriate enforcement actions. California Department of Water Resources The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the California SWP. DWR is also responsible for overseeing the statewide process of developing and updating the California Water Plan (Bulletin 160 series); protecting and restoring the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta; regulating dams, providing flood protection, and assisting in emergency management; educating the public about the importance of water and its proper use; and providing technical assistance to service local water needs. California Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act established the SWRCB and divided the state into nine regional basins, each with a RWQCB. The SWRCB is the primary state agency responsible for responsible for developing and enforcing water quality objectives and implementation plans. The Planning Area is within the jurisdiction of Santa Ana RWQCB. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1786 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-15 The act authorizes the SWRCB to enact state policies regarding water quality in accordance with CWA 303. In addition, the act authorizes the SWRCB to issue WDRs for projects that would discharge to state waters. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act requires that the SWRCB or the Santa Ana RWQCB adopt water quality control plans (basin plans) for the protection of water quality. A basin plan must: • Identify beneficial uses of water to be protected; • Establish water quality objectives for the reasonable protection of the beneficial uses; and • Establish a program of implementation for achieving the water quality objectives. Basin plans also provide the technical basis for determining waste discharge requirements, taking enforcement actions, and evaluating clean water grant proposals. Basin plans are updated and reviewed every three years in accordance with Article 3 of Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and CWA 303(c). The local basin plans are described under Local Regulations, below. The Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SB X7-7) California legislation enacted in 2009 as SB 7 of the 7th Special Legislative Session (SB X7 -7) These requirements stipulate that urban water agencies reduce per-capita water use within their service areas by 20 percent relative to their use over the previous 10 to 15 years. The City, via WVWD, plans to comply with the SB X7-7 requirements through a combination of on-going water conservation measures (i.e. water waste prevention ordinances, tiered water rate structure, public education and outreach, turf removal program, high-efficiency toilet and clothes washer replacement programs, rain barrel rebates, and weather based irrigation controllers) and additional recycled water development. Calculations for the 2015 UWMP determined that as of 2015, the City had met the obligations of SBX7-7 (see Local Regulations below) and surpassed the 2015 and 2020 water usage reduction targets. State Updated Model Landscape Ordinance (Assembly Bill 1881 (2006)) landscape water conservation ordinances by Jan. 31, 2010. In 2009, the City adopted Ordinance No. 02(2009) adding Section 8.14 Water Conservation Landscaping to their municipal code. In addition, in 2016 the City adopted Ordinance No. 01(2016) updating their municipal code related to water efficient landscaping due to ongoing the State drought. California Urban Water Management Planning Act The California Legislature enacted the Urban Water Management Planning Act of 1983 (California Water Code Sections 10610 through 10656), which is intended to support conservation and efficient use of urban water supplies at the local level. The act required that every urban water supplier that provides water to 3,000 or more customers, or over 3,000 af of water annually, to make every effort to ensure the appropriate level of reliability in its water service to meet the needs of its customers during normal, dry, and multiple-dry years. The act requires that total projected water use be compared to water supply sources over the next 20 years in five-year increments, that 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1787 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-16 planning occur for single- and multiple-dry water years, and that plans include a water recycling analysis that incorporates a description of the wastewater collection and treatment system within the age potential recycled water uses. Applicable urban water suppliers within California are required by the Water Code to prepare and adopt an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and update it every five years. A UWMP is required in order for a water supplier to be eligible for the DWR-administered state grants, loans, and drought assistance. A UWMP provides information on water use, water resources, recycled water, water quality, reliability planning, demand management measures, BMPs, and water shortage contingency planning for a specified service area or territory. California Emergency Graywater Regulations Water ncorporated into the 2007 California Plumbing Code. Chapter 16A establishes minimum requirements for the installation of graywater systems in residential occupancies regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, providing guidance and flexibility designed to encourage the use of graywater. The standards allow small graywater systems to be installed in homes without a construction permit, substantially reducing the barriers to installing small residential graywater systems in California. The purpose of the regulations is to conserve water by facilitating greater reuse of laundry, shower, sink, and similar sources of discharge for irrigation and/or indoor use; to reduce the number of noncompliant graywater systems by making legal compliance easily achievable; to provide guidance for avoiding potentially unhealthful conditions; and to provide an alternative way to relieve stress on private sewage disposal systems. State Water Resources Control Board On May 2, 2006, the SWRCB adopted a General Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) (Order No. 2006-0003) for all publicly-owned sanitary sewer collection systems in California with more than one mile of sewer pipe. The order provides a consistent statewide approach to reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) by requiring public sewer system operators to take all feasible steps to control the volume of waste discharged into the system, to prevent sanitary sewer waste from entering the storm sewer system, and to develop a sewer system management plan. The City Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) was approved by City Council in 2014 and includes an overflow emergency response plan; operation and maintenance program; fats, oils, and grease plan; design and performance standards; system capacity plan; and communications program. California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is the State's leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse. CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California's vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage recycling and waste management programs and continues a tradition of environmental stewardship. Mandated responsibilities of CalRecycle are to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1788 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-17 California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939) d that 50 percent of solid waste be diverted by the year 2000 through source reduction, recycling, and composting. AB 939 also established a goal for all California counties to provide at least 15 years of ongoing landfill capacity. This requires each region to prepare a source reduction and recycling element to be submitted to CalRecycle, which administers programs formerly managed by th Integrated Waste Management Board and Division of Recycling. California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991 (AB 1327) AB 1327 was established in 1991, which required CalRecycle to develop a model ordinance for the adoption of recyclable materials in development projects. Local agencies were then required to adopt the model, or an ordinance of their own, governing adequate areas for collection and loading of recyclable materials in development projects. Disposal Measurement System Act of 2008 (SB 1016) SB 1016 maintains the 50 percent diversion rate requirement established by AB 939, while establishing revised calculations for those entitles who did not meet the 50 percent diversion rate. SB 1016 also established a per capita disposal measurement system to make the process of goal measurement, as established by AB 939, simpler, timelier, and more accurate. The new disposal- based indicator the per capita disposal rate population (or in some cases employment) and its disposal as reported by disposal facilities. Solid Waste Diversion (AB 341) Effective July 1, 2012, AB 341 requires that commercial enterprises that generate four cubic yards or more of solid waste weekly participate in recycling programs. This requirement also includes multifamily housing complexes of five units or more, regardless of the amount of solid waste generated each week. year 2020. Organic Waste Reduction (SB 1383) Effective September 2016, SB 1383 established two organic waste disposal reduction targets tied to the 2014 baseline of 23 million tons of organic waste disposal and must be achieved by 2020 and 2025. The target is set for 2020 at 50 percent organic waste reduction from 2014 baseline (11.5 million tons allowed landfill disposal of organic waste), and for 2025 at 75 percent organic waste reduction from 2014 baseline (5.75 million tons allowed landfill disposal of organic waste). The law grants CalRecycle the regulatory authority required to achieve the organic waste disposal reduction targets and establishes an additional target that not less than 20 percent of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1789 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-18 Local Regulations Los Angeles County Code Sewer The Los Angeles County Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD) owns and maintains the local sanitary sewers within the City. As required under the County Code, a sewer area study must be prepared for all private contract sewer projects. As stipulated in the County Code, no sewer construction permit shall be issued until the County Engineer (Section 20.32.040, County Code) and the Public Works Director (Section 20.32.420, County Code) have approved the pro sewer plans. Drainage The Los Angeles County Code contains specific provisions to regulate drainage discharge and storm water runoff quality from unincorporated areas, which do not apply directly to Diamond Bar as a City. However, management of the regional drainage system does involve requirements established by the County Flood Control District and by the MS4 permit discussed above and in Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality. These requirements are implemented through provisions in the City Municipal Code. Solid Waste The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works coordinates solid waste planning in the region through administration of the Integrated Waste Management Plan. In accordance with state requirements, this plan and its components establishes source reduction, recycling, and other programs necessary to achieve the reductions in per capita waste generation for disposal set in the Public Resources Code. Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan The Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (GLACR IRWM) was updated in 2014. IRWM Plans are regional plans designed to improve collaboration in water resources management. The first IRWM Plan for GLACR IRWM was published in 2006 following a multi-year effort among water retailers, wastewater agencies, stormwater and flood managers, watershed groups, the business community, tribes, agriculture, and non-profit stakeholders to improve water resources planning in the Los Angeles Basin. It provides a mechanism for: 1) coordinating, refining, and integrating existing planning efforts within a comprehensive, regional context; 2) identifying specific regional and watershed-based priorities for implementation projects; and 3) providing funding support for the plans, programs, projects, and priorities of existing agencies and stakeholders. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1790 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-19 Walnut Valley Water District Urban Water Management Plan (UMWP) The 2015 UWMP is a document that provides a summary of anticipated supplies and demands for the years 2015 to 2040. The City is served by WVWD, and therefore, included in the 2015 UWMP. The 2015 UWMP was prepared consistent with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, SBX7-7, and the 2015 DWR Guidebook for Urban Water Suppliers. City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code Water As part of state and regional efforts towards water conservation, the Municipal Code includes requirements for water efficient landscaping in all new developments (Chapter 8.14 and Section 22.26.010 et seq.). The code requires preparation and approval of landscaping and irrigation plans that meet specific requirements, prior to the issuance of any land use permit or building permit. Sewer As stipulated in Section 13.00.640 (Plan Approval Prerequisite to Issuance) in Title 13 (Utilities) of the Municipal Code, no sewer construction permit shall be issued until the City Engineer has checked and approved the plans in accordance with Section 13.00.1200 and the other applicable provisions of the Municipal Code. Section 13.00.1200 (Sewer Pans) of the Municipal Code states that before a sewer construction permit may be issued, plans for the proposed construction shall be submitted to and approved by the City Engineer, unless the City Engineer determines that plans are not necessary. Drainage Section 8.12.1610 of the Municipal Code addresses storm water management and discharge control. This section incorporates at the city level, the storm water management practices that are required by federal and state law, and by the Los Angeles County Code requirements. The Proposed ten or more residences. This means that the project will require a Standard Urban Storm Water provisions, to control storm water runoff. Specific numerical performance standards must be met in the design and treatment methods. Other portions of the Municipal Code address management of development in areas prone to flooding from drainage, but since the project area is not within one of these areas the flood zone requirements do not apply. Solid Waste The City Municipal Code contains provisions that implement the source reduction and recycling programs and other measures to achieve per capita waste generation for disposal in accordance with state and County programs. Section 8.16.310 specifically requires a greenwaste collection program for all residential areas, and later sections require all collectors operating under a 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1791 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-20 collection franchise within the City to comply with applicable resource recovery and diversion programs to minimize solid waste disposal at landfills. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects; Criterion 2: Have insufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years; Criterion 3: Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the ; Criterion 4: Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals; or Criterion 5: Not comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS The analysis for this section addresses impacts on public utilities and city infrastructure due to projected growth arising from the Proposed Project. Subsequent California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review at the project level may be required to determine whether significant environmental effects would result from the construction of water distribution lines, wastewater collection system components, storm drainage conveyance pipes or facilities, and any onsite storage or pumping facilities on development sites, or other utilities improvements. Project-level review will occur when proposed development plans are prepared. This analysis is based on a review of relevant local and regional plans and background information, and consultation with relevant utilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1792 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-21 IMPACTS Impact 3.13-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, or storm water drainage facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects. (Less than Significant) Implementation of the Proposed Project would allow for the potential development of future residential, commercial, and industrial land uses in the Planning Area. Additional population and businesses would generate additional demand for water and wastewater services, and therefore, a potential increased demand for water provision and wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment services over currently established levels. Further, additional development has the potential to increase pervious areas, resulting in increased stormwater runoff. As discussed below, existing facilities would be adequate to serve the projected buildout population, therefore impacts resulting from the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Construction of Water Treatment Facilities Due to limited information available on the water supply, distribution, and treatment systems, this analysis focuses on the water demand changes anticipated in the Proposed Project. As previously described, the City relies on Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) to provide reliable water supplies throughout the Planning Area. WVWD serves both potable and recycled water to the City; with recycled water comprising approximately five percent of total demand. The anticipated water demand changes rely on per capita water consumption. As presented in water per capita per day (GPCD). For a planning-level water demand estimate, the expected population increase is multiplied by the per capita water consumption factor. Proposed Project may result in a water demand change between 2 percent and 16 percent (i.e. total net new population times expected water use; EX: 7,300 New Capita x 144 gallons per Capita per Day = 1.05 MGD). As stated in the 2015 UWMP, WVWD has adequate supplies to support growth through 2035. Therefore, any future development in the Planning Area would likely be served from these same sources as existing development and no new treatment facilities would be required. Additionally, goals and policies in the proposed General Plan aim to conserve water by curbing demand, ensure coordinated planning for the provision of public facilities including water infrastructure, and ensure that utilities be designed and constructed to preserve the natural character of an area. Such policies would help to reduce the demand on existing treatment infrastructure and allow for meaningful consideration of potential impacts of any future decisions regarding the provision of new infrastructure. Therefore, through compliance with State and local regulations, and implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1793 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-22 Construction of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Due to minimal information available on the wastewater conveyance and treatment system infrastructure, this analysis focuses on the anticipated wastewater flow changes. As previously described, the County provides wastewater collection and treatment services to the City. More specifically, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) provides operation and maintenance services on the local collection system, while Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) provides operation and maintenance services on the trunk sewers and wastewater treatment services. Since an area-wide sewer study has not been completed in the last 10 years and additional detailed system information (i.e. sewer flow rate) was not available for review, this analysis will evaluate the changes in wastewater flows by relying on the population and water demand changes presented above. In the 1979 Wastewater Engineering: Treatment, Disposal, Reuse, Second Edition by Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., about 80 percent of the per capita water consumption becomes wastewater flows. With the known per capita water consumption presented above, the resultant wastewater flows were estimated. There is an anticipated overall increase in wastewater flows in the Planning Area under the Proposed Project. However, the projected increase in wastewater flows, between 0.25 and 0.88 MGD (i.e. total net new population times expected water use times wastewater generation factor; EX: 7,300 New Capita x 144 gallons per Capita per Day x 80% = 0.84 MGD), is somewhat small compared to the estimated annual wastewater flow of 5.42 MGD in the city. Therefore, the Proposed Project may result in a wastewater flow increase of up to 16 percent. Due to the relatively low increase in project wastewater flow rates, no new or expanded treatment facilities would be needed to serve the population at buildout. Impacts from the proposed General Plan would therefore be less than significant. Construction of Storm Drainage Facilities Due to minimal information available on the storm drain conveyance systems, this analysis focuses on the storm water regulations and how they apply to the Planning Area. As previously described, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) owns and maintains all major flood control channels. In addition, a majority of the storm drain system within the city was formally transferred through resolution to LACFCD, which maintains complete ownership and maintenance of the system. However, storm water quality is the responsibility of the City, see Chapter 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality for additional information. According to City Staff, the local storm drain system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies. Storm water runoff may mobilize pollutants (e.g. trash, oil, etc.) and sediments, which contribute to pollution in rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Conversely, storm water runoff can be seen as a resource for recharging groundwater supplies. The State regulates storm water discharges with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The NPDES permit was established to ensure storm water is used as a resource, while reducing any harmful pollutants to the greatest extent possible to maintain the beneficial uses of our rivers, lakes and ocean. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1794 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-23 The Regional Water Quality Control Boards have adopted NPDES permits to regulate storm water for municipalities. Under that permit is the Municipal Storm Water Program, which regulates storm water discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) throughout California. An MS4 is defined as a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) owned or operated by a local agency. In this area, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board holds the NPDES permit and Los Angeles County holds the MS4 permit. Diamond Bar is a permittee unde amended in November 2016. The permit details discharge prohibitions, effluent limitations and discharge specifications, receiving water limitations, and provisions (i.e. monitoring and reporting, watershed management programs, control measures, and total maximum daily loads). In addition, Diamond Bar is part of the Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Management Plan (Lower SGR WMP), which was developed to implement the NPDES requirements on a watershed scale. and treated on- surface runoff during a storm event that typically contain higher concentrations of pollutants compared to the remainder of the storm. Specifically, the County requires that projects mitigate the first three-quarter inch of rainfall for each storm event and be designed to minimize the introduction of pollutants from the site runoff into the storm water conveyance system. Any new development and/or significant redevelopment in the Planning Area will be subject to these requirements. Additionally, the City has established regulations for storm water runoff. Any new development and/or significant redevelopment is required to prepare a hydrology and hydraulic assessment of the proposed project. Part of that analysis is calculating the current velocity and volume of storm water runoff leaving the site in both the existing and proposed condition. The City requires that the velocity and volume of storm water runoff leaving the site not exceed the pre-project condition. Any new development and/or significant redevelopment in the Planning Area is subject to meeting these requirements. From a storm drain infrastructure perspective, these regulations restrict increases in storm water runoff from any new development and/or significant redevelopment. Therefore, existing storm drain conveyance systems will not require upsizing, regardless of changes to lands use types. Further, since City staff has advised that the local storm drain system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies, the Proposed Project will likely have minimal impacts to the existing storm drain conveyance systems. Thus, any impacts related to the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities resulting from development projected by the proposed General Plan would be less than significant through compliance with State and local regulations, as well as implementation of proposed General Plan policies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1795 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-24 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-5. Manage development in a manner consistent with the capabilities of the City to provide public services and facilities effectively. LU-P-5. Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure are available or provided to support new development, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public safety, and parks. LU-P-6. Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-52. Collaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. Community Character & Placemaking CC-P-6. Prioritize sustainability in site design. When incorporating on-site stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically integrated into the site design. Public Facilities PF-G-6 Ensure that public facilities and services, including water, wastewater, sewage, electricity, natural gas, and solid waste, are provided in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-P-31. Require the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and other necessary public facilities, and encourage storm water capture prior to or concurrent with new development. PF-P-34. Ensure adequate funding and planning for needed public services and facilities in coordination with the Capital Improvement Program. PF-P-35. Continue to communicate major development plans with utility companies and coordinate planning of extension of necessary facilities. PF-P-37. Collaborate with the WVWD to develop future plans to expand the use of recycled water within Diamond Bar as additional recycled water supplies become available. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1796 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-25 PF-P-40. Pursue the transfer of ownership of all portions of the storm drain system within Diamond Bar to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD). PF-P-41. Work with the LACFCD to complete a drainage master plan for Diamond Bar with a view to identifying any defici system, and update it periodically, as needed. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.13-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. (Less than Significant) As discussed in Impact 3.13-1, projected demand in the Proposed Project may result in an increase as much as 1.09 MGD or result 16 percent over current demand of 6.77 MGD. As stated in the 2015 UWMP, WVWD has adequate supplies to support growth through 2035 during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. Table 3.13-6 ability to meet future water demands through 2035 in a normal year. Table 3.13-6: Supply and Demand for the Normal Year 2020 (AFY) 2025 (AFY) 2030 (AFY) 2035 (AFY) Supply 23,359 24,609 26,054 27,524 Demand 21,995 23,199 24,594 26,012 Difference 1,364 1,410 1,460 1,512 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, Table 27, 2016. As shown, the WVWD has identified adequate supply from existing water sources entitlements to meet demand through 2035. The 2015 UWMP shows that in a normal year, demand for potable and recycled water could be met through imported water and local groundwater, respectively. The 2015 UWMP also includes projections showing adequate supply for multiple dry years, as shown in Table 3.13-7. In the event of a water shortage, WVWD would rely on their Water Shortage Supply Plan during dry years. During a single dry year, it is assumed that the potable water projected demand in the normal year is reduced by 10 percent. In a multiple dry year scenario, it is assumed that the potable water projected demand in the normal year is reduced by 10 percent in the first two dry years; then reduce demand by 25 percent during the third dry year. Under this case, Table 3.13-7 shows that there is sufficient supply to meet demands in multiple dry years. While a series of dry years would reduce supply, the WVWD has the potential to utilize multiple sources and offset normal supplies with additional recycled water and conservation efforts without seeking additional entitlements or water sources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1797 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-26 Table 3.13-7: Supply and Demand for the Normal Year Year Item 2020 (AFY) 2025 (AFY) 2030 (AFY) 2035 (AFY) 1 Supply 20,810 20,810 20,810 20,810 Demand 17,421 18,032 18,662 19,316 Difference 3,389 2,778 2,148 1,494 2 Supply 20,340 20,340 20,340 20,340 Demand 17,421 18,032 18,662 19,316 Difference 2,919 2,308 1,678 1,024 3 Supply 16,603 16,603 16,603 16,603 Demand 14,518 15,026 15,552 16,097 Difference 2,085 1,577 1,051 506 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, Table 29, 2016. Implementation of policies in the proposed General Plan would reduce the overall existing and future water usage in the Planning Area by curbing demand for domestic and commercial purposes and promoting water conservation strategies. Proposed policies also seek to ensure the long-term quality and maintenance of waters supplies, while exploring new options for the capture and utilization of stormwater. Thus, future development anticipated by the proposed General Plan has been projected to be accommodated by existing water sources and entitlements, compliance with local and regional water management plans, as well as further compliance with SBx7-7 and implementation of proposed General Plan policies. Impacts would therefore be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies LU-G-5, LU-P-5, LU-P-52, PF-G-6, PF-P-31, PF-P-34, and PF-P-37 as discussed under Impact 3.13-1, in addition to the following: Public Facilities PF-G-7. Maintain adequate systems for potable water supply and distribution to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-P-36. Work with the Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) to assess the condition of water distribution and storage systems within Diamond Bar and plan for refurbishments as needed. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1798 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-27 Impact 3.13-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it does not have adequate Less than Significant) The proposed General Plan projects future residential and commercial uses in the Planning Area that could generate additional wastewater. Therefore, wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment needs could increase over current levels. As discussed under Impact 3.13-1, due to the relatively low increase in project wastewater flow rates, no new or expanded treatment facilities would be needed to serve the population at buildout. Additionally, as presented in Impact 3.13-1 and 3.13-2, goals and policies in the proposed General Plan aim to conserve water by curbing demand for domestic and commercial purposes, promoting water conservation strategies, ensuring coordinated planning for the provision of public facilities including water infrastructure, and ensure that utilities be designed and constructed to preserve the natural character of an area. Such policies would help to reduce the demand on existing treatment infrastructure and allow for meaningful consideration of potential impacts of any future decisions regarding the provision of new infrastructure. In addition, current regulations require compliance with water quality standards and would not allow development without adequate utility capacity, including wastewater treatment capacity. Potential future development projects would be reviewed by the City and LACSD to determine that sufficient capacity exists to serve the development. Therefore, through compliance with State and local regulations, and implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies LU-P-5, LU-P-52, PF-G-6, PF-P-31, and PF-P-34 as discussed under Impact 3.13-1, in addition to the following: Public Facilities PF-P-38. Work with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems and treatment facility capacity is available to serve planned development within Diamond Bar. PF-P-39. Continue to monitor and assess wastewater and sewer system operations to identify and subsequently address system deficiencies. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1799 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-28 Impact 3.13-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals. (Less than Significant) As described above, the City receives refuse pickup and disposal service from Waste Management, Inc. for single-family residential uses and Valley Vista Services, Inc. for commercial and multi- family residential uses. Once collected from areas within the City, the refuse is currently delivered to El Sobrante Landfill and Olinda Alpha Landfill. The 2017 Annual Report for El Sobrante Landfill found that at the current rate of waste disposal, the landfill had 42 years of site life remaining. The Olinda Alpha Landfill has enough projected capacity to serve residents and businesses until 2030. While buildout of the Proposed Project extends until 2040, Valley Vista Services delivers refuse to both landfills and Waste Management delivers refuse only to El Sobrante Landfill, which has additional capacity through 2059. Therefore, solid waste generated under the Proposed Project would reasonably be within the capacity of local infrastructure. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works prepares and administers the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan. For the current planning period from 2017 to 2032, the IWMP Annual Report estimates that a shortfall in permitted solid waste disposal capacity is not anticipated. The IWMP Report also states that the cumulative need for Class III landfill disposal capacity, approximately 126.4 million tons in 2032, will not exceed the 2017 remaining permitted Class III landfill capacity of 167.6 million tons. This data is provided at the County level. remaining capacity in El Sobrante and Olinda Alpha landfills, meeting the collection, transfer, recycling, and disposal needs of the Proposed Project would not result in adverse impacts on landfill facilities. It is also likely that changes in regulations will occur that will decrease the need for landfill capacity through new recycling measures (e.g. conversion technology facilities, material recovery facilities, waste to resource projects, etc.). Compliance with solid waste regulations and proposed General Plan policies would further address potential impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-6, PF-P-31, PF-P-34, PF-P-38, and PF-P-39 as discussed under Impacts 3.13-1 and 3.13-3. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1800 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-29 Impact 3.13-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste. (Less than Significant) AB 939 mandated that California generate a 25 percent diversion rate by 1995 and a 50 percent diversion rate by 2000. In 2005, California diverted 52 percent of its waste from landfills; therefore, the State, including the City, reached this goal and is in compliance with this law. AB 341, adopted in 2012, requires that commercial enterprises that generate four cubic yards or more of solid waste and multi-family housing complexes of five units or more weekly participate in recycling programs in 2016, establishes goals of 50 percent organics waste reduction by 2020 and 75 percent reduction by 2025. As described in Impact 3.14-6, waste collection services are provided by Waste Management, Inc. and Valley Vista Services which includes solid waste, recycling, e-waste, and hazardous waste. As of 2016, Waste Management diverted 47 percent of waste. Valley Vista Services has met the 50 percent diversion goal under AB 939. The City of Diamond Bar currently offers multiple specialized recycling programs, including a limited-run free recycling bins for businesses program, and two recycling centers are located in the City. The Proposed Project includes multiple policies aimed at achieving solid waste reduction targets established in AB 939, AB 341, and SB 1383, including incorporation of solid waste diversion goal performance standa franchise waste haulers, requiring commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement recycling plans, and educating Diamond Bar residents and businesses about recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs. Development of future land uses, as projected in the proposed General Plan, would be required to comply with federal, State, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. Furthermore, the policies provided in the proposed General Plan regarding solid waste disposal and associated public facilities would further ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-6, PF-P-31, PF-P-34, as discussed under Impacts 3.13-1 and 3.13-3, in addition to the following: Community Health & Sustainability CHS-P-46. In order to achieve compliance with the source reduction goals set forth under Assembly Bill (AB) 939 amendments thereto, incorporate solid waste diversion CHS-P-47. Reduce the disposal of household hazardous wastes in landfills through continued cooperation with waste pick-up service providers, the County Sanitation Districts, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works in the provision of curbside pick-up and annual household waste round up events. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1801 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-30 CHS-P-48. Continue to promote the safe disposal of household hazardous waste through public education and incentives. CHS-P-49. Continue to educate residential, commercial, and industrial generators about source reduction and recycling programs and encourage their participation in these programs through promotional campaigns and incentives. CHS-P-50. Encourage generators of edible food to have contracts or agreements with food rescue organizations to minimize edible food from being disposed of or destroyed. CHS-P-51. Encourage residents and businesses to compost leaves, grass clippings, food waste, and other organic materials by promoting existing food waste pickup services, residential waste hauler rate composting discounts, and residential backyard composting. CHS-P-52. residents and businesses about waste reduction strategies. CHS-P-53. Require commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1802 4 Alternatives Analysis The Proposed Project is described and analyzed in Chapters 3.1 through 3.13 of this EIR with an emphasis on potentially significant impacts and recommended mitigation measures to avoid those impacts. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines require an EIR to include the description and comparative analysis of a range of alternatives to the Proposed Project that could feasibly attain the objectives of the Proposed Plan, while avoiding or substantially lessening potential impacts. The CEQA Guidelines also require that the environmentally superior alternative be designated. If the alternative with the least environmental impact is the No Project Alternative, then the EIR must also designate the next most environmentally superior alternative. The following discussion is intended to inform the public and decision makers of the feasible alternatives that would avoid or substantially lessen significant effects of the Proposed Project, and to compare such alternatives to the Proposed Project. Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines states that: An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a project. Rather it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision making and public participation. The following discussion includes an evaluation of two alternatives to the Proposed Plan as well as the No Project Alternative The No Project Alternative is a scenario in which the Proposed Project (General Plan Update) is not adopted and implementation of the existing General Plan continues through 2040. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(a), the other alternatives selected for consideration in this analysis are Alternative 1, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive; and Alternative 2, with a Town Center at the southern portion of the Golf Course. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1803 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-2 4.1 Background on Development of Alternatives EIR Alternatives were developed in line with CEQA Guidelines, and based on feedback from the community. As part of the proposed General Plan update process, an evaluation of potential alternatives was conducted in mid-2017 and a final report was issued in January 2018 (Dyett and Bhatia, 2018). That process informed development of the preferred alternatives for evaluation in this EIR. Three alternatives representing different approaches to accommodating future growth and development in Diamond Bar were chosen for evaluation and public review, and were presented in the report. The alternatives each reflected the recommendations of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), Planning Commission, and City Council, as well as input from the community. The primary difference between the alternatives was the location of the proposed Town Center. The analyses in the report addressed population, jobs, housing, transportation, economics, and utility infrastructure. In the spring of 2017, City staff and the consultant team developed three distinct Preliminary Concepts for the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to consider: Concept 1, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue; Concept 2, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive; and Concept 3, with a Town Center to be developed at the Golf Course. These Preliminary Concepts were carefully informed by the existing conditions research; community feedback from the survey, workshop and GPAC; and priorities set by the Planning Commission and City Council. They were designed to demonstrate three distinct approaches to incorporating a Town Center in Diamond Bar, while also accommodating anticipated future growth in the community and preserving existing neighborhoods and other community assets. At the June 2017 GPAC meeting, Concept 1 was rejected because it was generally agreed that regional traffic cutting through the City on Grand Avenue would thwart efforts to create a walkable downtown in that location. This assessment led to the formulation of three modified options for consideration: the concept with the Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive was relabeled Option 11; Option 2 depicted the Town Center on only the portion of the golf course south of Grand Avenue, while the portion north of Grand would serve as a park or downsized golf course; and Option 3 contemplated the Town center on the portion of the golf course north of Grand, while the portion south of Grand would be repurposed as a park. These three alternatives, were then presented to the GPAC at a meeting in November 2017, and following this, to a joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission in January 2018. The joint bodies selected a variation of Alternative 1 as the Preferred Alternative; more precisely, defined and added to the Preferred Alternative to prescribe how the golf course should be repurposed in the event that Los Angeles County ever decides to cease golf course operations on that property. The proposed General Plan (Proposed Project) and EIR Alternatives 1 and 2 were derived from the process summarized above. The proposed General Plan (Proposed Plan) is modeled after Option 1 in the earlier which proposes a new 1 to the Planning Commission/City Council joint meeting in November 2017. The editorial decision to refer to them as Options 1 through 3 was made to avoid confusion with the EIR Alternatives analyzed in this chapter. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1804 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-3 Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. There are a few key differences between the proposed General Plan and the earlier Option 1. Options 1 and 2 propose a 105-acre transit oriented mixed use-designated neighborhood adjacent to the Metrolink station; under the proposed General Plan, only 33 acres of this area would be designated as transit oriented mixed use and adjacent land uses would not change. The Golf Course would retain its designation under the proposed General Plan and Alternative 1, but the proposed General Plan also applies a Community Core Overlay in the event that Los Angeles County ceases operation of the Golf Course. Alternatives 1 and 2 were modeled after Options 1 and 2 from the 2018 Alternatives Evaluation document, respectively. As discussed below, the methodology in calculating buildout projections slightly differs between the 2018 Alternatives Evaluation and this EIR; therefore, differences in population projections can be partially attributed to methodology rather than substantive changes between the Alternatives. The Proposed Project, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative are discussed in more detail below. The Proposed Project consists of the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also include the Climate Action Plan, but it would not be included in the No Project Alternative as the City of Diamond Bar does not presently have a Climate Action Plan. 4.2 Description of Alternatives and requires the EIR to set forth alternatives necessary to permit a reasoned choice, that would avoid or substantially lessen any significant effects, and that could feasibly attain most of the project objectives. ion and the seven Guiding Principles, which are further detailed below. expression of the collective hopes and desires that members of the Diamond Bar community have throughout the planning process: In 2040, Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively Town Center provides community members with access to local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1805 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-4 The following Guiding Principles support the community vision and provide direction for the policies in the proposed General Plan. 1. Maintain a welcoming, safe small-town feel. Continue to cultivate a welcoming, safe small- preserving existing neighborhoods. 2. Promote a family-friendly community. housing choices for families to continue to make Diamond Bar a desirable place for families. 3. Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented dine, and gather. 4. Develop attractive commercial centers and thriving businesses. existing commercial centers and businesses to thrive, and attract new businesses to centrally located focus areas in order to serve the daily needs of residents. 5. Establish a balanced circulation network. Improve mobility for all residents, visitors, and workers by providing a diversity of safe and convenient transportation options in a cohesive network, including active transportation, transit, and automobile facilities. 6. Support Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles. Promote human and community health and environmental quality through the provision of parks and open spaces, community programs and services, the preservation of local and regional environmental resources, and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. 7. Foster a strong, collaborative community. Provide opportunities for gatherings among friends, families, and the community at large and encourage all members of the community to participate in planning and decision-making for the future. NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE Consistent with Section 15126.6(e)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the No Project Alternative represents what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the Proposed al Plan was left unchanged and in use. This alternative would retain all current land use designations and definitions from the current General Plan as amended to date, and future development in the Planning Area would continue to be subject to existing policies, regulations, development standards, and land use designations of the existing Diamond Bar General Plan. Specifically, there would be no new Town Center Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit Oriented Mixed Use, or Community Core Overlay land use designations. All Proposed Project change areas as identified in the Proposed Project would retain their existing 1995 General Plan designations. Policies concerning topics such as transportation, economic development, parks, open space, the environment, climate change, health, and housing would also remain unchanged. Overall, the No Project Alternative is projected to result in approximately 57,790 residents, 19,643 housing units, and 18,855 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 63 fewer residents, 730 new housing units, and 4,150 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 8,895 fewer residents, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1806 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-5 3,023 fewer housing units, and 2,889 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. The No Project Alternative is depicted in Figure 4-1. Buildout calculations of new development under the No Project Alternative assumed maximum allowable residential density/intensity and the midpoint of allowable non-residential density/intensity for each land use designation under the 1995 General Plan. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites identified by the Proposed Project (with the exception of the four focus areas), and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under the No Project Alternative assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.097 persons per occupied unit. Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 400 square feet per retail employee, 350 square feet per office employee, and 500 square feet per industrial employee. The same assumptions were used to calculate buildout of the Proposed Project in 2040. ALTERNATIVE 1: NEW TOWN CENTER AT DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD/GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE Alternative 1, as shown in Figure 4-2, includes a Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, with the new Sprouts/Ross center on the former Kmart site. The Golf Course would retain its designation. Alternative 1 includes the same land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. As discussed in Section 4.1 above, Alternative 1 is the most similar to the Proposed Project, with two key differences. Alternative 1 does not include the Community Core Overlay, which assumes high residential growth. Additionally, the 105-acre transit-oriented mixed-use area near the Metrolink station would be reduced to 33 acres under the Proposed Project. Overall, Alternative 1 is projected to result in approximately 63,008 residents, 21,395 housing units, and 19,369 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,150 new residents, 2,500 new housing units, and 4,700 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 2,823 fewer residents, 1,272 fewer housing units, and 2,375 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 1 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 1 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. ALTERNATIVE 2: NEW TOWN CENTER AT GOLF COURSE (SOUTH) Alternative 2 includes a Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would designate approximately 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as new parkland. The replacement of recreational/park space from the Golf Course would likely be required. The Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. Alternative 2 includes similar land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1807 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-6 Overall, Alternative 2 is projected to result in approximately 63,277 residents, 21,486 housing units, and 21,141 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,450 new residents, 2,600 new housing units, and 6,400 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 3,408 fewer residents, 1,181 fewer housing units, and 603 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 2 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 2 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. Table 4.2-1: Comparison of Key Characteristics Existing (2016) Proposed Project (2040) No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Population 57,853 66,685 57,790 63,008 63,277 Housing Units 18,913 22,667 19,643 21,395 21,486 Single-Family 13,252 13,394 13,314 13,336 13,331 Multi-Family 5,661 9,273 6,330 8,059 8,155 Non-Residential (1,000 sqft) 5,564 7,182 6,277 7,429 8,178 Retail 587 1,194 619 3,971 4,515 Office 2,407 2,927 2,943 3,458 3,663 Industrial 1,053 850 1,058 - - Other 1,518 2,212 1,657 - - Jobs 14,702 21,744 18,855 19,369 21,141 Retail 1,467 3,079 1,548 7,943 9,030 Office 7,334 11,436 11,049 11,426 12,111 Industrial 2,106 1,700 2,116 - - Other 3,795 5,529 4,142 - - Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1808 !(T Diamond Ranch High School Pantera Park Pantera E.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamond Point E.S. Little League Field Armstrong E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Sycamore Canyon Park Quail Summit E.S. Chaparral M.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park Walnut E.S. South Pointe M.S. Diamond Bar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreen E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Heritage ParkPEACEFULHILLSRD Ronald Reagan Park Star Shine Park Summitridge Park Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RBLV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYDRBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNPA-2/SP PA-2/SP PA-4/SP PA-1/SP SP AG/SP W W W W W W F PA-5/RH-30 PA-3/SP Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Rural Residential (RR) Low Density Residential (RL) Low-Medium Residential (RLM) Medium Density Residential (RM) Medium High Density Residential (RMH) High Density Residential (RH) General Commercial (C) Figure 4.2-1: No Project Alternative Commercial/Office (CO) Professional Office (OP) Light Industrial (I) Fire (F) Water (W) School (S) Park (PK) Golf Course (GC) Open Space (OS) Private Recreation (PR) Significant Ecological Area (AG/SP) Planning Area (PA) Specific Plan Overlay (SP) City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1809 !(T DiamondRanch High School PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPoint E.S. Little League Field ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReagan Park Star Shine Park SummitridgePark Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANG ELE S COU NT Y ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNA RDIN O COU NT YRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Sta tion }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GEL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLN1 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4.2-2: Alternative 1 Low Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use General Comm ercial Office School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Private Recreation Planned Area/Specific Plan Change Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1810 !(T DiamondRanch High School PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPoint E.S. Little League Field ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReagan Park Star Shine Park SummitridgePark Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANG ELE S COU NT Y ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNA RDIN O COU NT YRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Sta tion }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GEL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLN1 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4.2-3: Alternative 2 Low Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use General Comm ercial Office School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Private Recreation Planned Area/Specific Plan Change Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1811 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-7 Figure 4-1: No Project Alternative (existing General Plan Land Uses) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1812 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-8 Figure 4-2 : Alternative 1 New Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1813 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-9 Figure 4-3 : Alternative 2 New Town Center at Golf Course (South) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1814 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-10 4.3 Impact Analysis of Alternatives This section provides a qualitative analysis of the potential environmental impacts of each Alternative relative to existing conditions, and compares their impacts with the impacts of the Proposed Project. The discussions are arranged by resource topic and address the same significance criteria used to evaluate the Proposed Project in Chapter 3 of this EIR. It is assumed that Alternatives 1 and 2 would generally include the same policies as the Proposed Project, with the exception of site-specific policies that would not apply due to differences in planned land use. AESTHETICS There are important viewsheds within the Planning Area, such as those of hillsides and natural resources, that contribute to the aesthetic quality of Diamond Bar. All Alternatives would be consistent with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality in urbanized areas, including the Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 22.16.130 and Chapter 22.22 and Citywide Design Guidelines. Existing regulations contain view protection provisions and address management of hillside development in Diamond Bar, including the protection of views and view corridors to and from hillside areas. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also include proposed General Plan policies related to protection of scenic views and open space resources, preservation of existing neighborhoods, and pedestrian-oriented development. Alternatives 1 and 2 would have similar impacts as the Proposed Project on scenic vistas and the visual character of the Planning Area given that both Alternatives propose similar land use changes as the Proposed Project, with the exception of redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2. Assuming Los Angeles County does not cease operation of the golf course, this area would remain unchanged under all other Alternatives, including the No Project Alternative. If Los Angeles County does decide to cease operation of the golf course, under the Proposed Project the Community Core Overlay and proposed General Plan policies would require a master plan to guide future development in this area and minimize impacts to scenic resources. The No Project Alternative would retain the 1995 designation of Planning Area 2, which consists of 424 acres in two non-contiguous, steeply-sloped, vacant natural areas in the eastern portion of the Planning Area. No development has yet occurred in Planning Area 2 but would be permitted under the No Project Alternative. Compliance with Diamond Bar Municipal Code regulations would reduce potential impacts associated with development in this area to a level that is less than significant. Land use changes and proposed General Plan policies included in all other Alternatives would support the preservation of open spaces by designating areas formerly designated as Planning Areas or Low Density Residential as Open Space, and therefore would reduce impacts of the No Project Alternative on scenic vistas. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes, and policies in the proposed General Plan and other Alternatives are intended to complement and further the intent of these provisions regulating scenic quality and resources. The non-urbanized Sphere of Influence would be designated as a Significant Ecological Area under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2, and is protected by the Los Angeles County General Plan and Municipal Code under the No Project Alternative. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on the existing visual character or quality of public view and would not conflict with applicable regulations governing scenic quality. As discussed, the potential for development in Planning Area 2 would make impacts under the No Project Alternative slightly 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1815 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-11 more significant than under all other Alternatives, but compliance with existing local regulations relating to hillside management, development review, and subdivision design would ensure than impacts are ultimately less than significant. Given that no adopted State scenic highway is located in Diamond Bar, and that adjacent land uses to SR-57 are undergoing minimal changes or development as part of the proposed General Plan and Alternatives (and no changes under the No Project Alternative), each of the Alternatives , including the Proposed Project, would have no impact on scenic resources within a State scenic highway. New development resulting from implementation of any of the Alternatives would necessitate the use of additional light fixtures and would contribute to existing conditions of light and glare. Most new development resulting from the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 would take place in or near developed and urbanized areas, where moderate light and glare already exist, and would not be out of character with the urban environment. Under Alternative 2, a new Town Center would be developed in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would therefore increase light and glare in this area compared to existing conditions and the Proposed Project. Compliance with the Diamond Bar Municipal Code and implementation of proposed General Plan policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats and between new development and existing uses would reduce potential impacts of new development under Alternatives 1 and 2 to a level that is less than significant, similar to the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and would result in reduced development compared to the Proposed Project. Any development associated with the No Project Alternative would be required to comply with provisions within the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances that would limit light and glare for new non-residential and residential development. Therefore, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on light and glare. AIR QUALITY The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less growth at buildout. Alternative 2 would also result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project but would increase non- residential development. As the Proposed Project would be less than significant with respect to consistency with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Air Quality Management Plan, and the General Plan Policies will remain the same, it is anticipated that the No Project Alternative, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would also be consistent with the AQMP. Compliance with CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, and Title 24 energy efficiency standards would reduce construction and operational emissions of criteria air pollutants and would ensure that Alternative 2 would be consistent with the AQMP despite increased non-residential development. Therefore, all alternatives would result in a less than significant impact on the implementation of the SCAQMD AQPM. The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout. Increased non-residential development under Alternative 2 would have the potential to increase construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout compared to the Proposed Project. With respect to construction related regional emissions, because individual development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1816 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-12 projects under the Alternatives would be similar in size/scope to the Proposed Project, just not as many in number, the potential for similar construction intensity under each of the Alternatives is similar to those of the Proposed Project. Therefore, construction emissions associated with all Alternatives? would be significant and unavoidable even with the implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ-1. With respect to operational emissions, future development under all alternatives would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also be subject to proposed General Plan policies related to circulation, air pollution, and sustainability and propose land use frameworks that emphasize infill and reduced VMT. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would reduce impacts. Therefore, long-term regional and local operational emissions would be significant and unavoidable. With respect to sensitive receptors, construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts of the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would be similar but reduced from the Proposed Project. Given increased non-residential development, construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts under Alternative 2 could be higher than the Proposed Project. As future development under the Alternatives would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and the Proposed General Plan policies and actions. Implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ- 1 would also reduce criteria pollutant emissions, but would not be included under the No Project Alternative. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects, it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would further reduce impacts. Therefore, localized operational impacts, construction and operational health and toxic air impacts would remain significant and unavoidable under all Alternatives. The three Alternatives would result in similar odor emissions under construction and operational activities as the Proposed Project, given that none of the Alternatives include land uses associated with odor complaints and all would be subject to SCAQMD rules related to construction-related odorous compounds. Therefore, the potential for odor to impact sensitive receptors would be the same. Given that the Alternatives would result in less general development, although of a similar nature, the Alternatives would result in a less than significant odor impact similar to the Proposed Project. Under the Proposed Project, operational emissions of CO significantly exceed SCAQMD thresholds. While the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore less operational emissions, this reduction would not be sufficient to reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing vehicle trips and encouraging multi-modal transportation. Therefore, all Alternatives and the Proposed Project would result in a significant and unavoidable impact on regional operational emissions. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1817 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-13 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Alternatives 1 and 2 would include the proposed General Plan goals for resource conservation, including the maintenance and protection of biologically significant areas, protection of rare and special-status plant and animal communities, and use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical, and would therefore result in similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project. Although the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan goals and policies, the 1995 General Plan includes objectives in line with those of the Proposed Project, such as the conservation of sensitive biological resources with an emphasis on the Significant Ecological Area in its SOI. However, a noteworthy deviation from the Proposed Project is the manner in which Planning Area 2 is designated. Planning Area 2 consists of 424 acres of steeply-sloped, vacant natural areas in two non-contiguous areas. The larger area lies north and east of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, while the other area lies between Pantera Park to the west and Tres Hermanos Ranch to the east. No development has yet occurred in this area. In the existing General Plan, this area is designated as a Planning Area, which would not prohibit future development in this area. Under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2, this area is designated as Open Space allowing population exchange between the Puente-Chino Hills movement corridor and Planning Area 2 to occur. The No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies or specific mitigation measures designed to compensate for the loss of sensitive habitats and special status species, including endangered and threatened species (MM-BIO-1A through MM-BIO-1K). Since the 1995 General Plan was formulated there have been significant changes to the status and occurrences of these species in the study area. Based on the findings of the Hamilton Biological Report, the occurrences of this species in the City has increased in area of occupation.2 Therefore, implementation of the No Project Alternative may have a significant and unavoidable impact on special-status species, riparian habitat, federally protected wetlands, and wildlife corridors in the Planning Area. Additionally, given that the No Project Alternative could have adverse effects on the Puente-Chino Hills movement corridor, the No Project Alternative may have significant and unavoidable conflicts with the Puente-Chino Wildlife Corridor conservation being led by the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) and the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority. The No Project Alternative would have a more severe impact on these resources than the Proposed Project. Implementation of Alternatives 1 or 2 would have similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project, and would require implementation of the same mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts on special-status species, riparian habitat, and federally protected wetlands to a level that is less than significant. The only difference is where the new Town Center is sited. The Town Center would be sited in the southern portion of the Golf Course under Alternative 2, resulting in a loss of mature trees that may be used by migratory and residential birds and nesting. Under the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, siting the new Town Center at the Diamond Bar 2 A study funded by Diamond Bar residents, Diamond Bar Responsible Land Use, Diamond Bar Preservation Alliance, and the Sierra Club (known as the Hamilton Biological Report) analyzed biological resources within the City of Diamond Bar as of February 2019. The findings of the Hamilton Biological Report are addressed in Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1818 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-14 Boulevard and Golden Springs Avenue location would not result in removal of mature trees from the Golf Course and therefore would have no immediate effect on bird roosting and potential nesting. Compliance with proposed General Plan policies and mitigation measure MM-BIO-6 would reduce potential indirect and direct impacts of the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 on wildlife movement corridors to a level that is less than significant. As with the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on the implementation of applicable conservation plans and policies given compliance with proposed General Plan policies. The No Project, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project would have no impact on the C as long as both ordinances are being enforced. CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and demolition activities that may have an adverse effect on historic resources. Alternative 2 would result in less residential development but increased non-residential development than the Proposed Project, and could increase potential impacts. Only one known historical resource has been identified in the Planning Area, and all Alternatives focus development in a few change areas. The Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 include proposed General Plan policies requiring that new development be compatible with existing development and mitigation measure MM-CULT-1, which requires preparation of a historical resource assessment and implementation of appropriate mitigation prior to development of any project on a parcel containing at least one structure more than 45 years old (with the exception of minor project that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA). However, without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development under Alternatives 1 and 2 will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources. Like the Proposed Project, impacts on historical resources would therefore be significant and unavoidable under Alternatives 1 and 2. The No Project Alternative would result in new development compared to existing conditions (but reduced compared to the Proposed Project) and would not include the aforementioned Proposed Project policies and mitigation measures. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would also have the potential to be significant and unavoidable if additional historical resources are identified in the future. Future development proposals initiated under Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative that include construction-related ground disturbance into native soil have the potential to impact archaeological resources. Anticipated development in the Planning Area would occur through infill development on vacant property and through redevelopment of underutilized properties. A total of 11 archaeological resources have been recorded within the Planning Area and it appears to have been a highly suitable area for the inhabitance of prehistoric people. Therefore, the potential for archaeological resources in the Planning Area is high. Alternative 1 includes all Proposed Project land use designations (with the exception of the Community Core Overlay), policies aimed at the preservation and management of discovered archaeological materials, and mitigation measure MM-CULT-2, which requires preparation of an archaeological resources assessment and implementation of appropriate mitigation prior to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1819 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-15 development of a project that involves ground disturbance (with the exception of minor project that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA). Therefore, impacts to archeological resources under Alternative 1 would be less than significant, as with the Proposed Project. Alternative 2 would result in increased ground disturbance given the conversion of the Golf Course to the new Town Center and parkland, and could result in more significant impacts than the Proposed Project. With implementation of relevant proposed General Plan policies and MM- CULT-2, this impact would be reduced to a level that is less than significant. The No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project, but development associated with this alternative could include construction-related ground disturbance. As discussed in the Biological Resources section above, the No Project Alternative would retain the existing General Plan land use designation of Planning Area 2. Under Alternatives 1 and 2 and the Proposed Project, this area would be designated as Open Space and would be protected from future development. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies and mitigation aimed at preserving archaeological resources. Therefore, the No Project Alternative could have a significant and unavoidable impact on archaeological resources. Given that there are no known cemeteries or human remains locations within the Planning Area, and all Alternatives would be subject to California Health and Safety Code and Public Resources regulations for the treatment of human remains, all Alternatives would be expected to have a less than significant impact on the disturbance of human remains. The proposed General Plan does not include any policies related to the treatment of human remains; therefore, impacts would be the same under each Alternative, including the No Project Alternative. Impacts on tribal cultural resources could occur as a result of future development proposals initiated under any of the Alternatives that include ground disturbance into native soil. There are no identified Native American resources within the Planning Area, but it is possible that future development within the Planning Area may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and to create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Impacts under Alternative 2 may be slightly higher given that development of the Golf Course would have the potential to unearth unrecorded tribal cultural resources, but development would be subject to the described policies. Therefore, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on tribal cultural resources. As discussed, the No Project Alternative would not designate Planning Area 2 as Open Space. Potential development in this area could include ground disturbance into native soil, and the No Project Alternative would not include the same protective policies as the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts of the No Project Alternative on tribal cultural resources could be significant and unavoidable. ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GREENHOUSE GASES The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout. Alternative 2 would also result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project but would increase non-residential development. Compliance with the CALGreen Building Code, Title 24 standards for energy efficiency in commercial buildings, and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1820 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-16 proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing impacts from new development would ensure that the increase in non-residential development under Alternative 2 would not substantially increase construction and operational GHG emissions beyond the Proposed Project. As the Proposed Project would be less than significant with respect to GHG emissions and energy consumption based on compliance with the proposed General Plan policies (included in Alternatives 1 and 2) and State and local measures, Alternatives 1 and 2 would also be less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies that reduce transportation-related GHG emissions, the No Project Alternative would result in less development and lower VMT than the Proposed Project. Therefore, the GHG emissions and energy consumption from the No Project Alternative would be less than the Proposed Project, and the No Project Alternative would also be less than significant. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would be required to comply with the same GHG and Energy policies, plans and regulations as identified for the Proposed Project. Under the No Project Alternative, proposed General Plan policies and the Climate Action Plan would not be adopted. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not contain policies or land uses that support applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions over time. Under the No Project Alternative, the City of Diamond Bar would likely be capable of meeting the CARB 2017 Scoping Plan and SB 32 targets for GHG emissions in 2030 given that the Business as Usual scenario for the Proposed Project would easily achieve these targets and the No Project Alternative would result in reduced development and VMT compared to the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative would not conflict with the CALGreen Building Code or Title 24. However, the No Project Alternative would not be consistent with the goals of the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS to support development of compact communities in existing areas and reuse developed land served by high- quality transit. Without further quantitative analysis, it cannot be guaranteed that the No Project Alternative would be capable of achieving the EO S-3-05 goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80 percent below the 1990 level by the year 2050 given that it would not include proposed General Plan policies or land uses designed to reduce VMT and overall emissions. Finally, the No Project Alternative would not directly support the zero-emission vehicle mandate established by EO B-16- 1 and the Advanced Clean Cars Initiative as it does not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at increasing available parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. Therefore, the No Project Alternative would have a significant and unavoidable impact with regard to plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions over time. This impact would be less than significant under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 given similar levels of GHG emissions and inclusion of proposed General Plan policies aimed at improving air quality, encouraging multi- modal transportation and reducing VMT, and promoting infill development. Like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would comply with CALGreen Code and Title 24 requirements to reduce energy consumption and would include the Climate Action Plan, as well as proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing GHG emissions, energy consumption, and VMT. As discussed below, Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in reduced VMT compared to the Proposed Project and would prioritize infill development. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. While the No Project Alternative would comply with the CALGreen Code and Title 24 requirements and would result in reduced VMT compared to the Proposed Project, the No Project Alternative would not be consistent with the goals of the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS and may therefore have a significant and unavoidable impact on plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1821 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-17 GEOLOGY, SOILS, AND SEISMICITY The Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would have similar impacts regarding fault rupture, groundshaking, and liquefaction given that the Proposed Project and Alternatives share similar land use designations and policies protecting against potential adverse effects from geologic hazards. Due to the absence of active faults in the Planning Area, the risk of surface rupture is very low and impacts related to fault rupture would be less than significant for all Alternatives, including the No Project Alternative. Earthquakes in and near the Planning Area have the potential to cause groundshaking of significant magnitude. All Alternatives would allow for additional development within the Planning Area, which could expose people and property to strong seismic groundshaking. New buildings under each Alternative would be constructed in compliance with the California Building Code. While the No Project Alternative would not include additional General Plan policies aimed at reducing impacts of seismic hazards, the No Project Alternative would result in less new development than the Proposed Project and would be subject to the provisions of the California Building Code and 1995 General Plan. Therefore, impacts associated with strong seismic groundshaking would be less than significant for all Alternatives. Alternatives 1 and 2 include the same land use designations in areas located within liquefaction zones as the Proposed Project but would result in slightly more Transit Oriented Mixed Use development in the land directly south of the Metrolink Station. Given implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, these Alternatives would have a less than significant impact related to liquefaction. The No Project Alternative does not propose new development in areas within liquefaction zones, and would be subject to existing 1995 General Plan policies. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would also be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include similar land use designations and General Plan policies as the Proposed Project, and do not propose development on any hills of 30 percent slope or greater. Given compliance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, Alternatives 1 and 2 would result less than significant impacts from landslides. The No Project Alternative would not include Proposed Project policies related to hillside development and seismic hazards and would retain the existing land use designation of Planning Area 2, which includes multiple steep slopes. Risks associated with landslides would be much higher under the No Project Alternative should this area be developed. However, the potential impacts from landslides on development in this area would be addressed through site-specific geotechnical studies prepared in accordance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, as needed, which would specifically address landslide hazards. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant but could be more severe than under the Proposed Project should this area be developed. Development associated with Alternative 1 would have similar less-than-significant impacts on soil erosion and topsoil as the Proposed Project given compliance with proposed General Plan policies and a NPDES permit, which includes the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). Alternative 2 would have more severe impacts on soil erosion and topsoil than the Proposed Project given development of the Golf Course, which would include earthwork activities that could expose soils to the effects of erosion or loss of topsoil. Once construction is complete and exposed areas are revegetated (development of new parkland in the northern portion of the Golf Course) or covered by buildings, asphalt, or 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1822 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-18 concrete (development of the new Town Center), the erosion hazard is substantially eliminated or reduced. Therefore, Alternative 2 would have a less than significant impact on soil erosion once construction of the new Town Center and parkland is complete. The No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project but would not designate Planning Area 2 as Open Space or include proposed General Plan policies that could reduce impacts to soil erosion. However, compliance with 1995 General Plan policies and a NPDES permit would be effective in limiting soil erosion and the loss of topsoil. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant. Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 1809.4 addresses construction on expansive soils, stating that, unless otherwise specified by a registered geotechnical engineer, foundation systems within the City of Diamond Bar are considered to be on expansive soil. Implementation of any Alternative would therefore likely include development occurring on soils considered to be expansive. This is especially true regarding development of the Golf Course under Alternative 2, which overlies a significant region of Altamont Clay Loam. The potential hazards of expansive soils would be addressed through compliance with CBC requirements that regulate the analysis of expansive soils and the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies would further reduce risk of exposure to geological hazards by mandating site-specific geotechnical and mitigation prior to development. Therefore, impacts related to development on expansive soil under Alternative 1 and 2 would be less than significant, as with the Proposed Project. While the No Project Alternative would not include additional General Plan policies, compliance with the CBC and Ordinance Section 1809.4 would ensure that impacts would also be less than significant. Like the Proposed Project, development under Alternative 1 would locate structures in areas with connections Alternative 2 would result in the development of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course. A sanitary sewer main line is located along the southern border of the Golf Course at Golden Springs Drive and connects to a Los Angeles County Sanitation District Trunk line at the southwestern edge of the Golf Course at the intersection of I-57 and I-60. Proposed General Plan policies require the construction of sewer and other necessary public facilities and coordination with LACPWD and LACSD to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems are available to serve planned development. Additionally, future development is subject to City and County subdivision ordinances regulating the use of septic systems and connections to public sewer lines. While redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 may require the construction of connections to public sewer lines, this area is currently served by a main line and environmental impacts associated with construction of new connections would be reduced to a level that is less than significant given compliance with existing ordinances. Given that the majority of existing development within Diamond Bar is connected to the sanitary system and the majority of new development under the No Project Alternative would be in central areas served by the current sewer system, the No Project Alternative would also have a less than significant impact. None of the Alternatives would result in development in areas having soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Alternatives 1 and 2 would locate development in similar areas as the Proposed Project and would have the potential to result in damage to paleontological resources located at or near previously undisturbed ground surfaces as result of construction-related ground disturbance. The Planning Area is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium and the Puente/Monterey Formation, which have yielded significant vertebrate fossils and are assigned a high paleontological potential. Construction 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1823 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-19 of the new Town Center on the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would have the potential to result in further impacts given that this area is not intensely developed under existing conditions. As with the Proposed Project, compliance with proposed General Plan policy RC-P-51 and mitigation measures MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2 would reduce impacts on unique paleontological resources to a level that is less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project, future development projects initiated under the No Project Alternative would still have the potential to include construction-related ground disturbance. Given that the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies and mitigation measures that could reduce impacts on paleontological resources, this impact would be significant and unavoidable. HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND WILDFIRE Implementation of the Proposed Project and any Alternative would allow for the development of land uses that may require the routine use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste within the Planning Area. Future construction activities associated with buildout of the Proposed Project and each Alternative may generate hazardous materials and waste. Hazardous materials would be subject to existing federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use, transport, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials. Like the Proposed Project, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would allow the siting of new housing units, which are sensitive receptors, within the vicinity of highways that routinely transport fuels and other hazardous materials. Development of the mixed-use Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course (at the intersection of I-57 and I-60) under Alternative 2 and additional Transit-Oriented Mixed Use parcels between the Metrolink and I-60 would increase the number of housing units within the vicinity of highways compared to the Proposed Project. However, the number of new sensitive receptors would be relatively limited and USDOT, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol regulate and manage routine transport of hazardous materials on SR-57 and SR-60. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts to sensitive receptors from the routine transport of fuels and other hazardous materials would be less than significant under Alternatives 1 and 2. In compliance with existing regulations, businesses handling or storing certain amounts of hazardous materials would be required to prepare a hazardous materials business plan to inventory hazardous materials on-site and provide information on safe use and emergency response regarding such materials. There are no permitted hazardous waste facilities in the Planning Area, and any future disposal of hazardous waste would require compliance with relevant federal and State law. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts under Alternative 1 and 2 would be less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies that ensure safe practices regarding hazardous materials, development under this Alternative would be subject to existing regulations and would not result in residential land use changes. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would similarly be less than significant. As with the Proposed Project, major land use changes are expected in a few focus areas under Alternatives 1 and 2, which are intended to provide opportunities for infill development incorporating housing, employment, and recreation. Within this low-risk variety of uses, new developments that utilize hazardous chemicals, such as dry cleaners or gas stations, could result in 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1824 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-20 some potential for upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. While Alternative 2 would site the new Town Center in a different location than the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, impacts associated with this development would be similar. Given existing regulations and programs and proposed General Plan policies that reduce the potential for hazardous materials upsets and promote the ability of emergency services to respond to incidents, impacts associated with the release of hazardous materials into the environment under Alternatives 1 and 2 would be less than significant, as is the case under the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and any development would be subject to existing regulations at the federal, State, and local levels that serve to minimize the potential for upset during routine transportation, use, and disposal and minimize the risk of upset or accident involving sites that have previously been contaminated by hazardous substances. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant. Under the land use designations of Alternatives 1 and 2, there would be a range of land uses potentially allowed within a quarter-mile of existing schools. None of the Alternatives propose construction of new schools in the Planning Area. Alternatives 1 and 2 would redesignate Light Industrial land adjacent to the Metrolink station and Walnut Elementary School as Transit- Oriented Mixed Use, which could reduce school exposure impact to hazardous materials compared to the Proposed Project (which retains the Light Industrial designation). Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies which prohibit the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air pollutants or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school and provide for emergency planning to address potential upsets. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts from Alternatives 1 and 2 would be less than significant. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and therefore would not increase school exposure to hazardous materials. Given that individual users of hazardous materials would continue to be regulated by the Disclosure of Hazardous Materials Program and public schools are required to evaluate and amend their school safety plan on an annual basis, the No Project Alternative would have a less than significant impact. There are numerous sites in the Planning Area that are included on a list of hazardous materials sites or that need further investigation; however, the majority of these sites are closed as of 2019. Three open sites remain on Golden Springs Drive and South Diamond Bar Boulevard , and nine sites are subject to the regulations of the California Waste Discharge Requirements Program. Sites with existing soil or groundwater contamination are regulated by existing federal and State policies and have been or are being investigated and remediated. Alternative 1 would result in similar land use changes as the Proposed Project and would not include minor land use changes at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, where one SWRCB Cleanup Program Site/DTSC Evaluation site is located. Alternative 2 similarly does not propose land use changes at this intersection and would locate the new Town Center at the southern portion of the Golf Course, away from the SWRCB LUST Cleanup Site/DTSC Voluntary Cleanup site. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes located near hazardous materials sites and would be subject to existing federal and State regulations. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Given that there are no airports within two miles of the Planning Area, each of the Alternatives would have no impacts related to an airport-related safety hazard for people residing or working in the Planning Area. Similar to the Proposed Project, development under Alternatives 1 and 2 would neither impair implementation nor interfere with the County of Los Angeles Emergency Response Plan or City of Diamond Bar Emergency Operations Center, which are the two emergency plans 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1825 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-21 that apply to the Planning Area. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies regarding emergency access and provision of successful emergency response and would support the efforts of local disaster volunteer programs. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies, implementation of this Alternative would not result in new land uses or significantly increase densities and this Alternative would support existing emergency plans and programs. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would have the same impacts as the Proposed Project with respect to wildfire. Areas of high to extreme fire threat occur throughout the Planning Area, predominately in the SOI. Land use changes under Alternatives 1 and 2 that differ from the Proposed Project are located in areas of moderate fire threat. Like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 do not propose any land use changes within Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire by mandating continued adhere to local fire codes and participation in the Los Angeles 2 would have less than significant impacts on wildland fire risk, emergency evacuation or response plans, pollutant exposure from wildfire, infrastructure expansion, and soil and water movement. The No Project Alternative would retain existing General Plan land use designations and does not propose any land use changes in areas of high to extreme fire threat or Very High or High FHSZs. However, the No Project Alternative does not include proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire and would retain the existing land use designation of Planning Area 2, which leaves this area open for future development. The majority of land within Planning Area 2 is identified as a Very High FHSZ and is steeply sloped. Should development occur in this area under the No Project Alternative, it may expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death; exacerbate fire risks due to slope and expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from wildfire; require the construction of infrastructure specifically to combat risk for fire exposure; and expose people and structures to downslope flooding or landslides as a result of post-fire slope instability. However, all development in this area would be subject to the Diamond Bar and Los Angeles County Hillside Management Ordinances, which regulate development in hillsides that have natural slope gradients of 25 percent or steeper and require potential hazards to be analyzed as part of the permitting process. Additionally, CAL FIRE oversees the design and construction of fuel breaks within its jurisdiction and maintains standards with regard to fuel breaks and environmental protection. Compliance with existing state and local regulations would reduce wildfire-related impacts under the No Project Alternative to a level that is less than significant; however, impacts could be more severe than the Proposed Project if Planning Area 2 is developed. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Urban development can bring about an increase in impervious surfaces that could lead to increased run-off rates and flooding in downstream areas, as well as a deterioration in water quality. The Proposed Project and all Alternatives would be required to comply with local plans, existing State and federal regulations, and the applicable NPDES permit requirements; and thus , would have a less than significant impact in terms of potentially violating any federal, State, or local water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1826 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-22 The mitigation of stormwater impacts is the responsibility of developers and property owners. Under Alternative 2, the development of the golf course (i.e. grass, landscapes areas, open space, etc.) into a town center (i.e. roadways, parking lots, buildings, landscaped medians and parkways, etc.) will substantially increase impervious area compared to the Proposed Project and existing conditions, and thus, increase stormwater runoff generated on-site. The project applicant/property owner would be required to provide on-site storm water quality and runoff mitigation, such as detention basins, underground storage, or harvest and use depending on the condition of underlying soils. Given implementation of this measure, impacts under Alternative 2 would be reduced to a level that is less than significant, similar to the Proposed Project. Under Alternative 1, as with the Proposed Project, the potential stormwater impacts would be smaller due to the fact that the proposed Town Center area is already developed and redevelopment into a town center would likely not increase the impervious area. Redevelopment of an existing developed area will likely result in a positive change with respect to stormwater runoff and stormwater quality due to adherence to existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the impact to less than significant. Overall, given potential impacts related to runoff and water quality, Alternative 2 would have a greater impact than either the Proposed Project or Alternative 1. However, adherence to existing regulations and proposed policies would reduce the impact to less than significant. The No Project Alternative would likely generate less impervious surface resulting in runoff that affects drainage, water quality, and flooding locally and in other parts of the Planning Area than Alternative 2, as it would retain the golf course. The No Project Alternative would likely generate somewhat similar impervious area as the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, since the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 focus in redevelopment of existing developed areas. The No Project Alternative also would not include the same breadth of policies addressing hydrological issues and protecting water quality as the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2. Given compliance with existing policies and regulations found in the City of Diamond Bar 1995 General Plan, Floodplain Management Ordinance, and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Control Ordinance, this impact would be less than significant. LAND USE AND HOUSING Alternative 1 would include the same land use designations as the Proposed Project, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay, and both would locate the new Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive. Alternative 2 would include similar land use designations as the Proposed Project but would locate the new Town Center Mixed Use area in the southern portion of the Golf Course and designate the upper 105 acres of the Golf Course as new parkland. Under Alternative 2, the Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. As with the Proposed Project, implementation of Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact regarding the physical division of an established community. Alternatives 1 and 2 and the Proposed Project would provide more linkages within the city and region, particularly given the designation of the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area adjacent to the Metrolink station. Division of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would not constitute division of an established community. As the No Project Alternative would retain existing General Plan land use 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1827 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-23 designations, the No Project Alternative would have no impact on the physical division of an established community. Given that Alternatives 1 and 2 would include the same proposed policies and similar land use designations as the Proposed Project, impacts related to conflict with any land use plans or regulations would be similar. As with the Proposed Project, existing planning regulations and the Alternatives 1 or 2, if adopted. Alternatives 1 and 2 contain proposed General Plan policies aimed at maintaining consistency with regional and local plans, including Diamond Bar specific plans, the Los Angeles County General Plan, and the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinance. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on this issue. Given that the 1995 General Plan would not be replaced under the No Project Alternative and this alternative would not introduce any conflicts with existing regional and local plans, the No Project Alternative would have no impact on this issue. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project. The jobs to housing ratio under each Alternative would be similar to that under full buildout of the Proposed Project, though slightly lower under Alternative 1 (0.96 for the Proposed Project compared to 0.96 under the No Project Alternative, 0.91 under Alternative 1, and 0.98 under Alternative 2). While Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in less residential growth than the Proposed Project, both alternatives would focus infill development opportunities in vacant and underutilized areas to increase the overall number of dwelling units and serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies aimed at preserving existing residential neighborhoods, which make up the majority of developed land in the Planning Area and are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under any of the Alternatives. The No Project Alternative would result in the least amount of residential growth but would include the 2013-2021 Housing Element, which aims to meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment housing needs. The No Project Alternative would also result in reduced population growth and would not result in any land use changes that could displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing. Therefore, all Alternatives including the Proposed Project would have a similar less than significant impact on this issue. NOISE The No Project Alternative and Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in similar construction noise and vibration impacts as the Proposed Project, because the type of noise-and vibration-generating activities that would occur would be similar to those under the Proposed Project on maximum activity days. The same general levels of noise shown in Table 3.10-12, in Chapter 3.10: Noise, would be expected to occur for both Alternatives because the type of development (i.e. excavation, building construction, etc.) would be similar to the Proposed Project. All of the Alternatives would result in less than significant construction noise and vibration impacts similar to the Proposed Project given that all development would be required to comply with the restrictions of the City Municipal Code; if a project requests to deviate, the project proponent would need to obtain permission from the City and/or the County, including conditions and standards to minimize noise impacts. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in slightly lower 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1828 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-24 VMT than the Proposed Project and therefore would generate similar or reduced traffic noise levels than the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would be subject to the same noise and vibration standards as the Proposed Project found in Table 7-1 of the proposed General Plan, and all alternatives would be subject to maximum noise level limits for mobile and stationary construction equipment at single-family, multi-family, and semi-residential/commercial listed for the City and the County in Chapter 3.10: Noise. The No Project Alternative would be subject to noise standards established in the 1995 General Plan. Given reduced development under Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative and compliance with existing local standards and regulations, noise impacts associated with construction, rail, stationary sources, and traffic under each Alternative would be similar or slightly reduced compared to those expected under the Proposed Project, which was found to have a less than significant impact on applicable noise standards. Therefore, impacts associated with the generation of ambient noise levels in compliance with applicable noise standards would be less than significant under all Alternatives. Noise impacts from public airports and private airstrips for the Alternatives would be identical to the impacts discussed for the Proposed Project, and all would result in no impact. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in less population and residential growth than the Proposed Project. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies regarding fire safety education, public safety programs, coordination with the Los Angeles County Fire Department , compact development, and emergency access. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies, development associated with implementation of this Alternative would be subject to existing City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles policies that would minimize calls for fire protection services. As discussed in Chapter 3.11: Public Schools and Facilities, implementation of each of the Alternatives would coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates and capacity at existing and planned facilities are estimated to be sufficient to accommodate any increase in students associated with implementation of the Alternatives. Given that all Alternatives would result in less population than the Proposed Project, each of the Alternatives would reduce potential impacts of the Proposed Project on other public facilities such as the library. None of the Alternatives, including the Proposed Project, anticipate or propose development of new public facilities. However, should new facilities need to be constructed in the future, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies requiring construction best management practices to reduce environmental impacts of new development, existing State and local regulations and project-level review would ensure that impacts would be less than significant for all Alternatives, including the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project would have a significant and unavoidable impact on park access and condition given that the City of Diamond Bar would fall severely short of its parkland standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents (2.77 acres per 1,000 residents at buildout of the Proposed Project). No mitigation is available as it cannot be guaranteed that Los Angeles County would choose to cease operation of the Golf Course, allowing 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course to be redeveloped as public parkland under the Community Core Overlay, and this EIR does not consider additional 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1829 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-25 parkland acreage from the private Country Park. While Alternative 1 would not provide the option for redevelopment of the Golf Course as public parkland as it does not include the Community Core Overlay found in the proposed General Plan, Alternative 1 would otherwise result in the same amount of parkland as the Proposed Project. Alternative 1 would result in reduced population compared to the Proposed Project; however, this would not be sufficient to achieve the parkland ratio goal (2.4 acres per 1,000 residents). Therefore, Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project would result in similar impacts to park access and condition. Alternative 2 would automatically designate 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as public parkland, increasing the parkland ratio to 4.27 acres per 1,000 residents. While this would be an improvement over the Proposed Project, there is no mitigation available to achieve the standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents and the impact would remain significant and unavoidable. Given that the No Project Alternative would not increase available parkland, it would result in a parkland ratio of 2.58 acres per 1,000 residents, again failing to achieve the parkland ratio and creating a significant and unavoidable impact related to the deterioration of parkland. TRANSPORTATION In order to compare alternatives, the No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 were converted into the format necessary for incorporation into the SCAG Regional Travel Demand Model. The transportation model uses socioeconomic data to estimate trip generation and mode choice, and several sub-models to address complex travel behavior and multi-modal transportation issues. The model responds to changes in land use types, household characteristics, transportation infrastructure, and travel costs such as transit fares, parking costs, tolls, and auto operating costs. Additional metrics, estimates developed by Fehr & Peers, and GIS mapping were used to assess transportation performance for the concepts. The purpose of this analysis was to conduct a comparative assessment and describe the overall transportation effects of the concepts. The Proposed Project was estimated to generate higher VMT and higher VMT per person than the No Project Alternative and resulted in a significant and unavoidable impact. The Proposed Project anticipates increases the population by approximately 15 percent and the employment in the City by approximately 48 percent, while the No Project Alternative anticipates a net zero increase in population and a 28 percent increase in employment. Project Alternatives 1 and 2 anticipate an increase the population in the City by approximately nine (9) percent each and increase the employment in the City by approximately 32 percent and 44 percent, respectively. While Alternatives 1 and 2 do not increase the total service population (the sum of population and employment) as significantly as the Proposed Project (approximately 16 percent), the Alternative 1 service population is approximately eight (8) percent higher than the No Project and the Alternative 2 service population is approximately 11 percent higher than the No Project. Therefore, it is anticipated that Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in higher VMT than the No Project conditions and lower VMT than the Proposed Project. Alternatives 1 and 2 would not be expected to reduce the identified significant impacts to a less-than-significant level. As such, although Alternatives 1 and 2 are anticipated to be less impactful Alternatives from a VMT perspective, they would likely still result in the same identified impacts as the Proposed Project with regards to consistency with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). While the No Project Alternative would result in lower VMT than the Proposed Project, it could increase the VMT per person above baseline conditions given that it would not substantially increase the service population and would not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing VMT and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1830 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-26 increasing connectivity and multi-modal options in the Planning Area. Therefore, all Alternatives would have a significant and unavoidable impact with regards to increased VMT. As with the Proposed Project, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on emergency access and transportation hazards associated with design features. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would not conflict with any plan addressing the circulation system, and implementation of proposed General Plan policies would ensure that Alternatives 1 and 2 would similarly have a less than significant impact. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in lower levels of population and employment growth than the Proposed Project. Assuming that the demand for public utilities scales with population growth, Alternatives 1 and 2 can be expected to increase demand for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste facilities compared to existing conditions. Alternative 2 would have the greatest growth in utility and infrastructure demand due to the change from a golf course to a town center. As a result, Alternative 2 would have a greater potential impact on water or wastewater treatment facilities, usage of water supplies, and landfill usage than the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and the No Project Alternative. All Alternatives would be required to comply with federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste. Development under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would also be subject to proposed General Plan policies pertaining to water, wastewater, and solid waste, as well as policies regarding the development of utilities and minimization of environmental impacts during construction. As discussed in Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems, utility providers have the capacity to accommodate the increased water demand, wastewater flows, storm water runoff, and solid waste generated under the Proposed Project and therefore Alternatives 1 and 2. While Alternative 2 would result in the most substantial change to utility and infrastructure demand, implementation of Alternative 2, as with all other Alternatives, would not require the construction of new facilities or exceed water, wastewater, or solid waste capacity of existing facilities. The No Project Alternative anticipates the smallest level of population growth; and therefore, would have the smallest increase in demand for utilities and service systems. Thus, the No Project Alternative would have the smallest impact upon usage of water or wastewater treatment facilities, usage of water supplies, and landfill usage. However, because the No Project Alternative would not benefit from policies in the proposed General Plan that would minimize potential harmful environmental impacts associated with the use of and development of facilities related to these utilities, the No Project Alternative may ultimately have a significant and unavoidable impact, and therefore a greater impact than the Proposed Project and Alternatives 1 and 2, if new facilities are required in the future. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1831 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-27 4.4 Environmentally Superior Alternative CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.6) require the identification of an environmentally superior alternative among the alternatives analyzed. Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives 4.3.Like the Proposed Project, implementation of either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 would result in six (6) significant and unavoidable impacts, seven (7) less-than-significant impacts with mitigation, 45 less-than-significant impacts, and four (4) impacts of no significance. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would result in 17 significant and unavoidable impacts, 39 less-than-significant impacts, and six (6) impacts of no significance. While Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project were found to have the same number of potentially significant and unavoidable impacts, the redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would inherently result in more severe impacts than Alternative 1 or the Proposed Project. Without further project-level study and mitigation, construction of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course may result in adverse effects on biological resources, cultural and paleontological resources, soils, and service systems. Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project propose a similar land use pattern and would not automatically result in the redevelopment of the Golf Course, and would therefore be considered environmentally superior. Reduced development and population growth under Alternative 1 may slightly reduce i mpacts of the Proposed Project; however, implementation of Alternative 1 would not be sufficient to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, and VMT to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, differences in population, housing, and jobs growth can be partially attributed to differences in buildout methodology between the Alternatives and the Proposed Project. Most significantly, Alternative 1 would not include the Community Core overlay, which would require a master plan to ensure comprehensive implementation of reuse of the Golf Course should the County of Los Angeles choose to discontinue its operation. Implementation of the Community Core overlay would address the pervasive issue in the City of Diamond Bar, and Los Angeles County as a whole, of equitable access to parkland as it would require that approximately 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The southern portion of the Golf Course site would be developed as a mix of uses, including high- density housing, and would be relatively accessible by the Metrolink station. Given that the Proposed Project was originally based on Alternative 1, is generally found to be more compatible with the surrounding environment, and provides additional benefits through the Community Core designation, the Proposed Project is considered environmentally superior. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1832 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-28 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Aesthetics Scenic Vistas LTS LTS LTS LTS State Scenic Highway NI NI NI NI Visual Character LTS LTS LTS LTS Light and Glare LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Air Quality Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Standard SU SU SU SU Sensitive Receptors SU SU SU SU Emissions or Odors SU SU SU SU Biological Resources Special-Status Species LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Sensitive Habitat LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wetlands LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wildlife Corridors LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Policies and Ordinances NI NI NI NI HCPs LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources Historical Resources SU SU SU SU Archaeological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Human Remains LTS LTS LTS LTS Tribal Cultural Resources LTS SU LTS LTS Energy, Climate Change, and GHG Emissions Greenhouse Gas Emissions LTS LTS LTS LTS Plan, Policy, or Regulation LTS SU LTS LTS Wasteful Energy Consumption LTS LTS LTS LTS Renewable Energy Plan LTS SU LTS LTS Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology Seismic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Soil Erosion LTS LTS LTS LTS Unstable Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Expansive Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Septic Systems LTS LTS LTS LTS Paleontological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1833 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-29 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire Transport, Use, or Disposal LTS LTS LTS LTS Accidental Upset LTS LTS LTS LTS Quarter-Mile of Schools LTS LTS LTS LTS Cortese List LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Hazards NI NI NI NI Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildland Fires LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Infrastructure LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Hydrology and Water Quality Water Quality Standards LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundwater LTS LTS LTS LTS Drainage LTS LTS LTS LTS Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Water Quality Control Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Land Use and Housing Division of a Community LTS NI LTS LTS Conflict with Land Use Plan LTS NI LTS LTS Displacement LTS LTS LTS LTS Noise Ambient Noise Increase LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundborne Vibration or Noise LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Noise NI NI NI NI Public Facilities and Recreation Public Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Deterioration of Parks and Recreational Facilities SU SU SU SU Construction of Recreational Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Transportation Circulation Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Vehicle Miles Traveled SU SU SU SU Emergency Access LTS LTS LTS LTS Traffic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1834 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-30 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Utilities and Service Systems Water or Wastewater Facilities LTS SU LTS LTS Water Supply LTS LTS LTS LTS Wastewater Capacity LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Reduction Goals LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Regulations LTS LTS LTS LTS Notes: LTS = Less than Significant LTSM = Less than Significant with Mitigation NI = No Impact SU = Significant and Unavoidable Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1835 5 CEQA Required Conclusions This section presents a summary of the impacts of the Proposed Project in several subject areas specifically required by CEQA, including growth-inducing impacts, cumulative impacts, significant and unavoidable impacts, significant irreversible environmental changes, and impacts found not to be significant. These findings are based, in part, on the analysis provided in Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts. 5.1 Growth-Inducing Impacts economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or Housing is addressed in Section 3.9; this section focuses on overall growth effects. Growth can be induced in several ways, such as through the elimination of obstacles to growth, through the stimulation of economic activity within the region, through the construction of infrastructure, or through the establishment of policies or other precedents that directly or indirectly encourage additional growth. In general, a project may foster spatial, economic, or population growth in a geographic area if the project removes an impediment to growth (for example, the establishment of an essential public service, the provision of new access to an area; a change in zoning or general plan amendment approval); or economic expansion or growth occurs in an area in response to the project (for example, changes in revenue base, employment expansion, etc.). Growth-inducing impacts, such as those associated with job increases that might affect housing and retail demand over an extended time period, are difficult to assess with precision, since future economic and population trends may be influenced by unforeseeable events such as business development cycles and natural disasters. Moreover, long-term changes in economic and population growth are often regional in scope; they are not influenced solely by changes or policies related to a single city or development project. Business trends are influenced by economic conditions throughout the state and country, as well as around the world. Other factors that influence new development and population growth include economic factors such as employment opportunities; the availability of adequate infrastructure like public schools, roadways, and sewer service; local land use policies in the affected communities; and constraints on the use of areas like sensitive habitats. Another consideration is that the creation of growth-inducing potential does not automatically lead to growth. Growth occurs through capital investment in new economic opportunities by the private or public sector. These investment patterns reflect, in turn, the desires of investors to mobilize and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1836 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-2 allocate their resources to development in particular localities and regions. These factors, combined with the regulatory authority of local governments, mediate the growth-inducing potential or pressure created by a proposed plan. Despite these limitations on the analysis, it is still possible to qualitatively assess the general potential growth-inducing impacts of the Proposed Project. GROWTH HISTORY AND PROJECTIONS The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the key regional agency involved in forecasting growth in Los Angeles County. Although SCAG can forecast growth, it does not have authority to approve or deny land use plans or development projects. Population Growth population of the City of Diamond Bar increased by about 1,100, which represents a total growth rate of 2.1 percent compared to the Los Angeles County rate of 8 percent. Approximately 0.6 percent of the total population of Los Angeles County is in the City of Diamond Bar. The annual growth rate in the City has been only about 0.2 percent. Since 1990, the C overall population growth has not kept pace with the region or C growth due to the fact that the City is largely built out and there are limited current opportunities for housing development. For comparison, opportunities for housing development. SCAG projects that the region will add 3.8 million residents, 1.5 million households, and 2.4 million jobs over the 2012 2040 planning horizon. SCAG estimates that population and households are projected to grow at the annual average growth rate of 0.7% during the same period, while employment would grow faster at 2 percent until 2020, and then stabilize at 0.7 percent (SCAG 2016). Existing population and anticipated future population, based on buildout of the Proposed Plan is shown in Table 5.1-1, which is the same as Table 2.3-2 in Chapter 2, Project Description. A total addition of 8,832 residents over the next 20 years represents an annual growth rate of less than one percent. Table 5.1-1: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Housing Units 18,913 3,264 22,177 Single-Family Residential 13,252 142 13,394 Multi-Family Residential 5,661 3,122 8,783 Households 18,308 3,226 22,533 Population 57,853 8,832 66,685 Source: CA Department of Finance, 2016; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. In comparison to the Proposed Project buildout, SCAG forecasts that Diamond Bar will reach a population of 63,900 by 2040, with 21,200 households and 19,300 jobs (SCAG 2016). However, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1837 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-3 general plan land use designations and the amount of developable land under those designations. The City is largely built out, under the existing General Plan. The City has identified a need for both housing and employment to meet current and projected demand. growth estimates for 2040, the proposed General Plan is designed to accommodate this housing and employment need. Buildout under the proposed General Plan would result in a jobs to housing ratio of jobs to housing ratio of 0.78. Employment Growth With an increase in jobs in the post- normal with an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent in 2015. The region is expected to add 1.9 million jobs, from 8 million in 2015 to 9.9 million in 2040 (SCAG 2016). Employment has decreased about 8 percent in Diamond Bar over the past 10 years (2007 2017) (SCAG 2019). However, the proposed General Plan includes opportunities for employment growth, based on assessment of economic factors and potential demand. The projected number of future jobs was added to the estimated number of existing jobs (as of 2016). Table 5.1-2 describes projected non-residential development in terms of square feet and potential jobs. Table 5.1-2: Projected Non-Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Non-Residential (sq ft) 5,564,484 1,617,583 7,182,066 Retail 586,659 607,283 1,193,942 Office 2,406,803 519,892 2,926,694 Industrial 1,052,869 (203,001) 849,868 Other 1,518,153 693,409 2,211,562 Jobs 14,702 7,042 21,744 Retail 1,467 1,613 3,079 Office 7,334 4,102 11,436 Industrial 2,106 (406) 1,700 Other 3,795 1,734 5,529 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. DIRECT AND INDIRECT GROWTH As shown in Tables 5.1-1 and 5.1-2, the Proposed Project would support a degree of anticipated growth in the City of Diamond Bar and this direct growth is analyzed throughout this EIR. Impacts of growth on infrastructure such as public services and utilities, the transportation system, and natural resources are identified, based on the buildout of the Proposed Project. Some of the identified effects of growth are significant and unavoidable (e.g., VMT increases); others are significant but can be mitigated. In general, future development would be subject to additional site- specific environmental review under CEQA. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1838 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-4 size compared to Los Angeles County overall, it is unlikely that growth within the City will cause substantial pressure for growth elsewhere in the County (indirect growth). Furthermore, the County growth rate has been much higher than the between 2000 and 2018. Growth under the Proposed Project would primarily serve the local community and would accommodate existing and projected demand. Growth under the proposed General Plan is concentrated in four focus areas, including a new Town Center and mixed-use neighborhoods. Growth in these focus areas would increase available jobs, retail and entertainment opportunities, and access to transit options that would serve the largely residential community of Diamond Bar. As stated, employment and housing growth under the proposed General Plan would refore increase job availability for area residents. Housing growth under the Proposed Project would be sufficient to accommodate the associated increase in population. REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES TO GROWTH The existing General Plan could be viewed as an obstacle to growth, given that the City is almost built out under existing land use designations. By updating the General Plan, the Proposed Project could be viewed as removing an obstacle to growth. There is an existing demand for both residential and employment growth, which the City is trying to accommodate by revising some land use designations. Redevelopment of several sites within the City and implementation of numerous policies intended to reduce overall impacts will allow additional growth in a more compact and efficient manner. Specific impacts resulting from this change are analyzed by resource area in Chapter 3 of this EIR. 5.2 Cumulative Impacts CEQA requires that an EIR examine cumulative impacts. As discussed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a)(1), a cumul combination of the project evaluated in the EIR together with other projects causing related ail In order to assess cumulative impacts, an EIR must analyze either a list of past, present, and probable future projects or a summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document. Because it is a long-range, programmatic plan for an entire city and surrounding area, the Proposed Project represents the cumulative development scenario for the reasonably foreseeable future in the Planning Area, and this analysis uses the summary projections of the Proposed Project. This analysis uses the forecast method for transportation-related impacts (including transportation-related noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas impacts), by utilizing the transportation model described in Section 3.12. Therefore, in general, the analysis presented in Chapter 3 represents a cumulative impact evaluation in the Planning Area. Cumulative effects for the region are summarized as follows, for each issue area addressed in Chapter 3. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1839 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-5 AESTHETICS Reasonably foreseeable growth within the Los Angeles County region, including Diamond Bar, characterized by residential neighborhoods and prominent natural features, such as the Tres Hermanos Ranch and surrounding hillsides. Development to accommodate new residents and jobs may impact scenic vistas should it encroach on open hillsides in areas surrounding Diamond Bar. Various proposed policies ensure that scenic quality is maintained in Diamond Bar, including those that address hillside development, open space preservation, and sensitive transitions between new and existing development. Additionally, it is unlikely that significant growth will occur in Diamond e of Influence, which has been designated by Los Angeles County and the General Plan as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA). The SEA designation limits development as per the SEA Ordinance, and contains large swaths of Hillside Management Areas (HMAs), where development is limited by the Los Angeles County HMA Ordinance and Hillside Design Guidelines. Given such character in a non-urbanized area would not be cumulatively considerable. Proposed General Plan policies are consistent with regulations governing scenic quality and would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact. No State scenic highway is located within the Planning Area, and any development in the vicinity of scenic highways would be subject to policies within the Los Angeles County General Plan and Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances. Thus, While the Los Angeles County region, including Diamond Bar, is expected to experience substantial population growth, development to accommodate new jobs and residents would not have a cumulatively considerable impact on light and glare in the Planning Area given compliance with the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances and proposed General Plan policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats, and between new development and existing uses. AIR QUALITY By its nature, the air quality analysis presented in Chapter 3.2 represents a cumulative analysis of air quality emissions through 2040, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development. As a result of increasing the amount of development through the proposed General Plan, criteria air pollutants generated under implementation of the Proposed Project is the cumulative condition for CEQA purposes. Implementation of the Proposed Project would be consistent with the control strategies and growth projections within the SCAQMD air quality management plan given compliance with State and local regulations for construction-related emissions and proposed General Plan policies intended to reduce VMT and resulting regional mobile source emissions. Therefore, impacts related to consistency would be less than cumulatively considerable. Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in emissions of VOC and NOx from construction activities and VOC, NOx, CO, PM2.5, and PM10 for operational activities. Mitigation would be required (MM-AQ-1) to reduce construction related VOC and NOx emissions. However, the exact emissions from construction cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1840 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-6 mitigation can be applied, and compliance with State and local regulations and proposed General Plan policies would not be sufficient to reduce operational emissions. Therefore, i mpacts to the Similarly, mitigation would not be sufficient to reduce cumulative impacts associated with construction and operation related toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts, making impacts to sensitive receptors also cumulatively considerable. While impacts related to odors would be less than significant, operational activities under the proposed General Plan may result in cumulatively considerable emissions of CO. Future development would be required to comply with state and local regulations and proposed General Plan policies; however, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented and no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would definitively reduce impacts below regulatory thresholds. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Project would have a cumulatively considerable impact on long-term regional emissions. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Implementation of the Proposed Project, in combination with other reasonably foreseeable future projects in the region, will contribute incrementally to the continuing reduction in relatively natural, undisturbed open space areas and contribute to the progressive fragmentation of habitat areas and decline in species diversity throughout the region. The degree to which the Proposed Project speculation due to the absence of planned land uses in the Ci focus areas. Also of note, the General Plan does not propose any development in the SOI, and designates this area as a Significant Ecological Area subject to Los Angeles County regulations which allow for limited, controlled development that does not jeopardize the unique biotic diversity. Based on the tion measures contained herein (MM-BIO-1A through MM-BIO-1K, MM-BIO-2, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4, MM-BIO-5, MM-BIO-6), lawsuits filed by the cities of Diamond Bar and Chino Hills opposing the development of Tonner Canyon as a solar field, and the formation of the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority contribution to cumulative impacts are not expected to be significant. In the cases of any impacts on biological resources identified in the future that could be significant, mitigation identified in Section 3.3 for the Proposed Project would avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse effects such that the cumulative impact is less than significant. In particular, this is the circumstance for impacts on sensitive plant and animal species, sensitive natural communities, regulated waters and wetlands, oak woodlands, and wildlife movement corridors. CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES While there are no federally or state designated or listed historic properties within the City, development and population growth under the Proposed Project could result in cumulative impacts on historic resources as the City of Diamond Bar has not been subject to a comprehensive Citywide historic resources survey and all historic-age structures are potential historical resources. Therefore, even with implementation of proposed General Plan policies and mitigation (MM- CULT- 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1841 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-7 There are ten recorded archaeological resources within the Planning Area, including seven prehistoric and three historic-period resources, and additional unrecorded archaeological resources have the potential to exist. Anticipated development projects under the Proposed Project may involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing activities, which could have a cumulatively considerable impact on unknown archaeological resources. Given compliance with proposed General Plan policies, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and MM-CULT- 2, the Proposed Pro contribution to this impact would not be cumulatively considerable. All development projects allowed under the Proposed Project would be required to comply with state laws pertaining to the discovery of human remains and disposition of Native American burials; therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to impacts related to human burials. While there are no recorded Native American resources within the Planning Area, development projects allowed under the Proposed Project may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources given the historic occupation of the area. Future projects that would not otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA would be required to comply with the provisions of AB 52 to incorporate tribal consultation into the CEQA process. Proposed General Plan policies would further address impacts to tribal cultural resources by requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Therefore, not cumulatively considerable. ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GREENHOUSE GASES By its nature, the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions presented in Chapter 3.5 represents a cumulative analysis of GHG emissions through 2040. CEQA Guidelines incremental contribution may be cumulatively considerable even if it appears relatively small compared to statewide, national or global emissions. CEQA Guidelines also establish that a project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program that provides specific requirements that will avoid or substantially lessen the cumulative impact on GHG emissions within the geographic area in which the project is located. Therefore, the cumulative analysis is identical to the Proposed Project analysis. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing VMT would enhance Federal, State, and local regulations in order to provide GHG emissions reductions specific to the City with respect to mobile sources and energy consumption. Implementation of the Proposed Project would generate GHG emissions below existing conditions levels and meet per capita emissions targets for 2030 and 2040, while easily meeting the SB 32 goal of 40 percent below 1990 levels and demonstrating progress towards the EO S-3-05 goal of 80 percent below 1990 levels. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to this impact. The Proposed Project would be consistent with, and in some cases further the goals of, policies and regulations established for the reduction of GHG emissions and therefore would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to this impact. Specifically, one component of the Proposed Project is a Climate Action Plan which demonstrates consistency with goals presented in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan, AB 32, SB 32, and EO S-3-05. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1842 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-8 Future development and population growth associated with the Proposed Project would result in the increased use of electricity and natural gas resources and associated infrastructure. SCE, the electricity service provider for the Planning Area, has determined that the use of such resources would be minor compared to existing supply and infrastructure within the SCE service area and would be consistent with growth expectations. Similarly, the use of natural gas resources would be on a relatively small scale and would be consistent with the growth expectations for the Planning Development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to incorporate energy conservation features in order to comply with applicable mandatory regulations including CALGreen Code, state energy standards under Title 24. Therefore, impacts on electricity and natural gas consumption under the Proposed Project would be less than cumulatively considerable. While growth within the Planning Area and region is anticipated to increase the demand for transportation and total VMT, development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to demonstrate consistency with Federal and State fuel efficiency goals and incorporate mitigation measures as required under CEQA. Siting land use development projects at infill sites is consistent would decrease compared to existing conditions. Therefore, development anticipated by the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to transportation energy. All development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to comply with CALGreen and Title 24 energy efficiency requirements and other regulations, which would reduce energy consumption by promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. The Proposed Project includes policies designed to reduce VMT (including traffic calming measures and expansion of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure) and prioritizes mixed-use and infill developments that would support development of compact communities in existing urban areas and reuse developed land served by high quality transit. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with the guidance provided in the SCAG 2016 RTP/SCS. Proposed General Plan policies and mitigation would further reduce emissions associated with new development through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, improved transit, and reduced consumption and waste. Therefore, impacts on the implementation of a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency would be less than cumulatively considerable. GEOLOGY, SOILS, SEISMICITY, AND PALEONTOLOGY The Planning Area is located within a geographic area that is considered active or potentially active by the California Geological Survey and contains expansive soils. The cumulative increases in population and development that would result from implementation of the full buildout would however, conformance with the California Building Code and proposed General Plan policies would preserve building integrity during a seismic event, and other regulatory measures would reduce geohazards impacts to a less-than-significant level. As a result, cumulative impacts would be minimized and would be less than significant. The Planning Area has a low-to-high potential for paleontological resources, and significant fossil discoveries have occurred within the Planning Area and nearby. Future development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project may involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1843 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-9 activities, which could destroy unknown paleontological resources. Consequently, the proposed General Plan may have the potential to contribute to cumulative impacts on paleontological resources. However, with implementation of proposed General Plan policies, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2, to this cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable. HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND WILDFIRE Projected population and employment growth in the Planning Area would increase the number of people potentially exposed to impacts from hazardous material transportation, the increased use of hazardous household, commercial, and industrial materials, as well as a cumulative increase in exposure to risk associated with the accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. However, compliance with local, State, and federal regulations pertaining to the production, use, and transportation of hazardous materials would apply to development throughout the region; therefore, the Proposed contribution to this potential cumulative impact is less than cumulatively considerable. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are present in several locations within the Planning Area. Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in development located within VHFHSZs or State Responsibility Areas (SRA), which may constitute a significant impact related to wildfire hazards. However, restrictions on development in these areas will ensure that development intensification within or around VHFHSZs and SRAs would not be cumulatively considerable. mitment to providing emergency services and coordinating with regional agencies, and would therefore ensure that proposed development would have less than cumulatively considerable impacts on the implementation of emergency response plans. Projected population growth and development anticipated by the Proposed Project would increase the number of people exposed to pollutant concentrations associated with the spread of wildfire. Compliance with proposed General Plan policies related to hillside development and protection of quality advisory programs would ensure that impacts on project occupants would be less than cumulatively considerable. Given that the Proposed Project locates areas of potential development away from VHFHSZs and SRAs, compliance with proposed General Plan policies aimed at mitigating fire risk and existing local and regional regulations and programs would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to fire risk. Finally, should development occur in VHFHSZs or SRAs, the proposed General Plan contains policies that address geologic risk, including potential exposure to landslides and slope instability and would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to wildfire risk and associated effects on soil and water movement. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Future development under the proposed General Plan could result in impacts on water quality, hydrology, flooding, or other inundation hazards; however, federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the Proposed Project would ensure that impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1844 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-10 Compliance with the GLACR IRWM Plan would ensure water quality standards are not violated and would ensure protection of water quality during construction and operation of future development within the City. In addition, the Proposed Project goals and policies would further , Water Pollution Ordinance (Sec. 13.00.050), Floodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 18.108.010), and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance (Sec. 8.12.1630). Potential flooding oodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 18.108.010) and the proposed General Plan goals and policies, which preserve open space and reduce impervious surfaces. Implementation of the Proposed Project would therefore result in less than significant impacts on hydrology, flooding, and water quality and its contribution to potential cumulative impacts would not be considerable. LAND USE AND HOUSING Projects that could have the effect of physically dividing an established community such as a major new road, highway, or similar infrastructure tend to have a singular rather than cumulative impact. Similarly, impacts from plans and projects in the region that could conflict with existing plans, including habitat conservation plans, are not cumulative in nature. However, potential impacts related to population and housing can be cumulative in nature. Population growth, by itself, is not an environmental impact; however, the direct and indirect effects, such as housing and infrastructure needs that are related to population growth, can lead to physical environmental effects. Growth-inducing impacts associated with population growth are discussed above in Section 5.1. The majority of developed land in the Planning Area is comprised of residential uses, which are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project anticipates that the overall number of dwelling units will increase by prioritizing mixed-use and infill development in vacant and underutilized areas in Diamond Bar, while seeking to preserve existing neighborhoods, providing housing to serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels, and encouraging the development of new jobs and businesses while fostering existing ones. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to impacts on land use and housing. NOISE The noise analysis represents cumulative analyses of issues through the proposed General Plan because it combines the anticipated effects of the proposed General Plan with anticipated effects of regional growth and development. By its nature, the noise analysis represents a cumulative analysis, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development. Thus, the noise analysis reflects not just growth in the Planning Area, but growth elsewhere in the region as well. Consequently, the impact significance conclusions discussed in Chapter 3.10 are representative of cumulative impacts. The Proposed Project would result in both short-term and long-term changes to the existing noise environment in the Planning Area. Long-term operational noise from traffic would increase compared to existing conditions. Proposed General Plan policies prohibit development of noise sensitive land uses in certain scenarios, require noise mitigation measures, and require acoustical analyses to ensure noise exposure standards are met. These policies would reduce potential construction and operational noise impacts to new development to a less than significant level. Impacts of new traffic noise on existing sensitive receptors, such as the residences near the roadway segments that would experience future noise levels less than 3 dBA CNEL in 2040 with the Proposed 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1845 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-11 Project over existing conditions, would be less than significant, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. As with noise, construction and operation vibration impacts of the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impact, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. The Proposed Project would result in no impact from airport noise, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION Future development and population growth anticipated by the proposed General Plan would generate additional demand for public services and public facilities including parks and recreational facilities. Policies included in the Proposed Project related to fire education and public safety programs would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development, thus ensuring that new development would be located close to existing fire and police stations. Given that implementation of the Proposed Project would coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates, impacts on schools would not be cumulatively considerable. Population growth anticipated by the Proposed Project would not result in the need for new public facilities such as libraries, and new facilities would be subject to CEQA Guidelines, proposed General Plan land use designations, and proposed General Plan policies related to construction impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than cumulatively considerable. The Proposed Project would not provide sufficient park access to all residents within the Planning Area, and projected population growth may result in a cumulatively considerable impact on parkland. There is no feasible mitigation available that would increase parkland to the extent Therefore, the Proposed Project would a cumulatively considerable impact on the overuse and degradation of existing park facilities. The proposed General Plan contains plans for additional recreational facilities in the Planning Area and calls for the continued support and adequate provision of library services, adult education programs, and community centers, in keeping with the needs and preferences of the population. Elements of the proposed General Plan are designed to minimize potentially cumulatively considerable environmental impacts of new development, including developing sustainable park and recreational facility design and planning standards. TRANSPORTATION By its nature, the transportation analysis presented in Chapter 3 represents a cumulative analysis of transportation conditions through 2040. As a result of the amount of development anticipated by the proposed General Plan, the travel demand and VMT is the cumulative condition for CEQA purposes. Under the proposed General Plan cumulative scenario, VMT is expected to increase compared to existing conditions. Per CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, this constitutes a considerable contribution to the significant impact regarding VMT. The proposed General Plan would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution towards conflicts with programs and plans that address the circulation system given that the proposed General Plan includes multiple policies that improve multi-modal mobility and would expand the existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities while accommodating vehicle traffic. Additionally, the proposed General Plan would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact on hazards and emergency access. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1846 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-12 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Future development anticipated by the proposed General Plan would generate additional demand for water and wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services; however, compliance with federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the proposed General Plan would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Cumulative development would also be subject to compliance with federal, State and local regulations. Therefore, implementation of the proposed General Plan would not result in a considerable contribution to cumulative impacts on utilities and service system. 5.3 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts Significant unavoidable impacts are those that cannot be mitigated to a level that is less than significant. According to CEQA Guidelines 15126.2(b), an EIR must discuss any significant environmental impacts that cannot be avoided under full implementation of the proposed program, including those that can be mitigated, but not to a less-than-significant level. The analysis in Chapter 3 determined that the Proposed Project would result in impacts related to cultural resources and transportation that, even with implementation of mitigation measures, would remain significant and unavoidable. These impacts are summarized below: Air Quality: The South Coast Air Basin has been designated as a nonattainment area for State ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 and as a federal nonattainment area for ozone and PM10. Construction of individual projects associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could temporarily emit criteria air pollutants through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment, vehicle trips generated from workers and haul trucks, and demolition and various soil-handling activities. A quantitative analysis, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, found that construction-related daily emissions would exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District significance thresholds for VOCs and NOx. Operation of the Proposed Project, based on a reasonable worst- case scenario, would generate criteria air pollutant emissions from Project-generated vehicle trips traveling within the City, energy sources such as natural gas combustion, and area sources such as landscaping equipment and consumer products usage. A quantitative analysis, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, found that operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed regulatory thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. Mitigation is required to ensure that future development projects incorporate measures to reduce emissions from construction activities, and would reduce NOx and VOC impacts on a project-by- project basis. However, the exact emissions from construction of the Proposed Project cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which mitigation, including mitigation measures MM-AQ-1 and MM-AQ-2, can be applied. Therefore, short-term regional construction emissions would be significant and unavoidable. Future development would be required to comply with State and local regulations, Title 24 energy efficient standards, and Proposed Project policies to reduce operational emissions. However, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be implemented nor their effectiveness. Therefore, long-term regional operational emissions would also be significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1847 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-13 Because regional emissions exceed the SCAQMD regulatory thresholds during construction and operational activities, there is the potential that these emissions would exceed the CAAQS and NAAQS thus resulting in a health impact. Impacts may be associated with localized operational emissions or emissions of toxic air contaminants (due to diesel particulate emissions during construction and operation of diesel fueled equipment or generators during operational activities). Because the exact nature, location, and operation of the future developments are unknown, there is no way to accurately calculate the potential for health impacts from the Proposed Project. Mitigation is required to reduce impacts with respect to toxic air contaminants from construction and future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, impacts to sensitive receptors would remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed SCAQMD daily emissions thresholds for CO which could adversely affect a substantial number of people. While future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, and no further mitigation is feasible. Therefore, impacts related to long-term operational emissions of CO could have a significant and unavoidable impact on a substantial number of people. As discussed above, air quality impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Cultural Resources: New construction through infill development on vacant property could result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource through alteration of the dards for the Treatment of Historic Properties have the potential to result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Other projects that propose demolition or alteration of, or construction adjacent to, existing histori threshold for consideration as historical resources), could also result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Changes in the setting of historic buildings and structures can result from the introduction of new visible features, significant landscape changes, or other alterations that change the historic integrity of the setting of a significant resource. The proposed General Plan policies would help reduce the impact by requiring that new development be compatible with the character, scale, massing, and design of existing development, which is part of the requirements of the Historic Properties. However, these policies do not require the identification and evaluation of historic-age properties to determine if there are historical resources within or nearby a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project, nor do they require the retention or rehabilitation of historical resources. Mitigation is required to ensure that historical resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified historical resources are reduced. However, impacts on historical resources that are demolished or altered in an adverse manner such that they are no longer able to convey their historical significance and such that they are no longer eligible for inclusion in the California 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1848 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-14 Register typically cannot be mitigated to a level of less than significant. 1, 2 Without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources, and it is reasonable to assume that some historical resources would be demolished or altered in an adverse manner over the lifetime of the General Plan. Therefore, even with mitigation, impacts on historical resources would be significant and unavoidable under the Proposed Project. As discussed above, impacts to historical resources would be cumulatively considerable. Transportation: Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) is expected to increase under implementation of the proposed General Plan. Home-based production VMT per resident is expected to increase by five percent over existing conditions and home-based-work attraction VMT per employee is expected to increase by nine percent. Part of the increase is associated with the addition of more employment and retail opportunities within the City that have the potential to import vehicle trips from surrounding communities. Numerous proposed policies would help reduce the impact. However, even with implementation of these policies, the impact could remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed above, impacts to transportation would be cumulatively considerable. 5.4 Significant Irreversible Environmental Change initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(c)). or waterways, and resources that are renewable only over long time spans, such as soil productivity. A resource commitment is considered irretrievable when the use or consumption of the resource is neither renewable nor recoverable for use by future generations. Irreversible changes and irretrievable commitments of non-renewable resources anticipated by the Proposed Project include the following issues. The Proposed Project would involve two types of resources: (1) general industrial resources including fuels and construction materials; and (2) project-specific resources such as land, biotic and cultural resources at the building sites. Most of the Planning Area, with the exception of the unincorporated land, is located in an urban area and is almost completely developed with existing buildings and infrastructure. Future development within the Planning Area under the proposed Plan would consist of infill and redevelopment of existing buildings and structures, and would not result in significant changes in 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(2) states that in some circumstances, documentation of an historical resource, by the way of narrative, photographs or architectural drawings, as mitigation for the effects of demolition of the resource will not mitigate the effects to the point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur. 2 In League of Protection of Oaklan Documentation of the historical features of the building and exhibition of a plaque do not reasonably begin to alleviate the impacts of its destruction. A large historical structure, once demolished, normally cannot be adequately replaced by reports and commemorative markers. Nor, we think, are the effects of the demolition reduced to a level of insignificance by a proposed new building with unspecified design elements which may incorporate features of the original architecture into an entirely different shopping center. This is so particularly where, as here, the plans for the substitute building remain tentative and vague. We conclude that the stated mitigation measures do not reduce the effects of the demolition to less than a level of significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1849 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-15 the overall land use pattern of the Planning Area. Because the development facilitated by the Proposed Project would occur within an urban area surrounded by similar or compatible uses, it would not commit future generations to significant changes in land use. IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ACCIDENTS Existing and future commercial development projects in the Planning Area may transport, use, or dispose of hazardous materials; and hazardous materials could be accidently released into the environment during these activities. Accidents, such as the release of hazardous materials, may trigger irreversible environmental damage. In most circumstances, the potential risks posed by hazardous materials use and storage are primarily local and, therefore, limited to the immediate vicinity of such use. Moreover, the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials are heavily regulated. Compliance with existing federal, State, and local laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by the City would reduce risks associated with the routine use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials in connection to acceptable levels, and would ensure that no significant irreversible changes from accidental releases would occur. COMMITMENT/CONSUMPTION OF NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the long-term commitment of various resources to urban development. While the proposed Plan itself would not directly entitle or result in any new development, it is reasonably foreseeable that the proposed Plan, which acts as a blueprint for growth and development in the Planning Area over the next 20 years, could result in significant irreversible impacts related to the commitment of non-renewable and/or slowly renewable natural and energy resources, such as: Air Quality: Increases in vehicle trips resulting from buildout of the proposed General Plan would potentially contribute to long-term degradation of air quality and atmospheric conditions in the region. Technological improvements in automobiles, including the growth of the electric vehicle market share, may lower the rate of air quality degradation in the coming decades. Nonetheless, vehicle trips resulting from implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the irreversible consumption of nonrenewable energy resources, primarily in the form of fossil fuels, natural gas, and gasoline for non-electric automobiles and long-term degradation of air quality. Water Consumption: To the extent that the proposed Plan would accommodate new population and jobs, it would increase the demand for water and place a greater burden on water supply. While additional residents and workers would use more water, the City is expected to have adequate water to meet demand in normal and wet years in 2040. Despite the change in demand resulting from the Proposed Project being marginal, the increase would represent an irreversible environmental change, as use of this resource would increase. Energy Sources: Residential and non-residential developments use electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products for lighting, heating, and other indoor and outdoor power demands, while cars use both oil and gas. New development anticipated by the proposed Plan would result in increased energy use for the operation of new buildings and for transportation. This new development would therefore result in an overall increased use of both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. To the extent that new development uses more nonrenewable energy sources, this would represent an irreversible environmental change. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1850 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-16 CONSTRUCTION-RELATED COMMITMENTS Irreversible environmental changes could also occur during the course of constructing development projects anticipated by the proposed General Plan. New construction would result in the consumption of building materials (such as lumber, sand and gravel), natural gas, and electricity, water, and petroleum products to process, transport and build with these materials. Construction equipment running on fossil fuels would be needed for excavation and the shipping of building materials. Due to the non-renewable or slowly renewable nature of these resources, this represents an irretrievable commitment of resources. However, development allowed under the proposed Plan would not necessarily result in the inefficient or wasteful use of resources. Compliance with all applicable building codes, as well as existing and proposed General Plan policies and standard conservation features would ensure that natural resources are conserved to the maximum extent feasible. It is possible that new technologies or systems will emerge, or become more cost-effective or user-friendly, to further reduce the reliance upon non-renewable natural resources. Nonetheless, future activities related to implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the irretrievable commitment of nonrenewable energy resources, primarily in the form of fossil fuels (including fuel oil), natural gas, and gasoline for automobiles and construction equipment. 5.5 Impacts Found Not to Be Significant CEQA requires that an EIR provide a brief statement indicating why various possible significant impacts were determined to be not significant. Chapter 3 of this EIR discusses all potential impacts, regardless of their magnitude in all issue areas except agriculture, forestry, and mineral resources, which were determined to have negligible or no impacts as such resources generally do not occur in the Planning Area. • Agriculture: Agricultural resources would not be affected by the land use changes in the proposed General Plan. • Forestry: Forestry resources do not occur in the Planning Area and, therefore, would not be affected by the land use changes in the proposed General Plan. • Mineral Resources: Other than a few existing idle oil wells, there are no mineral resources identified in the Planning Area and, therefore, no potential impacts on this type of resource. It does not appear that there are any active oil wells in the vicinity of proposed new development or redevelopment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1851 6 References AESTHETICS Caltrans, 2011. 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California Department of General Services. CALGreen. Online: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission- Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen. Accessed June 19, 2019. County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County, California Code of Ordinances. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId =TIT31GRBUSTCO. Accessed June 19, 2019. County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Fuel Modification Section. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/category/fuel-modification-section/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 10: Parks and Recreation Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan- ch10.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 13: Public Services and Facilities Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final- general-plan-ch13.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2019. Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. TRANSPORTATION City of Diamond Bar. 2019. Transportation: Transit. https://www.diamondbarca.gov/487/Transportation. Accessed June 19, 2019. Foothill Transit. 2019. Lines and Schedules. http://foothilltransit.org/lines-and-schedules/. Accessed June 19. 2019. Metrolink. 2019. Industry Station. https://www.metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/general- info/stations/industry/. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1867 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-17 United States Census. 2015. 2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2015/20151210_acs5yr2014.html. Accessed June 19, 2019. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, 2012. Order No. R4-2012- 0175. Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Ms4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County, except those Discharges Originating from the City of Long Beach MS4. City of Diamond Bar, 2014. City of Diamond Bar Sewer System Management Plan. Prepared By City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, 2017. Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan 2017. Prepared by Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Walnut Valley Water District, 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. Prepared by CIVILTEC Engineering, Inc. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1868 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-18 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1869 7 List of Preparers A list of contributing City staff and consultant team members, their titles, and affiliations, is provided below. City of Diamond Bar • Greg Gubman, Community Development Director • Grace Lee, Senior Planner • Dan Fox, City Manager • David Liu, Public Works Director/City Engineer Consultants Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and Regional Planners • Rajeev Bhatia, Principal • Vicki Hill, Director, Environmental Services • Katharine Pan, Senior Associate • Jessica Robbins, Planner • Gina Kotos, Assistant Planner • McKenna Maxwell, Project Assistant • Abbey Lew, Project Assistant • Jason Castaneda, GIS Specialist Environmental Science Associates • Steve Nelson, Vice President • Heidi Rous, Air Quality, Climate and Acoustics Services Director • Jeff Goodson, Senior Managing Associate • Candace Ehringer, Cultural Resources Program Manager • Kyle Garcia, Senior Archaeologist 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1870 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 7: List of Preparers 7-2 • Jason Nielsen, Senior GIS Coordinator • Tim Witwer, Associate III • Heather Dubois, Technical Associate Fehr & Peers • Paul Hermann, Associate TKE Engineering • Steve Ledbetter, Project Manager 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1871 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1872 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1873 3.10 Noise This section assesses potential environmental impacts related to noise from future development under the Proposed Project, including those impacts associated with noise standards compliance, groundborne vibration, ambient noise levels, railway noise and airport noise. The section describes the characteristics, measurement, and physiological effects of noise; characteristics of groundborne vibration; and existing sources of noise and vibration in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were several comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section, as follows: • Caltrans stated that if residential development is considered near a freeway or highway, sound walls or equivalent measures should be implemented; and that the new General Plan should create community noise level standards, reduce construction noise impacts on existing businesses and residents, and avoid sensitive receptors. • A member of the public stated that the adjacent City of Industry and its unmitigable development projects exempted from an EIR, exposes the City of Diamond Bar to the greater noise from the freeway on-ramps/off-ramps and the industrial centers, ongoing earth-moving and future construction at the Industry project sites, which expose disadvantaged communities with lower income housing and schools to noise. The additional car trips that will be generated by high-density housing and commercial in TOD raise concerns about increasing exposure to noise. Evidence needs to be collected and studies conducted on existing levels and future impacts of TOD development on noise on major and minor roadways. In response, under CEQA, the Proposed Project is not required to mitigate for actions or projects in other jurisdictions. Any mitigation, plans or policies identified in this EIR and development. While there may be co-benefits that will reduce impacts from growth in neighboring cities, the extent of those benefits is not discussed in this EIR. Table 3.10-13 compares existing and future noise levels on major and minor roadways. • Hills for Everyone asked how will the new GP create community noise level standards in the general plan, reduce noise impacts to existing businesses/residents from construction, and avoid sensitive receptors. This DEIR addresses construction noise impacts to sensitive receptors under Noise Impact 3.10- and municipal code. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1874 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-2 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Noise Noise Characteristics and Measurement Because of the technical nature of noise and vibration impacts, a brief overview of basic noise principals and descriptors is provided below. Sound can be described as the mechanical energy of a vibrating object transmitted by pressure waves through a liquid or gaseous medium (e.g., air). Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound (i.e., loud, unexpected, or annoying sound). Acoustics is defined as the physics of sound. In acoustics, the fundamental scientific model consists of a sound (or noise) source, a receiver, and the propagation path between the two. The loudness of the noise source and obstructions or atmospheric factors affecting the propagation path to the receiver determines the sound level and characteristics of the noise perceived by the receiver. Acoustics addresses primarily the propagation and control of sound. Sound, traveling in the form of waves from a source, exerts a sound pressure level (referred to as sound level) that is measured in decibels (dB), which is the standard unit of sound amplitude measurement. The dB scale is a logarithmic scale that describes the physical intensity of the pressure vibrations that make up any sound, with 0 dB corresponding roughly to the threshold of human hearing and 120 to 140 dB corresponding to the threshold of pain. Pressure waves traveling through air exert a force registered by the human ear as sound. Sound pressure fluctuations can be measured in units of hertz (Hz), which correspond to the frequency of a particular sound. Typically, sound does not consist of a single frequency, but rather a broad band of frequencies varying in levels of magnitude, with audible frequencies of the sound spectrum ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The typical human ear is not equally sensitive to this frequency range. As a consequence, when assessing potential noise impacts, sound is measured using an electronic filter that deemphasizes the frequencies below 1,000 Hz and above 5,000 Hz in extremely high frequencies. This method of frequency filtering or weighting is referred to as A- weighting, expressed in units of A-weighted decibels (dBA), which is typically applied to community noise measurements. Some representative common outdoor and indoor noise sources and their corresponding A-weighted noise levels are shown in Figure 3.10-1. of noise at a given instant in time. However, noise levels rarely persist at that level over a long period of time. Rather, community noise varies continuously over a period of time with respect to the sound sources contributing to the community noise environment. Community noise is primarily the product of many distant noise sources, which together constitute a relatively stable background noise exposure, with many of the individual contributors being unidentifiable. The background 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1875 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-3 noise level changes throughout a typical day, but does so gradually, corresponding to the addition and subtraction of distant noise sources, such as changes in traffic volume. What makes community noise variable throughout a day, besides the slowly changing background noise, is the addition of short-duration, single-event noise sources (e.g., aircraft flyovers, motor vehicles, sirens), which are readily identifiable to the individual. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1876 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-4 Figure 3.10-1: Decibel Scale and Common Noise Levels 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1877 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-5 These successive additions of sound to the community noise environment change the community noise level from instant to instant, requiring the noise exposure to be measured over periods of time to legitimately characterize an existing community noise environment. The following noise descriptors are used to characterize environmental noise levels over time, which are applicable to the Project. • Leq: The equivalent sound level over a specified period of time, typically, one hour (Leq). The Leq may also be referred to as the average sound level. • Lmax: The maximum, instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. • Lmin: The minimum, instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. • Lx: The noise level exceeded a percentage of a specified time period. For instance, L50 and L90 represent the noise levels that are exceeded 50 percent and 90 percent of the time, respectively. • Ldn: The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after an addition of 10 dB to measured noise levels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for nighttime noise sensitivity. The Ldn is also termed the day-night average noise level (DNL). • CNEL: The Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day that includes an addition of 5 dB to measured noise levels between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and an addition of 10 dB to noise levels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. Physiological Effects of Noise Noise is generally loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired sound that is typically associated with human activity that is a nuisance or disruptive. The effects of noise on people can be placed into four general categories: 1. Subjective effects (e.g., dissatisfaction, annoyance) 2. Interference effects (e.g., communication, sleep, and learning interference) 3. Physiological effects (e.g., startle response) 4. Physical effects (e.g., hearing loss) Although exposure to high noise levels has been demonstrated to cause physical and physiological effects, the principal human responses to typical environmental noise exposure are related to subjective effects and interference with activities. Interference effects interrupt daily activities and include interference with human communication activities, such as normal conversations, watching television, telephone conversations, and interference with sleep. Sleep interference effects can include both awakening and arousal to a lesser state of sleep (Caltrans, 2013a). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1878 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-6 With regard to the subjective effects, the responses of individuals to similar noise events are diverse and influenced by many factors, including the type of noise, the perceived importance of the noise, the appropriateness of the noise to the setting, the duration of the noise, the time of day and the type of activity during which the noise occurs, and individual noise sensitivity. Overall, there is no completely satisfactory way to measure the subjective effects of noise, or the corresponding reactions of annoyance and dissatisfaction on people. A wide variation in individual thresholds of experiences with noise. Thus, an important way of predicting a human reaction to a new noise environment is the way it compares to the existing environment to which one has adapted (i.e., comparison to the ambient noise environment). In general, the more a new noise level exceeds the previously existing ambient noise level, the less acceptable the new noise level will be judged by those hearing it. With regard to increases in A-weighted noise level, the following relationships generally occur (Caltrans, 2013a): • Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of 1 dBA in ambient noise levels cannot be perceived; • Outside of the laboratory, a 3 dBA change in ambient noise levels is considered to be a barely perceivable difference; • A change in ambient noise levels of 5 dBA is considered to be a readily perceivable difference; and • A change in ambient noise levels of 10 dBA is subjectively heard as a doubling of the perceived loudness. These relationships occur in part because of the logarithmic nature of sound and the decibel scale. The human ear perceives sound in a non-linear fashion; therefore, the dBA scale was developed. Because the dBA scale is based on logarithms, two noise sources do not combine in a simple additive fashion, but rather logarithmically. Under the dBA scale, a doubling of sound energy corresponds to a 3 dBA increase. In other words, when two sources are each producing sound of the same loudness, the resulting sound level at a given distance would be approximately 3 dBA higher than one of the sources under the same conditions. For example, if two identical noise sources produce noise levels of 50 dBA, the combined sound level would be 53 dBA, not 100 dBA. Under the dB scale, three sources of equal loudness together produce a sound level of approximately 5 dBA louder than one source, and ten sources of equal loudness together produce a sound level of approximately 10 dBA louder than the single source (Caltrans, 2013a). Noise Attenuation When noise propagates over a distance, the noise level reduces with distance at a rate that depends on the type of noise source and the propagation path. Noise from a localized source (i.e., point Stationary point sources of noise, including stationary mobile sources such as idling vehicles, attenuate (i.e., reduce) at a rate between six easurement, as their energy is 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1879 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-7 continuously spread out over a spherical surface (e.g., for hard surfaces, 80 dBA at 50 feet attenuates to 74 at 100 feet, 68 dBA at 200 feet, etc.). Hard sites are those with a reflective surface between the source and the receiver, such as asphalt or concrete surfaces or smooth bodies of water. No excess ground attenuation is assumed for hard sites and the reduction in noise levels with distance (drop-off rate) is simply the geometric spreading of the noise from the source. Soft sites have an absorptive ground surface, such as soft dirt, grass, or scattered bushes and trees, which in addition to geometric spreading, increase the ground attenuation value by 1.5 dBA (per doubling distance) (Caltrans, 2013a). Roadways and highways consist of several localized noise sources on a defined path, and hence are Line sources (e.g., traffic noise from vehicles) attenuate at a rate between 3 dBA for hard sites and 4.5 dBA for soft sites for each doubling of distance from the reference measurement (Caltrans, 2013a). Therefore, noise due to a line source attenuates less with distance than that of a point source with increased distance. Additionally, receptors located downwind from a noise source can be exposed to increased noise levels relative to calm conditions, whereas locations upwind can have lowered noise levels. Atmospheric temperature inversion (i.e., increasing temperature with elevation) can increase sound levels at long distances (e.g., more than 500 feet). Other factors such as air temperature, humidity, and turbulence can also have significant effects on noise levels (Caltrans, 2013a). Noise-Sensitive Receptors Many land uses are considered sensitive to noise. Noise-sensitive receptors are land uses associated with indoor and/or outdoor activities that may be subject to stress and/or significant interference from noise, such as residential dwellings, transient lodging, dormitories, hospitals, educational facilities, and libraries. Industrial and commercial land uses are generally not considered sensitive to noise. Special Status species and their habitat may also be considered noise-sensitive. Noise- sensitive receptors within the Planning Area include single- and multi-family residential housing, schools, parks, libraries, hospitals, churches, habitat, and open space. Sources of Noise The Planning Area is an urbanized area with pockets of open space. The major sources of noise within the Planning Area include typical urban noise levels, such as vehicle traffic along roadways, industrial and commercial processes, and residential noises, such as people talking, sporting events in parks, and vocalizations from domesticated animals (e.g., dogs). Traffic Vehicular traffic is the predominant noise source within the city. Freeways within the City include SR-57 and SR-60. Arterial streets within the City include Brea Canyon Road, Chino Hills Parkway, Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, Grand Avenue, Lemon Avenue, Pathfinder Road, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1880 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-8 and a short segment of Chino Avenue (approximately 375 feet). The level of vehicular traffic noise varies with many factors, including traffic volume, vehicle mix (including percentage of trucks), traffic speed, and distance from the roadway. Existing traffic CNEL noise levels were calculated for roadway segments based on vehicular turning movement data at intersections identified for traffic impact analysis by the City (Fehr & Peers, 2019). Turning movements at each studied intersection were used to determine traffic volumes along 42 roadway segments within the Proposed Project Planning Area. The roadway segments selected for analysis were those that are expected to be the most directly impacted by Project-related traffic. Existing traffic Traffic Noise Model (FHWA-TNM) (Caltrans, 2013a) and traffic volumes at the study intersections reported in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. The model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, and site environmental conditions. The noise levels along these roadway segments (i.e., 50 feet from the centerline of the roadway segment) are presented in Table 3.10-1, and provide distances to the 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL existing noise contours, shown in Figure 3.10-2. As shown in Table 3.10-1, the ambient noise environment can be characterized by 24-hour CNEL levels attributable to existing traffic on local roadways. The calculated CNEL (at a distance of 40 feet from the roadway centerline to receptor locations) from actual existing traffic volumes on the analyzed roadway segments ranged from 67.7 dBA to 72.8 dBA. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1881 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-9 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) # Roadway Segment Distance (ft) from CL to 70 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 65 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 60 dBA CNEL Contour Noise Level dBA CNEL at 50 ft from CL 1 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 118 481 70.3 2 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd Oak Crest Dr to SR-57 SB Ramps <50 63 306 68.5 3 Brea Canyon Rd Washington Ave to Lycoming St <50 106 443 69.9 4 Brea Canyon Rd Lycoming St to SR-60 SB Ramps <50 143 561 70.9 5 Brea Canyon Rd SR-60 SB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr <50 226 823 72.4 6 Brea Canyon Rd Golden Springs Dr to Pathfinder Rd <50 192 715 71.8 7 Brea Canyon Rd Diamond Bar Blvd to Silver Bullet Dr <50 177 669 71.6 8 Chino Hills Pkwy Diamond Ranch Rd to Chino Ave <50 83 370 69.2 9 Chino Hills Pkwy south of Chino Ave <50 82 368 69.2 10 Diamond Bar Blvd Sunset Crossing Rd to SR-60 WB Ramps <50 84 372 69.3 11 Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 EB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr <50 131 523 70.6 12 Diamond Bar Blvd Golden Springs Dr to Goldrush Dr <50 135 533 70.7 13 Diamond Bar Blvd Goldrush Dr to Grand Ave <50 225 820 72.4 14 Diamond Bar Blvd Grand Ave to Quail Summit Dr <50 249 895 72.8 15 Diamond Bar Blvd Quail Summit Dr to Mountain Laurel Way <50 149 578 71.0 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1882 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-10 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) # Roadway Segment Distance (ft) from CL to 70 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 65 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 60 dBA CNEL Contour Noise Level dBA CNEL at 50 ft from CL 16 Diamond Bar Blvd Kiowa Crest Dr to Pathfinder Rd <50 237 858 72.6 17 Diamond Bar Blvd Pathfinder Rd to Cold Spring Ln <50 175 661 71.5 18 Diamond Bar Blvd Cold Spring Ln to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 201 743 72.0 19 Diamond Bar Blvd / Mission Blvd Temple Ave/Ave Rancheros to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 75 345 69.0 20 Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd Pathfinder Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 <50 245 67.7 21 Golden Springs Dr Racquet Club Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 172 653 71.5 22 Golden Springs Dr Copley Dr to Grand Avenue <50 213 782 72.2 23 Golden Springs Dr Brea Canyon Rd to Copley Dr <50 169 642 71.4 24 Golden Springs Dr SR-60 EB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd <50 148 575 71.0 25 Golden Springs Dr Lemon Ave to SR-60 EB Ramps <50 110 457 70.1 26 Golden Springs Dr west of Lemon Ave <50 180 678 71.6 27 Golden Springs Dr Grand Avenue to Racquet Club Dr <50 121 491 70.3 28 Grand Ave Lavender Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 217 793 72.3 29 Grand Ave Diamond Bar Blvd to Summitridge Dr <50 233 845 72.5 30 Grand Ave Summitridge Dr to Longview Dr <50 203 749 72.0 31 Grand Ave SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 183 686 71.7 32 Grand Ave SR-57 NB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr <50 154 594 71.1 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1883 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-11 Table 3.10-1: Existing Traffic Noise Levels (2018) # Roadway Segment Distance (ft) from CL to 70 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 65 dBA CNEL Contour Distance (ft) from CL to 60 dBA CNEL Contour Noise Level dBA CNEL at 50 ft from CL 33 Grand Ave Golden Springs Drive to Lavender Dr <50 179 673 71.6 34 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 WB Ramps to SR-60 EB Ramps <50 188 701 71.8 35 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Sunset Crossing Rd <50 126 506 70.5 36 Pathfinder Rd Brea Canyon Rd to SR-57 SB Ramps <50 167 638 71.4 37 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps <50 125 504 70.4 38 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 NB Ramps to Fern Hollow Dr /Brea Canyon Rd <50 205 757 72.1 39 Pathfinder Rd Fern Hollow Dr /Brea Canyon Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd <50 180 676 71.6 40 Pathfinder Rd west of Pathfinder Rd <50 75 345 69.0 41 S. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd <50 224 818 72.4 42 S. Diamond Bar Blvd Mountain Laurel Way to Kiowa Crest Dr <50 115 472 70.2 Notes: 1. Traffic volumes are per Fehr & Peers data received January 2019. 2. Truck percentage assumed to be 3% for all roadways. CL = Centerline (of roadway segment) Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019; ESA, 2019. Railway The noise impacts associated with train activity depends on the type of train, number of cars, track conditions, the number of trains operating per day, the speed of the engine car, and the proximity of the rail line to surrounding receptors. The Metrolink Commuter Rail System operates the Riverside line, which passes along the northwestern border of the City. The Riverside line travels in an easterly direction from downtown 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1884 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-12 Los Angeles to downtown Riverside and is travelled by commuter trains operated by Metrolink, as well as freight trains operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. The Riverside line passes by both commercial and residential uses located in the City. Stationary Noise Sources A stationary noise source is defined as a land use, building, or activity that produces noise at a fixed location. They can be temporary, intermittent, or continuous sources of noise. Stationary noise sources include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), appliances, power tools, generators, non-mobile motors, and other amplified sounds. Exposure to stationary sources can usually be limited by means of setbacks, housings for noise-emitting motors or generators, walls between properties, or dense landscaping. Temporary stationary noise sources include amplified music form parties or bars, engines idling, and pets barking. Noise from stationary sources are discussed under Section 8.12.720-810 of the 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1885 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN DVLY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDExisting Noise Levels 75 dB Contour 70 dB Contour 65 dB Contour 60 dB Contour Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; ESA PCR, 2016; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 RiversideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.10-2: Existing Noise Contours 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1886 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-14 Other Noise Sources Other noise sources may include overhead aircraft, fireworks, and special events. The closest airport to the City is Brackett Field located 6.5 miles away in La Verne. The largest major commercial airport is Ontario International Airport located 12.9 miles away in Ontario. Noise from aircrafts and other infrequent events would produce temporary noise lasting a short period of time. Groundborne Vibration Vibration Characteristics and Measurement Vibration can be interpreted as energy transmitted in waves through the ground or structures, which generally dissipate with distance from the vibration source. Because energy is lost during the transfer of energy from one particle to another, vibration becomes less perceptible with increasing distance from the source. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, groundborne vibration can be a serious concern for nearby neighbors of a transit system route or maintenance facility, causing buildings to shake and rumbling sounds to be heard (FTA 2018). In contrast to airborne noise, groundborne vibration is not a common environmental problem, as it is unusual for vibration from sources such as buses and trucks to be perceptible, even in locations close to major roads. Some common sources of groundborne vibration are trains, heavy trucks traveling on rough roads, and construction activities, such as blasting, pile-driving, and operation of heavy earth-moving equipment (Caltrans, 2013b). There are several different methods that are used to quantify vibration. The peak particle velocity (PPV) is defined as the maximum instantaneous peak of the vibration signal in inches per second (in/sec), and is most frequently used to describe vibration impacts on buildings. The root mean square (RMS) amplitude is defined as the average of the squared amplitude of the signal and is most frequently used to describe the effect of vibration on the human body. Decibel notation (VdB) is commonly used to measure RMS. The relationship of PPV to RMS velocity is expressed in terms of PPV is typically a factor of 1.7 to 6 times greater than RMS vibration velocity. The decibel notation VdB acts to compress the range of numbers required to describe vibration. Typically, groundborne vibration generated by man-made activities attenuates rapidly with distance from the source of the vibration. Sensitive receptors for vibration include buildings where vibration would interfere with operations within the building or cause damage (especially older masonry structures), locations where people sleep, and locations with vibration sensitive equipment (FTA, 2018). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1887 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-15 Effects of Vibration The effects of groundborne vibration include movement of the building floors, rattling of windows, shaking of items on shelves or hanging on walls, and rumbling sounds. In extreme cases, the vibration can cause damage to buildings. Building damage is not a factor for most projects, with the occasional exception of blasting and pile-driving during construction. Annoyance from vibration often occurs when the vibration levels exceed the threshold of perception by only a small margin. A vibration level that causes annoyance will be well below the damage threshold for normal buildings. Sources of Vibration Typical sources of groundborne vibration are construction activities (e.g., blasting, pile driving, and operating heavy-duty earthmoving equipment), steel-wheeled trains, and occasional traffic on rough roads. Problems with groundborne vibration and noise from these sources are usually localized to within about 100 feet of the vibration source, although there are examples of groundborne vibration causing interference out to distances greater than 200 feet.1 When roadways are smooth, vibration from traffic, even heavy trucks, is rarely perceptible. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Environmental Protection Agency Under the authority of the Noise Control Act of 1972, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) established noise emission criteria and testing methods published in Parts 201 through 205 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that apply to some transportation equipment (e.g., interstate rail carriers, medium trucks, and heavy trucks) and construction equipment. In 1974, USEPA issued guidance levels for the protection of public health and welfare in residential land use areas of an outdoor Ldn of 55 dBA and an indoor Ldn of 45 dBA (U.S. EPA, 1974). These guidance levels are not considered as standards or regulations and were developed without consideration of technical or economic feasibility. 1 Federal Transit Authority, 2006 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1888 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-16 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 United States Code [U.S.C.] Section 1919 et seq.), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted regulations designed to protect workers against the effects of occupational noise exposure. These regulations list permissible noise level exposure as a function of the amount of time during which the worker is exposed. The regulations further specify a hearing conservation program that involves monitoring the noise to which workers are exposed, ensuring that workers are made aware of ov Department of Housing and Urban Development are presented in 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 51. New construction proposed in high noise areas (exceeding 65 dBA DNL) must incorporate noise attenuation features to maintain acceptable interior noise levels. A goal of 45 dBA DNL is set forth for interior noise levels and attenuation requirements are geared toward achieving that goal. It is assumed that with standard construction, any building will provide sufficient attenuation to achieve an interior level of 45 dBA DNL or less if the exterior level is 65 dBA DNL or less. Approvals in a "normally unacceptable noise zone" (exceeding 65 dB, but not exceeding 75 dB) require a minimum of 5dB of additional noise attenuation for buildings having noise sensitive uses if the DNL is greater than 65 dB, but does not exceed 70 dB, or a minimum of 10 dB of additional noise attenuation, if the day-night average is greater than 70 dB, but does not exceed 75 dB. Federal Highway Administration An assessment of noise and consideration of noise abatement per Title 23 of the CFR, Part 772, for proposed federal or federal-aid highway construction projects on a new location, or the physical alteration of an existing highway that significantly changes either the horizontal or vertical alignment, or increases the number of through-traffic lanes. The FHWA considers noise abatement for sensitive receivers, such as picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sport areas, parks, residences, motels, hotels, schools, places of worship, libraries, and hospitals when - noise levels approach or exceed 67 dBA Leq. The California Department of Transportation Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC). Federal Transit Administration This analysis uses the FTA buildings, residences, and institutional land uses near railroads. The thresholds for residences and buildings where people normally sleep are 72 vibration decibels (VdB) for frequent events (more than 70 events of the same source per day), 75 VdB for occasional events (30 to 70 vibration events of the same source per day), and 80 VdB for infrequent events (less than 30 vibration events of the same source per day). 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1889 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-17 As the threshold of perception is usually taken to be approximately 65 VdB, vibration from train pass-bys may be felt even if the requirements are met. Federal Aviation Administration The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces Title 14 of the CFR, Part 150, which describes the procedures, standards and methodology governing the development, submission, and review of airport noise exposure maps and airport noise compatibility programs. Title 14 also identifies the land uses that are normally compatible with various levels of exposure to noise by individuals. FAA has determined that sound levels up to 45 dBA CNEL are acceptable within residential buildings. Federal Railroad Noise Emissions Compliance Regulation FTA Noise Emissions Compliance Regulation that sets maximum sound levels from railroad equipment and for regulating locomotive horns. Federal Vibration Guidelines FTA has adopted vibration criteria that are used to evaluate potential structural damage to buildings by building category from construction activities. The vibration damage criteria adopted by FTA are shown in Table 3.10-2. Table 3.10-2 Construction Vibration Damage Criteria Building Category PPV (in/sec) I. Reinforced-concrete, steel, or timber (no plaster) 0.5 II. Engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster) 0.3 III. Non-engineered timber and masonry buildings 0.2 IV. Buildings extremely susceptible to vibration damage 0.12 Source: FTA, 2018. FTA has also adopted vibration criteria associated with the potential for human annoyance from groundborne vibration for the following three land-use categories: Category 1 High Sensitivity, Category 2 Residential, and Category 3 Institutional. FTA defines Category 1 as buildings where vibration would interfere with operations within the building, including vibration-sensitive research and manufacturing facilities, historic buildings, hospitals with vibration-sensitive equipment, and university research operations. Vibration-sensitive equipment includes, but is not limited to, electron microscopes, high-resolution lithographic equipment, and normal optical microscopes. Category 2 refers to all residential land uses and any buildings where people sleep, such as hotels and hospitals. Category 3 refers to institutional land uses such as schools, churches, other institutions, and quiet offices that do not have vibration-sensitive equipment but still have the potential for activity interference. FTA uses a screening distance of 100 feet for highly vibration- sensitive buildings (e.g., historic buildings, hospitals with vibration sensitive equipment, Category 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1890 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-18 1) and 50 feet for residential uses (Category 2) and institutional land uses with primarily daytime use (Category 3) (FTA, 2018). The vibration criteria associated with human annoyance for these three land-use categories are shown in Table 3.10-3. No vibration criteria have been adopted or recommended by FTA for commercial and office uses. Table 3.10-3 Indoor Groundborne Vibration Impact Criteria for General Assessment Land Use Category Frequent Eventsa Occasional Eventsb Infrequent Eventsc Category 1: Buildings where vibration would interfere with interior operations. 65 VdBd 65 VdBd 65 VdBd Category 2: Residences and buildings where people normally sleep. 72 VdB 75 VdB 80 VdB Category 3: Institutional land uses with primarily daytime use. 75 VdB 78 VdB 83 VdB a b source per day. c d This criterion is based on levels that are acceptable for most moderately sensitive equipment such as optical microscopes. Source: FTA, 2018. State Regulations State of California Noise Standards The State of California does not have statewide standards for environmental noise, but the evaluating the compatibility of various land uses as a function of community noise exposure. The purpose of these guidelines is to maintain acceptable noise levels in a community setting for different land use types. Noise compatibility by different land uses types is categorized into four general levels: multi-family residential uses, while a noise environment of 75 dBA CNEL or above for multi- In addition, California Government Code Section 65302 requires each county and city in the State to prepare and adopt a comprehensive long-range general plan for its physical development, with Section 65302(f) specifically requiring a noise element to be included in the general plan. The noise element must: (1) identify and appraise noise problems in the community and analyze and quantify current and projected noise levels; (2) show noise contours for noise sources stated in CNEL; (3) use noise contours as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses; and (4) implement measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise problems. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1891 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-19 The State of California has also established noise insulation standards for new multi-family residential units, hotels, and motels that would be subject to relatively high levels of transportation- related noise. These requirements are collectively known as the California Noise Insulation Standards (Title 24, California Code of Regulations). The noise insulation standards set forth an interior standard of 45 dBA CNEL in any habitable room. They require an acoustical analysis demonstrating how dwelling units have been designed to meet this interior standard where such units are proposed in areas subject to noise levels greater than 60 dBA CNEL. Title 24 standards are enforced by local jurisdictions through the building permit application process. Local Regulations City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Noise Ordinance The City has ordinances and enforcement practices that apply to intrusive noise and that guide new construction. These are summarized in the following sections. The C control ordinance (Chapter 8.12, Division 3, Noise Control) establishes sound measurement and criteria, minimum ambient noise levels for different land use zoning classifications, sound emission levels for specific uses (radios, television, vehicle repairs and amplified equipment, etc.), hours of operation for certain uses (construction activity, rubbish collection, etc.), standards for determining noise deemed a disturbance of the peace, and legal remedies for violations. The ambient noise standards are consistent with current state and federal noise standards, and correlated with land use zoning classifications in order to guide the measurement of intrusive noise that results in intermittent (periodic) or extended impacts on a geographically specific site. The intent is to maintain identified ambient noise levels and to limit, mitigate, or eliminate intrusive noise that exceeds the ambient noise levels within the zones specified. The standards guide building construction and equipment installation, equipment maintenance and nuisance noise enforcement. Sec. 8.12.380 of the that the following activities are exempt from restrictions: • The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency, or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work. • Warning devices necessary for the protection of public safety, for example, police, fire and ambulance sirens, and train horns. • Activities conducted on public playgrounds and public or private school grounds, including, but not limited to, school athletic and school entertainment events. • Construction, stationary nonemergency signaling devices, emergency signaling devices, refuse collection vehicles, residential air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, and forced-air blowers. • Activities in connection to production of motion pictures. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1892 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-20 • All locomotives and rail cars operated by any railroad which is regulated by the state public utilities commission. • Any activity, to the extent regulation thereof has been preempted by state or federal law. • All transportation, flood control, and utility company maintenance and construction operations at any time on public right-of-way, and those situations which may occur on private real property deemed necessary to serve the best interest of the public and to protect the public's health and well-being, including, but not limited to, street sweeping, debris and limb removal, removal of downed wires, restoring electrical service, repairing traffic signals, unplugging sewers, snow removal, house moving, vacuuming catch basins, removal of damaged poles and vehicles, repair of water hydrants and mains, gas lines, oil lines, sewers, etc. • Except as provided in section 8.12.830, all legal vehicles of transportation operating in a legal manner in accordance with local, state and federal vehicle-noise regulations within the public right-of-way or air space, or on private property. • Seismic surveys which are authorized by the state land commission. • All mechanical devices, apparatus or equivalent associated with agricultural operations conducted on agricultural property, unless if in the vicinity of residential land uses, in which case a variance permit is required to operate noise-producing devices. • Noise sources associated with the minor maintenance of residential real property, provided the activities take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Sec. 8.12.530 establishes exterior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-4. Table 3.10-4 City of Diamond Bar Exterior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Noise Zone Land Use (Receptor Property) Time Interval Exterior Noise Level Standard (dB) I noise-sensitive area Anytime 45 II residential properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 45 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 50 III commercial properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 55 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 60 IV industrial properties Anytime 70 Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.530. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1893 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-21 Section 8.12.540 establishes interior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-5. Table 3.10-5 City of Diamond Bar Interior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Land Use Time Interval Allowable Interior Noise Level (dB) All Multifamily 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 40 Residential 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 45 Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.540. Section 8.12.720 sets forth construction noise standards: drilling, repair, alteration or demolition work between weekday hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time on Sundays or holidays, such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real-property line, except for emergency work of public service utilities or by variance issued by the health officer is prohibited. The contractor shall conduct construction activities in such a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected buildings will not exceed those listed in Table 3.10-6 and Table 3.10- 7. Table 3.10-6 City of Diamond Bar Maximum Noise Levels for Mobile Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 75 dBA 80 dBA 85 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 60 dBA 64 dBA 70 dBA Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.720. Table 3.10-7 City of Diamond Bar Maximum Noise Levels for Stationary Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 60 dBA 65 dBA 70 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 50 dBA 55 dBA 60 dBA Source: City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code, Section 8.12.720. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1894 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-22 Section 8.12.840 prohibits the operation of any device that creates vibration that is above the vibration perception threshold of 0.01 in/sec PPV over the range of 1 to 100 Hz at or beyond the property boundary of the source, if on private property, or at 150 feet (46 meters) from the source, if on a public space or public right-of-way. County of Los Angeles General Plan, Noise Element The Noise Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan (County of Los Angeles, 2015) includes noise goals and policies that are based on the community noise compatibility guidelines applicable to land uses generally (rather than short-term construction noise) established by the California DHS, as previously discussed under State regulations. Specific regulations that implement these guidelines are set forth in the Los Angeles County Municipal Code, as discussed below. County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Noise Ordinance The County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Noise Ordinance establishes noise standards to control unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration in the County. Sec. 12.08.390 states the exterior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-8. Table 3.10-8 County of Los Angeles Exterior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Noise Zone Land Use (Receptor Property) Time Interval Exterior Noise Level Standard (dB) I noise-sensitive area Anytime 45 II residential properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 45 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 50 III commercial properties 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (nighttime) 55 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (daytime) 60 IV industrial properties Anytime 70 Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.390. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1895 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-23 Section 12.08.400 states interior noise standards, as shown in Table 3.10-9. Table 3.10-9 County of Los Angeles Interior Noise Standards Noise Zone Designated Land Use Time Interval Allowable Interior Noise Level (dB) All Multifamily 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 40 Residential 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 45 Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.400. Section 12.08.440 states construction noise standards: drilling, repair, alteration or demolition work between weekday hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time on Sundays or holidays, such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial real-property line, except for emergency work of public service utilities or by variance issued by the health officer is prohibited. The contractor shall conduct construction activities in such a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected buildings will not exceed those listed in Table 3.10-10 and Table 3.10- 11. Table 3.10-10 County of Los Angeles Maximum Noise Levels for Mobile Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 75 dBA 80 dBA 85 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 60 dBA 64 dBA 70 dBA Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.440. Table 3.10-11 County of Los Angeles Maximum Noise Levels for Stationary Construction Equipment Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Semi-residential/ Commercial Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 60 dBA 65 dBA 70 dBA Daily, except Sundays and legal holidays, 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 50 dBA 55 dBA 60 dBA Source: County of Los Angeles Municipal Code, Section 12.08.440. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1896 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-24 Section 12.08.560 prohibits the operation of any device that creates vibration that is above the vibration perception threshold of 0.01 in/sec PPV over the range of 1 to 100 hertz (Hz) at or beyond the property boundary of the source, if on private property, or at 150 feet (46 meters) from the source, if on a public space or public right-of-way. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse noise impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies; Criterion 2: Result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels; Criterion 3: Be located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, and could expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Construction Noise Construction noise impacts were evaluated using the FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (FHWA, 2006) and the associated reference noise levels for each piece of construction equipment that may be used under the proposed General Plan update. Noise impacts were assessed using the reference noise level distance of 50 feet from a sensitive receptor and were evaluated based on maximum noise levels produced by each piece of construction equipment. Construction vibration impacts were evaluated using FTA methodology from the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA, 2018). Setback distances for preventing vibration damage were evaluated using reference vibration levels for specific construction equipment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1897 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-25 Traffic Noise Roadway noise impacts were evaluated using the methodology described in the FHWA Traffic Noise Model Technical Manual based on the roadway traffic volume data provided in Chapter 3.12: Transportation. Calculations are provided in Appendix F of this Draft EIR. Railway Noise This analysis evaluates impacts associated with the proposed General Plan update at the program level. Accordingly, specific details on future railway expansions or improvements are unknown at this time, neither are the specific noise sources that might occur in conjunction with development of land uses near the railway under the Proposed Plan. Therefore, railway noise and vibration impacts are discussed on a qualitative basis. Stationary Noise This analysis evaluates impacts associated with the proposed General Plan update at the program level. Accordingly, specific details on future mechanical equipment or HVAC equipment and layout are unknown at this time, neither are the specific noise sources that might occur in conjunction with development of land uses allowable under the Proposed Plan. Therefore, stationary and other noise source impacts are discussed on a qualitative basis. IMPACTS Impact 3.10-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. (Less than Significant) Construction Existing limitations on construction have the potential to reduce noise and vibration generation and were taken into account in the analysis of potential impacts. Future developments, in accordance with the City and County requirements, would be required to limit construction hours for exterior construction and hauling activities to the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday, and prohibited on Sundays. However, it is anticipated that construction activities could occur outside of these hours provided that future projects obtain the necessary permits. In addition, construction activities would be required to be conducted such that the maximum noise levels at the affected residential and residential/commercial properties will not exceed the maximum noise level limits for mobile and stationary construction equipment at single-family, multi-family, and semi-residential/commercial listed for the City and the County in Tables 3.10-6 and 3.10-7, and Tables 3.10-10 and 3.10-11, respectively. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1898 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-26 On-Site Construction Noise Construction would require the use of heavy equipment during the demolition, grading, excavation, and other construction activities within the Planning Area. During each stage of development for any given construction project, a different mix of equipment would be used. As such, construction activity noise levels would fluctuate depending on the particular type, number, and duration of use of the various pieces of construction equipment. Individual pieces of construction equipment expected to be used during construction could produce maximum noise levels of 75 dBA to 101 dBA Lmax at a reference distance of 50 feet from the noise source, as shown in Table 3.10-12. These maximum noise levels would occur when equipment is operating at full power. The estimated usage factor for the equipment is also shown in Table 3.10-8 Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM) (FHWA, 2006). Table 3.10-12 Construction Equipment Noise Levels Construction Equipment Estimated Usage Factor, % Noise Level at 50 Feet (dBA, Lmax) Air Compressors 40% 78 Bore/Drill Rig 20% 79 Cement and Mortar Mixer 40% 79 Compactor 20% 83 Concrete Saw 20% 90 Crane 16% 81 Dumpers/Tenders 40% 76 Excavator 40% 81 Forklift 10% 75 Generator Sets 50% 81 Jackhammers 20% 89 Off-Highway Trucks 20% 76 Other Equipment 50% 85 Paver 50% 77 Paving Equipment 20% 90 Roller 20% 80 Rough Terrain Forklift 10% 75 Rubber Tired Loader 50% 79 Surfacing Equipment 50% 85 Tractor/Loader/Backhoe 25% 80 Vacuum Street Sweeper 10% 82 Vibratory Pile Driver 20% 101 Source: FHWA, 2006. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1899 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-27 The exact locations of future projects and construction that would be implemented under the proposed General Plan update are not known at this time, though it is assumed that some of the activities would take place in close proximity to sensitive receptors given that the planning area includes a wide range of receptors. The severity of construction-related noise impacts depends on the proximity of construction activities to sensitive receptors, the presence of intervening barriers, the number and types of equipment used, and the duration of the activity. While the details of these factors are not available for future projects under the proposed General Plan update, it is assumed that individual projects would be implemented in compliance with the City and County standards. Future development under the Proposed Plan would be required to comply with the restrictions of the City Municipal Code, as well as the County Municipal Code for activities within the SOI; if a project requests to deviate, the project proponent would need to obtain permission from the City and/or the County, including conditions and standards to minimize noise impacts. Therefore, assuming any future development complies with City and County noise regulations, temporary increases in noise levels from construction would less than significant. Traffic Noise The proposed General Plan update would generate traffic that would increase noise levels along existing and future roadways. The FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Model (FHWA-TNM) was used to evaluate future (2040) traffic-related noise conditions in the City and SOI at the study intersections. The model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, and site environmental conditions. Table 3.10-13 provides the existing and future buildout noise levels at 50 feet from the centerline of these roadway segments and the distances to the 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL future roadway noise contours, shown in Figure 3.10- 3. As shown in Table 3.10-13, traffic noise along the analyzed roadway segments would not be discernably different when existing noise levels are compared to future roadway noise levels with implementation of the proposed General Plan update. The maximum increase would be 2.3 dBA along Golden Springs Drive between SR-60 eastbound ramps and Brea Canyon Road. A 3 dBA increase in noise levels is considered barely perceivable by the human ear. Therefore, impacts from traffic noise would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1900 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-28 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) Existing Future with Proposed General Plan # Roadway Segment Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Distance (ft) from CL to 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL Contours Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Increase (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL 60 65 70 1 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps 70.3 <50 153 579 71.4 1.1 2 Brea Canyon Cutoff Rd Oak Crest Dr to SR-57 SB Ramps 68.5 <50 76 336 69.3 0.8 3 Brea Canyon Rd Washington Ave to Lycoming St 69.9 <50 134 521 71.0 1.1 4 Brea Canyon Rd Lycoming St to SR-60 SB Ramps 70.9 <50 182 672 72.0 1.1 5 Brea Canyon Rd SR-60 SB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr 72.4 <50 245 873 73.1 0.7 6 Brea Canyon Rd Golden Springs Dr to Pathfinder Rd 71.8 <50 220 793 72.7 0.9 7 Brea Canyon Rd Diamond Bar Blvd to Silver Bullet Dr 71.6 <50 185 684 72.1 0.5 8 Chino Hills Pkwy Diamond Ranch Rd to Chino Ave 69.2 <50 104 427 70.2 1.0 9 Chino Hills Pkwy s/o Chino Ave 69.2 <50 99 409 70.0 0.8 10 Diamond Bar Blvd Sunset Crossing Rd to SR-60 WB Ramps 69.3 <50 101 418 70.1 0.9 11 Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 EB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr 70.6 <50 155 588 71.5 0.9 12 Diamond Bar Blvd Golden Springs Dr to Goldrush Dr 70.7 <50 148 565 71.3 0.6 13 Diamond Bar Blvd Goldrush Dr to Grand Ave 72.4 <50 248 882 73.1 0.7 14 Diamond Bar Blvd Grand Ave to Quail Summit Dr 72.8 61 290 101 5 73.7 0.9 15 Diamond Bar Blvd Quail Summit Dr to Mountain Laurel Wy 71.0 <50 180 668 72.0 1.0 16 Diamond Bar Blvd Kiowa Crest Dr to Pathfinder Rd 72.6 53 265 935 73.4 0.8 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1901 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-29 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) Existing Future with Proposed General Plan # Roadway Segment Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Distance (ft) from CL to 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL Contours Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Increase (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL 60 65 70 17 Diamond Bar Blvd Pathfinder Rd to Cold Spring Ln 71.5 <50 199 726 72.3 0.8 18 Diamond Bar Blvd Cold Spring Ln to Diamond Bar Blvd 72.0 <50 224 805 72.8 0.8 19 Diamond Bar Blvd / Mission Blvd Temple Ave / Ave Rancheros to SR-57 NB Ramps 69.0 <50 113 453 70.4 1.4 20 Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd Pathfinder Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd 67.7 <50 54 269 68.4 0.7 21 Golden Springs Dr Racquet Club Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd 71.5 <50 193 707 72.2 0.7 22 Golden Springs Dr Copley Dr to Grand Avenue 72.2 <50 238 849 73.0 0.8 23 Golden Springs Dr Brea Canyon Rd to Copley Dr 71.4 <50 216 780 72.6 1.2 24 Golden Springs Dr SR-60 EB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd 71.0 50 257 908 73.3 2.3 25 Golden Springs Dr Lemon Ave to SR-60 EB Ramps 70.1 <50 139 536 71.1 1.0 26 Golden Springs Dr w/o Lemon Ave 71.6 <50 222 798 72.7 1.1 27 Golden Springs Dr Grand Avenue to Racquet Club Dr 70.3 <50 142 547 71.2 0.8 28 Grand Ave Lavender Dr to Diamond Bar Blvd 72.3 77 340 117 2 74.3 2.0 29 Grand Ave Diamond Bar Blvd to Summitridge Dr 72.5 103 421 143 0 75.2 2.6 30 Grand Ave Summitridge Dr to Longview Dr 72.0 <50 251 890 73.2 1.1 31 Grand Ave SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps 71.7 <50 208 755 72.5 0.8 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1902 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-30 Table 3.10-13: Existing and Future Traffic Noise Levels (2040) Existing Future with Proposed General Plan # Roadway Segment Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Distance (ft) from CL to 60, 65, and 70 dBA CNEL Contours Noise Level (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL Increase (dBA CNEL) at 50 ft from CL 60 65 70 32 Grand Ave SR-57 NB Ramps to Golden Springs Dr 71.1 <50 191 703 72.2 1.1 33 Grand Ave Golden Springs Dr to Lavender Dr 71.6 <50 209 758 72.5 0.9 34 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-60 WB Ramps to SR-60 EB Ramps 71.8 <50 220 793 72.7 0.9 35 N. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Sunset Crossing Rd 70.5 <50 150 571 71.4 0.9 36 Pathfinder Rd Brea Canyon Rd to SR-57 SB Ramps 71.4 <50 197 720 72.3 0.9 37 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 SB Ramps to SR-57 NB Ramps 70.4 <50 148 565 71.3 0.9 38 Pathfinder Rd SR-57 NB Ramps to Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd 72.1 <50 224 805 72.8 0.7 39 Pathfinder Rd Fern Hollow Dr / Brea Canyon Rd to Diamond Bar Blvd 71.6 <50 189 694 72.2 0.6 40 Pathfinder Rd w/o Pathfinder Rd 69.0 <50 108 439 70.3 1.3 41 S. Diamond Bar Blvd SR-57 NB Ramps to Brea Canyon Rd 72.4 <50 249 886 73.2 0.8 42 S. Diamond Bar Blvd Mountain Laurel Wy and Kiowa Crest Dr 70.2 <50 166 623 71.7 1.5 Notes: 1. Traffic volumes are per Fehr & Peers data received January 2019. 2. Truck percentage assumed to be 3% for all roadways. CL = Centerline (of roadway segments) Sources: Fehr & Peers, 2019; ESA, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1903 Existing Noise Levels 70 dB Contour 65 dB Contour 60 dB Contour Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Inuence County Boundary 0 0.7 1.40.35 MILES Source: ESA, 2016; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Riverside Metrolink LineFigure 3.10-3: Future Noise Contours (2040) !(T Walnut Pomona Industr y LOS ANGELES COUN TY ORAN GE COUNTY SAN BERN ARDINO COUN TY MetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M IT O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D R U SH DR G O LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA DR LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B AR BLVDBREA CANYO N C U T OF F RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALCO NS VIEW DRA L A MO HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN CLEAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRINGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C R ES T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR COPLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RD7.1.h Packet Pg. 1904 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-32 Railway Noise The proposed General Plan update includes a transit-oriented mixed-use designation near the existing City of Industry Metrolink station. However, policies within the General Plan update take into consideration the siting of sensitive receptors near potential noise generators and would limit the exposure of sensitive receptors to any existing railway noise. Furthermore, since the proposed General Plan update does not include any railway upgrades or improvement that would increase train volumes or number of tracks, the noise impacts would be less than significant. Stationary Noise As for mobile sources, new development associated with the proposed General Plan update could expose existing and new sensitive receptors to stationary noise sources., such as, rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. Any new development under the proposed General Plan u the General Plan policies aimed at reducing noise levels from adjacent properties. Compliance with the City and County municipal code noise ordinances and General Plan update policies would reduce noise to a less than significant level. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact PS-G-10. d impose mitigation measures on future development and uses to prevent significant degradation of the future acoustic environment. PS-G-11. The location and design of transportation facilities, industrial uses, and other potential noise generators shall not adversely affect adjacent uses or facilities. PS-G-12. Support measures to reduce noise emissions by motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains. PS-P-46 Use the noise and land use compatibility matrix (Table 7-1)2 and Projected Noise Contours map as criteria to determine the acceptability of a given proposed land use, including the improvement/construction of streets, railroads, freeways, and highways. PS-P-47 Locate new noise‐sensitive uses including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and homes away from sources of excessive noise unless proper mitigation measures are in place. PS-P-48 As feasible, locate land uses to buffer residential uses from potential noise generators and site buildings to serve as noise buffers. 2 This refers to Table 7-1 in the draft General Plan Update document, as do several of the quoted polices that follow. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1905 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-33 PS-P-49 Maintain interior and exterior noise-related development standards through the Diamond Bar Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-50 Require that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7-1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-51 Evaluate the land use compatibility of any proposed development project prior to approval to avoid locating loud developments near noise sensitive receptors. When walls over six feet in height are necessary to mitigate noise, a berm/wall combination with heavy landscaping, a terraced wall heavily landscaped, or other similar innovative wall design technique shall be used to minimize visual impacts. PS-P-52 Coordinate with the Union Pacific Railroad and other agencies and private entities to consider the implementation of a railroad quiet zone and other methods of reducing railroad noise impacts on surrounding noise-sensitive uses along the Union Pacific Railroad line adjacent to the City. PS-P-53 Ensure that noise attenuation facilities are installed as feasible in all noise-sensitive areas impacted by County, State, or federal highways through coordination with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1906 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-34 Impact 3.10-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. (Less than Significant) Construction Vibration Future development under the proposed General Plan would generate groundborne noise and vibration near construction sites and, if sensitive receptors or land uses are adjacent to construction, there could be significant impacts. Vibration attenuates quickly, but high impact equipment such as pile drivers could cause impacts depending on the distance from the receptor or land use to the construction activity. Most construction activity does not require high impact equipment and would generate vibration mostly from bulldozers and loaded trucks. The use of large bulldozers and loaded trucks for construction would generate the highest groundborne vibration levels on a typical construction site. Based on the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (FTA, 2018), large bulldozers and loaded trucks would generate 0.089 in/sec PPV and 0.076 in/sec PPV, respectively, at a reference distance of 25 feet. Table 3.10-2, above, shows the damage threshold for Class I through IV structures ranging from reinforced concrete, steel, or timber (Class I) to buildings extremely susceptible to vibration (Class IV) (FTA, 2018). Table 3.10-14 shows the minimum distance that large bulldozers and loaded trucks could operate at for Class I through IV structures without causing significant damage. Construction activities. such the use of a large bulldozer, would be required to not operate within the distances for each structure type shown in Table 3.10-14 to avoid exceeding the vibration structural damage criteria. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Table 3.10-14 Distance within Vibration Damage Criteria Construction Equipment Type Class I: Reinforced concrete, steel, or timber Class II: Engineered concrete and masonry Class III: Non- engineered timber and masonry buildings Class IV: Buildings extremely susceptible to vibration 0.5 PPV (in/sec) 0.3 PPV (in/sec) 0.2 PPV (in/sec) 0.12 PPV (in/sec) Large Bulldozer 8 feet 12 feet 15 feet 21 feet Loaded Trucks 7 feet 10 feet 14 feet 19 feet Source: FTA, 2018 Traffic Vibration Vehicular traffic would generate groundborne vibration and under the proposed General Plan update, more land development would lead to more traffic volume. However, the vibration from vehicles is temporary and intermittent and generates up to 0.005 PPV in/sec (FTA, 2018). The vibration levels from traffic would be well below the threshold of perception for humans of 0.035 in/sec PPV, and impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1907 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-35 Rail Vibration The operation of Metrolink commuter trains currently generate vibration levels along the Riverside line that runs adjacent to the City in the north-northwest/south-southeast direction. Although the existing line does generate vibration, the proposed General Plan update would not change vibration levels from the expansion of rail lines. Furthermore, all future developments within the City are subject to the noise screening distances in the FTA Noise and Vibration Manual (FTA, 2018). The screening distance for commuter rail lines is 750 feet with no obstruction between the rail line and receptor and 375 feet with intervening buildings. At these distances, vibration levels would attenuate rapidly and any new developments would not be affected. Impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Goals PS-G-10, PS-G-11, PS-G-12, and policies PS-P-46 through PS-P-53 as discussed under Impact 3.10-1. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.10-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in development located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or 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, and could expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. (No Impact) The Planning Area is not located within an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public use airport or private airstrip. The nearest airport is the Brackett Field Airport, which is a public airport in the City of La Verne, located approximately 6.5 miles north of the Planning Area. The Brackett Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan sets forth land use compatibility policies that are intended to ensure that future land uses in the surrounding area will be compatible with potential long-range aircraft activities and noise impacts are minimized. The Proposed Project Area is not located within the Airport Influence Area, including not in proximity to airport noise contours (Los Angeles County A irport Land Use Commission, 2015). Therefore, the proposed General Plan update would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels related to the operation of a private airstrip or public airport. No impact would occur. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1908 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.10: Noise 3.10-36 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1909 3.11 Public Facilities and Recreation This section provides an evaluation of potential impacts on public facilities and services projected by the Proposed Project, including impacts related to fire, police, school services, and park and recreation facilities. This section describes existing public services and facilities in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were three comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics addressed in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Public Facilities and Recreation: • Potential impacts of land use designation changes to the Walnut Unified School District offices and bus parking lot. • the Los Angeles County Library stated that the Proposed Project may impact library services in the immediate area. • Hills for Everyone requested that the EIR address impacts to urban-wildland interface areas, response times for emergency services, evacuation times for existing and/or future residents, in-lieu fees, and community facility districts. Environmental Setting The study area for this analysis is the Planning Area. The public safety discussion considers fire and police services within the Planning Area, as well as fire stations in neighboring jurisdictions that also serve the Planning Area. The schools discussion considers the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts, focusing on schools located within the Planning Area. The community facilities discussion considers community facilities such as libraries and community centers within the Planning Area. Finally, the parks, open space, and recreational facilities discussion considers parks, recreational facilities, and trails within the Planning Area. PHYSICAL SETTING Public Safety Services Fire Service Urban fires are fires that begin in urban centers. They are typically localized, but have the potential to spread to adjoining buildings, especially in areas where homes and/or business facilities are clustered close together or in the presence of strong winds such as the Santa Ana. Other factors affecting urban fire risk and relative likelihood of loss of life or property include building age, height 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1910 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-2 and use, storage of flammable material, building construction materials, availability of sprinkler systems, and proximity to a fire station and hydrants. Wildland fires occur in rural or heavily vegetated areas where abundant surface fuels are available to sustain a fire. Wildland fires that occur in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)areas where undeveloped wildlands intermix with or transition into developed land have the potential to greatly impact nearby structures and cities. Due to its setting amidst vegetated open space areas to the south (including the Sphere of Influence) and east, and the presence of open space areas interspersed among urban development, the Planning Area is at risk from wildland fires. The City of Diamond Bar is served by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (County Fire Department). a State Responsibility Area. The locations of the three fire stations that serve the City are depicted on Figure 3.11-1, and staffing and equipment at each station are shown in Table 3.11-1. The County Fire Department has 12 staff members stationed in Diamond Bar, including three captains, three firefighter specialists, four firefighter/paramedics, and two firefighters. Each fire station is equipped with one fire engine. Station 119 contains a two-person paramedic squad. The County Fire Department follows national guidelines that require a five-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and eight minutes for paramedic units in urban areas, as well as an eight-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and 12 minutes for paramedic units in suburban areas. In 2015, the average response time for fire and emergency calls in the City of Diamond Bar was 5:58 minutes, slightly above the target response time. Table 3.11-1. Fire Protection and EMS Staffing and Equipment Station Staffing Description Fire Engines Other Key Equipment Station 119 20480 East Pathfinder Road 1 Captain, 1 Fire Fighter Specialist, and 3 Fire Fighter/Paramedics 1 Three-Person Engine Company 1 Two-Person Paramedic Squad Station 120 1051 S. Grand Avenue 1 Captain, 1 Fire Fighter Specialist, 1 Fire Fighter/Paramedic, and 1 Fire Fighter 1 Four-Person Assessment Engine Company 1 Station 121 346 Armitos Place 1 Captain, 1 Fire Fighter Specialist, and 1 Fire Fighter 1 Three-Person Engine Company Note: 1. An engine company with some limited paramedic capabilities. Source: County of Los Angeles Fire Department, 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1911 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-3 Police Service (County Sheriff LASD ). The Walnut/Diamond Bar Station, located at 21695 East Valley Boulevard in Walnut (Figure 3.11-1), services Diamond Bar, Walnut, the easternmost portion of City of Industry and the unincorporated community of Rowland Heights. In the case of emergency, the San Dimas and Industry Stations can provide additional assistance. The LASD also provides general-service law enforcement to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including areas -time equivalent of 22.5 deputies, or nearly four deputies per 10,000 residents. Moreover, additional resources that can Bureau, Parks Bureau, County Services Bureau and Community Colleges Bureau). , According to peak rush hour, and traffic in and around the schools during the beginning and ending of business hours. Table 3.11-2: Los Division Number of Employees/Volunteers Status Traffic 4 Sworn Street Crime 15 Sworn Detective Unit 4 Sworn Communications (Dispatch) 3 Sworn/Non-sworn Reserve Officers 11 Sworn Community Service Officers 1 Non-sworn Volunteers in Public Safety 90 Non-sworn Total 128 Table 3.11-3. Response Standards and Times for Police Calls Response Time (Minutes) Police Service Department Standard Diamond Bar (2016) Emergency Calls 7 minutes 4.7 minutes Priority Calls 15 minutes 8.1 minutes Routine Calls 30 minutes 20.9 minutes 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1912 !(T !(F !(F !(F ^_ !(P Firestone Scout Reservation Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 121 Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 120 City Hall Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 119 Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRD IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RB LV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID GE R DPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI N D RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL E HILL R DMONTEFI NO AVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 !(F Fire Station !(P Police Station ^_City Hall Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence Figure 3.11-1: Public Safety Facilities 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1913 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-5 Schools The Planning Area is served by two school districts, the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) and the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD). Grand Avenue is a rough delineation between the two districts, with areas north served by PUSD and areas south served by WVUSD. The boundaries of the school districts are shown in Figure 3.11-2. WVUSD serves approximately 13,900 enrolled K-12 students within portions of the cities of Diamond Bar, Industry, West Covina, and Walnut, as well as portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. WVUSD schools within the Diamond Bar city limits serve approximately 8,000 students in five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Projections from acilities Action Plan anticipate that student enrollment will continue to decline through 2018-2019, followed by a period of growth. While excess capacity is predicted in the next ten years for middle schools and Diamond Bar High, the total seat shortage for WVUSD elementary schools in Diamond Bar is expected to grow from under 60 in 2015-2016 to over 660 in 2025-2026. The Facilities Action Plan suggests a need for an additional elementary school or the expansion of existing elementary school campuses to accommodate future enrollment growth. The excess capacity at the middle school level will be necessary to accommodate current elementary school students as they matriculate into middle school. PUSD serves approximately 23,200 enrolled K-12 students within portions of the cities of Diamond Bar, Industry, Pomona, and Chino Hills, as well as portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. PUSD schools within the Diamond Bar city limits serve approximately 3,500 students in four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Growth projections for PUSD are flat for the next five years, and while new housing developments in the City of Pomona should help their enrollment numbers, if trends persist, PUSD may need to develop alternative uses for multiple existing school buildings.1 Enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year, current enrollment capacity, and remaining capacity is shown in Table 3.11-4: 1 Enrollment projections provided by Pomona Unified School District via Decision Insite, 2014. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1914 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-6 Table 3.11-4: Public and Charter School Enrollment and Capacity in Diamond Bar School Name Total Enrollment, 2018-2019 Enrollment Capacity* Remaining Capacity Elementary Schools (K-6) 4,444 5,577 1,133 Pomona Unified School District 1,299 2,628 1,329 Armstrong Elementary 297 572 275 Diamond Point Elementary 301 740 439 Golden Springs Elementary 296 856 560 Pantera Elementary 405 460 55 Walnut Valley Unified School District 3,145 2,949 (196) Castle Rock Elementary 667 587 (80) Evergreen Elementary 643 675 32 Maple Hill Elementary 518 475 (43) Quail Summit Elementary 657 587 (70) Walnut Elementary 660 625 (35) Middle Schools (7-8) 2,797 3,545 742 Pomona Unified School District Lorbeer Middle 643 930 287 Walnut Valley Unified School District 2,154 2,615 461 Chaparral Middle 1,259 1,292 33 South Pointe Middle 895 1,323 428 High Schools (9-12) / Alternative Schools 4,234 5,685 1,451 Pomona Unified School District Diamond Ranch High 1,525 1,970 445 Walnut Valley Unified School District Diamond Bar High 2,709 3,715 1,006 Total 11,475 14,807 3,332 Source: Pomona USD, 2016; Walnut Valley USD, 2016. * 2015-2016 is most recent enrollment capacity data 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1915 !(T ")L !(C !(C !(C Armstrong E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Chaparral M.S. Diamond Bar H.S. Diamond Point E.S. Diamond Ranch High School Evergreen E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Maple Hill E.S. Pantera E.S. Quail Summit E.S. South Pointe M.S. Walnut E.S. Little League Field Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Willow Heights Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! ! ! ! Diamond Bar City Hall ! !US Post Office ! ! Diamond Bar Library Fire Station 121 Fire Station 120 Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond Bar Center Heritage Park Community Center Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LBALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S PRI N G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU MMITRIDGED R D IA M O N D B A R BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E RDPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO W A C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELW YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR BRIDGEGATED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 ")L Library !(C Community Centers Schools/Educational Facilities Public Facilities Parks, Recreation & Open Space School Districts Pomona Unified Walnut Valley Unified Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 3.11-2: Schools and Other Public Facilities 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1916 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-8 Other Community Facilities Community centers and other public facilities are shown in Figure 3.11-2. • Diamond Bar City Hall is located at 21810 Copley Drive, in a building the City purchased in 2011 after leasing space across the street in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) complex for 11 years. • Diamond Bar Library, a branch of the Los Angeles County Library, is housed on the first floor of the Diamond Bar City Hall building. This co-location has allowed the facility to function as a true community center, with many programs and activities. • The Diamond Bar Center, located in Summitridge Park, is a 22,500-square-foot facility containing banquet and meeting rooms, accommodating parties of up to 438 people and up to 1,000 people for meetings. A pad for a freestanding building is located on the grounds of the Diamond Bar Center, which was once contemplated as a potential library site. • The Heritage Park Community Center is located at 2900 S Brea Canyon Road. It accommodates up to 110 for dining and up to 200 for theatre events, and hosts classes and workshops. • The Pantera Park Activity Room is located at 738 Pantera Drive and accommodates groups up to 50 and hosts classes and workshops. Joint Use Agreements The City has joint use agreements with the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) and the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) to use gyms for adult basketball and volleyball programs, and with Pomona Unified School District to use the football field at Lorbeer Middle School. Parks, Open Space, and Recreational Facilities Park Classification For planning purposes, parks are classified by type based on the size, use, and physical characteristics of the land. • Community Parks. Community Parks are larger parks intended to accommodate a wide variety of active and passive recreation activities for the community. Amenities provided in a community park are focused on meeting the needs of several neighborhoods or large sections of the community, and they allow for group activities and recreational opportunities that may not be feasible in smaller neighborhood parks. Optimally, Community Parks range from 20 to 50 acres in size and serve neighborhoods within three to five miles of the park. Where a Community Park is located in a residential neighborhood, it also serves the immediate neighborhood within three-quarters of a mile to a mile. Amenities typically include community buildings, playground equipment, picnic areas and picnic shelters, barbeques, lit sports fields and courts, public restrooms, concessions, and on-site parking. Major events may be hosted in Community Parks that attract residents from throughout the city. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1917 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-9 • Neighborhood Parks. Neighborhood Parks are the basic unit of the park system and are typically found in residential neighborhoods. They typically range from 5 to 20 acres in size and are intended to serve surrounding neighborhoods within a 0.75-mile to one-mile radius. Ease of access and walkability to neighborhoods served are critical factors in siting and designing Neighborhood Parks. Amenities typically include playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, barbeques, sports fields and courts, public restrooms, and on-site parking. • Mini Neighborhood Parks. Mini Neighborhood Parks are Neighborhood Parks that range from a quarter acre to five acres in size. Mini Neighborhood Parks may serve neighborhoods within the same range as Neighborhood Parks but are best used to meet limited or specialized recreation needs. Mini Neighborhood Parks can provide landscaped public use areas, scenic overlooks, trail linkages, and facilities to serve a concentrated or limited population group such as youth or seniors. • Specialty Parks. Specialty Parks provide for a single use or activity and can include dog parks, trailheads, skate parks, and sports complexes. They may be standalone facilities or be located within or adjacent to other parks. Existing and Planned Facilities Existing parks, parks proposed in association with the Proposed Project, and recreational facilities in the Planning Area are shown in Figure 3.11-3. There are limited recreational facilities in the unincorporated portions of the Planning Area. As of 2016, with a city population of 57,081, the ratio of acres of parkland to 1,000 residents in Diamond Bar was 2.6, given that the Country Park is not counted towards the parkland ratio as it is a private amenity. City of Diamond Bar parks are described below, organized by type. Parkland acreage is summarized in Table 3.11-5. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1918 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-10 Table 3.11-5: Parkland Inventory (2019) Park Name Acreage Community Parks 109.0 Carlton Peterson Park 16.5 Pantera Park1 23.8 Summitridge Park 18.7 Sycamore Canyon Park2 50.1 Neighborhood Parks 30.9 Diamond Canyon Park 4.3 Heritage Park 3.3 Larkstone Park 6.8 Maple Hill Park 5.5 Paul C. Grow Park 4.5 Ronald Reagan Park 6.5 Sunset Crossing Park (future) 3 2.8 Mini Neighborhood Parks 12.0 Longview Park North 1.0 Longview Park South 0.8 Silver Tip Park 2.9 Stardust Park 1.0 Starshine Park 1.7 Summitridge Mini Park 1.3 Washington Park 0.5 Total City Parks 151.9 Other Parks 134.9 Country Park4 134.9 Total Park Land 286.9 Note: 1. Includes Pantera Wildlife Meadow/Dog Park, originally developed as a Specialty Park. 2. Includes Sycamore Canyon Trail Head Park, originally developed as a Specialty Park. 3. This will include sports fields and is contiguous with the PONY Baseball fields. While the park is smaller than five acres, it is developed as a Neighborhood Park for this area. 4. This is a private park located in the Country Estates neighborhood in Diamond Bar. While the neighborhood is a gated community, the park essentially serves as a Community Park for this development. Source: City of Diamond Bar, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1919 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-11 Parkland Ratio The General Plan establishes a parkland/recreational space standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, consistent with the Quimby Act. The Quimby Act allows the City to establish this standard as a means of requiring subdivision developers to provide a dedication of land or in lieu fees to ensure that the existing ratio of parkland acres per resident is maintained even as the number of residents increases with new development. As shown in Table 3.11-5, there are 151.9 acres of public Community and Neighborhood parkland in Diamond Bar in 2019, resulting in a ratio of 2.6 acres of public parkland per 1,000 residents. While the Country Park functions similarly to a Community Park within the Country Estates neighborhood, the 134.9 acres of parkland from Country Park cannot count towards the parkland ratio as it is a private amenity. Other Public Recreation Facilities and the County of Los Angeles-operated Diamond Bar Golf Course. Open space areas including Sandstone Canyon and the areas surrounding Summitridge and Pantera parks are accessible via the -owned open space that will be preserved in perpetuity. The Diamond Bar Golf Course which is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles occupies 172 acres near the western border of the city. The public golf course draws users from around the community and beyond, and offers 18 holes and clubhouse facilities. As discussed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development , the golf course is covered by the Community Core Overlay designation. Should the Golf Course cease to operate, that designation would require a master plan for the entire golf course property to ensure the orderly and cohesive implementation of its reuse. an undeveloped wooded canyon that stretches in a crescent shape from SR-57 northwest to SR-60. Approximately 800 acres of the Sphere of Influence is encompassed by the Firestone Boy Scout Reservation. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1920 !(C !(C !(C !(T ! Planned Neighborhood Park ! ! Planned Park ! ! Diamond Bar Pony Baseball ! ArmstrongE.S. Castle RockE.S. ChaparralM.S. DiamondBar H.S. DiamondPointE.S. DiamondRanch HighSchool EvergreenE.S. GoldenSpringsE.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. Maple HillE.S. PanteraE.S. Quail SummitE.S. South PointeM.S. WalnutE.S. Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! Maple Hill YMCA !! ! ! ! Diamond Point Club ! Deane Homes Swim Club ! Diamond Bar Golf Course ! Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond Bar Center Heritage ParkCommunity Center BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG EL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 City Parks Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Neighborhood Park Planned Park Other Recreational Facilities Sports/ Recreation Facilities Golf Course Open Space/ Greenways Private Park Existing Trail Proposed Trail Class 1 Bikeways Other Community Facilities !(C Community Centers Schools/ Educational Facilities Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of In uence County Boundary 5.157.000.375 MILES Parks Walkshed 5 Minute Walking Distance 10 Minute Walking Distance Parks Ser vice Area Three-Quarter Mile Buffer *Walksheds are calculated only for mini, neighborhood, and community parks. Figure 3.11-3: Existing and Planned Parks and Recreation Facilities 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1921 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-13 Recreational Trails City of Diamond Bar Trails Diamond Bar has a trail system spanning 5.44 miles, summarized in Table 3.11-6 and shown in Figure 3.11-4. Some trails are located within City parks and open space, while others act as linkages between the parks or to other regional trails. Trails offer hikers and cyclists views of natural landscapes and the surrounding city. As of 2019, the Summitridge Trail System is the most comprehensive trail network in Diamond Bar and features an extensive system of interconnected trails. The Pantera, Peterson, and Sycamore Canyon Trails span undeveloped, natural areas of city parks. facilities, including the installation of mile markers and benches and programming educational activities. Additional trail segments planned within the City as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan include the Crooked Creek Trail and Sandstone Canyon Trails, while trails planned within the SOI include the Tonner Canyon Trail and the Schabarum Trail. These proposed trails are shown in Figure 3.11-4. Table 3.11-6: Existing and Proposed Trail Network (2019) Existing Trails Miles Pantera Park Trail 0.60 Peterson Park Trail 0.29 Schabarum Trail (Skyline Extension) 7.94 Summitridge Trail 0.98 Summitridge Trail (Alternate Route) 0.61 Summitridge Trail (Canyon Route) 0.52 Summitridge Trail (Ridge Route) 0.62 Sycamore Canyon Park Trail 0.92 Tonner Canyon Trail 3.84 Subtotal: Existing Trails 16.31 Proposed Trails Miles Crooked Creek Trail Head 0.31 Larkstone Park Trail 0.44 Sandstone Canyon Trail Lower 0.79 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper 1.80 Sandstone Canyon Trail Upper (Alt) 0.46 Subtotal: Proposed Trails 3.81 Total Existing Plus Proposed Trails 20.11 Source: City of Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 2011, Dyett and Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1922 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-14 Regional Trails Schabarum- Skyline Trail is a long connector trail through open spaces and flood control channels connecting communities from Covina to Whittier. The trail allows recreational users and commuters to connect to a variety of other trails in the area, such as those in the Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park and Puente Hills Nature Preserve, as well as the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo River Trails. As is depicted on Figure 3.11-4, the County of Los Angeles has proposed an extension to the Schabarum Trail running through another proposed trail that extends east-west through a portion of the Sphere of Influence. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1923 !(C !(C !(C !(T ! Planned Public Park ! ! Planned Park ! !SandstoneCanyonT r a ilUpper(Al t)S yc a m ore CanyonPar k TrailSummitridgeTrailPony League Field Carlton J. Peterson Park Pantera Park Sycamore Canyon Park Summitridge Park Country Park Star Shine Park Ronald Reagan Park Heritage Park Silver Tip Park Paul C Grow Park Maple Hill Park Diamond Canyon Park Longview Park South Stardust Park Longview Park North Firestone Scout Reservation ! ! ! Washington Park! ! Maple Hill YMCA !! ! ! ! ! Diamond Point Club ! Deane Homes Swim Club ! Diamond Bar Golf Course ! Pantera Park Activity Room Diamond BarCenter Heritage ParkCommunity Center BREACANYONRD! Summitridge Mini Park Larkstone Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolinkStation }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM ONDBA R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LL ENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAMONDBARBLVDRIDG EL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O LD E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R DPEACEFULHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDAM BU SH E RSSTCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDR M O R NI NGCANYONRDSANTA Q UIND RKIO W A C R E ST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M A PLEHILLR D MONTEFIN OAVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNSandstone Canyon Trail Upper SummitridgeTrail Peterson Park Trail Crooked CreekTrail Hea d Summitrid g e Trail(Cany o n Rte)Summitri dg e Trail(AltRte)PanteraParkTrailSummitridgeTrail(RidgeRte)SandstoneCanyonTrailLowerTonnerCanyonTrailSchabarumTrail(SkylineExt)SchabarumTrail(SkylineExt)Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Trails Existing 2011 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Proposed Trails Other Community Facilities !(C Community Centers City Parks Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Neighborhood Park Planned Park Other Recreational Facilities Sports/ Recreation Facilities Golf Course Open Space/ Greenways Vacant Natural Areas Highways Ramps Railroads Major Roads Minor Roads City of Diamond Bar Sphere of In uence County Boundary 5.157.000.375 MILES Figure 3.11-4: Existing and Proposed Trail Network 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1924 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-16 REGULATORY SETTING State Regulations School Site Selection and Construction, California Education Code and California Public Resources Code California Education Code Part 10.5, Chapter 1 School Sites Sections 17210 to 17224 of the California Education Code governs the evaluation and selection of new sites and additions to existing sites for public schools, and for charter schools seeking state funding for school property acquisition or construction. Section 17211 requires the governing board of a school district to evaluate property proposed for a new school site or addition to an existing site at a public hearing prior to acquisition. Section 17212 requires the governing board of a school district to evaluate expert investigations into all factors affecting the public interest regarding a proposed school site prior to acquisition, including geological and soil engineering studies of such a nature as to preclude siting of a school in any location where the geological and site characteristics are such that the construction effort required to make the building safe for occupancy is economically infeasible. Under section 17212, the evaluation should also include the hazards, and surface drainage conditions, and other factors affecting the costs of the project. The chapter precludes the selection of a site where hazardous geological or soil conditions, hazardous substances, or proximity to an airport would pose a danger to public health or safety. California Education Code Part 10.5, Chapter 3 Construction of Buildings The California Department of Education (CDE) establishes standards for the selection of school sites pursuant to Education Code Section 17251. In 2000, the CDE School Facilities Planning Division (SFPD) updated the Guide to School Site Analysis and Development, which was originally published in 1966. The guide assists school districts in determining the amount of land needed to meet their educational purposes according to CDE recommendations. California Public Resources Code Section 21151.8 Public Resources Code Section 21151.8 requires that an EIR or negative declaration for a project involving the purchase of a school site or the construction of a new elementary or secondary school by a school district must include information on potential safety and health hazards to school occupants, including the presence of hazardous waste, hazardous substance release, pipelines, and air quality risks. SB 50 (Statutes of 1998), State School Funding, Education Code Section 17620 California Education Code 17620 establishes the authority of any school district to levy a fee, charge, dedication, or other requirements against any development within the school district for the purposes of funding the construction of school facilities, as long as the district can show justification for the fees. Senate Bill 50 was adopted in 1998. The legislation limits the power of cities and counties to require mitigation of school facilities impacts as a condition of approving new 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1925 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-17 development. It also authorizes school districts to levy statutory developer fees at levels higher than previously allowed and according to new rules. Quimby Act The 1975 Quimby Act (California Government Code section 66477) authorized cities and counties to pass ordinances requiring that developers set aside land, donate conservation easements, or pay fees for park improvements. Under the Quimby Act, fees must be paid and land conveyed directly to the local public agencies that provide park and recreation services communitywide; however, revenues generated through the Quimby Act cannot be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities. The act states that the dedication requirement of parkland can be a minimum of three acres per thousand residents or more, and equal to the existing parkland provision (up to five acres per thousand residents) if the existing ratio is greater than the minimum standard. In 1982, the act was substantially amended. The amendments further defined acceptable uses of or restrictions on Quimby funds, provided acreage/population standards and formulas for determining the exaction, and indicated that the exactions must show a reasonable relationship to subdivision ordinance pursuant to the Quimby Act with a parkland standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents, as described below. California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Part of the California Building Standards Code, CALGreen mandates green building requirements for the planning, design, operation, construction, use, and occupancy of every newly-constructed building in the state of California2. CALGreen elements cover such environmental impacts as stormwater pollution, water use, energy conservation, construction waste, and building maintenance and operation3. Local Regulations Los Angeles County General Plan The Los Angeles County General Plan applies to the unincorporated County land in the Planning Area. Chapters 10 and 13 address parks and recreation and public services and facilities. Policies related to these general plan elements include parkland classifications, parkland dedication requirements, funding mechanisms for the planning and development of recreational facilities, and issuance of development fees45: 2 California Department of Housing and Community Development. CALGreen Compliance. Online: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/index.shtml. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 3 California Department of General Services. CALGreen. Online: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page- Content/Building-Standards-Commission-Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 4 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 10: Parks and Recreation Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch10.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 5 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 13: Public Services and Facilities Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch13.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1926 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-18 • Policy P/R 1.5: Ensure that County parks and recreational facilities are clean, safe, inviting, usable, and accessible. • Policy P/R 1.7: Ensure adequate staffing, funding, and other resources to maintain satisfactory service levels at all County parks and recreational facilities. • Policy P/R 2.2: Establish new revenue generating mechanisms to leverage County resources to enhance existing recreational facilities and programs. • Policy P/R 3.1: Acquire and develop local and regional parkland to meet the following County goals: 4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents in the unincorporated areas and 6 acres of regional parkland per 1,000 residents of the total population of Los Angeles County. • Policy P/R 6.4: Ensure that new buildings on County park properties are environmentally sustainable by reducing carbon footprints, and conserving water and energy. • Policy PS/F 1.1: Discourage development in areas without adequate public services and facilities. • Policy PS/F 7.3: Encourage adequate facilities for early care and education. • Policy PS/F 8.2: Support library mitigation fees that adequately address the impacts of new development. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances The Los Angeles County General Plan applies to the unincorporated County land in the Planning Area and contains provisions pertaining to green building, park dedication, and fire safety. Title 21 Subdivisions Title 21 of the Los Angeles County General Plan contains information pertaining the dedication of private and public park sites and identifies when park fees are required. Title 31 - Green Building Standards Code Title 31 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances establishes design and construction guidelines with regards to energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental air quality6. Title 32 Fire Code Title 32 of the County of Los Angeles Code of Ordinances addresses issues pertaining to fire safety and construction, including directions for fuel modification plan review, and activities permitted in hazardous wildland fire areas. 6 County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County, California Code of Ordinances. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT31GRBUSTCO. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1927 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-19 Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel Modification Plans Fuel Modification Plans have been required in Los Angeles County since 1996. Fuel modification plans are required within areas designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area7. Within these regions, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department requires approval of a Fuel Modification Plan is for all new construction, 50% or more remodels, construction of certain outbuildings and accessory structures over 120 square feet, parcel splits, and subdivisions8. Los Angeles County Fire Department Wildfire Action Plan Adopted in 2009, the Wildfire Action Plan contains guidelines that recommend fire prevention measures such as creating defensible space and conducting fire-resistance retrofits in homes. Defensible space is a natural and/or landscaped area around a structure where the vegetation has been controlled, trimmed, or removed in order to reduce fire danger. The plan provides residents with information regarding emergency preparedness9. City of Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances Chapter 16.00, California Fire Code The Fire Code is Chapter 16.00 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code. It adopts the California Fire Code without amendments. Chapter 21.32, Dedications and Exactions This section of the Code of Ordinances provides for the dedication of land and/or the payment of fees to the city for park and recreational purposes as a condition of the approval of a tentative map. This section is enacted as authorized by the provisions of article 3, chapter 4 of the map act, also known as the "Quimby Act." The chapter establishes standards for subdivider dedications of land or payment of fees in lieu thereof, in conjunction with subdivision approval. Required acreage and fee dedications are based on the number and type of units as specified in Section 21.32.040 of the Code of Ordinances. 7 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 8 County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Fuel Modification Section. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/category/fuel-modification-section/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 9 Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1928 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-20 Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Master Plan The Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides an inventory and assessment of existing park and trail facilities, summarizes community input and a needs assessment, provides recommendations for expansion of the park system, and provides an outline for implementation. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: i. Fire protection, ii. Police protection, iii. Schools, iv. Parks, or v. Other public facilities; Criterion 2: Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated; or Criterion 3: Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Population As discussed in Chapter 2: Project Description, this analysis uses a Planning Area buildout population estimate of 66,685 for the Proposed Project, derived from a projected dwelling unit capacity of 22,177 units. Parks This analysis uses current General Plan standard of five acres of parkland per 1,000 population, consistent with the Quimby Act. To project the amount of parkland required at 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1929 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-21 buildout, the projected population at buildout in the planning area was divided by 1,000 and multiplied by five acres. The difference between this number and the existing amount of park acreage equals the area of new parkland needed to satisfy City park standards at buildout. An increase in population without progress toward meeting the standard would create a significant impact. Public Safety Services The County Fire Department follows national guidelines that require a five-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and eight minutes for paramedic units in urban areas, as well as an eight-minute response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units and 12 minutes for paramedic units in suburban areas. In 2015, the average response time for fire and emergency calls in the City of Diamond Bar was 5:58 minutes, slightly above the target response time for first-arriving fire and EMS units. Schools Projected demand for school facilities is based on student enrollment and generation data provided by WVUSD and PUSD. Projected demand for school facilities is based on the increase in housing units resulting from buildout of the proposed General Plan and demographic changes occurring over the Proposed Project n timeline. It is assumed that the proportion of Diamond Bar school students who reside in the city remains constant at 80%. 2040 generation rates are calculated by multiplying 2016-2017 generation rates by the percent change in elementary, middle, and high school aged children. Student generation rates used to project student population at buildout for elementary, junior, and high schools per single-family and multi-family unit are shown in Table 3.11-7 Assumed Student Generation Rates. Under SB 50 (Chapter 407, Statutes of 1998), a school district may levy impact fees on new development in order to mitigate potential impacts of the development on school facilities, and payment of these fees is considere or adjudicative act, or both, involving, but not limited to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental organization or reorganization as defined in Section Section 65995). Government Code Section 65995 limits the power of cities and counties to require mitigation of school facilities impacts as a condition of approving new development, stating that a but not limited to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental organization facilities mitigation that exceeds the amounts authorized pursuant to this section or pursuant to cts from development on school facilities anticipated under the Proposed Project is outside of the scope of this EIR and would be addressed at the time development is proposed through procedures outlined in Government Code Section 65995, and only indirect impacts resulting from the construction of new facilities are evaluated here. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1930 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-22 Table 3.11-7 Assumed Student Generation Rates Student Generation Rate School 2016-2017 2040 Elementary Schools (K-6) Pomona Unified School District Armstrong Elementary 0.02 0.01 Diamond Point Elementary 0.01 0.01 Golden Springs Elementary 0.02 0.01 Pantera Elementary 0.02 0.01 Walnut Valley Unified School District Castle Rock Elementary 0.03 0.02 Evergreen Elementary 0.03 0.02 Maple Hill Elementary 0.02 0.02 Quail Summit Elementary 0.03 0.02 Walnut Elementary 0.03 0.02 Middle Schools (7-8) Pomona Unified School District Lorbeer Middle 0.03 0.02 Walnut Valley Unified School District Chaparal Middle 0.05 0.04 South Pointe Middle 0.04 0.03 High Schools (9-12) / Alternative Schools Pomona Unified School District Diamond Ranch High 0.07 0.06 Walnut Valley Unified School District Diamond Bar High 0.13 0.10 Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1931 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-23 IMPACTS Impact 3.11-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities. (Less than Significant) Fire Service While the projected net service population increase of 6,781 residents by 2040 could increase the demand for emergency fire response and preventive services in the planning area, the increase in population would occur incrementally over the next 20 years. No new fire service facilities are included in the Proposed Project. Existing City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles policies would minimize calls for fire protection services. The Fire Code is Chapter 16.00 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code. It adopts the California Fire Code without amendments. Fuel modification plans are required within areas designated as a Fire Hazard Severity Zone within the State Responsibility Area or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area10 Wildfire Action Plan contains guidelines that recommend fire prevention measures such as creating defensible space and conducting fire-resistance retrofits in homes11. Policies included in the Proposed Project regarding fire safety education and requiring the Fire ment proposals would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development, thus ensuring that new development would be located close to existing fire stations. In general, new development anticipated under the Proposed Project would be located within three miles of an existing fire station.12 Furthermore, policies associated with the Proposed Project, while promoting traffic calming, alternative transportation, and road diets, contain 10 Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. 11 Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed: June 19, 2019. 12 The Transit Oriented Mixed Use focus area is located approximately two miles from Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 119. The Town Center Mixed Use focus area is located approximately one mile away from Station 120 and Station 121. The Neighborhood Mixed Use focus area is located approximately one mile away from Station 121. The Community Core Overlay focus area is located approximately 0.5 miles away from Station 120. Land use changes at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard are located in the Town Centre Village, which is where Station 120 is based. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1932 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-24 language to ensure that emergency vehicles could efficiently access all parts of the Planning Area, thereby reducing the need for new facilities located closer to new development. Should new fire service facilities need to be constructed in the future, construction of those facilities could result in environmental impacts, including potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. In the event that implementation of the Proposed Project results in the need for new fire service facilities, existing regulations, such as CALGreen, would serve to reduce potential environmental impacts associated with construction. Additionally, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the proposed General Plan. These policies would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities could have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies, the concentration of new development in areas already well-served by fire protection services, and the addition of policies to reduce fire hazards in the city, this impact is considered less than significant for fire protection. Police Service No new police service facilities are included in the Proposed Project. to the city immediately, including the Homicide Bureau, Aero Bureau, OSS (gang unit), and Traffic Services Bureau. If needed, 26 other stations resources to Diamond Bar. The average response time in 2016 was under five minutes for emergency calls, just over 8 minutes for priority calls, and under 21 minutes for routine calls, all of which were well within the meeting response time standards are traffic during peak rush hour, and traffic in and around the schools during the beginning and ending of business hours. The Proposed Project promotes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and other public safety programs, which would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development and new development contiguous to existing urbanized areas. Thus, potential future 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1933 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-25 development would be located close to the existing police station. Furthermore, proposed policies regarding emergency access, and acceptable travel flow would ensure that emergency vehicles could efficiently access all parts of the Planning Area, thereby reducing the need for new facilities located closer to new development. Should new police service facilities need to be constructed in the future, construction of those facilities could result in environmental impacts, including disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. In the event that of the growth anticipated by the Proposed Project results in the need for new police service facilities, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the Proposed Project that would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and Proposed Project policies, the concentration of new development in areas already served by police protection services, and the addition of policies to address crime potential in the city, this impact is considered less than significant for police services. Schools The Proposed Project anticipates the construction of up to 3,264 new potential housing units in the Planning Area by 2040. Based on the student generation rates shown in Table 3.11-8, the Proposed Project will coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates by approximately 656 elementary students, 238 middle school students, and 313 high school students, between 2017 and 2040. No new school facilities are included in the Proposed Project. Although capacity at existing and planned facilities are estimated to be sufficient to accommodate future elementary and junior high school students, demand for new facilities is not based solely on total school capacity, but also on the geographic distribution of potential residential growth in relation to the distribution of school capacity. If new residential development occurs where the capacity of nearby schools is limited, new elementary and junior high school capacity also may be required. The construction of new schools or alterations to existing schools could have environmental impacts, including potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. The siting of new schools is regulated by the CDE. The California Education Code (see Regulatory Setting) contains various provisions governing the siting of new public schools that require school districts to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1934 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-26 consider potential hazards to school occupants as well as other factors relevant to the public interest prior to the acquisition of a proposed school site. Although in many cases the avoidance or mitigation of hazards to school occupants would reduce impacts to the surrounding environment, the provisions of the California Education Code would not eliminate the potential for all construction-based or operational impacts of a new school. In the event that the growth anticipated by the Proposed Project results in the need for new or expanded public school facilities, projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies associated with the Proposed Project that would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the expected decline in public school enrollment in schools throughout the Planning Area, the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and policies, this impact is considered less than significant for public school facilities. Parks The General Plan establishes a citywide standard of 5.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. As of 2019, the City provided 149 acres of publicly accessible community and neighborhood parks for 57,495 residents, or 2.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. The Proposed Project is projected to result in a new park of 2.8 acres (creating 177 acres of parkland in total) and an increase of approximately 6,367 residents at buildout (for a total population of 63,862), yielding a citywide parkland to 1,000 resident ratio of 2.77. This figure represents an improvement over the current parkland ratio, but remains below the City standard. New park and recreation facilities have the potential to negatively impact the environment through potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, an increase in impermeable surfaces, increased exposure of sensitive habitats to human activity and traffic, introduction of invasive species, and the conversion of open space that could otherwise have been preserved. New park developments would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1935 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-27 The land use diagram identifies locations where potential new parks may be located. The parks would be sited and designed as part of the planning for specific development projects, rather than piecemeal prior to any increase in demand for recreational facilities in those areas. Meanwhile, policies regarding maintenance and investment in existing parks would ensure that existing facilities could continue to serve the recreational needs of the community. The precise amount, type, and location of new parks and recreational facilities would be determined as part of a planning process. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the Proposed Project that would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, promotion of water-efficient landscaping, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and the policies to maintain existing parks, this impact is considered less than significant for park and recreation facilities. Other Public Facilities The anticipated growth associated with implementation of the Proposed Project may have an impact related to other public facilities, such as administrative facilities and the library. The Proposed Project does not establish precise service standards for these other public facilities; rather, the Proposed Project includes policies that direct the City to provide these facilities commensurate with new growth and demographic changes. In the event that implementation of the Proposed Project results in the need for new public facilities, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. New facilities would be located consistent with specified land use designations and would be subject to policies in the Proposed Project. These policies would address potential impacts of siting, construction, and operation of new facilities to the extent assessed in other sections of this EIR. Proposed policies include those requiring construction best management practices to limit land disturbance, development review to protect significant biological resources, air pollution mitigation measures, promotion of water- and energy-efficient construction and landscaping, implementation of noise mitigation measures, and management of archaeological materials found during development. Due to the minimal effects that the development of new facilities would have on the environment with compliance with existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies, this impact is considered less than significant for other public facilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1936 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-28 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use and Economic Development LU-G-2. Encourage compact growth and prioritize infill development to preserve existing large blocks of open space within the City and Sphere of Influence including Tonner Canyon and the Tres Hermanos Ranch; enhance community character, optimize city infrastructure investments, provide pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, and enhance economic vitality. LU-G-5. Manage development in a manner consistent with the capabilities of the City to provide public services and facilities effectively. LU-P-2. Allow clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to protect significant environmental resources such as vegetated habitats, sensitive species, wildlife movement corridors, water features, and geological features within proposed developments as open space if the developer takes action to preserve the open space in perpetuity. LU-P-4. Monitor and evaluate potential impacts of proposed adjacent, local, and regional developments to anticipate and require mitigation to the greatest extent feasible to reduce land use, circulation, and economic impacts on Diamond Bar. LU-P-5. Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure are available or provided to support new development, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public safety, and parks. LU-P-6. Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-19. Require new developments larger than four acres to incorporate public parkland in the neighborhoods where such developments are located. Require other development to provide dedicated parkland, in lieu of fees for sites under four creage standards, to meet the recreational needs of new residents. LU-G-27. Designate adequate and equitably-distributed land for educational, cultural, recreational, and public service activities to meet the needs of Diamond Bar residents. LU-P-52. Collaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1937 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-29 LU-P-53. Ensure adequate parkland to serve the recreational needs of Diamond Bar residents by providing for a range of park sizes and amenities, equitably distributed throughout the city. Where necessary to adequately expand the park system and/or provide specialized recreational facilities and programming as identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, actively pursue the acquisition of additional parkland. LU-P-54. When a public agency determines that land it owns is no longer needed, advocate for the property to first be offered to other agencies, including the City of Diamond Bar, for public uses, prior to conversion to private sector use. LU-P-55. Preserve publicly-owned, undeveloped hillsides, as well as privately-owned hillsides with an Open Space General Plan designation, as natural open space in perpetuity. On privately-owned property which has a residential land use Hillside Management Ordinance by allowing residential development only at the permitted densities and where development would not detract from the protection and overall perception of the hillsides as natural topographic and ecological features, or negatively impact public safety or welfare. LU-P-56. Ensure that development on privately-owned, residentially designated land in hillside areas is compatible with surrounding natural areas by requiring that development: a. Minimizes as articulated by the landform grading criteria of the Hillside Management Ordinance excavation, grading, and earthwork to retain natural vegetation and topography; b. Preserves existing vistas of significant hillside features such as ridgelines, particularly from public places; c. Does not create unsafe conditions; d. Incorporates and is sensitive to natural contours and land forms in its site design, including hydrological features; e. Preserves natural watersheds, including existing vegetation within undeveloped hillside areas to the maximum extent feasible, including mature trees and native plant materials; f. Permits fuel modification as part of the Fi program; g. Utilizes planting palettes consisting of drought tolerant, fire resistant, plants with colors similar to those of native materials in the surrounding area; and h. Groups plants within swale areas to more closely reflect natural conditions within landform graded slopes. ED-G-1. Prioritize infill development opportunities and the reuse of existing vacant long-term fiscal sustainability and promote conservation of natural open space. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1938 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-30 Community Character and Placemaking CC-P-5. Establish a landscaping palette made up of native, drought-tolerant plants and stormwater management systems with a view to enhancing beautification and sustainable landscaping practices. CC-P-6. Prioritize sustainability in design. When incorporating on-site stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically integrated into the site design. CC-P-13. Require that landscaped common public spaces are incorporated into new mixed- use development. CC-P-14. Ensure that public spaces are physically and visually accessible from the street, compatible with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, with signage acknowledging that the open space is for public use. Circulation CR-G-1. Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. CR-P-5. Require necessary transportation improvements to be in place, or otherwise guaranteed to be installed in a timely manner, before or concurrent with new development. In evaluating whether a transportation improvement is necessary, consider alternatives to the improvement consistent with CR-G- 1, and the extent to which the improvement will offset the traffic impacts generated by proposed and expected development. CR-P-6. Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local city congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. Resource Conservation RC-G-1. Create and maintain a balanced open space system that will preserve scenic beauty and community identity, protect important biological resources, provide open space for outdoor recreation and the enjoyment of nature, conserve natural resources, and ensure public health and safety. See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Element for policies regarding the designation of open space land. See Chapter 5: Public Facilities and Services Element for policies related to parks and recreational facilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1939 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-31 RC-G-2. Seek to link the various elements of the open space network through the development of an integrated system of trails and greenways. RC-G-3. Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. RC-P-1. Obtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-2. As future parks are developed, incorporate natural open space areas and existing water resources and mature vegetation in order to provide for passive recreation opportunities and wildlife habitats. RC-P-6. Develop standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights-of-way. RC-P-7. Minimize visual and environmental impacts to ridgelines, hilltops, and slopes through regulations that minimize grading, ensure that development conforms to natural topography, and maximize safety, correlating development intensity with the steepness of terrain. Landform grading criteria and maximum allowable densities shall be based upon the slope density formula as set forth in the Development Code. RC-P-8. Work with other jurisdictions and conservation organizations to protect prominent ridges, slopes, and hilltops in and adjacent to the city and its Sphere of Influence. RC-G-4. Maintain, protect, and preserve biologically significant areas, including Significant Ecological Area (SEA) 15, riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands, and other areas of natural significance, providing only such recreational and cultural 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1940 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-32 opportunities as can be designed in a way that sustains, repairs or restores ecosystems rather than detracts from them. RC-G-6. Promote the use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical. RC-P-9. Require, as part of the environmental review process prior to approval of discretionary development projects involving parcels within, adjacent to, or surrounding a significant biological resource area, a biotic resources evaluation of the site by a qualified biologist, requiring that time-specific issues such as the seasonal cycle of plants and migration of wildlife are evaluated. Such evaluation shall analyze the existing and potential natural resources of given site following at least one site visit as well as the potential for significant adverse impacts on biological resources, and shall identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any impacts that would degrade its healthy function. In approving any permit based on the evaluation, the City shall require implementation of mitigation measures supported by the evaluation, or work with the applicant to modify the project if mitigation is determined not to be adequate to reduce the impacts to a non-significant level. RC-P-10. Require new development to preserve mature native trees including oak and walnut, and trees of significant cultural or historical value such as sycamore and arroyo willow, etc., as set forth under the Diamond Bar Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance. Regularly review the ordinance and update it as necessary to reflect current best practices. RC-P-11. Require that all development, including roads and trails, proposed adjacent to riparian and other biologically sensitive habitats avoid significant impacts that would undermine the healthy natural functioning of those areas. Require that new development proposed in such locations be designed to: • Minimize to the greatest extent possible or eliminate impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; • Protect the visual seclusion of forage areas from road intrusion by providing vegetative buffering; • Provide wildlife movement linkages to water, food, shelter, and nesting sites; • Allow wildlife and migration access by use of tunnels or other practical means; • Provide vegetation that can be used by wildlife for cover along roadsides; • Avoid intrusion of night lighting into identified areas through properly designed lighting systems; • Avoid impacts to wetlands, natural springs and seeps and maintain access for wildlife or when natural water areas are removed or blocked provide a locally suitable and equal replacement; and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1941 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-33 • To the greatest extent possible, prevent street water runoff from flowing into waterways RC-P-12. Support and cooperate with the efforts of other local, State, and federal agencies, groups, and private entities including Los Angeles County, neighboring jurisdictions, and conservation groups to preserve environmentally sensitive SOI, including the Puente Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, Tres Hermanos Ranch, Tonner Canyon, and SEA 15 to provide regional connectivity, and to sustain the ecological function of natural hillsides and biological resources. a. Discourage development in areas with identified significant biological resources, such as SEAs. b. Discourage development in riparian habitats, streambeds, wetlands, coastal sage scrub, cactus scrub, and native woodlands in order to maintain and support their preservation in a natural state, unaltered by grading, fill, or diversion activities. c. Preserve and restore oak woodlands and other native woodlands that are conserved in perpetuity with a goal of no net loss of existing woodlands. RC-P-13. Utilize native and drought-tolerant plants in landscaping for public buildings and parks and encourage the use of native and drought-tolerant species on private property. Develop a list of recommended native, low-water-use, and drought- tolerant plant species, as well as a list of invasive species to avoid. RC-G-7. Protect waterways including creeks, riverines, artesian springs, seeps, and wetlands and watersheds in Diamond Bar from pollution and degradation as a result of urban activities. RC-G-9. Conserve natural open spaces, biological resources, and vegetation to promote groundwater recharge. RC-G-10. Minimize the consumption and waste of potable water through water conservation and use of reclaimed water. RC-G-12. Pursue methods to control, capture, and reuse stormwater runoff for the purposes of groundwater recharge and local water recovery. RC-P-15. Support efforts to establish mitigation bank programs to restore habitat within Open Space-designated and deed-restricted lands. RC-P-16. Coordinate with local water agencies to encourage and expand the use of reclaimed water, stored rainwater, or household gray water for irrigation and other 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1942 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-34 appropriate uses and consider construction of dual water systems, where feasible, for development. RC-P-17. Continually evaluate and upgrade the efficiency of City irrigation systems, prioritizing the use of reclaimed water. RC-P-19. Require new development to reduce the waste of potable water through the use of drought-tolerant plants, efficient landscape design and application, and reclaimed water systems. RC-P-20. Require the implementation of the latest water conservation technologies into new developments. RC-P-24. Protect and, where feas preventing erosion along the banks, removing litter and debris, and promoting riparian vegetation and buffers. RC-P-25. Control and improve the quality of stormwater entering local water bodies by requiring new development to incorporate best management practices (BMPs), and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies that support on-site retention, detention, and/or treatment of stormwater through means such as infiltration, evapotranspiration, biofiltration, and rainfall harvest and use. RC-P-28. Encourage new development to minimize impacts on air quality through the following measures: • Use of building materials and methods that minimize air pollution. • Use of fuel-efficient heating equipment, and other appliances, such as water heaters, swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces, boiler units, and low or zero-emitting architectural coatings. • Use of clean air technology beyond what is required by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), leveraging State and local funding sources. RC-P-30. Ensure that new development projects are designed and implemented to be consistent with the South Coast Air Quality Management Plan. RC-P-37. Require construction and grading plans to include State and AQMD-mandated measures to the maximum extent possible fugitive dust and pollutants generated by construction activities and those related to vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling and maintenance as well as mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from vehicle and equipment operations. RC-P-39. Address impacts of new development projects that may individually have insignificant impacts on air quality, but which together with other projects in the Planning Area may be cumulative significant by establishing mitigation programs at the area wide or citywide level. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1943 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-35 RC-P-46. Establish a procedure for the management of archaeological materials found on- site during a development, including the following provisions: • If significant resources are known or suspected to be present on a site, require that a qualified archaeologist conduct monitoring of building demolition and/or construction grading activities. • If materials are found on-site during construction activities, require that work be halted until a qualified archaeologist evaluates the find and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. RC-P-47. Seek to preserve discovered archaeological resources in place in order to maintain the relationship between the artifacts and their archeological context, where feasible. RC-P-49. Establish development process to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources. Where possible, seek to preserve resources in place, exploring opportunities of permanent protection of the resources where feasible. RC-P-50. Conduct project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process to ensure adequate data recovery and mitigation for adverse impacts to significant Native American sites. Ensure that City staff and local developers are aware of their responsibilities to facilitate Native American consultation under Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. RC-P-51. Establish a procedure for the management of paleontological materials found on- site during a development, including the following provisions: • If materials are found on-site during grading, require that work be halted until a qualified professional evaluates the find to determine if it represents a significant paleontological resource, and makes a recommendation for the preservation in place or recovery of the resource. • If the resource is determined to be significant, the paleontologist shall supervise removal of the material and determine the most appropriate archival storage of the material. • Appropriate materials shall be prepared, catalogued, and archived at the feasible. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1944 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-36 Public Facilities and Services PF-G-1. Maintain and expand the system of parks, recreation facilities, open spaces, and trails that meet the active and passive recreational needs of residents of all ages and abilities. PF-G-2. Provide new parks in concert with new residential development while ensuring that parkland is distributed equitably across the city. PF-G-3. Require that new development bears the costs of new park and recreation facilities that are needed to meet any increase in demand resulting from the new development, or from which the new development would benefit. PF-P-1. Periodically update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to assess existing park and recreational facilities, assets, and deficiencies, and to plan for new facility locations, programs, and funding. PF-P-2. Continue to seek public input on parks and recreation needs and preferences through surveys, presentations to the Parks and Recreation Commission, neighborhood meetings and workshops, and other community outreach methods as necessary, such as when siting/designing new parks, when updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, when renovating existing parks, etc. PF-P-3. Identify and pursue funding and financial resources to acquire land for parks and ls, and recreational facilities. PF-P-4. Encourage the co-location of new parks and recreational facilities with schools, community centers, libraries, and other public facilities to create neighborhood focal points that contribute to neighborhood identity. PF-P-5. Continue cooperative efforts with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts through joint use agreements for park and recreational facilities. PF-P-6. Lanterman site, and seek joint use opportunities for parks and recreation facilities developed on the site. PF-P-7. Distribute new parks equitably through Diamond Bar, ensuring that residents are within a ¾-mile radius of a neighborhood park or community park. PF-P-8. Develop and maintain a park impact fee consistent with the General Plan standard of five acres per 1,000 residents in Diamond Bar. PF-P-9. Prioritize public parkland dedication as a condition of new residential development, allowing the use of in lieu fees only where parkland dedication is not feasible, to ensure a public park system available to the entire community. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1945 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-37 PF-P-10. Should Los Angeles County choose to cease operations of the Diamond Bar Golf Course or reduce the area of the Golf Course, prepare a master plan for development that includes opportunities for public parks comprising a range of passive and active recreational uses to suit the needs of Diamond Bar residents. PF-P-11. Promote the joint development, use, and maintenance of parks and open space facilities with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. PF-P-12. Routinely review existing funding mechanisms and explore additional funding opportunities to support additional parks and recreation facilities and programs, such as State and federal grants, Park Bonds and property tax assessments, Community Facility Districts, and Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts. PF-P-13. Develop facility, park design, and site planning standards that take into consideration accessibility, flexible use, adaptability, energy and water efficiency, ease of maintenance, and sustainable design elements that take advantage of the natural processes of healthy ecosystems, while preserving historic and cultural resources and sensitive habitats. PF-P-14. Preserve existing and future City-owned recreational open space as recreational open space in perpetuity. City-owned recreational open space includes undeveloped areas of City parks that are available for passive recreational use, and portions of designated open space land that have been dedicated to the City for use as trails. See Chapter 2: Land Use and Economic Development Element and Chapter 5: Resource Conservation Element for additional policies regarding the preservation of open space. PF-P-15. Prioritize the development of additional recreational facilities such as athletic fields, hard courts, and other recreational facilities that respond to citizen needs and preferences. PF-P-16. Continue to provide programming and services for seniors, including active programs, classes, and activities and outings, adjusting programming based on PF-P-17. Require that the recreational needs of all children and adults, including persons with disabilities, seniors, and dependent adults, be addressed in recreational facility planning efforts. PF-P-18. Link parks, open spaces, and regional hiking trails with a trail network. Incorporate existing trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, working with willing landowners to prioritize land acquisition where necessary. Where possible, incorporate landscaping and enhance natural features. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1946 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-38 PF-P-19. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to include standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open spaces, and rights-of-way. Encourage the installation of amenities such as rest areas, benches, water facilities, hitching posts and wayfinding signs serving trails and scenic routes that adhere to a standard signage palette. PF-P-20. Maintain the Parks and Recreation Master Plan goal of at least one mile of recreational trails for each 10,000 persons. PF-P-21. Seek grants and alternative funding mechanisms for trail development and maintenance. PF-P-22. Partner with non-profit organizations to assist in developing and managing the trails system and providing community outreach and education. PF-P-23. Coordinate trail planning with regional trail and open space plans to ensure connectivity and access to the regional trail system. PF-P-24. Coordinate land use planning with planning of school facilities. Work with the WVUSD and PUSD to monitor demographics and housing and enrollment trends, and work with the school districts from the early stages of area-wide planning and school site selection processes, reserving school sites to accommodate school district needs as necessary. Public Safety PS-P-1. Require new emergency facilities, including, but not limited to, fire stations, paramedic services, police stations, hospitals, ambulance services, and emergency operations centers be designed to withstand and remain in operation following the maximum credible earthquake event. PS-P-6. Prevent and control soil erosion and corresponding landslide risks through hillside protection and management. PS-P-10. Ensure that a drainage study has been completed by a qualified engineer as a prerequisite to new development or the intensification of existing development, certifying that the proposed development will be adequately protected, and that implementation of the development proposal will not create new downstream flood hazards. PS-P-13. Reduce the flooding impact of a storm event by enhancing the city's green infrastructure system to complement the gray infrastructure system. PS-P-15. Require adherence to Diamond Bar Fire and Building Codes, including minimum road widths and adequate access and clearance for emergency vehicles and the identification of all roads, streets, and major public buildings a in a manner that is clearly visible to fire protection and other emergency vehicles. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1947 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-39 PS-P-16. For privately-owned property within areas designated for development that are subject to high wildfire risk, condition approval of development upon the implementation of measures to reduce risks associated with that development, including, but not limited to, fuel modification plans and Fire Code requirements in effect at the time of project approval. PS-P-17. Protect and promote native oak woodlands that border residential areas as fire buffers. PS-P-20. Prior to permit approval, ensure that all new development located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a State Responsibility Area (SRA) is served by adequate infrastructure, including safe access for emergency response vehicles, visible street signs, and water supplies for fire suppression. PS-P-21. Collaborate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that properties in and adjacent to High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as indicated in Figure 7-6 are adequately protected from wildland fire hazards in a manner that minimizes the destruction of natural vegetation and ecosystems through inspection and enforcement. Update Figure 7-6 as new information becomes available from CAL FIRE. PS-P-22. Support the County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Provision of weed abatement and brush thinning and removal services in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Areas in order to curb potential fire hazards. PS-P-23. Where development is proposed within High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, ensure that the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has the opportunity to review the proposal in terms of its vulnerability to fire hazards and its potential as a source of fire, including fuel modification plan review for new development or additions that are equal or greater than 50 percent of the existing square footage. PS-G-5. Maintain safety services that are responsive to citizens' needs to ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community. PS-G-6. Support community-based policing partnerships to enhance public awareness of crime prevention and strengthen the relationship between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and neighborhoods throughout the city. PS-G-7. Provide effective emergency preparedness and response programs. PS-P-29. Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for review of applications for new development and for the intensification of existing development, ensuring that review is consistent with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. CPTED is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. CPTED Principles include natural surveillance or "eyes 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1948 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-40 on the street," clear delineation and access to public and private spaces, and continued upkeep and maintenance of spaces. PS-P-30. Continue to promote the establishment of neighborhood watch and business watch programs to encourage community participation in the patrol of neighborhoods. PS-P-31. Continue to utilize the contract model of government with Los Angeles County ide facilities, staffing, and equipment to attain the shortest possible response times as set forth by the adopted standards of those public safety organizations. PS-P-32. Support the achievement of police and fire response times through the implementation of traffic management measures that mitigate congestion during peak rush hour and during school drop-off and pick-up times. For additional traffic management policies, refer to Chapter 4: Circulation Element. PS-P-33. Monitor fire-flow capability throughout the Planning Area and improve water availability and redundancy for any locations that have flows considered inadequate for fire protection. Continue to work with various water purveyors to maintain adequate water supply and require on-site water storage for areas where municipal water service is not available. PS-P-34. Coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to review new development applications for consistency with applicable Fire Codes. PS-P-35. Work cooperatively with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and fire protection agencies of neighboring jurisdictions to ensure that all portions of the Planning Area are served and accessible within an effective response time. PS-P-36. Work with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that the cost of providing new staffing, facilities, and equipment, including paramedic services, to support new development is assessed against the developments creating that need. PS-P-37. Maintain area-wide mutual aid agreements and communication links with adjacent governmental authorities and other participating jurisdictions. PS-G-10. impose mitigation measures on future development and uses to prevent significant degradation of the future acoustic environment. PS-G-11. The location and design of transportation facilities, industrial uses, and other potential noise generators shall not adversely affect adjacent uses or facilities. PS-G-12. Support measures to reduce noise emissions by motor vehicles, aircraft, and trains. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1949 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-41 PS-P-47. As feasible, locate land uses to buffer residential uses from potential noise generators and site buildings to serve as noise buffers. PS-P-48. Maintain interior and exterior noise-related development standards through the Diamond Bar Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-49. Require that detailed site-specific noise analysis, including the identification of noise mitigation measures, be prepared for all development proposals located where project noise exposure would be other than normally or conditionally acceptable as specified in Table 7-1. With mitigation, development should meet the allowable exterior and interior noise exposure standards established in the Noise Control Ordinance. PS-P-50. Evaluate the land use compatibility of any proposed development project prior to approval to avoid locating loud developments near noise sensitive receptors. When walls over six feet in height are necessary to mitigate noise, a berm/wall combination with heavy landscaping, a terraced wall heavily landscaped, or other similar innovative wall design technique shall be used to minimize visual impacts. PS-P-52. Ensure that noise attenuation facilities are installed as feasible in all noise-sensitive areas impacted by County, State, or federal highways through coordination with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. Community Health and Sustainability CHS-P-1. Strive to ensure that all areas of the community have an equal distribution of public parks and public recreational facilities to maximize access. CHS-P-29. Require noise mitigation measures, which could include buffers, noise barriers, or natural open space, and vegetation, between new sensitive uses such as residential units and schools, and major noise polluters such as SR-57 and SR-60, the Metrolink Riverside rail line, and heavy industry. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1950 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-42 Impact 3.11-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. (Significant and Unavoidable) Without the development of new parks and adequate maintenance of existing parks, the potential increase in population anticipated by the Proposed Project could place additional physical demands on existing parks and facilities. An increase in the number of park users may cause parks to be in active use for longer periods of time and/or to be used more intensively over the course of a typical day. As a result, vital park elements such as vegetation, built structures, walking/biking paths, sport facilities, and others could face increased wear-and-tear over the course of the planning horizon and, without proper maintenance, their useful life could be shortened. The Diamond Bar Golf Course, which is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles, occupies 172 acres near the western border of the city. As discussed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Economic Development, the golf course is covered by the Community Core Overlay designation. Should the Golf Course cease to operate, that designation would require that at least 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The Proposed Project includes provisions to ensure ongoing expansion, investment in, and maintenance of public recreation facilities, thus preventing any substantial physical deterioration of existing or new facilities. Proposed Project policies require the identification of funding for the expansion and maintenance of parks, trails, and other recreational facilities and programs. The Proposed Project seeks to make the development of future recreational facilities responsive to the needs and preferences of the public by soliciting public opinion and ensuring that parks are distributed equitably throughout the City, thereby reducing the likelihood that any existing neighborhood, community, or regional parks, or other recreational facilities would experience overuse that could result in the physical deterioration of those facilities. The Proposed Project requires the development and maintenance of park impact fees and prioritizes the dedication of public parkland as a condition for new residential development, thus ensuring that funding available for parkland expansion and maintenance rises in accordance with new development. The Proposed Project contains policies designed to minimize the environmental impact of park and recreational facility development, including the development of design and site planning standards that consider energy and water efficiency, sustainable design elements, and habitat and cultural resource preservation. While the policies contained in the Proposed Project will help address potential adverse effects of development on the quality and availability of park services, the Proposed Project does not provide for adequate parkland to meet the 5.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents standard. As shown in Figure 3.12-3, the Proposed Project contains one new proposed park site at the west terminus of Sunset Crossing Road. The completion of Sunset Crossing park system, resulting in a ratio of parkland per 1,000 residents of 2.77 for City-owned parkland. This ratio is below the Proposed Project lly, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1951 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-43 the Proposed Project contains plans for the change in several park designations, from Neighborhood to Community Park (Carlton J. Peterson Park, Pantera Park, Summitridge Park, and Sycamore Canyon Park). As shown in Figure 3.12-3, the Proposed Project contains sections of Diamond Bar that do not fall within the ¾ of service area of any existing or proposed park. These areas include a portion of the northeastern edge of the City, extending from the Riverside Metrolink Line to near Goldrush Drive, and two areas in the southeast, between Bella Pine and Pathfinder Drives and between Wagon Trail Lane and Diamond Bar city limits. These areas include land use classifications for Low -Medium Residential, Low Density Residential, and Rural Residential Development, and thus are likely to generate unmet demand for park access from residents. Therefore, even with implementation of policies contained in the Proposed Project, impacts associated with substantial physical deterioration of park and recreation facilities are significant and unavoidable. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-1, PF-G-2, PF-G-3, PF-P-1, PF-P-2, PF-P-3, PF-P-6, PF-P-7, PF-P-8, PF-P-9, PF-11, PF-P-12, PF-P-13, PF-P-14, PF-P-15, PF-P-16, PF-P-17, PF-P-18, PF-P-19, PF-P-20, PF-P-21, PF- P-22, PF-P-23, PF-P-24, LU-P-2, LU-P-5, LU-P-19, LU-G-27, LU-P-52, LU-P-53, RC-G-1, and RC-G-2 as discussed under Impact 3.11-1, in addition to the following: Resource Conservation RC-P-1. Obtain and designate open space land through acquisition techniques such as: a. Requiring the incorporation of open space and recreational areas into the design of new development projects, preserving and enhancing as open space significant stands of vegetation, natural landforms, and any areas of special ecological significance through site design approaches such as clustering and ecological planning. b. Allowing clustering or transferring of all or part of the development potential of a site to a portion of the site to preserve significant environmental resources such as natural and native habitats (oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, etc.), natural creeks, artesian springs, vernal pools, seeps, riverines, wetlands, riparian habitats, wildlife corridors and linkages, and natural geological features within proposed developments as open space. c. Allowing for acquisition of open space lands through the entitlement process through the transfer of densities among land uses of like designation. d. Collaborating with land trusts and other conservation groups to acquire open space land through, but not limited to, conservation easements. RC-P-2. As future parks are developed, incorporate natural open space areas and existing water resources and mature vegetation in order to provide for passive recreation opportunities and wildlife habitats. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1952 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-44 RC-P-6. Develop standards for planning, design, management, and maintenance of trails and pathways within parks, preserves, open space, and rights-of-way. Community Health and Sustainability CHS-P-1. Strive to ensure that all areas of the community have an equal distribution of public parks and public recreational facilities to maximize access. CHS-P-24. Explore opportunities to incorporate community gardens into City parks and open space areas, and encourage the Diamond Bar Community Garden and other organizations to facilitate the development, administration, and operation of additional community gardens in the city. Mitigation Measures None available. The proposed General Plan includes several policies and land use changes aimed at increasing available and accessible parkland and open space. However, total parkland at buildout falls severely short of achieving the parkland ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents, and no mitigation is feasible that can make up this gap. Calculation of the parkland ratio does not include the 134.9 acres of parkland from the Country Park, which is a private amenity, or the proposed 100 acres of parkland associated with the Community Core Overlay, given that Los Angeles County has not ceased operation of the golf course. Conversion of these two areas would increase the parkland ratio but is not feasible at the time of analysis. A significant amount of land in Diamond Bar would need to be converted to public parkland to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, the impact remains significant and unavoidable. Impact 3.11-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. (Less than Significant) As stated, the Proposed Project anticipates the development of one new park at the westerly terminus of Sunset Crossing Road. In addition, the Proposed Plan calls for the continued support and adequate provision of library services, adult education programs, and community centers, in keeping with the needs and preferences of the population. Should new recreational facilities need to be constructed in the future, construction of those facilities could result in environmental impacts, including potential disturbances or conversion of habitat, water pollution during construction, increased noise levels, and an increase in impermeable surfaces. New park developments would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment; although compliance would not necessarily guarantee that significant impacts would be avoided or mitigated, it would allow for the identification and consideration of potential impacts and mitigation. The precise amount, type, and location of the new parks and recreational facilities would be determined during the planning process for individual development projects or master/specific plans, and would be consistent with the Proposed Project land use designations and policies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1953 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-45 Elements of the Proposed Project designed to minimize the environmental impact of new development, including the development of new recreational facilities, include developing park and recreational facility design and planning standards that consider energy and water use efficiency and sensitive habitat preservation, and incorporate natural and/or drought-tolerant landscaping where reasonable; promoting sustainable stormwater management through the construction of on- site green infrastructure; and providing provisions for the construction of infill development and preservation of open space, hillsides, and Significant Ecological Areas. As discussed under Impact 3.12-1, impacts associated with new recreation facilities would be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-1, PF-G-2, PF-P-1, PF-P-14, PF-P-19, PF-P-22, PF-P-23, PF-P-25, PS-P-6, PS-P-10, PS-P-13, CC-P-5, CC-P-6, LU-P-2, LU-P-55, LU-P-56, ED-G-1, RC-P-2, RC-P-6, RC-P-7, RC-P- 8, RC-P-9, RC-P-10, RC-P-11, RC-P-12, RC-P-13, RC-P-15, RC-P-16, RC-P-17, RC-P-19, RC-P- 20, RC-P-24, RC-P-25, RC-P-28, RC-P-30, RC-P-37, RC-P-39, RC-P-46, RC-P-47, RC-P-49, RC- P-50, and RC-P-51 as discussed under Impact 3.11-1, in addition to the following: Resource Conservation RC-G-3. Preserve to the extent possible open space ridgelines, hilltops, and prominent slopes for aesthetic, biological and natural resource conservation, and safety purposes. Public Facilities and Services PF-G-4. Continue to provide residents of all ages and abilities with access to high quality local educational facilities and learning opportunities in cooperation with the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts (WVUSD and PUSD, respectively), the Los Angeles County library system, and community organizations. PF-G-5. Continue to provide and expand opportunities for all residents to gather, interact, exchange ideas, and establish and realize common goals. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1954 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.11: Public Facilities and Recreation 3.11-46 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1955 3.12 Transportation This section assesses potential environmental impacts on the transportation system from future development anticipated by the Proposed Project, including those related to vehicle miles traveled (VMT), roadway hazards, emergency access, public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This section describes the existing transportation system, characteristics, and operations of the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were numerous comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics covered in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Transportation. • Comments were received stating that Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) mandates that CEQA review of transportation impacts of proposed developments be modified by using vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as the primary metric in identifying transportation impacts. These comments are acknowledged, and VMT is the metric of transportation impact analysis utilized in this EIR. • A commenter asked if the CEQA Guidelines relating to SB 743 will be applied equally to Diamond Bar as compared to areas where there is less impact from major routes. In response to this inquiry, the SB 743 compliance analysis in the EIR addresses the type of trip, length of trip and number of trips. Congestion and cut-through traffic in the analysis affect trip routing which is reflected in the analysis. However, SB 743 analysis in the EIR compares Diamond Bar to itself with and without the proposed General Plan land use changes, and other cities with less congestion are compared to their own region, resulting in equal application of CEQA in each city. • There were requests that the EIR should go further in assessing traffic, noting that traffic calming is not the solution. Several major intersections that are currently saturated during peak hours and requests consideration of these locations. Any future projects that further increase traffic flow and volume at any of these intersections and routes should consider cut-through traffic from SR 57 and SR 60 and ensure that traffic flow is not negatively impacted as compared to traffic flow on these Diamond Bar streets and intersections. The response to these comments is that SB 743 has determined that VMT is the primary metric in identifying transportation impacts, not delay or congestion. Congestion was addressed as part of the General Plan but not the EIR. • The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) acknowledged the challenges in alleviating congestion and requested a focus on complete streets and TDM strategies to promote alternatives to driving and managing parking. Good traffic engineering design at ramp terminal intersections includes accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians. Caltrans notes that road diets are proven safety countermeasures, residential development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1956 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-2 near freeways should include sound walls, and recommends planning for increased transit facilities. The Proposed Project reflects these transportation planning principles in that complete streets and TDM strategies are included in the General Plan Goals and Policies and are addressed in the EIR. • The City of Chino Hills reviewed the land use changes near Diamond Bar Boulevard and SR-60/57 Interchange and documented that the changes seem reasonable. This comment is acknowledged; moreover, land use changes are addressed in greater detail in the EIR. • The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the Regional Transportation Planning Agency and is responsible for preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) pursuant to SB 375. SCAG summarized 2016 RTP/SCS goals, which seek to improve mobility, promote sustainability, facilitate economic development, and preserve the quality of life for residents in the region. The long-range visioning plan balances future mobility and housing needs with goals for the environment, the regional economy, social equity and environmental justice, and public health. RTP/SCS goals are utilized in the General Plan Goals and Policies and are addressed in the EIR. • Hills for Everyone (HFE) supports a Climate Action Plan to reduce VMT and help meet SCAG GHG targets and California Air Resource Board (CARB) statewide targets for SB 375. HFE asked how the General Plan will address level of service LOS, load and capacity for existing roads; reduce wait times at traffic signals; incorporate more pedestrian and bike- friendly amenities; reduce the use of vehicular transportation; and review shared parking ratios. The General Plan addresses LOS and roadway capacity from a high-level land use growth perspective and maintains a LOS D standard at intersections and roadways in the City. Some roadways were exempted from the policy. The General Plan also considers the adaptive signal timing program that will reduce vehicle delay on coordinated corridors and improve congestion Citywide. As noted above, complete streets and TDM policies were considered as goals and policies in the General Plan and were addressed in the EIR. • There are life and safety concerns when traffic is gridlocked and emergency vehicles are unable to navigate through the area. Opinions include that LOS C should be the minimum acceptable standard. Future development will further exacerbate the saturated condition. Congestion on SR-60 and SR-57 causes the worst congestion in Diamond Bar. Air quality will be worsened as long as there are gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. Diamond Bar has not felt the full impact of the build-out along Grand Avenue in the City of Industry or the effects on the environment and traffic from any developments in Tres Hermanos Ranch. CEQA in Diamond Bar should take into account the City of Industry. The concept of pedestrian-friendly communities is not practical when it is a mile or more to go shopping. The buildout of the General Plan utilizes the SCAG model which also includes buildout growth of the surrounding SCAG region. VMT analysis was conducted which considers the buildout of neighboring cities and the effect on Diamond Bar in the EIR. Pedestrian-friendly community strategies are prescribed in the General Plan Goals and Policies in order to minimize the transportation impact in the EIR. • Additional car trips that will be generated by high-density housing and commercial in TOD raise concerns about increasing exposure to pollution, noise, traffic congestion and hazards to safety. Studies need to be conducted on existing and future impacts of TOD development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1957 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-3 for the impacts of the newly opened freeway onramps/off-ramps by Lemon Avenue. There should be traffic calming features to prevent accidents near the school. Developing the golf course needs to be addressed at congested intersection Grand Avenue at Golden Springs Drive. The buildout of the General Plan utilizes the SCAG model which also includes inclusion of the TOD land uses and the future roadway network such as Lemon Avenue interchange. • Other public comments included accounting for induced travel concurrent with freeway widening projects, to prevent cut-through traffic in the City, to relieve congestion in the City, concerns over traffic collisions, and concerns over school traffic. The VMT assessment includes use of the SCAG model which is sensitive to induced travel when utilized within the limits of the model. The General Plan does not propose the widening of any roads or any new facilities that are not already planned as part of the 2016 SCAG RTP/SCS and therefore no modifications were applied to the roadway network that would be anticipated to induce travel in the analysis. 12.1 Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING The City of Diamond Bar lies in Los Angeles County. It borders Walnut to the north-west, City of Industry to the west, Pomona to the northeast, Chino Hills to the south-east, and Rowland Heights to the south-west. The transportation system in Diamond Bar includes diverse elements including roadway systems and bicycle systems, as well as a public transit system providing both local and regional service. A field assessment was conducted in September 2016 to further assist in the existing conditions evaluation. The transportation elements within the City are discussed in greater detail below. Travel Characteristics An analysis of American Community Survey (ACS) data available from the US Census Bureau provides information related to the travel trends and behavior amongst workers in Diamond Bar and surrounding areas. According to the ACS 2014 5-Year estimates, 79 percent of commuters drive alone in Diamond Bar, compared to 74 percent in Los Angeles County and California and 76 percent in the United States (Table 3.12-1: Commuter Mode Share in Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas). Comparatively, 10 percent of workers in Diamond Bar carpooled, which approximately consistent with the County average. Transit, walking, and biking are all approximately 5 percent or less of commute trips. Approximately seven percent of workers work from home, which is slightly higher than local and regional rates. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1958 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-4 Table 3.12-1: Commuter Mode Split In Diamond Bar and Surrounding Areas Commute Mode Choice Diamond Bar Los Angeles County California United States Single Occupant Auto 79.2% 73.7% 73.6% 76.4% Carpool 9.7% 9.6% 10.4% 9.2% Public Transit 3.1% 6.3% 5.2% 5.1% Bicycling/Walking 0.7% 3.6% 3.7% 3.3% Other Means 0.7% 1.5% 1.5% 1.2% Work at Home 6.6% 5.3% 5.6% 4.7% Source: American Community Survey (2013-2017). Census data also indicates that commute travel times for Diamond Bar residents are shorter than for the rest of Los Angeles County. Eight percent of Diamond Bar residents travel less than 10 minutes to work, versus four percent of countywide residents. Also, 33 percent of Diamond Bar residents travel less than 20 minutes, which is higher than the rest of the County (24 percent). Twelve percent of Diamond Bar residents take 60 or more minutes to reach work, compared to 19 percent of overall County residents. Another aspect of travel behavior relates to the propensity for residents to either remain within their community or travel outside of their community for their work trips. One data source for this information is the Longitudinal Employer Household Dynamics (LEHD). According to the LEHD database, 6.3 percent of Diamond Bar residents worked in the City and 93.7 percent worked elsewhere in 2015 (the most recent year available). Table 3.12-2 summarizes that this is consistent with local rates of surrounding cities. The percentage of persons living in Diamond Bar who also work in Diamond Bar has remained consistently between 6.3 percent and 6.9 percent from 2005 to 2015. The percentage of persons living in Diamond Bar but working elsewhere has remained above 93.7 percent during the same span of time. Table 3.12-2: Percentage of Residents Who Work in City of Residence (Diamond Bar and Surrounding Area) Work in City of Residence Diamond Bar 6.3% Walnut 6.3% Pomona 10.6% Chino Hills 5.1% Rowland Heights 5.8% Source: American Community Survey 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1959 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-5 Motorized Transportation Network Roadway Classifications The City of Diamond Bar is a primarily suburban community with well-developed traffic patterns. The street system consists of a network of local roadways that connect to major roadways in a typical residential street pattern with many loops and cul-de-sacs. The roadway system comprises five functional systems: major arterial, secondary arterial, boulevard, collector, and local streets. The classification of streets is based on a functional hierarchy defined by the number of travel lanes, roadway width (curb to curb), right-of-way (public property line to public property line), and traffic volumes. The network of arterial, collector, and local streets provide connectivity within the City of Diamond Bar and to neighboring communities. Regional connectivity to the City is provided by California State Route 57 (SR-57) and California State Route 60 (SR-60). The existing Circulation Element of the Diamond Bar General Plan designates five different roadway types in the City. Functional classification refers to how a road accommodates two characteristics: first, the extent to which the roadway prioritizes the through movement of traffic and second, the level of access provided to adjacent properties. Based on these generalized characteristics, roadways often vary in terms of right-of-way, roadway width, number of lanes, intersection and traffic signal spacing, speed, and other factors. The functional classification is assigned to a particular roadway based on the criteria above. Table 3.12-3 below identifies these roadway types for the City and provides the general geometric cross-sectional characteristics of each. Table 3.12-3: Diamond Bar General Plan Roadway Functional Classifications Roadway Type Description of Typical Street Cross Section Characteristics Arterial Street (Major and Secondary) A major arterial street generally features four or six lanes for through traffic and may contain additional lanes to accommodate turning movements, parking, and bicycle traffic, all within a right-of-way of 100-120 feet. A secondary arterial generally features four lanes for through traffic and may also contain additional lanes, all within a right-of-way of 60-100 feet. Boulevards Boulevards are a type of arterial designed to connect major destinations within the City, and are highly visible and aesthetically landscaped with shade trees and wide sidewalks. Collector Streets (Business and Residential) Collector streets serve business or residential land uses and are gener ally two or four lane roadways. Local Residential Streets A local residential street is a two-lane roadway with no median and is intended to serve solely local traffic. Source: Diamond Bar General Plan Circulation Element, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1960 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-6 The following descriptions categorize the roadways within the City of Diamond Bar. Freeways State Route 57 An eight-lane portion of SR-57 (Orange Freeway) runs along the C boundary and through its southern boundary and provides the City with important inter-city and inter-regional connectivity. SR-57 is connected to the City via interchanges on Diamond Bar Boulevard, Pathfinder Road, and Sunset Crossing Road. State Route 60 A ten-lane portion of SR-60 (Pomona Freeway) runs from the northern boundary and along the C City with important inter-city and inter- regional connectivity. SR-60 is connected to the City via interchanges on Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road, Grand Avenue, and Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Lemon Avenue. Please note that there is no freeway interchange connection from westbound SR-60 to northbound SR-57 or in the opposite direction. The locally designated Sunset Crossings Road and a segment of Diamond Bar Boulevard functions as the freeway-to-freeway connector for this direction. Boulevards Diamond Bar Boulevard Diamond Bar Boulevard is designated as a boulevard and provides two travel lanes and a bicycle lane in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. Diamond Bar Boulevard runs through both residential and commercial land uses. West of SR-57, this roadway continues as Brea Canyon Cutoff Road, a secondary arterial roadway. Golden Springs Drive (East of SR-57) East of SR-57, Golden Springs Drive is designated as a boulevard. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median between SR-57 and Grand Avenue only, left turn lanes, and a speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. There is also a bicycle lane in each direction that begins just east of Adel Avenue. Residential and commercial land uses are predominantly present around Golden Springs Drive. Grand Avenue (between Montefino Avenue and Cleghorn Drive) Grand Avenue is designated as a boulevard on this 2,000-foot segment of commercial uses. This segment provides three travel lanes in each direction with a raised, narrow, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 45 mph. Arterial Streets Brea Canyon Road Designated as a major arterial roadway north of Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road provides two to three travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a posted speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. South of Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road is designated as a secondary arterial roadway that provides two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane and a posted speed limit that varies between 40 to 45 mph. Brea Canyon Road is primarily surrounded by commercial land uses north of Golden Springs Drive and residential land uses south of Golden Springs Drive. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1961 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-7 Brea Canyon Cutoff Road This roadway is designated as a secondary arterial and runs along the southwestern edge of the City. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane and a speed limit of 40 mph. Adjacent land uses are primarily open space and residential. Chino Avenue A very short segment of Chino Avenue that runs through Diamond Bar is designated as a secondary arterial roadway. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with left turn lanes and a posted speed limit of 50 mph. Residential land uses surround this portion of Chino Avenue. Chino Hills Parkway Chino Hills Parkway is designated as a major arterial roadway and provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised median and a speed limit of 50 mph. It is surrounded by vacant hillsides within Diamond Bar. Golden Springs Drive West of SR-57, Golden Springs Drive is designated as a major arterial roadway with two travel lanes in each direction, a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit ranging from 40-45 mph. Residential and commercial land uses are predominantly present around Golden Springs Drive. Grand Avenue (West of Montefino Avenue and East of Cleghorn Drive) West of Montefino Avenue, Grand Avenue is designated as a major arterial roadway, adjacent to commercial uses and freeway. This segment provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 45 mph. East of Cleghorn Drive, Grand Avenue is designated as a major arterial roadway, adjacent to residential uses. This segment provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 45 mph. Lemon Avenue (north of Golden Springs Drive) This short segment of Lemon Avenue runs north of Golden Springs Drive to the edge of the City and is designated as a major arterial roadway. It provides two travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median, left turn lanes, and a speed limit of 40 mph. This roadway includes access to the SR-60 freeway by the recently constructed interchange. Adjacent land uses are primarily industrial. Temple Avenue The south side of Temple Avenue between Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Road is within the City of Diamond Bar and the north half is within the City of Pomona. In both cities this street is designated as a major arterial. This segment of Temple Avenue contains two travel lanes in each direction which are separated by a landscaped median. There is no parking allowed on this stretch of Temple Avenue and the posted speed limit is 45 mph. Pathfinder Road Pathfinder Road is designated as a major arterial roadway running through residential land uses. Two travel lanes are provided in each direction. Most of this segment has a center turn lane, left turn lanes, and no median. The speed limit is 40 mph. Collector Streets Sunset Crossing Road (East of Prospectors Road) Sunset Crossing Road east of SR-57 is a two- lane collector street with street parking and a 25 mph speed limit running through primarily residential land uses with some commercial uses. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1962 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-8 Lycoming Street Lycoming Street is a two-lane collector street with street parking and a 25 mph speed limit running through primarily residential land uses with some commercial uses. Prospectors Road Prospectors Road is a two-lane collector street with street parking and a 25 mph speed limit running through residential land uses. Walnut Drive Walnut Drive is a four-lane collector street with a 40 mph speed limit running through primarily commercial and industrial land uses. Copley Drive/Gateway Center Drive Copley Drive is a two-lane collector street with a two-way turn lane and a 35 mph speed limit running through commercial and institutional land uses. North of Bridgegate Drive, Copley Drive turns into Gateway Center Drive. Bridgegate Drive/Valley Vista Drive Bridgegate Drive/Valley Vista Drive is a two-lane collector street with a two-way turn lane, street parking, and a 35 mph speed limit running through commercial and institutional land uses. Figure 3.12-1 shows the Diamond Bar roadway network by functional type. Table 3.12-4 outlines the classified facilities within the City. Table 3.12-4: Diamond Bar Roadways Classifications Roadways Boulevards Diamond Bar Boulevard Golden Springs Drive (east of SR-57) Grand Avenue (between Montefino Avenue and Cleghorn Drive) Arterial Streets (Major and Secondary) Chino Hills Parkway Golden Springs Drive (west of SR-57) Grand Avenue (west of Montefino Avenue and east of Cleghorn Drive) Lemon Avenue (north of Golden Springs Drive) Pathfinder Road Brea Canyon Cutoff Collector Streets Sunset Crossing Road (east of Prospectors Road) Lycoming Street Prospectors Road Walnut Drive Copley Drive Gateway Center Drive Valley Vista Drive Bridgegate Drive Local Streets All others Source: Diamond Bar General Plan Circulation Element, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1963 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETC R O S SING RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O S PLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTE R A DRLONGVIEW D R S U MMITRIDGED R D IAM O N DB AR BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANC R E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREA C A N Y O N CUTOFFR D BREACANYONRDH A W K WOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D RBREA CANYONRD LYCO MING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O NSVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDR WAGONTRA IN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYON RI D GE RDPEACEFULHILL S R D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RSSTCOLDSPR INGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNIN GCANYONRDSANTA Q UIN DRKIO W A C R E S TDRBIRDSE Y E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W Y M APLE HIL L RDMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEN D DR SYLVAN G L EN R D HIGH L A N D VLY RD DE LSOLLND E C O R A H R D S E A G R EEN DRC O PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTAD R ROCKRIVERRDFreeway Major Arterial Secondary Arterial Boulevard Collector Local Ramp Railroad City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 3.12-1: Circulation Diagram Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019 City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1964 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-10 Bicycle Facilities Highway Design Manual (HDM) (Chapter 1000: Bikeway Planning and Design) and California Assembly Bill 1193 codify four distinct classifications of bikeways. Bikeways offer various levels of separation from traffic based on traffic volume and speed, among other factors. Bikeway classifications and existing facilities of each type are described below. Class I Bikeway (Bike Path) Class I bicycle facilities are bicycle trails or paths that are off-street and separated from automobiles. They are a minimum of eight feet in width for two-way travel and include bike lane signage and designated street crossings where needed. A Class I Bike Path may parallel a roadway (within the parkway) or may be a completely separate right-of-way that meanders through a neighborhood or along a flood control channel or utility right-of-way. Class II Bikeway (Bike Lane) Class II bicycle facilities are striped lanes that provide bike travel and can be either located next to a curb or parking lane. If located next to a curb, a minimum width of five feet is recommended. However, a bike lane adjacent to a parking lane can be four feet in width. A striped buffered area may also be included between the bike lane and the vehicular travel lane to create further separation between the two travel modes. Bike lanes are exclusively for the use of bicycles and include bike lane signage, special lane lines, and pavement markings. Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) Class III Bikeways are streets that provide for shared use by motor vehicles and bicyclists. While bicyclists have no exclusive use or priority, signage both by the side of the street and stenciled on the roadway surface alerts motorists to bicyclists sharing the roadway space and denotes that the street is an official bike route. Class IV Bikeway (Separated Bikeway) Class IV bicycle facilities, sometimes called cycle tracks or separated bikeways, provide a right-of- way designated exclusively for bicycle travel adjacent to a roadway and are protected from vehicular traffic via separations (e.g. grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible physical barriers, on-street parking). California Assembly Bill 1193 (AB 1193) legalized and established design standards for Class IV bikeways in 2015. Bicyclists enjoy an extensive system of dedicated These facilities consist Class I, II and III facilities and are shown on Figure 3.12-2. Proposed Class I, II, III and IV facilities are also shown on Figure 3.12-2. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1965 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETC R O S SING RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R MI T O S PLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSH DR G O L D E N S P R IN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTE R A DRLONGVIEW D R S U MMITRIDGED R D IAM O N D B AR BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANC R E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREA C A N Y O N CUTOFFR D BREACANYONRDH A W K WOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D RBREA CANYONRD LYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALC O NSVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDR WAGONTRA IN L N CLEARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYON RI D GE RDPEACEFULHILL S R D EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RSSTCOLDSPRIN GLNBELLA PINE DRMORNIN GCANYONRDSANT A Q UIN DRKIO W A C R E S TDRBIRDSE Y E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W Y M APLE HILL RDMONTEFINOAVE GREATBEN D DR SYLVAN G L EN R D HIGH L A N D V LY RD DE LSOLLND E C O R A H R D S E A G R EEN DRC O PLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTAD R ROCKRIVERRDExisitng Facilities Class I: Multi-Use Path Class II: Bicycle Lane Proposed Facilities Class I: Multi-Use Path Class II: Bicycle Lane Class III: Bicycle Route Class IV: Protected Bike Lane City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fehr & Peers 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Figure 3.12-2: Proposed Bicycle Network 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1966 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-12 Pedestrian Facilities The suburban, tract housing layout, with major through streets comprising a notable portion of the City, has resulted in an automobile dominant community. Six factors that affect walkability and the pedestrian experience in the City at large have been analyzed, including: Sidewalk Continuity Communities are more walkable if sidewalks do not end abruptly and are present on the entire segment and both sides of a roadway. This is especially important for the mobility-impaired or those pushing small children in strollers. Sidewalk Conditions - This refers to the physical condition of sidewalk surfaces. Sidewalks that are broken or cracked can deter walkability and pose a safety hazard, particularly for the mobility impaired, such as those in wheelchairs and persons using walkers or strollers. Shading - Persons are more inclined to walk in areas where there is shade present, particularly in Southern California with its relatively warm weather and limited rainfall as compared to other locations. Additionally, shade trees create an aesthetic value that is pleasing to the pedestrian. Grade - Persons are more inclined to walk in areas that are relatively flat or have limited grade changes. Amenities - All else being equal, persons are more inclined to walk in areas that are interesting environments with shopping, retail, restaurants, and other similar uses. Pedestrian-friendly amenities include street furniture, attractive paving, way-finding signage, enhanced landscaping, and improved lighting. Buffers - A more walkable environment is one in which there is some degree of separation between the pedestrian and the motorist. This typically includes wider sidewalks, street parking and sidewalk bulb-outs at intersections where feasible. Crosswalks with appropriate signage serve as an important buffer as well. A general evaluation of the pedestrian environment in Diamond Bar is provided in Table 3.12-5 below. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1967 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-13 Table 3.12-5: Existing Pedestrian Facilities Criteria Evaluation Sidewalk Continuity Most major roadways in Diamond Bar have continuous sidewalks on one or both sides. Most residential streets also have continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street. Sidewalk Conditions Throughout the City of Diamond Bar, sidewalks are generally in good condition, free of cracks, fissures, or uplift. While there are some examples of cracked pavement, no conditions were observed that would inhibit safe movement. Sidewalks are generally wide enough to accommodate multiple users, though in some cases there are obstructions due either to various utility boxes or overgrown landscaping. Shading Generally, shading is limited throughout Diamond Bar. There are some segments containing trees along the sidewalks, but these tend to provide very little shade. Some shade is provided by trees on private properties adjacent to sidewalks. In many cases, there is no shading. Grade Diamond Bar is a hillside community and therefore several of the major arterials in Diamond Bar have slopes. In addition, residential streets often have significant grade, which may be a barrier to walking. Amenities Offered Because the City of Diamond Bar is a largely residential city, most roadways provide very little in the way of amenities that serve or appeal to pedestrians. There are some gas stations, strip mall retail, and restaurants at some intersections, but these are typically designed to be oriented towards the automobile and are not generally intended to attract pedestrian clientele. Buffers Parking is generally not permitted along the major thoroughfares of Diamond Bar. Buffers that do exist largely consist of bike lanes and some landscaping, such as trees or parkways, between sidewalks and automobile travel lanes. Bike lanes on Diamond Bar Boulevard are especially wide, in some cases nearly as wide as a vehicle lane, providing a buffer between sidewalks and moving vehicle traffic. Source: Fehr & Peers, 2016. Public Transportation System Public transit in the City of Diamond Bar is provided through local bus service, commuter rail service, and demand-responsive paratransit service. City residents are eligible to receive a 20% subsidy on transit passes purchased online or at City Hall. The City of Diamond Bar is served by Foothill Transit. As of 2019, four Foothill Transit routes provide service to the City: 286, 482, 853, and 854. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1968 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-14 Foothill Transit 195 (Pomona) Line 195 runs through Pomona and along the northern edge of Diamond Bar on Temple Avenue. This line provides service seven days a week. Line 195 runs from approximately 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekdays and 6:15 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends. Headways are approximately 1 hour. 286 (Pomona to Brea) Line 286 runs from Pomona to Brea and connects Diamond Bar to Pomona and Brea. This line passes through Diamond Bar via SR-57 and Diamond Bar Boulevard and provides service seven days a week. Line 286 runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekends. Headways are approximately 1 hour. 482 (Pomona to Puente Hills) Line 482 serves Diamond Bar and runs from Pomona to Puente Hills and connects Diamond Bar to Walnut and Rowland Heights. Line 482 within Diamond Bar travels along Golden Springs Drive, Brea Canyon Road, Copley Drive, and Diamond Bar Boulevard. This line provides service seven days a week, from approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM on weekdays and 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM on weekends. Headways are approximately 30 minutes. 493 (Industry to Los Angeles) Line 493 runs from Industry to Los Angeles with service through Diamond Bar along Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive. This line provides service on weekdays, from approximately 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:15 PM to 8:00 PM. Headways range from approximately 10 to 30 minutes. This line does not operate on weekends. 495 (Industry to Los Angeles Express) Line 495 runs from the Industry Park & Ride, with connection to Lines 482 and 493, to Los Angeles. This line provides service on weekdays from approximately 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the westbound direction and from approximately 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM in the eastbound direction. Headways are approximately 20 minutes. This line does not operate on weekends. 497 (Chino to Los Angeles) Line 497 runs from Chino to Los Angeles with service through Diamond Bar on SR-60. This line provides service on weekdays from approximately 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM in the westbound direction and from approximately 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the eastbound direction. Headways are approximately 15 minutes. This line does not operate on weekends. 853 (Diamond Bar) Line 853 serves Diamond Bar and runs from Copley Drive & Golden Springs Drive to Diamond Ranch High School via Golden Springs Drive and Avenue Rancheros. Line 853 runs Monday to Thursday from approximately 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Headways are approximately 30 minutes in the morning. On Fridays, Line 853 runs from approximately 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Headways are approximately 10 minutes. This line does not operate on the weekends. 854 (Diamond Bar) Line 854 serves Diamond Bar and runs from Copley Drive & Golden Springs Drive to Diamond Ranch High School via Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Avenue Rancheros. Line 854 runs Monday to Thursday in the morning from approximately 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Headways are approximately five minutes. On Fridays, Line 854 runs in the morning from approximately 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. Headways are approximately ten minutes. Line 854 runs Monday to Friday in the afternoon from approximately 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Headways are approximately five minutes. This line does not operate on the weekends. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1969 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-15 Commuter Rail Service Diamond Bar is also served by the Metrolink Riverside Line along the northwestern boundary of the City at the Industry Metrolink Station, located east of the intersection of Brea Canyon Road at Currier Road. This line runs from Downtown Riverside to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles and provides service Monday to Friday. There are six inbound trains that run from approximately 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM and six outbound trains that run from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Headways are approximately 30 minutes during the peak period. The nearest stations are the Montebello/Commerce station to the west and the Pomona Downtown station to the east. Paratransit Service Unlike fixed-route transit service, paratransit service does not follow fixed routes or schedules. Paratransit can consist of vans or mini-buses that provide on-demand curb-to-curb service from Access Services. Access Services is a curb-to-curb paratransit service serving Los Angeles County residents unable to use regular bus service. Access Services provides next day transportation service within ¾ of a mile on either side of any fixed route bus operated by the Los Angeles County public fixed route bus operators. Current fares are distance based and range from $2.75 to $3.50 for each one-way trip. Program, which is a subsidized curb- to-curb cab service program designed to supplement travel means for persons with disabilities and those age 60 and older residing in Diamond Bar. Within the City limits, the one-way fare is $.50. However, the program also offers subsidized fares to medical facilities within an approximately five-mile radius beyond the City limits, which includes Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and St. Jude Hospital/Medical Center in Fullerton. Transit Facilities Transit facilities in Diamond Bar consist of bus stops for Foothill Transit buses along Diamond Bar Boulevard, Golden Springs Drive, and other roads. The Metrolink station in City of Industry can be accessed via Brea Canyon Road. A significant portion of the bus stops in the City have a bench or a shaded bus shelter. In addition, commuters can utilize two Caltrans park-and-ride lots on Diamond Bar Boulevard. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1970 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-16 Table 3.12-6: Summary of Transit Services in Diamond Bar Operator Line Characteristics Foothill Transit Line 195 T: Mon-Fri, 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM Weekends, 6:15 AM to 7:00 PM Headways: 60 min Line 286 T: Mon- Fri, 6:00 AM to 11:00PM Weekends, 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM Headways: 60 min Line 482 T: Mon-Fri, 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM Weekends, 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM Headways: 30 min Line 493 T: Mon- Fri, 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:15 PM to 8:00 PM Headways: 10 to 30 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 495 T: Mon- Fri, 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM Headways: 20 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 497 T: Mon- Fri, 4:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM to 8:30 PM Headways: 15 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 853 T: Mon-Thurs, 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 30 min Fri, 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 10 min No Weekend or Holiday Service. Line 854 T: Mon-Thurs, 6:45 AM to 8:00 and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 5 min Fri, 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Headways: 10 min in AM, 5 min in PM No Weekend or Holiday Service. Metrolink Riverside Line Trips between Downtown Riverside and Downtown LA T: Mon- Fri, 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM service to LA, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM service to Riverside Headway: 30 min Paratransit Service Access Service Diamond Ride Trips within LA County Trips within Diamond Bar and medical facilities within a five-mile radius Sources: Metrolink, Foothill Transit, City of Diamond Bar, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1971 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDIN O COUNTY Metrolink Station Riverside Metrolink Line}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M IT O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D RUSH DR G O LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA D R LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREA CANYO N C UT OFF RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALC O NS VIEW DRA L A M O HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN C L EAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRI NGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C RE S T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR COPLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RDSource: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 3.12-3: Transit Corridors Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Park and Ride LotBus Routes Foothill Transit 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1972 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-18 Goods Movement Goods movement plays an important role in both the circulation network and the economy of a city such as Diamond Bar. Often, it can be difficult to balance accommodating trucks and other vehicles without impeding other modes or the well-being of residents of the City. According to the current General Plan, designated truck routes in the City of Diamond Bar consist of Lemon Avenue north of Golden Springs Drive, Golden Springs Drive between Lemon Avenue and Brea Canyon Road, Brea Canyon Road north of Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Sunset Crossing Road, and Sunset Crossing Road between Diamond Bar Boulevard and SR-57. The Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) of 1982 also defines a network of highways as truck routes. Large trucks are allowed to operate on these routes. Goods movement into and through Diamond Bar is currently accommodated by STAA-designated SR-57 and SR-60. The STAA also encourages local governments to accommodate trucks on roadways beyond those designated by the Act. These facilities are shown on Figure 3.12-4. Air Transportation There are no aviation facilities within the City of Diamond Bar. The closest facilities are the Ontario International Airport in Ontario approximately 16 miles east, Chino Airport in Chino Hills 13 miles south-east, and the Brackett Field Airport in La Verne six miles north. Planned Improvements Infrastructure improvements are planned for construction within the Planning Area over the planning horizon (through 2040), with major improvements described below. SR-57/ SR-60 Confluence Project The SR-57/SR-60 Confluence Project at Grand Avenue is a multi-year/multi-phase project intended to improve traffic operations on Grand Avenue from Golden Springs Drive to the interchange and increase interchange capacity. This project aims to improve traffic operation, reduce traffic weaving, increase weaving distance, and improve safety at the SR-57/SR-60 confluence. The construction is underway and expected to finish at the end of 2022; the project includes the construction of facilities such as on-ramps, off-ramps, auxiliary lanes, a bypass connector, and a bridge. Adaptive Signal Timing Program The City of Diamond Bar is implementing an adaptive signal timing program on major corridors throughout the City, including along Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. This program includes signal timing software and hardware improvements on signalized intersections throughout the corridors that will be more responsive to changes in traffic conditions than typical traffic signals or coordination, and will provide significant increases in capacity and relief in congestion. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1973 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-19 Policies for Improvements Capacity analysis at intersections and roadway segments throughout the City was conducted to of service (LOS) D standard. The following intersections and improvements were identified as needed by year 2040 and fit within the existing right-of-way: • At Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive, install a westbound right-turn overlap phase • At Diamond Bar Boulevard & Grand Avenue, restripe the eastbound right-turn lane to an eastbound shared through-right lane • At Lemon Avenue and Golden Springs Drive, install a westbound right-turn overlap phase infeasible due to lack of right-of-way, grade concerns, or total project construction costs: • Brea Canyon Road south of Diamond Bar Boulevard • Brea Canyon Road north of Diamond Bar Boulevard • Grand Avenue west of Country View Drive 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1974 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Metrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD GOLDENSPRINGSDRDIAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U NSET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM I T O S P LBALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S PRI N G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A R BLVD R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R I N G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E RDPEACEFU LHILLSRD EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDPATHFINDERRD A M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO W A C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELW YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLA ND V LY RD DE L SOLLND E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYD RBRIDGEGATED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDCity-Designated Truck Routes STAA-Designated Truck Routes Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019; City of Diamond Bar, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019Ri versideMetrolinkLineFigure 3.12-4: Goods Movement 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1975 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-21 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Department of Transportation Act of 1966 Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 specifies that a transportation project requiring the use of publicly owned parks, recreation areas, historic sites (including those owned privately), wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and many other types of resources can be approved only if the following findings can be made: 1. There is no prudent and feasible alternative to using that land; and 2. The program or project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the park, recreation area, wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or historic site resulting from the use. Each project proposal must include a Section 4(f) avoidance alternative (Caltrans 2011). Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) In 1982, the federal government passed the STAA. This act requires states to allow larger trucks on -interstate federal- aid p -foot trailers, (2) singles with 48- foot semi-trailers and unlimited kingpin-to-rear axle distance, (3) unlimited length for both vehicle combinations, and (4) widths up to 102 inches. SR 99 is defined as an STAA route. State Regulations California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Caltrans is the primary state agency responsible for transportation issues. One of its duties is the construction and maintenance of the state highway system. Caltrans has established standards for street traffic flow and has developed procedures to determine if intersections require improvements. For projects that may physically affect facilities under its administration, Caltrans requires encroachment permits before any construction work may be undertaken. For projects that would not physically affect facilities, but may influence traffic flow and levels of services at such facilities, Caltrans may recommend measures to mitigate the traffic impacts of such projects. California Transportation Commission (CTC) The CTC consists of nine members appointed by the California Governor. CTC is responsible for the programming and allocating of funds for the construction of highway, passenger rail, and transit improvements throughout the state. CTC is responsible for adopting the State Transportation Improvement Program and the State Highway Operation and Protection Program. Assembly Bill (AB) 32 With AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, the State of California committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is coordinating the response to comply with AB 32. In 2007, CARB adopted a list of early action programs that could be put in place by January 1, 2010. In 2008, CARB defined its 1990 baseline level of emissions, and by 2011 it completed its major rule 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1976 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-22 making for reducing GHG emissions. Rules on emissions, as well as market-based mechanisms like the cap and trade program, took effect in 2012. On December 11, 2008, CARB adopted its Proposed Scoping Plan for AB 32. This scoping plan included the approval of Senate Bill (SB) 375 as the means for achieving regional transportation related GHG targets. SB 375 provides guidance on how curbing emissions from cars and light trucks can help the state comply with AB 32. California Complete Streets Act The California Complete Streets Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 1358) of 2008 was signed into law on September 30, 2008. Beginning January 1, 2011, AB 1358 requires circulation element updates to address the transportation system from a multi-modal perspective. The act states that streets, roads, urban context of the transportation where appropriate, including walking, biking, car travel, and transit. The Complete Streets Act also requires circulation elements to consider the multiple users of the transportation system, including children, adults, seniors, and the disabled. AB 1358 tasks the undeveloped. Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, or Senate Bill (SB) 375, provides incentives for cities and developers to bring housing and jobs closer together and to improve public transit. The goal is to reduce the number and length of automobile commuting trips, helping to meet the statewide targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set by AB 32. SB 375 requires each Metropolitan Planning Organization to add a broader vision for growth, called a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), to its transportation plan. The SCS must lay out a plan enables the area to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The SCS should integrate transportation, land use, and housing policies to plan for achievement of the emissions target for the region. The most recent Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and SCS were adopted in 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1977 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-23 Senate Bill 743 This bill creates a new process for analyzing transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) finalized the proposed guidelines in December 2018. Jurisdictions have until July 1, 2020 to adopt thresholds of significance in accordance with SB 743. The required metric for determining transportation impacts is of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rather than vehicle delay (level of service, or LOS). Local Regulations Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) SCAG is the regional transportation planning agency in Los Angeles County. As such, they are responsible for planning and funding transportation projects throughout the region. The most recent RTP/SCS was adopted in 2016 and identifies numerous projects in the Diamond Bar area to improve mobility, such as: • Signalization of intersections; • Complete Streets improvements; • Interchange improvements; • Roadway widening; and • Intelligent Transportation System Improvements. Los Angeles Congestion Management Plan (CMP) The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has been required by state law to prepare, and update on a biennial basis, the Congestion Management Program (CMP) for the County of Los Angeles. The CMP process was established as part of a 1990 legislative package to implement Proposition 111, which increased the state gas tax from 9 to 18 cents per gallon. The intent of the CMP was to tie the appropriation of new gas tax revenues by linking transportation and land use decisions to mitigate congestion. Under the CMP, the 88 incorporated cities plus the County of Los Angeles share various statutory responsibilities, including monitoring traffic count locations on select arterials, implementing transportation improvements, adoption of travel demand management and land use ordinances, and mitigating congestion impacts. The framework for the CMP is based on the premise that congestion can be mitigated by continuing to add capacity to roadways. This is evidenced by the primary metric that drives the program, which is Level of Service (LOS). While the CMP requirement was one of the pioneering efforts to conduct performance-based planning, the approach has become antiquated and expensive. Recent state laws namely AB 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), SB 375 (Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008), and SB 743 (Environmental quality: transit oriented infill projects, judicial review streamlining for environmental leadership development projects)all move away from LOS directly or indirectly and instead focus on VMT as the appropriate metric to evaluate the performance of transportation investment. In sum, the CMP contradicts these key state policies regional transportation plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1978 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-24 On June 28, 2018, the Metro Board of Directors initiated the process to opt out of the state mandated CMP. California Government Code §65088.3 states that jurisdictions within a county may opt out of the CMP requirement without penalty, if a majority of local jurisdictions representing a majority of the c of the program. Metro is requesting that each governing body adopt a resolution to formally opt out of the CMP. On March 5, 2019, the Diamond Bar City Council joined a growing coalition of L.A. County cities electing to opt out of the CMP by adopting Resolution No. 2019-05. On August 28, 2019, Metro informed its member agencies that the statutorily required threshold of local jurisdictions in the County adopted resolutions electing to be exempt from the CMP, and that Metro notified the State Controller, the California Transportation Commission and the Office of Planning and Research that Los Angeles County has opted out of the CMP. City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code This includes parking requirements, truck routes, and design guidelines that provides detailed design information for the circulation system of new developments, including parking facilities, driveways, sidewalks, and pedestrian facilities. 12.2 Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Conflict with applicable circulation plans, ordinances, or policies and applicable congestion management programs Criterion 2: Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b); Criterion 3: Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); or Criterion 4: Result in inadequate emergency access. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS Vehicle Miles of Travel Analysis The City of Diamond Bar does not have adopted thresholds of significance related to SB 743 which requires VMT to be the metric to designate significant transportation impacts related to CEQA. The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) published the Technical Advisory on Evaluating 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1979 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-25 Transportation Impacts in CEQA (December 2018) which provides recommendations for conducting VMT analysis and thresholds of significance. The methodology below is consistent with the Technical Advisory and uses recommendations within to disclose transportation related impacts. For the purposes of this study, the cumulative condition was analyzed to determine if the proposed project would increase residential VMT per person or commuter VMT per person as detailed below, consistent with the Technical Advisory. The SCAG model consistent with the 2016 SCAG RTP/SCS growth projections was used to estimate the VMT generated by land uses in the Planning Area. To assess the VMT generated in Diamond Bar, the production and attraction (PA) method was used which records all home-based production and home-based-work production and attraction vehicular trips generated by land uses in the Planning Area across the entire regional network. Two types of trip purposes are isolated: • Home-Based Production trips - Includes all trips that begin at a household within the Planning Area. • Home-Based-Work Attraction trips - Includes all trips with a destination at an employment center within the Planning Area. The Vehicle Trips (VT) per day for home-based production trips and home-based-work attraction trips were estimated using the SCAG model. The VMT per day was derived by multiplying the number of VT per day by the average length of the trip by trip purpose. The VMT is normalized by dividing by the population or employment within the area. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1980 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-26 IMPACTS Impact 3.12-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. (Less than Significant) a) Circulation Map The Project proposes to adopt a new circulation map that redefines the roadway classification of some Major Arterials to Boulevards. Boulevards are expected to have the same vehicle capacity as major arterials with additional emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The General Plan also redefines some existing roads that currently act as Major Arterials or Collectors as such which does not change the design or function of the roadway. The roadway network in Diamond Bar is considerably built out such that no roadway capacity improvements (lane additions, lane widenings, medians) are proposed that would change the function of the roadway network in a manner that would be considered significant. In fact, the plan implements Complete Street goals which often calm traffic, reduce lane widths, or install bike lanes and therefore this impact is considered less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Circulation CR-P-17. Maintain roadway design standards to manage vehicle speeds and traffic volumes, updating them as needed. Mitigation Measures None required. b) Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation The City of Diamond Bar does not have a standardized metric by which to evaluate the effectiveness of the bicycle circulation system nor the pedestrian circulation system. For this evaluation, the Proposed Project is considered to have an impact on bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities if it would adversely affect an existing bicycle or pedestrian facility or preclude the construction of planned facilities. From a policy perspective, implementation of the Proposed Project would enable the City to improve bicycling programs and infrastructure throughout the City, providing connections to the existing and planned regional bicycle network, resulting in a less than significant impact. Implementation of the Proposed Project would also enable the City to improve pedestrian programs and infrastructure throughout the City, providing connections to existing and planned pedestrian facilities, resulting in a less than significant impact. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1981 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-27 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Circulation CR-G-11. Expand and strengthen existing pedestrian and cyclist network and facilities. CR-G-12. Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. CR-P-30. Use Figure 4-2: Proposed Bicycle Network as the overall guide for undertaking bikeway and pedestrian improvements in the community, with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan providing a more detailed implementation strategy. CR-P-31. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan using community input and best practices to identify bicycle infrastructure needs such as gaps in the network, prioritize facilities and improvements, and identify funding for proposed facilities. Review and update the plan as necessary. CR-P-32. Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in existing residential neighborhoods, utility easements, and/or flood control channels, including connections through cul- de-sacs to other streets or community facilities where feasible. CR-P-33. networks by requiring developers to provide sidewalks and bicycle infrastructure on local streets. CR-P-34. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions and colleges such as Cal Poly Pomona and Mt. San Antonio College to establish a safe and efficient bicycle route between Diamond Bar and these institutions. CR-P-35. Develop bicycle and pedestrian facility standards for pavement design, signage, and roadway and intersection striping for each functional roadway classification, so streets are accessible by all users and modes. CR-P-37. Ensure that secure and convenient bicycle parking is available at major destinations such as the Town Center, commercial centers, transit stops, schools, parks, multi- family housing, and large employers. CR-P-38. Study the feasibility of implementing a bike share program to connect neighborhoods and major destinations, such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core Overlay mixed-use areas; local schools and colleges; parks; and commercial centers. CR-P-39. Ensure a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists while allowing for local traffic to access freeways in the Neighborhood Mixed Use area through the following strategies: a. Traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speed limits and road narrowing; 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1982 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-28 b. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture along Diamond Bar Boulevard; c. Implementing traffic calming measures such as reduced vehicle speeds and road diets along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; e. Enhancing pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Sunset Crossing Road, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road, and at Diamond Bar Boulevard and the SR-60 on/off ramps; and f. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development. CR-P-40. Provide for a vibrant Town Center that encourages pedestrian activity and comfort within the Town Center Mixed Use area while accommodating through traffic along Diamond Bar Boulevard through the following strategies: a. Establishing a new pedestrian-oriented main street or pedestrian pathway in the Town Center; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along Diamond Bar Boulevard within the Town Center area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and landscape buffers; c. Buffering bike lanes along Diamond Bar Boulevard; d. Improving crosswalks at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Palomino Drive, at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive, and where Diamond Bar Boulevard intersects with the driveway to the Town Center; and e. Strengthening cyclist and pedestrian connections between the Town Center area and nearby schools to provide safe and convenient routes to the Town Center for students by identifying barriers such as safety hazards and gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian networks and implementing improvements to address those barriers. CR-P-41. Promote a fine-grained network of safe pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle connections in the Transit Oriented Mixed-Use area, emphasizing connectivity to the Metrolink station through the following strategies: a. Improving crosswalks along Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue; b. Enhancing the pedestrian experience along South Brea Canyon Road within the Transit Oriented Mixed Use area with widened sidewalks, shade trees, and pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, attractive paving, and pedestrian- scaled lighting, where feasible; c. Providing high-visibility pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Metrolink station; 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1983 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-29 d. Incorporating multi-use pathways internal to new development and connecting to existing development; and e. Studying the potential for shuttle, bikeshare, and/or other linkages to improve the convenience of travel within the mixed-use area. CR-P-42. Develop and implement Safe Routes to School and Safe Routes for Seniors programs in collaboration with interested stakeholders such as school districts, senior living facilities, and community organizations to encourage active transportation among students and seniors while ensuring student and senior safety. CR-P-43. Strengthen the protection of cyclists in bike lanes by implementing improvements such as increasing visibility of lane markings and signage, increasing bike lane widths, raising lanes, designing safer intersection crossings and turns, and buffering lanes from traffic wherever feasible, prioritizing bicycle lanes along arterials. CR-P-44. Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort where feasible through means such as: a. Introducing bicycle- and pedestrian-level street lighting to improve safety at night; b. Furnishing intersections with crosswalks on all legs of the intersection; c. Improving pedestrian safety with intersection design features such as improved signal timing, sidewalk bulb- extend past the crosswalks, advance vehicle stop bars, high visibility crosswalk striping or decorative paving; d. Improving bicycle safety with intersection design features such as bicycle detection and signalization, painted bike boxes, and intersection crossing markings; e. Widening sidewalks, providing planting strips between sidewalks and streets and providing pedestrian amenities such as shade trees and street furniture; and f. Implementing traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and congestion. Mitigation Measures None required. c) Public Transit System The City of Diamond Bar has no standardized metric to evaluate transit service citywide. The Proposed Project is expected to increase the demand for travel in the Planning Area through development resulting in new residential and employment uses. This could increase the market for public transportation, resulting in increased ridership. Increased overall travel demand is expected to worsen the levels of service on some roadways increasing vehicle delays that could reduce the reliability of transit service. The Proposed Project provides transit supportive policies that are cognizant of the financial constraints of providing fixed-route and dial-a-ride transit service in a suburban setting, and is supportive of providing additional rail service to downtown, in addition to other supporting transit facilities, resulting in a less than significant impact. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1984 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-30 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Circulation CR-G-13. Maximize the availability, efficiency, and effectiveness of public transit service. CR-P-46. Integrate transit nodes and connections with adjacent existing and proposed developments and destinations such as employment centers, commercial centers, major attractions, and public pedestrian spaces to make them more accessible to transit users. CR-P-47. Coordinate with Foothill Transit, Metrolink, and other transit providers to incorporate real-time information systems at transit stops so that passengers will know when their vehicle is expected to arrive. CR-P-48. Work with Foothill Transit to maintain and improve bus stops and shelters, as well as identify areas where service can be improved or expanded to increase system use. CR-P-49. Create additional pedestrian, bus, and bikeway connections to the Metrolink station to address first- and last-mile (FMLM) connectivity and make it easier to travel to between the station and surrounding neighborhoods. CR-P-50. Coordinate with Metrolink and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to provide more frequent service at the City of Industry station, including service for shorter trips, to increase the convenience and use of transit. CR-P-51. Continue to support privately funded local transit systems that are accessible for seniors, youths, and individuals with disabilities, to ensure that all community members have the ability to travel while decreasing congestion. CR-P-52. In areas or on routes between destinations that have been determined to be infeasible for public transit providers to serve, explore the use of programs that subsidize the use program, particularly for populations with special needs, such as seniors, youths, or persons with disabilities, until such a time as mass transit becomes feasible. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1985 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-31 Impact 3.12-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). (Significant and Unavoidable) For the purposes of this EIR, the following thresholds of significance are used to determine if the proposed General Plan has an impact under the terms of Criteria 2: (a) Vehicle Miles Traveled: 1. A significant impact would occur if the proposed General Plan Update increases the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per person above the baseline conditions. In the case of a General Plan cumulative scenario, the baseline condition is considered the No Project condition or buildout of the existing general plan and SCAG 2016 RTP. As shown in Table 3.12-7: Future Year Conditions VMT Summary in the Planning Area, VMT is expected to increase under the proposed General Plan. Home-based production VMT per resident is expected to increase by five percent and home-based-work attraction VMT per employee is expected to increase by nine percent. Part of the increase is associated with the addition of more employment and retail opportunities within the City that have the potential to import vehicle trips from surrounding communities. Table 3.12-7: Future Year Conditions VMT Summary in Planning Area1 Diamond Bar No Project (SCAG 2016 RTP) Diamond Bar Proposed Plan Difference Population 57,790 66,685 8,895 Employment 18,855 21,744 2,889 VMT Home- Based Production Home- Based- Work Attraction Home- Based Production Home- Based- Work Attraction Home- Based Production Home- Based- Work Attraction Daily Vehicle Trips 89,611 21,381 102,370 26,903 12,758 5,523 Daily VMT 1,194,519 369,245 1,415,773 470,540 470,540 101,296 Average Trip Length 13.33 17.27 13.83 17.49 0.5 0.22 Daily VMT per Resident/Empl oyee 20.67 19.90 21.70 21.64 1.03 1.74 Notes: 1. Planning Area includes City limits and SOI. Source: Fehr & Peers, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1986 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-32 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact As previously noted, the proposed plan will affect VMT in the area. It should be noted that the VMT information presented is produced from the regional travel demand model and only accounts for the built environment variables to which the model is sensitive. Additional policies in the General Plan Circulation Element supporting variables the model is not sensitive to (such as connectivity in neighborhoods, presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transportation demand management (TDM) measures) are not reflected in these estimates. Thus, the VMT estimates in this analysis are conservatively high. The following proposed policies would reduce potential impacts by supporting TDM measures and requiring that new developments prepare transportation impact assessments to determine project specific impacts of new development under the proposed General Plan such that impacts can be appropriately mitigated. Additionally, City goals and policies strive to develop a multi-modal transportation network that would provide transportation alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle and encourage complete street design. Policies in CR-G-11, CR-G-12, CR-G-13, CR-P-30, CR-P-31, CR-P-32, CR-P-33, CR-P-34, CR-P- 35, CR-P-37, CR-P-38, CR-P-39, CR-P-40, CR-P-41, CR-P-42, CR-P-43, CR-P-44, CR-P-46, CR- P-47, CR-P-48, CR-P-49, CR-P-50, CR-P-51, and CR-P-52 as listed above, as well as the following policies. Circulation CR-G-1. Improve the operating efficiency of the transportation system by reducing vehicle travel demand and providing opportunities for other modes of travel. Before approving roadway improvements that focus on increasing vehicle capacity, consider alternatives that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize projects that would reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and greenhouse gas emissions. CR-G-2. Maintain a street classification system that considers the broad role of streets as corridors for movement but also reflects a Complete Streets concept that enables safe, comfortable, and attractive access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and complementary to adjacent land uses, including neighborhood schools. CR-G-3. Strive to achieve a finer grained network of streets and pedestrian/bicycle connections as development occurs, especially in focus areas such as the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas. CR-G-4. Design roadways serving pedestrian-oriented mixed-use areas to promote neighborhood interaction, pedestrian comfort and walkability, and commercial patronage. CR-G-5. Develop neighborhood streets and alleys that encourage walking, biking, and outdoor activity through engineering and urban design principles that reduce the potential for speeding and cut-through traffic, which may include traffic calming measures. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1987 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-33 CR-G-6. Track the use of future transportation options such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City requirements, such as roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety and access for all users and modes. CR-P-1. When redesigning streets, plan for the needs of different modes by incorporating elements such as shade for pedestrians, safe pedestrian-friendly crossings/intersections, lighting at the pedestrian scale, bike lanes, signage visible to relevant modes, transit amenities, etc. CR-P-2. Require that new street designs and efforts to retrofit existing streets in residential neighborhoods minimize traffic volumes and/or speed as appropriate without compromising connectivity for emergency vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and users of mobility devices. CR-P-3. Plan for and provide new connections within the Transit-Oriented, Neighborhood, Town Center, and Community Core mixed-use areas to create finer grained, pedestrian-scaled circulation networks that support the development of connected and accessible neighborhoods. Connections should facilitate the use of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as walking, bicycling, and transit by improving the safety and accessibility of those modes. CR-P-4. Develop traffic calming strategies for Diamond Bar Boulevard between Temple Avenue and Golden Springs Drive in order to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian-friendly environment along and through the Neighborhood Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use areas. CR-P-6. Require that all new development study the impact of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and implement congestion mitigation measures to ensure that new projects do not significantly increase local City congestion based on defined level of service (LOS) standards. CR-P-7. Develop City street design standards that: a. Address the needs of different modes according to roadway classification b. Reduce the potential for conflicts and safety risks between modes; and c. Support and manage the use of transportation options that will become increasingly popular in the future, such as TNCs, AVs, micro-transit (privately operated transit), and other emerging transportation technologies. CR-P-8. Plan for passenger pick-up/drop-off locations within both public right-of-way and on private properties for AVs, TNCs, and micro-transit to limit traffic disruptions and increase safety by identifying and designating specific locations for pick-ups and drop- offs. CR-P-9. mixed-use, and higher density areas to accommodate efficient package and food 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1988 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-34 deliveries; delivery of goods to restaurants/retail; pick-up/drop-off of passengers by transit, taxis, and on-demand shared ride services; and the safe movement of pedestrians and bicyclists. CR-P-10. Develop curbside management guidelines that ensure curb spaces meet multi-modal demands safely and efficiently. CR-P-11. Implement standards for inventorying and encoding curb use data to monitor the effectiveness of curbside management guidelines and provide evidence to support or make changes to curb space designations and/or management strategies. CR-G-8. Encourage reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CR-P-12. Balance meeting LOS standards with the need to reduce VMT through maintaining and supporting multi-modal connectivity such as transit, bicycling, walking, and by encouraging infill development with a pedestrian-friendly urban design character. CR-P-15. Limit street right-of-way dimensions where appropriate to maintain desired neighborhood character. Consider allowing narrower street rights-of-way and pavement widths for local streets in new residential subdivisions. CR-P-16. Allow exceptions to LOS standards upon findings by the City Council that achieving the designated LOS would: a. Be technologically or economically infeasible; or b. Comprom including but not limited to: i. Promoting alternate modes of transportation; ii. Ensuring pedestrian, bicycle and automobile safety, comfort, and convenience; iii. Reducing VMT and GHG emissions; and iv. Preserving and enhancing character of the community. CR-P-22. Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets and prioritize these measures over congestion management. CR-P-23. Maintain the integrity of existing residential areas and discourage cut-through traffic by retaining cul-de-sacs and implementing other traffic calming measures that promote safe driving at speeds appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood, particularly at Prospectors Road, Chaparral Drive, Sunset Crossing Road, Lycoming Street, and Washington Street. CR-P-24. Coordinate with local, regional, and State agencies to encourage and support programs that reduce vehicle miles traveled, such as preferential carpool and car share parking, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1989 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-35 parking pricing, on-site childcare, flexible work schedules, subsidized transit passes, and ridesharing. CR-P-25. Encourage participation in transportation demand programs, such as those promoting walking, cycling, and transit, through the use of City publications and public displays in order to decrease use of single occupancy vehicles. CR-P-26. Coordinate with other jurisdictions, including neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Caltrans, on improvements to street segments common to the City of Diamond Bar and other jurisdictions. CR-G-14. Provide adequate parking for all land use types, while balancing this against the need to promote walkable, mixed-use districts and neighborhoods in targeted areas, and promoting ride-sharing and alternative transportation modes. CR-P-53. Update parking standards in the Municipal Code to ensure that they are reflective of consideration demographics and access to alternative modes of transportation. CR-P-54. Incorporate criteria in the Municipal Code to allow reductions in parking requirements in exchange for VMT reduction measures. CR-P-55. Incorporate common bicycle parking requirements for appropriate uses including multi-family residential and office in the Municipal Code. CR-P-57. Incentivize the provision of preferential parking for high-occupancy vehicles to encourage carpooling. CR-P-59. Work with Caltrans to evaluate existing Caltrans-operated park-n-ride facilities within the City and expand the facilities where necessary. CR-P-67. Ensure that trucks do not interfere with cyclist or pedestrian activity by: a. Incorporating off-street or buffered bike lanes and walking paths where truck routes overlap with bicycle routes or streets with heavy pedestrian traffic; and b. Designing driveways and curb cuts to avoid maneuvering on sidewalks or in street traffic, while also facilitating the safe and efficient movement of trucks. The City shall implement all policies identified in the proposed General Plan Circulation Element to reduce the demand for vehicle travel within and through the Planning Area, as well as work with local, regional, and state agencies to implement regional transportation improvements. Additionally, new developments would be required to evaluate their project-specific impacts on the transportation system and fund improvements to maintain acceptable levels of service, except where exemptions are identified in the Transportation and Circulation Element of the proposed General Plan. However, even with implementation of these policies, the impact could remain significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1990 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-36 Impact 3.12-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project does not specify design features for the transportation system in the Planning Area, and would thus not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature. In general, the proposed General Plan land use diagram and policies emphasize transition areas and buffers between land uses of varying intensities, which would serve to reduce potential conflicts between users of the transportation system associated with each land use, including farm equipment, commercial and industrial truck traffic, commute traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. The specific design and operations of individual future development projects cannot be known at this time; however, policies included in the Proposed Project would serve to reduce potential impacts from future development. The Proposed Project has been developed with an emphasis on Complete Streets, which by their nature, would improve compatibility between different transportation modes as well as between the transportation system and adjacent land uses. Proposed policies that promote bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as the development of safe routes to school, and that require mitigation of traffic-related impacts would help to identify and address potential safety concerns. Therefore, with adherence to policies included in the Proposed Project, impacts increasing hazards due to a design feature or incompatible uses would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies CR-G-12, CR-P-7, CR-P-8, CR-P-42, CR-P-43, CR-P-44 and CR-P-67 as listed above, as well as the following policies. Circulation CR-G-6. Track the use of future transportation options such as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), ride sharing, and autonomous vehicles (AVs), and adjust City requirements, such as roadway design or parking standards as needed to ensure safety and access for all users and modes. CR-G-16. Facilitate safe and efficient movement, loading, and unloading (i.e. pick-up and delivery) of goods at destinations within the City. CR-P-20. Implement measures such as additional signal timing and synchronization, speed limit regulations, and ITS techniques to increase safety and reduce congestion. Maintain a pavement management system and maintenance program for all public roadways throughout the City. CR-P-62. Revise the designation of truck routes to minimize truck traffic through or near residential areas. Maintain truck routes with signage between industrial areas and freeway interchanges to discourage truck travel through residential neighborhoods, and provide truck route information to truck routing software providers. CR-P-63. Develop design guidelines for designated truck routes, including proper turning radii at intersections. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1991 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-37 CR-P-64. Continue prohibiting trucks heavier than 5 tons from operating on designated residential streets, except for emergency, maintenance, residential moving trucks, and transit vehicles, to maintain pavement integrity. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.12-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in inadequate emergency access. (Less than Significant) The Proposed Project is presented at a programmatic level. Emergency accessibility typically is assessed at a project level. Project level review required by the City includes site access review for emergency vehicles and traffic control plans as needed that account for emergency vehicles. Implementation of the following proposed General Plan policies will ensure that inadequate emergency access does not occur and will result in a less-than-significant impact. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies CR-P-2 and CR-P-64 as listed above, as well as the following policies. Public Safety PS-G-8. Use the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan to address mitigation and response for local hazards, including seismic hazards, flood hazards, fire hazards, hazardous materials incidents, and hazardous sites, and to plan for the protection of critical facilities (i.e., schools, hospitals), disaster and emergency response preparedness and recovery, evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, and minimum road width and clearance around structures. PS-P-42. Continue to disseminate public information and alerts regarding the nature and extent of possible natural and man-made hazards, resources identifying measures residents and businesses can take to prepare for and minimize damage resulting from these hazards, citywide response plans, and evacuation routes. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1992 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.12: Transportation 3.12-38 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1993 3.13 Utilities and Service Systems This section assesses potential environmental impacts from future development under the Proposed Project as related to public utilities, including water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, and solid waste services. This section describes existing water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure and services in the Planning Area, as well as relevant federal, State, and local regulations and programs. There were two comments on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding topics addressed in this section. Those comments include the following topics specific to Utilities and Service Systems. • The General Plan and EIR need to address impacts from electrical lines, consider undergrounding electrical lines, and enhance or upgrade sewer or water/wastewater lines to accommodate new growth. The EIR does not evaluate impacts to specific utilities, rather it evaluates to overall utility system impacts based on proposed land use changes. Undergrounding of electrical lines and upgrading specific utility lines are typically completed in utility master plan documents. • Southern California Edison (SCE) provided what appeared to be a form letter intended for development projects, with standard requirements pertaining to utility easements and procedures for relocating utility assets. The letter has no relevance to the Proposed Project, and will not be addressed further. Environmental Setting PHYSICAL SETTING Water System A fundamental yet long-term constraint for development is availability and quality of water. The City relies on Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD or the District) to provide reliable water supplies throughout the city. Nearly all water supplies are imported due to a limited availability of local groundwater. Imported water supplies are expected to remain attainable for at least three years, and projected supplies are expected to meet projected demands from 2020 through 2040 under single dry-year and multiple dry-year conditions1. Drought conditions will continue to strain water supply available to WVWD and the City as they do throughout Southern California. Thus a - 1 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1994 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-2 supply constraints and continues to invest in groundwater facilities. Existing and Planned Water Supply Water for the City is supplied by WVWD, which imports all potable water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). WVWD currently has projects underway that will produce groundwater from the San Gabriel Basin, Central Basin, and Six Basins to supplement potable water supplies. A description of available water supplies is provided below. Imported Water MWD obtains surface water from the Colorado River and from Northern California via the Colorado River Aqueduct and the California Aqueduct respectively. WVWD purchases water (TVMWD). Imported water supply volumes are projected to increase through 2035 at the same rate as population growth, which is 0.7 percent as reported by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)2. Groundwater WVWD currently operates six groundwater production facilities that supply the recycled water system. This groundwater is not potable as it contains high levels of total dissolved solids and nitrates. The following three projects will allow WVWD to produce potable groundwater, thereby reducing the need for imported water. The La Habra Heights County Water District Pipeline Project, completed in 2014, delivers up to 1,000 acre-feet of potable water per year from the Central Basin to WVWD. This project includes an inter-connection to the La Habra Heights County Water District system. The California Domestic Water Company Project consists of a new pipeline and pump station project that will connect to the California Domestic Water Company system. Annual deliveries to WVWD will be 2,500 acre-feet of potable water. Water stored in the Main San Gabriel Basin will supply potable water for this project, which was approved in September of 2015 and is currently in the design stage. Production from Six Basins will supply WVWD with approximately 928 acre-feet of potable water per year upon completion of the Pomona Basin Regional Groundwater Project. This project includes reactivating an existing well and constructing one new well, and is expected to be complete in 2019. 2 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2016-2040 RTP SCE Demographics and Growth Forecast, 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1995 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-3 Recycled Water WVWD currently owns, operates, and maintains a recycled water system that provides irrigation Pomona Water Reclamation Plant supplies recycled water to WVWD for irrigating large landscape areas such as parks, golf courses, greenbelts, and school grounds. Future uses will generally fit these categories, with potential demands for toilet flushing in high-rise buildings and industrial use. Local groundwater supplies may also help WVWD expand the current recycled water system. This system is completely separate from the potable system and helps reduce potable water demand. In -feet of water, including 511 acre-feet to customers within the city. Approximately 170 existing potable water irrigation users (approximately 1,050 acre-feet annually) throughout the city could be converted to recycled water use if the system is expanded. However, recycled water supplies are maxed out during peak summer months. Therefore, large-scale expansion of the system is not feasible until additional recycled water supplies become available. Future Water Projects The Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project will allow TVMWD to supply WVWD with water from a renewable aquifer in the eastern Mojave Desert. Approximately five -year life of the project. This will prevent loss of water to evaporation, provide a new water supply, and create a groundwater bank for Southern California water providers. This project is currently securing final approvals and a construction start date is not yet available. Water Demand WVWD maintains 26,836 water meters throughout its service area, 95 percent of which are -feet per year. Water use has generally declined during this time despite a continual increase in the total number of accounts, as shown in Table 3.13-1. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1996 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-4 Table 3.13-1: Historic and Projected Water Usage (Potable), City of Diamond Bar Year Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) 1993 11,772 12,681 1995 11,833 10,975 2000 11,971 13,188 2005 12,422 12,521 2010 12,426 9,260 2015 12,432 7,077 2020 (Projected) Not Available 8,281 2035 (Projected) Not Available 9,179 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. Historic data for recycled water is not available prior to 2010. However, usage is expected to increase through the 2035 system buildout, as shown in Table 3.13-2. Table 3.13-2: Historic and Projected Water Usage (Recycled), City of Diamond Bar Year Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) 2010 39 499 2015 42 511 System Buildout (2035, Projected) 210 1,561 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1997 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-5 A breakdown of all water uses from 2015 show single and multi-family residences use a majority of potable water (80 percent for 2015). Commercial properties provide the next highest demand for potable water (5.7 percent for 2015). See Table 3.13-3 below. Table 3.13-3: 2015 Water Usage Breakdown (Potable and Recycled), City of Diamond Bar Land Use Total Accounts Total Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) Single-Family Residential 11,936 5,115 Multi-Family Residential 100 974 Commercial 200 430 Industrial 0 0 Municipal/Public Use 134 374 Landscape 62 183 Total 2015 Potable Water Use 7,076 Landscape (Non-Potable) 42 511 Total 2015 Water Use 7,587 Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. Water Supply Versus Demand A comparison of projected water supplies and usage at regular intervals is only available for 3.13-4 below. According to WVWD staff, existing and planned facilities are capable of maintaining a sufficient level of service for projected population growth in the city. Table 3.13-4: 2015 Water Usage Breakdown (Potable and Recycled), Walnut Valley Water District Year Projected Water Usage (Acre-Feet per Year) Projected Water Supply (Acre-Feet per Year) 2020 19,357 20,074 2025 20,035 20,777 2030 20,736 21,505 2035 21,462 22,258 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, 2016. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1998 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-6 Water Conservation Ordinance No. 06-09-07 was adopted by WVWD to establish progressive water reductions during drought conditions. This ordinance implemented a water shortage contingency plan describing five stages of action, each targeting a percent reduction in water use. Stages of action will be mandatory 3.13-5. WVWD also established Demand Management Measures to enforce responsible water use. Wasteful consumption, including excessive runoff and washing hard or paved surfaces, is prohibited. Notified water users have five days to remedy any wasteful practices. Failure to comply may result in a disconnection of service. WVWD has public outreach/information programs that are also in effect and provide education and encouragement through newspapers, billing inserts, social media, signs, and community events. Similar outreach is conducted at schools, including in-class presentations and internship opportunities for high school students. Other incentives to conserve water include rebate programs for rain barrels and high-efficiency washing machines. Table 3.13-5: Water Shortage Stage of Actions MWD Stage WVWD Stage of Action Participation Reduction Objective None Initial Permanent 10% 1 or 2 Stage 1 Mandatory 10% - 15% 3 or 4 Stage 2 Mandatory 15% - 25% 5 or 6 Stage 3 Mandatory 25% - 35% 7, 8, 9 or 10 Stage 4 Mandatory 35% - 50% Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, 2016. Water Infrastructure service area includes the City, portions of the cities of Walnut, West Covina, Pomona, and a section commercial and industrial uses located in the City of Industry. Potable Water WVWD potable water distribution and storage system consists of the following facilities: • 23 water reservoirs; • 9 pump stations; • 29 pressure regulating stations; • 238.6 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline; and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 1999 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-7 • 4 connections for importing water.3 Eight pressure zones are required to provide adequate water pressure to all consumers. was not available, therefore a comprehensive evaluation may be required to properly assess those facilities in the city. Improvements and upgrades are in process, including the development of a disinfectant residual control system to enhance and maintain water quality. An emergency power program is in process that will ensure availability of potable water after emergencies or power outages. Recycled Water WVWD recycled water distribution and storage system consists of the following facilities: • 2 water reservoirs; • 2 pump stations; • 6 wells; and • 8.37 miles of distribution pipeline.4 system. WVWD has funded installation of recycled water distribution mains and meters. Installation of new meters is required for all development projects that have a potential for recycled water use. Wastewater The County provides wastewater collection and treatment services under contract to the City. The Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) provides operation and maintenance services on the local collection system, while Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) provides operation and maintenance services on the trunk sewers and wastewater treatment services. The City and surrounding areas fall under the LA County Sanitation District No. 21. The City is currently in discussion with the LACPWD on the ownership responsibilities for the local collection system. The LACPWD maintains that the system is owned by the City and maintained by LACPWD; however, the City asserts that the system is both owned and maintained by LACPWD. While the system is generally in good order, as described below, there has not been an area-wide sewer study completed in the last 10 years that identifies sewage infrastructure system. were used to gather information about the existing system. 3 Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. 4 Source: Water Services Response Form, Walnut Valley Water District, 2015. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2000 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-8 Sanitary Sewer System Infrastructure The local collection system contains 11 pump stations and 162 miles of sewer mains within the city. According to City Staff, the local collection system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies. Los Angeles County Public Works be seen on Figure 3.13-1. The local system of sewer lines and pump stations feed two trunk sewer lines that convey wastewater to a LACSD treatment facility. The City has been completing systematic annual audits of the collection system, including closed- circuit television (CCTV) inspections of sewer lines, and manhole and pump station inspections. Any structural or maintenance deficiencies in the sewer system identified during the audit are reported with a recommended repair. In 2015, no sewer capacity issues were identified. However, the City regularly pumps wastewater at the intersection of Clear Creek Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard to overcome system deficiencies, which may warrant further investigation in the future. The City and LACPWD have been effective at keeping the number and total volume of sanitary system overflows (SSOs) within the city below the Statewide median, with only three SSOs reported in each of the last three years. In addition, the City rarely received complaints from citizens. The SSOs are typically related to debris, root intrusion, and/or fats/oil/grease causing the overflow issues. In addition, there are occasional SSOs related to pump station failures. Los Angeles County Sanitation District LACSD maintains two trunk sewer lines that originate south of SR-60 and west of SR-57. These lines convey wastewater to a County treatment facility outside city limits, also maintained by the LACSD. As new development occurs, the LACSD requires the new developments to annex into its service area for operation, maintenance, and treatment services. Service fees fund required upgrades to trunk sewer lines or treatment plant capacity. The following maps are included with this report: • Los Angeles County Sanitation District map; • Sanitation District No. 21 boundary map. Stormwater System The Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) owns and maintains all major flood control channels. In addition, a majority of the storm drain system within the city was formally transferred through resolution to LACFCD, which maintains complete ownership and maintenance of the system. However, some portions of the existing system were never transferred to LACFCD. This has resulted in ownership disputes with LACPWD, who provides maintenance only for said portions and makes no claims toward ownership. Stormwater quality is the responsibility of the City. While the system is generally in good order, a master drainage plan, identifying tructure system, has not been completed. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2001 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-9 Storm Drainage System Infrastructure The c 3.13-1. The local storm drain system generally consists of a series of catch basins and reinforced concrete pipes/boxes that convey stormwater runoff to other major flood control channels. The local storm drain system conveys water to one of three major flood control channels, the San Jose Creek, Diamond Bar Creek, and the Brea Canyon Channel. These major flood control channels are owned and maintained by the LACFCD. According to City Staff, the local storm drain system is in good standing with no know n major system deficiencies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2002 !(T Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDIN O COUNTY Metrolink Station Riverside Metrolink Line}}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREA CANYON RDGOLDEN SPRINGS DRDIAMOND BA R B L V D SUNSET CRO S S IN G RD S U NSET CROSSING RD PROSPECTORS RDP A L O M IN O D R CHINO HILLS PKWYA R M IT O S PLB A LLENA DR GO L D RUSH DR G O LD EN SPRIN GS DRGRAND AVE DIAMOND BAR BLVDGRAND AVELEYLAND DRPANTERA D R LONGVIEW DRSUMMITRIDGE DRDIAM OND BAR BLVDRIDG ELIN E R D INDIAN CREEK RD DERRINGER LND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREA CANYO N C UT OFF RDBREA CANYON RDH A W KW OOD RDSTEEPLECHASE LNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREA CANYON RDLYCOMING ST LEMON AVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDEN PRADOS DRFALC O NS VIEW DRA L A M O HTS DRWAGON TRAIN LN C L EAR CREEK LNCASTLE ROCK RDCANYON RIDGE R DPEACEFUL HILLS RDEVERGREEN SPRI NGS RDPATHFINDER RD CASTLE ROCK RDA M BU S H E RS STC OLD SPRING LNBELLA PINE DR MO R NI NG CANYON RDSANTAQUIN D R KIO W A C RE S T D RBIRDS EYE D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL WY M A PLE HILL RD MONTEFI NO AVE GREAT BEND D R SYLVAN G LEN R D HIGHLAND VLY RD DEL SOL LND E C O R A H R D SEAGREEN DR COPLEY DRBRIDGEGATE DRVALLEY VISTA DRROCK RIVER RDSource: TKE, 2019; City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.5 10.25 MILES Figure 3.13-1: Storm Drain System Water Features City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary Highways Ramps Major Roads Local Roads Railroads Storm Drain 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2003 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-11 Solid Waste The City receives refuse pickup and disposal service from Waste Management, Inc. for single- family residential uses and Valley Vista Services, Inc. for commercial and multi-family residential uses. Most multi-family residences within the City are provided with communal recycling bins, as well as with solid waste disposal bins. Other recycling services offered within the City include: • ARC International Corporation (e-waste only) • Curbside Inc. (hazardous waste only) • LA County HHW&E-Waste Roundups (hazardous and e-waste) • Los Angeles County Materials Exchange • Mission Recycling (e-waste only) • S.A.F.E. Collection Center (hazardous and e-waste); and • Waste Management provides weekly pickups for general trash service, recycling, and yard waste. In addition, Waste Management provides bulky item collection up to four times per customer per year and on-call used motor oil and sharps collections. Once collected from areas within the City, the refuse is currently delivered to El Sobrante Landfill. Valley Vista Services delivers refuse to El Sobrante Landfill and Alpha Olinda Landfill. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works prepares and administers the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP). For the current planning period from 2017 to 2032, the IWMP Annual Report estimates that a shortfall in permitted solid waste disposal capacity is not anticipated. The IWMP Report also states that the cumulative need for Class III landfill disposal capacity, approximately 126.4 million tons in 2032, will not exceed the 2017 remaining permitted Class III landfill capacity of 167.6 million tons. REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulations Federal Safe Drinking Water Act The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), administered by the U.S. EPA in coordination with the states, is the main federal law that ensures the quality of drinking water. Under the SDWA, the EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. The Department of Public Health administers the regulations contained in the SDWA in the State of California. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2004 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-12 United States Environmental Protection Agency The 1986 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act and the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the primary authority for water programs. The EPA is the federal agency responsible for providing clean and safe surface water, groundwater, and drinking water, and protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems. The City is in EPA Region 9 (Pacific Southwest), which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, and Tribal Nations. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (Clean Water Act) The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants -regulatory tools to sharply reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. Some of these tools include: • Section 303(d) Total Maximum Daily Loads • Section 401 Water Quality Certification • Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program • Section 404 Discharge of Dredge or Fill Material Section 303(d) requires states, territories, and authorized tribes to develop a list of water-quality limited segments of rivers and other water bodies under their jurisdiction. These waters on the list do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of pollution have installed the minimum required levels of pollution control technology. The law requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the list and develop action plans, called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), to improve water quality. These are action plans designed to improve the quality of water resources. As part of the TMDL process, municipalities must examine the water quality problems and identify sources of pollutants in order to create specific actions designed to improve water quality. Section 401 requires every applicant for a federal permit or license for any activity that may result in a discharge to a water body to obtain a water quality certification that the proposed activity will comply with applicable water quality standards. Section 402 regulates point-source discharges to surface waters through the NPDES program. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) oversees the NPDES program, which is administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs). The NPDES program provides for both general permits (those that cover a number of similar or related activities) and individual permits. The NPDES program covers municipalities, industrial activities, and construction activities. The NPDES program includes an industrial stormwater permitting component that covers ten categories of industrial activity that require authorization under a NPDES industrial stormwater permit for stormwater discharges. Construction activities, also administered by the State Water Board, are discussed below. Section 402(p) of the federal Clean Water Act, as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, requires NPDES permits for stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity (including construction activities), and designated stormwater discharges, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2005 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-13 which are considered significant contributors of pollutants to waters of the United States. On November 16, 1990, USEPA published regulations (40 CFR Part 122), which prescribe permit application requirements for MS4s pursuant to CWA 402(p). On May 17, 1996, the U.S. EPA published an Interpretive Policy Memorandum on Reapplication Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, which provided guidance on permit application requirements for regulated MS4s. MS4 permits include requirements for post-construction control of stormwater runoff in what is known as Provision C.3. The goal of Provision C.3 is for the Permittees to use their planning authorities to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and redevelopment projects to address both soluble and insoluble stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects. This goal is to be accomplished primarily through the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques. Section 404 establishes a permit program, administered by USACE, to regulate the discharge of dredge or fill materials into waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Activities in waters of the U.S. that are regulated under this program include fills for development, water resource projects (such as dams and levees), infrastructure development (such as highways and airports), and conversion of wetlands to uplands for farming and forestry. CWA Section 404 permits are issued by USACE. Senate Bills 610 and 221 Enacted in 2002, SB 610, which was codified in the Water Code beginning with section 10910, requires the preparation of a water supply assessment (WSA) for projects within cities and counties that propose to construct 500 or more residential units or the equivalent. SB 610 stipulates that when environmental review of certain large development projects is required, the water agency that is to serve the development must complete a WSA to evaluate water supplies that are or will be available during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years during a 20-year projection to meet existing and planned future demands, including the demand associated with a Proposed Project. Enacted in 2001, SB 221, which was codified in the Water Code beginning with section 10910, requires that the legislative body of a city or county, which is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve a subdivision map, must condition such approval upon proof of sufficient 1 as the total water supplies available during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years within a 20-year projection that would meet the projected demand associated with the proposed subdivision. The definition of sufficient water supply also includes the requirement that sufficient water encompass not only the proposed subdivision, but also existing and planned future uses, including agricultural and industrial uses. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System The Clean Water Act was amended in 1987 to include urban and stormwater runoff, which required many cities to obtain an NPDES permit for stormwater conveyance system discharges. Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act prohibits discharges of pollutants contained in stormwater runoff, except in compliance with a NPDES permit. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2006 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-14 State Regulations California Department of Public Health The Drinking Water Program, which regulates public water supply systems, is a major component of the State Department of Public Health Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management. Regulatory responsibilities include the enforcement of the federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts, the regulatory oversight of public water systems, issuance of water treatment permits, and certification of drinking water treatment and distribution operators. State regulations for potable water are contained primarily within the Food and Agricultural Code, the Government Code, the Health and Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, and the Water Code. Regulations are from Title 17 and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The regulations governing recycled water are found in a combination of sources including the Health and Safety Code, Water Code, and Titles 22 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Issues related to treatment and distribution of recycled water are generally under the influence of the RWQCB, while issues related to use and quality of recycled water are the responsibility of the California Department of Public Health. California State Water Resources Control Board The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and nine regional water quality control boards address water quality and rights regulation. Created by the California Legislature in 1967, the five- member SWRCB protects water quality by setting statewide policy, coordinating and supporting the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) efforts, and reviewing petitions that contest RWQCB actions. The SWRCB is also solely responsible for allocating surface water rights. Each RWQCB makes critical water quality decisions for its region, including setting standards, issuing waste discharge requirements, determining compliance with those requirements, and taking appropriate enforcement actions. California Department of Water Resources The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the California SWP. DWR is also responsible for overseeing the statewide process of developing and updating the California Water Plan (Bulletin 160 series); protecting and restoring the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta; regulating dams, providing flood protection, and assisting in emergency management; educating the public about the importance of water and its proper use; and providing technical assistance to service local water needs. California Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act established the SWRCB and divided the state into nine regional basins, each with a RWQCB. The SWRCB is the primary state agency responsible for responsible for developing and enforcing water quality objectives and implementation plans. The Planning Area is within the jurisdiction of Santa Ana RWQCB. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2007 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-15 The act authorizes the SWRCB to enact state policies regarding water quality in accordance with CWA 303. In addition, the act authorizes the SWRCB to issue WDRs for projects that would discharge to state waters. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act requires that the SWRCB or the Santa Ana RWQCB adopt water quality control plans (basin plans) for the protection of water quality. A basin plan must: • Identify beneficial uses of water to be protected; • Establish water quality objectives for the reasonable protection of the beneficial uses; and • Establish a program of implementation for achieving the water quality objectives. Basin plans also provide the technical basis for determining waste discharge requirements, taking enforcement actions, and evaluating clean water grant proposals. Basin plans are updated and reviewed every three years in accordance with Article 3 of Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and CWA 303(c). The local basin plans are described under Local Regulations, below. The Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SB X7-7) California legislation enacted in 2009 as SB 7 of the 7th Special Legislative Session (SB X7 -7) These requirements stipulate that urban water agencies reduce per-capita water use within their service areas by 20 percent relative to their use over the previous 10 to 15 years. The City, via WVWD, plans to comply with the SB X7-7 requirements through a combination of on-going water conservation measures (i.e. water waste prevention ordinances, tiered water rate structure, public education and outreach, turf removal program, high-efficiency toilet and clothes washer replacement programs, rain barrel rebates, and weather based irrigation controllers) and additional recycled water development. Calculations for the 2015 UWMP determined that as of 2015, the City had met the obligations of SBX7-7 (see Local Regulations below) and surpassed the 2015 and 2020 water usage reduction targets. State Updated Model Landscape Ordinance (Assembly Bill 1881 (2006)) landscape water conservation ordinances by Jan. 31, 2010. In 2009, the City adopted Ordinance No. 02(2009) adding Section 8.14 Water Conservation Landscaping to their municipal code. In addition, in 2016 the City adopted Ordinance No. 01(2016) updating their municipal code related to water efficient landscaping due to ongoing the State drought. California Urban Water Management Planning Act The California Legislature enacted the Urban Water Management Planning Act of 1983 (California Water Code Sections 10610 through 10656), which is intended to support conservation and efficient use of urban water supplies at the local level. The act required that every urban water supplier that provides water to 3,000 or more customers, or over 3,000 af of water annually, to make every effort to ensure the appropriate level of reliability in its water service to meet the needs of its customers during normal, dry, and multiple-dry years. The act requires that total projected water use be compared to water supply sources over the next 20 years in five-year increments, that 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2008 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-16 planning occur for single- and multiple-dry water years, and that plans include a water recycling analysis that incorporates a description of the wastewater collection and treatment system within the age potential recycled water uses. Applicable urban water suppliers within California are required by the Water Code to prepare and adopt an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and update it every five years. A UWMP is required in order for a water supplier to be eligible for the DWR-administered state grants, loans, and drought assistance. A UWMP provides information on water use, water resources, recycled water, water quality, reliability planning, demand management measures, BMPs, and water shortage contingency planning for a specified service area or territory. California Emergency Graywater Regulations Water ncorporated into the 2007 California Plumbing Code. Chapter 16A establishes minimum requirements for the installation of graywater systems in residential occupancies regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, providing guidance and flexibility designed to encourage the use of graywater. The standards allow small graywater systems to be installed in homes without a construction permit, substantially reducing the barriers to installing small residential graywater systems in California. The purpose of the regulations is to conserve water by facilitating greater reuse of laundry, shower, sink, and similar sources of discharge for irrigation and/or indoor use; to reduce the number of noncompliant graywater systems by making legal compliance easily achievable; to provide guidance for avoiding potentially unhealthful conditions; and to provide an alternative way to relieve stress on private sewage disposal systems. State Water Resources Control Board On May 2, 2006, the SWRCB adopted a General Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) (Order No. 2006-0003) for all publicly-owned sanitary sewer collection systems in California with more than one mile of sewer pipe. The order provides a consistent statewide approach to reducing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) by requiring public sewer system operators to take all feasible steps to control the volume of waste discharged into the system, to prevent sanitary sewer waste from entering the storm sewer system, and to develop a sewer system management plan. The City Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) was approved by City Council in 2014 and includes an overflow emergency response plan; operation and maintenance program; fats, oils, and grease plan; design and performance standards; system capacity plan; and communications program. California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is the State's leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse. CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California's vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage recycling and waste management programs and continues a tradition of environmental stewardship. Mandated responsibilities of CalRecycle are to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2009 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-17 California Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939) d that 50 percent of solid waste be diverted by the year 2000 through source reduction, recycling, and composting. AB 939 also established a goal for all California counties to provide at least 15 years of ongoing landfill capacity. This requires each region to prepare a source reduction and recycling element to be submitted to CalRecycle, which administers programs formerly managed by th Integrated Waste Management Board and Division of Recycling. California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991 (AB 1327) AB 1327 was established in 1991, which required CalRecycle to develop a model ordinance for the adoption of recyclable materials in development projects. Local agencies were then required to adopt the model, or an ordinance of their own, governing adequate areas for collection and loading of recyclable materials in development projects. Disposal Measurement System Act of 2008 (SB 1016) SB 1016 maintains the 50 percent diversion rate requirement established by AB 939, while establishing revised calculations for those entitles who did not meet the 50 percent diversion rate. SB 1016 also established a per capita disposal measurement system to make the process of goal measurement, as established by AB 939, simpler, timelier, and more accurate. The new disposal- based indicator the per capita disposal rate population (or in some cases employment) and its disposal as reported by disposal facilities. Solid Waste Diversion (AB 341) Effective July 1, 2012, AB 341 requires that commercial enterprises that generate four cubic yards or more of solid waste weekly participate in recycling programs. This requirement also includes multifamily housing complexes of five units or more, regardless of the amount of solid waste generated each week. year 2020. Organic Waste Reduction (SB 1383) Effective September 2016, SB 1383 established two organic waste disposal reduction targets tied to the 2014 baseline of 23 million tons of organic waste disposal and must be achieved by 2020 and 2025. The target is set for 2020 at 50 percent organic waste reduction from 2014 baseline (11.5 million tons allowed landfill disposal of organic waste), and for 2025 at 75 percent organic waste reduction from 2014 baseline (5.75 million tons allowed landfill disposal of organic waste). The law grants CalRecycle the regulatory authority required to achieve the organic waste disposal reduction targets and establishes an additional target that not less than 20 percent of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2010 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-18 Local Regulations Los Angeles County Code Sewer The Los Angeles County Consolidated Sewer Maintenance District (CSMD) owns and maintains the local sanitary sewers within the City. As required under the County Code, a sewer area study must be prepared for all private contract sewer projects. As stipulated in the County Code, no sewer construction permit shall be issued until the County Engineer (Section 20.32.040, County Code) and the Public Works Director (Section 20.32.420, County Code) have approved the pro sewer plans. Drainage The Los Angeles County Code contains specific provisions to regulate drainage discharge and storm water runoff quality from unincorporated areas, which do not apply directly to Diamond Bar as a City. However, management of the regional drainage system does involve requirements established by the County Flood Control District and by the MS4 permit discussed above and in Chapter 3.8: Hydrology and Water Quality. These requirements are implemented through provisions in the City Municipal Code. Solid Waste The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works coordinates solid waste planning in the region through administration of the Integrated Waste Management Plan. In accordance with state requirements, this plan and its components establishes source reduction, recycling, and other programs necessary to achieve the reductions in per capita waste generation for disposal set in the Public Resources Code. Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan The Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (GLACR IRWM) was updated in 2014. IRWM Plans are regional plans designed to improve collaboration in water resources management. The first IRWM Plan for GLACR IRWM was published in 2006 following a multi-year effort among water retailers, wastewater agencies, stormwater and flood managers, watershed groups, the business community, tribes, agriculture, and non-profit stakeholders to improve water resources planning in the Los Angeles Basin. It provides a mechanism for: 1) coordinating, refining, and integrating existing planning efforts within a comprehensive, regional context; 2) identifying specific regional and watershed-based priorities for implementation projects; and 3) providing funding support for the plans, programs, projects, and priorities of existing agencies and stakeholders. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2011 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-19 Walnut Valley Water District Urban Water Management Plan (UMWP) The 2015 UWMP is a document that provides a summary of anticipated supplies and demands for the years 2015 to 2040. The City is served by WVWD, and therefore, included in the 2015 UWMP. The 2015 UWMP was prepared consistent with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, SBX7-7, and the 2015 DWR Guidebook for Urban Water Suppliers. City of Diamond Bar Municipal Code Water As part of state and regional efforts towards water conservation, the Municipal Code includes requirements for water efficient landscaping in all new developments (Chapter 8.14 and Section 22.26.010 et seq.). The code requires preparation and approval of landscaping and irrigation plans that meet specific requirements, prior to the issuance of any land use permit or building permit. Sewer As stipulated in Section 13.00.640 (Plan Approval Prerequisite to Issuance) in Title 13 (Utilities) of the Municipal Code, no sewer construction permit shall be issued until the City Engineer has checked and approved the plans in accordance with Section 13.00.1200 and the other applicable provisions of the Municipal Code. Section 13.00.1200 (Sewer Pans) of the Municipal Code states that before a sewer construction permit may be issued, plans for the proposed construction shall be submitted to and approved by the City Engineer, unless the City Engineer determines that plans are not necessary. Drainage Section 8.12.1610 of the Municipal Code addresses storm water management and discharge control. This section incorporates at the city level, the storm water management practices that are required by federal and state law, and by the Los Angeles County Code requirements. The Proposed ten or more residences. This means that the project will require a Standard Urban Storm Water provisions, to control storm water runoff. Specific numerical performance standards must be met in the design and treatment methods. Other portions of the Municipal Code address management of development in areas prone to flooding from drainage, but since the project area is not within one of these areas the flood zone requirements do not apply. Solid Waste The City Municipal Code contains provisions that implement the source reduction and recycling programs and other measures to achieve per capita waste generation for disposal in accordance with state and County programs. Section 8.16.310 specifically requires a greenwaste collection program for all residential areas, and later sections require all collectors operating under a 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2012 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-20 collection franchise within the City to comply with applicable resource recovery and diversion programs to minimize solid waste disposal at landfills. Impact Analysis SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA For the purposes of this EIR, a significant adverse impact would occur if implementation of the Proposed Project would: Criterion 1: Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects; Criterion 2: Have insufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years; Criterion 3: Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the ; Criterion 4: Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals; or Criterion 5: Not comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste. METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS The analysis for this section addresses impacts on public utilities and city infrastructure due to projected growth arising from the Proposed Project. Subsequent California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review at the project level may be required to determine whether significant environmental effects would result from the construction of water distribution lines, wastewater collection system components, storm drainage conveyance pipes or facilities, and any onsite storage or pumping facilities on development sites, or other utilities improvements. Project-level review will occur when proposed development plans are prepared. This analysis is based on a review of relevant local and regional plans and background information, and consultation with relevant utilities. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-21 IMPACTS Impact 3.13-1 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, or storm water drainage facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects. (Less than Significant) Implementation of the Proposed Project would allow for the potential development of future residential, commercial, and industrial land uses in the Planning Area. Additional population and businesses would generate additional demand for water and wastewater services, and therefore, a potential increased demand for water provision and wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment services over currently established levels. Further, additional development has the potential to increase pervious areas, resulting in increased stormwater runoff. As discussed below, existing facilities would be adequate to serve the projected buildout population, therefore impacts resulting from the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Construction of Water Treatment Facilities Due to limited information available on the water supply, distribution, and treatment systems, this analysis focuses on the water demand changes anticipated in the Proposed Project. As previously described, the City relies on Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) to provide reliable water supplies throughout the Planning Area. WVWD serves both potable and recycled water to the City; with recycled water comprising approximately five percent of total demand. The anticipated water demand changes rely on per capita water consumption. As presented in water per capita per day (GPCD). For a planning-level water demand estimate, the expected population increase is multiplied by the per capita water consumption factor. Proposed Project may result in a water demand change between 2 percent and 16 percent (i.e. total net new population times expected water use; EX: 7,300 New Capita x 144 gallons per Capita per Day = 1.05 MGD). As stated in the 2015 UWMP, WVWD has adequate supplies to support growth through 2035. Therefore, any future development in the Planning Area would likely be served from these same sources as existing development and no new treatment facilities would be required. Additionally, goals and policies in the proposed General Plan aim to conserve water by curbing demand, ensure coordinated planning for the provision of public facilities including water infrastructure, and ensure that utilities be designed and constructed to preserve the natural character of an area. Such policies would help to reduce the demand on existing treatment infrastructure and allow for meaningful consideration of potential impacts of any future decisions regarding the provision of new infrastructure. Therefore, through compliance with State and local regulations, and implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2014 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-22 Construction of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Due to minimal information available on the wastewater conveyance and treatment system infrastructure, this analysis focuses on the anticipated wastewater flow changes. As previously described, the County provides wastewater collection and treatment services to the City. More specifically, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) provides operation and maintenance services on the local collection system, while Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) provides operation and maintenance services on the trunk sewers and wastewater treatment services. Since an area-wide sewer study has not been completed in the last 10 years and additional detailed system information (i.e. sewer flow rate) was not available for review, this analysis will evaluate the changes in wastewater flows by relying on the population and water demand changes presented above. In the 1979 Wastewater Engineering: Treatment, Disposal, Reuse, Second Edition by Metcalf & Eddy, Inc., about 80 percent of the per capita water consumption becomes wastewater flows. With the known per capita water consumption presented above, the resultant wastewater flows were estimated. There is an anticipated overall increase in wastewater flows in the Planning Area under the Proposed Project. However, the projected increase in wastewater flows, between 0.25 and 0.88 MGD (i.e. total net new population times expected water use times wastewater generation factor; EX: 7,300 New Capita x 144 gallons per Capita per Day x 80% = 0.84 MGD), is somewhat small compared to the estimated annual wastewater flow of 5.42 MGD in the city. Therefore, the Proposed Project may result in a wastewater flow increase of up to 16 percent. Due to the relatively low increase in project wastewater flow rates, no new or expanded treatment facilities would be needed to serve the population at buildout. Impacts from the proposed General Plan would therefore be less than significant. Construction of Storm Drainage Facilities Due to minimal information available on the storm drain conveyance systems, this analysis focuses on the storm water regulations and how they apply to the Planning Area. As previously described, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) owns and maintains all major flood control channels. In addition, a majority of the storm drain system within the city was formally transferred through resolution to LACFCD, which maintains complete ownership and maintenance of the system. However, storm water quality is the responsibility of the City, see Chapter 3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality for additional information. According to City Staff, the local storm drain system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies. Storm water runoff may mobilize pollutants (e.g. trash, oil, etc.) and sediments, which contribute to pollution in rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Conversely, storm water runoff can be seen as a resource for recharging groundwater supplies. The State regulates storm water discharges with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The NPDES permit was established to ensure storm water is used as a resource, while reducing any harmful pollutants to the greatest extent possible to maintain the beneficial uses of our rivers, lakes and ocean. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2015 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-23 The Regional Water Quality Control Boards have adopted NPDES permits to regulate storm water for municipalities. Under that permit is the Municipal Storm Water Program, which regulates storm water discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) throughout California. An MS4 is defined as a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) owned or operated by a local agency. In this area, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board holds the NPDES permit and Los Angeles County holds the MS4 permit. Diamond Bar is a permittee unde amended in November 2016. The permit details discharge prohibitions, effluent limitations and discharge specifications, receiving water limitations, and provisions (i.e. monitoring and reporting, watershed management programs, control measures, and total maximum daily loads). In addition, Diamond Bar is part of the Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Management Plan (Lower SGR WMP), which was developed to implement the NPDES requirements on a watershed scale. and treated on- surface runoff during a storm event that typically contain higher concentrations of pollutants compared to the remainder of the storm. Specifically, the County requires that projects mitigate the first three-quarter inch of rainfall for each storm event and be designed to minimize the introduction of pollutants from the site runoff into the storm water conveyance system. Any new development and/or significant redevelopment in the Planning Area will be subject to these requirements. Additionally, the City has established regulations for storm water runoff. Any new development and/or significant redevelopment is required to prepare a hydrology and hydraulic assessment of the proposed project. Part of that analysis is calculating the current velocity and volume of storm water runoff leaving the site in both the existing and proposed condition. The City requires that the velocity and volume of storm water runoff leaving the site not exceed the pre-project condition. Any new development and/or significant redevelopment in the Planning Area is subject to meeting these requirements. From a storm drain infrastructure perspective, these regulations restrict increases in storm water runoff from any new development and/or significant redevelopment. Therefore, existing storm drain conveyance systems will not require upsizing, regardless of changes to lands use types. Further, since City staff has advised that the local storm drain system is in good standing with no known major system deficiencies, the Proposed Project will likely have minimal impacts to the existing storm drain conveyance systems. Thus, any impacts related to the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities resulting from development projected by the proposed General Plan would be less than significant through compliance with State and local regulations, as well as implementation of proposed General Plan policies. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2016 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-24 Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Land Use & Economic Development LU-G-5. Manage development in a manner consistent with the capabilities of the City to provide public services and facilities effectively. LU-P-5. Ensure that adequate public services, facilities, and infrastructure are available or provided to support new development, including water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, transportation, public safety, and parks. LU-P-6. Require new development to pay its fair share of the public facilities and off-site improvements needed to serve the proposed use. LU-P-52. Collaborate with public service providers and agencies including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Walnut Valley and Pomona school districts, Los Angeles County Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and Walnut Valley Water District to designate and pursue acquisition of land for public facilities as necessary to serve unmet facility needs of Diamond Bar residents. Community Character & Placemaking CC-P-6. Prioritize sustainability in site design. When incorporating on-site stormwater management through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and/or other available low-impact development technologies, require such features to be aesthetically integrated into the site design. Public Facilities PF-G-6 Ensure that public facilities and services, including water, wastewater, sewage, electricity, natural gas, and solid waste, are provided in a safe, efficient, and timely manner to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-P-31. Require the construction of water, sewer, drainage, and other necessary public facilities, and encourage storm water capture prior to or concurrent with new development. PF-P-34. Ensure adequate funding and planning for needed public services and facilities in coordination with the Capital Improvement Program. PF-P-35. Continue to communicate major development plans with utility companies and coordinate planning of extension of necessary facilities. PF-P-37. Collaborate with the WVWD to develop future plans to expand the use of recycled water within Diamond Bar as additional recycled water supplies become available. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2017 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-25 PF-P-40. Pursue the transfer of ownership of all portions of the storm drain system within Diamond Bar to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD). PF-P-41. Work with the LACFCD to complete a drainage master plan for Diamond Bar with a view to identifying any defici system, and update it periodically, as needed. Mitigation Measures None required. Impact 3.13-2 Implementation of the Proposed Project would have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. (Less than Significant) As discussed in Impact 3.13-1, projected demand in the Proposed Project may result in an increase as much as 1.09 MGD or result 16 percent over current demand of 6.77 MGD. As stated in the 2015 UWMP, WVWD has adequate supplies to support growth through 2035 during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. Table 3.13-6 ability to meet future water demands through 2035 in a normal year. Table 3.13-6: Supply and Demand for the Normal Year 2020 (AFY) 2025 (AFY) 2030 (AFY) 2035 (AFY) Supply 23,359 24,609 26,054 27,524 Demand 21,995 23,199 24,594 26,012 Difference 1,364 1,410 1,460 1,512 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, Table 27, 2016. As shown, the WVWD has identified adequate supply from existing water sources entitlements to meet demand through 2035. The 2015 UWMP shows that in a normal year, demand for potable and recycled water could be met through imported water and local groundwater, respectively. The 2015 UWMP also includes projections showing adequate supply for multiple dry years, as shown in Table 3.13-7. In the event of a water shortage, WVWD would rely on their Water Shortage Supply Plan during dry years. During a single dry year, it is assumed that the potable water projected demand in the normal year is reduced by 10 percent. In a multiple dry year scenario, it is assumed that the potable water projected demand in the normal year is reduced by 10 percent in the first two dry years; then reduce demand by 25 percent during the third dry year. Under this case, Table 3.13-7 shows that there is sufficient supply to meet demands in multiple dry years. While a series of dry years would reduce supply, the WVWD has the potential to utilize multiple sources and offset normal supplies with additional recycled water and conservation efforts without seeking additional entitlements or water sources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2018 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-26 Table 3.13-7: Supply and Demand for the Normal Year Year Item 2020 (AFY) 2025 (AFY) 2030 (AFY) 2035 (AFY) 1 Supply 20,810 20,810 20,810 20,810 Demand 17,421 18,032 18,662 19,316 Difference 3,389 2,778 2,148 1,494 2 Supply 20,340 20,340 20,340 20,340 Demand 17,421 18,032 18,662 19,316 Difference 2,919 2,308 1,678 1,024 3 Supply 16,603 16,603 16,603 16,603 Demand 14,518 15,026 15,552 16,097 Difference 2,085 1,577 1,051 506 Note: The 2015 WVWD Urban Water Management Plan projects water usage through 2035. The UWMP is updated every 5 years and projects usage over a 20-year period. Water usage for 2040 is not available. Source: Walnut Valley Water District 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, Table 29, 2016. Implementation of policies in the proposed General Plan would reduce the overall existing and future water usage in the Planning Area by curbing demand for domestic and commercial purposes and promoting water conservation strategies. Proposed policies also seek to ensure the long-term quality and maintenance of waters supplies, while exploring new options for the capture and utilization of stormwater. Thus, future development anticipated by the proposed General Plan has been projected to be accommodated by existing water sources and entitlements, compliance with local and regional water management plans, as well as further compliance with SBx7-7 and implementation of proposed General Plan policies. Impacts would therefore be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies LU-G-5, LU-P-5, LU-P-52, PF-G-6, PF-P-31, PF-P-34, and PF-P-37 as discussed under Impact 3.13-1, in addition to the following: Public Facilities PF-G-7. Maintain adequate systems for potable water supply and distribution to meet the current and future needs of the city. PF-P-36. Work with the Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) to assess the condition of water distribution and storage systems within Diamond Bar and plan for refurbishments as needed. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2019 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-27 Impact 3.13-3 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it does not have adequate Less than Significant) The proposed General Plan projects future residential and commercial uses in the Planning Area that could generate additional wastewater. Therefore, wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment needs could increase over current levels. As discussed under Impact 3.13-1, due to the relatively low increase in project wastewater flow rates, no new or expanded treatment facilities would be needed to serve the population at buildout. Additionally, as presented in Impact 3.13-1 and 3.13-2, goals and policies in the proposed General Plan aim to conserve water by curbing demand for domestic and commercial purposes, promoting water conservation strategies, ensuring coordinated planning for the provision of public facilities including water infrastructure, and ensure that utilities be designed and constructed to preserve the natural character of an area. Such policies would help to reduce the demand on existing treatment infrastructure and allow for meaningful consideration of potential impacts of any future decisions regarding the provision of new infrastructure. In addition, current regulations require compliance with water quality standards and would not allow development without adequate utility capacity, including wastewater treatment capacity. Potential future development projects would be reviewed by the City and LACSD to determine that sufficient capacity exists to serve the development. Therefore, through compliance with State and local regulations, and implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies LU-P-5, LU-P-52, PF-G-6, PF-P-31, and PF-P-34 as discussed under Impact 3.13-1, in addition to the following: Public Facilities PF-P-38. Work with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department (LACPWD) and Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD) to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems and treatment facility capacity is available to serve planned development within Diamond Bar. PF-P-39. Continue to monitor and assess wastewater and sewer system operations to identify and subsequently address system deficiencies. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2020 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-28 Impact 3.13-4 Implementation of the Proposed Project would not generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals. (Less than Significant) As described above, the City receives refuse pickup and disposal service from Waste Management, Inc. for single-family residential uses and Valley Vista Services, Inc. for commercial and multi- family residential uses. Once collected from areas within the City, the refuse is currently delivered to El Sobrante Landfill and Olinda Alpha Landfill. The 2017 Annual Report for El Sobrante Landfill found that at the current rate of waste disposal, the landfill had 42 years of site life remaining. The Olinda Alpha Landfill has enough projected capacity to serve residents and businesses until 2030. While buildout of the Proposed Project extends until 2040, Valley Vista Services delivers refuse to both landfills and Waste Management delivers refuse only to El Sobrante Landfill, which has additional capacity through 2059. Therefore, solid waste generated under the Proposed Project would reasonably be within the capacity of local infrastructure. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works prepares and administers the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan. For the current planning period from 2017 to 2032, the IWMP Annual Report estimates that a shortfall in permitted solid waste disposal capacity is not anticipated. The IWMP Report also states that the cumulative need for Class III landfill disposal capacity, approximately 126.4 million tons in 2032, will not exceed the 2017 remaining permitted Class III landfill capacity of 167.6 million tons. This data is provided at the County level. remaining capacity in El Sobrante and Olinda Alpha landfills, meeting the collection, transfer, recycling, and disposal needs of the Proposed Project would not result in adverse impacts on landfill facilities. It is also likely that changes in regulations will occur that will decrease the need for landfill capacity through new recycling measures (e.g. conversion technology facilities, material recovery facilities, waste to resource projects, etc.). Compliance with solid waste regulations and proposed General Plan policies would further address potential impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-6, PF-P-31, PF-P-34, PF-P-38, and PF-P-39 as discussed under Impacts 3.13-1 and 3.13-3. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2021 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-29 Impact 3.13-5 Implementation of the Proposed Project would comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste. (Less than Significant) AB 939 mandated that California generate a 25 percent diversion rate by 1995 and a 50 percent diversion rate by 2000. In 2005, California diverted 52 percent of its waste from landfills; therefore, the State, including the City, reached this goal and is in compliance with this law. AB 341, adopted in 2012, requires that commercial enterprises that generate four cubic yards or more of solid waste and multi-family housing complexes of five units or more weekly participate in recycling programs in 2016, establishes goals of 50 percent organics waste reduction by 2020 and 75 percent reduction by 2025. As described in Impact 3.14-6, waste collection services are provided by Waste Management, Inc. and Valley Vista Services which includes solid waste, recycling, e-waste, and hazardous waste. As of 2016, Waste Management diverted 47 percent of waste. Valley Vista Services has met the 50 percent diversion goal under AB 939. The City of Diamond Bar currently offers multiple specialized recycling programs, including a limited-run free recycling bins for businesses program, and two recycling centers are located in the City. The Proposed Project includes multiple policies aimed at achieving solid waste reduction targets established in AB 939, AB 341, and SB 1383, including incorporation of solid waste diversion goal performance standa franchise waste haulers, requiring commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement recycling plans, and educating Diamond Bar residents and businesses about recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs. Development of future land uses, as projected in the proposed General Plan, would be required to comply with federal, State, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. Furthermore, the policies provided in the proposed General Plan regarding solid waste disposal and associated public facilities would further ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. Proposed General Plan Policies that Address the Impact Policies PF-G-6, PF-P-31, PF-P-34, as discussed under Impacts 3.13-1 and 3.13-3, in addition to the following: Community Health & Sustainability CHS-P-46. In order to achieve compliance with the source reduction goals set forth under Assembly Bill (AB) 939 amendments thereto, incorporate solid waste diversion CHS-P-47. Reduce the disposal of household hazardous wastes in landfills through continued cooperation with waste pick-up service providers, the County Sanitation Districts, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works in the provision of curbside pick-up and annual household waste round up events. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2022 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems 3.13-30 CHS-P-48. Continue to promote the safe disposal of household hazardous waste through public education and incentives. CHS-P-49. Continue to educate residential, commercial, and industrial generators about source reduction and recycling programs and encourage their participation in these programs through promotional campaigns and incentives. CHS-P-50. Encourage generators of edible food to have contracts or agreements with food rescue organizations to minimize edible food from being disposed of or destroyed. CHS-P-51. Encourage residents and businesses to compost leaves, grass clippings, food waste, and other organic materials by promoting existing food waste pickup services, residential waste hauler rate composting discounts, and residential backyard composting. CHS-P-52. residents and businesses about waste reduction strategies. CHS-P-53. Require commercial and industrial generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan tailored to their individual waste streams. Mitigation Measures None required. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2023 4 Alternatives Analysis The Proposed Project is described and analyzed in Chapters 3.1 through 3.13 of this EIR with an emphasis on potentially significant impacts and recommended mitigation measures to avoid those impacts. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines require an EIR to include the description and comparative analysis of a range of alternatives to the Proposed Project that could feasibly attain the objectives of the Proposed Plan, while avoiding or substantially lessening potential impacts. The CEQA Guidelines also require that the environmentally superior alternative be designated. If the alternative with the least environmental impact is the No Project Alternative, then the EIR must also designate the next most environmentally superior alternative. The following discussion is intended to inform the public and decision makers of the feasible alternatives that would avoid or substantially lessen significant effects of the Proposed Project, and to compare such alternatives to the Proposed Project. Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines states that: An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a project. Rather it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision making and public participation. The following discussion includes an evaluation of two alternatives to the Proposed Plan as well as the No Project Alternative The No Project Alternative is a scenario in which the Proposed Project (General Plan Update) is not adopted and implementation of the existing General Plan continues through 2040. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(a), the other alternatives selected for consideration in this analysis are Alternative 1, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive; and Alternative 2, with a Town Center at the southern portion of the Golf Course. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2024 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-2 4.1 Background on Development of Alternatives EIR Alternatives were developed in line with CEQA Guidelines, and based on feedback from the community. As part of the proposed General Plan update process, an evaluation of potential alternatives was conducted in mid-2017 and a final report was issued in January 2018 (Dyett and Bhatia, 2018). That process informed development of the preferred alternatives for evaluation in this EIR. Three alternatives representing different approaches to accommodating future growth and development in Diamond Bar were chosen for evaluation and public review, and were presented in the report. The alternatives each reflected the recommendations of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), Planning Commission, and City Council, as well as input from the community. The primary difference between the alternatives was the location of the proposed Town Center. The analyses in the report addressed population, jobs, housing, transportation, economics, and utility infrastructure. In the spring of 2017, City staff and the consultant team developed three distinct Preliminary Concepts for the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to consider: Concept 1, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue; Concept 2, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive; and Concept 3, with a Town Center to be developed at the Golf Course. These Preliminary Concepts were carefully informed by the existing conditions research; community feedback from the survey, workshop and GPAC; and priorities set by the Planning Commission and City Council. They were designed to demonstrate three distinct approaches to incorporating a Town Center in Diamond Bar, while also accommodating anticipated future growth in the community and preserving existing neighborhoods and other community assets. At the June 2017 GPAC meeting, Concept 1 was rejected because it was generally agreed that regional traffic cutting through the City on Grand Avenue would thwart efforts to create a walkable downtown in that location. This assessment led to the formulation of three modified options for consideration: the concept with the Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive was relabeled Option 11; Option 2 depicted the Town Center on only the portion of the golf course south of Grand Avenue, while the portion north of Grand would serve as a park or downsized golf course; and Option 3 contemplated the Town center on the portion of the golf course north of Grand, while the portion south of Grand would be repurposed as a park. These three alternatives, were then presented to the GPAC at a meeting in November 2017, and following this, to a joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission in January 2018. The joint bodies selected a variation of Alternative 1 as the Preferred Alternative; more precisely, defined and added to the Preferred Alternative to prescribe how the golf course should be repurposed in the event that Los Angeles County ever decides to cease golf course operations on that property. The proposed General Plan (Proposed Project) and EIR Alternatives 1 and 2 were derived from the process summarized above. The proposed General Plan (Proposed Plan) is modeled after Option 1 in the earlier which proposes a new 1 to the Planning Commission/City Council joint meeting in November 2017. The editorial decision to refer to them as Options 1 through 3 was made to avoid confusion with the EIR Alternatives analyzed in this chapter. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2025 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-3 Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. There are a few key differences between the proposed General Plan and the earlier Option 1. Options 1 and 2 propose a 105-acre transit oriented mixed use-designated neighborhood adjacent to the Metrolink station; under the proposed General Plan, only 33 acres of this area would be designated as transit oriented mixed use and adjacent land uses would not change. The Golf Course would retain its designation under the proposed General Plan and Alternative 1, but the proposed General Plan also applies a Community Core Overlay in the event that Los Angeles County ceases operation of the Golf Course. Alternatives 1 and 2 were modeled after Options 1 and 2 from the 2018 Alternatives Evaluation document, respectively. As discussed below, the methodology in calculating buildout projections slightly differs between the 2018 Alternatives Evaluation and this EIR; therefore, differences in population projections can be partially attributed to methodology rather than substantive changes between the Alternatives. The Proposed Project, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative are discussed in more detail below. The Proposed Project consists of the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also include the Climate Action Plan, but it would not be included in the No Project Alternative as the City of Diamond Bar does not presently have a Climate Action Plan. 4.2 Description of Alternatives and requires the EIR to set forth alternatives necessary to permit a reasoned choice, that would avoid or substantially lessen any significant effects, and that could feasibly attain most of the project objectives. ion and the seven Guiding Principles, which are further detailed below. expression of the collective hopes and desires that members of the Diamond Bar community have throughout the planning process: In 2040, Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively Town Center provides community members with access to local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2026 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-4 The following Guiding Principles support the community vision and provide direction for the policies in the proposed General Plan. 1. Maintain a welcoming, safe small-town feel. Continue to cultivate a welcoming, safe small- preserving existing neighborhoods. 2. Promote a family-friendly community. housing choices for families to continue to make Diamond Bar a desirable place for families. 3. Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented dine, and gather. 4. Develop attractive commercial centers and thriving businesses. existing commercial centers and businesses to thrive, and attract new businesses to centrally located focus areas in order to serve the daily needs of residents. 5. Establish a balanced circulation network. Improve mobility for all residents, visitors, and workers by providing a diversity of safe and convenient transportation options in a cohesive network, including active transportation, transit, and automobile facilities. 6. Support Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles. Promote human and community health and environmental quality through the provision of parks and open spaces, community programs and services, the preservation of local and regional environmental resources, and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. 7. Foster a strong, collaborative community. Provide opportunities for gatherings among friends, families, and the community at large and encourage all members of the community to participate in planning and decision-making for the future. NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE Consistent with Section 15126.6(e)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the No Project Alternative represents what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the Proposed al Plan was left unchanged and in use. This alternative would retain all current land use designations and definitions from the current General Plan as amended to date, and future development in the Planning Area would continue to be subject to existing policies, regulations, development standards, and land use designations of the existing Diamond Bar General Plan. Specifically, there would be no new Town Center Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit Oriented Mixed Use, or Community Core Overlay land use designations. All Proposed Project change areas as identified in the Proposed Project would retain their existing 1995 General Plan designations. Policies concerning topics such as transportation, economic development, parks, open space, the environment, climate change, health, and housing would also remain unchanged. Overall, the No Project Alternative is projected to result in approximately 57,790 residents, 19,643 housing units, and 18,855 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 63 fewer residents, 730 new housing units, and 4,150 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 8,895 fewer residents, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2027 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-5 3,023 fewer housing units, and 2,889 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. The No Project Alternative is depicted in Figure 4-1. Buildout calculations of new development under the No Project Alternative assumed maximum allowable residential density/intensity and the midpoint of allowable non-residential density/intensity for each land use designation under the 1995 General Plan. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites identified by the Proposed Project (with the exception of the four focus areas), and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under the No Project Alternative assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.097 persons per occupied unit. Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 400 square feet per retail employee, 350 square feet per office employee, and 500 square feet per industrial employee. The same assumptions were used to calculate buildout of the Proposed Project in 2040. ALTERNATIVE 1: NEW TOWN CENTER AT DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD/GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE Alternative 1, as shown in Figure 4-2, includes a Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, with the new Sprouts/Ross center on the former Kmart site. The Golf Course would retain its designation. Alternative 1 includes the same land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. As discussed in Section 4.1 above, Alternative 1 is the most similar to the Proposed Project, with two key differences. Alternative 1 does not include the Community Core Overlay, which assumes high residential growth. Additionally, the 105-acre transit-oriented mixed-use area near the Metrolink station would be reduced to 33 acres under the Proposed Project. Overall, Alternative 1 is projected to result in approximately 63,008 residents, 21,395 housing units, and 19,369 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,150 new residents, 2,500 new housing units, and 4,700 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 2,823 fewer residents, 1,272 fewer housing units, and 2,375 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 1 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 1 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. ALTERNATIVE 2: NEW TOWN CENTER AT GOLF COURSE (SOUTH) Alternative 2 includes a Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would designate approximately 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as new parkland. The replacement of recreational/park space from the Golf Course would likely be required. The Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. Alternative 2 includes similar land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2028 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-6 Overall, Alternative 2 is projected to result in approximately 63,277 residents, 21,486 housing units, and 21,141 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,450 new residents, 2,600 new housing units, and 6,400 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 3,408 fewer residents, 1,181 fewer housing units, and 603 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 2 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 2 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. Table 4.2-1: Comparison of Key Characteristics Existing (2016) Proposed Project (2040) No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Population 57,853 66,685 57,790 63,008 63,277 Housing Units 18,913 22,667 19,643 21,395 21,486 Single-Family 13,252 13,394 13,314 13,336 13,331 Multi-Family 5,661 9,273 6,330 8,059 8,155 Non-Residential (1,000 sqft) 5,564 7,182 6,277 7,429 8,178 Retail 587 1,194 619 3,971 4,515 Office 2,407 2,927 2,943 3,458 3,663 Industrial 1,053 850 1,058 - - Other 1,518 2,212 1,657 - - Jobs 14,702 21,744 18,855 19,369 21,141 Retail 1,467 3,079 1,548 7,943 9,030 Office 7,334 11,436 11,049 11,426 12,111 Industrial 2,106 1,700 2,116 - - Other 3,795 5,529 4,142 - - Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2029 !(T Diamond Ranch High School Pantera Park Pantera E.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamond Point E.S. Little League Field Armstrong E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Sycamore Canyon Park Quail Summit E.S. Chaparral M.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park Walnut E.S. South Pointe M.S. Diamond Bar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreen E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Heritage ParkPEACEFULHILLSRD Ronald Reagan Park Star Shine Park Summitridge Park Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RBLV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYDRBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNPA-2/SP PA-2/SP PA-4/SP PA-1/SP SP AG/SP W W W W W W F PA-5/RH-30 PA-3/SP Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Rural Residential (RR) Low Density Residential (RL) Low-Medium Residential (RLM) Medium Density Residential (RM) Medium High Density Residential (RMH) High Density Residential (RH) General Commercial (C) Figure 4.2-1: No Project Alternative Commercial/Office (CO) Professional Office (OP) Light Industrial (I) Fire (F) Water (W) School (S) Park (PK) Golf Course (GC) Open Space (OS) Private Recreation (PR) Significant Ecological Area (AG/SP) Planning Area (PA) Specific Plan Overlay (SP) City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2030 !(T DiamondRanch High School PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPoint E.S. Little League Field ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReagan Park Star Shine Park SummitridgePark Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANG ELE S COU NT Y ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNA RDIN O COU NT YRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Sta tion }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GEL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLN1 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4.2-2: Alternative 1 Low Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use General Comm ercial Office School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Private Recreation Planned Area/Specific Plan Change Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2031 !(T DiamondRanch High School PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPoint E.S. Little League Field ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReagan Park Star Shine Park SummitridgePark Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANG ELE S COU NT Y ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNA RDIN O COU NT YRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Sta tion }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GEL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLN1 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4.2-3: Alternative 2 Low Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use General Comm ercial Office School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Private Recreation Planned Area/Specific Plan Change Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2032 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-7 Figure 4-1: No Project Alternative (existing General Plan Land Uses) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2033 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-8 Figure 4-2 : Alternative 1 New Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2034 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-9 Figure 4-3 : Alternative 2 New Town Center at Golf Course (South) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-10 4.3 Impact Analysis of Alternatives This section provides a qualitative analysis of the potential environmental impacts of each Alternative relative to existing conditions, and compares their impacts with the impacts of the Proposed Project. The discussions are arranged by resource topic and address the same significance criteria used to evaluate the Proposed Project in Chapter 3 of this EIR. It is assumed that Alternatives 1 and 2 would generally include the same policies as the Proposed Project, with the exception of site-specific policies that would not apply due to differences in planned land use. AESTHETICS There are important viewsheds within the Planning Area, such as those of hillsides and natural resources, that contribute to the aesthetic quality of Diamond Bar. All Alternatives would be consistent with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality in urbanized areas, including the Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 22.16.130 and Chapter 22.22 and Citywide Design Guidelines. Existing regulations contain view protection provisions and address management of hillside development in Diamond Bar, including the protection of views and view corridors to and from hillside areas. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also include proposed General Plan policies related to protection of scenic views and open space resources, preservation of existing neighborhoods, and pedestrian-oriented development. Alternatives 1 and 2 would have similar impacts as the Proposed Project on scenic vistas and the visual character of the Planning Area given that both Alternatives propose similar land use changes as the Proposed Project, with the exception of redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2. Assuming Los Angeles County does not cease operation of the golf course, this area would remain unchanged under all other Alternatives, including the No Project Alternative. If Los Angeles County does decide to cease operation of the golf course, under the Proposed Project the Community Core Overlay and proposed General Plan policies would require a master plan to guide future development in this area and minimize impacts to scenic resources. The No Project Alternative would retain the 1995 designation of Planning Area 2, which consists of 424 acres in two non-contiguous, steeply-sloped, vacant natural areas in the eastern portion of the Planning Area. No development has yet occurred in Planning Area 2 but would be permitted under the No Project Alternative. Compliance with Diamond Bar Municipal Code regulations would reduce potential impacts associated with development in this area to a level that is less than significant. Land use changes and proposed General Plan policies included in all other Alternatives would support the preservation of open spaces by designating areas formerly designated as Planning Areas or Low Density Residential as Open Space, and therefore would reduce impacts of the No Project Alternative on scenic vistas. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes, and policies in the proposed General Plan and other Alternatives are intended to complement and further the intent of these provisions regulating scenic quality and resources. The non-urbanized Sphere of Influence would be designated as a Significant Ecological Area under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2, and is protected by the Los Angeles County General Plan and Municipal Code under the No Project Alternative. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on the existing visual character or quality of public view and would not conflict with applicable regulations governing scenic quality. As discussed, the potential for development in Planning Area 2 would make impacts under the No Project Alternative slightly 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2036 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-11 more significant than under all other Alternatives, but compliance with existing local regulations relating to hillside management, development review, and subdivision design would ensure than impacts are ultimately less than significant. Given that no adopted State scenic highway is located in Diamond Bar, and that adjacent land uses to SR-57 are undergoing minimal changes or development as part of the proposed General Plan and Alternatives (and no changes under the No Project Alternative), each of the Alternatives , including the Proposed Project, would have no impact on scenic resources within a State scenic highway. New development resulting from implementation of any of the Alternatives would necessitate the use of additional light fixtures and would contribute to existing conditions of light and glare. Most new development resulting from the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 would take place in or near developed and urbanized areas, where moderate light and glare already exist, and would not be out of character with the urban environment. Under Alternative 2, a new Town Center would be developed in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would therefore increase light and glare in this area compared to existing conditions and the Proposed Project. Compliance with the Diamond Bar Municipal Code and implementation of proposed General Plan policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats and between new development and existing uses would reduce potential impacts of new development under Alternatives 1 and 2 to a level that is less than significant, similar to the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and would result in reduced development compared to the Proposed Project. Any development associated with the No Project Alternative would be required to comply with provisions within the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances that would limit light and glare for new non-residential and residential development. Therefore, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on light and glare. AIR QUALITY The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less growth at buildout. Alternative 2 would also result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project but would increase non- residential development. As the Proposed Project would be less than significant with respect to consistency with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Air Quality Management Plan, and the General Plan Policies will remain the same, it is anticipated that the No Project Alternative, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would also be consistent with the AQMP. Compliance with CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, and Title 24 energy efficiency standards would reduce construction and operational emissions of criteria air pollutants and would ensure that Alternative 2 would be consistent with the AQMP despite increased non-residential development. Therefore, all alternatives would result in a less than significant impact on the implementation of the SCAQMD AQPM. The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout. Increased non-residential development under Alternative 2 would have the potential to increase construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout compared to the Proposed Project. With respect to construction related regional emissions, because individual development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2037 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-12 projects under the Alternatives would be similar in size/scope to the Proposed Project, just not as many in number, the potential for similar construction intensity under each of the Alternatives is similar to those of the Proposed Project. Therefore, construction emissions associated with all Alternatives? would be significant and unavoidable even with the implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ-1. With respect to operational emissions, future development under all alternatives would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also be subject to proposed General Plan policies related to circulation, air pollution, and sustainability and propose land use frameworks that emphasize infill and reduced VMT. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would reduce impacts. Therefore, long-term regional and local operational emissions would be significant and unavoidable. With respect to sensitive receptors, construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts of the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would be similar but reduced from the Proposed Project. Given increased non-residential development, construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts under Alternative 2 could be higher than the Proposed Project. As future development under the Alternatives would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and the Proposed General Plan policies and actions. Implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ- 1 would also reduce criteria pollutant emissions, but would not be included under the No Project Alternative. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects, it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would further reduce impacts. Therefore, localized operational impacts, construction and operational health and toxic air impacts would remain significant and unavoidable under all Alternatives. The three Alternatives would result in similar odor emissions under construction and operational activities as the Proposed Project, given that none of the Alternatives include land uses associated with odor complaints and all would be subject to SCAQMD rules related to construction-related odorous compounds. Therefore, the potential for odor to impact sensitive receptors would be the same. Given that the Alternatives would result in less general development, although of a similar nature, the Alternatives would result in a less than significant odor impact similar to the Proposed Project. Under the Proposed Project, operational emissions of CO significantly exceed SCAQMD thresholds. While the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore less operational emissions, this reduction would not be sufficient to reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing vehicle trips and encouraging multi-modal transportation. Therefore, all Alternatives and the Proposed Project would result in a significant and unavoidable impact on regional operational emissions. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2038 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-13 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Alternatives 1 and 2 would include the proposed General Plan goals for resource conservation, including the maintenance and protection of biologically significant areas, protection of rare and special-status plant and animal communities, and use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical, and would therefore result in similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project. Although the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan goals and policies, the 1995 General Plan includes objectives in line with those of the Proposed Project, such as the conservation of sensitive biological resources with an emphasis on the Significant Ecological Area in its SOI. However, a noteworthy deviation from the Proposed Project is the manner in which Planning Area 2 is designated. Planning Area 2 consists of 424 acres of steeply-sloped, vacant natural areas in two non-contiguous areas. The larger area lies north and east of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, while the other area lies between Pantera Park to the west and Tres Hermanos Ranch to the east. No development has yet occurred in this area. In the existing General Plan, this area is designated as a Planning Area, which would not prohibit future development in this area. Under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2, this area is designated as Open Space allowing population exchange between the Puente-Chino Hills movement corridor and Planning Area 2 to occur. The No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies or specific mitigation measures designed to compensate for the loss of sensitive habitats and special status species, including endangered and threatened species (MM-BIO-1A through MM-BIO-1K). Since the 1995 General Plan was formulated there have been significant changes to the status and occurrences of these species in the study area. Based on the findings of the Hamilton Biological Report, the occurrences of this species in the City has increased in area of occupation.2 Therefore, implementation of the No Project Alternative may have a significant and unavoidable impact on special-status species, riparian habitat, federally protected wetlands, and wildlife corridors in the Planning Area. Additionally, given that the No Project Alternative could have adverse effects on the Puente-Chino Hills movement corridor, the No Project Alternative may have significant and unavoidable conflicts with the Puente-Chino Wildlife Corridor conservation being led by the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) and the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority. The No Project Alternative would have a more severe impact on these resources than the Proposed Project. Implementation of Alternatives 1 or 2 would have similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project, and would require implementation of the same mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts on special-status species, riparian habitat, and federally protected wetlands to a level that is less than significant. The only difference is where the new Town Center is sited. The Town Center would be sited in the southern portion of the Golf Course under Alternative 2, resulting in a loss of mature trees that may be used by migratory and residential birds and nesting. Under the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, siting the new Town Center at the Diamond Bar 2 A study funded by Diamond Bar residents, Diamond Bar Responsible Land Use, Diamond Bar Preservation Alliance, and the Sierra Club (known as the Hamilton Biological Report) analyzed biological resources within the City of Diamond Bar as of February 2019. The findings of the Hamilton Biological Report are addressed in Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2039 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-14 Boulevard and Golden Springs Avenue location would not result in removal of mature trees from the Golf Course and therefore would have no immediate effect on bird roosting and potential nesting. Compliance with proposed General Plan policies and mitigation measure MM-BIO-6 would reduce potential indirect and direct impacts of the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 on wildlife movement corridors to a level that is less than significant. As with the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on the implementation of applicable conservation plans and policies given compliance with proposed General Plan policies. The No Project, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project would have no impact on the C as long as both ordinances are being enforced. CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and demolition activities that may have an adverse effect on historic resources. Alternative 2 would result in less residential development but increased non-residential development than the Proposed Project, and could increase potential impacts. Only one known historical resource has been identified in the Planning Area, and all Alternatives focus development in a few change areas. The Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 include proposed General Plan policies requiring that new development be compatible with existing development and mitigation measure MM-CULT-1, which requires preparation of a historical resource assessment and implementation of appropriate mitigation prior to development of any project on a parcel containing at least one structure more than 45 years old (with the exception of minor project that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA). However, without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development under Alternatives 1 and 2 will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources. Like the Proposed Project, impacts on historical resources would therefore be significant and unavoidable under Alternatives 1 and 2. The No Project Alternative would result in new development compared to existing conditions (but reduced compared to the Proposed Project) and would not include the aforementioned Proposed Project policies and mitigation measures. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would also have the potential to be significant and unavoidable if additional historical resources are identified in the future. Future development proposals initiated under Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative that include construction-related ground disturbance into native soil have the potential to impact archaeological resources. Anticipated development in the Planning Area would occur through infill development on vacant property and through redevelopment of underutilized properties. A total of 11 archaeological resources have been recorded within the Planning Area and it appears to have been a highly suitable area for the inhabitance of prehistoric people. Therefore, the potential for archaeological resources in the Planning Area is high. Alternative 1 includes all Proposed Project land use designations (with the exception of the Community Core Overlay), policies aimed at the preservation and management of discovered archaeological materials, and mitigation measure MM-CULT-2, which requires preparation of an archaeological resources assessment and implementation of appropriate mitigation prior to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2040 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-15 development of a project that involves ground disturbance (with the exception of minor project that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA). Therefore, impacts to archeological resources under Alternative 1 would be less than significant, as with the Proposed Project. Alternative 2 would result in increased ground disturbance given the conversion of the Golf Course to the new Town Center and parkland, and could result in more significant impacts than the Proposed Project. With implementation of relevant proposed General Plan policies and MM- CULT-2, this impact would be reduced to a level that is less than significant. The No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project, but development associated with this alternative could include construction-related ground disturbance. As discussed in the Biological Resources section above, the No Project Alternative would retain the existing General Plan land use designation of Planning Area 2. Under Alternatives 1 and 2 and the Proposed Project, this area would be designated as Open Space and would be protected from future development. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies and mitigation aimed at preserving archaeological resources. Therefore, the No Project Alternative could have a significant and unavoidable impact on archaeological resources. Given that there are no known cemeteries or human remains locations within the Planning Area, and all Alternatives would be subject to California Health and Safety Code and Public Resources regulations for the treatment of human remains, all Alternatives would be expected to have a less than significant impact on the disturbance of human remains. The proposed General Plan does not include any policies related to the treatment of human remains; therefore, impacts would be the same under each Alternative, including the No Project Alternative. Impacts on tribal cultural resources could occur as a result of future development proposals initiated under any of the Alternatives that include ground disturbance into native soil. There are no identified Native American resources within the Planning Area, but it is possible that future development within the Planning Area may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and to create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Impacts under Alternative 2 may be slightly higher given that development of the Golf Course would have the potential to unearth unrecorded tribal cultural resources, but development would be subject to the described policies. Therefore, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on tribal cultural resources. As discussed, the No Project Alternative would not designate Planning Area 2 as Open Space. Potential development in this area could include ground disturbance into native soil, and the No Project Alternative would not include the same protective policies as the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts of the No Project Alternative on tribal cultural resources could be significant and unavoidable. ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GREENHOUSE GASES The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout. Alternative 2 would also result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project but would increase non-residential development. Compliance with the CALGreen Building Code, Title 24 standards for energy efficiency in commercial buildings, and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2041 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-16 proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing impacts from new development would ensure that the increase in non-residential development under Alternative 2 would not substantially increase construction and operational GHG emissions beyond the Proposed Project. As the Proposed Project would be less than significant with respect to GHG emissions and energy consumption based on compliance with the proposed General Plan policies (included in Alternatives 1 and 2) and State and local measures, Alternatives 1 and 2 would also be less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies that reduce transportation-related GHG emissions, the No Project Alternative would result in less development and lower VMT than the Proposed Project. Therefore, the GHG emissions and energy consumption from the No Project Alternative would be less than the Proposed Project, and the No Project Alternative would also be less than significant. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would be required to comply with the same GHG and Energy policies, plans and regulations as identified for the Proposed Project. Under the No Project Alternative, proposed General Plan policies and the Climate Action Plan would not be adopted. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not contain policies or land uses that support applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions over time. Under the No Project Alternative, the City of Diamond Bar would likely be capable of meeting the CARB 2017 Scoping Plan and SB 32 targets for GHG emissions in 2030 given that the Business as Usual scenario for the Proposed Project would easily achieve these targets and the No Project Alternative would result in reduced development and VMT compared to the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative would not conflict with the CALGreen Building Code or Title 24. However, the No Project Alternative would not be consistent with the goals of the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS to support development of compact communities in existing areas and reuse developed land served by high- quality transit. Without further quantitative analysis, it cannot be guaranteed that the No Project Alternative would be capable of achieving the EO S-3-05 goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80 percent below the 1990 level by the year 2050 given that it would not include proposed General Plan policies or land uses designed to reduce VMT and overall emissions. Finally, the No Project Alternative would not directly support the zero-emission vehicle mandate established by EO B-16- 1 and the Advanced Clean Cars Initiative as it does not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at increasing available parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. Therefore, the No Project Alternative would have a significant and unavoidable impact with regard to plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions over time. This impact would be less than significant under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 given similar levels of GHG emissions and inclusion of proposed General Plan policies aimed at improving air quality, encouraging multi- modal transportation and reducing VMT, and promoting infill development. Like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would comply with CALGreen Code and Title 24 requirements to reduce energy consumption and would include the Climate Action Plan, as well as proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing GHG emissions, energy consumption, and VMT. As discussed below, Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in reduced VMT compared to the Proposed Project and would prioritize infill development. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. While the No Project Alternative would comply with the CALGreen Code and Title 24 requirements and would result in reduced VMT compared to the Proposed Project, the No Project Alternative would not be consistent with the goals of the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS and may therefore have a significant and unavoidable impact on plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2042 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-17 GEOLOGY, SOILS, AND SEISMICITY The Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would have similar impacts regarding fault rupture, groundshaking, and liquefaction given that the Proposed Project and Alternatives share similar land use designations and policies protecting against potential adverse effects from geologic hazards. Due to the absence of active faults in the Planning Area, the risk of surface rupture is very low and impacts related to fault rupture would be less than significant for all Alternatives, including the No Project Alternative. Earthquakes in and near the Planning Area have the potential to cause groundshaking of significant magnitude. All Alternatives would allow for additional development within the Planning Area, which could expose people and property to strong seismic groundshaking. New buildings under each Alternative would be constructed in compliance with the California Building Code. While the No Project Alternative would not include additional General Plan policies aimed at reducing impacts of seismic hazards, the No Project Alternative would result in less new development than the Proposed Project and would be subject to the provisions of the California Building Code and 1995 General Plan. Therefore, impacts associated with strong seismic groundshaking would be less than significant for all Alternatives. Alternatives 1 and 2 include the same land use designations in areas located within liquefaction zones as the Proposed Project but would result in slightly more Transit Oriented Mixed Use development in the land directly south of the Metrolink Station. Given implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, these Alternatives would have a less than significant impact related to liquefaction. The No Project Alternative does not propose new development in areas within liquefaction zones, and would be subject to existing 1995 General Plan policies. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would also be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include similar land use designations and General Plan policies as the Proposed Project, and do not propose development on any hills of 30 percent slope or greater. Given compliance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, Alternatives 1 and 2 would result less than significant impacts from landslides. The No Project Alternative would not include Proposed Project policies related to hillside development and seismic hazards and would retain the existing land use designation of Planning Area 2, which includes multiple steep slopes. Risks associated with landslides would be much higher under the No Project Alternative should this area be developed. However, the potential impacts from landslides on development in this area would be addressed through site-specific geotechnical studies prepared in accordance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, as needed, which would specifically address landslide hazards. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant but could be more severe than under the Proposed Project should this area be developed. Development associated with Alternative 1 would have similar less-than-significant impacts on soil erosion and topsoil as the Proposed Project given compliance with proposed General Plan policies and a NPDES permit, which includes the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). Alternative 2 would have more severe impacts on soil erosion and topsoil than the Proposed Project given development of the Golf Course, which would include earthwork activities that could expose soils to the effects of erosion or loss of topsoil. Once construction is complete and exposed areas are revegetated (development of new parkland in the northern portion of the Golf Course) or covered by buildings, asphalt, or 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2043 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-18 concrete (development of the new Town Center), the erosion hazard is substantially eliminated or reduced. Therefore, Alternative 2 would have a less than significant impact on soil erosion once construction of the new Town Center and parkland is complete. The No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project but would not designate Planning Area 2 as Open Space or include proposed General Plan policies that could reduce impacts to soil erosion. However, compliance with 1995 General Plan policies and a NPDES permit would be effective in limiting soil erosion and the loss of topsoil. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant. Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 1809.4 addresses construction on expansive soils, stating that, unless otherwise specified by a registered geotechnical engineer, foundation systems within the City of Diamond Bar are considered to be on expansive soil. Implementation of any Alternative would therefore likely include development occurring on soils considered to be expansive. This is especially true regarding development of the Golf Course under Alternative 2, which overlies a significant region of Altamont Clay Loam. The potential hazards of expansive soils would be addressed through compliance with CBC requirements that regulate the analysis of expansive soils and the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies would further reduce risk of exposure to geological hazards by mandating site-specific geotechnical and mitigation prior to development. Therefore, impacts related to development on expansive soil under Alternative 1 and 2 would be less than significant, as with the Proposed Project. While the No Project Alternative would not include additional General Plan policies, compliance with the CBC and Ordinance Section 1809.4 would ensure that impacts would also be less than significant. Like the Proposed Project, development under Alternative 1 would locate structures in areas with connections Alternative 2 would result in the development of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course. A sanitary sewer main line is located along the southern border of the Golf Course at Golden Springs Drive and connects to a Los Angeles County Sanitation District Trunk line at the southwestern edge of the Golf Course at the intersection of I-57 and I-60. Proposed General Plan policies require the construction of sewer and other necessary public facilities and coordination with LACPWD and LACSD to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems are available to serve planned development. Additionally, future development is subject to City and County subdivision ordinances regulating the use of septic systems and connections to public sewer lines. While redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 may require the construction of connections to public sewer lines, this area is currently served by a main line and environmental impacts associated with construction of new connections would be reduced to a level that is less than significant given compliance with existing ordinances. Given that the majority of existing development within Diamond Bar is connected to the sanitary system and the majority of new development under the No Project Alternative would be in central areas served by the current sewer system, the No Project Alternative would also have a less than significant impact. None of the Alternatives would result in development in areas having soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Alternatives 1 and 2 would locate development in similar areas as the Proposed Project and would have the potential to result in damage to paleontological resources located at or near previously undisturbed ground surfaces as result of construction-related ground disturbance. The Planning Area is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium and the Puente/Monterey Formation, which have yielded significant vertebrate fossils and are assigned a high paleontological potential. Construction 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2044 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-19 of the new Town Center on the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would have the potential to result in further impacts given that this area is not intensely developed under existing conditions. As with the Proposed Project, compliance with proposed General Plan policy RC-P-51 and mitigation measures MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2 would reduce impacts on unique paleontological resources to a level that is less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project, future development projects initiated under the No Project Alternative would still have the potential to include construction-related ground disturbance. Given that the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies and mitigation measures that could reduce impacts on paleontological resources, this impact would be significant and unavoidable. HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND WILDFIRE Implementation of the Proposed Project and any Alternative would allow for the development of land uses that may require the routine use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste within the Planning Area. Future construction activities associated with buildout of the Proposed Project and each Alternative may generate hazardous materials and waste. Hazardous materials would be subject to existing federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use, transport, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials. Like the Proposed Project, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would allow the siting of new housing units, which are sensitive receptors, within the vicinity of highways that routinely transport fuels and other hazardous materials. Development of the mixed-use Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course (at the intersection of I-57 and I-60) under Alternative 2 and additional Transit-Oriented Mixed Use parcels between the Metrolink and I-60 would increase the number of housing units within the vicinity of highways compared to the Proposed Project. However, the number of new sensitive receptors would be relatively limited and USDOT, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol regulate and manage routine transport of hazardous materials on SR-57 and SR-60. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts to sensitive receptors from the routine transport of fuels and other hazardous materials would be less than significant under Alternatives 1 and 2. In compliance with existing regulations, businesses handling or storing certain amounts of hazardous materials would be required to prepare a hazardous materials business plan to inventory hazardous materials on-site and provide information on safe use and emergency response regarding such materials. There are no permitted hazardous waste facilities in the Planning Area, and any future disposal of hazardous waste would require compliance with relevant federal and State law. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts under Alternative 1 and 2 would be less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies that ensure safe practices regarding hazardous materials, development under this Alternative would be subject to existing regulations and would not result in residential land use changes. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would similarly be less than significant. As with the Proposed Project, major land use changes are expected in a few focus areas under Alternatives 1 and 2, which are intended to provide opportunities for infill development incorporating housing, employment, and recreation. Within this low-risk variety of uses, new developments that utilize hazardous chemicals, such as dry cleaners or gas stations, could result in 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2045 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-20 some potential for upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. While Alternative 2 would site the new Town Center in a different location than the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, impacts associated with this development would be similar. Given existing regulations and programs and proposed General Plan policies that reduce the potential for hazardous materials upsets and promote the ability of emergency services to respond to incidents, impacts associated with the release of hazardous materials into the environment under Alternatives 1 and 2 would be less than significant, as is the case under the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and any development would be subject to existing regulations at the federal, State, and local levels that serve to minimize the potential for upset during routine transportation, use, and disposal and minimize the risk of upset or accident involving sites that have previously been contaminated by hazardous substances. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant. Under the land use designations of Alternatives 1 and 2, there would be a range of land uses potentially allowed within a quarter-mile of existing schools. None of the Alternatives propose construction of new schools in the Planning Area. Alternatives 1 and 2 would redesignate Light Industrial land adjacent to the Metrolink station and Walnut Elementary School as Transit- Oriented Mixed Use, which could reduce school exposure impact to hazardous materials compared to the Proposed Project (which retains the Light Industrial designation). Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies which prohibit the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air pollutants or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school and provide for emergency planning to address potential upsets. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts from Alternatives 1 and 2 would be less than significant. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and therefore would not increase school exposure to hazardous materials. Given that individual users of hazardous materials would continue to be regulated by the Disclosure of Hazardous Materials Program and public schools are required to evaluate and amend their school safety plan on an annual basis, the No Project Alternative would have a less than significant impact. There are numerous sites in the Planning Area that are included on a list of hazardous materials sites or that need further investigation; however, the majority of these sites are closed as of 2019. Three open sites remain on Golden Springs Drive and South Diamond Bar Boulevard , and nine sites are subject to the regulations of the California Waste Discharge Requirements Program. Sites with existing soil or groundwater contamination are regulated by existing federal and State policies and have been or are being investigated and remediated. Alternative 1 would result in similar land use changes as the Proposed Project and would not include minor land use changes at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, where one SWRCB Cleanup Program Site/DTSC Evaluation site is located. Alternative 2 similarly does not propose land use changes at this intersection and would locate the new Town Center at the southern portion of the Golf Course, away from the SWRCB LUST Cleanup Site/DTSC Voluntary Cleanup site. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes located near hazardous materials sites and would be subject to existing federal and State regulations. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Given that there are no airports within two miles of the Planning Area, each of the Alternatives would have no impacts related to an airport-related safety hazard for people residing or working in the Planning Area. Similar to the Proposed Project, development under Alternatives 1 and 2 would neither impair implementation nor interfere with the County of Los Angeles Emergency Response Plan or City of Diamond Bar Emergency Operations Center, which are the two emergency plans 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2046 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-21 that apply to the Planning Area. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies regarding emergency access and provision of successful emergency response and would support the efforts of local disaster volunteer programs. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies, implementation of this Alternative would not result in new land uses or significantly increase densities and this Alternative would support existing emergency plans and programs. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would have the same impacts as the Proposed Project with respect to wildfire. Areas of high to extreme fire threat occur throughout the Planning Area, predominately in the SOI. Land use changes under Alternatives 1 and 2 that differ from the Proposed Project are located in areas of moderate fire threat. Like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 do not propose any land use changes within Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire by mandating continued adhere to local fire codes and participation in the Los Angeles 2 would have less than significant impacts on wildland fire risk, emergency evacuation or response plans, pollutant exposure from wildfire, infrastructure expansion, and soil and water movement. The No Project Alternative would retain existing General Plan land use designations and does not propose any land use changes in areas of high to extreme fire threat or Very High or High FHSZs. However, the No Project Alternative does not include proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire and would retain the existing land use designation of Planning Area 2, which leaves this area open for future development. The majority of land within Planning Area 2 is identified as a Very High FHSZ and is steeply sloped. Should development occur in this area under the No Project Alternative, it may expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death; exacerbate fire risks due to slope and expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from wildfire; require the construction of infrastructure specifically to combat risk for fire exposure; and expose people and structures to downslope flooding or landslides as a result of post-fire slope instability. However, all development in this area would be subject to the Diamond Bar and Los Angeles County Hillside Management Ordinances, which regulate development in hillsides that have natural slope gradients of 25 percent or steeper and require potential hazards to be analyzed as part of the permitting process. Additionally, CAL FIRE oversees the design and construction of fuel breaks within its jurisdiction and maintains standards with regard to fuel breaks and environmental protection. Compliance with existing state and local regulations would reduce wildfire-related impacts under the No Project Alternative to a level that is less than significant; however, impacts could be more severe than the Proposed Project if Planning Area 2 is developed. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Urban development can bring about an increase in impervious surfaces that could lead to increased run-off rates and flooding in downstream areas, as well as a deterioration in water quality. The Proposed Project and all Alternatives would be required to comply with local plans, existing State and federal regulations, and the applicable NPDES permit requirements; and thus , would have a less than significant impact in terms of potentially violating any federal, State, or local water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2047 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-22 The mitigation of stormwater impacts is the responsibility of developers and property owners. Under Alternative 2, the development of the golf course (i.e. grass, landscapes areas, open space, etc.) into a town center (i.e. roadways, parking lots, buildings, landscaped medians and parkways, etc.) will substantially increase impervious area compared to the Proposed Project and existing conditions, and thus, increase stormwater runoff generated on-site. The project applicant/property owner would be required to provide on-site storm water quality and runoff mitigation, such as detention basins, underground storage, or harvest and use depending on the condition of underlying soils. Given implementation of this measure, impacts under Alternative 2 would be reduced to a level that is less than significant, similar to the Proposed Project. Under Alternative 1, as with the Proposed Project, the potential stormwater impacts would be smaller due to the fact that the proposed Town Center area is already developed and redevelopment into a town center would likely not increase the impervious area. Redevelopment of an existing developed area will likely result in a positive change with respect to stormwater runoff and stormwater quality due to adherence to existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the impact to less than significant. Overall, given potential impacts related to runoff and water quality, Alternative 2 would have a greater impact than either the Proposed Project or Alternative 1. However, adherence to existing regulations and proposed policies would reduce the impact to less than significant. The No Project Alternative would likely generate less impervious surface resulting in runoff that affects drainage, water quality, and flooding locally and in other parts of the Planning Area than Alternative 2, as it would retain the golf course. The No Project Alternative would likely generate somewhat similar impervious area as the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, since the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 focus in redevelopment of existing developed areas. The No Project Alternative also would not include the same breadth of policies addressing hydrological issues and protecting water quality as the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2. Given compliance with existing policies and regulations found in the City of Diamond Bar 1995 General Plan, Floodplain Management Ordinance, and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Control Ordinance, this impact would be less than significant. LAND USE AND HOUSING Alternative 1 would include the same land use designations as the Proposed Project, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay, and both would locate the new Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive. Alternative 2 would include similar land use designations as the Proposed Project but would locate the new Town Center Mixed Use area in the southern portion of the Golf Course and designate the upper 105 acres of the Golf Course as new parkland. Under Alternative 2, the Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. As with the Proposed Project, implementation of Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact regarding the physical division of an established community. Alternatives 1 and 2 and the Proposed Project would provide more linkages within the city and region, particularly given the designation of the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area adjacent to the Metrolink station. Division of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would not constitute division of an established community. As the No Project Alternative would retain existing General Plan land use 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2048 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-23 designations, the No Project Alternative would have no impact on the physical division of an established community. Given that Alternatives 1 and 2 would include the same proposed policies and similar land use designations as the Proposed Project, impacts related to conflict with any land use plans or regulations would be similar. As with the Proposed Project, existing planning regulations and the Alternatives 1 or 2, if adopted. Alternatives 1 and 2 contain proposed General Plan policies aimed at maintaining consistency with regional and local plans, including Diamond Bar specific plans, the Los Angeles County General Plan, and the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinance. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on this issue. Given that the 1995 General Plan would not be replaced under the No Project Alternative and this alternative would not introduce any conflicts with existing regional and local plans, the No Project Alternative would have no impact on this issue. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project. The jobs to housing ratio under each Alternative would be similar to that under full buildout of the Proposed Project, though slightly lower under Alternative 1 (0.96 for the Proposed Project compared to 0.96 under the No Project Alternative, 0.91 under Alternative 1, and 0.98 under Alternative 2). While Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in less residential growth than the Proposed Project, both alternatives would focus infill development opportunities in vacant and underutilized areas to increase the overall number of dwelling units and serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies aimed at preserving existing residential neighborhoods, which make up the majority of developed land in the Planning Area and are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under any of the Alternatives. The No Project Alternative would result in the least amount of residential growth but would include the 2013-2021 Housing Element, which aims to meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment housing needs. The No Project Alternative would also result in reduced population growth and would not result in any land use changes that could displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing. Therefore, all Alternatives including the Proposed Project would have a similar less than significant impact on this issue. NOISE The No Project Alternative and Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in similar construction noise and vibration impacts as the Proposed Project, because the type of noise-and vibration-generating activities that would occur would be similar to those under the Proposed Project on maximum activity days. The same general levels of noise shown in Table 3.10-12, in Chapter 3.10: Noise, would be expected to occur for both Alternatives because the type of development (i.e. excavation, building construction, etc.) would be similar to the Proposed Project. All of the Alternatives would result in less than significant construction noise and vibration impacts similar to the Proposed Project given that all development would be required to comply with the restrictions of the City Municipal Code; if a project requests to deviate, the project proponent would need to obtain permission from the City and/or the County, including conditions and standards to minimize noise impacts. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in slightly lower 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2049 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-24 VMT than the Proposed Project and therefore would generate similar or reduced traffic noise levels than the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would be subject to the same noise and vibration standards as the Proposed Project found in Table 7-1 of the proposed General Plan, and all alternatives would be subject to maximum noise level limits for mobile and stationary construction equipment at single-family, multi-family, and semi-residential/commercial listed for the City and the County in Chapter 3.10: Noise. The No Project Alternative would be subject to noise standards established in the 1995 General Plan. Given reduced development under Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative and compliance with existing local standards and regulations, noise impacts associated with construction, rail, stationary sources, and traffic under each Alternative would be similar or slightly reduced compared to those expected under the Proposed Project, which was found to have a less than significant impact on applicable noise standards. Therefore, impacts associated with the generation of ambient noise levels in compliance with applicable noise standards would be less than significant under all Alternatives. Noise impacts from public airports and private airstrips for the Alternatives would be identical to the impacts discussed for the Proposed Project, and all would result in no impact. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in less population and residential growth than the Proposed Project. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies regarding fire safety education, public safety programs, coordination with the Los Angeles County Fire Department , compact development, and emergency access. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies, development associated with implementation of this Alternative would be subject to existing City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles policies that would minimize calls for fire protection services. As discussed in Chapter 3.11: Public Schools and Facilities, implementation of each of the Alternatives would coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates and capacity at existing and planned facilities are estimated to be sufficient to accommodate any increase in students associated with implementation of the Alternatives. Given that all Alternatives would result in less population than the Proposed Project, each of the Alternatives would reduce potential impacts of the Proposed Project on other public facilities such as the library. None of the Alternatives, including the Proposed Project, anticipate or propose development of new public facilities. However, should new facilities need to be constructed in the future, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies requiring construction best management practices to reduce environmental impacts of new development, existing State and local regulations and project-level review would ensure that impacts would be less than significant for all Alternatives, including the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project would have a significant and unavoidable impact on park access and condition given that the City of Diamond Bar would fall severely short of its parkland standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents (2.77 acres per 1,000 residents at buildout of the Proposed Project). No mitigation is available as it cannot be guaranteed that Los Angeles County would choose to cease operation of the Golf Course, allowing 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course to be redeveloped as public parkland under the Community Core Overlay, and this EIR does not consider additional 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2050 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-25 parkland acreage from the private Country Park. While Alternative 1 would not provide the option for redevelopment of the Golf Course as public parkland as it does not include the Community Core Overlay found in the proposed General Plan, Alternative 1 would otherwise result in the same amount of parkland as the Proposed Project. Alternative 1 would result in reduced population compared to the Proposed Project; however, this would not be sufficient to achieve the parkland ratio goal (2.4 acres per 1,000 residents). Therefore, Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project would result in similar impacts to park access and condition. Alternative 2 would automatically designate 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as public parkland, increasing the parkland ratio to 4.27 acres per 1,000 residents. While this would be an improvement over the Proposed Project, there is no mitigation available to achieve the standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents and the impact would remain significant and unavoidable. Given that the No Project Alternative would not increase available parkland, it would result in a parkland ratio of 2.58 acres per 1,000 residents, again failing to achieve the parkland ratio and creating a significant and unavoidable impact related to the deterioration of parkland. TRANSPORTATION In order to compare alternatives, the No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 were converted into the format necessary for incorporation into the SCAG Regional Travel Demand Model. The transportation model uses socioeconomic data to estimate trip generation and mode choice, and several sub-models to address complex travel behavior and multi-modal transportation issues. The model responds to changes in land use types, household characteristics, transportation infrastructure, and travel costs such as transit fares, parking costs, tolls, and auto operating costs. Additional metrics, estimates developed by Fehr & Peers, and GIS mapping were used to assess transportation performance for the concepts. The purpose of this analysis was to conduct a comparative assessment and describe the overall transportation effects of the concepts. The Proposed Project was estimated to generate higher VMT and higher VMT per person than the No Project Alternative and resulted in a significant and unavoidable impact. The Proposed Project anticipates increases the population by approximately 15 percent and the employment in the City by approximately 48 percent, while the No Project Alternative anticipates a net zero increase in population and a 28 percent increase in employment. Project Alternatives 1 and 2 anticipate an increase the population in the City by approximately nine (9) percent each and increase the employment in the City by approximately 32 percent and 44 percent, respectively. While Alternatives 1 and 2 do not increase the total service population (the sum of population and employment) as significantly as the Proposed Project (approximately 16 percent), the Alternative 1 service population is approximately eight (8) percent higher than the No Project and the Alternative 2 service population is approximately 11 percent higher than the No Project. Therefore, it is anticipated that Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in higher VMT than the No Project conditions and lower VMT than the Proposed Project. Alternatives 1 and 2 would not be expected to reduce the identified significant impacts to a less-than-significant level. As such, although Alternatives 1 and 2 are anticipated to be less impactful Alternatives from a VMT perspective, they would likely still result in the same identified impacts as the Proposed Project with regards to consistency with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). While the No Project Alternative would result in lower VMT than the Proposed Project, it could increase the VMT per person above baseline conditions given that it would not substantially increase the service population and would not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing VMT and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2051 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-26 increasing connectivity and multi-modal options in the Planning Area. Therefore, all Alternatives would have a significant and unavoidable impact with regards to increased VMT. As with the Proposed Project, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on emergency access and transportation hazards associated with design features. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would not conflict with any plan addressing the circulation system, and implementation of proposed General Plan policies would ensure that Alternatives 1 and 2 would similarly have a less than significant impact. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in lower levels of population and employment growth than the Proposed Project. Assuming that the demand for public utilities scales with population growth, Alternatives 1 and 2 can be expected to increase demand for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste facilities compared to existing conditions. Alternative 2 would have the greatest growth in utility and infrastructure demand due to the change from a golf course to a town center. As a result, Alternative 2 would have a greater potential impact on water or wastewater treatment facilities, usage of water supplies, and landfill usage than the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and the No Project Alternative. All Alternatives would be required to comply with federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste. Development under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would also be subject to proposed General Plan policies pertaining to water, wastewater, and solid waste, as well as policies regarding the development of utilities and minimization of environmental impacts during construction. As discussed in Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems, utility providers have the capacity to accommodate the increased water demand, wastewater flows, storm water runoff, and solid waste generated under the Proposed Project and therefore Alternatives 1 and 2. While Alternative 2 would result in the most substantial change to utility and infrastructure demand, implementation of Alternative 2, as with all other Alternatives, would not require the construction of new facilities or exceed water, wastewater, or solid waste capacity of existing facilities. The No Project Alternative anticipates the smallest level of population growth; and therefore, would have the smallest increase in demand for utilities and service systems. Thus, the No Project Alternative would have the smallest impact upon usage of water or wastewater treatment facilities, usage of water supplies, and landfill usage. However, because the No Project Alternative would not benefit from policies in the proposed General Plan that would minimize potential harmful environmental impacts associated with the use of and development of facilities related to these utilities, the No Project Alternative may ultimately have a significant and unavoidable impact, and therefore a greater impact than the Proposed Project and Alternatives 1 and 2, if new facilities are required in the future. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2052 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-27 4.4 Environmentally Superior Alternative CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.6) require the identification of an environmentally superior alternative among the alternatives analyzed. Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives 4.3.Like the Proposed Project, implementation of either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 would result in six (6) significant and unavoidable impacts, seven (7) less-than-significant impacts with mitigation, 45 less-than-significant impacts, and four (4) impacts of no significance. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would result in 17 significant and unavoidable impacts, 39 less-than-significant impacts, and six (6) impacts of no significance. While Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project were found to have the same number of potentially significant and unavoidable impacts, the redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would inherently result in more severe impacts than Alternative 1 or the Proposed Project. Without further project-level study and mitigation, construction of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course may result in adverse effects on biological resources, cultural and paleontological resources, soils, and service systems. Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project propose a similar land use pattern and would not automatically result in the redevelopment of the Golf Course, and would therefore be considered environmentally superior. Reduced development and population growth under Alternative 1 may slightly reduce i mpacts of the Proposed Project; however, implementation of Alternative 1 would not be sufficient to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, and VMT to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, differences in population, housing, and jobs growth can be partially attributed to differences in buildout methodology between the Alternatives and the Proposed Project. Most significantly, Alternative 1 would not include the Community Core overlay, which would require a master plan to ensure comprehensive implementation of reuse of the Golf Course should the County of Los Angeles choose to discontinue its operation. Implementation of the Community Core overlay would address the pervasive issue in the City of Diamond Bar, and Los Angeles County as a whole, of equitable access to parkland as it would require that approximately 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The southern portion of the Golf Course site would be developed as a mix of uses, including high- density housing, and would be relatively accessible by the Metrolink station. Given that the Proposed Project was originally based on Alternative 1, is generally found to be more compatible with the surrounding environment, and provides additional benefits through the Community Core designation, the Proposed Project is considered environmentally superior. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2053 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-28 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Aesthetics Scenic Vistas LTS LTS LTS LTS State Scenic Highway NI NI NI NI Visual Character LTS LTS LTS LTS Light and Glare LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Air Quality Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Standard SU SU SU SU Sensitive Receptors SU SU SU SU Emissions or Odors SU SU SU SU Biological Resources Special-Status Species LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Sensitive Habitat LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wetlands LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wildlife Corridors LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Policies and Ordinances NI NI NI NI HCPs LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources Historical Resources SU SU SU SU Archaeological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Human Remains LTS LTS LTS LTS Tribal Cultural Resources LTS SU LTS LTS Energy, Climate Change, and GHG Emissions Greenhouse Gas Emissions LTS LTS LTS LTS Plan, Policy, or Regulation LTS SU LTS LTS Wasteful Energy Consumption LTS LTS LTS LTS Renewable Energy Plan LTS SU LTS LTS Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology Seismic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Soil Erosion LTS LTS LTS LTS Unstable Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Expansive Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Septic Systems LTS LTS LTS LTS Paleontological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2054 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-29 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire Transport, Use, or Disposal LTS LTS LTS LTS Accidental Upset LTS LTS LTS LTS Quarter-Mile of Schools LTS LTS LTS LTS Cortese List LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Hazards NI NI NI NI Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildland Fires LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Infrastructure LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Hydrology and Water Quality Water Quality Standards LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundwater LTS LTS LTS LTS Drainage LTS LTS LTS LTS Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Water Quality Control Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Land Use and Housing Division of a Community LTS NI LTS LTS Conflict with Land Use Plan LTS NI LTS LTS Displacement LTS LTS LTS LTS Noise Ambient Noise Increase LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundborne Vibration or Noise LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Noise NI NI NI NI Public Facilities and Recreation Public Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Deterioration of Parks and Recreational Facilities SU SU SU SU Construction of Recreational Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Transportation Circulation Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Vehicle Miles Traveled SU SU SU SU Emergency Access LTS LTS LTS LTS Traffic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2055 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-30 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Utilities and Service Systems Water or Wastewater Facilities LTS SU LTS LTS Water Supply LTS LTS LTS LTS Wastewater Capacity LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Reduction Goals LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Regulations LTS LTS LTS LTS Notes: LTS = Less than Significant LTSM = Less than Significant with Mitigation NI = No Impact SU = Significant and Unavoidable Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2056 5 CEQA Required Conclusions This section presents a summary of the impacts of the Proposed Project in several subject areas specifically required by CEQA, including growth-inducing impacts, cumulative impacts, significant and unavoidable impacts, significant irreversible environmental changes, and impacts found not to be significant. These findings are based, in part, on the analysis provided in Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts. 5.1 Growth-Inducing Impacts economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or Housing is addressed in Section 3.9; this section focuses on overall growth effects. Growth can be induced in several ways, such as through the elimination of obstacles to growth, through the stimulation of economic activity within the region, through the construction of infrastructure, or through the establishment of policies or other precedents that directly or indirectly encourage additional growth. In general, a project may foster spatial, economic, or population growth in a geographic area if the project removes an impediment to growth (for example, the establishment of an essential public service, the provision of new access to an area; a change in zoning or general plan amendment approval); or economic expansion or growth occurs in an area in response to the project (for example, changes in revenue base, employment expansion, etc.). Growth-inducing impacts, such as those associated with job increases that might affect housing and retail demand over an extended time period, are difficult to assess with precision, since future economic and population trends may be influenced by unforeseeable events such as business development cycles and natural disasters. Moreover, long-term changes in economic and population growth are often regional in scope; they are not influenced solely by changes or policies related to a single city or development project. Business trends are influenced by economic conditions throughout the state and country, as well as around the world. Other factors that influence new development and population growth include economic factors such as employment opportunities; the availability of adequate infrastructure like public schools, roadways, and sewer service; local land use policies in the affected communities; and constraints on the use of areas like sensitive habitats. Another consideration is that the creation of growth-inducing potential does not automatically lead to growth. Growth occurs through capital investment in new economic opportunities by the private or public sector. These investment patterns reflect, in turn, the desires of investors to mobilize and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2057 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-2 allocate their resources to development in particular localities and regions. These factors, combined with the regulatory authority of local governments, mediate the growth-inducing potential or pressure created by a proposed plan. Despite these limitations on the analysis, it is still possible to qualitatively assess the general potential growth-inducing impacts of the Proposed Project. GROWTH HISTORY AND PROJECTIONS The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the key regional agency involved in forecasting growth in Los Angeles County. Although SCAG can forecast growth, it does not have authority to approve or deny land use plans or development projects. Population Growth population of the City of Diamond Bar increased by about 1,100, which represents a total growth rate of 2.1 percent compared to the Los Angeles County rate of 8 percent. Approximately 0.6 percent of the total population of Los Angeles County is in the City of Diamond Bar. The annual growth rate in the City has been only about 0.2 percent. Since 1990, the C overall population growth has not kept pace with the region or C growth due to the fact that the City is largely built out and there are limited current opportunities for housing development. For comparison, opportunities for housing development. SCAG projects that the region will add 3.8 million residents, 1.5 million households, and 2.4 million jobs over the 2012 2040 planning horizon. SCAG estimates that population and households are projected to grow at the annual average growth rate of 0.7% during the same period, while employment would grow faster at 2 percent until 2020, and then stabilize at 0.7 percent (SCAG 2016). Existing population and anticipated future population, based on buildout of the Proposed Plan is shown in Table 5.1-1, which is the same as Table 2.3-2 in Chapter 2, Project Description. A total addition of 8,832 residents over the next 20 years represents an annual growth rate of less than one percent. Table 5.1-1: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Housing Units 18,913 3,264 22,177 Single-Family Residential 13,252 142 13,394 Multi-Family Residential 5,661 3,122 8,783 Households 18,308 3,226 22,533 Population 57,853 8,832 66,685 Source: CA Department of Finance, 2016; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. In comparison to the Proposed Project buildout, SCAG forecasts that Diamond Bar will reach a population of 63,900 by 2040, with 21,200 households and 19,300 jobs (SCAG 2016). However, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2058 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-3 general plan land use designations and the amount of developable land under those designations. The City is largely built out, under the existing General Plan. The City has identified a need for both housing and employment to meet current and projected demand. growth estimates for 2040, the proposed General Plan is designed to accommodate this housing and employment need. Buildout under the proposed General Plan would result in a jobs to housing ratio of jobs to housing ratio of 0.78. Employment Growth With an increase in jobs in the post- normal with an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent in 2015. The region is expected to add 1.9 million jobs, from 8 million in 2015 to 9.9 million in 2040 (SCAG 2016). Employment has decreased about 8 percent in Diamond Bar over the past 10 years (2007 2017) (SCAG 2019). However, the proposed General Plan includes opportunities for employment growth, based on assessment of economic factors and potential demand. The projected number of future jobs was added to the estimated number of existing jobs (as of 2016). Table 5.1-2 describes projected non-residential development in terms of square feet and potential jobs. Table 5.1-2: Projected Non-Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Non-Residential (sq ft) 5,564,484 1,617,583 7,182,066 Retail 586,659 607,283 1,193,942 Office 2,406,803 519,892 2,926,694 Industrial 1,052,869 (203,001) 849,868 Other 1,518,153 693,409 2,211,562 Jobs 14,702 7,042 21,744 Retail 1,467 1,613 3,079 Office 7,334 4,102 11,436 Industrial 2,106 (406) 1,700 Other 3,795 1,734 5,529 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. DIRECT AND INDIRECT GROWTH As shown in Tables 5.1-1 and 5.1-2, the Proposed Project would support a degree of anticipated growth in the City of Diamond Bar and this direct growth is analyzed throughout this EIR. Impacts of growth on infrastructure such as public services and utilities, the transportation system, and natural resources are identified, based on the buildout of the Proposed Project. Some of the identified effects of growth are significant and unavoidable (e.g., VMT increases); others are significant but can be mitigated. In general, future development would be subject to additional site- specific environmental review under CEQA. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2059 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-4 size compared to Los Angeles County overall, it is unlikely that growth within the City will cause substantial pressure for growth elsewhere in the County (indirect growth). Furthermore, the County growth rate has been much higher than the between 2000 and 2018. Growth under the Proposed Project would primarily serve the local community and would accommodate existing and projected demand. Growth under the proposed General Plan is concentrated in four focus areas, including a new Town Center and mixed-use neighborhoods. Growth in these focus areas would increase available jobs, retail and entertainment opportunities, and access to transit options that would serve the largely residential community of Diamond Bar. As stated, employment and housing growth under the proposed General Plan would refore increase job availability for area residents. Housing growth under the Proposed Project would be sufficient to accommodate the associated increase in population. REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES TO GROWTH The existing General Plan could be viewed as an obstacle to growth, given that the City is almost built out under existing land use designations. By updating the General Plan, the Proposed Project could be viewed as removing an obstacle to growth. There is an existing demand for both residential and employment growth, which the City is trying to accommodate by revising some land use designations. Redevelopment of several sites within the City and implementation of numerous policies intended to reduce overall impacts will allow additional growth in a more compact and efficient manner. Specific impacts resulting from this change are analyzed by resource area in Chapter 3 of this EIR. 5.2 Cumulative Impacts CEQA requires that an EIR examine cumulative impacts. As discussed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a)(1), a cumul combination of the project evaluated in the EIR together with other projects causing related ail In order to assess cumulative impacts, an EIR must analyze either a list of past, present, and probable future projects or a summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document. Because it is a long-range, programmatic plan for an entire city and surrounding area, the Proposed Project represents the cumulative development scenario for the reasonably foreseeable future in the Planning Area, and this analysis uses the summary projections of the Proposed Project. This analysis uses the forecast method for transportation-related impacts (including transportation-related noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas impacts), by utilizing the transportation model described in Section 3.12. Therefore, in general, the analysis presented in Chapter 3 represents a cumulative impact evaluation in the Planning Area. Cumulative effects for the region are summarized as follows, for each issue area addressed in Chapter 3. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2060 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-5 AESTHETICS Reasonably foreseeable growth within the Los Angeles County region, including Diamond Bar, characterized by residential neighborhoods and prominent natural features, such as the Tres Hermanos Ranch and surrounding hillsides. Development to accommodate new residents and jobs may impact scenic vistas should it encroach on open hillsides in areas surrounding Diamond Bar. Various proposed policies ensure that scenic quality is maintained in Diamond Bar, including those that address hillside development, open space preservation, and sensitive transitions between new and existing development. Additionally, it is unlikely that significant growth will occur in Diamond e of Influence, which has been designated by Los Angeles County and the General Plan as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA). The SEA designation limits development as per the SEA Ordinance, and contains large swaths of Hillside Management Areas (HMAs), where development is limited by the Los Angeles County HMA Ordinance and Hillside Design Guidelines. Given such character in a non-urbanized area would not be cumulatively considerable. Proposed General Plan policies are consistent with regulations governing scenic quality and would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact. No State scenic highway is located within the Planning Area, and any development in the vicinity of scenic highways would be subject to policies within the Los Angeles County General Plan and Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances. Thus, While the Los Angeles County region, including Diamond Bar, is expected to experience substantial population growth, development to accommodate new jobs and residents would not have a cumulatively considerable impact on light and glare in the Planning Area given compliance with the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances and proposed General Plan policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats, and between new development and existing uses. AIR QUALITY By its nature, the air quality analysis presented in Chapter 3.2 represents a cumulative analysis of air quality emissions through 2040, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development. As a result of increasing the amount of development through the proposed General Plan, criteria air pollutants generated under implementation of the Proposed Project is the cumulative condition for CEQA purposes. Implementation of the Proposed Project would be consistent with the control strategies and growth projections within the SCAQMD air quality management plan given compliance with State and local regulations for construction-related emissions and proposed General Plan policies intended to reduce VMT and resulting regional mobile source emissions. Therefore, impacts related to consistency would be less than cumulatively considerable. Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in emissions of VOC and NOx from construction activities and VOC, NOx, CO, PM2.5, and PM10 for operational activities. Mitigation would be required (MM-AQ-1) to reduce construction related VOC and NOx emissions. However, the exact emissions from construction cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2061 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-6 mitigation can be applied, and compliance with State and local regulations and proposed General Plan policies would not be sufficient to reduce operational emissions. Therefore, i mpacts to the Similarly, mitigation would not be sufficient to reduce cumulative impacts associated with construction and operation related toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts, making impacts to sensitive receptors also cumulatively considerable. While impacts related to odors would be less than significant, operational activities under the proposed General Plan may result in cumulatively considerable emissions of CO. Future development would be required to comply with state and local regulations and proposed General Plan policies; however, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented and no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would definitively reduce impacts below regulatory thresholds. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Project would have a cumulatively considerable impact on long-term regional emissions. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Implementation of the Proposed Project, in combination with other reasonably foreseeable future projects in the region, will contribute incrementally to the continuing reduction in relatively natural, undisturbed open space areas and contribute to the progressive fragmentation of habitat areas and decline in species diversity throughout the region. The degree to which the Proposed Project speculation due to the absence of planned land uses in the Ci focus areas. Also of note, the General Plan does not propose any development in the SOI, and designates this area as a Significant Ecological Area subject to Los Angeles County regulations which allow for limited, controlled development that does not jeopardize the unique biotic diversity. Based on the tion measures contained herein (MM-BIO-1A through MM-BIO-1K, MM-BIO-2, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4, MM-BIO-5, MM-BIO-6), lawsuits filed by the cities of Diamond Bar and Chino Hills opposing the development of Tonner Canyon as a solar field, and the formation of the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority contribution to cumulative impacts are not expected to be significant. In the cases of any impacts on biological resources identified in the future that could be significant, mitigation identified in Section 3.3 for the Proposed Project would avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse effects such that the cumulative impact is less than significant. In particular, this is the circumstance for impacts on sensitive plant and animal species, sensitive natural communities, regulated waters and wetlands, oak woodlands, and wildlife movement corridors. CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES While there are no federally or state designated or listed historic properties within the City, development and population growth under the Proposed Project could result in cumulative impacts on historic resources as the City of Diamond Bar has not been subject to a comprehensive Citywide historic resources survey and all historic-age structures are potential historical resources. Therefore, even with implementation of proposed General Plan policies and mitigation (MM- CULT- 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2062 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-7 There are ten recorded archaeological resources within the Planning Area, including seven prehistoric and three historic-period resources, and additional unrecorded archaeological resources have the potential to exist. Anticipated development projects under the Proposed Project may involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing activities, which could have a cumulatively considerable impact on unknown archaeological resources. Given compliance with proposed General Plan policies, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and MM-CULT- 2, the Proposed Pro contribution to this impact would not be cumulatively considerable. All development projects allowed under the Proposed Project would be required to comply with state laws pertaining to the discovery of human remains and disposition of Native American burials; therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to impacts related to human burials. While there are no recorded Native American resources within the Planning Area, development projects allowed under the Proposed Project may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources given the historic occupation of the area. Future projects that would not otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA would be required to comply with the provisions of AB 52 to incorporate tribal consultation into the CEQA process. Proposed General Plan policies would further address impacts to tribal cultural resources by requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Therefore, not cumulatively considerable. ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GREENHOUSE GASES By its nature, the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions presented in Chapter 3.5 represents a cumulative analysis of GHG emissions through 2040. CEQA Guidelines incremental contribution may be cumulatively considerable even if it appears relatively small compared to statewide, national or global emissions. CEQA Guidelines also establish that a project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program that provides specific requirements that will avoid or substantially lessen the cumulative impact on GHG emissions within the geographic area in which the project is located. Therefore, the cumulative analysis is identical to the Proposed Project analysis. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing VMT would enhance Federal, State, and local regulations in order to provide GHG emissions reductions specific to the City with respect to mobile sources and energy consumption. Implementation of the Proposed Project would generate GHG emissions below existing conditions levels and meet per capita emissions targets for 2030 and 2040, while easily meeting the SB 32 goal of 40 percent below 1990 levels and demonstrating progress towards the EO S-3-05 goal of 80 percent below 1990 levels. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to this impact. The Proposed Project would be consistent with, and in some cases further the goals of, policies and regulations established for the reduction of GHG emissions and therefore would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to this impact. Specifically, one component of the Proposed Project is a Climate Action Plan which demonstrates consistency with goals presented in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan, AB 32, SB 32, and EO S-3-05. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2063 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-8 Future development and population growth associated with the Proposed Project would result in the increased use of electricity and natural gas resources and associated infrastructure. SCE, the electricity service provider for the Planning Area, has determined that the use of such resources would be minor compared to existing supply and infrastructure within the SCE service area and would be consistent with growth expectations. Similarly, the use of natural gas resources would be on a relatively small scale and would be consistent with the growth expectations for the Planning Development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to incorporate energy conservation features in order to comply with applicable mandatory regulations including CALGreen Code, state energy standards under Title 24. Therefore, impacts on electricity and natural gas consumption under the Proposed Project would be less than cumulatively considerable. While growth within the Planning Area and region is anticipated to increase the demand for transportation and total VMT, development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to demonstrate consistency with Federal and State fuel efficiency goals and incorporate mitigation measures as required under CEQA. Siting land use development projects at infill sites is consistent would decrease compared to existing conditions. Therefore, development anticipated by the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to transportation energy. All development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to comply with CALGreen and Title 24 energy efficiency requirements and other regulations, which would reduce energy consumption by promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. The Proposed Project includes policies designed to reduce VMT (including traffic calming measures and expansion of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure) and prioritizes mixed-use and infill developments that would support development of compact communities in existing urban areas and reuse developed land served by high quality transit. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with the guidance provided in the SCAG 2016 RTP/SCS. Proposed General Plan policies and mitigation would further reduce emissions associated with new development through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, improved transit, and reduced consumption and waste. Therefore, impacts on the implementation of a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency would be less than cumulatively considerable. GEOLOGY, SOILS, SEISMICITY, AND PALEONTOLOGY The Planning Area is located within a geographic area that is considered active or potentially active by the California Geological Survey and contains expansive soils. The cumulative increases in population and development that would result from implementation of the full buildout would however, conformance with the California Building Code and proposed General Plan policies would preserve building integrity during a seismic event, and other regulatory measures would reduce geohazards impacts to a less-than-significant level. As a result, cumulative impacts would be minimized and would be less than significant. The Planning Area has a low-to-high potential for paleontological resources, and significant fossil discoveries have occurred within the Planning Area and nearby. Future development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project may involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2064 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-9 activities, which could destroy unknown paleontological resources. Consequently, the proposed General Plan may have the potential to contribute to cumulative impacts on paleontological resources. However, with implementation of proposed General Plan policies, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2, to this cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable. HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND WILDFIRE Projected population and employment growth in the Planning Area would increase the number of people potentially exposed to impacts from hazardous material transportation, the increased use of hazardous household, commercial, and industrial materials, as well as a cumulative increase in exposure to risk associated with the accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. However, compliance with local, State, and federal regulations pertaining to the production, use, and transportation of hazardous materials would apply to development throughout the region; therefore, the Proposed contribution to this potential cumulative impact is less than cumulatively considerable. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are present in several locations within the Planning Area. Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in development located within VHFHSZs or State Responsibility Areas (SRA), which may constitute a significant impact related to wildfire hazards. However, restrictions on development in these areas will ensure that development intensification within or around VHFHSZs and SRAs would not be cumulatively considerable. mitment to providing emergency services and coordinating with regional agencies, and would therefore ensure that proposed development would have less than cumulatively considerable impacts on the implementation of emergency response plans. Projected population growth and development anticipated by the Proposed Project would increase the number of people exposed to pollutant concentrations associated with the spread of wildfire. Compliance with proposed General Plan policies related to hillside development and protection of quality advisory programs would ensure that impacts on project occupants would be less than cumulatively considerable. Given that the Proposed Project locates areas of potential development away from VHFHSZs and SRAs, compliance with proposed General Plan policies aimed at mitigating fire risk and existing local and regional regulations and programs would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to fire risk. Finally, should development occur in VHFHSZs or SRAs, the proposed General Plan contains policies that address geologic risk, including potential exposure to landslides and slope instability and would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to wildfire risk and associated effects on soil and water movement. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Future development under the proposed General Plan could result in impacts on water quality, hydrology, flooding, or other inundation hazards; however, federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the Proposed Project would ensure that impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2065 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-10 Compliance with the GLACR IRWM Plan would ensure water quality standards are not violated and would ensure protection of water quality during construction and operation of future development within the City. In addition, the Proposed Project goals and policies would further , Water Pollution Ordinance (Sec. 13.00.050), Floodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 18.108.010), and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance (Sec. 8.12.1630). Potential flooding oodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 18.108.010) and the proposed General Plan goals and policies, which preserve open space and reduce impervious surfaces. Implementation of the Proposed Project would therefore result in less than significant impacts on hydrology, flooding, and water quality and its contribution to potential cumulative impacts would not be considerable. LAND USE AND HOUSING Projects that could have the effect of physically dividing an established community such as a major new road, highway, or similar infrastructure tend to have a singular rather than cumulative impact. Similarly, impacts from plans and projects in the region that could conflict with existing plans, including habitat conservation plans, are not cumulative in nature. However, potential impacts related to population and housing can be cumulative in nature. Population growth, by itself, is not an environmental impact; however, the direct and indirect effects, such as housing and infrastructure needs that are related to population growth, can lead to physical environmental effects. Growth-inducing impacts associated with population growth are discussed above in Section 5.1. The majority of developed land in the Planning Area is comprised of residential uses, which are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project anticipates that the overall number of dwelling units will increase by prioritizing mixed-use and infill development in vacant and underutilized areas in Diamond Bar, while seeking to preserve existing neighborhoods, providing housing to serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels, and encouraging the development of new jobs and businesses while fostering existing ones. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to impacts on land use and housing. NOISE The noise analysis represents cumulative analyses of issues through the proposed General Plan because it combines the anticipated effects of the proposed General Plan with anticipated effects of regional growth and development. By its nature, the noise analysis represents a cumulative analysis, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development. Thus, the noise analysis reflects not just growth in the Planning Area, but growth elsewhere in the region as well. Consequently, the impact significance conclusions discussed in Chapter 3.10 are representative of cumulative impacts. The Proposed Project would result in both short-term and long-term changes to the existing noise environment in the Planning Area. Long-term operational noise from traffic would increase compared to existing conditions. Proposed General Plan policies prohibit development of noise sensitive land uses in certain scenarios, require noise mitigation measures, and require acoustical analyses to ensure noise exposure standards are met. These policies would reduce potential construction and operational noise impacts to new development to a less than significant level. Impacts of new traffic noise on existing sensitive receptors, such as the residences near the roadway segments that would experience future noise levels less than 3 dBA CNEL in 2040 with the Proposed 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2066 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-11 Project over existing conditions, would be less than significant, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. As with noise, construction and operation vibration impacts of the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impact, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. The Proposed Project would result in no impact from airport noise, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION Future development and population growth anticipated by the proposed General Plan would generate additional demand for public services and public facilities including parks and recreational facilities. Policies included in the Proposed Project related to fire education and public safety programs would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development, thus ensuring that new development would be located close to existing fire and police stations. Given that implementation of the Proposed Project would coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates, impacts on schools would not be cumulatively considerable. Population growth anticipated by the Proposed Project would not result in the need for new public facilities such as libraries, and new facilities would be subject to CEQA Guidelines, proposed General Plan land use designations, and proposed General Plan policies related to construction impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than cumulatively considerable. The Proposed Project would not provide sufficient park access to all residents within the Planning Area, and projected population growth may result in a cumulatively considerable impact on parkland. There is no feasible mitigation available that would increase parkland to the extent Therefore, the Proposed Project would a cumulatively considerable impact on the overuse and degradation of existing park facilities. The proposed General Plan contains plans for additional recreational facilities in the Planning Area and calls for the continued support and adequate provision of library services, adult education programs, and community centers, in keeping with the needs and preferences of the population. Elements of the proposed General Plan are designed to minimize potentially cumulatively considerable environmental impacts of new development, including developing sustainable park and recreational facility design and planning standards. TRANSPORTATION By its nature, the transportation analysis presented in Chapter 3 represents a cumulative analysis of transportation conditions through 2040. As a result of the amount of development anticipated by the proposed General Plan, the travel demand and VMT is the cumulative condition for CEQA purposes. Under the proposed General Plan cumulative scenario, VMT is expected to increase compared to existing conditions. Per CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, this constitutes a considerable contribution to the significant impact regarding VMT. The proposed General Plan would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution towards conflicts with programs and plans that address the circulation system given that the proposed General Plan includes multiple policies that improve multi-modal mobility and would expand the existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities while accommodating vehicle traffic. Additionally, the proposed General Plan would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact on hazards and emergency access. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2067 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-12 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Future development anticipated by the proposed General Plan would generate additional demand for water and wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services; however, compliance with federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the proposed General Plan would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Cumulative development would also be subject to compliance with federal, State and local regulations. Therefore, implementation of the proposed General Plan would not result in a considerable contribution to cumulative impacts on utilities and service system. 5.3 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts Significant unavoidable impacts are those that cannot be mitigated to a level that is less than significant. According to CEQA Guidelines 15126.2(b), an EIR must discuss any significant environmental impacts that cannot be avoided under full implementation of the proposed program, including those that can be mitigated, but not to a less-than-significant level. The analysis in Chapter 3 determined that the Proposed Project would result in impacts related to cultural resources and transportation that, even with implementation of mitigation measures, would remain significant and unavoidable. These impacts are summarized below: Air Quality: The South Coast Air Basin has been designated as a nonattainment area for State ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 and as a federal nonattainment area for ozone and PM10. Construction of individual projects associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could temporarily emit criteria air pollutants through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment, vehicle trips generated from workers and haul trucks, and demolition and various soil-handling activities. A quantitative analysis, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, found that construction-related daily emissions would exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District significance thresholds for VOCs and NOx. Operation of the Proposed Project, based on a reasonable worst- case scenario, would generate criteria air pollutant emissions from Project-generated vehicle trips traveling within the City, energy sources such as natural gas combustion, and area sources such as landscaping equipment and consumer products usage. A quantitative analysis, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, found that operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed regulatory thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. Mitigation is required to ensure that future development projects incorporate measures to reduce emissions from construction activities, and would reduce NOx and VOC impacts on a project-by- project basis. However, the exact emissions from construction of the Proposed Project cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which mitigation, including mitigation measures MM-AQ-1 and MM-AQ-2, can be applied. Therefore, short-term regional construction emissions would be significant and unavoidable. Future development would be required to comply with State and local regulations, Title 24 energy efficient standards, and Proposed Project policies to reduce operational emissions. However, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be implemented nor their effectiveness. Therefore, long-term regional operational emissions would also be significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2068 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-13 Because regional emissions exceed the SCAQMD regulatory thresholds during construction and operational activities, there is the potential that these emissions would exceed the CAAQS and NAAQS thus resulting in a health impact. Impacts may be associated with localized operational emissions or emissions of toxic air contaminants (due to diesel particulate emissions during construction and operation of diesel fueled equipment or generators during operational activities). Because the exact nature, location, and operation of the future developments are unknown, there is no way to accurately calculate the potential for health impacts from the Proposed Project. Mitigation is required to reduce impacts with respect to toxic air contaminants from construction and future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, impacts to sensitive receptors would remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed SCAQMD daily emissions thresholds for CO which could adversely affect a substantial number of people. While future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, and no further mitigation is feasible. Therefore, impacts related to long-term operational emissions of CO could have a significant and unavoidable impact on a substantial number of people. As discussed above, air quality impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Cultural Resources: New construction through infill development on vacant property could result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource through alteration of the dards for the Treatment of Historic Properties have the potential to result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Other projects that propose demolition or alteration of, or construction adjacent to, existing histori threshold for consideration as historical resources), could also result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Changes in the setting of historic buildings and structures can result from the introduction of new visible features, significant landscape changes, or other alterations that change the historic integrity of the setting of a significant resource. The proposed General Plan policies would help reduce the impact by requiring that new development be compatible with the character, scale, massing, and design of existing development, which is part of the requirements of the Historic Properties. However, these policies do not require the identification and evaluation of historic-age properties to determine if there are historical resources within or nearby a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project, nor do they require the retention or rehabilitation of historical resources. Mitigation is required to ensure that historical resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified historical resources are reduced. However, impacts on historical resources that are demolished or altered in an adverse manner such that they are no longer able to convey their historical significance and such that they are no longer eligible for inclusion in the California 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2069 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-14 Register typically cannot be mitigated to a level of less than significant. 1, 2 Without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources, and it is reasonable to assume that some historical resources would be demolished or altered in an adverse manner over the lifetime of the General Plan. Therefore, even with mitigation, impacts on historical resources would be significant and unavoidable under the Proposed Project. As discussed above, impacts to historical resources would be cumulatively considerable. Transportation: Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) is expected to increase under implementation of the proposed General Plan. Home-based production VMT per resident is expected to increase by five percent over existing conditions and home-based-work attraction VMT per employee is expected to increase by nine percent. Part of the increase is associated with the addition of more employment and retail opportunities within the City that have the potential to import vehicle trips from surrounding communities. Numerous proposed policies would help reduce the impact. However, even with implementation of these policies, the impact could remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed above, impacts to transportation would be cumulatively considerable. 5.4 Significant Irreversible Environmental Change initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(c)). or waterways, and resources that are renewable only over long time spans, such as soil productivity. A resource commitment is considered irretrievable when the use or consumption of the resource is neither renewable nor recoverable for use by future generations. Irreversible changes and irretrievable commitments of non-renewable resources anticipated by the Proposed Project include the following issues. The Proposed Project would involve two types of resources: (1) general industrial resources including fuels and construction materials; and (2) project-specific resources such as land, biotic and cultural resources at the building sites. Most of the Planning Area, with the exception of the unincorporated land, is located in an urban area and is almost completely developed with existing buildings and infrastructure. Future development within the Planning Area under the proposed Plan would consist of infill and redevelopment of existing buildings and structures, and would not result in significant changes in 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(2) states that in some circumstances, documentation of an historical resource, by the way of narrative, photographs or architectural drawings, as mitigation for the effects of demolition of the resource will not mitigate the effects to the point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur. 2 In League of Protection of Oaklan Documentation of the historical features of the building and exhibition of a plaque do not reasonably begin to alleviate the impacts of its destruction. A large historical structure, once demolished, normally cannot be adequately replaced by reports and commemorative markers. Nor, we think, are the effects of the demolition reduced to a level of insignificance by a proposed new building with unspecified design elements which may incorporate features of the original architecture into an entirely different shopping center. This is so particularly where, as here, the plans for the substitute building remain tentative and vague. We conclude that the stated mitigation measures do not reduce the effects of the demolition to less than a level of significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2070 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-15 the overall land use pattern of the Planning Area. Because the development facilitated by the Proposed Project would occur within an urban area surrounded by similar or compatible uses, it would not commit future generations to significant changes in land use. IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ACCIDENTS Existing and future commercial development projects in the Planning Area may transport, use, or dispose of hazardous materials; and hazardous materials could be accidently released into the environment during these activities. Accidents, such as the release of hazardous materials, may trigger irreversible environmental damage. In most circumstances, the potential risks posed by hazardous materials use and storage are primarily local and, therefore, limited to the immediate vicinity of such use. Moreover, the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials are heavily regulated. Compliance with existing federal, State, and local laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by the City would reduce risks associated with the routine use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials in connection to acceptable levels, and would ensure that no significant irreversible changes from accidental releases would occur. COMMITMENT/CONSUMPTION OF NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the long-term commitment of various resources to urban development. While the proposed Plan itself would not directly entitle or result in any new development, it is reasonably foreseeable that the proposed Plan, which acts as a blueprint for growth and development in the Planning Area over the next 20 years, could result in significant irreversible impacts related to the commitment of non-renewable and/or slowly renewable natural and energy resources, such as: Air Quality: Increases in vehicle trips resulting from buildout of the proposed General Plan would potentially contribute to long-term degradation of air quality and atmospheric conditions in the region. Technological improvements in automobiles, including the growth of the electric vehicle market share, may lower the rate of air quality degradation in the coming decades. Nonetheless, vehicle trips resulting from implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the irreversible consumption of nonrenewable energy resources, primarily in the form of fossil fuels, natural gas, and gasoline for non-electric automobiles and long-term degradation of air quality. Water Consumption: To the extent that the proposed Plan would accommodate new population and jobs, it would increase the demand for water and place a greater burden on water supply. While additional residents and workers would use more water, the City is expected to have adequate water to meet demand in normal and wet years in 2040. Despite the change in demand resulting from the Proposed Project being marginal, the increase would represent an irreversible environmental change, as use of this resource would increase. Energy Sources: Residential and non-residential developments use electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products for lighting, heating, and other indoor and outdoor power demands, while cars use both oil and gas. New development anticipated by the proposed Plan would result in increased energy use for the operation of new buildings and for transportation. This new development would therefore result in an overall increased use of both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. To the extent that new development uses more nonrenewable energy sources, this would represent an irreversible environmental change. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2071 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-16 CONSTRUCTION-RELATED COMMITMENTS Irreversible environmental changes could also occur during the course of constructing development projects anticipated by the proposed General Plan. New construction would result in the consumption of building materials (such as lumber, sand and gravel), natural gas, and electricity, water, and petroleum products to process, transport and build with these materials. Construction equipment running on fossil fuels would be needed for excavation and the shipping of building materials. Due to the non-renewable or slowly renewable nature of these resources, this represents an irretrievable commitment of resources. However, development allowed under the proposed Plan would not necessarily result in the inefficient or wasteful use of resources. Compliance with all applicable building codes, as well as existing and proposed General Plan policies and standard conservation features would ensure that natural resources are conserved to the maximum extent feasible. It is possible that new technologies or systems will emerge, or become more cost-effective or user-friendly, to further reduce the reliance upon non-renewable natural resources. Nonetheless, future activities related to implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the irretrievable commitment of nonrenewable energy resources, primarily in the form of fossil fuels (including fuel oil), natural gas, and gasoline for automobiles and construction equipment. 5.5 Impacts Found Not to Be Significant CEQA requires that an EIR provide a brief statement indicating why various possible significant impacts were determined to be not significant. Chapter 3 of this EIR discusses all potential impacts, regardless of their magnitude in all issue areas except agriculture, forestry, and mineral resources, which were determined to have negligible or no impacts as such resources generally do not occur in the Planning Area. • Agriculture: Agricultural resources would not be affected by the land use changes in the proposed General Plan. • Forestry: Forestry resources do not occur in the Planning Area and, therefore, would not be affected by the land use changes in the proposed General Plan. • Mineral Resources: Other than a few existing idle oil wells, there are no mineral resources identified in the Planning Area and, therefore, no potential impacts on this type of resource. It does not appear that there are any active oil wells in the vicinity of proposed new development or redevelopment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2072 6 References AESTHETICS Caltrans, 2011. 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Accessed June 19, 2019. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. Maps Geographic Information System. Online: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0053. Accessed June 19, 2019. HYDROLOGY, DRAINAGE, AND WATER QUALITY California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, 2012. Order No. R4-2012- 0175. Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Ms4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County, except those Discharges Originating from the City of Long Beach MS4. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, 2014. Basin Plan for the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. FEMA, 2019. FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Online: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home. Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Group, 2014. 2014 Greater Los Angeles County Region Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Group, 2015. Lower San Gabriel River Watershed Management Program. LAND USE AND HOUSING California Department of Finance. 2019. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2011-2019 with 2010 Census Benchmark. http://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/E-5/. Accessed August 2019. City of Diamond Bar, 1998. Citywide Design Guidelines. City of Diamond Bar. Code of Ordinances. https://library.municode.com/ca/diamond_bar/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1279 0. Accessed May 2019. Los Angeles County. Code of Ordinances. https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances. Accessed May 2019. Los Angeles County. Hillside Design Guidelines. http://planning.lacounty.gov/hma. Accessed: May 2019. Los Angeles County. General Plan 2035. http://planning.lacounty.gov/generalplan/generalplan. Accessed May 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2086 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-15 Southern California Association of Governments. 2015. 5th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment Allocation Plan. http://www.scag.ca.gov/programs/Pages/5th-Cycle- RHNA.aspx. Accessed May 2019. NOISE California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. September. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/noise/pub/TeNS_Sept_2013B.pdf. Accessed January 24, 2018. Caltrans, 2013. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, September. City of Diamond Bar, 1995. City of Diamond Bar General Plan, Public Health and Safety Element, Noise. July 25. https://www.diamondbarca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94/1995-General- Plan-PDF. Accessed July 15, 2019. City of Diamond Bar, Municipal Code, Title 8 Health and Safety, Chapter 8.12 Environmental Protection, Division 3 - Noise Control. https://library.municode.com/ca/diamond_bar/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CIC O_TIT8HESA_CH8.12ENPR_DIV3NOCO. Accessed July 15, 2019. County of Los Angeles, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan 2035. October 6. http://planning.lacounty.gov/generalplan. Accessed October 27, 2016. County of Los Angeles, Municipal Code. Title 12 Environmental Protection, Chapter 12.08 Noise Control. https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId =TIT12ENPR. Accessed July 15, 2019. Federal Highway Administration, 2006. . https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/noise/construction_noise/rcnm/rcnm.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2019. Federal Transit Authority (FTA), 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. September.https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research- innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessment-manual-fta-report- no-0123_0.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2019. Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission, 2015. Brackett Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. December 9. http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/brackett_alucp_final.pdf Accessed July 15, 2019. General Plan Guidelines, Guideline for Noise Compatible Land Use. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2087 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), 1974. EPA Identifies Noise Levels Affecting Health and Welfare, April. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION California Department of Housing and Community Development. CALGreen Compliance. Online: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/index.shtml. Accessed June 19, 2019. California Department of General Services. CALGreen. Online: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission- Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen. Accessed June 19, 2019. County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County, California Code of Ordinances. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId =TIT31GRBUSTCO. Accessed June 19, 2019. County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Fuel Modification Section. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/category/fuel-modification-section/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 10: Parks and Recreation Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan- ch10.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 13: Public Services and Facilities Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final- general-plan-ch13.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2019. Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. TRANSPORTATION City of Diamond Bar. 2019. Transportation: Transit. https://www.diamondbarca.gov/487/Transportation. Accessed June 19, 2019. Foothill Transit. 2019. Lines and Schedules. http://foothilltransit.org/lines-and-schedules/. Accessed June 19. 2019. Metrolink. 2019. Industry Station. https://www.metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/general- info/stations/industry/. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2088 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-17 United States Census. 2015. 2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2015/20151210_acs5yr2014.html. Accessed June 19, 2019. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, 2012. Order No. R4-2012- 0175. Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Ms4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County, except those Discharges Originating from the City of Long Beach MS4. City of Diamond Bar, 2014. City of Diamond Bar Sewer System Management Plan. Prepared By City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, 2017. Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan 2017. Prepared by Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Walnut Valley Water District, 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. Prepared by CIVILTEC Engineering, Inc. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2089 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-18 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2090 7 List of Preparers A list of contributing City staff and consultant team members, their titles, and affiliations, is provided below. City of Diamond Bar • Greg Gubman, Community Development Director • Grace Lee, Senior Planner • Dan Fox, City Manager • David Liu, Public Works Director/City Engineer Consultants Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and Regional Planners • Rajeev Bhatia, Principal • Vicki Hill, Director, Environmental Services • Katharine Pan, Senior Associate • Jessica Robbins, Planner • Gina Kotos, Assistant Planner • McKenna Maxwell, Project Assistant • Abbey Lew, Project Assistant • Jason Castaneda, GIS Specialist Environmental Science Associates • Steve Nelson, Vice President • Heidi Rous, Air Quality, Climate and Acoustics Services Director • Jeff Goodson, Senior Managing Associate • Candace Ehringer, Cultural Resources Program Manager • Kyle Garcia, Senior Archaeologist 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2091 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 7: List of Preparers 7-2 • Jason Nielsen, Senior GIS Coordinator • Tim Witwer, Associate III • Heather Dubois, Technical Associate Fehr & Peers • Paul Hermann, Associate TKE Engineering • Steve Ledbetter, Project Manager 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2092 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2093 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2094 4 Alternatives Analysis The Proposed Project is described and analyzed in Chapters 3.1 through 3.13 of this EIR with an emphasis on potentially significant impacts and recommended mitigation measures to avoid those impacts. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines require an EIR to include the description and comparative analysis of a range of alternatives to the Proposed Project that could feasibly attain the objectives of the Proposed Plan, while avoiding or substantially lessening potential impacts. The CEQA Guidelines also require that the environmentally superior alternative be designated. If the alternative with the least environmental impact is the No Project Alternative, then the EIR must also designate the next most environmentally superior alternative. The following discussion is intended to inform the public and decision makers of the feasible alternatives that would avoid or substantially lessen significant effects of the Proposed Project, and to compare such alternatives to the Proposed Project. Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines states that: An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a project. Rather it must consider a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision making and public participation. The following discussion includes an evaluation of two alternatives to the Proposed Plan as well as the No Project Alternative The No Project Alternative is a scenario in which the Proposed Project (General Plan Update) is not adopted and implementation of the existing General Plan continues through 2040. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(a), the other alternatives selected for consideration in this analysis are Alternative 1, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive; and Alternative 2, with a Town Center at the southern portion of the Golf Course. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2095 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-2 4.1 Background on Development of Alternatives EIR Alternatives were developed in line with CEQA Guidelines, and based on feedback from the community. As part of the proposed General Plan update process, an evaluation of potential alternatives was conducted in mid-2017 and a final report was issued in January 2018 (Dyett and Bhatia, 2018). That process informed development of the preferred alternatives for evaluation in this EIR. Three alternatives representing different approaches to accommodating future growth and development in Diamond Bar were chosen for evaluation and public review, and were presented in the report. The alternatives each reflected the recommendations of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), Planning Commission, and City Council, as well as input from the community. The primary difference between the alternatives was the location of the proposed Town Center. The analyses in the report addressed population, jobs, housing, transportation, economics, and utility infrastructure. In the spring of 2017, City staff and the consultant team developed three distinct Preliminary Concepts for the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to consider: Concept 1, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Grand Avenue; Concept 2, with a Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive; and Concept 3, with a Town Center to be developed at the Golf Course. These Preliminary Concepts were carefully informed by the existing conditions research; community feedback from the survey, workshop and GPAC; and priorities set by the Planning Commission and City Council. They were designed to demonstrate three distinct approaches to incorporating a Town Center in Diamond Bar, while also accommodating anticipated future growth in the community and preserving existing neighborhoods and other community assets. At the June 2017 GPAC meeting, Concept 1 was rejected because it was generally agreed that regional traffic cutting through the City on Grand Avenue would thwart efforts to create a walkable downtown in that location. This assessment led to the formulation of three modified options for consideration: the concept with the Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive was relabeled Option 11; Option 2 depicted the Town Center on only the portion of the golf course south of Grand Avenue, while the portion north of Grand would serve as a park or downsized golf course; and Option 3 contemplated the Town center on the portion of the golf course north of Grand, while the portion south of Grand would be repurposed as a park. These three alternatives, were then presented to the GPAC at a meeting in November 2017, and following this, to a joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission in January 2018. The joint bodies selected a variation of Alternative 1 as the Preferred Alternative; more precisely, defined and added to the Preferred Alternative to prescribe how the golf course should be repurposed in the event that Los Angeles County ever decides to cease golf course operations on that property. The proposed General Plan (Proposed Project) and EIR Alternatives 1 and 2 were derived from the process summarized above. The proposed General Plan (Proposed Plan) is modeled after Option 1 in the earlier which proposes a new 1 to the Planning Commission/City Council joint meeting in November 2017. The editorial decision to refer to them as Options 1 through 3 was made to avoid confusion with the EIR Alternatives analyzed in this chapter. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2096 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-3 Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. There are a few key differences between the proposed General Plan and the earlier Option 1. Options 1 and 2 propose a 105-acre transit oriented mixed use-designated neighborhood adjacent to the Metrolink station; under the proposed General Plan, only 33 acres of this area would be designated as transit oriented mixed use and adjacent land uses would not change. The Golf Course would retain its designation under the proposed General Plan and Alternative 1, but the proposed General Plan also applies a Community Core Overlay in the event that Los Angeles County ceases operation of the Golf Course. Alternatives 1 and 2 were modeled after Options 1 and 2 from the 2018 Alternatives Evaluation document, respectively. As discussed below, the methodology in calculating buildout projections slightly differs between the 2018 Alternatives Evaluation and this EIR; therefore, differences in population projections can be partially attributed to methodology rather than substantive changes between the Alternatives. The Proposed Project, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative are discussed in more detail below. The Proposed Project consists of the proposed Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan 2040. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also include the Climate Action Plan, but it would not be included in the No Project Alternative as the City of Diamond Bar does not presently have a Climate Action Plan. 4.2 Description of Alternatives and requires the EIR to set forth alternatives necessary to permit a reasoned choice, that would avoid or substantially lessen any significant effects, and that could feasibly attain most of the project objectives. ion and the seven Guiding Principles, which are further detailed below. expression of the collective hopes and desires that members of the Diamond Bar community have throughout the planning process: In 2040, Diamond Bar has a balance of housing and retail choices, ample job and business opportunities, and an abundance of options for gathering and recreation. A lively Town Center provides community members with access to local services, entertainment, employment, and homes in an attractive, walkable environment. Diamond Bar continues to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity, and maintains a safe, quiet, and family-friendly atmosphere where residents of all ages and abilities are happy and healthy and live sustainably. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and stewardship, the community is able to meet the needs of current and future generations, both growing as a city and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2097 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-4 The following Guiding Principles support the community vision and provide direction for the policies in the proposed General Plan. 1. Maintain a welcoming, safe small-town feel. Continue to cultivate a welcoming, safe small- preserving existing neighborhoods. 2. Promote a family-friendly community. housing choices for families to continue to make Diamond Bar a desirable place for families. 3. Create an inviting Town Center. Foster the development of a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented dine, and gather. 4. Develop attractive commercial centers and thriving businesses. existing commercial centers and businesses to thrive, and attract new businesses to centrally located focus areas in order to serve the daily needs of residents. 5. Establish a balanced circulation network. Improve mobility for all residents, visitors, and workers by providing a diversity of safe and convenient transportation options in a cohesive network, including active transportation, transit, and automobile facilities. 6. Support Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyles. Promote human and community health and environmental quality through the provision of parks and open spaces, community programs and services, the preservation of local and regional environmental resources, and the reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions. 7. Foster a strong, collaborative community. Provide opportunities for gatherings among friends, families, and the community at large and encourage all members of the community to participate in planning and decision-making for the future. NO PROJECT ALTERNATIVE Consistent with Section 15126.6(e)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the No Project Alternative represents what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the Proposed al Plan was left unchanged and in use. This alternative would retain all current land use designations and definitions from the current General Plan as amended to date, and future development in the Planning Area would continue to be subject to existing policies, regulations, development standards, and land use designations of the existing Diamond Bar General Plan. Specifically, there would be no new Town Center Mixed Use, Neighborhood Mixed Use, Transit Oriented Mixed Use, or Community Core Overlay land use designations. All Proposed Project change areas as identified in the Proposed Project would retain their existing 1995 General Plan designations. Policies concerning topics such as transportation, economic development, parks, open space, the environment, climate change, health, and housing would also remain unchanged. Overall, the No Project Alternative is projected to result in approximately 57,790 residents, 19,643 housing units, and 18,855 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 63 fewer residents, 730 new housing units, and 4,150 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 8,895 fewer residents, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2098 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-5 3,023 fewer housing units, and 2,889 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. The No Project Alternative is depicted in Figure 4-1. Buildout calculations of new development under the No Project Alternative assumed maximum allowable residential density/intensity and the midpoint of allowable non-residential density/intensity for each land use designation under the 1995 General Plan. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites identified by the Proposed Project (with the exception of the four focus areas), and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under the No Project Alternative assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.097 persons per occupied unit. Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 400 square feet per retail employee, 350 square feet per office employee, and 500 square feet per industrial employee. The same assumptions were used to calculate buildout of the Proposed Project in 2040. ALTERNATIVE 1: NEW TOWN CENTER AT DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD/GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE Alternative 1, as shown in Figure 4-2, includes a Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive, with the new Sprouts/Ross center on the former Kmart site. The Golf Course would retain its designation. Alternative 1 includes the same land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. As discussed in Section 4.1 above, Alternative 1 is the most similar to the Proposed Project, with two key differences. Alternative 1 does not include the Community Core Overlay, which assumes high residential growth. Additionally, the 105-acre transit-oriented mixed-use area near the Metrolink station would be reduced to 33 acres under the Proposed Project. Overall, Alternative 1 is projected to result in approximately 63,008 residents, 21,395 housing units, and 19,369 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,150 new residents, 2,500 new housing units, and 4,700 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 2,823 fewer residents, 1,272 fewer housing units, and 2,375 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 1 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 1 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. ALTERNATIVE 2: NEW TOWN CENTER AT GOLF COURSE (SOUTH) Alternative 2 includes a Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would designate approximately 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as new parkland. The replacement of recreational/park space from the Golf Course would likely be required. The Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. Alternative 2 includes similar land use designations as the proposed General Plan, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2099 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-6 Overall, Alternative 2 is projected to result in approximately 63,277 residents, 21,486 housing units, and 21,141 jobs in Diamond Bar by 2040. This represents 5,450 new residents, 2,600 new housing units, and 6,400 new jobs compared to existing conditions and 3,408 fewer residents, 1,181 fewer housing units, and 603 fewer jobs than the Proposed Project in 2040. Buildout calculations of new development under Alternative 2 assumed the midpoint of allowable density/intensity for each land use designation. New development is expected to only occur on opportunity sites, and it was assumed that 75 percent of the opportunity sites would develop by 2040. Population growth in 2040 under Alternative 2 assumed a standard vacancy rate of five percent and 3.1 persons per occupied unit (from the 2010 United States Census). Calculation of existing and future jobs assumed job densities of 500 square feet per retail employee, 300 square feet per office employee, and 700 square feet per industrial employee. Buildout projections and assumptions were obtained from the Alternatives Evaluation, completed in January 2018. Table 4.2-1: Comparison of Key Characteristics Existing (2016) Proposed Project (2040) No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Population 57,853 66,685 57,790 63,008 63,277 Housing Units 18,913 22,667 19,643 21,395 21,486 Single-Family 13,252 13,394 13,314 13,336 13,331 Multi-Family 5,661 9,273 6,330 8,059 8,155 Non-Residential (1,000 sqft) 5,564 7,182 6,277 7,429 8,178 Retail 587 1,194 619 3,971 4,515 Office 2,407 2,927 2,943 3,458 3,663 Industrial 1,053 850 1,058 - - Other 1,518 2,212 1,657 - - Jobs 14,702 21,744 18,855 19,369 21,141 Retail 1,467 3,079 1,548 7,943 9,030 Office 7,334 11,436 11,049 11,426 12,111 Industrial 2,106 1,700 2,116 - - Other 3,795 5,529 4,142 - - Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2100 !(T Diamond Ranch High School Pantera Park Pantera E.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamond Point E.S. Little League Field Armstrong E.S. Golden Springs E.S. Lorbeer Junior H.S. Sycamore Canyon Park Quail Summit E.S. Chaparral M.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park Walnut E.S. South Pointe M.S. Diamond Bar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreen E.S. Castle Rock E.S. Heritage ParkPEACEFULHILLSRD Ronald Reagan Park Star Shine Park Summitridge Park Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANGELES COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Station }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD D IAM O N D B A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S UN SET CROSSINGRD PROSPECTORSRDP A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA RM IT O S P LB ALL ENA D R G O L DRUSHDR G O L D E N S P R IN G S D RGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRAND AVELEYLANDDRPANTERADR LONGVIEWD R SU M MITRIDGEDR D IA M O N D B A RBLV D R ID G E L IN E R D INDIANCR E E K R D DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A R BLVDBREAC A N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W K W OODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FA LC O N S VIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N CL EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRID G E R DPATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M B U S H E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINEDRMORNING CANYONRDSANTA Q UI ND RKIO WA C R E S T DRBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAUREL W YMAPL EHILLR DMONTEFINOAVE GREATBENDD R SYLVANG L E N R D HIGHLAN D VLY RD D E C O R A H R D SE A G REEN DR C O P LEYDRBRIDGEGA TED RVALLEYVISTAD RROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLNPA-2/SP PA-2/SP PA-4/SP PA-1/SP SP AG/SP W W W W W W F PA-5/RH-30 PA-3/SP Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 Rural Residential (RR) Low Density Residential (RL) Low-Medium Residential (RLM) Medium Density Residential (RM) Medium High Density Residential (RMH) High Density Residential (RH) General Commercial (C) Figure 4.2-1: No Project Alternative Commercial/Office (CO) Professional Office (OP) Light Industrial (I) Fire (F) Water (W) School (S) Park (PK) Golf Course (GC) Open Space (OS) Private Recreation (PR) Significant Ecological Area (AG/SP) Planning Area (PA) Specific Plan Overlay (SP) City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2101 !(T DiamondRanch High School PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPoint E.S. Little League Field ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReagan Park Star Shine Park SummitridgePark Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANG ELE S COU NT Y ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNA RDIN O COU NT YRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Sta tion }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GEL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLN1 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4.2-2: Alternative 1 Low Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use General Comm ercial Office School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Private Recreation Planned Area/Specific Plan Change Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2102 !(T DiamondRanch High School PanteraPark PanteraE.S. Carlton J. Peterson ParkGOLDENSPRINGSDRDiamondPoint E.S. Little League Field ArmstrongE.S. GoldenSprings E.S. LorbeerJunior H.S. SycamoreCanyon Park Quail Summit E.S. ChaparralM.S. Maple Hill E.S.Maple Hill Park WalnutE.S. South PointeM.S. DiamondBar H.S.EVERGREENSPRI NGSRDEvergreenE.S. Castle Rock E.S. HeritageParkPEACEFULHILLSRD RonaldReagan Park Star Shine Park SummitridgePark Country Park Walnut Pomona Industry LOS ANG ELE S COU NT Y ORANGE COUNTY SAN BERNA RDIN O COU NT YRiversideMetrolinkLineMetrolink Sta tion }}}60 }}}57 }}}60 }}}57BREACANYONRD DIAMONDB A R B L V D SUNSETCRO S S I N G RD S U N SET CROSSINGRD PROS PECTORSRD P A L O M IN O D R CHINOHILLSPKWYA R M I T O SPLB A LLENA D R GO L DRUSHDR G O LD EN SPRIN G SDRGRANDAVE DIAMONDBARBLVDGRANDAVELEYLANDDRPANTERA D R LONGVIEWDR SU M MITRIDGEDRDIAM ONDBARBLVDRID GEL IN E R D INDIANCREEKRD DERRINGERLND I A M O N D B A RBLVDBREACA N Y O N C UTOFFRDBREACANYONRDH A W KWOODRDSTEEPLECHASELNG O L D E N S P R IN G S D R BREACANYONRDLYCOMING ST LEMONAVERIO LOBOS DRGOLDENPRADOSDR FALCO N SVIEWDRA L A M O HTSDRWAGONTRAIN L N C L EARCREEKLNCASTLEROCKRDCANYONRIDG E R D PATHFINDERRD CASTLEROCKRDA M BU SH E RS STCOLDS PRINGLNBELLA PINE DR M O R NI NGCANYONR DSANTA Q UIN D RKIO W A C R EST D RBIRDSEY E D R MOUNTAIN LAURELWY M APLE HILLR DMONTEFINO AVE GREATBEND DR SYLVANG L E N RDHIGHLAN D V LY RD D E C O R A H R D SEAGREENDR COPLEYDRBRIDGEGATEDRVALLEYVISTADRROCKRIVERRDDELSOLLN1 3 6 2 5 4 5 7 Source: City of Diamond Bar 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2019 0 0.75 1.50.375 MILES Figure 4.2-3: Alternative 2 Low Density Residential Neighborhood Mixed Use Town Center Mixed Use Transit Oriented Mixed Use General Comm ercial Office School Public Facility Park Golf Course Open Space Private Recreation Planned Area/Specific Plan Change Areas City of Diamond Bar Sphere of Influence County Boundary 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2103 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-7 Figure 4-1: No Project Alternative (existing General Plan Land Uses) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2104 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-8 Figure 4-2 : Alternative 1 New Town Center at Diamond Bar Boulevard/Golden Springs Drive 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2105 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-9 Figure 4-3 : Alternative 2 New Town Center at Golf Course (South) 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2106 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-10 4.3 Impact Analysis of Alternatives This section provides a qualitative analysis of the potential environmental impacts of each Alternative relative to existing conditions, and compares their impacts with the impacts of the Proposed Project. The discussions are arranged by resource topic and address the same significance criteria used to evaluate the Proposed Project in Chapter 3 of this EIR. It is assumed that Alternatives 1 and 2 would generally include the same policies as the Proposed Project, with the exception of site-specific policies that would not apply due to differences in planned land use. AESTHETICS There are important viewsheds within the Planning Area, such as those of hillsides and natural resources, that contribute to the aesthetic quality of Diamond Bar. All Alternatives would be consistent with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality in urbanized areas, including the Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 22.16.130 and Chapter 22.22 and Citywide Design Guidelines. Existing regulations contain view protection provisions and address management of hillside development in Diamond Bar, including the protection of views and view corridors to and from hillside areas. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also include proposed General Plan policies related to protection of scenic views and open space resources, preservation of existing neighborhoods, and pedestrian-oriented development. Alternatives 1 and 2 would have similar impacts as the Proposed Project on scenic vistas and the visual character of the Planning Area given that both Alternatives propose similar land use changes as the Proposed Project, with the exception of redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2. Assuming Los Angeles County does not cease operation of the golf course, this area would remain unchanged under all other Alternatives, including the No Project Alternative. If Los Angeles County does decide to cease operation of the golf course, under the Proposed Project the Community Core Overlay and proposed General Plan policies would require a master plan to guide future development in this area and minimize impacts to scenic resources. The No Project Alternative would retain the 1995 designation of Planning Area 2, which consists of 424 acres in two non-contiguous, steeply-sloped, vacant natural areas in the eastern portion of the Planning Area. No development has yet occurred in Planning Area 2 but would be permitted under the No Project Alternative. Compliance with Diamond Bar Municipal Code regulations would reduce potential impacts associated with development in this area to a level that is less than significant. Land use changes and proposed General Plan policies included in all other Alternatives would support the preservation of open spaces by designating areas formerly designated as Planning Areas or Low Density Residential as Open Space, and therefore would reduce impacts of the No Project Alternative on scenic vistas. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes, and policies in the proposed General Plan and other Alternatives are intended to complement and further the intent of these provisions regulating scenic quality and resources. The non-urbanized Sphere of Influence would be designated as a Significant Ecological Area under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2, and is protected by the Los Angeles County General Plan and Municipal Code under the No Project Alternative. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on the existing visual character or quality of public view and would not conflict with applicable regulations governing scenic quality. As discussed, the potential for development in Planning Area 2 would make impacts under the No Project Alternative slightly 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2107 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-11 more significant than under all other Alternatives, but compliance with existing local regulations relating to hillside management, development review, and subdivision design would ensure than impacts are ultimately less than significant. Given that no adopted State scenic highway is located in Diamond Bar, and that adjacent land uses to SR-57 are undergoing minimal changes or development as part of the proposed General Plan and Alternatives (and no changes under the No Project Alternative), each of the Alternatives , including the Proposed Project, would have no impact on scenic resources within a State scenic highway. New development resulting from implementation of any of the Alternatives would necessitate the use of additional light fixtures and would contribute to existing conditions of light and glare. Most new development resulting from the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 would take place in or near developed and urbanized areas, where moderate light and glare already exist, and would not be out of character with the urban environment. Under Alternative 2, a new Town Center would be developed in the southern portion of the Golf Course and would therefore increase light and glare in this area compared to existing conditions and the Proposed Project. Compliance with the Diamond Bar Municipal Code and implementation of proposed General Plan policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats and between new development and existing uses would reduce potential impacts of new development under Alternatives 1 and 2 to a level that is less than significant, similar to the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and would result in reduced development compared to the Proposed Project. Any development associated with the No Project Alternative would be required to comply with provisions within the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances that would limit light and glare for new non-residential and residential development. Therefore, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on light and glare. AIR QUALITY The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less growth at buildout. Alternative 2 would also result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project but would increase non- residential development. As the Proposed Project would be less than significant with respect to consistency with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Air Quality Management Plan, and the General Plan Policies will remain the same, it is anticipated that the No Project Alternative, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would also be consistent with the AQMP. Compliance with CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural coatings, and Title 24 energy efficiency standards would reduce construction and operational emissions of criteria air pollutants and would ensure that Alternative 2 would be consistent with the AQMP despite increased non-residential development. Therefore, all alternatives would result in a less than significant impact on the implementation of the SCAQMD AQPM. The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout. Increased non-residential development under Alternative 2 would have the potential to increase construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout compared to the Proposed Project. With respect to construction related regional emissions, because individual development 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2108 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-12 projects under the Alternatives would be similar in size/scope to the Proposed Project, just not as many in number, the potential for similar construction intensity under each of the Alternatives is similar to those of the Proposed Project. Therefore, construction emissions associated with all Alternatives? would be significant and unavoidable even with the implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ-1. With respect to operational emissions, future development under all alternatives would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards. Alternatives 1 and 2 would also be subject to proposed General Plan policies related to circulation, air pollution, and sustainability and propose land use frameworks that emphasize infill and reduced VMT. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would reduce impacts. Therefore, long-term regional and local operational emissions would be significant and unavoidable. With respect to sensitive receptors, construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts of the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would be similar but reduced from the Proposed Project. Given increased non-residential development, construction and operational toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts under Alternative 2 could be higher than the Proposed Project. As future development under the Alternatives would be required to comply with AQMP, SIP, CARB, SCAQMD regulations, Title 24 energy efficiency standards, and the Proposed General Plan policies and actions. Implementation of mitigation measure MM-AQ- 1 would also reduce criteria pollutant emissions, but would not be included under the No Project Alternative. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be, or need to be, implemented, nor the effectiveness of the mitigation for individual projects, it is impossible to determine if potential impacts would be reduced to below regulatory thresholds. Additionally, there are no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would further reduce impacts. Therefore, localized operational impacts, construction and operational health and toxic air impacts would remain significant and unavoidable under all Alternatives. The three Alternatives would result in similar odor emissions under construction and operational activities as the Proposed Project, given that none of the Alternatives include land uses associated with odor complaints and all would be subject to SCAQMD rules related to construction-related odorous compounds. Therefore, the potential for odor to impact sensitive receptors would be the same. Given that the Alternatives would result in less general development, although of a similar nature, the Alternatives would result in a less than significant odor impact similar to the Proposed Project. Under the Proposed Project, operational emissions of CO significantly exceed SCAQMD thresholds. While the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore less operational emissions, this reduction would not be sufficient to reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing vehicle trips and encouraging multi-modal transportation. Therefore, all Alternatives and the Proposed Project would result in a significant and unavoidable impact on regional operational emissions. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2109 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-13 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Alternatives 1 and 2 would include the proposed General Plan goals for resource conservation, including the maintenance and protection of biologically significant areas, protection of rare and special-status plant and animal communities, and use of native and drought-tolerant vegetation in landscaping where practical, and would therefore result in similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project. Although the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan goals and policies, the 1995 General Plan includes objectives in line with those of the Proposed Project, such as the conservation of sensitive biological resources with an emphasis on the Significant Ecological Area in its SOI. However, a noteworthy deviation from the Proposed Project is the manner in which Planning Area 2 is designated. Planning Area 2 consists of 424 acres of steeply-sloped, vacant natural areas in two non-contiguous areas. The larger area lies north and east of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, while the other area lies between Pantera Park to the west and Tres Hermanos Ranch to the east. No development has yet occurred in this area. In the existing General Plan, this area is designated as a Planning Area, which would not prohibit future development in this area. Under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2, this area is designated as Open Space allowing population exchange between the Puente-Chino Hills movement corridor and Planning Area 2 to occur. The No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies or specific mitigation measures designed to compensate for the loss of sensitive habitats and special status species, including endangered and threatened species (MM-BIO-1A through MM-BIO-1K). Since the 1995 General Plan was formulated there have been significant changes to the status and occurrences of these species in the study area. Based on the findings of the Hamilton Biological Report, the occurrences of this species in the City has increased in area of occupation.2 Therefore, implementation of the No Project Alternative may have a significant and unavoidable impact on special-status species, riparian habitat, federally protected wetlands, and wildlife corridors in the Planning Area. Additionally, given that the No Project Alternative could have adverse effects on the Puente-Chino Hills movement corridor, the No Project Alternative may have significant and unavoidable conflicts with the Puente-Chino Wildlife Corridor conservation being led by the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) and the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority. The No Project Alternative would have a more severe impact on these resources than the Proposed Project. Implementation of Alternatives 1 or 2 would have similar impacts to biological resources as the Proposed Project, and would require implementation of the same mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts on special-status species, riparian habitat, and federally protected wetlands to a level that is less than significant. The only difference is where the new Town Center is sited. The Town Center would be sited in the southern portion of the Golf Course under Alternative 2, resulting in a loss of mature trees that may be used by migratory and residential birds and nesting. Under the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, siting the new Town Center at the Diamond Bar 2 A study funded by Diamond Bar residents, Diamond Bar Responsible Land Use, Diamond Bar Preservation Alliance, and the Sierra Club (known as the Hamilton Biological Report) analyzed biological resources within the City of Diamond Bar as of February 2019. The findings of the Hamilton Biological Report are addressed in Chapter 3.3: Biological Resources. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2110 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-14 Boulevard and Golden Springs Avenue location would not result in removal of mature trees from the Golf Course and therefore would have no immediate effect on bird roosting and potential nesting. Compliance with proposed General Plan policies and mitigation measure MM-BIO-6 would reduce potential indirect and direct impacts of the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 on wildlife movement corridors to a level that is less than significant. As with the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on the implementation of applicable conservation plans and policies given compliance with proposed General Plan policies. The No Project, Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project would have no impact on the C as long as both ordinances are being enforced. CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and demolition activities that may have an adverse effect on historic resources. Alternative 2 would result in less residential development but increased non-residential development than the Proposed Project, and could increase potential impacts. Only one known historical resource has been identified in the Planning Area, and all Alternatives focus development in a few change areas. The Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 include proposed General Plan policies requiring that new development be compatible with existing development and mitigation measure MM-CULT-1, which requires preparation of a historical resource assessment and implementation of appropriate mitigation prior to development of any project on a parcel containing at least one structure more than 45 years old (with the exception of minor project that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA). However, without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development under Alternatives 1 and 2 will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources. Like the Proposed Project, impacts on historical resources would therefore be significant and unavoidable under Alternatives 1 and 2. The No Project Alternative would result in new development compared to existing conditions (but reduced compared to the Proposed Project) and would not include the aforementioned Proposed Project policies and mitigation measures. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would also have the potential to be significant and unavoidable if additional historical resources are identified in the future. Future development proposals initiated under Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative that include construction-related ground disturbance into native soil have the potential to impact archaeological resources. Anticipated development in the Planning Area would occur through infill development on vacant property and through redevelopment of underutilized properties. A total of 11 archaeological resources have been recorded within the Planning Area and it appears to have been a highly suitable area for the inhabitance of prehistoric people. Therefore, the potential for archaeological resources in the Planning Area is high. Alternative 1 includes all Proposed Project land use designations (with the exception of the Community Core Overlay), policies aimed at the preservation and management of discovered archaeological materials, and mitigation measure MM-CULT-2, which requires preparation of an archaeological resources assessment and implementation of appropriate mitigation prior to 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2111 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-15 development of a project that involves ground disturbance (with the exception of minor project that would otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA). Therefore, impacts to archeological resources under Alternative 1 would be less than significant, as with the Proposed Project. Alternative 2 would result in increased ground disturbance given the conversion of the Golf Course to the new Town Center and parkland, and could result in more significant impacts than the Proposed Project. With implementation of relevant proposed General Plan policies and MM- CULT-2, this impact would be reduced to a level that is less than significant. The No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project, but development associated with this alternative could include construction-related ground disturbance. As discussed in the Biological Resources section above, the No Project Alternative would retain the existing General Plan land use designation of Planning Area 2. Under Alternatives 1 and 2 and the Proposed Project, this area would be designated as Open Space and would be protected from future development. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies and mitigation aimed at preserving archaeological resources. Therefore, the No Project Alternative could have a significant and unavoidable impact on archaeological resources. Given that there are no known cemeteries or human remains locations within the Planning Area, and all Alternatives would be subject to California Health and Safety Code and Public Resources regulations for the treatment of human remains, all Alternatives would be expected to have a less than significant impact on the disturbance of human remains. The proposed General Plan does not include any policies related to the treatment of human remains; therefore, impacts would be the same under each Alternative, including the No Project Alternative. Impacts on tribal cultural resources could occur as a result of future development proposals initiated under any of the Alternatives that include ground disturbance into native soil. There are no identified Native American resources within the Planning Area, but it is possible that future development within the Planning Area may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and to create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Impacts under Alternative 2 may be slightly higher given that development of the Golf Course would have the potential to unearth unrecorded tribal cultural resources, but development would be subject to the described policies. Therefore, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on tribal cultural resources. As discussed, the No Project Alternative would not designate Planning Area 2 as Open Space. Potential development in this area could include ground disturbance into native soil, and the No Project Alternative would not include the same protective policies as the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts of the No Project Alternative on tribal cultural resources could be significant and unavoidable. ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GREENHOUSE GASES The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in less development than the Proposed Project, and therefore, would result in less construction and operational GHG emissions at buildout. Alternative 2 would also result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project but would increase non-residential development. Compliance with the CALGreen Building Code, Title 24 standards for energy efficiency in commercial buildings, and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2112 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-16 proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing impacts from new development would ensure that the increase in non-residential development under Alternative 2 would not substantially increase construction and operational GHG emissions beyond the Proposed Project. As the Proposed Project would be less than significant with respect to GHG emissions and energy consumption based on compliance with the proposed General Plan policies (included in Alternatives 1 and 2) and State and local measures, Alternatives 1 and 2 would also be less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies that reduce transportation-related GHG emissions, the No Project Alternative would result in less development and lower VMT than the Proposed Project. Therefore, the GHG emissions and energy consumption from the No Project Alternative would be less than the Proposed Project, and the No Project Alternative would also be less than significant. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would be required to comply with the same GHG and Energy policies, plans and regulations as identified for the Proposed Project. Under the No Project Alternative, proposed General Plan policies and the Climate Action Plan would not be adopted. Additionally, the No Project Alternative would not contain policies or land uses that support applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions over time. Under the No Project Alternative, the City of Diamond Bar would likely be capable of meeting the CARB 2017 Scoping Plan and SB 32 targets for GHG emissions in 2030 given that the Business as Usual scenario for the Proposed Project would easily achieve these targets and the No Project Alternative would result in reduced development and VMT compared to the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative would not conflict with the CALGreen Building Code or Title 24. However, the No Project Alternative would not be consistent with the goals of the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS to support development of compact communities in existing areas and reuse developed land served by high- quality transit. Without further quantitative analysis, it cannot be guaranteed that the No Project Alternative would be capable of achieving the EO S-3-05 goal of reducing GHG emissions to 80 percent below the 1990 level by the year 2050 given that it would not include proposed General Plan policies or land uses designed to reduce VMT and overall emissions. Finally, the No Project Alternative would not directly support the zero-emission vehicle mandate established by EO B-16- 1 and the Advanced Clean Cars Initiative as it does not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at increasing available parking and charging stations for electric vehicles. Therefore, the No Project Alternative would have a significant and unavoidable impact with regard to plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions over time. This impact would be less than significant under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 given similar levels of GHG emissions and inclusion of proposed General Plan policies aimed at improving air quality, encouraging multi- modal transportation and reducing VMT, and promoting infill development. Like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would comply with CALGreen Code and Title 24 requirements to reduce energy consumption and would include the Climate Action Plan, as well as proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing GHG emissions, energy consumption, and VMT. As discussed below, Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in reduced VMT compared to the Proposed Project and would prioritize infill development. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. While the No Project Alternative would comply with the CALGreen Code and Title 24 requirements and would result in reduced VMT compared to the Proposed Project, the No Project Alternative would not be consistent with the goals of the 2016-2040 RTP/SCS and may therefore have a significant and unavoidable impact on plans for renewable energy and energy efficiency. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2113 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-17 GEOLOGY, SOILS, AND SEISMICITY The Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would have similar impacts regarding fault rupture, groundshaking, and liquefaction given that the Proposed Project and Alternatives share similar land use designations and policies protecting against potential adverse effects from geologic hazards. Due to the absence of active faults in the Planning Area, the risk of surface rupture is very low and impacts related to fault rupture would be less than significant for all Alternatives, including the No Project Alternative. Earthquakes in and near the Planning Area have the potential to cause groundshaking of significant magnitude. All Alternatives would allow for additional development within the Planning Area, which could expose people and property to strong seismic groundshaking. New buildings under each Alternative would be constructed in compliance with the California Building Code. While the No Project Alternative would not include additional General Plan policies aimed at reducing impacts of seismic hazards, the No Project Alternative would result in less new development than the Proposed Project and would be subject to the provisions of the California Building Code and 1995 General Plan. Therefore, impacts associated with strong seismic groundshaking would be less than significant for all Alternatives. Alternatives 1 and 2 include the same land use designations in areas located within liquefaction zones as the Proposed Project but would result in slightly more Transit Oriented Mixed Use development in the land directly south of the Metrolink Station. Given implementation of the proposed General Plan policies, these Alternatives would have a less than significant impact related to liquefaction. The No Project Alternative does not propose new development in areas within liquefaction zones, and would be subject to existing 1995 General Plan policies. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would also be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include similar land use designations and General Plan policies as the Proposed Project, and do not propose development on any hills of 30 percent slope or greater. Given compliance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, Alternatives 1 and 2 would result less than significant impacts from landslides. The No Project Alternative would not include Proposed Project policies related to hillside development and seismic hazards and would retain the existing land use designation of Planning Area 2, which includes multiple steep slopes. Risks associated with landslides would be much higher under the No Project Alternative should this area be developed. However, the potential impacts from landslides on development in this area would be addressed through site-specific geotechnical studies prepared in accordance with CBC requirements and standard industry practices, as needed, which would specifically address landslide hazards. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant but could be more severe than under the Proposed Project should this area be developed. Development associated with Alternative 1 would have similar less-than-significant impacts on soil erosion and topsoil as the Proposed Project given compliance with proposed General Plan policies and a NPDES permit, which includes the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). Alternative 2 would have more severe impacts on soil erosion and topsoil than the Proposed Project given development of the Golf Course, which would include earthwork activities that could expose soils to the effects of erosion or loss of topsoil. Once construction is complete and exposed areas are revegetated (development of new parkland in the northern portion of the Golf Course) or covered by buildings, asphalt, or 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2114 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-18 concrete (development of the new Town Center), the erosion hazard is substantially eliminated or reduced. Therefore, Alternative 2 would have a less than significant impact on soil erosion once construction of the new Town Center and parkland is complete. The No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project but would not designate Planning Area 2 as Open Space or include proposed General Plan policies that could reduce impacts to soil erosion. However, compliance with 1995 General Plan policies and a NPDES permit would be effective in limiting soil erosion and the loss of topsoil. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant. Diamond Bar Municipal Code Section 1809.4 addresses construction on expansive soils, stating that, unless otherwise specified by a registered geotechnical engineer, foundation systems within the City of Diamond Bar are considered to be on expansive soil. Implementation of any Alternative would therefore likely include development occurring on soils considered to be expansive. This is especially true regarding development of the Golf Course under Alternative 2, which overlies a significant region of Altamont Clay Loam. The potential hazards of expansive soils would be addressed through compliance with CBC requirements that regulate the analysis of expansive soils and the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies would further reduce risk of exposure to geological hazards by mandating site-specific geotechnical and mitigation prior to development. Therefore, impacts related to development on expansive soil under Alternative 1 and 2 would be less than significant, as with the Proposed Project. While the No Project Alternative would not include additional General Plan policies, compliance with the CBC and Ordinance Section 1809.4 would ensure that impacts would also be less than significant. Like the Proposed Project, development under Alternative 1 would locate structures in areas with connections Alternative 2 would result in the development of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course. A sanitary sewer main line is located along the southern border of the Golf Course at Golden Springs Drive and connects to a Los Angeles County Sanitation District Trunk line at the southwestern edge of the Golf Course at the intersection of I-57 and I-60. Proposed General Plan policies require the construction of sewer and other necessary public facilities and coordination with LACPWD and LACSD to ensure that wastewater treatment conveyance systems are available to serve planned development. Additionally, future development is subject to City and County subdivision ordinances regulating the use of septic systems and connections to public sewer lines. While redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 may require the construction of connections to public sewer lines, this area is currently served by a main line and environmental impacts associated with construction of new connections would be reduced to a level that is less than significant given compliance with existing ordinances. Given that the majority of existing development within Diamond Bar is connected to the sanitary system and the majority of new development under the No Project Alternative would be in central areas served by the current sewer system, the No Project Alternative would also have a less than significant impact. None of the Alternatives would result in development in areas having soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Alternatives 1 and 2 would locate development in similar areas as the Proposed Project and would have the potential to result in damage to paleontological resources located at or near previously undisturbed ground surfaces as result of construction-related ground disturbance. The Planning Area is underlain by Quaternary Alluvium and the Puente/Monterey Formation, which have yielded significant vertebrate fossils and are assigned a high paleontological potential. Construction 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2115 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-19 of the new Town Center on the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would have the potential to result in further impacts given that this area is not intensely developed under existing conditions. As with the Proposed Project, compliance with proposed General Plan policy RC-P-51 and mitigation measures MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2 would reduce impacts on unique paleontological resources to a level that is less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would result in less development than the Proposed Project, future development projects initiated under the No Project Alternative would still have the potential to include construction-related ground disturbance. Given that the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies and mitigation measures that could reduce impacts on paleontological resources, this impact would be significant and unavoidable. HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND WILDFIRE Implementation of the Proposed Project and any Alternative would allow for the development of land uses that may require the routine use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste within the Planning Area. Future construction activities associated with buildout of the Proposed Project and each Alternative may generate hazardous materials and waste. Hazardous materials would be subject to existing federal, state, and local regulations regarding the use, transport, disposal, and accidental release of hazardous materials. Like the Proposed Project, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 would allow the siting of new housing units, which are sensitive receptors, within the vicinity of highways that routinely transport fuels and other hazardous materials. Development of the mixed-use Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course (at the intersection of I-57 and I-60) under Alternative 2 and additional Transit-Oriented Mixed Use parcels between the Metrolink and I-60 would increase the number of housing units within the vicinity of highways compared to the Proposed Project. However, the number of new sensitive receptors would be relatively limited and USDOT, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol regulate and manage routine transport of hazardous materials on SR-57 and SR-60. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts to sensitive receptors from the routine transport of fuels and other hazardous materials would be less than significant under Alternatives 1 and 2. In compliance with existing regulations, businesses handling or storing certain amounts of hazardous materials would be required to prepare a hazardous materials business plan to inventory hazardous materials on-site and provide information on safe use and emergency response regarding such materials. There are no permitted hazardous waste facilities in the Planning Area, and any future disposal of hazardous waste would require compliance with relevant federal and State law. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts under Alternative 1 and 2 would be less than significant. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies that ensure safe practices regarding hazardous materials, development under this Alternative would be subject to existing regulations and would not result in residential land use changes. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would similarly be less than significant. As with the Proposed Project, major land use changes are expected in a few focus areas under Alternatives 1 and 2, which are intended to provide opportunities for infill development incorporating housing, employment, and recreation. Within this low-risk variety of uses, new developments that utilize hazardous chemicals, such as dry cleaners or gas stations, could result in 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2116 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-20 some potential for upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. While Alternative 2 would site the new Town Center in a different location than the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, impacts associated with this development would be similar. Given existing regulations and programs and proposed General Plan policies that reduce the potential for hazardous materials upsets and promote the ability of emergency services to respond to incidents, impacts associated with the release of hazardous materials into the environment under Alternatives 1 and 2 would be less than significant, as is the case under the Proposed Project. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and any development would be subject to existing regulations at the federal, State, and local levels that serve to minimize the potential for upset during routine transportation, use, and disposal and minimize the risk of upset or accident involving sites that have previously been contaminated by hazardous substances. Therefore, impacts under the No Project Alternative would be less than significant. Under the land use designations of Alternatives 1 and 2, there would be a range of land uses potentially allowed within a quarter-mile of existing schools. None of the Alternatives propose construction of new schools in the Planning Area. Alternatives 1 and 2 would redesignate Light Industrial land adjacent to the Metrolink station and Walnut Elementary School as Transit- Oriented Mixed Use, which could reduce school exposure impact to hazardous materials compared to the Proposed Project (which retains the Light Industrial designation). Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies which prohibit the development of projects that would reasonably be anticipated to emit hazardous air pollutants or handle extremely hazardous substances within a quarter-mile of a school and provide for emergency planning to address potential upsets. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, impacts from Alternatives 1 and 2 would be less than significant. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes and therefore would not increase school exposure to hazardous materials. Given that individual users of hazardous materials would continue to be regulated by the Disclosure of Hazardous Materials Program and public schools are required to evaluate and amend their school safety plan on an annual basis, the No Project Alternative would have a less than significant impact. There are numerous sites in the Planning Area that are included on a list of hazardous materials sites or that need further investigation; however, the majority of these sites are closed as of 2019. Three open sites remain on Golden Springs Drive and South Diamond Bar Boulevard , and nine sites are subject to the regulations of the California Waste Discharge Requirements Program. Sites with existing soil or groundwater contamination are regulated by existing federal and State policies and have been or are being investigated and remediated. Alternative 1 would result in similar land use changes as the Proposed Project and would not include minor land use changes at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue, where one SWRCB Cleanup Program Site/DTSC Evaluation site is located. Alternative 2 similarly does not propose land use changes at this intersection and would locate the new Town Center at the southern portion of the Golf Course, away from the SWRCB LUST Cleanup Site/DTSC Voluntary Cleanup site. The No Project Alternative does not propose any land use changes located near hazardous materials sites and would be subject to existing federal and State regulations. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Given that there are no airports within two miles of the Planning Area, each of the Alternatives would have no impacts related to an airport-related safety hazard for people residing or working in the Planning Area. Similar to the Proposed Project, development under Alternatives 1 and 2 would neither impair implementation nor interfere with the County of Los Angeles Emergency Response Plan or City of Diamond Bar Emergency Operations Center, which are the two emergency plans 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2117 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-21 that apply to the Planning Area. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies regarding emergency access and provision of successful emergency response and would support the efforts of local disaster volunteer programs. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies, implementation of this Alternative would not result in new land uses or significantly increase densities and this Alternative would support existing emergency plans and programs. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would have the same impacts as the Proposed Project with respect to wildfire. Areas of high to extreme fire threat occur throughout the Planning Area, predominately in the SOI. Land use changes under Alternatives 1 and 2 that differ from the Proposed Project are located in areas of moderate fire threat. Like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 do not propose any land use changes within Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire by mandating continued adhere to local fire codes and participation in the Los Angeles 2 would have less than significant impacts on wildland fire risk, emergency evacuation or response plans, pollutant exposure from wildfire, infrastructure expansion, and soil and water movement. The No Project Alternative would retain existing General Plan land use designations and does not propose any land use changes in areas of high to extreme fire threat or Very High or High FHSZs. However, the No Project Alternative does not include proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the risk of exposure and loss due to wildfire and would retain the existing land use designation of Planning Area 2, which leaves this area open for future development. The majority of land within Planning Area 2 is identified as a Very High FHSZ and is steeply sloped. Should development occur in this area under the No Project Alternative, it may expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death; exacerbate fire risks due to slope and expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from wildfire; require the construction of infrastructure specifically to combat risk for fire exposure; and expose people and structures to downslope flooding or landslides as a result of post-fire slope instability. However, all development in this area would be subject to the Diamond Bar and Los Angeles County Hillside Management Ordinances, which regulate development in hillsides that have natural slope gradients of 25 percent or steeper and require potential hazards to be analyzed as part of the permitting process. Additionally, CAL FIRE oversees the design and construction of fuel breaks within its jurisdiction and maintains standards with regard to fuel breaks and environmental protection. Compliance with existing state and local regulations would reduce wildfire-related impacts under the No Project Alternative to a level that is less than significant; however, impacts could be more severe than the Proposed Project if Planning Area 2 is developed. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Urban development can bring about an increase in impervious surfaces that could lead to increased run-off rates and flooding in downstream areas, as well as a deterioration in water quality. The Proposed Project and all Alternatives would be required to comply with local plans, existing State and federal regulations, and the applicable NPDES permit requirements; and thus , would have a less than significant impact in terms of potentially violating any federal, State, or local water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2118 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-22 The mitigation of stormwater impacts is the responsibility of developers and property owners. Under Alternative 2, the development of the golf course (i.e. grass, landscapes areas, open space, etc.) into a town center (i.e. roadways, parking lots, buildings, landscaped medians and parkways, etc.) will substantially increase impervious area compared to the Proposed Project and existing conditions, and thus, increase stormwater runoff generated on-site. The project applicant/property owner would be required to provide on-site storm water quality and runoff mitigation, such as detention basins, underground storage, or harvest and use depending on the condition of underlying soils. Given implementation of this measure, impacts under Alternative 2 would be reduced to a level that is less than significant, similar to the Proposed Project. Under Alternative 1, as with the Proposed Project, the potential stormwater impacts would be smaller due to the fact that the proposed Town Center area is already developed and redevelopment into a town center would likely not increase the impervious area. Redevelopment of an existing developed area will likely result in a positive change with respect to stormwater runoff and stormwater quality due to adherence to existing regulations and proposed General Plan policies that would reduce the impact to less than significant. Overall, given potential impacts related to runoff and water quality, Alternative 2 would have a greater impact than either the Proposed Project or Alternative 1. However, adherence to existing regulations and proposed policies would reduce the impact to less than significant. The No Project Alternative would likely generate less impervious surface resulting in runoff that affects drainage, water quality, and flooding locally and in other parts of the Planning Area than Alternative 2, as it would retain the golf course. The No Project Alternative would likely generate somewhat similar impervious area as the Proposed Project and Alternative 1, since the Proposed Project and Alternative 1 focus in redevelopment of existing developed areas. The No Project Alternative also would not include the same breadth of policies addressing hydrological issues and protecting water quality as the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2. Given compliance with existing policies and regulations found in the City of Diamond Bar 1995 General Plan, Floodplain Management Ordinance, and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Control Ordinance, this impact would be less than significant. LAND USE AND HOUSING Alternative 1 would include the same land use designations as the Proposed Project, with the exception of the Community Core Overlay, and both would locate the new Town Center along Diamond Bar Boulevard between SR-60 and Golden Springs Drive. Alternative 2 would include similar land use designations as the Proposed Project but would locate the new Town Center Mixed Use area in the southern portion of the Golf Course and designate the upper 105 acres of the Golf Course as new parkland. Under Alternative 2, the Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive area would retain a General Commercial designation. As with the Proposed Project, implementation of Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact regarding the physical division of an established community. Alternatives 1 and 2 and the Proposed Project would provide more linkages within the city and region, particularly given the designation of the Transit-Oriented Mixed Use focus area adjacent to the Metrolink station. Division of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would not constitute division of an established community. As the No Project Alternative would retain existing General Plan land use 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2119 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-23 designations, the No Project Alternative would have no impact on the physical division of an established community. Given that Alternatives 1 and 2 would include the same proposed policies and similar land use designations as the Proposed Project, impacts related to conflict with any land use plans or regulations would be similar. As with the Proposed Project, existing planning regulations and the Alternatives 1 or 2, if adopted. Alternatives 1 and 2 contain proposed General Plan policies aimed at maintaining consistency with regional and local plans, including Diamond Bar specific plans, the Los Angeles County General Plan, and the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinance. Therefore, like the Proposed Project, Alternatives 1 and 2 would have a less than significant impact on this issue. Given that the 1995 General Plan would not be replaced under the No Project Alternative and this alternative would not introduce any conflicts with existing regional and local plans, the No Project Alternative would have no impact on this issue. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in less population, housing, and jobs growth than the Proposed Project. The jobs to housing ratio under each Alternative would be similar to that under full buildout of the Proposed Project, though slightly lower under Alternative 1 (0.96 for the Proposed Project compared to 0.96 under the No Project Alternative, 0.91 under Alternative 1, and 0.98 under Alternative 2). While Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in less residential growth than the Proposed Project, both alternatives would focus infill development opportunities in vacant and underutilized areas to increase the overall number of dwelling units and serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies aimed at preserving existing residential neighborhoods, which make up the majority of developed land in the Planning Area and are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under any of the Alternatives. The No Project Alternative would result in the least amount of residential growth but would include the 2013-2021 Housing Element, which aims to meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment housing needs. The No Project Alternative would also result in reduced population growth and would not result in any land use changes that could displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing. Therefore, all Alternatives including the Proposed Project would have a similar less than significant impact on this issue. NOISE The No Project Alternative and Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in similar construction noise and vibration impacts as the Proposed Project, because the type of noise-and vibration-generating activities that would occur would be similar to those under the Proposed Project on maximum activity days. The same general levels of noise shown in Table 3.10-12, in Chapter 3.10: Noise, would be expected to occur for both Alternatives because the type of development (i.e. excavation, building construction, etc.) would be similar to the Proposed Project. All of the Alternatives would result in less than significant construction noise and vibration impacts similar to the Proposed Project given that all development would be required to comply with the restrictions of the City Municipal Code; if a project requests to deviate, the project proponent would need to obtain permission from the City and/or the County, including conditions and standards to minimize noise impacts. The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in slightly lower 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2120 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-24 VMT than the Proposed Project and therefore would generate similar or reduced traffic noise levels than the Proposed Project. Therefore, impacts under all Alternatives would be less than significant. Alternatives 1 and 2 would be subject to the same noise and vibration standards as the Proposed Project found in Table 7-1 of the proposed General Plan, and all alternatives would be subject to maximum noise level limits for mobile and stationary construction equipment at single-family, multi-family, and semi-residential/commercial listed for the City and the County in Chapter 3.10: Noise. The No Project Alternative would be subject to noise standards established in the 1995 General Plan. Given reduced development under Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the No Project Alternative and compliance with existing local standards and regulations, noise impacts associated with construction, rail, stationary sources, and traffic under each Alternative would be similar or slightly reduced compared to those expected under the Proposed Project, which was found to have a less than significant impact on applicable noise standards. Therefore, impacts associated with the generation of ambient noise levels in compliance with applicable noise standards would be less than significant under all Alternatives. Noise impacts from public airports and private airstrips for the Alternatives would be identical to the impacts discussed for the Proposed Project, and all would result in no impact. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would result in less population and residential growth than the Proposed Project. Alternatives 1 and 2 would include proposed General Plan policies regarding fire safety education, public safety programs, coordination with the Los Angeles County Fire Department , compact development, and emergency access. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies, development associated with implementation of this Alternative would be subject to existing City of Diamond Bar and County of Los Angeles policies that would minimize calls for fire protection services. As discussed in Chapter 3.11: Public Schools and Facilities, implementation of each of the Alternatives would coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates and capacity at existing and planned facilities are estimated to be sufficient to accommodate any increase in students associated with implementation of the Alternatives. Given that all Alternatives would result in less population than the Proposed Project, each of the Alternatives would reduce potential impacts of the Proposed Project on other public facilities such as the library. None of the Alternatives, including the Proposed Project, anticipate or propose development of new public facilities. However, should new facilities need to be constructed in the future, new projects would be subject to CEQA requirements for environmental assessment. While the No Project Alternative would not include proposed General Plan policies requiring construction best management practices to reduce environmental impacts of new development, existing State and local regulations and project-level review would ensure that impacts would be less than significant for all Alternatives, including the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project would have a significant and unavoidable impact on park access and condition given that the City of Diamond Bar would fall severely short of its parkland standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents (2.77 acres per 1,000 residents at buildout of the Proposed Project). No mitigation is available as it cannot be guaranteed that Los Angeles County would choose to cease operation of the Golf Course, allowing 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course to be redeveloped as public parkland under the Community Core Overlay, and this EIR does not consider additional 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2121 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-25 parkland acreage from the private Country Park. While Alternative 1 would not provide the option for redevelopment of the Golf Course as public parkland as it does not include the Community Core Overlay found in the proposed General Plan, Alternative 1 would otherwise result in the same amount of parkland as the Proposed Project. Alternative 1 would result in reduced population compared to the Proposed Project; however, this would not be sufficient to achieve the parkland ratio goal (2.4 acres per 1,000 residents). Therefore, Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project would result in similar impacts to park access and condition. Alternative 2 would automatically designate 118 acres of the northern portion of the Golf Course as public parkland, increasing the parkland ratio to 4.27 acres per 1,000 residents. While this would be an improvement over the Proposed Project, there is no mitigation available to achieve the standard of 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents and the impact would remain significant and unavoidable. Given that the No Project Alternative would not increase available parkland, it would result in a parkland ratio of 2.58 acres per 1,000 residents, again failing to achieve the parkland ratio and creating a significant and unavoidable impact related to the deterioration of parkland. TRANSPORTATION In order to compare alternatives, the No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 were converted into the format necessary for incorporation into the SCAG Regional Travel Demand Model. The transportation model uses socioeconomic data to estimate trip generation and mode choice, and several sub-models to address complex travel behavior and multi-modal transportation issues. The model responds to changes in land use types, household characteristics, transportation infrastructure, and travel costs such as transit fares, parking costs, tolls, and auto operating costs. Additional metrics, estimates developed by Fehr & Peers, and GIS mapping were used to assess transportation performance for the concepts. The purpose of this analysis was to conduct a comparative assessment and describe the overall transportation effects of the concepts. The Proposed Project was estimated to generate higher VMT and higher VMT per person than the No Project Alternative and resulted in a significant and unavoidable impact. The Proposed Project anticipates increases the population by approximately 15 percent and the employment in the City by approximately 48 percent, while the No Project Alternative anticipates a net zero increase in population and a 28 percent increase in employment. Project Alternatives 1 and 2 anticipate an increase the population in the City by approximately nine (9) percent each and increase the employment in the City by approximately 32 percent and 44 percent, respectively. While Alternatives 1 and 2 do not increase the total service population (the sum of population and employment) as significantly as the Proposed Project (approximately 16 percent), the Alternative 1 service population is approximately eight (8) percent higher than the No Project and the Alternative 2 service population is approximately 11 percent higher than the No Project. Therefore, it is anticipated that Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in higher VMT than the No Project conditions and lower VMT than the Proposed Project. Alternatives 1 and 2 would not be expected to reduce the identified significant impacts to a less-than-significant level. As such, although Alternatives 1 and 2 are anticipated to be less impactful Alternatives from a VMT perspective, they would likely still result in the same identified impacts as the Proposed Project with regards to consistency with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b). While the No Project Alternative would result in lower VMT than the Proposed Project, it could increase the VMT per person above baseline conditions given that it would not substantially increase the service population and would not include proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing VMT and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2122 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-26 increasing connectivity and multi-modal options in the Planning Area. Therefore, all Alternatives would have a significant and unavoidable impact with regards to increased VMT. As with the Proposed Project, all Alternatives would have a less than significant impact on emergency access and transportation hazards associated with design features. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would not conflict with any plan addressing the circulation system, and implementation of proposed General Plan policies would ensure that Alternatives 1 and 2 would similarly have a less than significant impact. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in lower levels of population and employment growth than the Proposed Project. Assuming that the demand for public utilities scales with population growth, Alternatives 1 and 2 can be expected to increase demand for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste facilities compared to existing conditions. Alternative 2 would have the greatest growth in utility and infrastructure demand due to the change from a golf course to a town center. As a result, Alternative 2 would have a greater potential impact on water or wastewater treatment facilities, usage of water supplies, and landfill usage than the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and the No Project Alternative. All Alternatives would be required to comply with federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste. Development under the Proposed Project, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2 would also be subject to proposed General Plan policies pertaining to water, wastewater, and solid waste, as well as policies regarding the development of utilities and minimization of environmental impacts during construction. As discussed in Chapter 3.13: Utilities and Service Systems, utility providers have the capacity to accommodate the increased water demand, wastewater flows, storm water runoff, and solid waste generated under the Proposed Project and therefore Alternatives 1 and 2. While Alternative 2 would result in the most substantial change to utility and infrastructure demand, implementation of Alternative 2, as with all other Alternatives, would not require the construction of new facilities or exceed water, wastewater, or solid waste capacity of existing facilities. The No Project Alternative anticipates the smallest level of population growth; and therefore, would have the smallest increase in demand for utilities and service systems. Thus, the No Project Alternative would have the smallest impact upon usage of water or wastewater treatment facilities, usage of water supplies, and landfill usage. However, because the No Project Alternative would not benefit from policies in the proposed General Plan that would minimize potential harmful environmental impacts associated with the use of and development of facilities related to these utilities, the No Project Alternative may ultimately have a significant and unavoidable impact, and therefore a greater impact than the Proposed Project and Alternatives 1 and 2, if new facilities are required in the future. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2123 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-27 4.4 Environmentally Superior Alternative CEQA Guidelines (Section 15126.6) require the identification of an environmentally superior alternative among the alternatives analyzed. Table ES-3: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives 4.3.Like the Proposed Project, implementation of either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 would result in six (6) significant and unavoidable impacts, seven (7) less-than-significant impacts with mitigation, 45 less-than-significant impacts, and four (4) impacts of no significance. Implementation of the No Project Alternative would result in 17 significant and unavoidable impacts, 39 less-than-significant impacts, and six (6) impacts of no significance. While Alternative 1, Alternative 2, and the Proposed Project were found to have the same number of potentially significant and unavoidable impacts, the redevelopment of the Golf Course under Alternative 2 would inherently result in more severe impacts than Alternative 1 or the Proposed Project. Without further project-level study and mitigation, construction of a new Town Center in the southern portion of the Golf Course may result in adverse effects on biological resources, cultural and paleontological resources, soils, and service systems. Alternative 1 and the Proposed Project propose a similar land use pattern and would not automatically result in the redevelopment of the Golf Course, and would therefore be considered environmentally superior. Reduced development and population growth under Alternative 1 may slightly reduce i mpacts of the Proposed Project; however, implementation of Alternative 1 would not be sufficient to reduce significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, and VMT to a level that is less than significant. Additionally, differences in population, housing, and jobs growth can be partially attributed to differences in buildout methodology between the Alternatives and the Proposed Project. Most significantly, Alternative 1 would not include the Community Core overlay, which would require a master plan to ensure comprehensive implementation of reuse of the Golf Course should the County of Los Angeles choose to discontinue its operation. Implementation of the Community Core overlay would address the pervasive issue in the City of Diamond Bar, and Los Angeles County as a whole, of equitable access to parkland as it would require that approximately 100 contiguous acres of the Golf Course be developed as public parkland. The southern portion of the Golf Course site would be developed as a mix of uses, including high- density housing, and would be relatively accessible by the Metrolink station. Given that the Proposed Project was originally based on Alternative 1, is generally found to be more compatible with the surrounding environment, and provides additional benefits through the Community Core designation, the Proposed Project is considered environmentally superior. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2124 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-28 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Aesthetics Scenic Vistas LTS LTS LTS LTS State Scenic Highway NI NI NI NI Visual Character LTS LTS LTS LTS Light and Glare LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Air Quality Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Air Quality Standard SU SU SU SU Sensitive Receptors SU SU SU SU Emissions or Odors SU SU SU SU Biological Resources Special-Status Species LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Sensitive Habitat LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wetlands LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Wildlife Corridors LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Policies and Ordinances NI NI NI NI HCPs LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Cultural, Historic, and Tribal Cultural Resources Historical Resources SU SU SU SU Archaeological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM Human Remains LTS LTS LTS LTS Tribal Cultural Resources LTS SU LTS LTS Energy, Climate Change, and GHG Emissions Greenhouse Gas Emissions LTS LTS LTS LTS Plan, Policy, or Regulation LTS SU LTS LTS Wasteful Energy Consumption LTS LTS LTS LTS Renewable Energy Plan LTS SU LTS LTS Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontology Seismic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Soil Erosion LTS LTS LTS LTS Unstable Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Expansive Soils LTS LTS LTS LTS Septic Systems LTS LTS LTS LTS Paleontological Resources LTSM SU LTSM LTSM 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2125 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-29 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire Transport, Use, or Disposal LTS LTS LTS LTS Accidental Upset LTS LTS LTS LTS Quarter-Mile of Schools LTS LTS LTS LTS Cortese List LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Hazards NI NI NI NI Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildland Fires LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Emergency Response LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Infrastructure LTS LTS LTS LTS Wildfire Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS Hydrology and Water Quality Water Quality Standards LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundwater LTS LTS LTS LTS Drainage LTS LTS LTS LTS Pollutants LTS LTS LTS LTS Water Quality Control Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Land Use and Housing Division of a Community LTS NI LTS LTS Conflict with Land Use Plan LTS NI LTS LTS Displacement LTS LTS LTS LTS Noise Ambient Noise Increase LTS LTS LTS LTS Groundborne Vibration or Noise LTS LTS LTS LTS Airport Noise NI NI NI NI Public Facilities and Recreation Public Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Deterioration of Parks and Recreational Facilities SU SU SU SU Construction of Recreational Facilities LTS LTS LTS LTS Transportation Circulation Plan LTS LTS LTS LTS Vehicle Miles Traveled SU SU SU SU Emergency Access LTS LTS LTS LTS Traffic Hazards LTS LTS LTS LTS 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2126 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis 4-30 Table 4.4-1: Summary of Impacts for Alternatives Level of Significance Impact Proposed Project No Project Alternative Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Utilities and Service Systems Water or Wastewater Facilities LTS SU LTS LTS Water Supply LTS LTS LTS LTS Wastewater Capacity LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Reduction Goals LTS LTS LTS LTS Solid Waste Regulations LTS LTS LTS LTS Notes: LTS = Less than Significant LTSM = Less than Significant with Mitigation NI = No Impact SU = Significant and Unavoidable Source: Dyett & Bhatia, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2127 5 CEQA Required Conclusions This section presents a summary of the impacts of the Proposed Project in several subject areas specifically required by CEQA, including growth-inducing impacts, cumulative impacts, significant and unavoidable impacts, significant irreversible environmental changes, and impacts found not to be significant. These findings are based, in part, on the analysis provided in Chapter 3: Environmental Settings and Impacts. 5.1 Growth-Inducing Impacts economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or Housing is addressed in Section 3.9; this section focuses on overall growth effects. Growth can be induced in several ways, such as through the elimination of obstacles to growth, through the stimulation of economic activity within the region, through the construction of infrastructure, or through the establishment of policies or other precedents that directly or indirectly encourage additional growth. In general, a project may foster spatial, economic, or population growth in a geographic area if the project removes an impediment to growth (for example, the establishment of an essential public service, the provision of new access to an area; a change in zoning or general plan amendment approval); or economic expansion or growth occurs in an area in response to the project (for example, changes in revenue base, employment expansion, etc.). Growth-inducing impacts, such as those associated with job increases that might affect housing and retail demand over an extended time period, are difficult to assess with precision, since future economic and population trends may be influenced by unforeseeable events such as business development cycles and natural disasters. Moreover, long-term changes in economic and population growth are often regional in scope; they are not influenced solely by changes or policies related to a single city or development project. Business trends are influenced by economic conditions throughout the state and country, as well as around the world. Other factors that influence new development and population growth include economic factors such as employment opportunities; the availability of adequate infrastructure like public schools, roadways, and sewer service; local land use policies in the affected communities; and constraints on the use of areas like sensitive habitats. Another consideration is that the creation of growth-inducing potential does not automatically lead to growth. Growth occurs through capital investment in new economic opportunities by the private or public sector. These investment patterns reflect, in turn, the desires of investors to mobilize and 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2128 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-2 allocate their resources to development in particular localities and regions. These factors, combined with the regulatory authority of local governments, mediate the growth-inducing potential or pressure created by a proposed plan. Despite these limitations on the analysis, it is still possible to qualitatively assess the general potential growth-inducing impacts of the Proposed Project. GROWTH HISTORY AND PROJECTIONS The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the key regional agency involved in forecasting growth in Los Angeles County. Although SCAG can forecast growth, it does not have authority to approve or deny land use plans or development projects. Population Growth population of the City of Diamond Bar increased by about 1,100, which represents a total growth rate of 2.1 percent compared to the Los Angeles County rate of 8 percent. Approximately 0.6 percent of the total population of Los Angeles County is in the City of Diamond Bar. The annual growth rate in the City has been only about 0.2 percent. Since 1990, the C overall population growth has not kept pace with the region or C growth due to the fact that the City is largely built out and there are limited current opportunities for housing development. For comparison, opportunities for housing development. SCAG projects that the region will add 3.8 million residents, 1.5 million households, and 2.4 million jobs over the 2012 2040 planning horizon. SCAG estimates that population and households are projected to grow at the annual average growth rate of 0.7% during the same period, while employment would grow faster at 2 percent until 2020, and then stabilize at 0.7 percent (SCAG 2016). Existing population and anticipated future population, based on buildout of the Proposed Plan is shown in Table 5.1-1, which is the same as Table 2.3-2 in Chapter 2, Project Description. A total addition of 8,832 residents over the next 20 years represents an annual growth rate of less than one percent. Table 5.1-1: Projected Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Housing Units 18,913 3,264 22,177 Single-Family Residential 13,252 142 13,394 Multi-Family Residential 5,661 3,122 8,783 Households 18,308 3,226 22,533 Population 57,853 8,832 66,685 Source: CA Department of Finance, 2016; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. In comparison to the Proposed Project buildout, SCAG forecasts that Diamond Bar will reach a population of 63,900 by 2040, with 21,200 households and 19,300 jobs (SCAG 2016). However, 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2129 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-3 general plan land use designations and the amount of developable land under those designations. The City is largely built out, under the existing General Plan. The City has identified a need for both housing and employment to meet current and projected demand. growth estimates for 2040, the proposed General Plan is designed to accommodate this housing and employment need. Buildout under the proposed General Plan would result in a jobs to housing ratio of jobs to housing ratio of 0.78. Employment Growth With an increase in jobs in the post- normal with an unemployment rate of 6.6 percent in 2015. The region is expected to add 1.9 million jobs, from 8 million in 2015 to 9.9 million in 2040 (SCAG 2016). Employment has decreased about 8 percent in Diamond Bar over the past 10 years (2007 2017) (SCAG 2019). However, the proposed General Plan includes opportunities for employment growth, based on assessment of economic factors and potential demand. The projected number of future jobs was added to the estimated number of existing jobs (as of 2016). Table 5.1-2 describes projected non-residential development in terms of square feet and potential jobs. Table 5.1-2: Projected Non-Residential Buildout and Population (2040) Existing (2016) Future Development 2040 Total Non-Residential (sq ft) 5,564,484 1,617,583 7,182,066 Retail 586,659 607,283 1,193,942 Office 2,406,803 519,892 2,926,694 Industrial 1,052,869 (203,001) 849,868 Other 1,518,153 693,409 2,211,562 Jobs 14,702 7,042 21,744 Retail 1,467 1,613 3,079 Office 7,334 4,102 11,436 Industrial 2,106 (406) 1,700 Other 3,795 1,734 5,529 Source: CA Department of Finance, 1/1/2015; Dyett and Bhatia, 2017; Los Angeles County Assessor, 2014; the 2015 Q2 California Employment Development Department. DIRECT AND INDIRECT GROWTH As shown in Tables 5.1-1 and 5.1-2, the Proposed Project would support a degree of anticipated growth in the City of Diamond Bar and this direct growth is analyzed throughout this EIR. Impacts of growth on infrastructure such as public services and utilities, the transportation system, and natural resources are identified, based on the buildout of the Proposed Project. Some of the identified effects of growth are significant and unavoidable (e.g., VMT increases); others are significant but can be mitigated. In general, future development would be subject to additional site- specific environmental review under CEQA. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2130 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-4 size compared to Los Angeles County overall, it is unlikely that growth within the City will cause substantial pressure for growth elsewhere in the County (indirect growth). Furthermore, the County growth rate has been much higher than the between 2000 and 2018. Growth under the Proposed Project would primarily serve the local community and would accommodate existing and projected demand. Growth under the proposed General Plan is concentrated in four focus areas, including a new Town Center and mixed-use neighborhoods. Growth in these focus areas would increase available jobs, retail and entertainment opportunities, and access to transit options that would serve the largely residential community of Diamond Bar. As stated, employment and housing growth under the proposed General Plan would refore increase job availability for area residents. Housing growth under the Proposed Project would be sufficient to accommodate the associated increase in population. REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES TO GROWTH The existing General Plan could be viewed as an obstacle to growth, given that the City is almost built out under existing land use designations. By updating the General Plan, the Proposed Project could be viewed as removing an obstacle to growth. There is an existing demand for both residential and employment growth, which the City is trying to accommodate by revising some land use designations. Redevelopment of several sites within the City and implementation of numerous policies intended to reduce overall impacts will allow additional growth in a more compact and efficient manner. Specific impacts resulting from this change are analyzed by resource area in Chapter 3 of this EIR. 5.2 Cumulative Impacts CEQA requires that an EIR examine cumulative impacts. As discussed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a)(1), a cumul combination of the project evaluated in the EIR together with other projects causing related ail In order to assess cumulative impacts, an EIR must analyze either a list of past, present, and probable future projects or a summary of projections contained in an adopted general plan or related planning document. Because it is a long-range, programmatic plan for an entire city and surrounding area, the Proposed Project represents the cumulative development scenario for the reasonably foreseeable future in the Planning Area, and this analysis uses the summary projections of the Proposed Project. This analysis uses the forecast method for transportation-related impacts (including transportation-related noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas impacts), by utilizing the transportation model described in Section 3.12. Therefore, in general, the analysis presented in Chapter 3 represents a cumulative impact evaluation in the Planning Area. Cumulative effects for the region are summarized as follows, for each issue area addressed in Chapter 3. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2131 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-5 AESTHETICS Reasonably foreseeable growth within the Los Angeles County region, including Diamond Bar, characterized by residential neighborhoods and prominent natural features, such as the Tres Hermanos Ranch and surrounding hillsides. Development to accommodate new residents and jobs may impact scenic vistas should it encroach on open hillsides in areas surrounding Diamond Bar. Various proposed policies ensure that scenic quality is maintained in Diamond Bar, including those that address hillside development, open space preservation, and sensitive transitions between new and existing development. Additionally, it is unlikely that significant growth will occur in Diamond e of Influence, which has been designated by Los Angeles County and the General Plan as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA). The SEA designation limits development as per the SEA Ordinance, and contains large swaths of Hillside Management Areas (HMAs), where development is limited by the Los Angeles County HMA Ordinance and Hillside Design Guidelines. Given such character in a non-urbanized area would not be cumulatively considerable. Proposed General Plan policies are consistent with regulations governing scenic quality and would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact. No State scenic highway is located within the Planning Area, and any development in the vicinity of scenic highways would be subject to policies within the Los Angeles County General Plan and Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances. Thus, While the Los Angeles County region, including Diamond Bar, is expected to experience substantial population growth, development to accommodate new jobs and residents would not have a cumulatively considerable impact on light and glare in the Planning Area given compliance with the Diamond Bar Code of Ordinances and proposed General Plan policies related to buffering between development and sensitive habitats, and between new development and existing uses. AIR QUALITY By its nature, the air quality analysis presented in Chapter 3.2 represents a cumulative analysis of air quality emissions through 2040, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development. As a result of increasing the amount of development through the proposed General Plan, criteria air pollutants generated under implementation of the Proposed Project is the cumulative condition for CEQA purposes. Implementation of the Proposed Project would be consistent with the control strategies and growth projections within the SCAQMD air quality management plan given compliance with State and local regulations for construction-related emissions and proposed General Plan policies intended to reduce VMT and resulting regional mobile source emissions. Therefore, impacts related to consistency would be less than cumulatively considerable. Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in emissions of VOC and NOx from construction activities and VOC, NOx, CO, PM2.5, and PM10 for operational activities. Mitigation would be required (MM-AQ-1) to reduce construction related VOC and NOx emissions. However, the exact emissions from construction cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2132 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-6 mitigation can be applied, and compliance with State and local regulations and proposed General Plan policies would not be sufficient to reduce operational emissions. Therefore, i mpacts to the Similarly, mitigation would not be sufficient to reduce cumulative impacts associated with construction and operation related toxic air contaminant emissions and health impacts, making impacts to sensitive receptors also cumulatively considerable. While impacts related to odors would be less than significant, operational activities under the proposed General Plan may result in cumulatively considerable emissions of CO. Future development would be required to comply with state and local regulations and proposed General Plan policies; however, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented and no mitigation measures beyond strategies in these plans that would definitively reduce impacts below regulatory thresholds. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Project would have a cumulatively considerable impact on long-term regional emissions. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Implementation of the Proposed Project, in combination with other reasonably foreseeable future projects in the region, will contribute incrementally to the continuing reduction in relatively natural, undisturbed open space areas and contribute to the progressive fragmentation of habitat areas and decline in species diversity throughout the region. The degree to which the Proposed Project speculation due to the absence of planned land uses in the Ci focus areas. Also of note, the General Plan does not propose any development in the SOI, and designates this area as a Significant Ecological Area subject to Los Angeles County regulations which allow for limited, controlled development that does not jeopardize the unique biotic diversity. Based on the tion measures contained herein (MM-BIO-1A through MM-BIO-1K, MM-BIO-2, MM-BIO-3, MM-BIO-4, MM-BIO-5, MM-BIO-6), lawsuits filed by the cities of Diamond Bar and Chino Hills opposing the development of Tonner Canyon as a solar field, and the formation of the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority contribution to cumulative impacts are not expected to be significant. In the cases of any impacts on biological resources identified in the future that could be significant, mitigation identified in Section 3.3 for the Proposed Project would avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse effects such that the cumulative impact is less than significant. In particular, this is the circumstance for impacts on sensitive plant and animal species, sensitive natural communities, regulated waters and wetlands, oak woodlands, and wildlife movement corridors. CULTURAL, HISTORIC, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES While there are no federally or state designated or listed historic properties within the City, development and population growth under the Proposed Project could result in cumulative impacts on historic resources as the City of Diamond Bar has not been subject to a comprehensive Citywide historic resources survey and all historic-age structures are potential historical resources. Therefore, even with implementation of proposed General Plan policies and mitigation (MM- CULT- 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2133 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-7 There are ten recorded archaeological resources within the Planning Area, including seven prehistoric and three historic-period resources, and additional unrecorded archaeological resources have the potential to exist. Anticipated development projects under the Proposed Project may involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing activities, which could have a cumulatively considerable impact on unknown archaeological resources. Given compliance with proposed General Plan policies, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and MM-CULT- 2, the Proposed Pro contribution to this impact would not be cumulatively considerable. All development projects allowed under the Proposed Project would be required to comply with state laws pertaining to the discovery of human remains and disposition of Native American burials; therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to impacts related to human burials. While there are no recorded Native American resources within the Planning Area, development projects allowed under the Proposed Project may result in the identification of unrecorded tribal cultural resources given the historic occupation of the area. Future projects that would not otherwise qualify for an exemption under CEQA would be required to comply with the provisions of AB 52 to incorporate tribal consultation into the CEQA process. Proposed General Plan policies would further address impacts to tribal cultural resources by requiring the City of Diamond Bar to establish development processes to avoid the disturbance of tribal cultural resources and create project-specific Native American consultation early in the development review process. Therefore, not cumulatively considerable. ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GREENHOUSE GASES By its nature, the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions presented in Chapter 3.5 represents a cumulative analysis of GHG emissions through 2040. CEQA Guidelines incremental contribution may be cumulatively considerable even if it appears relatively small compared to statewide, national or global emissions. CEQA Guidelines also establish that a project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program that provides specific requirements that will avoid or substantially lessen the cumulative impact on GHG emissions within the geographic area in which the project is located. Therefore, the cumulative analysis is identical to the Proposed Project analysis. Implementation of proposed General Plan policies aimed at reducing VMT would enhance Federal, State, and local regulations in order to provide GHG emissions reductions specific to the City with respect to mobile sources and energy consumption. Implementation of the Proposed Project would generate GHG emissions below existing conditions levels and meet per capita emissions targets for 2030 and 2040, while easily meeting the SB 32 goal of 40 percent below 1990 levels and demonstrating progress towards the EO S-3-05 goal of 80 percent below 1990 levels. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to this impact. The Proposed Project would be consistent with, and in some cases further the goals of, policies and regulations established for the reduction of GHG emissions and therefore would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to this impact. Specifically, one component of the Proposed Project is a Climate Action Plan which demonstrates consistency with goals presented in the 2017 CARB Scoping Plan, AB 32, SB 32, and EO S-3-05. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2134 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-8 Future development and population growth associated with the Proposed Project would result in the increased use of electricity and natural gas resources and associated infrastructure. SCE, the electricity service provider for the Planning Area, has determined that the use of such resources would be minor compared to existing supply and infrastructure within the SCE service area and would be consistent with growth expectations. Similarly, the use of natural gas resources would be on a relatively small scale and would be consistent with the growth expectations for the Planning Development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to incorporate energy conservation features in order to comply with applicable mandatory regulations including CALGreen Code, state energy standards under Title 24. Therefore, impacts on electricity and natural gas consumption under the Proposed Project would be less than cumulatively considerable. While growth within the Planning Area and region is anticipated to increase the demand for transportation and total VMT, development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to demonstrate consistency with Federal and State fuel efficiency goals and incorporate mitigation measures as required under CEQA. Siting land use development projects at infill sites is consistent would decrease compared to existing conditions. Therefore, development anticipated by the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to transportation energy. All development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project would be required to comply with CALGreen and Title 24 energy efficiency requirements and other regulations, which would reduce energy consumption by promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. The Proposed Project includes policies designed to reduce VMT (including traffic calming measures and expansion of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure) and prioritizes mixed-use and infill developments that would support development of compact communities in existing urban areas and reuse developed land served by high quality transit. Therefore, the Proposed Project would be consistent with the guidance provided in the SCAG 2016 RTP/SCS. Proposed General Plan policies and mitigation would further reduce emissions associated with new development through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, improved transit, and reduced consumption and waste. Therefore, impacts on the implementation of a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency would be less than cumulatively considerable. GEOLOGY, SOILS, SEISMICITY, AND PALEONTOLOGY The Planning Area is located within a geographic area that is considered active or potentially active by the California Geological Survey and contains expansive soils. The cumulative increases in population and development that would result from implementation of the full buildout would however, conformance with the California Building Code and proposed General Plan policies would preserve building integrity during a seismic event, and other regulatory measures would reduce geohazards impacts to a less-than-significant level. As a result, cumulative impacts would be minimized and would be less than significant. The Planning Area has a low-to-high potential for paleontological resources, and significant fossil discoveries have occurred within the Planning Area and nearby. Future development projects anticipated by the Proposed Project may involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2135 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-9 activities, which could destroy unknown paleontological resources. Consequently, the proposed General Plan may have the potential to contribute to cumulative impacts on paleontological resources. However, with implementation of proposed General Plan policies, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws and MM-GEO-1 and MM-GEO-2, to this cumulative impact is not cumulatively considerable. HAZARDS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, AND WILDFIRE Projected population and employment growth in the Planning Area would increase the number of people potentially exposed to impacts from hazardous material transportation, the increased use of hazardous household, commercial, and industrial materials, as well as a cumulative increase in exposure to risk associated with the accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. However, compliance with local, State, and federal regulations pertaining to the production, use, and transportation of hazardous materials would apply to development throughout the region; therefore, the Proposed contribution to this potential cumulative impact is less than cumulatively considerable. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are present in several locations within the Planning Area. Implementation of the Proposed Project would result in development located within VHFHSZs or State Responsibility Areas (SRA), which may constitute a significant impact related to wildfire hazards. However, restrictions on development in these areas will ensure that development intensification within or around VHFHSZs and SRAs would not be cumulatively considerable. mitment to providing emergency services and coordinating with regional agencies, and would therefore ensure that proposed development would have less than cumulatively considerable impacts on the implementation of emergency response plans. Projected population growth and development anticipated by the Proposed Project would increase the number of people exposed to pollutant concentrations associated with the spread of wildfire. Compliance with proposed General Plan policies related to hillside development and protection of quality advisory programs would ensure that impacts on project occupants would be less than cumulatively considerable. Given that the Proposed Project locates areas of potential development away from VHFHSZs and SRAs, compliance with proposed General Plan policies aimed at mitigating fire risk and existing local and regional regulations and programs would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to fire risk. Finally, should development occur in VHFHSZs or SRAs, the proposed General Plan contains policies that address geologic risk, including potential exposure to landslides and slope instability and would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to wildfire risk and associated effects on soil and water movement. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Future development under the proposed General Plan could result in impacts on water quality, hydrology, flooding, or other inundation hazards; however, federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the Proposed Project would ensure that impacts would be less than significant. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2136 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-10 Compliance with the GLACR IRWM Plan would ensure water quality standards are not violated and would ensure protection of water quality during construction and operation of future development within the City. In addition, the Proposed Project goals and policies would further , Water Pollution Ordinance (Sec. 13.00.050), Floodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 18.108.010), and Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance (Sec. 8.12.1630). Potential flooding oodplain Management Ordinance (Sec. 18.108.010) and the proposed General Plan goals and policies, which preserve open space and reduce impervious surfaces. Implementation of the Proposed Project would therefore result in less than significant impacts on hydrology, flooding, and water quality and its contribution to potential cumulative impacts would not be considerable. LAND USE AND HOUSING Projects that could have the effect of physically dividing an established community such as a major new road, highway, or similar infrastructure tend to have a singular rather than cumulative impact. Similarly, impacts from plans and projects in the region that could conflict with existing plans, including habitat conservation plans, are not cumulative in nature. However, potential impacts related to population and housing can be cumulative in nature. Population growth, by itself, is not an environmental impact; however, the direct and indirect effects, such as housing and infrastructure needs that are related to population growth, can lead to physical environmental effects. Growth-inducing impacts associated with population growth are discussed above in Section 5.1. The majority of developed land in the Planning Area is comprised of residential uses, which are not anticipated to undergo significant land use changes under the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project anticipates that the overall number of dwelling units will increase by prioritizing mixed-use and infill development in vacant and underutilized areas in Diamond Bar, while seeking to preserve existing neighborhoods, providing housing to serve the diverse needs of the community at various socioeconomic levels, and encouraging the development of new jobs and businesses while fostering existing ones. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution to impacts on land use and housing. NOISE The noise analysis represents cumulative analyses of issues through the proposed General Plan because it combines the anticipated effects of the proposed General Plan with anticipated effects of regional growth and development. By its nature, the noise analysis represents a cumulative analysis, because the effects specific to the Proposed Project cannot reasonably be differentiated from the broader effects of regional growth and development. Thus, the noise analysis reflects not just growth in the Planning Area, but growth elsewhere in the region as well. Consequently, the impact significance conclusions discussed in Chapter 3.10 are representative of cumulative impacts. The Proposed Project would result in both short-term and long-term changes to the existing noise environment in the Planning Area. Long-term operational noise from traffic would increase compared to existing conditions. Proposed General Plan policies prohibit development of noise sensitive land uses in certain scenarios, require noise mitigation measures, and require acoustical analyses to ensure noise exposure standards are met. These policies would reduce potential construction and operational noise impacts to new development to a less than significant level. Impacts of new traffic noise on existing sensitive receptors, such as the residences near the roadway segments that would experience future noise levels less than 3 dBA CNEL in 2040 with the Proposed 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2137 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-11 Project over existing conditions, would be less than significant, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. As with noise, construction and operation vibration impacts of the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impact, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. The Proposed Project would result in no impact from airport noise, and therefore, would not result in a cumulative impact. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION Future development and population growth anticipated by the proposed General Plan would generate additional demand for public services and public facilities including parks and recreational facilities. Policies included in the Proposed Project related to fire education and public safety programs would help to keep service demand increases to a minimum. In addition, the Proposed Project promotes a relatively compact development pattern with infill development, thus ensuring that new development would be located close to existing fire and police stations. Given that implementation of the Proposed Project would coincide with a decline in Diamond Bar public school enrollment rates, impacts on schools would not be cumulatively considerable. Population growth anticipated by the Proposed Project would not result in the need for new public facilities such as libraries, and new facilities would be subject to CEQA Guidelines, proposed General Plan land use designations, and proposed General Plan policies related to construction impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than cumulatively considerable. The Proposed Project would not provide sufficient park access to all residents within the Planning Area, and projected population growth may result in a cumulatively considerable impact on parkland. There is no feasible mitigation available that would increase parkland to the extent Therefore, the Proposed Project would a cumulatively considerable impact on the overuse and degradation of existing park facilities. The proposed General Plan contains plans for additional recreational facilities in the Planning Area and calls for the continued support and adequate provision of library services, adult education programs, and community centers, in keeping with the needs and preferences of the population. Elements of the proposed General Plan are designed to minimize potentially cumulatively considerable environmental impacts of new development, including developing sustainable park and recreational facility design and planning standards. TRANSPORTATION By its nature, the transportation analysis presented in Chapter 3 represents a cumulative analysis of transportation conditions through 2040. As a result of the amount of development anticipated by the proposed General Plan, the travel demand and VMT is the cumulative condition for CEQA purposes. Under the proposed General Plan cumulative scenario, VMT is expected to increase compared to existing conditions. Per CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, this constitutes a considerable contribution to the significant impact regarding VMT. The proposed General Plan would have a less than cumulatively considerable contribution towards conflicts with programs and plans that address the circulation system given that the proposed General Plan includes multiple policies that improve multi-modal mobility and would expand the existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities while accommodating vehicle traffic. Additionally, the proposed General Plan would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact on hazards and emergency access. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2138 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-12 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Future development anticipated by the proposed General Plan would generate additional demand for water and wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste services; however, compliance with federal, State, and local regulations, as well as policies in the proposed General Plan would ensure that impacts of the Proposed Project would be less than significant. Cumulative development would also be subject to compliance with federal, State and local regulations. Therefore, implementation of the proposed General Plan would not result in a considerable contribution to cumulative impacts on utilities and service system. 5.3 Significant and Unavoidable Impacts Significant unavoidable impacts are those that cannot be mitigated to a level that is less than significant. According to CEQA Guidelines 15126.2(b), an EIR must discuss any significant environmental impacts that cannot be avoided under full implementation of the proposed program, including those that can be mitigated, but not to a less-than-significant level. The analysis in Chapter 3 determined that the Proposed Project would result in impacts related to cultural resources and transportation that, even with implementation of mitigation measures, would remain significant and unavoidable. These impacts are summarized below: Air Quality: The South Coast Air Basin has been designated as a nonattainment area for State ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 and as a federal nonattainment area for ozone and PM10. Construction of individual projects associated with implementation of the Proposed Project could temporarily emit criteria air pollutants through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment, vehicle trips generated from workers and haul trucks, and demolition and various soil-handling activities. A quantitative analysis, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, found that construction-related daily emissions would exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District significance thresholds for VOCs and NOx. Operation of the Proposed Project, based on a reasonable worst- case scenario, would generate criteria air pollutant emissions from Project-generated vehicle trips traveling within the City, energy sources such as natural gas combustion, and area sources such as landscaping equipment and consumer products usage. A quantitative analysis, based on a reasonable worst-case scenario, found that operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed regulatory thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. Mitigation is required to ensure that future development projects incorporate measures to reduce emissions from construction activities, and would reduce NOx and VOC impacts on a project-by- project basis. However, the exact emissions from construction of the Proposed Project cannot be quantified without full detail of the development projects to be implemented and the extent to which mitigation, including mitigation measures MM-AQ-1 and MM-AQ-2, can be applied. Therefore, short-term regional construction emissions would be significant and unavoidable. Future development would be required to comply with State and local regulations, Title 24 energy efficient standards, and Proposed Project policies to reduce operational emissions. However, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations will be implemented nor their effectiveness. Therefore, long-term regional operational emissions would also be significant and unavoidable. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2139 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-13 Because regional emissions exceed the SCAQMD regulatory thresholds during construction and operational activities, there is the potential that these emissions would exceed the CAAQS and NAAQS thus resulting in a health impact. Impacts may be associated with localized operational emissions or emissions of toxic air contaminants (due to diesel particulate emissions during construction and operation of diesel fueled equipment or generators during operational activities). Because the exact nature, location, and operation of the future developments are unknown, there is no way to accurately calculate the potential for health impacts from the Proposed Project. Mitigation is required to reduce impacts with respect to toxic air contaminants from construction and future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations. However, as there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, impacts to sensitive receptors would remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed, operational emissions for the Proposed Project would exceed SCAQMD daily emissions thresholds for CO which could adversely affect a substantial number of people. While future development would be required to comply with State, local, and Proposed Project policies and regulations, there is no way to determine the extent to which these regulations would be implemented or their effectiveness, and no further mitigation is feasible. Therefore, impacts related to long-term operational emissions of CO could have a significant and unavoidable impact on a substantial number of people. As discussed above, air quality impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Cultural Resources: New construction through infill development on vacant property could result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource through alteration of the dards for the Treatment of Historic Properties have the potential to result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Other projects that propose demolition or alteration of, or construction adjacent to, existing histori threshold for consideration as historical resources), could also result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Changes in the setting of historic buildings and structures can result from the introduction of new visible features, significant landscape changes, or other alterations that change the historic integrity of the setting of a significant resource. The proposed General Plan policies would help reduce the impact by requiring that new development be compatible with the character, scale, massing, and design of existing development, which is part of the requirements of the Historic Properties. However, these policies do not require the identification and evaluation of historic-age properties to determine if there are historical resources within or nearby a proposed project site that could be adversely impacted by a proposed project, nor do they require the retention or rehabilitation of historical resources. Mitigation is required to ensure that historical resources are properly identified and that impacts on any identified historical resources are reduced. However, impacts on historical resources that are demolished or altered in an adverse manner such that they are no longer able to convey their historical significance and such that they are no longer eligible for inclusion in the California 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2140 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-14 Register typically cannot be mitigated to a level of less than significant. 1, 2 Without information on specific future projects, it is impossible to know if future development will avoid substantial adverse impacts on historical resources, and it is reasonable to assume that some historical resources would be demolished or altered in an adverse manner over the lifetime of the General Plan. Therefore, even with mitigation, impacts on historical resources would be significant and unavoidable under the Proposed Project. As discussed above, impacts to historical resources would be cumulatively considerable. Transportation: Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) is expected to increase under implementation of the proposed General Plan. Home-based production VMT per resident is expected to increase by five percent over existing conditions and home-based-work attraction VMT per employee is expected to increase by nine percent. Part of the increase is associated with the addition of more employment and retail opportunities within the City that have the potential to import vehicle trips from surrounding communities. Numerous proposed policies would help reduce the impact. However, even with implementation of these policies, the impact could remain significant and unavoidable. As discussed above, impacts to transportation would be cumulatively considerable. 5.4 Significant Irreversible Environmental Change initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(c)). or waterways, and resources that are renewable only over long time spans, such as soil productivity. A resource commitment is considered irretrievable when the use or consumption of the resource is neither renewable nor recoverable for use by future generations. Irreversible changes and irretrievable commitments of non-renewable resources anticipated by the Proposed Project include the following issues. The Proposed Project would involve two types of resources: (1) general industrial resources including fuels and construction materials; and (2) project-specific resources such as land, biotic and cultural resources at the building sites. Most of the Planning Area, with the exception of the unincorporated land, is located in an urban area and is almost completely developed with existing buildings and infrastructure. Future development within the Planning Area under the proposed Plan would consist of infill and redevelopment of existing buildings and structures, and would not result in significant changes in 1 CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(2) states that in some circumstances, documentation of an historical resource, by the way of narrative, photographs or architectural drawings, as mitigation for the effects of demolition of the resource will not mitigate the effects to the point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur. 2 In League of Protection of Oaklan Documentation of the historical features of the building and exhibition of a plaque do not reasonably begin to alleviate the impacts of its destruction. A large historical structure, once demolished, normally cannot be adequately replaced by reports and commemorative markers. Nor, we think, are the effects of the demolition reduced to a level of insignificance by a proposed new building with unspecified design elements which may incorporate features of the original architecture into an entirely different shopping center. This is so particularly where, as here, the plans for the substitute building remain tentative and vague. We conclude that the stated mitigation measures do not reduce the effects of the demolition to less than a level of significance. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2141 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-15 the overall land use pattern of the Planning Area. Because the development facilitated by the Proposed Project would occur within an urban area surrounded by similar or compatible uses, it would not commit future generations to significant changes in land use. IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ACCIDENTS Existing and future commercial development projects in the Planning Area may transport, use, or dispose of hazardous materials; and hazardous materials could be accidently released into the environment during these activities. Accidents, such as the release of hazardous materials, may trigger irreversible environmental damage. In most circumstances, the potential risks posed by hazardous materials use and storage are primarily local and, therefore, limited to the immediate vicinity of such use. Moreover, the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials are heavily regulated. Compliance with existing federal, State, and local laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by the City would reduce risks associated with the routine use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials in connection to acceptable levels, and would ensure that no significant irreversible changes from accidental releases would occur. COMMITMENT/CONSUMPTION OF NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES Implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the long-term commitment of various resources to urban development. While the proposed Plan itself would not directly entitle or result in any new development, it is reasonably foreseeable that the proposed Plan, which acts as a blueprint for growth and development in the Planning Area over the next 20 years, could result in significant irreversible impacts related to the commitment of non-renewable and/or slowly renewable natural and energy resources, such as: Air Quality: Increases in vehicle trips resulting from buildout of the proposed General Plan would potentially contribute to long-term degradation of air quality and atmospheric conditions in the region. Technological improvements in automobiles, including the growth of the electric vehicle market share, may lower the rate of air quality degradation in the coming decades. Nonetheless, vehicle trips resulting from implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the irreversible consumption of nonrenewable energy resources, primarily in the form of fossil fuels, natural gas, and gasoline for non-electric automobiles and long-term degradation of air quality. Water Consumption: To the extent that the proposed Plan would accommodate new population and jobs, it would increase the demand for water and place a greater burden on water supply. While additional residents and workers would use more water, the City is expected to have adequate water to meet demand in normal and wet years in 2040. Despite the change in demand resulting from the Proposed Project being marginal, the increase would represent an irreversible environmental change, as use of this resource would increase. Energy Sources: Residential and non-residential developments use electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products for lighting, heating, and other indoor and outdoor power demands, while cars use both oil and gas. New development anticipated by the proposed Plan would result in increased energy use for the operation of new buildings and for transportation. This new development would therefore result in an overall increased use of both renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. To the extent that new development uses more nonrenewable energy sources, this would represent an irreversible environmental change. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2142 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 5: CEQA Required Conclusions 5-16 CONSTRUCTION-RELATED COMMITMENTS Irreversible environmental changes could also occur during the course of constructing development projects anticipated by the proposed General Plan. New construction would result in the consumption of building materials (such as lumber, sand and gravel), natural gas, and electricity, water, and petroleum products to process, transport and build with these materials. Construction equipment running on fossil fuels would be needed for excavation and the shipping of building materials. Due to the non-renewable or slowly renewable nature of these resources, this represents an irretrievable commitment of resources. However, development allowed under the proposed Plan would not necessarily result in the inefficient or wasteful use of resources. Compliance with all applicable building codes, as well as existing and proposed General Plan policies and standard conservation features would ensure that natural resources are conserved to the maximum extent feasible. It is possible that new technologies or systems will emerge, or become more cost-effective or user-friendly, to further reduce the reliance upon non-renewable natural resources. Nonetheless, future activities related to implementation of the Proposed Project could result in the irretrievable commitment of nonrenewable energy resources, primarily in the form of fossil fuels (including fuel oil), natural gas, and gasoline for automobiles and construction equipment. 5.5 Impacts Found Not to Be Significant CEQA requires that an EIR provide a brief statement indicating why various possible significant impacts were determined to be not significant. Chapter 3 of this EIR discusses all potential impacts, regardless of their magnitude in all issue areas except agriculture, forestry, and mineral resources, which were determined to have negligible or no impacts as such resources generally do not occur in the Planning Area. • Agriculture: Agricultural resources would not be affected by the land use changes in the proposed General Plan. • Forestry: Forestry resources do not occur in the Planning Area and, therefore, would not be affected by the land use changes in the proposed General Plan. • Mineral Resources: Other than a few existing idle oil wells, there are no mineral resources identified in the Planning Area and, therefore, no potential impacts on this type of resource. It does not appear that there are any active oil wells in the vicinity of proposed new development or redevelopment. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2143 6 References AESTHETICS Caltrans, 2011. 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City of Diamond Bar, Municipal Code, Title 8 Health and Safety, Chapter 8.12 Environmental Protection, Division 3 - Noise Control. https://library.municode.com/ca/diamond_bar/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CIC O_TIT8HESA_CH8.12ENPR_DIV3NOCO. Accessed July 15, 2019. County of Los Angeles, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan 2035. October 6. http://planning.lacounty.gov/generalplan. Accessed October 27, 2016. County of Los Angeles, Municipal Code. Title 12 Environmental Protection, Chapter 12.08 Noise Control. https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId =TIT12ENPR. Accessed July 15, 2019. Federal Highway Administration, 2006. . https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/noise/construction_noise/rcnm/rcnm.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2019. Federal Transit Authority (FTA), 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. September.https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research- innovation/118131/transit-noise-and-vibration-impact-assessment-manual-fta-report- no-0123_0.pdf. Accessed July 15, 2019. Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission, 2015. Brackett Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. December 9. http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/brackett_alucp_final.pdf Accessed July 15, 2019. General Plan Guidelines, Guideline for Noise Compatible Land Use. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2158 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), 1974. EPA Identifies Noise Levels Affecting Health and Welfare, April. PUBLIC FACILITIES AND RECREATION California Department of Housing and Community Development. CALGreen Compliance. Online: http://www.hcd.ca.gov/building-standards/calgreen/index.shtml. Accessed June 19, 2019. California Department of General Services. CALGreen. Online: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources/Page-Content/Building-Standards-Commission- Resources-List-Folder/CALGreen. Accessed June 19, 2019. County of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County, California Code of Ordinances. Online: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId =TIT31GRBUSTCO. Accessed June 19, 2019. County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Fuel Modification Section. Online: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/category/fuel-modification-section/. Accessed: June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 10: Parks and Recreation Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan- ch10.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 12: Safety Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final-general-plan-ch12.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. Los Angeles County, 2015. Los Angeles County General Plan Chapter 13: Public Services and Facilities Element. Online: http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_final- general-plan-ch13.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2019. Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2015. Draft Program Environmental Impact Report: 3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Online: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/LACFCD/ewmppeir/docs/3.7%20Hazards.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2019. TRANSPORTATION City of Diamond Bar. 2019. Transportation: Transit. https://www.diamondbarca.gov/487/Transportation. Accessed June 19, 2019. Foothill Transit. 2019. Lines and Schedules. http://foothilltransit.org/lines-and-schedules/. Accessed June 19. 2019. Metrolink. 2019. Industry Station. https://www.metrolinktrains.com/rider-info/general- info/stations/industry/. Accessed June 19, 2019. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2159 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-17 United States Census. 2015. 2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2015/20151210_acs5yr2014.html. Accessed June 19, 2019. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region, 2012. Order No. R4-2012- 0175. Waste Discharge Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (Ms4) Discharges within the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles County, except those Discharges Originating from the City of Long Beach MS4. City of Diamond Bar, 2014. City of Diamond Bar Sewer System Management Plan. Prepared By City of Diamond Bar. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, 2017. Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan 2017. Prepared by Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. Walnut Valley Water District, 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan. Prepared by CIVILTEC Engineering, Inc. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2160 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 6: References 6-18 This page intentionally left blank. 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2161 7 List of Preparers A list of contributing City staff and consultant team members, their titles, and affiliations, is provided below. City of Diamond Bar • Greg Gubman, Community Development Director • Grace Lee, Senior Planner • Dan Fox, City Manager • David Liu, Public Works Director/City Engineer Consultants Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and Regional Planners • Rajeev Bhatia, Principal • Vicki Hill, Director, Environmental Services • Katharine Pan, Senior Associate • Jessica Robbins, Planner • Gina Kotos, Assistant Planner • McKenna Maxwell, Project Assistant • Abbey Lew, Project Assistant • Jason Castaneda, GIS Specialist Environmental Science Associates • Steve Nelson, Vice President • Heidi Rous, Air Quality, Climate and Acoustics Services Director • Jeff Goodson, Senior Managing Associate • Candace Ehringer, Cultural Resources Program Manager • Kyle Garcia, Senior Archaeologist 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2162 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 and Climate Action Plan Chapter 7: List of Preparers 7-2 • Jason Nielsen, Senior GIS Coordinator • Tim Witwer, Associate III • Heather Dubois, Technical Associate Fehr & Peers • Paul Hermann, Associate TKE Engineering • Steve Ledbetter, Project Manager 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2163 7.1.h Packet Pg. 2165 Project Status Report CITY OF DIAMOND BAR December 4, 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT LEGEND PH = PUBLIC HEARING X = NON PUBLIC HEARING AP = ASSIGNED PLANNER PC = PLANNING COMMISSION AR = ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW CC = CITY COUNCIL PROPERTY LOCATION PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW File # AP Applicant PC 12/4/19 (Special Meeting) PC 12/10/19 CC 12/17/19 PC 12/24/19 (Canceled) CC 1/7/20 PC 1/14/20 General Plan Update and Climate Action Plan GG City of Diamond Bar PH 2244 Indian Creek (New single family residence) DR PL2019-42 MN Pete Volbeda PH 21130 Golden Springs Dr. (Patio addition to existing restaurant) VAR/MCUP PL2019-122 NTE MHD Marwan Almannini PH 750 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. (Medical offices) CUP PL2017-139 MN Johnney Zhang/ Howard Zelefsky Cont. PH 237 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. (Massage at Phenix Salon) CUP PL2019-158 MN Anita Ortega PH 2825 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. (New gym) CUP PL2019-103 NTE Chase Villafana PH 2137 Rocky View (Addition and remodel to single family residence) DR PL2019-138 MN Walt Patroske PH ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW Property Location AP Applicant NONE PENDING ITEMS Property Location File # AP Applicant Status 800 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. (Sign program) CSP PL2019-164 MN Raj Panchal Incomplete letter sent 10/1/19 – waiting for additional information 900 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. (Sign program) CSP PL2019-165 NTE Raj Panchal Under review 1111 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. (New Single family residence) GPA/ZC/DR PL2015-253 GL/ MN Creative Design Associates Under review 340 Fern Place (New single family residence) Dr Pl2018-100 NTE Alan Lim Fourth incomplete letter sent 4/19/19 – waiting for additional information 9.1 Packet Pg. 2166 Project Status Report CITY OF DIAMOND BAR Page 2 December 4, 2019 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PENDING ITEMS (continued) Property Location File # AP Applicant Status 20515 Flintgate DR PL2019-143 NTE Patricio Culqui Under review 20657 Golden Springs (Sign program amendment) CUP PL2019-172 MN Sign Express Incomplete letter sent 10/10/19 – waiting for additional Inormation 2360 Indian Creek (Addition and remodel to single family residence) DR PL2019-185 MN Pete Volbeda Incomplete letter sent 11/13/19 – waiting for additional information 2432 Indian Creek (New single family residence) DR PL2018-226 MN Jeffrey Sun Fourth incomplete letter sent 10/17/19 – waiting for additional information 23135 Ridge Line Rd. (New single family residence) DR PL2018-233 MN Faiz Ennabe Incomplete letter sent 1/8/19 - waiting for additional information 2775 Shadow Canyon (New single family residence) DR PL2019-188 NTE Edwin Agabao Incomplete letter sent 11/14/19 - waiting for additional information 22438 Steeplechase (Additon to single family residence) DR PL2019-162 NTE Joan Lee Under review 1959 Viento Verano DR PL2019-179 MN Xin Wang Under review Various locations in public right-of-way (wireless facilities) CUP PL2017-69 MN Anthony Serpa Second incomplete letter sent 2/28/18 - waiting for additional information 9.1 Packet Pg. 2167 _ fE � �� j to �, 1 N � �� j Y S 1 1' JV d 1 !s