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Poway Initial Study INITIAL STUDY POWAY WALMART EXPANSION PROJECT POWAY, CALIFORNIA June 2009 INITIAL STUDY POWAY WALMART EXPANSION PROJECT POWAY, CALIFORNIA Submitted to: City of Poway 13325 Civic Center Drive Poway, California 92064 (858) 668-4600 Prepared by: LSA Associates, Inc. 20 Executive Park, Suite 200 Irvine, California 92614-4731 (949) 553-0666 LSA Project No. PWY0901 June 2009 Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page i TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND.........................................................................................................................1 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED................................................................5 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST.............................................................................................................7 4.0 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ISSUES.........................................................................20 FIGURES Figure 1: Project Location......................................................................................................................................2 Figure 2: Illustrative Site Plan................................................................................................................................3 Figure 3: Overall Site Plan......................................................................................................................................4 Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 1 1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1.1 Project Title: City of Poway Walmart Expansion Project 1.2 Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Poway Development Services 13325 Civic Center Drive Poway, CA 92064 1.3 Contact Person and Phone Number: Oda Audish, AICP, Associate Planner (858) 668-4661 1.4 Project Location: The proposed project site is located in the City of Poway and consists of two adjoining parcels located at 13425 Community Road and 13430 Midland Road. The proposed project site location is shown in Figure 1. 1.5 Project Applicant Name and Address: Nasland Engineering, 4740 Ruffner Street, San Diego, CA 92111 1.6 General Plan Designation: General Commercial (CG) 1.7 Zoning: General Commercial (CG) 1.8 Description of Project: The proposed project consists of the expansion and remodeling of the existing Walmart retail store located at 13425 Community Road in the City of Poway (Figure 2). The expansion consists of the addition of approximately 54,745 square feet (sf) of commercial/retail uses to the existing 142,955 sf structure (including the garden center and tire and lube area), resulting in an approximately 197,700 sf Walmart with a full-service grocery department. The project would include demolition of the existing Tire and Lube Center and the adjacent vacant 7,000 sf commercial structure. The Tire and Lube Center would not be replaced. The proposed project would include extensive remodeling to both the exterior and interior of the store. The remodeled and expanded store would include approximately 40,835 sf of grocery sales area, 11,385 sf of grocery support area (bakery, deli, etc.), 23,630 sf of stockroom receiving area, 9,400 sf of ancillary area (front and rear offices, customer service, restrooms, vision center, janitors, sprinkler room, and electrical room), 103,790 sf of general merchandise area, and 8,665 sf of outdoor garden center area. The project would include a new entrance for the grocery uses, new lighting, new landscaping, and additional loading facilities with two truck doors on the eastern side of the building. In addition, signage would be changed on the existing building and new signage would be installed according to a sign program submitted with the site plans. The expanded store would operate on a 24- hour basis, and the existing store will remain operational during the expansion construction process. Discretionary Actions: Certification of the EIR, Revision to the existing Development Review permit (DR 90-12) 1.9 Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: To the North Multifamily residential To the East Multifamily residential To the South Commercial To the West Multifamily residential Project Boundary PROJECTAREA N FIGURE1 FEET 200010000 I:\PWY0901\G\ProjLoc.cdr(4/15/09) Project Location PowayWalmartExpansionProject SOURCE:ThomasBros.Maps Escondido 15 8 805 5 67 56 52 54 163 274 C a l i f o r n i a FE E T 10 0 50 0N SO U R C E : G R O U N D E D L a n d s c a p e A r c h i t e c t u r e & P l a n n i n g Illustrative Site PlanFIGURE2 I: \ P W Y 0 9 0 1 \ G \ I l l u s t s i t e p l a n . c d r ( 4 / 1 5 / 0 9 ) PowayWalmartExpansionProject CO M M E R C I A L CO M M E R C I A L L O T S NO T A P A R T EXISTING BUILDING TOBEREMOVED FE E T 10 0 50 0N SO U R C E : N A S L A N D E N G I N E E R I N G Overall Site PlanFIGURE3 I: \ P W Y 0 9 0 1 \ G \ O A s i t e p l a n . c d r ( 5 / 2 8 / 0 9 ) PowayWalmartExpansionProject Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 6 2.2 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a Lead Agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors, as well as general standards (e.g., the project would not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off site as well as on site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the Lead Agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. “Potentially Significant Impact” is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more “Potentially Significant Impact” entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from “Potentially Significant Impact” to a “Less Than Significant Impact.” The Lead Agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of an adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project’s environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significant. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 7 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 1. AESTHETICS Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? 2. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use? 3. AIR QUALITY Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 8 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 9 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impeded the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 10 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? 7. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 11 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites which complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 12 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of preexisting nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of a course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 13 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? k) Result in significant alteration of receiving water quality during or following construction? l) Result in a potential for discharge of stormwater pollutants from areas of material storage, vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or equipment maintenance (including washing), waste handling, hazardous materials handling or storage, delivery areas, loading docks or other outdoor work areas? m) Result in the potential for discharge of stormwater to affect the beneficial uses of the receiving waters? n) Create the potential for significant changes in the flow velocity or volume of stormwater runoff to cause environmental harm? o) Create significant increases in erosion of the project site or surrounding areas? 9. LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the proposal: a) Physically divide an established community? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 14 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? 10. MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? 11. NOISE Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 15 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact e) For a project located within an airport land use land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? 12. POPULATION AND HOUSING Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? 13. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project: a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, need for new or physically altered government 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: Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 16 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact i) Fire protection? ii) Police protection? iii) Schools? iv) Parks? v) Other public facilities? 14. RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction of or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? opportunities? 15. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 17 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? 16. UTILITIES & SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulation related to solid waste? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 18 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 17. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major period of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.) c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 19 3.1 SOURCE LIST The following enumerated documents are available at the offices of the City of Poway Development Services Department, 13325 Civic Center Drive Poway, CA 92064, California 92064. 1. General Plan, including all its elements, City of Poway. 2. Poway Municipal Code. 3. Mineral Resources Data System. California Geological Survey. California Department of Conservation. 1985. 4. Farmland Monitoring and Mapping Program (FMMP). California Department of Conservation. 2004. 5. California Department of Transportation Web site: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic/ cahisys.htm. 6. Flood Insurance Rate Map No. 06073C1358 F, Federal Emergency Management Agency. 7. Project Conceptual Plans (March 2009), including elevations, department plans, floor plans, and landscape plans. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 20 4.0 ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ISSUES Section 2.0 provided a checklist of environmental impacts. This section provides an evaluation of the impact categories and questions contained in the checklist. Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 1. AESTHETICS Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Impact Analysis a) No Impact. A scenic vista is generally defined as an area that is deemed aesthetically pleasing when viewed from a certain vantage point. Aesthetic components of a scenic vista include: (1) scenic quality; (2) sensitivity level; and (3) view access. The proposed project site is located within an existing developed shopping center in an area of the City of Poway (City) that is primarily developed with commercial uses. As such, the project site would not be considered part of a scenic vista. The roadway segments adjacent to the project site are not designated scenic roadways in the City’s General Plan Scenic Roadways Element. In addition, the project site is not visible from any State-designated Scenic Highways.1 Further, implementation of the proposed project would result in construction of the building expansion and upgrade to the exterior of the store, including the parking lot and landscaping, which is anticipated to enhance the existing condition. Consequently, the proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, and this topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. b) No Impact. A scenic resource is an element of a scenic area that contributes to the area’s scenic value and includes landform, vegetation, water, adjacent scenery, and may include a cultural modification to the natural environment. As indicated in Response 1.a, there are no local or State-designated Scenic Highways 1 California Department of Transportation Web site: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic/cahisys.htm. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 21 in the vicinity of the project area. Additionally, there are no designated scenic resources or designated historic resources (as further described in Response 5.a) on site. Therefore, no impacts to scenic resources within a State-designated Scenic Highway will occur from implementation of the proposed project. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. c) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project would result in the construction of the store expansion and remodeling of the exterior of the store, including the parking lot and landscaping. Design features on the exterior of the building will include stone veneer accents, stucco finish, ceramic roof tiles, and decorative light fixtures, which have been incorporated to enhance the aesthetic nature of the project. Additionally, landscaping will be added in the parking lot and to the front elevation in order to soften the appearance of the building and to provide a consistent image along the storefront. Many of the existing trees in the parking area will also be removed and replaced. The landscape concept plan for the project states that the intent of the new landscaping is to provide an attractive and easily maintained plant palette using drought-tolerant species commonly found within the region. The aesthetic changes to the exterior of the building, including landscaping, will be evaluated in the EIR. In regard to the potential for physical degradation (or urban decay) of retail centers, CEQA itself does not provide any specific direction as to what should be considered a significant urban decay impact. However, the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Bakersfield Citizens for Local Control v. City of Bakersfield indicated that a significant adverse physical change in the environment resulting from economic impacts of a proposed retail project, or “urban decay,” is characterized by a chain reaction of store closures and long- term vacancies, ultimately degrading neighborhoods or commercial areas. Based on the direction of the Court of Appeal, the City has determined that the project would have a significant impact if: • The development of the proposed project would result in a diversion of sales from existing retailers within the Poway market area severe enough to lead to business closures, and in turn the resulting business closures are significant enough in scale to result in long-term vacancies that affect the viability of existing shopping centers or districts. The CEQA Guidelines do not contain set standards of significance for economic impacts because, as stated in Section 15382, it does not consider economic or social change by itself a significant effect on the environment. However, physical changes that could result from economic or social effects on properties are within the scope of CEQA considerations. Section 15131 echoes this statement and establishes that, if included, these issues need only to be mentioned to the extent necessary to “…trace a chain of cause and effect from a proposed decision.” Accordingly, an economic analysis is being prepared and will be included in the EIR analysis. The purpose of the economic analysis is to determine any potential physical impacts to competing commercial uses that might result from economic effects of the project. That is, will implementation of the proposed project result in significant market shifts in the region, resulting in declining sales of like commercial activities leading eventually to store closures, which would be an increase in commercial vacancies leading to “urban decay.” While urban decay is not defined under CEQA, the analysis of the economic study for the proposed project will assume that urban decay is a significant deterioration of structures and/or their surroundings. In other words, urban decay is defined as retail stores or centers that remain vacant and deteriorate over time, resulting in physical deterioration and thus a visual impact on the environment. As indicated previously, the Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 22 potential of the project to degrade the existing visual character or result in urban decay will be fully addressed in the EIR. This topic will be addressed in the EIR, and mitigation will be included if necessary. d) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project site is visible from the adjacent multifamily residential neighborhoods. Project implementation would upgrade and replace the lighting on the exterior of the building and in the parking lot, which would be removed and replaced as part of construction. This new lighting would be for security purposes and would be consistent and similar to the existing sources of light. However, the expanded store is anticipated to be open 24 hours per day, which could change the timing of the exterior and parking lot lighting. Although no significant unavoidable impacts related to light and glare are anticipated, this topic will be addressed in the EIR, and mitigation will be included if necessary. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 23 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 2. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES (In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland.) Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to nonagricultural use? a) No Impact. The proposed project site is not designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. As a result, no significant impacts are anticipated. This topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR unless new information identifying it as a potential impact is presented during the scoping process. b) No Impact. The City’s General Plan designates the proposed project site as General Commercial (CG). The proposed project site is not zoned or used for agricultural use, and no Williamson Act contracts exist for the site. As a result, no significant impacts are anticipated. This topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR unless new information identifying it as a potential impact is presented during the scoping process. c) No Impact. The proposed project site is completely developed with commercial uses, is not used for agricultural purposes, and is surrounded by commercial and residential development. The proposed project would not result in the conversion of farmland to nonagricultural use. As a result, no impacts are anticipated. This topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR unless new information identifying it as a potential impact is presented during the scoping process. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 24 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 3. AIR QUALITY (Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.) Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? a) Potentially Significant Impact. The City of Poway is part of the San Diego Air Basin and air quality in the area is administered by the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. An air quality management plan (AQMP) describes air pollution control strategies to be taken by a City/County or region classified as a nonattainment area to meet the Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements. The main purpose of an AQMP is to bring the area into compliance with the requirements of federal and State air quality standards and to coordinate regional and local governmental agencies to achieve air quality improvement goals. Since the AQMP is based on local General Plans, projects that are deemed consistent with the General Plan are usually found to be consistent with the AQMP. The proposed project is consistent with the City’s General Plan. This topic will, however, be addressed in the EIR, and mitigation will be included if necessary. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Construction-related air quality impacts that would result from demolition, clearing, grading, and construction activities will require analysis in the EIR to determine whether such impacts would result in the violation of any air quality standard. Operation-related air quality impacts that would result from operation of the expanded store and anticipated additional vehicular traffic will also Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 25 require analysis in the EIR to determine whether such impacts would result in the violation of any air quality standard. Global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans in recent decades. The Earth’s average near-surface atmospheric temperature rose 0.6 ± 0.2 °Celsius (1.1 ± 0.4°Fahrenheit) in the 20th Century. The increased amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the primary causes of the human-induced component of warming. They are released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, etc., and lead to an increase in the greenhouse effect. California’s major initiatives for reducing GHG emissions are outlined in Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), the “Global Warming Solutions Act,” passed by the California State legislature on August 31, 2006; a 2005 Executive Order; and a 2004 ARB regulation to reduce passenger car GHG emissions. These efforts aim at reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, a reduction of approximately 25 percent, and then an 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. The main strategies for making these reductions include a range of GHG reduction actions that can include direct regulations, alternative compliance mechanisms, monetary and nonmonetary incentives, voluntary actions, and market-based mechanisms such as a cap-and- trade system. To address GHG emissions and global climate change in General Plans and CEQA documents, Senate Bill 97 (Chapter 185, 2007) requires the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to develop CEQA guidelines on how to address global warming emissions and mitigate project-specific GHGs. In the interim, OPR in conjunction with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) has published a CEQA and Climate Change Technical Advisory (June 19, 2008) outlining a recommended approach for evaluating climate change in CEQA documents. The primary requirements of the OPR approach are to conduct a good-faith effort to calculate a proposed project’s GHG emissions, determine significance, and mitigate any impacts to the extent feasible. The EIR will include analysis pursuant to all existing regulations to determine whether the proposed project would result in significant impacts related to global warming. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project would result in the construction and operation of an expanded Walmart store. Further evaluation of operational air emissions is necessary in the EIR to determine whether the proposed project along with reasonably foreseeable projects will result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant. d) Potentially Significant Impact. Sensitive receptors refer to locations where uses and/or activities result in increased exposure of persons more sensitive to the unhealthful effects of emissions (such as children and the elderly). The project site is surrounded by commercial and residential uses; implementation of the proposed project would produce air emissions that may affect sensitive receptors near the project site. The EIR will analyze and determine whether the proposed project would expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. e) Potentially Significant Impact. The project site is surrounded by commercial and residential uses. Some objectionable odors may be generated from the operation of diesel-powered construction equipment and/or asphalt paving during the project construction period. However, these odors would be short term in nature and would not result in permanent impacts to surrounding land uses, including sensitive receptors (e.g., residential uses) in the vicinity of the project site. The nearest sensitive receptors are located north across Hilleary Place and to the east across Midland Road. Due to the distance between the project site and the existing residential uses (approximately 87 feet [ft] to 127 ft to the residences to the north and east, respectively), odors generated by on-site earthmoving and heavy equipment are not expected to create Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 26 objectionable odors at the nearest residential uses. The proposed project would result in the construction and operation of an expanded and remodeled Walmart store, neither of which are anticipated to create long- term objectionable odors. This topic will, however, be analyzed further in the EIR, and mitigation will be included if necessary. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 27 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impeded the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 28 a) No Impact. The project area is currently developed with two existing commercial buildings and associated parking lots. The proposed expansion would result in grading around the existing building, which currently consists of pavement and ornamental trees scattered throughout the parking areas. The surrounding area is completely urbanized, and the site is not located within any United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)-designated critical habitats. There are no wetlands or sensitive riparian habitat on site, and no known candidate, sensitive, or special status species inhabit the site. As determined by a bird survey conducted by an LSA biologist on May 19, 2009, the ornamental landscaping on and adjacent to the project site contains potentially suitable bird nesting sites. The survey found two nests within eucalyptus trees near the southwestern corner of the project area, which is outside of the project construction area. No birds were observed entering or exiting the trees or the nests, and no sounds were heard emanating from the nests; therefore, it is unknown whether the nests are occupied and to what species they belong. However, due to their size and construction, the nests may to belong to a common raptor species or common raven (Corvus corax)/American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) requires a nesting bird survey to be conducted prior to any vegetation disturbance or removal. If any nesting birds are found prior to construction, the MBTA requires appropriate construction setbacks (based on species) or commencement of construction after the nesting season. Additionally, nesting resources will be replaced by new trees planted as part of the proposed improvements. Because of the developed nature of the project area and because the proposed project would be conducted pursuant to all existing federal, State, and local regulations, there are no impacts related to biological resources, and no mitigation measures are necessary. Consequently, this topic will not be further analyzed in the EIR. b) No Impact. See Response 4.a. The only vegetation on site consists of ornamental landscaping. There is no riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities located on site. Due to the highly disturbed nature of the project site, there are no impacts related to this issue, and no mitigation measures are necessary. Therefore, this topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. c) No Impact. Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. These waters include wetlands and nonwetland bodies of water that meet criteria, including a direct or indirect connection to interstate commerce. To be considered a jurisdictional wetland under Section 404, an area must possess three wetland characteristics: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Each characteristic has a specific set of mandatory wetland criteria that must be satisfied in order for that particular wetland characteristic to be met. Conditions on site do not meet the specified criteria. There are no potential jurisdictional waters present on site and, therefore, no impacts related to this issue. No mitigation is required, and this topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. d) No Impact. Habitat fragmentation occurs when a single, unified habitat area is divided into two or more areas such that the division isolates the new areas from each other. Isolation of habitat occurs when wildlife cannot move freely from one portion of the habitat to another or from one habitat type to another. The proposed project is located in an urbanized area where habitat has been fragmented by development on site and on all sides of the project area. Due to urban development, the project area does not serve as a regional wildlife corridor. Therefore, no impacts related to habitat fragmentation and regional wildlife movements are anticipated to occur with project implementation. This topic will not be further analyzed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 29 e) No Impact. Construction of the proposed project would remove approximately 142 existing ornamental trees on site. After completion of the exterior building and parking lot improvements, the project would install new landscaping that will include planting replacement and additional trees throughout the landscaped areas on site. The existing vegetation that would be removed is ornamental and was planted in conjunction with development of the commercial center. The City has an adopted Urban Forestry Ordinance (City Municipal Code Chapter 12.32). The intent of the Urban Forestry Ordinance is to sustain, preserve, and enhance the aesthetic qualities found within the City. The Ordinance requires a City permit to remove trees on commercial properties that are greater than 3 inches in diameter. Additionally, the ordinance requires replacement of the removed trees. During the project approval process, the applicant would be required to provide a master plan of the existing on-site trees. Adherence to the City’s policies will ensure that conflicts related to removal of any on-site trees and the City’s existing ordinance would not occur. In addition, as discussed in Response 4.a, the proposed project would be conducted in compliance with all federal, State, and local regulations, including the MBTA, which requires a bird survey prior to construction and specific measures to protect any nesting birds on the project site. As such, the proposed project would not conflict with any policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. Therefore, this topic will not be further analyzed in the EIR. f) No Impact. The project site is located within the City of Poway Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Subarea Plan, which was approved in 1996. The plan provides incidental take coverage for 43 species of plants and animals and established a 13,300 ac mitigation area where habitat conservation will be emphasized. However, the project site is not located within the Subarea Plan preserve boundary, an area proposed for conservation, or within any approved or preapproved mitigation area. Additionally, there is no other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plans applicable to the project site. Further, the proposed project is located within a fully developed commercial shopping center. Therefore, the project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted conservation plan. This topic will not be further analyzed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 30 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? a) No Impact. The proposed project site is currently developed with two commercial structures, the existing Walmart store, and a 7,000 sf vacant commercial structure that was first developed in 1961 as a U. S. Post Office. There are no structures within or adjacent to the project area that are listed in the California Register of Historical Resources or otherwise currently designated as historically significant. Therefore, the proposed project is not anticipated to cause a substantial adverse change to historical resources. However, because the project would demolish the 7,000 sf commercial structure, a historic evaluation pursuant to CEQA would be prepared and included in the EIR. Therefore, although no significant unavoidable impacts related to historic resources are anticipated, this topic will be addressed in the EIR. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The City’s General Plan indicates that the project area has a moderate possibility for archaeological resources. Therefore, the EIR will incorporate and address the results of an archaeological and historical records review and literature search that will be conducted through the South Coastal Information Center at San Diego State University. The Information Center houses the pertinent archaeological site and survey information necessary to determine whether cultural resources exist within the study area boundaries. The archival research will: (1) establish the status and extent of previously recorded sites, surveys, and excavations in the project area; and (2) note what site types might be expected to occur within the proposed project area based on existing data from archaeological sites located within 0.25 mile (mi) of the project area. The results of the evaluation of potential on-site cultural resources will be addressed in the EIR. If necessary, mitigation measures will be included to reduce potential impacts. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The City’s General Plan indicates that the project area has a moderate possibility for paleontological resources. The EIR will incorporate and address a paleontological records review and literature search of the locality records maintained by the local clearinghouse to obtain locality and survey information pertinent to the project area. The archival research will: (1) establish the status and extent of previous surveys in the project area, and (2) note what types of fossils might be expected to occur Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 31 within the proposed project area based on existing data from fossils recovered within 0.25 mi of the project area. The results of the survey and an evaluation of potential on-site paleontological resources will be addressed in the EIR. If necessary, mitigation measures will be included to reduce potential impacts. d) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site has been previously developed with the existing commercial structures. There are no known human remains interred on site. In the unlikely event that human remains are encountered during project grading, the proper authorities would be notified, and standard procedures for the respectful handling of human remains during the earthmoving activities would be adhered to in compliance with State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 32 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? a) i) Potentially Significant Impact. The City’s General Plan Emergency Services Element states that there are no known active faults identified within the City. Therefore, no known faults exist within or immediately adjacent to the project site, and the project site is not within or adjacent to an Alquist- Priolo Special Study Zone. However, the project site, like most of Southern California, is in an area of Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 33 high seismic activity. Therefore, the EIR analysis will include the location of known faults and their potential for earthquake-induced ground shaking capable of causing rupture, and mitigation will be included in the EIR, if necessary. ii) Potentially Significant Impact. The project site is susceptible to seismic ground shaking typical of all areas in Southern California. Slight to intense ground shaking is possible at the project site if an earthquake occurs in the region. Under current seismic design standards and International Building Code provisions, new construction would incur only minor damage in small to moderate earthquakes and potential structural damage during a large earthquake, although new construction is expected to remain standing during such events. In accordance with the City’s standard conditions for construction, the International Building Code and the Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC) guidelines will be incorporated into the project design, and adequate structural protection in the event of an earthquake will be provided. This issue will be further addressed in the EIR. The EIR analysis will include the location of known faults and their potential for earthquake-induced ground shaking capable of causing rupture, liquefaction, settlement, and landslides. Compliance with building code regulations is expected to reduce all potential impacts related to seismic activity to a less than significant level; however, additional mitigation will be included, if necessary. iii) Potentially Significant Impact. Strong ground shaking can result in liquefaction in areas where shallow water-saturated loose soil is present. Liquefaction, a geologic process that causes ground failure, typically occurs in loose, saturated sediments primarily of sandy composition. The proposed project site is not in an area known for liquefaction because the area does not have a permanent groundwater condition and the area is comprised of dense older alluvium materials. However, the EIR will include an evaluation of potential impacts related to liquefaction along with the evaluation of other seismic related effects, and mitigation will be included in the EIR, if necessary. iv) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site itself is relatively flat, with an estimated topographic relief of 1 to 2 ft, and does not contain unstable slopes that may be prone to seismically induced landslides. Therefore, the project would not result in exposure of people or structures to risks from seismically induced landslides, and impacts are considered less than significant. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. b) Potentially Significant Impact. The project site was previously developed with commercial structures and paved parking lots . Project grading will take place in an area that is adjacent to the existing building, parking lot, and internal access roads. The project site was previously graded, and the project will require only minor cuts, fills, and trenching to create the proposed building pad. Implementation of the proposed project would require adherence to applicable grading and building permit requirements, as detailed in Chapter 16.52 (Grading Inspection) of the City’s Municipal Code and adherence to the City’s standard conditions for grading and construction. Potential impacts related to erosion or the loss of topsoil will be further analyzed in the EIR. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The project site was previously developed with commercial structures and paved parking lots. Because the project would be located on a previously developed site, it would require minimal grading and trenching and is not anticipated to involve unstable geologic or soil conditions. Implementation of the proposed project would require adherence to applicable grading and building regulations, as detailed in Chapter 16.52 (Grading Inspection) of the City’s Municipal Code, and adherence to the City’s standard conditions for grading and construction. Potential impacts related to unstable geologic units or soils will be further analyzed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 34 d) Potentially Significant Impact. Expansive soils contain types of clay minerals that occupy considerably more volume when they are wet or hydrated than when they are dry or dehydrated. The geologic units in the project area, including both surficial soils and bedrock, are anticipated to have “low to very low” expansion potential. However, fill material is anticipated to underlie the project area, which may not be suitable for the support of structures. Therefore, to ensure potential impacts are fully evaluated, this topic will be analyzed in the EIR, and mitigation will be included, if necessary. e) No Impact. The project does not include the use of septic tanks or alternative methods for disposal of wastewater into the subsurface soils. The proposed project would connect to existing public wastewater infrastructure. No on-site sewage disposal systems (e.g., septic tanks) are planned. Therefore, the project would not result in any impacts related to septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal methods, and this topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR unless new information identifying it as a potential impact is presented during the scoping process. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 35 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 7. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites which complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 36 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is an expansion of an existing Walmart retail store. The proposed expansion will offer groceries, including meat, produce, bakery, and deli items, and alcohol for off-site consumption. The additional products/services proposed would not create a significant hazard to the public, as potential uses would not involve a significant amount of hazardous materials being transported to or stored on site. Construction activities may include the temporary use of some hazardous agents such as paints, oils, solvents, and cleansers, as well as temporary storage of these materials and fuel on site. However, the amount of chemical agents typically used during construction would be limited and would be in compliance with the City’s Municipal Code, Chapter 8.88, Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Establishments. Therefore, impacts related to this issue are anticipated to be less than significant, and this topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Refer to Response 7.a. Construction of the proposed project may require the temporary use and storage of some hazardous materials, such as paints, oils, solvents, and cleansers. The amounts of such materials would be limited to quantities necessary for construction of the proposed expansion. The commercial uses proposed are similar to existing land uses on site and are not anticipated to create significant hazards related to the release of hazardous materials. However, the proposed project includes demolition of the existing tire and lube center and the vacant 7,000 sf commercial structure located on the corner of Hilleary Place and Midland Road. Operation of the tire and lube center involves use of hazardous materials, and due to the age of the vacant commercial structure, asbestos may exist within the structure. As such, demolition and removal of these structures may have the potential to release hazardous materials into the environment. Therefore, the EIR will incorporate and address the conclusions of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment that will identify the potential for release of hazardous materials upon project implementation and identify mitigation measures, if necessary. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The Community Christian Preschool is located approximately 0.06 mi from the project site (13501 Community Road). Additionally, there are several other schools in the project vicinity, as follows: • My Room to Grow Preschool, 13613 Cynthia Lane, 0.41 mi • Cornerstone Christian School, 13617 Midland Road, 0.40 mi • Midland Elementary School, 13910 Midland Road, 0.73 mi • Valley Elementary School, 13000 Bowron Road, 1.23 mi • Garden Road Elementary, 14614 Garden Road, 1.85 mi Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 37 As described previously in Responses 7.a and 7.b, there are no known chemicals, materials, or substances associated with project implementation that would create a significant hazard to the public or environment. It is not expected that substantial levels of any hazardous materials would be stored on site. No hazardous emissions are planned for the site. However, as discussed in Response 7.b, the project would remove the existing tire and lube center and vacant 7,000 sf building on site. The risk of a potential hazard to the public and/or the environment from implementation of the project will be addressed in the EIR, and mitigation will be included as necessary. d) No Impact. The project site is not a hazardous materials site and is not on a list compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue are anticipated, and this issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. e) No Impact. The project is not located within an airport land use plan, nor is it located within 2 mi of a public airport or public use airport. The nearest airports or airstrips to the project site include: Lake Wohlford Resort Airstrip, located approximately 14 mi from the project site; Ramona Airport, located approximately 16 mi from the project site; and Montgomery Field, located approximately 18 mi from the project site. Therefore, the project would not expose people residing or working in the project area to an airport-related safety hazard. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. f) No Impact. The proposed project site is not located in the vicinity of a private airstrip, and the proposed project would not result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. Therefore, this topic will not be addressed further in the EIR unless new information identifying it as a potential impact is presented during the scoping process. g) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is an expansion of an existing retail store in an existing commercial shopping center and would not involve any uses or site plan changes that would interfere with emergency operations within the City. In addition, the proposed expansion does not include any circulation changes to any local streets. However, the project will add additional traffic trips, including truck trips, to the project site. The additional traffic trips are not anticipated to obstruct or impact any major transportation routes that could be used for emergency evacuations out of the area. Therefore, impacts associated with this issue are considered less than significant. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. h) No Impact. Typically, a wildland fire hazard area is a geographic area that contains the types and conditions of vegetation, topography, weather, and structure density that potentially increases the possibility of wildland fires. The project area is completely developed and surrounded by commercial and multifamily residential uses. The adjacent areas do not contain the brush- and grass-covered hillsides often associated with wildfires. The proposed project is an expansion of an existing use within a commercial area designated for retail and would not encroach into wildland areas. Therefore, the project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, and this topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 38 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 8. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of preexisting nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of a course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 39 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? k) Result in significant alteration of receiving water quality during or following construction? l) Result in a potential for discharge of stormwater pollutants from areas of material storage, vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or equipment maintenance (including washing), waste handling, hazardous materials handling or storage, delivery areas, loading docks or other outdoor work areas? m) Result in the potential for discharge of stormwater to affect the beneficial uses of the receiving waters? n) Create the potential for significant changes in the flow velocity or volume of stormwater runoff to cause environmental harm? o) Create significant increases in erosion of the project site or surrounding areas? a), e), f), k), l), m), n), and o) Potentially Significant Impact. The EIR will include a hydrology and water quality section based on the hydrology and water quality studies being prepared for the proposed project. The EIR will include analysis of changes to surface drainage patterns and surface groundwater quality protection components (i.e., best management practices [BMPs]) such as the collection and/or containment of storm water runoff and the filtering of the water to minimize the potential for surface water pollution. The EIR will also address soil erosion on and adjacent to the proposed project site. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 40 The EIR will also include an evaluation of the need for project mitigation measures and BMPs to ensure adequate conveyance of storm flows and compliance with site-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. b) No Impact. The proposed project is the expansion of an existing retail store within a fully developed and paved shopping center. The project site is not within an aquifer recharge area. Therefore, the project would not interfere with groundwater recharge. The project will not deplete groundwater supplies, as no groundwater extractions are proposed. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur, and this issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The existing drainage pattern of the site or surrounding area will not be significantly altered, and there are no streams or rivers that will be altered with project implementation. However, expansion of the existing store would modify the existing drainage system on site by adding additional drainage/water quality components, such as the bioswale proposed to be located to the rear of the store The drainage/water quality components are not anticipated to result in a substantial erosion or siltation on or off site. However, a full evaluation of potential impacts related to this topic will be included in the EIR. d) Potentially Significant Impact. As described in Response 8.c, the existing drainage pattern of the site or area will not be significantly altered, and there are no streams or rivers that will be altered with project implementation. However, the existing drainage system on site will be modified along with the building expansion to accommodate anticipated storm flows. Therefore, the project is not anticipated to result in significant flooding on or off site. However, potential impacts related to the flooding from modification of the project site will be fully evaluated in the EIR. g) and h) No Impact. The project site is located outside of Flood Hazard Areas determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The project site is located in Zone X (outside the 2 percent annual floodplain) on the FEMA Flood Control Map (FIRM 06073C1358 F). In addition, the proposed project does not include any housing. Therefore, the project would not place housing or structures within a 100-year flood zone, and this topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR. i ) No Impact. The project site is located outside of the floodplain, and no dams or levees are present on or near the project site. Therefore, flooding resulting from a dam or levee failure is not anticipated to occur. Therefore, no impacts are associated with this issue, and the topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. j) No Impact. The project site is not located adjacent to a reservoir, harbor, lake, storage tank, or ocean capable of creating a seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. Lake Poway is the closest water body and is approximately 4 mi to the northeast of the project site. Expansion and remodeling the existing Walmart store is not anticipated to result in impacts related to seiche, tsunami, or mudflows. Therefore, no impacts are associated with this issue, and this issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 41 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 9. LAND USE AND PLANNING Would the proposal: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? a) No Impact. The proposed project includes expansion and remodeling of an existing Walmart store. The project would also demolish the adjacent 7,000 sf commercial structure, which is vacant. The proposed project area is located in a completely developed commercial area and is consistent with existing and planned land uses in the area. The project is bound by three roadways (Community Road, Hilleary Place, and Midland Road) and is surrounded on all sites by existing development. The proposed project would not disrupt or realign the existing roadway network or affect or disrupt residential neighborhoods in the project vicinity. Therefore, the proposed project would not physically divide an established community, and no significant impacts are anticipated. This topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR. b) No Impact. The City’s Zoning and General Plan designation for the project site is General Commercial. The project meets the site development standards and commercial uses permitted within this zone and land use designation. Therefore, the project will not conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. c) No Impact. As described in Response 4.f, the project site is located within the City of Poway MSHCP Subarea Plan; however, it is not located within the Subarea Plan preserve boundary, an area proposed for conservation, or within any approved or preapproved mitigation area. Additionally, there is no other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plans applicable to the project site. The project is within a currently developed commercial shopping center. Therefore, no impacts related to natural resource plans are anticipated from the implementation of the proposed project. This issue will not be further addressed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 42 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 10. MINERAL RESOURCES Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? a) and b) No Impact. In 1975, the California Legislature enacted the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) which, among other things, provided guidelines for the classification and designation of mineral lands. Areas are classified on the basis of geologic factors without regard to existing land use and land ownership. The areas are categorized into four Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs): • MRZ-1: an area where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence • MRZ-2: an area where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that a high likelihood exists for their presence • MRZ-3: an area containing mineral deposits, the significance of which cannot be evaluated • MRZ-4: an area where available information is inadequate for assignment to any other MRZ zone Of the four categories, lands classified as MRZ-2 are of the greatest importance. Such areas are underlain by demonstrated mineral resources or are located where geologic data indicate that significant measured or indicated resources are present. MRZ-2 areas are designated by the Mining and Geology Board as being “regionally significant.” Such designations require that a lead agency’s land use decisions involving designated areas be made in accordance with its mineral resource management policies and that it consider the importance of the mineral resource to the region or the State as a whole, not just to the lead agency’s jurisdiction. The California Department of Conservation’s mineral land classification maps show that the project site and a large portion of the City is located in MRZ-3. In addition, the City’s General Plan states that the City’s only known mineral resource is construction quality sand and gravel that is located in the southern portion of the City, not in the vicinity of the project site. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 43 As previously stated, the proposed project site is completely developed with commercial uses. There are no mineral extraction activities occurring on site. In addition, the project site is designated for commercial uses. The proposed project would not result in the loss of a valuable commercial or locally important mineral resource. No significant impacts related to known mineral resources would result from project implementation, and this topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 44 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 11. NOISE Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? a), c), and d) Potentially Significant Impact. The EIR will incorporate the findings of a technical noise analysis that will identify impacts on sensitive land uses surrounding the project site, including residential areas to the north, east, and west. The short-term noise impacts of project-related construction activities will be assessed. Calculated noise levels at adjacent noise-sensitive uses from project-related stationary and mobile sources will be compared to all applicable noise criteria. The EIR will include a discussion of applicable City noise and land use compatibility criteria for the project site and adjacent area. Standards for regulating noise impacts in the City’s noise control ordinance (Chapter 8.08 of the Municipal Code) will be discussed. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 45 The areas where the potential exists for present and/or future noise impacts will be identified using land use information, aerial photographs, and field reconnaissance. A discussion of existing residences and other noise-sensitive uses adjacent to the project site would be included. Existing roadway traffic noise will be calculated based on data from the traffic impact analysis. Construction would occur during implementation of the proposed project. Equipment used during construction activities may include scrapers, loaders, graders, excavators, backhoes, generators, drilling equipment, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks. Noise impacts from these activities will be analyzed based on the equipment used, length of a specific construction task, equipment power type (gasoline or diesel engine), horsepower, load factor, and percentage of time in use. Noise emission levels recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be used for the construction equipment. The construction noise impact will be evaluated in terms of composite maximum levels (Lmax), hourly equivalent continuous noise levels (Leq), and frequency of occurrence at adjacent sensitive locations. Analysis requirements will be based on the sensitivity of the area and City noise regulations. Long-term noise impacts from on-site activities and vehicular traffic to and from the site will be analyzed in the EIR. Noise model input data will include average daily traffic levels; day/night percentages of autos, medium trucks, and heavy trucks; vehicle speeds; ground attenuation factors; and roadway widths. Future Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) contours along selected roadway segments will be provided. Traffic parameters such as peak-hour traffic rates; average daily traffic rates; construction traffic; traffic distribution during day, evening, and nighttime periods; and associated vehicle speeds will be required from the traffic study in order to conduct the analysis. The noise level increment from project-generated traffic will be calculated and evaluated using the above traffic noise model. If necessary, mitigation measures will be identified to ensure that both short-term and long-term noise impacts will be reduced. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Vibration refers to groundborne noise and perceptible motion. Typical sources of groundborne vibration are construction activities (e.g., pavement breaking and operating heavy- duty earthmoving equipment) and occasional traffic on rough roads. The EIR will evaluate potential vibration impacts associated with project construction (including grading activities) and operation. A quantitative vibration analysis will be conducted with information provided in the project’s soil analysis. The Vibration Impact Analysis will be prepared based on vibration thresholds and methodology contained in the Federal Transit Authority’s (FTA’s) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment guidance manual (United States Department of Transportation [DOT]-95-16, April 1995; revised FTA-VA-90-1003, May 2006). e) No Impact. The project is not located within an airport land use plan, nor is it located within 2 mi of a public airport or public use airport. The nearest airports or airstrips to the project site include: Lake Wohlford Resort Airstrip, located approximately 14 mi from the project site; Ramona Airport, located approximately 16 mi from the project site; and Montgomery Field, located approximately 18 mi from the project site. Therefore, the project would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. f) No Impact. Please refer to Response 11.e. The proposed project site is not located in the vicinity of a private airstrip. Because the project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip, no potential impacts are anticipated. This topic will not be analyzed further in the EIR unless new information identifying it as a potential impact is presented during the scoping process. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 46 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 12. POPULATION AND HOUSING Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is located within an established urbanized area. The project would demolish an existing 7,000 sf commercial structure and a tire and lube center in order to expand the existing retail store within the developed commercial shopping center. The proposed project is not anticipated to add new residents to the area. Therefore, no significant impacts on the local or regional population are expected to occur. Therefore, impacts related to population growth are less than significant. b) and c) No Impact. The proposed project will not displace any existing housing or displace a substantial number of people. The project area is completely developed with commercial uses and located within an established urbanized area. The proposed project would expand the existing Walmart store and would not displace housing or people. This topic will not be further analyzed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 47 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 13. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project: a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered government facilities, need for new or physically altered government 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? v) Other public facilities? a) i) Potentially Significant Impact. The City of Poway Fire Department provides fire protection services to the City. The proposed project is required to be constructed in accordance with the Fire Department’s guidelines and is subject to approval by the Fire Department. Implementation of the proposed project would require adherence to these guidelines and the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 15.24 Fire Code) related to fire protection. This topic will be further addressed in the EIR to ensure that any potential impacts are identified. ii) Potentially Significant Impact. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department provides police protection to Poway through a contract with the City. Because the project site and surrounding area are currently developed, routine police patrolling of the project site and surrounding area is currently being conducted and would continue during and after project implementation. This topic will be further addressed in the EIR to ensure that any potential impacts are identified. iii) No Impact. The proposed project will not provide housing that would generate demand for additional schools. Also, the proposed project is not anticipated to add new residents to the area. Therefore, the proposed project is not anticipated to add to the student population, which would create a need for new or expanded school facilities. As part of the standard approval process, the applicant would be required to pay applicable school development impact fees to offset impacts to school capacity. Therefore, the project would not result in impacts related to school facilities and services. iv) No Impact. The proposed project includes construction and operation of an expansion and remodeling of the existing Walmart store. As stated in Section 12, the proposed project would not induce Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 48 population growth because it is not anticipated to result in an increase in housing or residents within in the City. Further, the project does not involve any other factors that will increase the use of existing parks or otherwise result in the need for new or additional park facilities. As a result, the project would not result in impacts related to park facilities and services. v) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project would not result in any substantial increases in demand on other government services or public facilities such as roads, libraries, hospitals, or post offices. Thus, the project would not substantially increase the need for maintenance of these public facilities. As part of the standard approval process, the proposed project would be required to pay applicable development impact fees. However, potential impacts related to public facilities will be further addressed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 49 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 14. RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction of or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? opportunities? a) and b) No Impact. The proposed project includes construction and operation of an expansion and remodeling of the existing Walmart store. As stated in Section 12, the proposed project would not induce population growth because it is not anticipated to result in an increase in housing or residents within in the City. Further, the project does not involve any other factors that will increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. Therefore, the project would have no adverse impacts on recreation. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 50 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 15. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? a) Potentially Significant Impact. A traffic study for the proposed project will be prepared, and the EIR will include the findings of a traffic impact analysis. This study will include analysis of any potential traffic impacts resulting from the increased square footage of the proposed project. The analysis will include a comparison of projected additional traffic, including the relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system. The EIR will incorporate the analysis, findings, and mitigation measures, if necessary, from the study. b) Potentially Significant Impact. As stated in Response 15.a, a traffic study for the proposed project will be prepared. The study will include both project impacts and the project’s contribution to cumulative impacts Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 51 to the operation of the area’s traffic circulation system. The EIR will incorporate the analysis, findings, and mitigation measures, if necessary, that are included in the traffic study. c) No Impact. The project site is not within an airport land use plan, within 2 mi of an operating public airport, or within the vicinity of an operating private airstrip. Air traffic patterns will not be affected by the proposed project. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. d) Less Than Significant Impact. The current site plan for the proposed project does not include any circulation changes to the surrounding streets, and access to the existing commercial shopping center will not be altered by the project. The internal circulation and parking layout will result in minor changes. The expansion of the existing building will shift the north-south drive aisle and eliminate some parking spaces. In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking spaces will be modified and relocated. These design features are not anticipated to increase hazards; however, these changes will be analyzed in the Traffic Technical Study and EIR being prepared for the project. The project does not include any incompatible uses that would substantially increase hazards. e) No Impact. The proposed project would not involve any uses or site plan changes that would interfere with emergency operations to the site or within the City. The proposed expansion does not include any circulation changes to any local streets and will result in minor changes to the internal circulation and parking layout. The proposed internal circulation changes would be reviewed by the City building official and City Fire Department to ensure that the changes would continue to provide adequate on-site emergency access. The project would not obstruct or impact any off-site major transportation routes that could be used for emergency evacuations out of the area. Therefore, the project would not result in inadequate emergency access. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. f) No Impact. The expanded store will total approximately 197,700 sf. Of this total, approximately 189,000 sf is indoor floor space and 8,600 sf is the outdoor garden area. The project proposes 709 parking stalls. The City’s minimum parking requirement for a shopping center is 1 parking stall per 300 sf of gross floor area. Based on the size of the expanded store, 659 parking spaces would be required. Because the project includes 709 parking stalls, the project would have sufficient parking, and no adverse impacts related to parking capacity would result. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. g) No Impact. The project does not affect any alternative transportation facilities such as bicycle racks or bus turnouts and would not increase demand for such facilities. The project would provide one additional bicycle rack, and the existing bicycle racks will be relocated on site. Therefore, the project would have no impact on adopted plans and policies for alternative transportation. Hence, impacts related to alternative transportation policies will not be further addressed in the EIR. However, the EIR analysis would include evaluation of pedestrians that cross Community Road. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 52 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 16. UTILITIES & SERVICE SYSTEMS Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulation related to solid waste? a) Potentially Significant Impact. The City of Poway provides sewer services to the existing Walmart store. The City’s sewer system conveys wastewater to the City of San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater Department’s (MWWD) Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment and disposal. The proposed expansion project could increase wastewater flows, which could result in exceedance of the wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Therefore, the EIR will address potential impacts related to wastewater treatment requirements that may result from Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 53 the proposed project. The EIR will also include any applicable mitigation measures, such as water conservation measures, that would reduce any potentially significant impacts. b) Potentially Significant Impact. Refer to Response 16.a. The proposed project is not expected to directly result in the requirement for new or expanded water or wastewater facilities; however, an indirect impact could occur as the capacity of the systems is reduced. The proposed Walmart expansion project has the potential to increase needs for water and wastewater treatment. Therefore, the EIR will address potential impacts related to water and wastewater facilities that may result from the proposed project. The EIR will also include discussion of water conservation measures and any other feasible mitigation measures that would reduce potentially significant impacts. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The proposed project includes development of a bioswale that would be located behind the proposed expansion area, along Hilleary Place and Midland Road. The development of the bioswale is part of the proposed project, which has the potential to result in significant effects to the environment, as noted elsewhere in this document. Therefore, the EIR will address potential impacts related to development of the project, including the bioswale facility. d) Potentially Significant Impact. Refer to Response 16.a. The proposed Walmart expansion project could increase the amount of water supplies needed to serve the project area. As such, the EIR will address potential impacts related to water supplies that may result from implementation of the proposed project. The EIR will also include any applicable mitigation measures, such as water conservation measures, that would reduce any potentially significant impacts related to water resources. e) Potentially Significant Impact. Refer to Response 16.a. The City of San Diego MWWD Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant provides wastewater treatment and disposal for the project site. The proposed project could increase wastewater flows. As such, the EIR will address potential impacts related to wastewater treatment capacity that may result from the proposed project. The EIR will also include any applicable mitigation measures, such as water conservation measures, that would reduce any potentially significant impacts. f) Potentially Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed project could result in the generation of increased quantities of solid waste that may need disposal in regional landfills. The EIR will include a discussion of potential impacts to solid waste disposal facilities caused by the proposed project and, if necessary, will prescribe applicable mitigation measures and project design features to avoid or reduce impacts below a level of significance. g) Less Than Significant Impact. State legislation (Assembly Bill [AB] 939) requires that every city and county in California implement programs to recycle, reduce refuse at the source, and compost solid waste in order to achieve a 50 percent reduction in solid waste disposed of at landfills. During reporting year 2006, the City of Poway was in full compliance with waste diversion goals set by the State of California and had a 62 percent diversion rate. To ensure compliance with federal, State, and local solid waste regulations, Walmart stores participate in various recycling programs, including: • Recycling waste oil, tires, and auto batteries as part of the existing tire and lube express operations; • Compacting and baling of all cardboard for transportation to off-site recycling facilities; • Reuse and recycling of vegetable oil used in cooking processes; Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 54 • Recycling of single-use cameras and silver used in photo processing; and • Collection and recycling of electronic waste. Therefore, the proposed store expansion project would comply with local, State, and federal requirements related to solid waste disposal. This topic will not be further addressed in the EIR. Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 55 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact 17. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major period of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.) c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? a) Potentially Significant Impact. No fish or wildlife species are present on site or in surrounding areas due to the developed nature of the site and its vicinity. No rare or endangered plant communities will be eliminated. No known historical, archaeological, or paleontological resources have been identified on site. However, the City’s General Plan indicates that there is a moderate probability that cultural resources could be present within the project area. Therefore, the EIR will include a full evaluation of potential impacts related to cultural resources. If present, suitable measures will be taken to protect or mitigate as appropriate any historical, archaeological, or paleontological resources that may be discovered during site preparation and construction. b) Potentially Significant Impact. In conjunction with other development within the City, the proposed project will contribute to past, present, and probable future cumulative environmental impacts. The proposed project’s contribution to cumulative impacts related to traffic, air quality, global climate change, noise, aesthetics, water quality, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, public services, utilities, and economic effects will be addressed in the EIR. All other environmental Poway Walmart Expansion Project Initial Study P:\PWY0901\NOP-IS\Poway Initial Study.doc «06/09/09» Page 56 effects of the proposed project were determined in this IS to be less than significant, or there was no impact. c) Potentially Significant Impact. The potential for the proposed project to have substantial environmental effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly, will be addressed in the EIR. Relevant topics include aesthetics, air quality, global climate change, water quality, noise, traffic, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, public services, utilities, and economic effects. Mitigation measures will be incorporated where possible to reduce potential environmentally adverse impacts to humans to less than significant levels.