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Res 90-017RESOLUTION NO. 90-017 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POWAY, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE STATE ROUTE 56 ROADWAY EXTENSION CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (SCH NO. 89010233) - CITY OF POWAY: LEAD AGENCY WHEREAS, the City of Poway, as lead agency and decision-maker, proposes the State Route 56 {SR 56) Roadway Extension Construction Project involving an approximate 1,850-foot segment of SR 56 located between Pomerado Road and the western boundary of the City of Poway; and WHEREAS, the construction of the project is the responsibility of the deve- loper of Carmel Mountain Ranch {CMR) and an agreement between CMR and the City of Poway has been executed to implement the project; and WHEREAS, the City of Poway conducted an Extended Environmental Initial Study for the project, and said study identified potentially significant effects which required that project revisions be made and that special mitigation measures be added to the project as conditions of approval which fully avoid and mitigate all previously identified significant and potentially significant environmental effects; and therefore, a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared by the City; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the CEQA State Guidelines, the City of Poway provided a public notice of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and distributed all environmental documentation for a 30-day public review period; and WHEREAS, the public review period generated several written comments and responses to said comments have been incorporated into the final Extended Initial Study; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the California Government Code and CEQA, the Poway City Council held a properly noticed public hearing on January 30, 1990 to review and consider the information contained in the Extended Initial Study, including responses to written public comments, the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, and the recommended mitigation measures and mitigation monitoring/reporting program as identified in Exhibit A hereof; and WHEREAS, the City Council closed the public hearing and referred the item to February 6, 1990; and WHEREAS, the proposed on-site Vernal Pool Enhancement Plan represents an experimental effort where no track record exists to confirm its success; and WHEREAS, real or genuine mitigation (i.e., purchase of or contribution toward the protection/preservation of existing viable vernal pool habitat off- site) is considered the environmentally superior option over artificial/manmade enhancement {recreation} on-site; and Resolution No. 90-017 Page 2 WHEREAS, given the importance of this dwindling natural resource and its statewide significance, on-site mitigation appears marginal because of the miti- gation site's isolation and adjacency to existing and pending residential deve- lopment, proposed cut slopes for the roadway project construction, invasive plant species in and around the mitigation site that could impede the successful growth of pool plant species, as well as uncertainty regarding adequate precipi- tation to sustain growth during the recommended five year monitoring period; and WHEREAS, while the City acknowledges the California Department of Fish and Game's policy regarding "no net wetland loss" of vernal pool habitat, the City also believes that off-site mitigation is a viable option deserving further exploration and consideration because it would result in the protection of habi- tat that may be of higher quality and near an established preservation area, and it would promote public benefit and environmental quality where preserve areas already exist; and WHEREAS, the City is aware that prior to project construction special per- mits will have to be obtained from the regulatory agencies including the following: The California Department of Fish and Game 1603 Agreement and mitiga- tion will be required for loss of all wetland areas, including vernal pools. The Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit will be required for all pro- posed direct impacts to the vernal pools. - The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will review both direct and indirect effects to vernal pool habitat; and WHEREAS, the City of Poway as lead agency and decision maker, desires to approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration by the adoption of this resolution, and to subsequently carry out the proposed SR 56 project; and WHEREAS, based on comment letters generated from the 30-day review period, public testimony received at the January 30, 1990 public hearing, information provided to the City Council by the City's consulting biologist, and ensuing Council discussion on the projects identified vernal pool biological impacts, the City Council believes that mitigating the identified impacts off-site is preferred over on-site by the City of Poway pursuant to the approval of the responsible resource agencies; and WHEREAS, in the event it is determined by the City of Poway and the affected responsible resource agencies that either on-site or off-site mitigation efforts cannot reduce the identified impacts to the vernal pool resource to a level below significant, and the lead agency proposes to carry out the project, the City Council must adopt a written Statement of Overriding Considerations in accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines, and said written statement is con- tained in Exhibit B hereof. Resolution No. 90-017 Page 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Poway, as lead agency and decision-maker for the subject project, hereby finds that project revisions and special mitigation measures added to the project as con- ditions of approval, as identified in Exhibit A hereof, fully avoid and mitigate all previously identified significant and potentially significant environmental impacts, and therefore, the City Council hereby approves the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the State Route 56 Roadway Extension Construction Project including the provisions contained within Exhibits A and B hereof. APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Poway, State of California, this 6th day of February, 1990. ATTEST: Marjorie~ K.\,Wahlsten, City Clerk STATE OF~LIFORNIA ) ) SS. COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO ) I, ,arjorie K. Wahlsten, City Clerk of the City of Poway, do ~[~ certify, under the penalty of perjury, that the foregoing Resolution, No. , was duly adopted by the City Council at a meeting of said City Council held on the 6th day of February 1990, and that it was so adopted by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: BRANNON, EMERY, GOLDSMITH, KRUSE, HIGGINSON NONE NONE NONE R/R-2-6.1-3 jorie'Ki~e/_K~ W(Wahlsten, City Clerk City of Resolution No. Page 4 STATE ROUTE 56 ROADWAY EXTENSION MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM 90-017 This Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, hereinafter referred to as Program, is prepared for the City of Poway for the State Route 56 Roadway Extension project to comply with AB 3180, which requires public agencies to adopt such programs to ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures. ERCE has identified a framework mitigation monitoring plan in the Extended Initial Study prepared for the proposed project. The framework monitoring plan described, in general terms, the necessary efforts of the monitors to ensure compliance with the mitigation measures included in the Extended Initial Study. This is a comprehensive monitoring program capable of being implemented immediately upon approval of the project. However, the program is a dynamic one in that it can potentially undergo changes as additional conditions of approval are placed on the project after the Extended Initial Study is approved and throughout the project approval process. Also, additional changes will be made to this program as specific information with regards to the monitoring efforts are provided. This Program will serve a dual purpose of verifying completion of the mitigation measures for the proposed project and generating information on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures to guide future decisions. The Program includes: · Monitoring team qualifications · Specific monitoring activities · Reporting system · Criteria for evaluating the success of the mitigation measures The Extended Initial Study addresses the potential environmental effects associated with the extension of State Route 56 (SR-56) in the City of Poway from Pomerado Road to the City's western limits. The proposed project, also known as North City Parkway State Route 56, will be referred to as State Route 56 (SR-56) within this Program. As a condition the City of San Diego's approval of the Caxmel Mountain Ranch (CMR) project, CMR was required to prepare a Facilities Benefit Assessment District which included construction of a segment of SR-56 within CMR as well as the segment within the City of Poway. The route has now been constructed through CMR and in the City of Poway with I. I11511" A Resolution No. 90-017 Page 5 the exception of an 1,850-foot segment located between Pomerado Road and Poway's western boundary. The Extended Initial Study environmental analysis, which is incorporated herein as reference, has been focused on 5 issues which were determined to be potentially significant by the City of Poway. The environmental analysis concluded that the issue areas discussed would avoid significant and potentially significant impacts through implementation of recommended mitigation measures should the proposed project be implemented. The 5 issue areas are: Soils/Geology/Hydrology; Biological Resources; Transportation/Traffic Circulation; Noise; and Landform Alteration/visu',d Quality. AB 3180 requires monitoring of only those impacts identified as significant or potentially significant; and therefore this Program addresses the recommended mitigation measures for the following impacts: Soils/Geology/Hydrology; Biological Resources; and Noise. Transportation/Traffic Circulation and Landform Alteration/Visual Quality were determined, based on the conclusions of the Extended Initial Study, not to have significant or potentially significant impacts; and therefore, these issues do not require monitoring and reporting. A monitoring team should be identified once the mitigation measures have been adopted as conditions of approval by the Poway City Council. Managing the team would be the responsibility of a Mitigation Compliance Coordinator (MCC). The monitoring activities will be accomplished by Environmental Monitors (EMs), Environmental Specialists (ESs), and the MCC. While specific qualifications should bc detcs-ffiined by the City of Poway, the monitoring team should possess the following capabilities: Interpersonal, decision-making, and management skills with demonstrated experience in working under trying field circumstances; Knowledge of and appreciation for the general environmental attributes and special features found in the project area; Knowledge of thc types of environmental impacts associated with construction of cost-effective mitigation options; and Excellent communication skills. The responsibilities of the MCC throughout the monitoring effort include the following: · Overall implementation and management of the monitoring program · Quality control of the site-development monitoring team. Resolution No. 90-017 Page 6 Administration and preparation of daily logs, status repons, compliance repons and the final construction monitoring report. Liaison between the City of Poway, CMR and the applicant's contractors. Monitoring of onsite, day-to-day consmaction activities, including the direction of EMs and ESs in the understanding of all permit conditions, site-specific project requirements, construction schedules and environmental quality control effort. Ensure contractor knowledge of and compliance with 'all appropriate permit conditions. Review of all construction impact mitigations and, if need be, propose additional mitigation. Have the authority to require correction of activities observed that violate project environmental conditions or that represent unsafe or dangerous conditions. Maintain prompt and regular communication with the onsite EMs, ESs, and construction personnel responsible for contractor performance and permit compliance. Thc primary role of thc Environmental Monitors is to serve as an extension of thc MCC in performing the quality control functions at thc construction sites. Their responsibilities and functions are to: a) Maintain a working knowledge of the project permit conditions, contract documents, construction schedules and progress, and any special mitigation requirements for his or her assigned construction area; b) Assist the MCC and construction contractors in coordinating with City of Poway compliance activities; c) Observe construction activities for compliance with the City of Poway permit conditions; and d) Provide frequent verbal briefings to the MCC and construction personnel and assist the MCC as necessary in preparing status reports. Resolution No. 90-017 Page 7 The primary role of the Environmental Specialists is to provide expertise when environmentally sensitive issues occur throughout the development phases of project implementation, and to provide direction for mitigation. Prior to any project implementation activities, a pre-construction meeting should take place between all the agencies and individuals involved to initiate the Program and establish the responsibility and authority of the participants. Mitigation Measures which need to be defined in greater detail will be addressed prior to any project plan qpprovals in follow-up meetings designed to discuss specific monitoring efforts. Construction activities within the project area should be scheduled each week by CMR for the following week. At the weekly scheduling meeting, CMR would distribute a "Three- Week Schedule" handout which will identify construction activities, equipment and a~eas to be worked in for up to three weeks in advance; however, the primary focus would be on scheduling the following week's activities. Attendees at the meeting would generally include the EMs and/or ESs, various City personnel and the MCC. By attendance at the meeting and the reference to the work schedule, the MCC will identify where work is to occur and the commitment of monitoring necessazy. An effective reporting system must be established prior to any monitoring efforts. All parties involved must have a clear understanding of the mitigation measures as adopted and these mitigations must be distributed to the participants of the monitoring effort. Those that would have a complete list of all the mitigation measure adopted by the City would include the City of Poway, CMR, the MCC and the construction crew supervisor. The MCC would distribute to each Environmental Specialist and Environmental Monitor a specific list of mitigation measures that pertain to his or her monitoring tasks and the appropriate time frame that these mitigations are anticipated to be implemented. In addition to the list of mitigations, the monitors will have Mitigation Monitoring Reports (MMRs) with each mitigation written out on the top of the form (see example). Below the stated mitigation measure, the forln will have a series of questions addressing the effectiveness of the mitigation measure. The monitors shall complete the MMR and file it with the MCC following their monitoring activity. The MCC will then include the conclusions of these MMR into an interim and final comprehensive construction report to be submitted to the City of Poway. This report will describe the major accomplishments of the Program, summarize problems encountered in achieving the goals of the program, evaluate solutions developed to overcome problems and provide a list of recommendations for future Resolution No. 90-017 CITY OF POWAY MITIGATION MONITORING REF(~l~ F~ COM~UANCE NONCOMPLIANCE DATE: I REPORT NUMBER: LOCATION: DISCIPUNE: Noise _ Biology So /Geo ogy/Hydrology Other MITIGATION MEASURE: COMPLIANCE: [] Acceptable ~--l Unacceptable [] Follow-up Required OBSERVATIONS: RECOMMENDATIONS: BY (EM/ES): REPORT APPROVAL (MCC): RECEIPT BY: Signature: Date: Time: City ol Poway COMMENTS I ACTIONS: COPY ISSUED: [] MCC [-"l CITY OF POWAY ["l APPLICANT ['-] APPLICANT CONTRACTOR Date Entered to City Compliance Tracking Systems: Initials: Resolution No. 90-017 Page 9 monitoring programs. In addition, each EM and/or ES will be required to fill out and submit a daily log report to the MCC. The daily log report will be used to record and account for the monitoring activities. Weekly/monthly status reports, as determined appropriate, will be generated from the daily logs and compliance reports and will include supplemental material (i.e., memoranda, telephone logs, letters). This type of feedback is essential for the City of Poway to confi,m the implementation and effectiveness of the mitigation measures imposed on the project. There are generally three separate categories of non-compliance associated with thc adopted conditions of approval: · Non-compliance requiring an immediate halt to a specific task or piece of equipment. · Infraction that initiates an immediate corrective action. No work or task delay. · Infraction that does not warrant immediate corrective action and results in no work or task delay. In all three cases, the MCC would notify CMR and the City of Poway, and an MMR would be filed with the MCC on a daily basis. There are a number of options the City of Poway may use to enforce this Program should non-compliance continue. Some methods commonly used by other lead agencies include: "Stop work" orders; fines and penalties (civil); restitution; pemdt revocations; citations; and injunctions. It is essential that all parties involved in the Program understand the authority and responsibility of the onsite monitors. The following text includes a summary of the project impacts, a list of all the associated mitigation measures and the monitoring efforts necessary to ensure that the measures are properly implemented. All the mifigaton measures identified in the Extended Initial Study are anticipated to be translated into conditions of project approval. In addition, once the project has been approved and prior to its implementation, the mitigation measures shall be further detailed during pre-grading meetings between the monitors, City of Poway, CMR, and the contraction supervisor. Resolution No. 90-017 Page 10 Ao SOiLS/GEOLOGY/HYDROLOGY 1. Soils/Geology a. Identified Impacts Potentially significant impacts associated with soils/geology include a number of effects related to major regional seismic activity. The most likely significant adverse effect resulting from seismic activity would be landsliding of natural and manufactured slopes. Potential slope failure (gravity-induced landsliding) of manufactured cut-and-fill slopes is also considered significant due to local soil properties. b. Recommended Mitigation Measures The GeoSoils, Inc. geotechnical report (1988) and the MV Engineering Inc. geotechnical report (1989) conclude that the SR-56 project is feasible from a geologic and soil engineering viewpoint provided the following recommendations are incorporated into final plans and implemented during the construction phase. It will be a condition of the proposed project that all grading shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the lead agency (i.e., City of Poway). These requirements are defined by grading, stream alteration, drainage provisions, and other appropriate sections of the Poway Municipal Code. Grading and Earthworks: Removal and recompaction of the unsuitable soils will be necessary in the areas of the subject properly which are planned to support fill or any other improvements. Material removals shall include all topsoil/slopewash alluvium and highly weathered bedrock material, and landslide debris in areas to be graded. Material removal will require designation of material disposal methods, locations and haul routes, including coordination with and approval by appropriate regulatory agencies and property owners. The Resolution No. 90-017 Page 11 project applicant shall be responsible for coordinating proper material removal. The upper alluvial/colluvial soils and landslide debris are not suitable for the support of the proposed f'flls and road improvements. The indicated unsuitable soils shall be excavated down to Fu'm competent formational material and recompacted to a minimum of 90 percent of the corresponding maximum dry density and requh'ed moisture content. The excavations of upper natural alluvial/colluvial soils will be on the order of one to six feet below and will reach 10 to 23 feet in the deeper alluvial areas and landslide debris. The exact depths to firm formational material cannot always be predicted and will vary throughout the site. The actual removals will be dete,mined during the grading by the geotechnical engineer or his representative on the site. Appropriate keyways and proper benching will be required for the reconsu'uction of the proposed f'fll slopes. All keyways shall be extended a minimum of three feet into fhm natural ground and inspected and approved at the site by the project geotechnical engineer. Benching of the natural hillside associated with the fill slope construction shall be at least one equipment width wide and three feet deep excavated into the firm formational material. All keys, benches, and exposed natural formational materials shall be field inspected and approved by the geotechnical consultant. Use of design and/or a dewatering measure to accommodate excavation in areas of shallow groundwater (if encountered) shall be conducted. This process shall include consultation with local RWQCB officials to ensure proper groundwater disposal locations and methods. Slope Stability/Stabilization Fills: Alluvial materials in the main canyon along the western side of the site are likely to be wet. Air drying and/or mixing of these materials may be needed prior to or during placement as compacted fill. Resolution No. 90-017 Page 12 Fill material for thc two main fill slopes in thc western portion of thc site derived purely from thc Friars Formation claystonc shall not be placed in concentrations on fill slopes or within 15 feet of a fill slope surface. Fill material determined to be excessively permeable by the soil engineer shall be treated in thc same manner unless it is mixed with cohesive soil to the satisfaction of thc soil engineer. All cut grading exposing the Friars Formation x0ill require construction of a buttress stabilization fill. The buttress fill shall be provided with adequate key width and depth to construct stable slopes for proposed heights and gradients. The height of the buttress fill and width and depth of the keyway will vary with the exposed height at the Friars Formations. Stability calculations indicate that a key width from to 55 feet and depth of four to seven feet will be necessary depending upon overall slope height and exposed Friars Formations. Actual limits will be verified during grading operations based upon the actual conditions. There shall be at least a 15-foot wide bench at the top of the buttress fill which extends above the Stadium/Friars Fmmation contact. The northern side buttress fill shall be provided with at least one additional six-foot wide bench at mid-height. All buttress stabilization fills shall be provided with subdrains as proposed in MV Engineering Inc. report (Plates 15 and 16, on file with the City of Poway Planning Department). CMP type subdrains may also be considered as recommended by GeoSoils, Inc.; however, a PlYResistivity test is recommended to determine appropriate gauge. In our opinion, subdrain types as indicated on Plate 16 (on file with the City of Poway Planning Depru m~ent) should be used. Fill slopes constructed of material derived from the on-site deposits will be grossly stable against surficial and deep seated failures at a maximum 2:1 gradient if properly benched and constructed in accordance with the recommendations provided herein. Proper mixing and moisture Resolution No. 90-017 Page 13 conditioning will be necessary to obtain the necessary compaction. No fill over cut slopes is proposed. All fill slopes shall bc backrolled at three-foot vertical increments and compacted to "trackwalking" the slope face. Near surface slope density tests will confirm adequate compaction levels within the fill slopes. As an alternative to trackwalking, the slopes may be overbuilt approximately three feet and cut back to the design configuration at the completion of rough grading. At least six-foot wide benches shall be constructed at every 30 feet maximum vertical slope gain in order to prevent cobbles on cut slopes constructed at 2:1 gradients exposing Stadium Conglomerate from becoming loose and moving downslope. Additional subdrains may be necessary where cut grading for slope construction encounters water seeps. The need for subdrains and associated earthwork requirements will be provided during grading based upon actual exposed conditions. Surface and Subsurface Drainage: The grading plans for the roadway show fils will be placed in the small drainage coarse to the west of the project. A subdrain will be necessary beneath the fills in the towline tied into the planned culvert which will be placed in the main canyon. The proposed canyon drain shall be constructed in accordance with Typical Canyon Subdrain Details. Subdrains shall be placed in all canyons upon completion of removals and prior to fill placement. Subdrains shall also be provided for stabilization fills and constructed where the Stadium Conglomerate and Friars Formation contact is buried by compacted fill. Pgst Rough Grading: Resolution No. 90-017 Page 14 After completion of the ground preparations and approval of the project geotechnical consultants, the upper 12 inches of the subgrade soils beneath the proposed highway, roadway, and parking improvements shall be scarified and recompacted to a nfinimum of 95 percent of the corresponding maximum dry density at the required moisture content. The subgrade soils shall be prepared at a time.rtot to exceed more than approximately 72 hours prior to the placement of the base materials in order that the appropriate moisture content is maintained. The base materials shall be compacted to a minimum of 95 percent of the corresponding maximum dry density at the required moisture content. The base materials shall be placed at a time not to exceed more than approximately 72 hours prior to the concrete paving or pouring operations. Or~ding Plan Review: Project grading plans shall incorporate recommendations provided in this report and be reviewed and approved by the City of Poway. Additional recommendations will also be given at the time of the grading plan review if necessary. All mitigation measures adopted as conditions of project approval shall be incorporated into final grading plans and incorporated into recordation of the Final Map. L~ndscaping and Irrigation: The proposed landscaping and irrigation plan shall be implemented on the manufactured slopes once construction of these slopes has been completed. Establishment of trees, shrubs, and plants proposed by the landscaping plan will help promote slope stabilization and erosion control. The proposed sprinkler irrigation system would promote maximum vegetative cover (i.e., landscaping plant establishment and survival) which would help reduce erosion potential on these slopes. 10 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 15 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Monitoring and reporting of geotechnical and hydrological mitigation measures is discussed following the Hydrology section. Hydrology a. Identified Impacts Potentially significant impacts associated with hydrology include effects related to drainage alteration, construction of impervious surfaces, and generation of urban pollutants. The inclusion of two proposed retention basins in project design, however, would reduce runoff flow rates leaving the site to below the existing flow rate. These basins would therefore reduce potential significant impacts associated with increased runoff (i.e., erosion, sedimentation) to below a level of significance. b. Recommended Mitigation Measures The inclusion of two retention basins is anticipated to mitigate potential significant hydrologic impacts associated with increased runoff resulting from project implementation. These basins would reduce 100-year storm flow rates to below the existing rates (Appendix B of the Extended Initial Study). Therefore, impacts such as erosion and sedimentation from increased runoff would not be expected. Additional mitigation measures are recommended which would serve to reduce and/or eliminate adverse impacts. Drainage Facilities: · Regular maintenance of all drainage facilities to insure proper working conditions shall be conducted. Graded berms, swales, and area drains shall not be blocked or destroyed, and water shall not be allowed to pond in roadways or flow down graded or natural slopes. 11 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 16 Erosion control measures shall be incorporated into project design. Sl~ort-term measures would likely include methods such as the use of seasonal work restrictions, sediment catchment devices (e.g., sandbags, hay bales, or sedimentation basins), or retention of native vegetation and soils. Long-term erosion control could be accomplished through retention basin maintenance to control flow rates and by maintenance of the proposed manufactured slope landscaping an~t the irrigation system onsite. Landscapin~ and Irrigation: A detailed landscaping (i.e., revegetation) and irrigation plan has been prepared by a qualified landscape architect (Halsey Design Group 1989) and has been approved by the City of Poway. This plan shall be implemented on the manufactured slopes as soon as possible once grading has been completed. Drought-tolerant species are proposed for this revegetation effort which will reduce irrigation, herbicide, and fertilizer requirements. No pesticides are proposed by this plan. The irrigation sprinkler system is designed to avoid surface runoff. Implementation of this landscaping and irrigation plan would reduce erosion potential (i.e., sediment transport) and would minimize the potential for irrigation runoff carrying pesticides and fertilizer. t~dditional Measures: · Compaction and use of impervious materials shall be avoided wherever feasible to increase infiltration and decrease runoff. Removal and disposal of groundwater (if any) encountered during construction activities shall be coordinated by Carmel Mountain Ranch with the local RWQCB to ensure proper disposal methods and locations. 12 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 17 c. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting The 19 mitigation measures pertaining to geology and soils which are listed in this Program under the headings Grading and Earthworks, Slope Stability/Stabilization Fills, Surface and Subsurface Drainage, Post Rough Grading, and Landscaping and Irrigation, and the 6 mitigation measures pertaining to hydrology shall be monitored,by an Environmental Specialist(s) (qualified engineering geologist and/or a qualified soils engineer). Prior the the issuance of the Right of Way Permit, an ES shall inspect and ensure that all the mitigation measures have been incorporated into the final project design and are in accordance with all applicable City guidelines. Periodic onsite monitoring shall be conducted by ESs throughout the grading phases of the project, with a biological or horticultural ES monitoring the revegetation of the disturbed slopes immediately following grading. The monitors shall ensure that all the mitigation measures are implemented properly. Should additional mitigation be deemed necessary by the ESs due to impacts not originally anticipated during the environmental review process, the MCC, CMR and City of Poway shall be notified. The landscaping and irrigation plans which have been incorporated into project design, would require permanent maintenance. Under agreement with the City of Poway, CMR will be responsible for landscaping and irrigation maintenance for 90 days after which time the City of Poway will assume maintenance responsibility (Cannon 1989). B. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES a. Identified Impacts The loss of vernal pool habitat (pool basins and associated watershed) on the crest of the site's central ridge would be a significant adverse impact associated with the proposed project. In addition, the loss of approximately 0.2 acres of 13 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 18 freshwater marsh habitat along the ephemeral stream would be considered a significant adverse impact of the proposed project by the California Deparunent of Fish and Game (CDFG) under their no net loss wetland policy. The project will also impact the San Diego Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus virioesiens). Although not endangered, this cactus is listed by the California Native Plant Society as threatened due to urbanization, off-road vehicles and horticultural collecting. Loss of the thirty six individuals observed onsite is considered to be a cumulative adverse impact. The potential loss of app'foximately 3.7 acres of Southern California grassland is also considered a cumulative adverse impact. Recommended Mitigation Measures Identified significant impacts which would require mitigation include impacts to recorded vernal pool resources and freshwater marsh habitat. Wetlands: Regulatory agencies including the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), shah review and comment on the proposed development because of the loss of vernal pool and freshwater marsh habitats. The CDFG 1603 Agreement and mitigation would be required for loss of all wetlands. The ACOE 404 permit would be required for all proposed direct impacts to the vernal pools. The USFWS reviews both direct and indirect effects to vernal pool habitat. Mitigation of the reduction in vernal pool resources shall be accomplished through a vernal pool enhancement program which has been prepared by ERC Environmental Energy Services Co. in consultation with USFWS. The plan proposes enhancement of existing natural depressions/basins to the north of the northern cut slope on the mesa top onsite. The plan proposes establishment of a vernal pool mitigation area in which approximately 156 m2 of vernal pool basin area would be enhanced, thereby providing a 5:1 mitigation replacement ratio for the CC-5 pools that would be lost. The watershed surrounding the 14 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 19 enhanced basins totals approximately 1,040 m2 providing a mitigation area greater than 1:1 over the impacted watershed. The mitigation program will require final approval by the ACOE, CDFG, and the USFWS. The vernal pool enhancement program is contained in Appendix C of thc SR-56 Roadway Extension Extended Initial Study. Impacts to freshwater marsh would not require Corps of Engineers review due to the small acreage impacted (0.21 ~cre). It would require review and approval of a CDFG 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement. Full mitigation of this impact (i.e., at a 1:1 ratio of habitat replaced to habitat lost) could be accomplished onsite through enhancement and enlargement of existing habitat in the natural drainage. Recommendations The following recommendations are provided in an attempt to reduce the overall effects of this project on biological resources. Tr,'ln?plantation. Individuals of San Diego barrel cactus present within the area slated for grading should be salvaged and transplanted to appropriate habitat within the property. This is generally a simple procedure, although it would involve, at a minimum, the preparation of a transplantation and monitoring program. Transplantation property should be chosen which is under the jurisdiction of the City of Poway. A potential transplantation location may be specified in vacant land adjacent to the northern cut slope or within the proposed vernal pool mitigation area. Construction Activities. All construction activities should be confined within the limits of grading. In addition, wetlands outside the grading area should be clearly marked (i.e., by flagging or staking on the grading plan) prior to the onset of construction activities by a qualified biologist to ensure that no additional impacts occur to this habitat. Additional wetland impacts would likely require mitigation at a 1:1 ratio or greater. A detailed landscaping and irrigation plan has been prepared by a qualified landscape architect (Halsey Design Group, 1989) to facilitate desired slope 15 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 20 revegetation. The landscaping plan proposes direct planting and hydroseeding mixes to establish proposed drought-tolerant species incluaing native plant species. This plan will enhance the impacted areas (i.e., graded slopes) and would provide a diversity of plant species (i.e., approximately 40 species) in this area which could potentially be utilized by wildlife species. All landscaping plans should be reviewed by a qualified biologist prior to their finalization to ensure that species used are compatible with the existing native vegetation adjacent to these slopes. The City of Poway has approved the landscaping and irrigation plan and it will be implemented after specified grading activities (Cannon 1989). Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Monitoring and reporting of required habitat enhancement mitigation programs shall be conducted by a qualified biologist. This ES shall confirm that mitigation programs related to vernal pools and freshwater marsh habitat have been properly implemented and completed. The Vernal Pool Enhancement Plan details implementation of the plan, and specifies a perfo,l~ance criteria and necessary maintenance once the mitigation area has been enhanced. The plan states that all monitoring shall be conducted by qualified biologist familiar with vernal pool flora and ecology, and that all aspects of the post-project monitoring plan shall be conducted for no less than 5 years. Monitoring will include determination of species establishment and survivorship. Results of species survivorship, pool dominance, plus pool diversity compared to the control pools will provide a gauge of success for the mitigation efforts. Details of the Vernal Pool Enhancement Plan monitoring criteria are provided in Appendix C of the SR-56 Extended Initial Study and the plan is also attached to the end of this Program. The Enhancement Plan was prepared through early consultation with the appropriate resource agencies (CDFG, ACOE, and USFWS). Preliminary discussions regarding mitigation options plus a site meeting with the USFWS and ACOE (March 15, 1989) led to the decision to mitigate the loss of the CC-5 pools by onsite enhancement. Prior to the required 30-day public review period, the ACOE, USFWS , and CDFG were sent (between November 14-20) a copy of the Vernal Pool Enhancement Plan for early review/comment. Responses were received 16 Co NOISE ao Res01uti0n No. 90-017 Page 21 during the 30 day public review period by private citizens. Caltrans was the only state agency to respond through the State Clearinghouse during the 30-day public review period. Mitigation for the projected loss of 0.2 acre of freshwater marsh habitat will be monitored by a qualified biologist (Environmental Specialist). It is anticipated that mitigation can be accomplished onsite through enltancement and enlargement of existing habitat in the natural drainage (i.e., at a 1:1 ratio of habitat replaced to habitat lost). To achieve compliance with the CDFG's 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement, mitigation for the projected loss of freshwater marsh habitat will require review and approval by CDFG. Once a mitigation plan is approved by CDFG, monitoring can be tailored to specific mitigation components. The mitigation plan shall be conducted and approved prior to issuance of the Right of Way permit. Onsite monitoring will ensure proper implementation and survivability of species planted in enhanced areas, and is anticipated that monitoring will be conducted for approximately 3 to 5 years to confirm establishment of plant species. The specific time period to conduct monitoring will be determined through the permit process period. Biological recommendations include transplantation of specimens of San Diego barrel cactus onsite, flagging of freshwater marsh habitat outside the limits of grading to avoid potential construction impacts, and review of the landscaping and irrigation plan by a qualified horticulturist to confirm that the proposed plant composition is compatible with adjacent natural vegetation and the proposed vernal pool mitigation area. Monitoring related to transplantation of San Diego barrel cactus and review of the landscaping and irrigation plan would be conducted by an ES, while flagging and protection of wetland habitat could be enforced by an EM. Identified of Impacts Projected noise levels from vehicular traffic on the proposed segment of SR-56 would result in noise levels above the 60 dB(A) CNEL guideline 17 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 22 within a portion of Cannel Vista residential development (Lots 6, 7, and 8) which would represent significant adverse noise impacts. Project-generated noise levels within Lot 9 in Cax',nel Vista residential development, along with future noise levels contributed from vehicular traffic on Pomerado Road, would also represent a significant cumulative adverse noise impact. Noise generated by the proposed project would also result in noise levels in excess of 60 dB(A) CNEL in vacant lands within pro~ect site boundaries to the north and southwest of the proposed alignment, and offsite to the south and would represent significant adverse noise impacts should single-family units be built in these areas. b. Recommended Mitigation Measures The Noise Element of the Poway Comprehensive Plan includes policies to reduce noise levels to an acceptable level (City of Poway 1983). The Noise Element recommends utilizing setbacks, architectural design (e.g., proper entrance and window location), and construction techniques (e.g., use, of dense building materials) before requiring noise walls and berms to attenuate interior noise impacts. It is anticipated that mitigation for exterior noise impacts can be accomplished through the use of noise walls and/or berms. Reduction of exterior noise levels to below 60 dB(A) CNEL would be expected to eliminate the potential for interior noise impacts. Standard building materials are expected to reduce outdoor noise levels by approximately 15 dB(A) CNEL within interior areas. If residential development is proposed in the eastern portion of the project site, existing noise levels generated by vehicular traffic on Pomerado Road can be mitigated through the use of a noise wall positioned on top of the existing bef~c~ (the be,m is approximately 4 to 5 feet above the road grade), approximately 40 feet west of the centerline of Pomerado Road. A wall in this position along the length of Pomerado within the project area could also mitigate existing significant noise levels within areas to the north of the project site. Preliminary noise modeling indicates that a 4 to 6 foot high wall positioned on top of the be,m adjacent to Pomerado Road could mitigate existing noise levels to below 60 dB(A) CNEL. Although, additional noise modeling of future development plans may require noise 18 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 23 walls over 6 feet in height. The SR-56 project, would not be responsible for mitigating significant noise impacts created by Pomerado Road. Projected (i.e., horizon year) exterior significant adverse noise impacts onsite and off site resulting from vehicular walfic on Pomcrado Road and thc proposed segment of SR-56 could also be mitigated to an acceptable level (below 60 dB(A) CNEL) through thc use of ru>ise walls and/or berms. Preliminary noise modeling indicates that 4 to 6 foot high walls adjacent to Pomerado Road and thc proposed segment of SR-56 would reduce projected noise levels onsitc and offsitc to below 60 dB(A) CNEL. As previously mentioned, however, additional noise modeling of future development plans may require noise walls over 6 feet in height. 5t: ne'.'so- w~'.~-a~-o mc, ommand~ -noi~ ¢ -w~ adjacg~-.Io- l,h¢ proposr, d- t.u;oje, r.l- gcgamm-l:ff Sg-~fi be-po~it/ened at gho-4op-of-rdot~ot~4~oth-g~lol~S-~4h¢-¢agg~ por4'm-ot' t':e-silo-.and the, a-a~jar, e~4o45e rexdw2)~.on-leet!: s;.de.% · Noise the-~~o~¢~-~n~~~e walls positioned adjacent to Pomerado Road and SR-56 would involve constructing noise walls and/or bcrms around existing and future rcsidcutial development onsite and offsite. It is recommended that once potential onsite and offsite' development plans are proposed including lot locations and pad elevations, that more specific noise modeling be conducted. · -- - II-is-r-eeon'..'n r. n a%~ -onee-, -r~sidemiat-unit-withie~-ko t s 6r, --7-;-8-,-or--9-irr ---C_,am~-¥-[sta-:.s consl~m~tod-aad--gR-fi6 i: :cmptetedwtimt--~ qua!ifmd- ---0 ~ ~ a~qe~,et--met~'--c-e~ .... onshe-mo~tor~gqc, q u ~ n t-ii:y -f~a-~ur-e- ~ao;,s6- -- -lo~ol~,.---I~4s-reeemm~n d-.~U-tha~-m, cni toting r.h outd-bo-¢ ca d...mt~-ulma- -- compt,tion-ef-thesepro'.~b~R-~6 a.':~ Cam~t-~is~--at4eest-oeee- ---~-ye~-io-quamif-y-t-heehaago-on-noia¢ levets -over-timer. - I-f-noi~q~w~qe Resolution No. 90-017 Page 24 .... at ,.!:-_,t t~n~-~ _j.__ifig ,:o!-:¢ - --~-g~c-~cq ¢ vcl~-t~o w a4evel~f- ai g nifi~a aee. - --n oi~--impac~a-.--'l:hi~-v,~d&L i: rc¥ido-4~om eo,,w~c-r~-flm-of>por t un i4¥-lo ---cmpioy-rrma~ur-~mc~aa~led-by-fim-~Ry-oF~ ay-C-oaW, r~ - -- pteR-irlC-ludin gut. Lli~n g~s ramc, lfitc,~ ~ r4d-dc~ g ~ r aRd -c..o~.s t r ~ c. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting T-o--eq:feeti-vel-y- 4 ~t- 4 h o -mi;i-ga;ioa-.a~w,a~; u r-e,s- -f-o~- n oks¢,- 5m p a c ts r mo; ...... ng-~h,,~, be-e ..... c,,ed-by-a-quatifie~ ac, oustioa4.~,4nc~r a-'t~ype.-2-.sound lov. ot-a-~rfilorT-~nfilar-lo-4hat-4:~ed-f-or-flto- bas,~line,-(i,c~r cais4ing-eondhic, as)-aok, e-mmfitor4ag~-gDa~4e4::;truva~*4~ ¢~: p!~;o~ anatysis-atqots-(tr :/7 frand:9)r-tn'artediat¢ly-fol4owing-c~up l~a~-~ and~.yea~,-or-as-con~taints-are-r-eeeived-by-t4~o f:-Pow~y,~ .u~a~-unaby~qs a.,di-b¢-comhrctcd-xTv'm'-~-orrc-weck-pcr,,~,~. -On~v-tl~-C-ity- 4hr4~Llo[ ti -i~-~dq~L- b a ~4~-r4~iu 14f~a f-4h Ls- alaaLy4ii; r 4h~ -1~$ ~ · ~1,~ ri.H ' ir, ali -- ' ' -- · ' _ d~onmno-,,,~-app~op .... o-nm.o_..0n 4~rAw~bq~t ~ug-hac~;~ of 4~r4i~!) to be knp!emcn:cd-Lxy-CMR-to-cmv, gcmoiscAcv¢!s-LlcncxatcdA~y. S R -56-m-e-in=eompt ianee-whhq~i~y-~tamia~d,~. Potential noise mEacts of the_p£0Eo~e~ Er~j~c~ ~pon the Carmel Vista residential development will be mitigated and ~o~i~or~d_i~ ~c~o£d~n£e_w~t~ ~o~d~t~oRs_oZ ~p~roval No. G.3 2o Resolution No. 90-017 Page 25 and G.4 o~ Resolution P-88-115 a~proving Tentative Tract Map ~8~0~ IC r eT Vi~t~)~ ~d~p~e~ ~y_t~e-P~w~y]C~t~ Council on- November 15, 1988. The SR 56 ~r~j~ct will be reguired to mitigate_potential noise ~m~acts to existin~ residential dwelliDg~ located to the northeast of the_p£o~ect site ~i~e~ ~arcels 36 and 37). The ~p~r£priate location, height, and method of noise attenuation shall be detemined thro~g~ a subseqNent on-site acoustical ~n~l~sis, and findin~ of such analysis shall be ~m~lemented as ~art of the roadwa~ construction_p£o~eE~= 21 Resolution No. 90-017 Page 26 STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS The City of Poway, as lead agency and decision maker, pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines {Section 15093), after balancing the benefits of the proposed project against the unavoidable environmental effects which remain, notwithstanding the mitigation measures described within the project's environmental documentation, determines that such remaining enviromental effects are acceptable due to the following: Completion of the project would provide for the linkage of existing major circulation improvements known as State Route 56 {SR 56), that would result in significant benefits not only to existing and future residents and commuters of the cities of Poway and San Diego, but also to a broader population of the entire region. This 1,850 foot roadway link between the existing intersection of SR 56 and Pomerado Road in the City of Poway and the co-terminus jurisdictional boundary between the cities of Poway and San Diego, would serve to connect existing SR 56 improvements within the neighboring cities, and from a regional standpoint, would serve as an incremental improvement to complete the regional transportation route between the Interstate 15 freeway and State Highway 67. The completion of the project would implement a con- dition of approval placed upon the developer of Carmel Mountain Ranch by the City of San Diego, would improve the level of service along local street segments and intersections, and would incrementally reduce significant local and regional transportation/circulation impacts resulting from areawide buildout. Given the importance of the project as a beneficial roadway segment improvement, the identified environmen- tal impact to the vernal pool habitat is considered acceptable.