Beaumont City Council
March 19, 2024

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils
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2. City of Beaumont General Plan
The General Plan identifies goals related to geology and soils in the Safety Element. These goals and polices and a discussion of the Project's consistency are discussed in Table 4.11-1, General Plan Applicability Analysis, in EIR Section 4.11, Land Use and Planning.

3. City of Beaumont Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Beaumont's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a plan that the City reviews, monitors, and updates to reflect changing conditions and new information regarding hazards faced by the City of Beaumont. The most current version is dated June 2012 (City of Beaumont, 2012). The LHMP addresses hazards associated with wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, extreme weather, insect infestation, hazardous materials incidents, blackout, transportation incidents, pipeline incidents, toxic pollution, nuclear incidents, civil unrest, and terrorism within the City of Beaumont and its sphere of influence (SOI). The LHMP identifies vulnerabilities, provides recommendations for prioritized mitigation actions, evaluates resources and identifies mitigation shortcomings, provides future mitigation planning and maintenance of the existing LHMP. The LHMP mitigation measures include:
a vulnerability assessment of City facilities, incorporation of LHMP policies and goals into the City of Beaumont General Plan, dissemination of information pertaining to the City's Emergency Response Procedures, and public awareness training (City of Beaumont, 2012).

4. City of Beaumont Municipal Code 17.11.040
The City of Beaumont Municipal Code Section 17.11.040 states the requirements applicable to the preparation of a site for development. Site grading requirements shall conform to the Uniform Building Code, Chapter 70, as may be amended by City Ordinance. This section also provides requirements for grading plans, incorporation the preliminary soils report recommendations, compaction report, and inspections.

5. City of Beaumont Building Code
The City of Beaumont Building Code is based on the CBSC and is supplemented with local amendments. The Building Code regulates the construction, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, conversion, occupancy, use, and maintenance of all buildings and structures in the City of Beaumont.

The Building Code is included in the City of Beaumont Municipal Code Chapter 15.04.

6. SCAQMD Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust)
SCAQMD Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) requires the implementation of best available dust control measures (BACM) during active operations capable of generating fugitive dust. The purpose of this Rule is to minimize the amount of particulate matter in the ambient air as a result of anthropogenic fugitive dust sources (SCAQMD, 2019).

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils
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4.7.4 BASIS FOR DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in a significant impact related to geology and soils if the Project or any Project -related component would:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42;
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking;
iii. Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction; or 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 direct or indirect risks to life or property; e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water; or f Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature.

The City has not established local CEQA significance thresholds as described in Section 15064.7 of the CEQA Guidelines. Therefore, significance determinations utilized in this section are from Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The above -listed thresholds address the typical, adverse effects related to geology and soils that could result from implementation of the Project.

4.7.5 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
The following Regulatory Requirements (RRs) are applicable regardless of CEQA and would apply to any project under similar circumstances and, therefore, do not constitute mitigation measures.

However, they will nonetheless be included in the Project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program to further ensure the implementation of the mandated RRs.

RR 7-1 The Project shall comply with CBSC (Chapter 18) (adopted by the City of Beaumont as Municipal Code Section 15.04.010) and Municipal Code Section 17.11.040, which requires development projects to evaluate and identify site -specific geologic and Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils
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seismic conditions. The report must provide site -specific recommendations to preclude adverse effects involving unstable soils and strong seismic ground -shaking, including, but not limited to, recommendations related to ground stabilization, selection of appropriate foundation type and design criteria, and selection of appropriate structural systems.

RR 7-2 Prior to grading plan approval and the first issuance of a grading permit for the Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan development, the Project proponent shall provide evidence to the City that a Notice of Intent (NOI) has been filed with the Regional Water Quality Control Board for coverage under the State National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit for discharge of stormwater associated with construction activities.

RR 7-3 Prior to grading plan approval and the first issuance of a grading permit by the City for the Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan development, the Project proponent shall submit to the City of Beaumont a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP shall include a surface water control plan and erosion -control plan citing specific measures to control erosion during the entire grading and construction period.

Additionally, the SWPPP shall identify structural and non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control sediment and nonvisible discharges from the site. BMPs to be implemented in the SWPPP may include (but shall not be limited to) the following:
• Sediment discharges from the site may be controlled by the following:
• Perimeter protection to prevent sediment discharges through silt fences, fiber rolls, gravel bag berms, sand bag barriers, and compost socks. • Sediment capture and drainage control through sediment traps, storm drain inlet protection, and sediment basins.
• Velocity reduction through check dams, sediment basins, and outlet protection/velocity dissipation devices.
• Reduction in off -site sediment tracking through stabilized construction entrance/exit, construction road stabilization, and entrance/exit tire wash. • Slope interruption at permit -prescribed intervals (fiber rolls, gravel bag berms, sand bag berms, compost socks, biofilter bags).
• The construction and condition of the BMPs will be periodically inspected during construction, and repairs will be made when necessary, as required by the SWPPP. • No materials of any kind shall be placed in drainage ways. • Materials that could contribute nonvisible pollutants to stormwater must be contained, elevated, and placed in temporary storage containment areas.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils • All loose piles of soil, silt, clay, sand, debris, and other earthen material shall be protected per RWQCB standards to eliminate any discharge from the site.

Stockpiles will be surrounding by silt fences.
• The SWPPP will include inspection forms for routine monitoring of the site during the construction phase to ensure NPDES compliance.
• Additional BMPs and erosion -control measures will be documented in the SWPPP and utilized if necessary.
• The SWPPP will be kept on -site for the entire duration of project construction and will also be available to the local RWQCB for inspection at any time.

In the event that it is not feasible to implement the above BMPs, the City of Beaumont can make a determination that other BMPs will provide equivalent or superior treatment either on or off -site.

RR 7-4 Prior to grading plan approval and issuance of a grading permit by the City of Beaumont for the Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan development, the Project proponent shall receive approval from the City of Beaumont for Final Water Quality Management Plan (Final WQMP). The Final WQMP shall specifically identify pollution -prevention, site -design, source -control, and treatment -control BMPs that shall be used on -site to control predictable pollutant runoff to reduce impacts to water quality to the maximum extent practicable. Source control BMPs to be implemented in the Final WQMP may include (but shall not be limited to) those listed in Table G.1 of the Preliminary WQMP (Technical Appendix 12). Treatment -control BMPs shall include on -site detention/sand filtration basins to treat the site's runoff; these facilities shall be maintained and inspected at least twice per year and prior to October 1. Additional BMPs will be documented in the WQMP and utilized if necessary. In the event that it is not feasible to implement the BMPs identified in the Final WQMP, the City of Beaumont can make a determination that other BMPs provide equivalent or superior treatment either on or off -site.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report

4.7.6 IMPACT ANALYSIS

4.7 Geology and Soils
Threshold a:

Would the Project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv. Landslides?
A. Rupture of Known Earthquake Fault
There are no known active or potentially active faults on or trending toward the Project site, the Project site is not located within a mapped Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, and County Fault Hazard Zones are located within the subject site or adjacent properties (KCG, 2021). Because there are no known faults located on or trending towards the Project site, there is no potential for the Project to directly or indirectly expose people or structures to substantial adverse effects related to ground rupture. No impact would occur.

B. Strong Seismic Ground Shaking
Similar to all properties throughout southern California, the Project site is located in a seismically active area and is expected to experience moderate to severe ground shaking during the lifetime of the Project. The Project's buildings will be required by Title 15 of the City's Municipal Code to be constructed in accordance with the CBSC and the City of Beaumont Building Code. The CBSC and City of Beaumont Building Code provide building standards that must be met to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures. The CBSC and City of Beaumont Building Code building standards have been specifically tailored for California earthquake conditions. In addition, the CBSC (Chapter 18) (adopted by the City of Beaumont as Municipal Code Sections 15.04.010 and 17.11.040) requires development projects to evaluate and identify site -specific geologic and seismic conditions. The report must provide site -specific recommendations to preclude adverse effects involving unstable soils and strong seismic ground - shaking, including, but not limited to, recommendations related to ground stabilization, selection of appropriate foundation type and depths, and selection of appropriate structural systems.

As stated, a Geotechnical Report was prepared for the Project site, which is included as Technical Appendix Fl of this EIR. The Geotechnical Report complies with the requirements of Chapter 18 of the CBSC and Titles 15 and 17 of the City of Beaumont Municipal Code. In conformance with the CBSC, the City will condition the Project to comply with the site -specific ground preparation and construction recommendations contained in the Geotechnical Report (see Section 5 of Technical Appendix Fl, of this EIR), including any updates thereto, as required in Regulatory Requirement RR Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils 7-1. Recommendations are based on the site seismic parameters to ensure that structures are designed for earthquake induced strong ground motions in accordance with CBSC (see Section 2.5 of Technical Appendix F1). The Geotechnical Report includes requirements for: supplemental subsurface exploration, general earthwork and grading, fill placement and compaction, remedial grading, manufactured slopes, surface drainage, subdrainage, oversized rock materials, deep fill areas/settlement monitoring, preliminary foundation recommendations, retaining walls, sulfate potential, corrosion potential, preliminary pavement design, and temporary excavations. Mandatory compliance with the recommendations contained within the Project's Geotechnical Report (as required by the CBSC and Beaumont Municipal Code and Building Code) would ensure that the impact remains less than significant. Additionally, grading plan review is required to verify that the geotechnical requirements are updated specific to the detailed rough grading plans (see Section 5.16 of Technical Appendix F1). Furthermore, as detailed in Section 5.17 of Technical Appendix F1, geotechnical observation and testing shall be conducted during the following stages of grading:
o Upon the completion of clearing and grubbing;
o During all phases of grading, including benching, backcut and key excavation, cut slope excavation, remedial removals of surficial soils, backdrain/subdrain/filter material installation and engineered fill placement;
o During Settlement Monument placement;
o During roadway subgrade preparation and compaction of roadway aggregate base; o When any unusual conditions are encountered during grading Future development accommodated by the Specific Plan would be required to have site -specific geotechnical investigation reports prepared by the Project applicant's/developer's geotechnical consultant, in accordance with the CBC and Beaumont Municipal Code Section 17.1.040. The geotechnical investigations would determine seismic design parameters for the site and the proposed building type per CBC requirements. With mandatory compliance with these standard and site -specific design and construction measures, implementation of the Project would not directly or indirectly expose people or structures to substantial adverse effects, including loss, injury or death, involving seismic ground shaking. Impacts would be less than significant.

C. Seismic -Related Ground Failure
According to available mapping data, the Project site is not located within a State of California Seismic Hazard Zone (California Geologic Survey (CGS)/California Department of Conservation) indicating a susceptibility for liquefaction potential (CGS, 2019a). However, the City of Beaumont General Plan Safety Element and the RCIT identify the Project site as located within an area of "moderate" susceptibility to liquefaction (RCIT, 2021; City of Beaumont, 2020a). Therefore, the Project site appears to be susceptible to relatively minor amounts of liquefaction settlement. The magnitudes of seismic —induced liquefaction settlement are relatively minor and somewhat localized, occurring Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils generally below depths of 40 feet where groundwater was encountered in the northern and northeastern portion of the Project site (KCG, 2021).

The Geotechnical Report prepared for the Project calculated the total earthquake -induced liquefaction settlement potential using the LiquefyPro software. The evaluation was based on the site class and adjusted peak ground acceleration of 0.705g, as shown in Section 2.5 of the Geotechnical Report, Technical Appendix Fl, of this EIR (KCG, 2021). The analysis indicates that the estimated settlement due to earthquake -induced liquefaction is approximately 0.00 inches to approximately one (1) inch.

Differential settlements are estimated to be negligible to approximately a little over 0.5 inches over a distance of 50 feet. Due to the lack of a shallow static groundwater level and the materials encountered, the materials are not susceptible to significant seismic induced ground failure. With the proposed fill depths and loads imposed from the fill, liquefaction is considered to be negligible (KCG, 2021).

Lateral spreading is primarily associated with liquefaction hazards. Implementation of the Project would result in a less than significant impact associated with liquefaction; thus, the potential for lateral spreading is low (KCG, 2021). Accordingly, impacts associated with lateral spreading would be less than significant.

Furthermore, the Project would be required to be designed and constructed in accordance with applicable seismic safety guidelines, including the requirements of the CBSC and City of Beaumont Municipal Code and Building Code. As stated previously, the City will condition the Project to comply with the site -specific ground preparation and construction recommendations contained in Section 5 of Technical Appendix Fl of this EIR, which will further reduce the risk of seismic -related ground failure due (see Regulatory Requirement RR -1). Mandatory compliance with the recommendations contained within the Project's Geotechnical Report (as required by the CBSC and Beaumont Municipal Code and Building Code) would ensure that the impact remains less than significant. As such, implementation of the Project would not directly or indirectly expose people or structures to substantial hazards associated with seismic -related ground failure and/or liquefaction hazards. Impacts would be less than significant.

D. Landslides
The Project site is not identified within a State of California designated Hazard Zone for Slope Instability (CGS, 2019a). Information available in the Riverside County Safety Element indicates that portions of the site may have "low" to "moderate" susceptibility for seismic induced slope instability (Riverside County, 2019b).

Approximate 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) cut and fill slopes of variable height are proposed throughout the site. The Geotechnical Report (Technical Appendix Fl of this EIR) provided an analysis of deep- seated slope stability on selected geologic cross -sections (including both cut and fill slopes) considered representative of the various proposed conceptual slope configurations. The full results of the analysis are presented in the Geotechnical Report, Section 3.2 and Appendix E. Based on the analysis, proposed Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils
2:1 cut and fill slopes are considered grossly stable in the absence of adverse geologic conditions and considered surficially stable.

Furthermore, mandatory compliance with the recommendations contained within the Project site's Geotechnical Report (as required by the CBSC, Beaumont Building Code, and conditions of approval) would ensure that the Project is engineered and constructed to maximize stability and preclude safety hazards to on -site and abutting off -site areas. Accordingly, the Project would not be exposed to substantial landslide risks, and implementation of the Project would not pose a substantial direct or indirect landslide risk to surrounding properties. Impacts would be less than significant.

Threshold b: Would the Project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? A. Construction -Related Erosion Impacts
Under existing conditions, the Project site is largely undeveloped and contains only a few remnants of past development within the Project site. As identified in Section 4.9.1 of this EIR, items related to historic use of the Project site include a water storage tank and associated valves and a concrete pad.

Development of the Project site would result in the demolition of these items and grading and construction activities would occur that would further disturb soils on the property. Disturbed soils would be subject to potential erosion during rainfall events or high winds due to the removal of stabilizing vegetation and building materials (e.g., existing concrete foundations) and exposure of these erodible materials to wind and water.

Fill slopes constructed with granular materials derived from on -site sandstone bedrock may be susceptible to erosion. The San Timoteo Formation bedrock on the Project site was moderately hard and considered to be slightly to moderately erodible. The surficial soils including undocumented artificial fill, colluvium, and alluvium encountered are typically granular and appear to be readily erodible as evidenced by their soft to loose state and localized erosion gullies. Therefore, the erosion potential of cut slopes exposing on -site bedrock materials may range from low to medium depending on the bedrock materials exposed on the cut slope, as well as the orientation of bedding and joint planes within the slope. In general, cut slopes exposing well -indurated and/or cemented sandstones should have a low to moderate susceptibly to erosion. Friable, poorly cemented, sandstones should have a moderate to high erosion susceptibility.

Pursuant to the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the Project Applicant would be required to obtain coverage under the State's General Construction Stormwater Permit for construction activities (NPDES permit). The NPDES permit is required for all development projects that include construction activities, such as clearing, grading, and/or excavation, that disturb at least one (1) acre of total land area (see RR 7-2). In addition, the Project would be required to comply with the Santa Ana RWQCB's Santa Ana River Basin Water Quality Control Program. Compliance with the NPDES permit and the Santa Ana River Basin Water Quality Control Program involves the preparation and implementation of a SWPPP for construction -related activities (see RR 7-3). The SWPPP will specify the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that the Project Applicant will be required to implement during construction activities to ensure that waterborne pollution — including Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils erosion/sedimentation — is prevented, minimized, and/or otherwise appropriately treated prior to surface runoff being discharged from the subject property. Examples of BMPs that may be utilized during construction include, but are not limited to, sandbag barriers, geotextiles, storm drain inlet protection, sediment traps, rip rap soil stabilizers, and hydro -seeding. Lastly, the Project would be required to implement erosion and dust control measures pursuant SCAQMD Rule 403 to minimize water- and windborne erosion. Mandatory compliance with the SWPPP and SCAQMD Rule 403 would ensure that the Project's implementation does not result in significant soil erosion or loss of topsoil.

Further, the City will condition the Project to comply with the site -specific ground preparation and construction recommendations contained in the Project's Geotechnical Report (Technical Appendix Fl of this EIR). Mandatory compliance with the recommendations (as amended by the final Geotechnical Report) relating to cut slopes (see Section 5.5 of Technical Appendix F1), will ensure that potential impacts related to erosion would be less than significant. Therefore, erosion and loss of topsoil loss impacts associated with construction activities would be less than significant.

8. Post -Development Erosion Impacts
Upon Project buildout, the Project site would be covered by buildings, landscaping, and impervious surfaces. Stormwater runoff from the Project site would be captured, treated to reduce waterborne pollutants (including sediment), and conveyed off -site via an on -site storm drain system. Accordingly, the amount of erosion that occurs on the Project site would be minimized upon build out of the Project and would be reduced relative to existing conditions.

Additionally, to meet the requirements of the City's Municipal Stormwater Permit, the Project Applicant is required to prepare and implement a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), which is a site -specific post -construction water quality management program designed to minimize the release of potential waterborne pollutants, including pollutants of concern for downstream receiving waters, under long-term conditions via BMPs. The WQMP is required to identify an effective combination of erosion control and sediment control measures (i.e., Best Management Practices) to reduce or eliminate sediment discharge to surface water from stormwater and non-stormwater discharges. The WQMP also is required to establish a post -construction implementation and maintenance plan to ensure on -going, long-term erosion protection. Compliance with the WQMP will be required as a condition of approval for the Project, as will the long-term maintenance of erosion and sediment control features.

A Project -specific Preliminary WQMP was prepared for the Project (see Technical Appendix 12 of this EIR) to identify appropriate BMPs for the Project. A Final Project -specific WQMP that is in substantial conformance with the approved Preliminary Project -Specific WQMP shall be approved by the City prior to the issuance of grading permits (see Regulatory Requirement RR 7-4 in Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality, of this EIR). As identified in the Project's Preliminary WQMP, low - impact development (LID) BMPs (e.g., bioretention and biotreatment) are proposed to detain stormwater on -site for runoff mitigation. Additionally, the Project's Preliminary WQMP identifies site - design BMPs, structural and non-structural source -control BMPs, and treatment -control BMPs that would be implemented for the Project.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils As detailed in Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality, of this EIR, the Project's drainage system would route runoff from the proposed impervious surfaces to the four detention basins. Each basin would provide stormwater treatment and peak flow mitigation for each of their respective tributaries.

The detention basins would remove pollutants from runoff, including sediment, thereby providing first - flush capture, detention, and filtration of stormwater runoff before it is discharged from the Project site. Additionally, basin vegetation provides erosion protection, which is required to maintained regularly (PECW, 2022b).

By complying with the NPDES permit and WQMP requirements, the Project would be required to utilize erosion and sediment control measures to preclude substantial, long-term soil erosion and loss of topsoil. Therefore, the Project would result in less than significant impacts related to soil erosion and/or loss of topsoil.

Threshold c: Would the Project 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? As discussed under Threshold b, above, the Project's proposed 2:1 cut and fill slopes are considered grossly stable and surficially stable; and, as discussed under Threshold a, above, impacts relating to landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, and liquefaction would be less than significant.

The undocumented artificial fill soils, colluvium, and loose younger alluvial soils present on the Project site have settlement potential and portions of the younger alluvium are prone to hydro -collapse. As part of the Geotechnical Report, KCG determined that the volume of change of excavated on -site materials upon excavation and placement as engineered fill will vary with bedrock and/or soil type, location, and compaction effort. Alluvial soils would have the greatest shrinkage potential and could shrink up to 15%. Further, laboratory testing indicates that the young alluvium on -site exhibits a collapse potential of zero to as much as 4.5%, which is respectively considered slight to moderate (KCG, 2021). The majority of the settlement is expected to occur during grading and within a few months thereafter. However, the majority of the alluvium that is potentially susceptible to seismic induced dry settlement would be removed during remedial earthwork and would also be subject to additional settlement during construction due to fill loads, which would reduce the settlement significantly.

Further, the City will condition the Project to comply with the site -specific ground preparation and construction recommendations contained in the Project's Geotechnical Report (Technical Appendix Fl of this EIR). Recommendations in the preliminary Geotechnical Report and any updates thereto relating to settlement monitoring (i.e., installation of surface monuments), fill placement, and compaction (see Section 5.3 and 5.9 of Technical Appendix F1), will ensure that potential impacts related to settlement, soil shrinkage, and collapse would be less than significant.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report

4.7 Geology and Soils
Threshold d: Would the Project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
As discussed above under Section 4.7.1E.4 due to the limited presence of siltstone and clay layers, and the known presence of mostly sandstone generated soils within the Project site, the expansion potential of on -site soils is considered low. However, siltstone/clay layers subject to excavation would produce clayey soils, which would be expansive. Minor amounts of siltstone exist on -site, however, if siltstone is placed at pad grade, it would produce moderately expansive soils. Section 5 of Technical Appendix F1 of this EIR, requires evaluation of potential expansive soil at completion of grading pursuant to ASTM D-4829, to ensure that expansive soils would not create a substantial risk to life or property.

Mandatory compliance with the recommendations contained within the Project's Geotechnical Report (as required by the CBSC and Beaumont Municipal Code and Building Code) would ensure that the impact remains less than significant.

Threshold e: Would the Project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?
The Project is designed to connect to the City -owned municipal wastewater conveyance system, with wastewater treatment services supplied by the City of Beaumont Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Project does not include septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Accordingly, no impact related to the use of or performance of septic tanks and/or alternative wastewater systems would occur.

Threshold f Would the Project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Since the City of Beaumont does not have specific guidelines for the preservation of paleontological resources, Riverside County guidelines for rating the paleontological sensitivity of geologic formations are employed. A paleontological sensitivity map generated by the Riverside County Land Information System in February 2021 ranks most of the Project area as having a High Paleontological Potential/Sensitivity (High A), The category "High A" indicates that fossils are likely to be encountered at the surface and may be impacted during excavation by construction activities.

The Project site has a high potential to contain paleontological resources due to the: 1) presence of the middle Pliocene to lower Pleistocene fossiliferous middle member of the San Timoteo Formation, 2) recovery of fossils from the formation within and nearby the Project site boundaries, and 3) "High" Paleontological Sensitivity assigned to the San Timoteo Formation for yielding paleontological resources. The San Timoteo Formation also extends below the cover of young alluvial fan deposits and would be exposed during grading activities. Areas having a low paleontological sensitivity are represented by Holocene (modern) young alluvial fan deposits lining the drainage valleys. Generally, these sedimentary deposits do not yield fossils, being too young.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils A paleontological literature review and collections and records search was performed by the Los Angeles County Museum (LACM). The review did not find any documented paleontological localities (fossil sites) held by the LACM from within the Project site; however, six localities held by the LACM are just west of the southernmost portion of the Project site. Significant fossil vertebrate remains "may well" be encountered in any digging in the San Timoteo Formation, as well as in older Quaternary alluvial deposits that may underlie the younger alluvium mapped on the surface within the Project site.

However, based upon the topography and the distribution of the various Quaternary deposits in the Project vicinity, it is more likely that the San Timoteo Formation underlies the young alluvial fan deposits within the Project site.

Therefore, there is a high probably of encountering paleontological resources during grading activities that impact the San Timoteo Formation and Quaternary older alluvial fan sediments. Impacts to paleontological resources would be significant.

4.7.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS
As noted in the foregoing analysis, all potential Project -related direct and indirect impacts related to geology and soils would be addressed through mandatory conformance with the CBSC, City of Beaumont Municipal Code, other standard regulatory requirements, and the site -specific recommendations identified in the Geotechnical Report contained within Technical Appendix Fl of this EIR, including any updates thereto, as required in Regulatory Requirement RR 7-1.

With the exception of erosion hazards, potential hazardous effects related to geologic and soil conditions addressed under Thresholds "a," "c," "d," and "e" are unique to the Project site, and inherently restricted to the specific property proposed for development. That is, issues including fault rupture, seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and expansive soils would involve effects to (and not from) a proposed development project, are specific to conditions on the subject property, and are not influenced or exacerbated by the geologic and/or soils hazards that may occur on other, off -site properties. Because of the site -specific nature of these potential hazards and the measures to address them, there would be no direct or indirect connection to similar potential issues or cumulative effects to or from other properties.

As discussed under Threshold "b," regulatory requirements mandate that the Project incorporate design measures during construction and long-term operation to ensure that significant erosion impacts do not occur. Other development projects in the vicinity of the Project site would be required to comply with the same regulatory requirements as the Project to preclude substantial adverse water and wind erosion impacts. Because the Project and other projects within the cumulative study area would be subject to similar mandatory regulatory requirements to control erosion hazards during construction and long- term operation, cumulative impacts associated with wind and water erosion hazards would be less than significant.

The Project's potential to result in impacts to paleontological resources (Threshold "f") is similar to that of other projects located in the region that are underlain by alluvial fan deposits. The Project - Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.7 Geology and Soils specific PRIMP, required as Mitigation Measures MM 4.7-1 through MM 4.7-3, would ensure Project - specific paleontological impacts are reduced to less than significant. Therefore, the Project's contribution to a cumulatively -considerable impacts is less than significant.

4.7.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS BEFORE MITIGATION
Threshold a: Less -than -Significant Impact. Implementation of the Project would not expose people or structures to substantial direct or indirect adverse effects related to liquefaction or fault rupture. The Project site is subject to seismic ground shaking associated with earthquakes; however, mandatory compliance with local and State regulatory requirements and building codes would ensure that the Project reduces the impact associated with seismic ground shaking to less than significant.

Threshold b: Less Than Significant Impact. Geological soil units on -site are considered to be erodible.

However, the Project Applicant would be required to obtain a NPDES permit for construction activities and adhere to a SWPPP. Following completion of development, the Project's owner or operator would be required by law to implement a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) during operation.

Mandatory adherence to the recommendations contained in the site -specific geotechnical report and compliance with the SWPPP and SCAQMD Rule 403 would preclude substantial erosion impacts in the long-term.

Threshold c: Less Than Significant Impact. There is marginal potential for the Project's construction or operation to cause, or be impacted by, on- or off -site landslides or lateral spreading. As discussed under Threshold a, above, impacts relating to landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, and liquefaction would be less than significant. Potential hazards associated with settlement and collapse would be precluded through mandatory adherence to the recommendations contained in the site -specific geotechnical report during Project construction.

Threshold d: Less Than Significant Impact. The Project site contains soils with marginal susceptibility to expansion. Potential hazards associated with expansive soils would be precluded through mandatory adherence to the recommendations contained in the site -specific geotechnical report during Project construction; therefore, the Project would not create substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property associated with the presence of expansive soils.

Threshold e: No Impact. No septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems are proposed to be installed on the Project site. Accordingly, no impact would occur associated with soil compatibility for wastewater disposal systems.

Threshold f: Potentially Significant Impact. The Project site is identified as within an area of "High" Paleontological Sensitivity; therefore, implementation of the Project would result in potentially significant impacts associated with paleontological resources. The Project could result in direct impacts to paleontological resources within the Project site should such resources be discovered during Project - related construction activities.

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4.7.9 MITIGATION
The following mitigation measure addresses the potential for Project construction to impact paleontological resources that may be present beneath the Project site and that may be discovered during ground -disturbing construction activities.

MM 4.7-1
MM 4.7-2
MM 4.7-3
Prior to issuance of grading permits, the Project Applicant shall retain a qualified paleontologist. Paleontological monitoring of the young alluvial fan deposits is not warranted, since their potential to yield fossils is low. However, if, during earth disturbance activities, the San Timoteo Foundation or older Quaternary alluvial deposits is exposed beneath the overlying young alluvial fan deposits, monitoring should be initiated during periods in which the San Timoteo Formation or older Quaternary alluvial deposits will be impacted. Monitoring shall be conducted during any grading or excavation in undisturbed sediments of the San Timoteo Foundation.

Complete grading plans for each phase shall be made available to the City of Beaumont and to the paleontologist/ paleontological monitor prior to the start of any earth -moving activities for each phase.

Prior to initiation of any grading and/or excavation activities, a preconstruction meeting shall be held and attended by the paleontologist of record, representatives of the grading contractor and subcontractors, the project owner or developer, and a representative of the lead agency. The nature of potential paleontological resources shall be discussed, as well as the protocol that is to be implemented following discovery of any fossiliferous materials.

Paleontological monitors shall be equipped to salvage fossils as they are unearthed to avoid construction delays. The monitor shall be empowered to temporarily halt or divert equipment to allow removal of abundant or large specimens in a timely manner.

Monitoring may be reduced if the potentially fossiliferous units are not present in the subsurface, or if present, are determined upon exposure and examination by qualified paleontological personnel to have low potential to contain fossil resources. Fossil discovery and salvage shall occur as follows:
a) Notification of fossil discoveries shall be immediately reported by the paleontologist or paleontological monitor to the City of Beaumont, the Project owner or developer, and the consulting company overseeing development of the Project.
b) Paleontological salvage shall complete with professional standard protocols, as detailed in Section VII, Paleontological Resource Impact Mitigation Program in Technical Appendix F2 of this Draft EIR.

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•
c) In the laboratory, individual fossils shall be cleaned of extraneous matrix, any breaks are repaired, and the specimen, if needed, is stabilized by soaking in an archivally approved acrylic hardener (e.g., a solution of acetone and Paraloid B- 72).
d) The recovered specimens shall be prepared to a point of identification and permanent preservation (not display), including screen -washing of sediments to recover small invertebrates and vertebrates.
e) The prepared specimens, along with relevant information, shall be curated into a professional, accredited public museum repository with a commitment to archival conservation and permanent retrievable storage (e.g., the Western Science Center in Hemet, California). The paleontological program should include a written repository agreement prior to the initiation of mitigation activities. The City of Beaumont may select another repository if it so desires. f) A final monitoring and mitigation report of findings and significance, including lists of all fossils recovered and necessary maps and graphics to accurately record their original location, shall be prepared. The report, when submitted to, and accepted by, the City of Beaumont, shall signify satisfactory completion of the project program to mitigate impacts to any potential non-renewable paleontological resources (i.e., fossils) that might have been lost or otherwise adversely affected without such a program in place.

4.7.10 SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS AFTER MITIGATION
Threshold f: Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.7-1 through 4.7-3 would ensure the proper identification and subsequent treatment of any significant paleontological resources that may be encountered during ground -disturbing activities associated with implementation of the proposed Project. With implementation of the required mitigation, the Project's potential impacts to important paleontological resources would be reduced to less than significant. The Project's contribution to cumulative impacts would likewise be reduced to less than significant.

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4.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
The analysis in this section is based on a technical report prepared by Urban Crossroads titled, Greenhouse Gas Analysis, dated October 13, 2022 and included as Technical Appendix G to this EIR (Urban Crossroads, 2022d). The technical report and analysis in this section assess the proposed Project's potential to generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that could contribute to global climate change and its associated environmental effects.

4.8.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. Introduction to Global Climate Change
Global Climate Change (GCC) is a change in average meteorological conditions on the earth with respect to temperature, precipitation, and storms. The majority of scientists believe that the climate shift taking place since the Industrial Revolution is occurring at a quicker rate and magnitude than in the past. Scientific evidence suggests that GCC is the result of increased concentrations of GHGs in the earth's atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), and fluorinated gases. The majority of scientists believe that this increased rate of climate change is the result of GHGs resulting from human activity and industrialization over the past 200 years.

An individual project like the Project cannot generate enough GHG emissions to affect a discernible change in global climate. However, the Project may participate in the potential for GCC by its incremental contribution of GHGs combined with the cumulative increase of all other sources of GHGs, which when taken together constitute potential influences on GCC. Because these changes may have serious environmental consequences, the Project's Greenhouse Gas Analysis will evaluate the potential for the Project to have a cumulatively significant effect upon the environment as a result of its potential contribution to the greenhouse effect.

GCC refers to the change in average meteorological conditions on the earth with respect to temperature, wind patterns, precipitation, and storms. Global temperatures are regulated by naturally occurring atmospheric gases such as water vapor, CO2, N20, CH4, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These particular gases are important due to their residence time (duration they stay) in the atmosphere, which ranges from 10 years to more than 100 years. These gases allow solar radiation into the earth's atmosphere, but prevent radioactive heat from escaping, thus warming the earth's atmosphere. GCC can occur naturally as it has in the past with the previous ice ages.

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often referred to as GHGs. GHGs are released into the atmosphere by both natural and anthropogenic activity. The cumulative accumulation of these gases in the earth's atmosphere is considered to be the cause for the observed increase in the earth's temperature.

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GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a GHG effect that results in global warming and climate change. For the purposes of this analysis, emissions of CO2, CH4, and N20 were evaluated because these gases are the primary contributors to GCC from development projects. Although there are other substances such as fluorinated gases that also contribute to GCC, these fluorinated gases were not evaluated as their sources are not well-defined and do not contain accepted emissions factors or methodology to accurately calculate these gases.

GHGs have varying Global Warming Potential (GWP) values. GWP of a GHG indicates the amount of warming a gas causes over a given period of time and represents the potential of a gas to trap heat in the atmosphere. CO2 is utilized as the reference gas for GWP, and thus has a GWP of 1. The atmospheric lifetime and GWP of selected GHGs are summarized in Table 4.8-1, GWP and Atmospheric Lifetime of Select GHGs. As shown in the table below, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s scientific and socio-economic assessment on climate change, range from 1 for CO2 to 23,900 for Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) and the GWP for the IPCC's 5th Assessment Report range from 1 for CO2 to 23,500 for SF6.

Table 4.8-1 GWP and Atmospheric Lifetime of Select GHGs Gas
Atmospheric Lifetime
(years)
Global Warming Potential (100 -year time horizon)
Second Assessment
Report
5th Assessment Report
CO2
See*
1 1
CH4

12.4 21
28 N20
121
310
265
HFC-23 * *
222
11,700
12,400
HFC-134a

13.4 1,300
1,300
HFC-152a

1.5 140
138
SF6
3,200
23,900
23,500
*As per Appendix 8.A of IPCC' s 5th Assessment Report, no single lifetime can be given. ** HFC = Hydrofluorocarbon
Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 2-2)
Provided below is a description of the common gases that contribute to GCC. For more information about these gases and their associated human health effects, refer to Section 2.3 of Technical Appendix G to this EIR and the reference sources cited therein.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is an odorless and colorless GHG that is emitted from natural and artificial sources. Natural sources include: the decomposition of dead organic matter; respiration of bacteria, plants, animals, and fungus; evaporation from oceans; and volcanic outgassing. Anthropogenic sources include: the burning of coal, oil, natural gas, and wood.

Since the industrial revolution began in the mid -1700s, the sort of human activity that increases GHG emissions has increased dramatically. As an example, prior to the industrial revolution, CO2 concentrations were fairly stable at 280 parts per million (ppm). Today, they are around Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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However, in some cases, heavy and extended use can cause brain damage. • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are gases formed synthetically by replacing all hydrogen atoms in CH4 or ethane (C2H6) with chlorine and/or fluorine atoms. CFCs are nontoxic, nonflammable, insoluble and chemically unreactive in the troposphere (the level of air at the Earth's surface). CFCs were first synthesized in 1928 and have no natural source. CFCs were used for refrigerants, aerosol propellants and cleaning solvents. After discovery that they are able to destroy stratospheric ozone, a global effort to halt their production was undertaken and was extremely successful, so much so that levels of the major CFCs are now remaining steady or declining. However, due to their long atmospheric lifetime, some of the CFCs will remain in the atmosphere for over 100 years.
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are synthetic chemicals that are used as a substitute for CFCs. Out of all GHGs, they are one of three groups with the highest global warming potential. The HFCs with the largest measured atmospheric abundances are (in order largest to smallest), HFC-23 (CHF3), HFC-134a (CF3CH2F), and HFC-152a (CH3CHF2). Prior to 1990, the only significant emissions were HFC-23 emissions. HFC-134a emissions are increasing due to its use as a refrigerant. No human health effects are known to result from exposure to HFCs, which are used for applications such as automobile air conditioners and refrigerants.

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are primarily produced for aluminum production and semiconductor manufacture. PFCs have stable molecular structures and do not break down through chemical processes in the lower atmosphere. Because of this, PFCs have very long lifetimes, between 10,000 and 50,000 years. Two common PFCs are tetrafluoromethane (CFa) and hexafluoroethane (C2F6). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that concentrations of CF4 in the atmosphere are over 70 ppt. No human health effects are known to result from exposure to PFCs.
• Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) is an inorganic, odorless, colorless, nontoxic, nonflammable gas. It also has the highest GWP of any gas evaluated (22,800). The EPA indicates that concentrations in the 1990s were about 4 ppt. In high concentrations in confined areas, the gas presents the hazard of suffocation because it displaces the oxygen needed for breathing. Sulfur hexafluoride is used for insulation in electric power transmission and distribution equipment, in the magnesium industry, in semiconductor manufacturing, and as a tracer gas for leak detection. • Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) is a colorless gas with a distinctly moldy odor. The World Resources Institute indicates that NF3 has a 100 -year GWP of 17,200. NF3 is used in industrial processes and is produced in the manufacturing of semiconductors, Liquid Crystal Display panels, types of solar panels, and chemical lasers. Long-term or repeated exposure may affect the liver and kidneys and may cause fluorosis.

C. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories

1. Global
Worldwide anthropogenic GHG emissions are tracked by the IPCC for industrialized nations (referred to as Annex I) and developing nations (referred to as Non -Annex I). Human GHG emissions data for Annex I nations are available through 2018. Based on the latest available data, the sum of these emissions totaled approximately 28,768,439 gigagram (Gg) CO2e, as shown in Table 4.8-2, Top GHG- Producing Countries and the European Union. As noted in Table 4.8-2, the United States (U.S.), as a single country, was the number two producer of GHG emissions in 2018.

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Table 4.8-2 Top GHG-Producing Countries and the European Union Emitting Countries
GHG Emissions (Gg CO2e)
China
12,300,200
Unites States
6,676,650
European Union (28 -member countries)
4,232,274
India
2,220,123
Russian Federation
2,100,850
Japan
1,238,343
Total
28,768,439
Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 2-3)

2. State of California
California has significantly slowed the rate GHG emissions growth due to the implementation of energy efficiency programs as well as adoption of strict emission controls, but is still a contributor to the U.S. emissions inventory total. The California Air Resource Board (CARB) compiles GHG inventories for the State of California. Based upon the 2019 GHG inventory data (i.e., the latest year for which data are available) for the 2000-2018 GHG emissions period, California emitted an average 425.3 million metric tons of CO2e per year (MMTCO2e/yr) or 425,320 Gg CO2e (6.37% of the total United States GHG emissions). Based on data published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, California's per capita (9.12 metric tons) GHG emissions are much less than the nationwide per capita (15.8 metric ton) average
D. Effects of Climate Change in California
Climate change will likely cause shifts in weather patterns, potentially resulting in changes in rainfall levels and volumes, resulting in flooding or droughts, increased wildfire risk, impair habitats for threatened and endangered species, and cause food shortages in some areas, among other climate change results. The potential health effects related directly to the emissions of CO2, CH4, and N20 as they relate to development projects such as the Project are still being debated in the scientific community. Their cumulative effects to GCC have the potential to cause adverse effects to human health. Increases in Earth's ambient temperatures would result in more intense heat waves, causing more heat -related deaths. Scientists also purport those higher ambient temperatures could affect disease survival rates and result in more widespread disease. As shown in Exhibit 4.8-1, Summary of Projected Global Warming Impact, 2070-2099 (As Compared With 1961-1990), climate change impacts in California have the potential to include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

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Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Exhbit 4.3-1: Summary of Projected Global Warming Impact, 2070-2099 (As Compared With 1961-1990)
Higher —
Emissions
Scenario
Medium -
High
Emissions
Scenario
Lower
Emissions
Scenario
/ 13'F
/ 12
/ 11
/ 10
/ 9
/6
/7
/6
/5
/4
/ 3
/2
/ 1
j• 0
Higher
Warming Range
(8-10.5°F)
Medium
Warming Range
(5.5-8°F)
Lower
Warming Range
(3-5.5°F)
• 90%bss in Sierra snowpack ■
• 22-30 inches of sea level rise
3-4 times as many heat wave days in major urban centers 4-6 times as many heat -related deaths in major urban centers

2.5 times more critically dry years
20% increase in energy demand
• 70-80% loss in Sierra snowpack
• 14-22 inches of sea level rise
• 2.5-4 times as many heat wave days in major urban centers • 2-6 times as many heat -related deaths in major urban centers • 75-85% increase in days conducive to ozone formation' • 2-2.5 times more critically dry years
• 10% increase in electricity demand
• 30% decrease in forest yields (pine)
• 55% increase in the expected risk of large wildfires
• 30-6096 loss in Sierra snow pack
• 6-14 inches of sea level rise
• 2-2.5 times as many heat wave days in major urban centers • 2-3 times as many heat -related deaths in major urban centers • 25-35% increase in days conducive to ozone formation' • Up to 1.5 times more critically dry years
• 3-6% increase in electricity demand
• 7-14% decrease in forest yields (pine)
• 10-35% increase in the risk of large wildfires
' Loll high ozone locations in Los Angelis (Itiv..ssidcl and the San Joaquin Valley (Visalia, Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Exhibit 2-A)

1. Public Health
Higher temperatures may increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of conditions conducive to air pollution formation. For example, days with weather conducive to ozone formation could increase from 25 to 35% under the lower warming range to 75 to 85% under the medium warming range. In addition, if global background ozone levels increase as predicted in some scenarios, it may become impossible to meet local air quality standards. Air quality could be further compromised by increases in wildfires, which emit fine particulate matter that can travel long distances, depending on wind conditions. The Our Changing Climate: Assessing the Risks to California report indicates that large wildfires could become up to 55% more frequent if GHG emissions are not significantly reduced.

In addition, under the higher warming range scenario, there could be up to 100 more days per year with temperatures above 90°F in Los Angeles and 95°F in Sacramento by 2100. This is a large increase over historical patterns and approximately twice the increase projected if temperatures remain within or below the lower warming range. Rising temperatures could increase the risk of death from dehydration, heat stroke/exhaustion, heart attack, stroke, and respiratory distress caused by extreme heat.

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2. Water Resources
A vast network of artificial reservoirs and aqueducts captures and transports water throughout the State from northern California rivers and the Colorado River. The current distribution system from northern California relies on Sierra Nevada snowpack to supply water during the dry spring and summer months.

Rising temperatures, potentially compounded by decreases in precipitation, could severely reduce spring snowpack, and result in a drier Colorado River, increasing the risk of summer water shortages.

If temperatures continue to increase, more precipitation could fall as rain instead of snow, and the snow that does fall could melt earlier, reducing the Sierra Nevada spring snowpack by as much as 70 to 90%.

Under the lower warming range scenario, snowpack losses could be only half as large as those possible if temperatures were to rise to the higher warming range. How much snowpack could be lost depends in part on future precipitation patterns, the projections for which remain uncertain. However, even under the wetter climate projections, the loss of snowpack could pose challenges to water managers and hamper hydropower generation. It could also adversely affect winter tourism. Under the lower warming range, the ski season at lower elevations could be reduced by as much as a month. If temperatures reach the higher warming range and precipitation declines, there might be many years with insufficient snow for skiing and snowboarding.

The State's water supplies are also at risk from rising sea levels. An influx of saltwater could degrade California's estuaries, wetlands, and groundwater aquifers. Saltwater intrusion caused by rising sea levels is a major threat to the quality and reliability of water within several areas including Orange County and the southern edge of the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta — a major fresh water supply.

3. Agriculture
Increased temperatures could cause widespread changes to the agriculture industry reducing the quantity and quality of agricultural products statewide. First, California farmers could possibly lose as much as 25% of the water supply needed. Although higher CO2 levels can stimulate plant production and increase plant water -use efficiency, California's farmers could face greater water demand for crops and a less reliable water supply as temperatures rise. Crop growth and development could change, as could the intensity and frequency of pest and disease outbreaks. Rising temperatures could aggravate ozone pollution, which makes plants more susceptible to disease and pests and interferes with plant growth.

Plant growth tends to be slow at low temperatures, increasing with rising temperatures up to a threshold. However, faster growth can result in less -than -optimal development for many crops, so rising temperatures could worsen the quantity and quality of yield for a number of California's agricultural products. Products likely to be most affected include wine grapes, fruits, and nuts.

In addition, continued GCC could shift the ranges of existing invasive plants and weeds and alter competition patterns with native plants. Range expansion could occur in many species while range contractions may be less likely in rapidly evolving species with significant populations already established. Should range contractions occur, new or different weed species could fill the emerging Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions gaps. Continued GCC could alter the abundance and types of many pests, lengthen pests' breeding season, and increase pathogen growth rates.

4. Effects on Species
GCC has the potential to alter natural ecosystems and biological diversity. As the existing climate throughout California changes, the ranges of various plant and wildlife species could shift or shrink, as rainfall and temperature changes occur. This could result in impacts to the viability of certain species in various habitats throughout the state and of certain threatened and endangered species.

5. Rising Sea Levels
Although not relevant to the Project area, rising sea levels, more intense coastal storms, and warmer water temperatures could increasingly threaten the State's coastal regions. Under the higher warming range scenario, sea level is anticipated to rise 22 to 35 inches by 2100. Elevations of this magnitude would inundate low-lying coastal areas with saltwater, accelerate coastal erosion, threaten vital levees and inland water systems, and disrupt wetlands and natural habitats. Under the lower warming range scenario, sea level could rise 12-14 inches.

4.8.2 NOTICE OF PREPARATION/SCOPING COMMENTS
A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Project was released for public review on September 7, 2020 and an EIR Scoping Meeting was held September 17, 2020. No comments were made on during the EIR Scoping Meeting that pertain to greenhouse gas emissions.

Two comments related to GHG emissions from South Coast AQMD and the Center of Biological Diversity were received on October 1 and 6, 2020, respectively. South Coast AQMD requested that the air quality analysis for the Project use the guidance and methods of the South Coast AQMD's CEQA Air Quality Handbook and website and to provide mitigation measures that the Lead Agency should consider in reducing potential impacts to air quality. The Center of Biological Diversity requested that the EIR thoroughly disclose, analyze, and mitigate to the extent feasible the Project's anticipated GHG emissions.

4.8.3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The following is a brief description of the international, federal, State, and regional environmental laws and related regulations related to GHG emissions. For more information, refer to Section 2.7 of Technical Appendix G of this EIR and the reference sources cited therein.

A. International

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
In 1988, the United Nations (U.N.) and the World Meteorological Organization established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to assess the scientific, technical, and Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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2. United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change (Convention) On March 21, 1994, the U.S. joined a number of countries around the world in signing the Convention.

Under the Convention, governments gather and share information on GHG emissions, national policies, and best practices; launch national strategies for addressing GHG emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and technological support to developing countries; and cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

3. International Climate Change Treaties
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the Convention. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing GHG emissions at an average of 5% against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012. The Convention (as discussed above) encouraged industrialized countries to stabilize emissions; however, the Protocol commits them to do so. Developed countries have contributed more emissions over the last 150 years; therefore, the Protocol places a heavier burden on developed nations under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities." In 2001, President George W. Bush indicated that he would not submit the treaty to the U.S. Senate for ratification, which effectively ended American involvement in the Kyoto Protocol. In December 2009, international leaders met in Copenhagen to address the future of international climate change commitments post -Kyoto. No binding agreement was reached in Copenhagen; however, the Committee identified the long-term goal of limiting the maximum global average temperature increase to no more than 2 degrees Celsius (°C) above pre -industrial levels, subject to a review in 2015. The UN Climate Change Committee held additional meetings in Durban, South Africa in November 2011; Doha, Qatar in November 2012; and Warsaw, Poland in November 2013. The meetings are gradually gaining consensus among participants on individual climate change issues.

On September 23, 2014 more than 100 Heads of State and Government and leaders from the private sector and civil society met at the Climate Summit in New York hosted by the U.N. At the Summit, heads of government, business and civil society announced actions in areas that would have the greatest impact on reducing emissions, including climate finance, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, cities, forests, and building resilience.

Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reached a landmark agreement on December 12, 2015 in Paris, charting a fundamentally new course in the two -decade -old global climate effort. Culminating a four-year negotiating round, the new treaty ends the strict differentiation between developed and developing countries that characterized earlier efforts, replacing it with a common framework that commits all countries to put forward their best efforts and to strengthen them in the years ahead. This includes, for the first time, requirements that all parties report regularly on their emissions and implementation efforts and undergo international review.

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions The agreement and a companion decision by parties were the key outcomes of the conference, known as the 21St session of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP). Together, the Paris Agreement and the accompanying COP decision:
• Reaffirm the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2°C, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C;
• Establish binding commitments by all parties to make "nationally determined contributions" (NDCs), and to pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving them; • Commit all countries to report regularly on their emissions and "progress made in implementing and achieving" their NDCs, and to undergo international review; • Commit all countries to submit new NDCs every five years, with the clear expectation that they will "represent a progression" beyond previous ones; • Reaffirm the binding obligations of developed countries under the UNFCCC to support the efforts of developing countries, while for the first time encouraging voluntary contributions by developing countries too;
• Extend the current goal of mobilizing $100 billion a year in support by 2020 through 2025, with a new, higher goal to be set for the period after 2025; • Extend a mechanism to address "loss and damage" resulting from climate change, which explicitly will not "involve or provide a basis for any liability or compensation;" • Require parties engaging in international emissions trading to avoid "double counting;" and
• Call for a new mechanism, similar to the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, enabling emission reductions in one country to be counted toward another country's NDC (C2ES 2015a) (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), 2015).

On November 4, 2019, the Trump administration formally notified the U.N. that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. It should be noted that withdrawal will be effective one year after notification in 2020. On February 19, 2021, The U.S. officially rejoined the Paris Agreement.

8. Federal

1. Federal Regulation and the Clean Air Act
Prior to the last decade, there have been no concrete federal regulations of GHGs or major planning for climate change adaptation. The following are actions regarding direct and indirect regulations by the federal government concerning GHGs and fuel efficiency.

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■ n Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency 549 U.S. 497 (2007), decided on April 2, 2007, the United States Supreme Court (U.S. Court) found that four GHGs, including CO2, are air pollutants subject to regulation under Section 202(a)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The Court held that the EPA Administrator must determine whether emissions of GHGs from new motor vehicles cause or contribute to air pollution, which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare, or whether the science is too uncertain to make a reasoned decision. On December 7, 2009, the EPA Administrator signed two distinct findings regarding GHGs under section 202(a) of the CAA:
• Endangerment Finding: The Administrator finds that the current and projected concentrations of the six key well -mixed GHGs— CO2, CH4, N20, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6—in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations. • Cause or Contribute Finding: The Administrator finds that the combined emissions of these well -mixed GHGs from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines contribute to the GHG pollution, which threatens public health and welfare.

These findings do not impose requirements on industry or other entities. However, this was a prerequisite for implementing GHG emissions standards for vehicles, as discussed in section 2.7.1 "Clean Vehicles" in Technical Appendix G of this EIR.

2. Mandatory Reporting of GHGs
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, passed in December 2007, requires the establishment of mandatory GHG reporting requirements. On September 22, 2009, the EPA issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of GHGs Rule, which became effective January 1, 2010. The rule requires reporting of GHG emissions from large sources and suppliers in the U.S. and is intended to collect accurate and timely emissions data to inform future policy decisions. Under the rule, suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial GHGs, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons per year (MT/yr) or more of GHG emissions are required to submit annual reports to the EPA.

C. State

1. Executive Order S-3-05
Then California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on June 1, 2005, through Executive Order S-3-05, the following reduction targets for GHG emissions:
• By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels.
• By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels.
• By 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels.

The 2050 reduction goal represents what some scientists believe is necessary to reach levels that will stabilize the climate. The 2020 goal was established to be a mid-term target. Because this is an Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions executive order, the goals are not legally enforceable for local governments or the private sector, and do not apply to this Project.

2. Executive Order S-13-08
Executive Order S-13-08 states that "climate change in California during the next century is expected to shift precipitation patterns, accelerate sea level rise and increase temperatures, thereby posing a serious threat to California's economy, to the health and welfare of its population and to its natural resources." Pursuant to the requirements in the Order, the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy (CNRA 2009) was adopted, which is the "...first statewide, multi -sector, region -specific, and information -based climate change adaptation strategy in the United States." Objectives include analyzing risks of climate change in California, identifying, and exploring strategies to adapt to climate change, and specifying a direction for future research. This is provided for informational purposes only and does not apply to the Project.

3. Executive Order B-30-15
The GHG reduction target of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 in this 2015 Executive Order issued by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. was subsequently codified in SB 32. It directs CARB to update the Climate Change Scoping Plan to express the 2030 target in terms of MMTCO2e. The Order also requires the State's climate adaptation plan to be updated every three years, and for the State to continue its climate change research program, among other provisions. As with Executive Order S-3- 05, this Order is not legally enforceable for local governments and the private sector, and does not apply to this Project.

4. Executive Order S-01-07 — Low Carbon Fuel Standard
The Governor signed Executive Order S-01-07 on January 18, 2007. The order mandates that a statewide goal shall be established to reduce the carbon intensity of California's transportation fuels by at least 10% by 2020. In particular, the Executive Order established a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and directed the Secretary for Environmental Protection to coordinate the actions of the CEC, CARB, the University of California, and other agencies to develop and propose protocols for measuring the "life -cycle carbon intensity" of transportation fuels. This analysis supporting development of the protocols was included in the State Implementation Plan for alternative fuels (State Alternative Fuels Plan adopted by CEC on December 24, 2007) and was submitted to CARB for consideration as an "early action" item under AB 32. CARB adopted the LCFS on April 23, 2009.

CARB approved the LCFS regulation in 2009 and began implementation on January 1, 2011. CARB approved some amendments to the LCFS in December 2011, which were implemented on January 1, 2013. In September 2015, the Board approved the re -adoption of the LCFS, which became effective on January 1, 2016, to address procedural deficiencies in the way the original regulation was adopted.

In 2018, the Board approved amendments to the regulation, which included strengthening and smoothing the carbon intensity benchmarks through 2030 in -line with California's 2030 GHG emission reduction target enacted through SB 32, adding new crediting opportunities to promote zero emission Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions vehicle adoption, alternative jet fuel, carbon capture and sequestration, and advanced technologies to achieve deep decarbonization in the transportation sector.

5. Executive Order B-55-18 and SB 100
SB 100 and Executive Order B-55-18 were signed by Governor Brown in 2018. Before then, 25% of retail energy sales were required to be from renewable sources by December 31, 2016, 33% by December 31, 2020, 40% by December 31, 2024, 45% by December 31, 2027, and 50% by December 31, 2030. SB 100 raised California's RPS requirement to 50% renewable resources target by December 31, 2026 and established a 60% target by December 31, 2030. SB 100 also required that retail sellers and local publicly owned electric utilities procure a minimum quantity of electricity products from eligible renewable energy resources so that the total kilowatt hours of those products sold to their retail end -use customers achieve 44% of retail sales by December 31, 2024, 52% by December 31, 2027, and 60% by December 31, 2030. In addition to targets under AB 32 and SB 32, Executive Order B- 55-18 established a carbon neutrality goal for the state of California by 2045; and sets a goal to maintain net negative emissions thereafter. The Executive Order directed the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), California Environmental Protection Agency (Ca1EPA), the Depai tiuent of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and CARB to include sequestration targets in the Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan consistent with the carbon neutrality goal which does not apply to local governments and the private sector, and does not apply to this Project.

6. California Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32)
In 2006, the California State Legislature enacted AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires that GHGs emitted in California be reduced to 1990 levels by the year 2020. "GHGs" as defined under AB 32 include CO2, CH4, N20, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. Since AB 32 was enacted, a seventh chemical, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), has also been added to the list of GHGs. The Act required CARB to determine the 1990 statewide GHG emissions level and approve a statewide GHG emissions limit to be achieved by 2020 by adopting regulations to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG emission reductions. CARB is the state agency charged with monitoring and regulating sources of GHGs.

CARB approved the 1990 GHG emissions level of 427 MMTCO2e on December 6, 2007. Therefore, emissions generated in California in 2020 were required to be equal to or less than 427 MMTCO2e.

Emissions in 2020 in a "business as usual" (BAU) scenario were estimated to be 596 MMTCO2e, which do not account for reductions from AB 32 regulations. At that level, a 28.4% reduction was required to achieve the 427 MMTCO2e 1990 inventory. In October 2010, CARB prepared an updated BAU 2020 forecast to account for the recession and slower forecasted growth. The forecasted inventory without the benefits of adopted regulation was then estimated at 545 MMTCO2e. Therefore, under the updated forecast, a 21.7% reduction from BAU was required to achieve 1990 levels on a statewide basis.

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■ n Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

7. California Air Resources Board (CARB) Scoping Plans
The first Scoping Plan was adopted by CARB on December 11, 2008. The 2008 Scoping Plan contained measures designed to reduce the State's emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020 to comply with AB 32. The First Scoping Plan Update adopted May 22, 2014, highlights California's progress toward meeting the near -term 2020 GHG reduction goals defined in the 2008 Scoping Plan. As part of the update, CARB recalculated the 1990 GHG emission levels with the updated AR4 GWPs; and the 427 MMTCO2e 1990 emissions level and 2020 GHG emission limit, established in response to AB 32, are slightly higher at 431 MMTCO2e.

In November 2017, CARB released the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, which implements the 2030 target of a 40% reduction below 1990 levels codified by SB 32. Key programs that the proposed Second Update builds upon include the Cap -and -Trade Regulation (discussed below), the LCFS, and much cleaner cars, trucks and freight movement, utilizing cleaner, renewable energy, and strategies to reduce CH4 emissions from agricultural and other wastes.

The 2017 Scoping Plan Update establishes a new emissions limit of 260 MMTCO2e for the year 2030, which corresponds to a 40% decrease in 1990 levels by 2030.

California's climate strategy will require contributions from all sectors of the economy, including the land base, and will include enhanced focus on zero- and near -zero -emission (ZE/NZE) vehicle technologies; continued investment in renewables, including solar roofs, wind, and other distributed generation; greater use of low carbon fuels; integrated land conservation and development strategies; coordinated efforts to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (CH4, black carbon, and fluorinated gases); and an increased focus on integrated land use planning to support livable, transit - connected communities, jobs -housing balance and conservation of agricultural and other lands.

Requirements for direct GHG reductions at refineries will further support air quality co -benefits in neighborhoods, including in disadvantaged communities historically located adjacent to these large stationary sources, as well as efforts with California's local air pollution control and air quality management districts (air districts) to tighten emission limits on a broad spectrum of industrial sources.

Major elements of the 2017 Scoping Plan framework include:
• Implementing and/or increasing the standards of the Mobile Source Strategy, which include increasing ZEV buses and trucks.
• LCFS, with an increased stringency (18% by 2030).
• Implementing SB 350, which expands the RPS to 50% RPS and doubles energy efficiency savings by 2030.
• California Sustainable Freight Action Plan, which improves freight system efficiency, utilizes near -zero emissions technology, and deployment of zero -emission vehicles (ZEV) trucks.

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Implementing the proposed Short -Lived Climate Pollutant Strategy (SLPS), which focuses on reducing CH4 and hydroflurocarbon emissions by 40% and anthropogenic black carbon emissions by 50% by year 2030.
• Continued implementation of SB 375.
• Post -2020 Cap -and -Trade Program that includes declining caps. • 20% reduction in GHG emissions from refineries by 2030. • Development of a Natural and Working Lands Action Plan to secure California's land base as a net carbon sink.

The 2017 Scoping Plan acknowledges that:
[aJchieving net zero increases in GHG emissions, resulting in no contribution to GHG impacts, may not be feasible or appropriate for every project, however, and the inability of a project to mitigate its GHG emissions to net zero does not imply the project results in a substantial contribution to the cumulatively significant environmental impact of climate change under CEQA.

In addition to the statewide strategies listed above, the 2017 Scoping Plan Update also identifies local governments as essential partners in achieving the State's long-term GHG reduction goals and identifies local actions to reduce GHG emissions. As part of the recommended actions, CARB recommends that local governments achieve a community -wide goal to achieve emissions of no more than 6 metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e) or less per capita by 2030 and 2 MTCO2e or less per capita by 2050. For CEQA projects, CARB states that lead agencies may develop evidenced -based bright -line numeric thresholds —consistent with the Scoping Plan and the State's long-term GHG goals —and projects with emissions over that amount may be required to incorporate on -site design features and mitigation measures that avoid or minimize project emissions to the degree feasible. Alternatively, lead agencies may utilize a performance -based metric using a CAP or other plan to reduce GHG emissions.

According to research conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in 2015 and supported by CARB, California, was expected to (and subsequently did) meet the 2020 reduction targets under AB 32 and could achieve the 2030 goals under SB 32. The research utilized a new, validated model known as the California LBNL GHG Analysis of Policies Spreadsheet (CALGAPS), which simulates GHG and criteria pollutant emissions in California from 2010 to 2050 in accordance to existing and anticipated future GHG-reducing policies. The CALGAPS model showed that, as of 2017, GHG emissions through 2020 could range from 317 to 415 MTCO2e per year (MTCO2e/yr), "indicating that existing state policies will likely allow California to meet its target [of 2020 levels under AB 32]." CALGAPS also showed that by 2030, emissions could range from 211 to 428 MTCO2e/yr, indicating that "even if all modeled policies are not implemented, reductions could be Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions sufficient to reduce emissions 40% below the 1990 level [of SB 32]." CALGAPS analyzed emissions through 2050 even though it did not generally account for policies that might be put in place after 2030.

Although the research indicated that the emissions would not meet the State's 80% reduction goal by 2050, various combinations of policies could allow California's cumulative emissions to remain very low through 2050.

The State has made steady progress in implementing AB 32 and achieving targets included in Executive Order S-3-05. The progress is shown in updated emission inventories prepared by CARB for 2000 through 2019. The State has achieved the Executive Order S-3-05 target for 2010 of reducing GHG emissions to 2000 levels. As shown below, the 2010 emission inventory achieved this target. • 1990: 427 MMTCO2e (AB 32 2020 target)
• 2000: 468 MMTCO2e
• 2010: 447.9 MMTCO2e
• 2019: 418.2 MMTCO2e (2020 target of 431 MMTCO2e has been met)

8. The Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375) Senate Bill (SB) 375 was signed by the Governor on September 30, 2008. According to SB 375, the transportation sector is the largest contributor of GHG emissions, which emits over 40% of the total GHG emissions in California. SB 375 states, "Without improved land use and transportation policy, California will not be able to achieve the goals of AB 32." SB 375: (1) requires metropolitan planning organizations to include sustainable community strategies in their regional transportation plans for reducing GHG emissions, (2) aligns planning for transportation and housing, and (3) creates specified incentives for the implementation of the strategies.

SB 375 also requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) within the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) that guides growth while taking into account the transportation, housing, environmental, and economic needs of the region.

Although SB 375 does not prevent CARB from adopting additional regulations, such actions are not anticipated in the foreseeable future.

Concerning CEQA, SB 375, as codified in Public Resources Code Section 21159.28, states that CEQA findings for certain projects are not required to reference, describe, or discuss (1) growth inducing impacts, or (2) any project -specific or cumulative impacts from cars and light -duty truck trips generated by the project on global warming or the regional transportation network, if the project:

1. Is in an area with an approved sustainable communities' strategy or an alternative planning strategy that the CARB accepts as achieving the GHG emission reduction targets.

2. Is consistent with that strategy (in designation, density, building intensity, and applicable policies).

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Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

3. Incorporates the mitigation measures required by an applicable prior environmental document.

9. AB 1943
California AB 1493, enacted on July 22, 2002, required CARB to develop and adopt regulations that reduce GHGs emitted by passenger vehicles and light duty trucks. Implementation of the regulation was delayed by lawsuits filed by automakers and by the EPA's denial of an implementation waiver.

The EPA subsequently granted the requested waiver in 2009, which was upheld by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2011.

The second phase of the implementation for the Pavley bill was incorporated into Amendments to the Low -Emission Vehicle Program (LEV III) or the Advanced Clean Cars program. The Advanced Clean Car program combines the control of smog -causing pollutants and GHG emissions into a single coordinated package of requirements for model years 2017 through 2025. The regulation will reduce GHGs from new cars by 34% from 2016 levels by 2025. The new rules will clean up gasoline and diesel -powered cars, and deliver increasing numbers of zero -emission technologies, such as full battery electric cars, newly emerging plug-in hybrid EVs (EV) and hydrogen fuel cell cars. The package will also ensure adequate fueling infrastructure is available for the increasing numbers of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles planned for deployment in California.

10. SB 350
In October 2015, the legislature approved, and the Governor signed SB 350, which reaffirms California's commitment to reducing its GHG emissions and addressing climate change. Key provisions include an increase in the RPS, higher energy efficiency requirements for buildings, initial strategies towards a regional electricity grid, and improved infrastructure for EV charging stations.

Provisions for a 50% reduction in the use of petroleum statewide were removed from the Bill because of opposition and concern that it would prevent the Bill's passage. Specifically, SB 350 requires the following to reduce statewide GHG emissions:
• Increase the amount of electricity procured from renewable energy sources from 33% to 50% by 2030, with interim targets of 40% by 2024, and 25% by 2027. • Double the energy efficiency in existing buildings by 2030. This target will be achieved through the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and local publicly owned utilities.
• Reorganize the Independent System Operator to develop more regional electrify transmission markets and to improve accessibility in these markets, which will facilitate the growth of renewable energy markets in the western United States.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

11. SB32/AB197
On September 8, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed the SB 32 and its companion bill, AB 197. SB 32 requires the state to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, a reduction target that was first introduced in Executive Order B-30-15. SB 32 builds upon the AB 32 goal and provides an intermediate goal to achieving Executive Order S-3-05, which sets a statewide GHG reduction target of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. AB 197 creates a legislative committee to oversee regulators to ensure that CARB not only responds to the Governor, but also the Legislature.

12. Cap -and -Trade Program
The Scoping Plan identifies a Cap -and -Trade Program as one of the key strategies for California to reduce GHG emissions. According to CARB, a cap -and -trade program will help put California on the path to meet its goal of achieving a 40% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2030. Under cap -and -trade, an overall limit on GHG emissions from capped sectors is established, and facilities subject to the cap will be able to trade permits to emit GHGs within the overall limit.

CARB adopted a California Cap -and -Trade Program pursuant to its authority under AB 32. The Cap - and -Trade Program is designed to reduce GHG emissions from major sources (deemed "covered entities") by setting a firm cap on statewide GHG emissions and employing market mechanisms to achieve AB 32's emission -reduction mandate of returning to 1990 levels of emissions by 2020. The statewide cap for GHG emissions from the capped sectors (e.g., electricity generation, petroleum refining, and cement production) commenced in 2013 and will decline over time, achieving GHG emission reductions throughout the program's duration. Land use projects such as the proposed Project are not directly subject to the Cap -and -Trade program, however sectors associated with land use development such as energy and fuel usage are deemed covered entities that would indirectly be subject to Cap -and -Trade.

Covered entities that emit more than 25,000 MTCO2e/yr must comply with the Cap -and -Trade Program. Triggering of the 25,000 MTCO2e/yr "inclusion threshold" is measured against a subset of emissions reported and verified under the California Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of GHG Emissions (Mandatory Reporting Rule or "MRR").

Under the Cap -and -Trade Program, CARB issues allowances equal to the total amount of allowable emissions over a given compliance period and distributes these to regulated entities. Covered entities are allocated free allowances in whole or part (if eligible), and may buy allowances at auction, purchase allowances from others, or purchase offset credits. Each covered entity with a compliance obligation is required to surrender "compliance instruments" for each MTCO2e of GHG they emit. There also are requirements to surrender compliance instruments covering 30% of the prior year's compliance obligation by November of each year.

An inherent feature of the Cap -and -Trade program is that it does not guarantee GHG emissions reductions in any discrete location or by any particular source. Rather, GHG emissions reductions are only guaranteed on an accumulative basis. The Cap -and -Trade Program works with other direct Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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. 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulatory measures and provides an economic incentive to reduce emissions. If California's direct regulatory measures reduce GHG emissions more than expected, then the Cap -and -Trade Program will be responsible for relatively fewer emissions reductions. If California's direct regulatory measures reduce GHG emissions less than expected, then the Cap -and -Trade Program will be responsible for relatively more emissions reductions. Thus, the Cap -and -Trade Program helped California meet its 2020 GHG emissions reduction mandate.

As of January 1, 2015, the Cap -and -Trade Program covered approximately 85% of California's GHG emissions. The Cap -and -Trade Program covers the GHG emissions associated with electricity consumed in California, whether generated in -state or imported. Accordingly, GHG emissions associated with CEQA projects' electricity usage are covered by the Cap -and -Trade Program.

The Cap -and -Trade Program also covers fuel suppliers (natural gas and propane fuel providers and transportation fuel providers) to address emissions from such fuels and from combustion of other fossil fuels not directly covered at large sources in the Program's first compliance period. While the Cap - and -Trade Program technically covered fuel suppliers as early as 2012, they did not have a compliance obligation (i.e., they were not fully regulated) until 2015. The Cap -and -Trade Program covers the GHG emissions associated with the combustion of transportation fuels in California, whether refined in -state or imported. The point of regulation for transportation fuels is when they are "supplied" (i.e., delivered into commerce). Accordingly, as with stationary source GHG emissions and GHG emissions attributable to electricity use, virtually all, if not all, of GHG emissions from CEQA projects associated with VMT are covered by the Cap -and -Trade Program. In addition, the Scoping Plan differentiates between "capped" and "uncapped" strategies. "Capped" strategies are subject to the proposed cap -and - trade program. The Scoping Plan states that the inclusion of these emissions within the Program will help ensure that the year 2020 emission targets are met despite some degree of uncertainty in the emission reduction estimates for any individual measure. Implementation of the capped strategies is calculated to achieve a sufficient amount of reductions by 2020 to achieve the emission target contained in AB 32. "Uncapped" strategies that will not be subject to the cap -and -trade emissions caps and requirements are provided as a margin of safety by accounting for additional GHG emission reductions.

13. AB 1279
AB 1279 was approved on September 16, 2022. AB 1279, referred to as the California Climate Crisis Act, declares that the state achieve a net zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain a net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter, and to ensure that by 2045, statewide greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to at least 85% below 1990 levels.

14. Title 20 Standards
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 20: Division 2, Chapter 4, Article 4, Sections 1601-1608:

Appliance Efficiency Regulations regulates the sale of appliances in California. The Appliance Efficiency Regulations include standards for both federally regulated appliances and non -federally regulated appliances. 23 categories of appliances are included in the scope of these regulations. The standards within these regulations apply to appliances that are sold or offered for sale in California, Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions except those sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the State and those designed and sold exclusively for use in recreational vehicles or other mobile equipment.

15. Title 24 Standards
CCR Title 24 Part 6: California's Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings, was first adopted in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. The standards are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficient technologies and methods. The standards are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficient technologies and methods. The most recent update to the California Energy Code was a on August 11, 2021. Buildings whose permit applications are submitted after January 1, 2023 must comply with the 2022 Energy Code.

The 2022 California Energy Code includes the following updates relevant to the Project:
• In warehouse aisles and open spaces, occupant sensing lighting that dims to at least 50% when areas are unoccupied (4.130.1.C).
• Space conditioning systems for office spaces in warehouses must utilize a heat pump for all climate zones (5.140.4.A).

CCR, Title 24, Part 11: California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) is a comprehensive and uniform regulatory code for all residential, commercial, and school buildings that went in effect on January 1, 2011, and is administered by the California Building Standards Commission.

CALGreen is updated on a regular basis, with the most recent approved update consisting of the 2022 California Green Building Code Standards that will be effective on January 1, 2023. The Title 24 standards will result in less energy use, thereby reducing GHG emissions associated with energy consumption in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) and across the State of California. The CEC anticipates that the 2022 energy code will provide $1.5 billion in consumer benefits and reduce GHG emissions by 10 million metric tons statewide. The Project would be required to comply with the applicable standards in place at the time building permit document submittals are made. These are further discussed in subsection 2.7.3.3, Title 24 CCR, of the Technical Appendix G of this EIR.

16. CARB Refrigerant Management Program
CARB adopted a regulation in 2009 to reduce refrigerant GHG emissions from stationary sources through refrigerant leak detection and monitoring, leak repair, system retirement and retrofitting, reporting and recordkeeping, and proper refrigerant cylinder use, sale, and disposal. The regulation is set forth in sections 95380 to 95398 of Title 17, CCR. The rules implementing the regulation establish a limit on statewide GHG emissions from stationary facilities with refrigeration systems with more than 50 lbs of a high GWP refrigerant. The refrigerant management program is designed to (1) reduce emissions of high-GWP GHG refrigerants from leaky stationary, non-residential refrigeration equipment; (2) reduce emissions from the installation and servicing of refrigeration and air- conditioning appliances using high-GWP refrigerants; and (3) verify GHG emission reductions.

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17. Tractor -Trailer GHG Regulation
The tractors and trailers subject to this regulation must either use EPA SmartWay certified tractors and trailers or retrofit their existing fleet with SmartWay verified technologies as discussed in 2.7.1, SmartWay Program, of the Technical Appendix G of this EIR. The regulation applies primarily to owners of 53 -foot or longer box -type trailers, including both dry -van and refrigerated -van trailers, and owners of the HD tractors that pull them on California highways. These owners are responsible for replacing or retrofitting their affected vehicles with compliant aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires. Sleeper cab tractors model year 2011 and later must be SmartWay certified. All other tractors must use SmartWay verified low rolling resistance tires. There are also requirements for trailers to have low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic devices.

18. Phase 1 and 2 Heavy -Duty Vehicle GHG Standards
In 2013, CARB has adopted a new regulation for GHG emissions from HDTs and engines sold in California. It establishes GHG emission limits on truck and engine manufacturers and harmonizes with the EPA rule for new trucks and engines nationally. Existing heavy-duty vehicle regulations in California include engine criteria emission standards, tractor -trailer GHG requirements to implement SmartWay strategies (i.e., the Heavy -Duty Tractor -Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulation), and in -use fleet retrofit requirements such as the Truck and Bus Regulation. In 2011, the EPA adopted their new rule for HDTs and engines. The EPA rule has compliance requirements for new compression and spark ignition engines, as well as trucks from Class 2b through Class 8. Compliance requirements begin with model year (MY) 2014 with stringency levels increasing through MY 2018. The rule organizes truck compliance into three groupings, which include a) HD pickups and vans; b) vocational vehicles; and c) combination tractors. The EPA rule does not regulate trailers.

CARB staff has worked jointly with the EPA and the NHTSA on the next phase of federal GHG emission standards for medium -duty trucks (MDT) and HDT vehicles, called federal Phase 2. The federal Phase 2 standards were built on the improvements in engine and vehicle efficiency required by the Phase 1 emission standards and represent a significant opportunity to achieve further GHG reductions for 2018 and later model year HDT vehicles, including trailers.

In February 2019, the OAL approved the Phase 2 Heavy -Duty Vehicle GHG Standards and became effective April 1, 2019. The Phase 2 GHG standards are needed to offset projected VMT growth and keep heavy-duty truck CO2 emissions declining. The federal Phase 2 standards establish for the first time, federal emissions requirements for trailers hauled by heavy-duty tractors. The federal Phase 2 standards are more technology -forcing than the federal Phase 1 standards, requiring manufacturers to improve existing technologies or develop new technologies to meet the standards. The federal Phase 2 standards for tractors, vocational vehicles, and heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans (PUVs) will be phased -in from 2021-2027; additionally for trailers, the standards are phased -in from 2018 (2020 in California) through 2027.

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19. SB 97 and the CEQA Guidelines Update
Passed in August 2007, SB 97 added Section 21083.05 to the Public Resources Code. The code states "(a) On or before July 1, 2009, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) shall prepare, develop, and transmit to the Resources Agency guidelines for the mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions as required by this division, including, but not limited to, effects associated with transportation or energy consumption. (b) On or before January 1, 2010, the Resources Agency shall certify and adopt guidelines prepared and developed by the OPR pursuant to subdivision (a)." Section 21097 was also added to the Public Resources Code. It provided CEQA protection until January 1, 2010 for transportation projects funded by the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality, and Port Security Bond Act of 2006 or projects funded by the Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act of 2006, in stating that the failure to analyze adequately the effects of GHGs would not violate CEQA.

On December 28, 2018, the CEQA Guidelines were amended to reference climate change and provide guidance to public agencies regarding the analysis and mitigation of the effects of GHG emissions in CEQA documents. CEQA Guidelines section 15064.4 affords lead agencies the discretion to determine for each project whether to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and/or rely on a qualitative analysis or performance based standards; in determining the significance of a project's greenhouse gas emissions, the lead agency should consider factors, among others, including (1) the extent to which the project may increase or reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting, (2) the extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a regional or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

D. Regional

1. South Coast Air Quality Management District
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is the agency responsible for air quality planning and regulation in the SCAB. South Coast AQMD addresses the impacts to climate change of projects subject to South Coast AQMD permits as a lead agency if they are the only agency having discretionary approval for the project and acts as a responsible agency when a land use agency must also approve discretionary permits for the project. The South Coast AQMD acts as an expert commenting agency for impacts to air quality. This expertise carries over to GHG emissions, so the agency helps local land use agencies through the development of models and emission thresholds that can be used to address GHG emissions.

In 2008, South Coast AQMD formed a Working Group to identify GHG emissions thresholds for land use projects that could be used by local lead agencies in the SCAB. The Working Group developed several different options that are contained in the South Coast AQMD Draft Guidance Document — Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold, that could be applied by lead agencies. However, the document was never finalized. The working group has not provided additional guidance since release of the interim guidance in 2008. The South Coast AQMD Board has not approved the thresholds which remain interim. The interim thresholds consist of a tiered approach. Tier 2 consists of determining Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions whether the project is consistent with a GHG reduction plan. If a project is consistent with a qualifying local GHG reduction plan, it does not have significant GHG emissions. Tiers 1 through 5 are further discussed in subsection 2.7.4, South Coast AQMD, of the Technical Appendix G of this EIR.

Warehouse Indirect Source Rule 2305
On May 8, 2021, South Coast AQMD adopted Warehouse Indirect Source Rule 2305, which includes the Warehouse Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions Program (WAIRE), and Rule 316. Rule 2305 establishes for the first time in this jurisdiction a regulatory program designed to reduce air pollution (and indirect GHG emissions) caused by warehouse -related activities and is focused on emissions from vehicles that service large warehouses. Rule 316 is the companion rule to Rule 2305 and establishes the administrative fees that Rule 2305 warehouse owners and operators must pay to support South Coast AQMD compliance activities. Rules 2305 and 316 apply to operators and owners of existing and new warehouses with floor space greater than or equal to 100,000 square feet within a single building (i.e., large warehouses). Rules 2305 and 316 require such operators and owners to annually take actions with respect to their warehouses that either reduce emissions regionally and locally or facilitate emission reductions. Specifically, owners and operators must "earn" a specific number of WAIRE Points. However, warehouse owners are only required to earn WAIRE Points if they are also a warehouse operator. If a warehouse owner is not an operator, they are not required to earn WAIRE Points even if the operator in their warehouse does not earn the required number of WAIRE Points. Warehouse owners are only required to submit a Warehouse Operations Notification to the South Coast AQMD.

The number of WAIRE Points required for a specific operator is based on the intensity of operations (i.e., number of truck trips and type of trucks) at each of their warehouses every year. The required points are known as the WAIRE Points Compliance Obligation (WPCO). The WPCO is calculated based on a 12 -month survey of truck trips entering or exiting the site, the truck data is weighted based on the types of trucks, and activity is projected for the next year. Thus, the WAIRE Points pay for the prior year's emissions based on points earned in subsequent years.

WAIRE Points are earned by implementing a menu of items including purchasing/renting/leasing near - zero (NZE) and zero emission (ZE) yard equipment, installing on -site ZE fueling stations, and proving on -site solar PV systems that are intended to offset or reduce warehouse emissions. Owners and operators may also implement custom WAIRE plans for individual facilities, subject to South Coast AQMD approval; or pay mitigation fees to have the South Coast AQMD implement measures within the SCAB. Owners and operators that over -comply may transfer excess WAIRE Points earned in one year to a subsequent year or may transfer WAIRE points to another site within their control. WAIRE Points cannot be transferred to other operators and expire after 3 years. Rule 2305 also requires reporting information about facility operations and recordkeeping. Rule 316 is the companion rule to Rule 2305 and establishes the administrative fees that Rule 2305 warehouse owners and operators must pay to support South Coast AQMD compliance activities.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions While the Project proponent may be defined as a warehouse owner and would submit a Warehouse Operation Notice(s), as required, the Project proponent does not intend to be the warehouse operator and has no knowledge of the future operations. Thus, the specific information required by Rule 2305 for calculating the WPCO is unavailable, and the necessary number of points is unknown. Finally, the WAIRE points expire after 3 years and are based on actions of future operators and are thus temporary and could not be calculated. Therefore, even though the WAIRE program will reduce emissions for warehouse activities in the region, no emission reductions from the WAIRE Program are accounted for in this analysis.

2. County of Riverside Climate Action Plan
The County of Riverside Climate Action Plan (CAP) adopted on December 8, 2015 was developed to comply with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15064.4 and 15064.7 to address cumulative GHG emissions, produce reduction targets that reduce cumulative GHG impacts to less than significant within the County. It includes reduction measures that achieve the reduction targets, and a plan to implement the reduction measures. It provides guidance as to how to address GHG emissions in CEQA analysis and determine the significance of project related GHG emissions based on Riverside County emissions targets and providing GHG reductions locally. It addresses GHG emissions reductions in connection with AB 32 and SB 32 and regulations developed based on those statutes to address climate change.

The CAP determined a baseline GHG emissions inventory, and calculated percentage reductions needed to meet 2020, 2030, and 2050 reduction goals. The CAP focused on and quantified source emissions categories of: (1) on road transportation, (2) agriculture, (3) electricity, (4) natural gas, (5) solid waste, (6) water and waste water, (7) aviation, (8) off -road sources. After identifying the sources of emissions, the CAP details reduction strategies to meet the reduction targets. For new development, a series of mitigation measures were generated and placed into screening tables which assigned points, specific design and construction measures, and operations strategies to be incorporated into development projects to reduce GHG emissions.

Conducting a project analysis under the CAP and satisfying its requirements thus complies with the Supreme Court's decision in Center for Biological Diversity v. CDFW (2015) 62 Ca1.4th 204 and CEQA Guidelines section 15183.5. The CAP was prepared to address emissions associated with sources under Riverside County's jurisdiction, based on the premise that Riverside County's emission reduction efforts can best be accomplished locally by coordinating with and implementing the state strategies of reducing emissions in order to accomplish these reductions in an efficient and cost- effective manner.

In 2016, Petitioners the Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, and San Bernardino Audubon Society challenged particular aspects of the 2015 CAP related to commitments to solar, electric vehicles (EV), energy efficient traffic signals, and future updates of the CAP. In 2017, the County and the Petitioners entered into a Settlement Agreement with commitments to solar, EV chargers, LED traffic signals, and periodic updates that enhance the CAP goals and maintain the County's Land Use authority. In accordance with the Settlement Agreement, the County amended the 2015 CAP in July Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ n Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2018 to include provisions for on -site renewable energy in the reduction measures and updated CAP Appendix F screening tables.

The County of Riverside CAP Update, November 2019 (CAP Update) establishes GHG emission reduction programs and regulations to implement the SB 32 reduction goals for 2030 and that correlate with and support evolving State GHG emissions reduction goals and strategies beyond that year. The CAP Update includes reduction targets for year 2030 and anticipated targets for year 2050. These reduction targets require the County to reduce emissions by at least 525,511 MT CO2e below the Adjusted Business as Usual (ABAU) scenario by 2030 and at least 2,982,948 MT CO2e below the ABAU scenario by 2050.

To evaluate consistency with the CAP Update, the County has implemented CAP Update Screening Tables (Screening Tables) to assess whether the project will reduce GHG emissions attributable to certain design and construction measures incorporated in development projects to less than significant.

To this end, the Screening Tables establish categories of GHG Implementation Measures. Under each Implementation Measure category, mitigation, or project design features (collectively "features") are assigned point values that correspond to the minimum GHG emissions reduction that would result from each feature. By calculating the total emissions reduction needed and the emissions reduction obtained through the measures identified in the point system, the CAP determined that each point is the equivalent of 0.0322 MT CO2e in reductions per 1,000 square feet of gross commercial/industrial building area. Projects that yield at least 100 points are considered to be consistent with the GHG emissions reduction quantities anticipated in the County's GHG Technical Report and support the GHG emissions reduction targets established under the CAP Update. The potential for such projects to generate direct or indirect GHG emissions that would result in a significant impact on the environment; or conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs would be considered less than significant.

Additionally, as part of the CAP, prior to issuance of each building permit, the Project Applicant shall provide documentation to the County of Riverside Building Department demonstrating implementation of CAP measure R2-CE1, which includes on -site renewable energy production. This measure is required for any tentative tract map, plot plan, or conditional use permit that proposes to add more than 75 new dwelling units of residential development or one or more new buildings totaling more than 100,000 gross square feet (sf) of commercial, office, industrial, or manufacturing development. Renewable energy production shall be on -site generation of at least 20% of energy demand for commercial, office, industrial or manufacturing development, meet or exceed 20% of energy demand for multi -family residential development, and meet or exceed 30% of energy demand for single-family residential development.

The CAP Update also specifies that if a Project yields 100 points on the screening tables, it has met emissions reductions equal to or greater than the GHG efficiency identified in the CAP (25% from a 2020 scenario), and the Project is determined to be consistent with the reduction quantities anticipated in the County's GHG Technical Report. Using this approach, a project also would be consistent with Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

■ ■ Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions the CAP Update and is considered to have a less than significant individual and cumulative impact on GHG emissions.

3. County of Riverside General Plan
The County of Riverside General Plan was adopted on December 8, 2015 and covers the entire unincorporated portion of the County of Riverside. The General Plan sets the direction for Riverside County's land use and development in strategic locations, as well as the development of its economic base, the framework of its transportation system, and contains policies relevant to lessening GHG emissions within the County.

4. SCAG Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy SCAG's Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) is Southern California's regional transportation plan to achieve the passenger vehicle emissions reductions identified under SB 375. The 2020-2045 RTP/SCS retains the same purpose as the previous RTP/SCS plans in focusing and providing an integrated approach for accommodating project population growth, household and employment growth, and transportation needs in the SCAG region by year 2045. Similar to the previous RTP/SCS plans, the projected regional development pattern under the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS would reduce per capita vehicular -travel -related GHG emissions and achieve the GHG reduction per capita targets for the SCAG region. VMT associated with heavy duty trucks involved in goods movement is outside the purview of the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, which primarily focuses on VMT associated with passenger vehicles. Under the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, the focus remains on improving freight mobility in the region and transitioning to near -zero and zero -emissions technology.

5. City of Beaumont's General Plan
The General Plan identifies citywide goals related to GHG Emissions in the Conservation + Open Space Element. The City's GHG goals and policies from the Conservation + Open Space Element include the following:

Goal 8.3: A City that reduces citywide greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy 8.3.1: Establish greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in line with State requirements that call for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as follows:
• 1990 levels by 2020
• 40% below 1990 levels by 2030
• 60% below 1990 levels by 2040
Policy 8.3.2: Implement greenhouse gas reduction measures to achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets by updating the Climate Action Plan or similar.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy 8.3.3: Monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions so that reductions can be tracked in a transparent, consistent, and accurate manner.

Policy 8.3.4: Use the emissions inventory and monitoring tools to identify, prioritize, and update programs that effectively contribute to greenhouse gas reductions.

These goals and polices are citywide goals and not directly applicable to the Project. However, other goals and policies related to such topics as promoting energy efficiency and water conservation would have the co -benefit of reducing GHG emissions (see General Plan Goal 8.1 and Policy 8.1.7). The Project's consistency with these General Plan goals and policies are discussed below.

6. Sustainable Beaumont (Climate Action Plan)
In 2015, the City of Beaumont developed and approved Sustainable Beaumont, a plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The City committed to providing a more livable, equitable, and economically vibrant community through the incorporation of energy efficient features and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting the use of energy more efficiently, the City also aimed to stimulate local economic development, job creation, and an improved quality of life. The City's General Plan incorporates the principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring compliance with the goals and policies of Sustainable Beaumont.

4.8.4 METHODOLOGY
A. Project Consistency with Applicable Plans and Policies The Project's GHG emission impacts are evaluated by assessing the Project's consistency with County of Riverside 2019 CAP, and also assesses consistency with applicable GHG reduction strategies and local actions approved or adopted by SCAG, the County, and the City for the purpose of reducing and/or mitigating GHG emissions. Therefore, a consistency analysis is provided and describes the Project's compliance with County of Riverside CAP, SCAG's 2020-2045 RTP/SCS (Connect So Cal), the City's CAP (Sustainable Beaumont), and applicable County and City General Plan policies.

8. Quantification of Emissions
In May 2021, the South Coast AQMD, in conjunction with the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) and other California air districts, released the latest version of the California Emissions Estimator Model (CaIEEMod) Version 2020.4.0, which incorporates mobile - source emission factors from EMFAC2017. The purpose of this model is to calculate construction - source and operational -source criteria pollutants and GHG emissions from direct and indirect sources; and quantify applicable air quality and GHG reductions achieved from mitigation measures.

Accordingly, the latest version of CaIEEMod has been used for this Project to determine GHG emissions. Output from the model runs for construction and operational activity are provided in Appendices 3.1 through 3.5 of Technical Appendix G of this EIR. CaIEEMod includes GHG emissions from the following source categories: construction, area sources, energy, mobile, waste, water.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions A full life -cycle analysis (LCA) for construction and operational activity is not included in this analysis due to the lack of consensus guidance on LCA methodology at this time. Life -cycle analysis (i.e., assessing economy -wide GHG emissions from the processes in manufacturing and transporting all raw materials used in the Project development, infrastructure, and on -going operations) depends on emission factors or econometric factors that are not well established for all processes. At this time, an LCA would be extremely speculative and thus has not been prepared.

The South Coast AQMD recommends analyzing direct and indirect Project -related GHG emissions generated within California and not life -cycle emissions because the life -cycle effects from a project could occur outside of California, might not be very well understood or documented, and would be challenging to mitigate. Additionally, the science to calculate life cycle emissions is not yet established or well defined; therefore, South Coast AQMD has not recommended, and is not requiring, life -cycle emissions analysis.

1. Project Construction Emissions
Construction is expected to commence in May 2022 and will last through January 2027. The construction schedule utilized in the analysis, shown in Table 3-4, Construction Schedule, in Section

3.0, Project Description, of this EIR, represents a conservative, "worst -case" analysis scenario should construction occur any time after the respective dates since emission factors for construction decrease as time passes and the analysis year increases due to emission regulations becoming more stringent.

The duration of construction activity and associated equipment represents a reasonable approximation of the expected construction fleet as required per CEQA Guidelines.

Construction Equipment
A detailed summary of construction equipment assumptions by phase is provided at Table 3-3, Construction Equipment Fleet, in Section 3.0, Project Description, of this EIR. Consistent with industry standards and typical construction practices, each piece of equipment listed in Table 3-3 will operate up to a total of eight (8) hours per day, or more than two-thirds of the period during which construction activities are allowed pursuant to the code.

2. Project Operational Emissions
Operational activities associated with the Project will result in emissions of CO2, CH4, and N20 from the following primary sources: Area Source Emissions; Energy Source Emissions; Mobile Source Emissions; On -site Cargo Handling Equipment Emissions; Transportation Refrigeration Units (TRU) Emissions; Water Supply, Treatment, and Distribution; and Solid Waste.

Area Source Emissions
Landscape maintenance equipment would generate emissions from fuel combustion and evaporation of unburned fuel. Equipment in this category would include lawnmowers, shedders/grinders, blowers, trimmers, chain saws, and hedge trimmers used to maintain the landscaping of the Project. The emissions associated with landscape maintenance equipment were calculated based on assumptions Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions provided in Ca1EEMod. Detailed information regarding how emissions generated from landscape maintenance equipment can be found in Appendix A: Calculation Details for Ca1EEMod.

Energy Source Emissions
GHGs are emitted from buildings as a result of activities for which electricity and natural gas are typically used as energy sources. Combustion of any type of fuel emits CO2 and other GHGs directly into the atmosphere; these emissions are considered direct emissions associated with a building; the building energy use emissions do not include street lighting. GHGs are also emitted during the generation of electricity from fossil fuels; these emissions are considered to be indirect emissions. It should be noted that for the industrial components of the proposed Project, Ca1EEMod default parameters were used. Detailed information regarding how combustion emissions associated with natural gas and electricity can be found in Appendix A: Calculation Details for Ca1EEMod.

Mobile Source Emissions
The Project -related operational GHG impacts are derived primarily from vehicle trips generated by the Project and assuming a 17.54 -mile trip length derived from the regional travel demand model (RIVTAM) for all commute -based trip lengths. The 17.54 -mile trip length is more conservative than the Ca1EEMod default trip length of 16.6 -miles. For all commercial uses, the Ca1EEMod defaults for fleet mix and for all non -work -based trip lengths were utilized.

For the proposed industrial uses, it is important to note that although the Traffic Assessment does not breakdown passenger cars by type, this analysis assumes that passenger cars include Light -Duty -Auto vehicles (LDA), Light -Duty -Trucks (LDT1' & LDT22), Medium -Duty -Vehicles (MDV), Motorcycles (MCY) vehicle types, which is based on the Ca1EEMod default fleet mix for the operational year and a ratio of the LDA, LDT1, LDT2, MDV, and MCY vehicle classes. The passenger cars the fleet mix was determined and presented in Table 3-5 of the Technical Appendix G of this EIR.

To determine emissions from trucks for the proposed industrial uses, the analysis incorporated the South Coast AQMD recommended truck trip length of 40 miles3 and an assumption of 100% primary trips for the proposed industrial land uses. In order to be consistent with the Traffic Analysis (Technical Appendix K1 of this EIR), trucks are broken down by truck type. The truck fleet mix is estimated by rationing the trip rates for each truck type based on information provided in the Traffic Analysis (Technical Appendix K1 of this EIR). Heavy trucks are broken down by truck type (or axle type) and 1 Vehicles under the LDT1 category have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 6,000 lbs. and equivalent test weight (ETW) of less than or equal to 3,750 lbs. 2 Vehicles under the LDT2 category have a GVWR of less than 6,000 lbs. and ETW between 3,751 lbs. and 5,750 lbs.
3 The average trip length for heavy trucks were based on the South Coast AQMD documents for the implementation of the Facility -Based Mobile Source Measures (FBMSMs) adopted in the 2016 AQMP. South Coast AQMD's "Preliminary Warehouse Emission Calculations" cites 39.9 -mile trip length for heavy -heavy trucks. As a conservative measure, a trip length of 40 miles has been utilized for all trucks for the purpose of this analysis.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

MI
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Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions are categorized as either Light -Heavy -Duty Trucks (LHDT14 & LHDT2 5)/2 -axle, Medium -Heavy - Duty Trucks (MHDT)/3-axle, and Heavy -Heavy -Duty Trucks (HHDT)/4+-axle, by operational year.

On -site Equipment Emissions
It is common for industrial warehouse buildings to require cargo handling equipment to move empty containers and empty chassis to and from the various pieces of cargo handling equipment that receive and distribute containers. Based on South Coast AQMD survey data, 3.6 pieces of cargo handling equipment were required for every 1 million square feet of space. As such, for purposes of analysis, it is assumed that Phase 1 would require up to five (5) pieces of CHE, Phase 2 would require up to eighteen (18) pieces of CHE, and Phase 3 would require up to eighteen (18) pieces of CHE for a total of forty-one (41) pieces of CHE operating at Project buildout. For analytical purposes, it is assumed that each CHE would include an engine with approximately 200 horsepower (hp), be powered by compressed natural gas or gasoline and operate approximately 4 hours a day6 for 365 days of the year.

TRU Emissions
In order to account for the possibility of refrigerated uses, trucks associated with the cold -storage land use are assumed to also have TRUs. Therefore, for modeling purposes, 74 two-way truck trips have been estimated to include TRUs (e.g., all truck trips that would be associated with up to 100,000 sf of High -Cube Cold Storage use, as summarized in the Beaumont Pointe Trip Generation Assessment.

TRUs are accounted for during on -site and off -site travel. The TRU calculations are based on the 2017 Off -road Emissions model, version 1.0.1 (Orion), developed by the CARB. Orion does not provide emission rates per hour or mile as with the on -road emission model and only provides emission inventories. Emission results are produced in tons per day while all activity, fuel consumption and horsepower hours were reported at annual levels. The emission inventory is based on specific assumptions including the average horsepower rating of specific types of equipment and the hours of operation annually. These assumptions are not always consistent with assumptions used in the modeling of project level emissions. Therefore, the emissions inventory was converted into emission rates to accurately calculate emissions from TRU operation associated with project level details. This was accomplished by converting the annual horsepower hours to daily operational characteristics and converting the daily emission levels into hourly emission rates based on the total emission of each criteria pollutant by equipment type and the average daily hours of operation.

Water Supply, Treatment, and Distribution
Indirect GHG emissions result from the production of electricity used to convey, treat and distribute water and wastewater. The amount of electricity required to convey, treat and distribute water depends on the volume of water as well as the sources of the water. For purposes of analysis, Project water 4 Vehicles under the LHDT1 category have a GVWR of 8,501 to 10,000 lbs. 5 Vehicles under the LHDT2 category have a GVWR of 10,001 to 14,000 lbs. 6 Based on Table II -3, Port and Rail Cargo Handling Equipment Demographics by Type, from CARB's Technology Assessment: Mobile Cargo Handling Equipment document, a single piece of equipment could operate up to 2 hours per day (Total Average Annual Activity divided by Total Number Pieces of Equipment). As such, the analysis conservatively assumes that the tractor/loader/backhoe would operate up to 4 hours per day.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions usage was calculated based on the Water Supply Assessment for Beaumont Pointe (Technical Appendix L of this EIR). Wastewater usage was calculated based on Ca1EEMod defaults, see Appendix A: Calculation Details for Ca1EEMod.

Solid Waste
Industrial land uses will result in the generation and disposal of solid waste. A percentage of this waste will be diverted from landfills by a variety of means, such as reducing the amount of waste generated, recycling, and/or composting. The remainder of the waste not diverted will be disposed of at a landfill.

GHG emissions from landfills are associated with the anaerobic breakdown of material. GHG emissions associated with the disposal of solid waste associated with the Project were calculated by Ca1EEMod using default parameters. Detailed information regarding how emissions generated from solid waste can be found in Appendix A: Calculation Details for Ca1EEMod.

4.8.5 BASIS FOR DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE
The criteria used to determine the significance of potential Project -related GHG impacts are taken from The City has not established local CEQA significance thresholds for GHG as described in Section 15064.7 of the CEQA Guidelines. Therefore, significance determinations utilized in this section are from the Initial Study Checklist in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR of Regulations Sections 15000, et seq.). Based on these significance criteria, a project would result in a significant impact related to GHG if it would:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
The evaluation of an impact under CEQA requires measuring data from a project against both existing conditions and a "threshold of significance." For establishing significance thresholds, the Office of Planning and Research's amendments to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.7(c) state "[w]hen adopting thresholds of significance, a lead agency may consider thresholds of significance previously adopted or recommended by other public agencies, or recommended by experts, provided the decision of the lead agency to adopt such thresholds is supported by substantial evidence." However, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4(a) further states, "... A lead agency shall have discretion to determine, in the context of a particular project, whether to: (1) Use a model or methodology to quantify greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a project, and which model or methodology to use . . .; or (2) Rely on a qualitative analysis or performance -based standards." CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4 provides that a lead agency should consider the following factors, among others, in assessing the significance of impacts from greenhouse gas emissions:

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Consideration #1: The extent to which the project may increase or reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting. • Consideration #2: Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project.
• Consideration #3: The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Such regulations or requirements must be adopted by the relevant public agency through a public review process and must reduce or mitigate the project's incremental contribution of greenhouse gas emissions. In determining the significance of impacts, the lead agency may consider a project's consistency with the State's long-term climate goals or strategies, provided that substantial evidence supports the agency's analysis of how these goals or strategies address the project's incremental contribution to climate change and its conclusion that the project's incremental contribution is not cumulatively considerable.

Section 15064.4 thus provides options for determining whether GHG emissions are significant. It does not establish a threshold of significance or require that a numeric threshold of significance be used. If lead agencies require quantification, they have the discretion to establish significance thresholds for their respective jurisdictions, and, in establishing those thresholds, a lead agency may appropriately look to thresholds developed by other public agencies, or suggested by other experts, such as the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), as long as any threshold chosen is supported by substantial evidence (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.7(c)). The CEQA Guidelines also clarify that the effects of GHG emissions are cumulative and should be analyzed in the context of CEQA's requirements for cumulative impact analysis (see CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(f)).

The analysis calculates the amount of GHG emissions that would be attributable to the Project using recommended modeling as previously described. The primary purpose of quantifying the Project's GHG emissions is to satisfy State CEQA Guidelines 15064.4(a), which calls for a good -faith effort to describe and calculate emissions and to show under CEQA Guidelines 15064.4(h)(3) that compliance with applicable plans and regulations ensures that the Project's incremental contribution to the cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable.

Based on the foregoing, the City of Beaumont has elected to rely on compliance with a local air district threshold in the determination of significance of Project -related GHG emissions. Specifically, the City has selected the interim 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold based on the research and analysis underlying the recommendation by South Coast AQMD staff for residential and commercial sector projects against which to compare Project -related GHG emissions.

The 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold is based on a 90% emission "capture" rate methodology. Prior to its use by the South Coast AQMD, the 90% emissions capture approach was one of the options suggested by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) in their CEQA & Climate Change white paper. A 90% emission capture rate means that unmitigated GHG emissions Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the top 90% of all GHG-producing projects within a geographic area — the SCAB in this instance —wouldbe subject to a detailed analysis of potential environmental impacts from GHG emissions, while the bottom 10% of all GHG-producing projects would be excluded from detailed analysis. A GHG significance threshold based on a 90% emission capture rate is appropriate to address the long-term adverse impacts associated with global climate change because medium and large projects will be required to implement measures to reduce GHG emissions, while small projects, which are generally infill development projects that are not the focus of the State's GHG reduction targets, are allowed to proceed. Further, a 90% emission capture rate sets the emission threshold low enough to capture a substantial proportion of future development projects and demonstrate that cumulative emissions reductions are being achieved while setting the emission threshold high enough to exclude small projects that will, in aggregate, contribute approximately 1% of projected statewide GHG emissions in the Year 2050.

In setting the threshold at 3,000 MTCO2e per year, South Coast AQMD researched a database of projects kept by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR). That database contained 798 projects, 87 of which were removed because they were very large projects and/or outliers that would skew emissions values too high, leaving 711 as the sample population to use in determining the 90th percentile capture rate. The South Coast AQMD analysis of the 711 projects within the sample population combined commercial, residential, and mixed -use projects. It should be noted that the sample of projects included warehouses and other light industrial land uses but did not include industrial processes (i.e., oil refineries, heavy manufacturing, electric generating stations, mining operations, etc.). Emissions from each of these projects were calculated by South Coast AQMD to provide a consistent method of emissions calculations across the sample population and from projects within the sample population. In calculating the emissions, the South Coast AQMD analysis determined that the 90th percentile ranged between 2,983 to 3,143 MTCO2e per year. The South Coast AQMD set their significance threshold at the low -end value of the range when rounded to the nearest hundred tons of emissions (i.e., 3,000 MTCO2e per year) to define small projects that are considered less than significant and do not need to provide further analysis.

The City understands that the 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold for residential/commercial uses was proposed by South Coast AQMD a decade ago and was adopted as an interim policy; however, no permanent, superseding policy or threshold has since been adopted. The 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold was developed and recommended by South Coast AQMD, and expert agency, based on substantial evidence as provided in the Draft Guidance Document — Interim CEQA Greenhouse Gas Significance Threshold (2008) document and subsequent Working Group meetings (latest of which occurred in 2010). South Coast AQMD has not withdrawn its support of the interim threshold and all documentation supporting the interim threshold remains on the South Coast AQMD website on a page that provides guidance to CEQA practitioners for air quality analysis (and where all South Coast AQMD significance thresholds for regional and local criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants also are listed). Further, as stated by South Coast AQMD, this threshold "uses the Executive Order S-3-05 goal [80% below 1990 levels by 2050] as the basis for deriving the screening level" and, thus, remains valid for use in 2022.

Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thus, for purposes of analysis in this analysis, if Project -related GHG emissions do not exceed the 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold, then Project -related GHG emissions would clearly have a less -than - significant impact. On the other hand, if Project -related GHG emissions exceed 3,000 MTCO2e per year, the Project would be considered to have cumulatively significant GHG emissions.

4.8.6 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES The Project includes the following Project Design Features (PDFs) that serve to reduce the Project's impacts. The PDFs will be included in the Project's Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program to ensure implementation of the PDFs.

PDF 8-1
Office space within the warehouses shall be insulated with a minimum R-13 value in the walls and R-30 in the attic, all windows will have a minimum 0.57 U -factor and

0.32 SHGC or greater.

PDF 8-2 All roofs within the Project shall be rated at 0.15 aged solar reflectance and 0.75 thermal emittance or greater.

PDF 8-3
Occupant sensing lighting that dims to at least 50% when unoccupied shall be within the interior areas of warehouses. All interior lighting shall be LED lighting with 40 lumens/watt for 15 watt or less fixtures, 50 lumens/watt for 15-40 watt fixtures, and 60 lumens/watt for all fixtures exceeding 40 watts.

PDF 8-4 Office space heating within warehouses must utilize heat pumps with ducting insulation of R-4.2 or greater.

PDF 8-5
Tenant lease agreements for the Project shall include contractual language restricting trucks and support equipment from nonessential idling longer than 5 minutes while on site in compliance with the City of Beaumont Idling Ordinance.

4.8.7 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Threshold a: Would the Project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
A. Construction
For construction phase Project emissions, GHGs are quantified and amortized over 30 years, the economic life of a development project. To amortize the emissions over the life of the Project, the South Coast AQMD recommends calculating the total GHG emissions for the construction activities, dividing it by a 30 -year project life then adding that number to the annual operational phase GHG emissions. As such, construction emissions were amortized over a 30 -year period and added to the annual operational phase GHG emissions. The amortized construction emissions are presented in Table

4.8-3, Amortized Annual Construction Emissions.

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Table 4.8-3 Amortized Annual Construction Emissions
Year
Emissions (MT/yr)
CO2
CI -14
N20
Total CO2e7
2022
3,305.10

0.79 0.07
3,345.17
2023
7,752.21

1.29 0.28
7,867.53
2024
8,606.26

1.55 0.33
9,391.26
2025
10,980.38

1.33 0.50
11,161.34
2026
3,991.36

0.44 0.18
4,057.00
2027
193.33

0.03 0.01
195.99
Total Annual Construction Emissions
34,828.64

5.42 1.36
36,018.28
Amortized Construction Emissions (MTCO2e)
1,160.95

0.18 0.05
1,200.61
Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 3-4)
B. Operation
The annual GHG emissions associated with the operations of the Project would result in direct and indirect emissions of CO2, CH4, and N20 and would not generate other GHGs of sufficient quantity to affect the analysis. Therefore, this analysis focuses on these three forms of GHG emissions. Direct Project -related GHG emissions include emissions from construction activities, area sources, and mobile sources, while indirect sources include emissions from electricity consumption, water demand, and solid waste generation. Project -related GHG emissions were quantified with Ca1EEMod, which relies upon vehicle trip rates and Project -specific land use data to calculate emissions.

Operational emissions generated by the proposed Project at full buildout (i.e., 2027) are used to indicate the total amount of GHG emissions for on -going operational emissions. Emissions will be generated when Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Project become operational. Phase 1 GHG emissions will commence in 2023 when Phase 1 becomes operational and are estimated to be 17,296.43 MT CO2e per year. Phase 1 and Phase 2 combined emissions are estimated to be 58,708.70 MT CO2e per year beginning in 2025 when Phase 2 is completed and becomes operational. The emissions sources from Phase 1 and Phase 2 are the same as for full buildout at Phase 3. The same project design features and individual mitigation measures will be implemented for Phase 1 and Phase 2 operations as each is built and occupied as shown for Phase 3. Because total emissions are lower in Phase 1 and Phase 2 than in total buildout in Phase 3 which becomes operational in 2027, reporting emissions from the Project at full buildout is more conservative since the Project at full buildout would result in more total emissions than either Phase 1 or Phase 2 alone or combined. As such, the analysis conservatively reports emissions totals associated with the Project.
7 Ca1EEMod reports the most common GHGs emitted which include CO2, CH4, and N20. These GHGs are then converted into the CO2e by multiplying the individual GHG by the GWP.

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■ I Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Annual GHG emissions were calculated for operation of the Project under Project Buildout scenario (Year 2027) and are shown in Table 4.8-4, 2027 Project Buildout GHG Emissions. As shown, the Project will result in a total of approximately 63,911.07 MTCO2e per year. The Project operational phase emissions are from operation of the proposed land use, off -road equipment used for daily operations, and from Project -related vehicle trips. The primary source of Project -related emissions would be from mobile -source emissions generated from the Project- related mobile source (79%). The next largest sources of emissions would be from energy usage (12%) followed by waste (5%). Project Buildout GHG emissions would exceed the 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold; therefore, the Project generates greenhouse gas emissions that may have a significant impact on the environment. Impacts related to GHG emissions are considered significant.

Table 4.8-4 2027 Project Buildout GHG Emissions
Emission Source
Emissions (MT/yr)
CO2
CH4
N20
Total CO2e
Annual construction -related emissions amortized
over 30 years
1,160.95

0.18 0.05
1,200.61
Area Source

0.42 0.00

0.00 0.45
Energy Source
7,645.45

0.42 0.10
7,685.89
Mobile Source
48,944.03

1.29 5.53
50,624.69
TRUs
236.63
On -Site Equipment
915.18

0.30 0.00
922.58
Waste
1,231.61

72.79 0.00
3,051.27
Water Usage
150.32

1.20 0.03
188.96
Total CO2e (All Sources)
63,911.07
Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 3-7)
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Threshold b: Would the Project conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? A. Impact Analysis
As previously stated, pursuant to 15064.4 of the CEQA Guidelines, a lead agency may rely on qualitative analysis or performance -based standards such as complying with an applicable plan to determine the significance of impacts from GHG emissions. Applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions are the City's CAP (Sustainable Beaumont), County of Riverside CAP, SCAG's Connect SoCal, and City and County General Plan policies related to GHG emissions. A consistency analysis with the City's and County of Riverside CAP along with the SCAG's Connect SoCal, City and County General Plan is also presented below.

1. City of Beaumont CAP Consistency
The City approved Sustainable Beaumont: The City's Roadmap to Greenhouse Gas Reductions in 2015, which serves as a long-term plan to achieve sustainability in the City by reducing GHG emissions from existing and future development. As shown in Table 4.8-5, Applicability of Sustainable Beaumont Goals, the Project would not conflict with the applicable goals. Accordingly, the Project would have a less than significant impact.

Table 4.8-5 Applicability of Sustainable Beaumont Goals Sustainable Beaumont Goal
Applicability
Goal 1: Increase energy
efficiency in existing residential
units.

Not Applicable. The Project does not include existing residential land uses therefore this goal does not apply.

Goal 2: Increase energy
efficiency in new residential
development.

Not Applicable. The Project does not propose new residential land uses therefore this goal does not apply.

Goal 3: Increase energy
efficiency in existing
commercial units.

Not Applicable. The Project does not include any existing commercial development; therefore, this goal does not apply.

Goal 4: Increase energy
efficiency in new commercial
development.

No Conflict. The Project would comply with applicable provisions of the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards and applicable mitigation measures that would improve energy efficiency.

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Applicability
Goal 5: Increase energy
efficiency through water
efficiency.

No Conflict. The Project will incorporate low flow water fixtures and implement water reducing features (see Tables 3-2 and 4.8-6 of this EIR).

Goal 6: Decrease energy demand
through reducing urban heat
island effect.

No Conflict. The Project will incorporate light-colored building materials that would reduce heat reflection in accordance with the Section 140.3(a) of the California Building Code.

Goal 7: Decrease GHG emissions
through reducing vehicle miles
traveled.

No Conflict. The Project will incorporate a TDM program to reduce vehicle miles traveled, as required by Mitigation Measure MM 4.3-6.

Goal 8: Decrease GHG emissions
through reducing solid waste
generation.

No Conflict. The Project will comply with AB 939 which requires diversion of a minimum of 50% of solid waste from landfills.

Goal 9: Decrease GHG emissions
through increasing clean energy
use.

No Conflict. The Project will incorporate solar photovoltaic solar panels (see Table 4.8-6 of this EIR).

Goal 10: Decrease GHG
emissions from new development
through performance standards.

No Conflict. Although the City has not implemented a GHG screening table, the Project is consistent with and implements GHG screening tables that have been adopted by the County of Riverside.

Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 4-3)

2. County of Riverside CAP Consistency
The Project includes annexation into the City of Beaumont from the County of Riverside. Under the County of Riverside Climate Action Plan (CAP), projects that generate more than 3,000 MT CO2e, can be determined to be consistent with the County's CAP if the projects implement a minimum of 100 points based on the County's CAP Screening Tables. The Screening Tables establishes a points system that assigns values for each GHG emissions mitigation design element or operational program feature incorporated into a given development project. For informational purposes, the Project is also shown to be consistent with the Riverside County CAP. As shown in Table 4.8-6, CAP Screening Table for GHG Implementation Measures, the Project would achieve a minimum of 581 points, which is significantly more than the required minimum of 100 points to determine consistency with the County's CAP. As such, the project would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the County's CAP which aims to reduce GHG emissions through design and operational controls.

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Table 4.8-6 CAP Screening Table for GHG Implementation Measures Featurm
Description
Points
EE10.A.1
Insulation
Enhanced Insulation
(rigid wall insulation R-13, roof/attic R-38)
11 EE10.A.2
Windows
Greatly Enhanced Window Insulation
(0.28 or less U -factor, 0.22 or less SHGC)
7 EE10-A.3
Cool Roofs
Modest Cool Roof
(CRRC Rated 0.15 aged solar reflectance, 0.75 thermal emittance) 7 EEl0.B.1
Heating/Cooling
Distribution System
Distribution loss reduction with inspection (HERS Verified Duct Leakage or Equivalent)
8 EE 10.B.2
Space Heating/Cooling
Equipment
Improved Efficiency HVAC (EER 14/78% AFUE or 8 HSPF)
4 EElOB.4
Water Heaters
Improved Efficiency Water Heater (0.675 Energy Factor)
8 EEl0.B.6
Artificial Lighting
Efficient Lights (25% of in -unit fixtures considered high efficiency. High efficiency is defined as 40 lumens/watt for 15 watt or less fixtures, 50 lumens/watt for 15-40 watt fixtures, 60 lumens/watt for fixtures >40 watt) 5 EEl0.B.7
Appliances
Energy Star Commercial Refrigerator and Commercial Dishwasher 4 E 1 B.1
Photovoltaic
Solar Photovoltaic panels or wind installed on buildings or in collective arrangements such that the total power provided augments: 20% of the power needs of the Project.
e.g., 30%= 8 points, 40% = 12 points, 50% = 16 points, 60% = 19 points 19 W2.D.1
Water Efficient
Landscaping
Only low water using plants
3 W2.D.2
Water Efficient
Irrigation Systems
Weather based irrigation control systems combined with drip irrigation (demonstrate 20% reduced water)
3 W2.E.1
Toilets
Water Efficient Showerheads (2.0 gpm)
2 W2.E.2
Toilets
Water Efficient Toilets/Urinals (1.5 gpm)
3 W2.E.3
Faucets
Water Efficient faucets (1.28 gpm)
2 W2.E.4
Faucets
Water Efficient dishwasher (20% water savings)
2 W2.F.1
Recycled Water
Graywater (purple pipe) irrigation system on site
5 Car/vanpool program with preferred parking
2 T3.A.3
Employee
Bicycle/Pedestrian
Programs
Bike lockers and secure racks
Showers and changing facilities
3 TI.F.1
Parking
Provide reserved preferential parking spaces for car -share, carpool, and ultra -low or zero emission vehicles.
1 T4.B.1
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Recharging
Install EV charging stations in garages/parking areas
480'
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Feature
Description
Points
S 1.B.1
Recycling
Provide separated recycling bins within each building/floor and provide large external recycling collection bins at central location for collection trash pick-up.
2 Total Points
581
Minimum Target
100
Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 4-1)
a The Project is anticipated to include 60 EV charging stations. Per the Screening Tables, each station is 8 points.

3. SCAG's 2020-2045 RTC/SCS (Connect SoCaI)
The 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, developed with input from local governments, including the City of Beaumont, establishes GHG emissions goals for automobiles and light -duty trucks for 2035, 2045 and establishes an overall GHG target for the region consistent with both the statewide GHG-reduction targets for the post -2020 statewide GHG reduction goals. The 2020-2045 RTP/SCS is a long-range visioning plan to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of a regional intermodal transportation system that, when linked with appropriate land use planning, will serve the mobility needs of goods and people. Future investments seek to reduce traffic bottlenecks, improve the efficiency of the region's network, and expand mobility choices. The RTP/SCS is an important planning document for the region, allowing project sponsors to qualify for federal funding. In addition, the RTP/SCS is supported by a combination of transportation and land use strategies that help the region achieve state GHG emission reduction goals and federal Clean Air Act requirements, preserve open space areas, improve public health and roadway safety, support the vital goods movement industry, and use resources more efficiently.

Table 4.8-7, SCAG Connect SoCal Applicability Analysis, provides an evaluation of the of the Project consistency with the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS goals. Additionally, while VMT associated with heavy duty trucks involved in goods movement is generally outside the realm of the RTP/SCS, which primarily focuses on VMT associated with passenger vehicles, the 2020-2045 RTP/SCS includes the following goods -movement strategies that could benefit the Project from a regional and macro -scale level:
• Clean Freight Corridor System/East-West Freight Corridor. Establishing a freight corridor system to connect the San Pedro Ports and industrial cluster areas in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
• Truck Bottleneck Relief Strategy. Working to relieve the top 57 truck bottlenecks. Examples of bottleneck relief strategies include ramp metering, extension of merging lanes, ramp and interchange improvements, capacity improvements and auxiliary lane additions. • Truck Climbing Lanes. Installing dedicated truck climbing lanes along key corridors, such as Interstate 10 (I-10), 1-15, State Route 60 (SR -60), to enable other vehicles to move at a faster pace, thereby reducing congestion.

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Table 4.8-7 SCAG Connect SoCal Applicability Analysis
Connect SoCal
Goal Number
Goal Statement
Applicability
1 Encourage regional
economic prosperity and
global competitiveness.

No Conflict. This policy would be implemented by cities and the counties within the SCAG region as part of comprehensive local and regional planning efforts. The City of Beaumont is identified as one of the priority growth areas for job centers in the region under the Connect SoCal Plan. The Project Applicant proposes to develop the Project site with industrial and commercial buildings that are designed to meet contemporary industry standards and operational characteristics, that can accommodate a wide variety of users and are economically competitive with similar industrial buildings in the local area and region. The Project would assist the City to meet its economic goal for fiscal strength and stability through business investment and employment generation. New job opportunities generated by the Project would improve the jobs to housing balance within the City (see Section 4.14, Population and Housing, of this EIR). Accordingly, the Project would not impede the economic development in the City of Beaumont or the region.
2 Improve mobility,
accessibility, reliability,
and travel safety for
people and goods.

No Conflict. The Project site is located approximately 12.4 miles east of March Air Reserve Base/Inland Port (MARB/IP). As such, development of the site with the Project would efficiently facilitate the movement of goods.

Additionally, the Project is located at the western edge of the City of Beaumont and is situated astride the regional transportation network which connects the Ports of Long Beach and Los
Angeles, both major gateways for international trade, to the Inland Empire and the Western United States. The Project is along the south side of the SR -60 and access to the regional transportation system is provided from Potrero Boulevard and 4th Street.

SR -60 also provides access to Interstate 10 (I-10), which is located approximately 2.0 miles north of the Project site, and I-215, which is located approximately 14.6 miles west of the Project site. Due to the Project site's proximity to SR -60, trucks accessing the Project site would efficiently reach the State highway system to facilitate the movement of goods throughout the region. 3 Enhance the
preservation, security,
and resilience of the
No Conflict. This policy would be implemented by cities and the counties within the SCAG region as part of the overall planning and maintenance of the regional transportation system.

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Connect SoCa1
Goal Number
Goal Statement
Applicability
regional transportation
system.

Additionally, this policy provides guidance to City staff to monitor the transportation network and to continue to coordinate with other agencies as appropriate. The implementation of the Project would have no adverse effect on such planning or maintenance efforts.
4 Increase person and
goods movement and
travel choices within the
transportation system.

No Conflict. The Project involves the development of a
contemporary industrial park that abuts a developing industrial area along a regional transportation network (SR -60, I-10 and I- 79). The Project would generate approximately 5,456 permanent jobs. By providing job opportunities in a housing -rich area and industrial uses in close proximity to the regional transportation network; the Project increases person, goods movement, and travel choices within the transportation system.
5 Reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and improve
air quality.

No Conflict. An analysis of the Project's environmental impacts is provided throughout this EIR and mitigation measures are specified where warranted. Air quality impacts are addressed in Section 4.3, Air Quality. Impacts would be reduced to the maximum extent feasible through the implementation of
Mitigation Measures and Project Design Features, which limit truck idling, provide incentives for using clean engines and equipment, require installation of conduit for EV truck charging stations, electric indoor material handling equipment and off -road equipment, preferential parking for fuel -efficient and carpool/van vehicles, EV charging stations.

Additionally, as discussed herein, the Project would incorporate measures related to building design, landscaping, and energy systems to promote the efficient use of energy. The Project would be consistent with the CAP's requirement to achieve at least 100 points and would have less than significant individual and cumulatively considerable impact on GHG emissions.

Moreover, the City of Beaumont is identified as one of the priority growth areas for job centers in the region under the Connect SoCal Plan. When growth is concentrated in Job Centers, the length of vehicle trips for residents can be reduced, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
7 Adapt to changing
climate and support an
integrated regional
development pattern and
transportation network.

No Conflict. Connect SoCal indicates that since the adoption of the 2016 RTP/SCS, there have been significant drivers of change in the goods movement industry including emerging and new technologies, more complex supply chain strategies, evolving consumer demands and shifts in trade policies. E -commerce continues to be one of the most influential factors shaping goods movement. As previously identified, the Project involves the development of a Project site, historically vacant and
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Goal Number
Goal Statement
Applicability
undeveloped, with industrial and commercial buildings that would diversity the City's economy and bring employment opportunities closer to the local workforce. Co -locating jobs near housing improves the jobs to housing balance within the City and reduces greenhouse gas emissions caused by long commutes and
contributes to integrated development patterns. Further, the Project site is located adjacent to an area surrounded by industrial development in the City, which is in close proximity to key freeway infrastructure (e.g., I-215, SR -60, I-10, etc.), thereby reducing travel distances. Development of the Project in western Riverside County, also would shorten the distance that goods need to travel between a logistics facility to their final destinations ("last mile" transit times).
8 Leverage new
transportation
technologies and data-
driven solutions that
result in more efficient
travel.

No Conflict. Connect SoCal indicates that the advancement of automation is expected to have considerable impacts throughout regional supply chains. Notably, warehouses, such as those proposed with the Project, are increasingly integrating automation to improve operational efficiencies in response to the surge in direct -to -consumer e -commerce. Additionally, continued developments and demonstrations of automated truck
technologies will alter the goods movement environment with far - reaching impacts ranging from employment to highway safety.

The Project would meet contemporary industry standards and operational characteristics relative to transportation technologies and data -driven solutions.
9 Encourage development
of diverse housing types
in areas that are
supported by multiple
transportation options.

No Conflict. The implementation of the Project would result in the development of the Project site with industrial, commercial, and open space/conservation uses. Implementation of the Project would not interfere with the City's ability to encourage the development of diverse housing types that are supported by multiple transportation options in other parts of the City, as appropriate.
10 Promote conservation of
natural and agricultural
lands and restoration of
habitats.

No Conflict. The Project site is in a rural, yet developing area of the City of Beaumont. The Project site contains natural lands and contains suitable habitat for native wildlife or plant species. In general, the Project site's natural lands are in the northwestern and southeastern portions, while development would occur in the northeast portion of the site. The Project Applicant proposes to designate 263.5 acres as Open Space and Open Space -
Conservation (PAs 9 and 10), including the Project's
northwestern and southeastern portions. These areas would remain undeveloped. Additionally, the Project site does not support agricultural uses. Therefore, implementation of the Lead Agency: City of Beaumont
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Connect SoCa1
Goal Number
Goal Statement
Applicability
Project would not interfere with the City's ability to promote the conservation of natural and agricultural lands and the restoration of habitats.

Implementing SCAG's RTP/SCS will reduce the regional GHG emissions from transportation, helping to achieve statewide emission reduction targets. As shown, the Project would be consistent with and would not conflict with the stated goals of the RTP/SCS; therefore, the proposed Project would not interfere with SCAG's ability to achieve the region's year post -2020 mobile source GHG reduction targets outlined in the RTP/SCS, and it can be assumed that regional mobile emissions will decrease in line with the goals of the RTP/SCS.

4. County of Riverside General Plan
The Riverside County General Plan has many policies that help reduce GHG emissions. Policies that indirectly contribute to reducing GHG emissions include Land Use strategies for improving air quality by emphasizing alternative transportation options for communities, energy conservation, reduce automobile use, and more. GHG reduction programs and measures listed in the CAP also support and help most of these General Plan policies. Table 4.8-8, County of Riverside General Plan Applicability Analysis, provides an analysis of the Project's consistency with County of Riverside General Plan goals and policies related to reducing GHG emissions. As shown in Table 4.8-8, the Project would not result in any inconsistency with the applicable General Plan goals and policies. Accordingly, the Project would have a less than significant impact.

Table 4.8-8 County of Riverside General Plan Applicability Analysis General Plan Policy
Applicability
Land Use
LU 2.1 Accommodate land use development in
No Conflict. The Project would require a General Plan
accordance with the patterns and distribution of use and Amendment and therefore the Project would not be
density depicted on the General Plan Land Use Map
consistent with the County's General Plan Land Use
(Figure LU-1) and the Area Plan Land Use Maps, in
Plan and Area Plan Land Use Maps. However, the
accordance with the following:

Project would provide a broad range of land uses and
a. Provide a land use mix at the countywide and area
accommodate land use development in accordance with
plan levels based on projected need and supported by
evaluation of impacts to the environment, economy,
infrastructure, and services.
policies (a —g).

Specifically, the Project would provide a broad range of b. Accommodate a range of community types and
land uses on the Project site. The Project would allow
character, from agricultural and rural enclaves to urban for the development on the Project site of a maximum
and suburban communities.
of 246,000 square feet (sf) of general commercial uses
c. Provide for a broad range of land uses, intensities, and densities, including a range of residential, commercial, in addition to a 125 -room hotel (90,000 sf) and a
maximum of 4,995,000 sf of industrial uses.

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General Plan Policy
Applicability
business, industry, open space, recreation, and public
facilities uses.
d. Concentrate growth near community centers that
provide a mixture of commercial, employment,
entertainment, recreation, civic, and cultural uses to the greatest extent possible.
e. Concentrate growth near or within existing urban and suburban areas to maintain the rural and open space
character of Riverside County to the greatest extent
possible.
f. Site development to capitalize upon multi -modal
transportation opportunities and promote compatible
land use arrangements that reduce reliance on the
automobile.
g. Prevent inappropriate development in areas that are
environmentally sensitive or subject to severe natural
hazards.

The Project would provide 124.7 acres of open space to
accommodate landscaped manufactured slopes, fuel
modification areas, and natural open space as a buffer to adjacent conservation area and 152.4 acres of open
space — conservation.

The Project would concentrate employment growth near
entertainment in a housing -rich community adjacent to
SR -60 and the City of Beaumont's Interstate
Employment Subarea. This subarea will be developed
with industrial and commercial land uses. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy LU

2.1. LU 4.1 Require that new developments be located and designed to visually enhance, not degrade the character of the surrounding area through consideration of the
following concepts:
e. Pursue energy efficiency through street configuration, building orientation, and landscaping to capitalize on
shading and facilitate solar energy, as provided for in Title 24 Part 6 and/or Part 11, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
f. Incorporate water conservation techniques, such as
groundwater recharge basins, use of porous pavement,
drought tolerant landscaping, and water recycling, as
appropriate.
j. Provide safe and convenient vehicular access and
reciprocal access between adjacent commercial uses.
p. Require that new development be designed to provide
adequate space for pedestrian connectivity and access,
recreational trails, vehicular access and parking,
supporting functions, open space, and other pertinent
elements.
r. Site buildings access points along sidewalks,
pedestrian areas, and bicycle routes, and include
amenities that encourage pedestrian activity.

No Conflict. The Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
provides an industrial/commercial business park that
capitalizes on the property's location south of SR -60.

The Project would complement the existing and planned
land uses in this portion the City of Beaumont. The
Project site is within the northwestern portion of the
City's SOI and is bordered to the east by land designated for industrial and commercial uses.

The Project proposes conventional industrial uses
reflecting contemporary energy efficient/energy
conserving designs and operational programs. Uses
proposed by the Project are not inherently energy
intensive, and the Project energy demands in total would be comparable to, or less than, other industrial projects of similar scale and configuration.

As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service
Systems, the Project would construct an on -site recycled water system. The Project would connect a proposed 14 - inch recycled water line that would connect to the
existing 14 -inch recycled water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon development at 4th Street.

The Project also includes a detailed circulation plan,
which is organized to ensure efficient access to
individual tenant areas, as well as to public places.

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General Plan Policy
Applicability
Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy LU 4.1.

LU 8.12 Improve the relationship and ratio between jobs and housing so that residents have an opportunity to live and work within the county.

No Conflict. The Project would generate a substantial
number of jobs that would be filled by residents of the City and surrounding communities in the County. The
Project would provide opportunities for positive
economic benefit to the City and County. The Project
would create new job opportunities within the City of
Beaumont which improves the jobs to housing balance
within the City and reduces the need for members of the existing local workforce to commute long distances.

Refer also to Section 4.14, Population and Housing, of
this EIR. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy LU 8.12.

LU 11.1 Provide sufficient commercial and industrial
development opportunities in order to increase local
employment levels and thereby minimize long-distance
commuting.

No Conflict. As discussed previously, the Project would allow for the development on the Project site of a
maximum of 246,000 square feet (sf) of general
commercial uses in addition to a 125 -room hotel (90,000 sf) and a maximum of 4,995,000 sf of industrial uses,
which would create a substantial number of jobs that
would be filled by residents of the City and surrounding communities in the County. The Project would
accommodate a wide variety of users, and would be
economically competitive with similar industrial
buildings in the local area and region. Therefore, the
Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy LU

11.1. LU 11.3 Accommodate the development of community
centers and concentrations of development to reduce
reliance on the automobile and help improve air quality.

No Conflict. The Project site is in proximity to SR -60 and the City of Beaumont's Interstate Employment
Subarea, which will be developed with industrial and
commercial land uses. Due to the Project site's
proximity to SR -60, trucks accessing the Project site
would efficiently reach the State highway system to
facilitate the movement of goods throughout the region.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy LU 11.3.

LU 11.4 Provide options to the automobile in
communities, such as transit, bicycle and pedestrian
trails, to help improve air quality.

No Conflict. The Project includes installation of
sidewalks along the Project site's frontage with Jack
Rabbit Trail and 4th Street and along Industrial Way, a proposed private road located along the north side of the proposed industrial buildings. The Project Applicant
proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths
to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. Additionally, the Project would include Lead Agency: City of Beaumont
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the installation of bicycle racks and lockers at each of the proposed light industrial buildings. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy LU

11.4. LU 11.5 Ensure that all new developments reduce
Greenhouse Gas emissions as prescribed in the Air
Quality Element and Climate Action Plan.

No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
would be consistent with the County's CAP requirement
to achieve at least 100 points and thus the Project is
considered to have a less than significant individual and cumulatively considerable impact on GHG emissions.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy LU 11.5.

Circulation md
C 5.2 Encourage the use of drought -tolerant native
plants and the use of recycled water for roadway
landscaping.

No Conflict. As shown on Figure 3-14, Master
Landscape Plan, the Project provides a plant palette for three categories: Entrance Planting, Native California
Planting, and Industrial Screen Planting; and selected to complement and enhance the setting of the site, while
ensuring the conservation of the site's natural vegetation and habitats. Alternative plant species may be used
provided that they are drought -tolerant and complement the Project's design theme. As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service Systems, the Project would
construct an on -site recycled water system. The Project would connect a proposed 14 -inch recycled water line
that would connect to the existing 14 -inch recycled
water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon
development at 4th Street. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy C 5.2.

Multipurpose Open Space *
OS 1.4 Promote the use of recycled water for landscape
irrigation.

No Conflict. As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and
Service Systems, the Project would construct an on -site recycled water system. The Project would connect a
proposed 14 -inch recycled water line that would connect to the existing 14 -inch recycled water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon development at 4th Street.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy OS 1.4.

OS 16.1 Continue to implement Title 24 of the
California Code of Regulations (the "California
Building Standards Code") particularly Part 6 (the
California Energy Code) and Part 11 (the California
Green Building Standards Code), as amended and
adopted pursuant to County ordinance. Establish
No Conflict. Energy efficiency/energy conservation
attributes of the Project would be complemented by
increasingly stringent State and federal regulatory
actions addressing vehicle fuel economies and vehicle
emissions standards; and enhanced building/utilities
energy efficiencies mandated under California building
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mechanisms and incentives to encourage architects and
builders to exceed the energy efficiency standards of
within CCR Title 24.
codes (e.g., Title 24, California Green Building
Standards Code). The Project would comply with Title
24 of the California Code of Regulations and proposes
conventional industrial uses reflecting contemporary
energy efficient/energy conserving designs and
operational programs. Uses proposed by the Project are
not inherently energy intensive, and the Project energy demands in total would be comparable to, or less than,
other industrial projects of similar scale and
configuration. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy OS 16.1.

OS 16.2 Specify energy efficient materials and systems, including shade design technologies, for county
buildings
No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
shall implement the County of Riverside's 2019 Climate
Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which
include cool roofs, enhanced insulation, and energy
efficient heating/cooling equipment. Additionally, as
shown on Figure 3-14, Master Landscape Plan,
streetscape landscaping presents a combination of
evergreen and deciduous trees, low shrubs, and masses
of groundcovers. Therefore, the Project would not
conflict with General Plan Policy OS 16.2.

OS 16.8 Promote coordination of new public facilities
with mass transit service and other alternative
transportation services, including bicycles, and design structures to enhance mass transit, bicycle, and
pedestrian use.

No Conflict. The Project includes installation of
sidewalks along the Project site's frontage with Jack
Rabbit Trail and 4th Street and along Industrial Way, a proposed private road located along the north side of the proposed industrial buildings. The Project Applicant
proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths
to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. Additionally, the Project would include the installation of bicycle racks and lockers at each of the proposed light industrial buildings. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy OS

16.8. OS 16.9 Encourage increased use of passive, solar design and day -lighting in existing and new structures.

No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
shall implement the County of Riverside's 2019 Climate
Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which
include cool roofs, enhanced insulation, and energy
efficient heating/cooling equipment. Additionally, 20%
of the Project's energy consumption would be from
solar consistent with the CAP requirement.

Furthermore, the Project's architecture would include
skylights and clerestory windows to allow for increased use of passive solar design and day -lighted in new
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structures. Therefore, the Project would not conflict
with General Plan Policy OS 16.9.

Air Quality
AQ 4.1 Require the use of all feasible building
materials/methods which reduce emissions.

No Conflict. During the Project's construction phase,
water would be sprayed throughout the site to abate dust particulate emissions. Air quality impacts are address in Section 4.3, Air Quality. Impacts would be reduced to
the maximum extent feasible through the
implementation of Mitigation Measures 4.3-2 through

4.3-9, which limit truck idling, provide incentives for using clean engines and equipment, require installation of conduit for EV truck charging stations, electric indoor material handling equipment and off -road equipment,
preferential parking for fuel -efficient and carpool/van vehicles, EV charging stations. Additionally, the Project is consistent with the CAP requirement that 20% of the
Project's energy consumption would be from solar. As
such, the Project would not conflict with General Plan
Policy AQ 4.1.

AQ 4.2 Require the use of all feasible efficient heating equipment and other appliances, such as water heaters,
swimming pool heaters, cooking equipment,
refrigerators, furnaces and boiler units.

No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
would include the use of energy efficient
heating/cooling equipment, water heaters, and
appliances. As such, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 4.2.

AQ 4.6 Require stationary air pollution sources to
comply with applicable air district rules and control
measures.

No Conflict. As discussed in Section 4.3, Air Quality,
the Project would comply with applicable air district
rules and control measures to reduce operational air
quality emissions. All feasible mitigation measure has
been incorporated to reduce air quality impacts to the
extent feasible. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 4.6.

AQ 5.1 Utilize source reduction, recycling and other
appropriate measures to reduce the amount of solid
waste disposed of in landfills.

No Conflict. The Project would be required to
coordinate with Waste Management, Inc. to develop a
collection program for recyclables, such as paper,
plastics, glass, and aluminum, in accordance with local and State programs, including AB 341, Mandatory
Commercial Recycling, and the California Solid Waste
Reuse and Recycling Act of 1991. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 5.1.

AQ 5.4 Encourage the incorporation of energy -efficient design elements, including appropriate site orientation and the use of shade and windbreak trees to reduce fuel consumption for heating and cooling.

No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
shall implement the County of Riverside's 2019 Climate
Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which
include cool roofs, enhanced insulation, and energy
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efficient heating/cooling equipment. Additionally, as
shown on Figure 3-14, Master Landscape Plan,
streetscape landscaping presents a combination of
evergreen and deciduous trees, low shrubs, and masses
of groundcovers. Therefore, the Project would not
conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 5.4.

AQ 8.6 Encourage employment centers in close
proximity to residential uses.

No Conflict. The Project would generate a substantial
number of jobs that would be filled by residents of the City and surrounding communities in the County. The
land to the north of the Project site, on the opposite side of SR -60 is designated for residential uses. The Project would create new job opportunities within the City of
Beaumont which improves the jobs to housing balance
within the City and reduces the need for members of the existing local workforce to commute long distances.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy AQ 8.6.

AQ 8.8 Promote land use patterns which reduce the
number and length of motor vehicle trips.

No Conflict. The Project site is situated in close
proximity to the regional transportation network which
connects the site to the Ports of Long Beach and Los
Angeles, both major gateways for international trade,
the Inland Empire and the Western United States.

Located along the south side of the SR -60 Freeway,
access to the regional transportation system from the site is provided via 4th Street, and access to the SR -60
Freeway from 4th Street is provided at the Potrero
Boulevard interchange, approximately 1.25 miles to the
east. Due to the Project site's proximity to SR -60, trucks accessing the Project site would efficiently reach the
State highway system to facilitate the movement of
goods throughout the region. Therefore, the Project
would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 8.8.

AQ 8.9 Promote land use patterns that promote
alternative modes of travel.

No Conflict. The Project includes installation of
sidewalks along the Project site's frontage with Jack
Rabbit Trail and 4th Street and along Industrial Way, a proposed private road located along the north side of the proposed industrial buildings. The Project Applicant
proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths
to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. Additionally, the Project would include the installation of bicycle racks and lockers at each of the proposed light industrial buildings. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ

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AQ 20.3 Reduce VMT and GHG emissions by
improving circulation network efficiency.

No Conflict. As discussed in Section 4.17,
Transportation, Transportation demand management
(TDM) strategies have been evaluated for reducing
VMT impacts. The Project also includes a detailed
circulation plan, which is organized to ensure efficient access to individual tenant areas, as well as to public places. The Project would locate industrial uses adjacent to SR -60, a regional transportation network which
connects the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, both
major gateways for international trade, to the Inland
Empire and the Western United States; thereby
improving goods movement circulation efficiency.

As demonstrated herein, impacts related to GHG
emissions are less than significant. Therefore, the
Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ

20.3. AQ 20.6 Reduce emissions from commercial vehicles, through VMT, by requiring all new commercial
buildings, in excess of 162,000 square feet, to install circuits and provide capacity for electric vehicle
charging stations.

No Conflict. As shown in Table 4.8-6, the Project
would provide a total of 15 electric vehicle charging
stations and electric conduit for truck charging.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy AQ 20.6.

AQ 20.7 Reduce VMT through increased densities in
urban centers and encouraging emphasis on mixed use
to provide residential, commercial and employment
opportunities in closer proximity to each other. Such
measures will also support achieving the appropriate
jobs -housing balance within the communities.

No Conflict. The Project would provide employment
opportunities within close proximity to residential uses.

The Project would create new job opportunities within
the City of Beaumont which improves the jobs to
housing balance within the City and reduces the need for members of the existing local workforce to commute
long distances. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 20.7.

AQ 20.10 Reduce energy consumption of the new
developments (residential, commercial and industrial)
through efficient site design that takes into
consideration solar orientation and shading, as well as passive solar design.

No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
shall implement the County of Riverside's 2019 Climate
Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which
include cool roofs to reduce energy consumption.

Additionally, 20% of the Project's energy consumption
would be from solar consistent with the CAP
requirement. Additionally, as shown on Figure 3-14,
Master Landscape Plan, streetscape landscaping
presents a combination of evergreen and deciduous
trees, low shrubs, and masses of groundcovers to
provide adequate shading. Therefore, the Project would
not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 20.10.

AQ 20.11 Increase energy efficiency of the new
developments through efficient use of utilities (water, No Conflict. As discussed in Table 4.8-6, the Project
shall implement the County of Riverside's 2019 Climate
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electricity, natural gas) and infrastructure design. Also, increase energy efficiency through use of energy
efficient mechanical systems and equipment.

Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which
include energy efficient heating/cooling system, water
heaters, appliances, water efficient irrigation systems, and recycle water. Therefore, the Project would not
conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 20.11.

AQ 20.13 Reduce water use and wastewater generation
in both new and existing housing, commercial and
industrial uses. Encourage increased efficiency of water use for agricultural activities.

No Conflict. As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and
Service Systems, the Project would construct an on -site recycled water system. The Project would connect a
proposed 14 -inch recycled water line that would connect to the existing 14 -inch recycled water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon development at 4th Street.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General
Plan Policy AQ 20.13.

AQ 20.14 Reduce the amount of water used for
landscaping irrigation through implementation of
County Ordinance 859 and increase use of non -potable
water.

No Conflict. As shown in Table 4.8-6, the Project
would include water efficient landscaping.

Additionally, as disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service Systems, the Project would construct an on -site recycled water system. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ 20.14.

AQ 20.17 Protect vegetation from increased fire risks
associated with drought conditions to ensure biological carbon remains sequestered in vegetation and not
released to the atmosphere through wildfires.

No Conflict. As discussed in Section 4.20, Wildfire, the Project would implement on -site defensible space
(FMA and fuel maintenance zone), which would consist
of asphalt roadways, parking stalls, loading zones,
irrigated landscaping, and irrigated slope protecting
landscaping to preclude wildfire impacts. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy AQ

20.17. 5. City of Beaumont General Plan
Table 4.8-9, City of Beaumont General Plan Applicability Analysis, provides an analysis of the Project's consistency with the City's General Plan goals and policies related to reducing GHG emissions. As shown in Table 4.8-9, the Project would not result in any inconsistency with the applicable General Plan goals and policies. Impacts regarding the Project's consistency with applicable plans, policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHG emissions and generation of GHG emissions were determined to be less than significant. However, despite plan consistency, the Project's long-term operational GHG emissions would exceed the City's significance threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e per year, even after implementation of all feasible mitigation measures.

As such, the Project's GHG emission impacts would be significant.

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Table 4.8-9 City of Beaumont General Plan Applicability Analysis General Plan Policy
Applicability
Land Use and Community Design (Chapter 3)
Goal 3.1: A City structure that enhances the quality of life of residents, meets the community's vision for the future, and connects new growth areas together with established Beaumont neighborhoods.

Policy 3.1.12: Establish buffers between
open space areas and urban development by
encouraging less intensive rural
development within proximity to the open
space areas.

No Conflict. The Project site is bordered to the west and to the south by open space and conservation land uses. The Specific Plan designates PA 9 for Open Space, which accommodates landscaped, manufactured slopes, fuel modification areas, project signage, as well as the natural slopes which form a buffer between the Specific Plan's developed areas and the Open Space — Conservation in PA 10. These areas would not be developed with the Project's proposed structures. Some disturbance would occur within the areas designated as Open Space; however, the disturbance would be limited to grading and landscaping. Therefore, the Project would establish a buffer between open space areas and urban development and would not conflict with General Plan Policy 3.1.12.

Goal 3.7: A City with a high -quality pedestrian environment for people, fostering interaction, activity, and safety
Policy 3.7.2: Create pedestrian -oriented
streetscapes by establishing unified street
tree planting, sidewalk dimensions and
maintenance, pedestrian amenities, and
high -quality building frontages in all new
development.

No Conflict. Passive recreational opportunities are provided to employees and visitors of Project site through curb -adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths. These amenities encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project. Provisions for sidewalks and pedestrian walkways, bicycle storage
facilities, and employee and visitor gathering areas interior to the planning areas are set forth in Chapter 4, Design Guidelines, of the Specific Plan.

The Project includes installation of sidewalks along the Project site's frontage with Jack Rabbit Trail and 4th Street and along Industrial Way. The Project provides a plant palette for three categories: Entrance Planting, Native California Planting, and Industrial Screen Planting. Landscaping is selected to
complement and enhance the setting of the site, while ensuring the conservation of the site's natural vegetation and habitats.

Therefore, the Project would create pedestrian -oriented streetscapes by establishing unified street tree planting, sidewalks, and high -quality building frontages. As such, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 3.7.2.

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Goal 3.8: A City that encourages a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, income levels, and cultural backgrounds.

Policy 3.8.3 Ensure the design of context-
specific streetscaping that promotes safe
travel for all users, including signs, curbs,
trees and landscaping to provide a more
pleasant environment for drivers, cyclists,
and pedestrians.

No Conflict. The Project Applicant proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. In addition, all driveways and intersections to and from the Project site would be stop -controlled to ensure safety for all transportation users.

Based on the Project's roadway improvements, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 3.8.3.

Mobility (Chapter 4)
Goal 4.1: Promote smooth traffic flows and balance operational efficiency, technological, and economic feasibility.

Policy 4.1.5: Require residential and
commercial development standards that
strengthen connections to transit and
promote walking to neighborhood services.

No Conflict. The Project Applicant proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. Additionally, the Project would provide pedestrian and bicycle network
improvements within the development connecting to existing off -site facilities to the east along 4th Street. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 4.1.5.

Goal 4.3: A healthy transportation system that promotes and improves pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety in Beaumont.

Policy 4.3.5: Integrate land use and
transportation infrastructure to support
higher -density development, a balanced
mix of residential and commercial uses, and
a connected system of sidewalks, bikeways,
greenways, and transit.

No Conflict. The Project involves a mixed development of 232.6 acres of light industrial use, 30.2 acres of commercial use (i.e., hotel, restaurants, recreation -based retail uses), 124.7 acres of open space, and 152.4 acres of open space -
conservation use. The Project also includes a detailed
circulation plan, which is organized to ensure efficient access to individual tenant areas, as well as to public places. Because the Project would integrate land use and transportation infrastructure to support a balanced mix of land uses, the Project would not conflict with Policy 4.3.5.

Goal 4.4: A balanced transportation system that provides adequate facilities for people in the City to bicycle, walk, or take transit to their destinations.

Policy 4.4.3: Improve safety for all active
transportation users.

No Conflict. The Project Applicant proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. In addition, all driveways and intersections to and from the Project site would be stop -controlled to ensure safety for all transportation users.

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Based on the Project's roadway improvements, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 4.4.3.

Health and Environmental Justice (Chapter 6)
Policy 6.7.2: Continue to work with State,
federal, regional, and local agencies to
eliminate and reduce concentrations of
regulated legacy pollutants.

No Conflict. There are no existing pollutants on site as the Project site is vacant and undeveloped. The Project would comply with State and federal Community -Right -to -Know laws, which allow the public to access information regarding the information about the amounts and types of chemicals that may be used by businesses on the Project site. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 6.7.2.

Policy 6.7.5: Reduce particulate emissions
from paved and unpaved roads,
construction activities, and agricultural
operations.

No Conflict. During the Project's construction phase, water would be sprayed throughout the site to abate dust particulate emissions. Additionally, Mitigation Measure MM 4.3-2 shall ensure that all 50 -horsepower or greater diesel -powered equipment is powered with California Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified Tier 4 Final engines, except where the project applicant establishes to the satisfaction of the City of Beaumont that Tier 4 Final equipment is not available.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 6.7.5.

Community Facilities and Infrastructure (Chapter 7)
Goal 7.3: Buildings and landscapes promote water conservation, efficiency, and the increased use of recycled water.

Policy 7.3.6: Encourage innovative water
recycling techniques, such as rainwater
capture, use of cisterns, and installation of
greywater systems.

No Conflict. As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service Systems, and Section 4.8, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the Project would commit to using graywater (purple pipe)
irrigation Recycled water will be utilized and used for construction dewatering, irrigation of manufactured and replanted slopes within PA 9, as well as for irrigation of parkway landscaping and irrigation of landscaping within the General Commercial and Industrial land uses (PAs 1-8). The Project would connect a proposed 14 -inch recycled water line that would connect to the existing 14 -inch recycled water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon development at 4th Street (350 feet east of the Project site in the existing right of way).

As such, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 7.3.6.

Goal 7.6: A zero -waste program that increases recycling and reduces waste sent to the landfill.

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Policy 7.6.1: Encourage new construction
and additions to avoid "Red List" materials
and chemicals.8
No Conflict. Refer to General Plan Policy 6.7.1. As concluded in Section 4.9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of this EIR, construction contractors would be required to comply with all applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding the transport, use, and storage of hazardous
construction -related materials, including but not limited requirements imposed by the EPA and DTSC. With mandatory compliance of applicable hazardous materials regulations, the Project would not create significant hazard to the public or the environment through routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials during the construction phase. The Project Applicant proposes to develop the Project site with industrial and commercial uses. Based on the facilities and uses that would be allowed at the Project site, hazardous materials (e.g., diesel fuel, lubricants, solvents, corrosives, toxic substances hazardous materials, etc.) could be used during the course of daily operations at the Project site. As concluded in Section 4.9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of this EIR, with
mandatory regulatory compliance, the Project would not pose a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, storage, emission, or disposal of hazardous materials, nor would the Project increase the potential for accident conditions which could result in the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 7.6.1.

Goal 7.7: Provide for a clean and healthy community through an effective solid waste collection and disposal system.

Policy 7.7.3: Require businesses (including
public entities) that generate four cubic
yards or more of commercial solid waste
per week, or a multifamily residential
dwelling of five units or more, to arrange
for recycling services.

No Conflict. The Project would be required to coordinate with Waste Management, Inc. to develop a collection program for recyclables, such as paper, plastics, glass, and aluminum, in accordance with local and State programs, including AB 341, Mandatory Commercial Recycling, and the California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Act of 1991. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 7.7.3.

Conservation and Open Space (Chapter 8)
Goal 8.1: A City with green buildings and developments that promote energy efficiency. 8 The "Red List" includes the worst types of materials and chemicals used in the building industry that are harmful to humans and the environment. For a list of material included on the "Red List," see: https://living- future.org/declare/declare-about/red-list/
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Policy 8.1.5: Encourage new development
to reduce building energy use by adopting
passive solar techniques and heat island
reduction strategies:
• Maximizing interior daylighting
• Using cool exterior siding, cool
roofing, and paving materials with
relatively high solar reflectivity to
reduce solar heat gain
• Planting shade trees on south- and
west -facing sides of new buildings
to reduce energy load
• Installing water efficient
vegetative cover and planting,
substantial tree canopy coverage
No Conflict. As discussed in Section 3.0, Project Description, of this EIR, the Project shall implement the County of
Riverside's 2019 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which include 20% project energy generated from solar, cool roofs and water efficient landscaping. The Project would achieve a minimum of 201 Screening Table Points.

Additionally, the Project would include skylights and
clearstory windows to maximize day lighting. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 8.1.5.

Policy 8.1.7: Encourage new buildings and
buildings undergoing major retrofits to
exceed Title 24 energy efficiency
standards.

No Conflict. Energy efficiency/energy conservation attributes of the Project would be complemented by increasingly
stringent State and federal regulatory actions addressing vehicle fuel economies and vehicle emissions standards; and enhanced building/utilities energy efficiencies mandated under California building codes (e.g., Title 24, California Green Building Standards Code). The Project proposes conventional industrial and commercial uses reflecting contemporary energy efficient/energy conserving designs and operational programs.

Uses proposed by the Project are not inherently energy
intensive, and the Project energy demands in total would comply with current Title 24 energy efficiency standards and due to the continued upgrades to Title 24 standards new construction would be comparable to, or less than, other industrial projects of similar scale and configuration in terms of energy use. Compliance with the Riverside County CAP provides additional energy efficiencies that exceed Title 24.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 8.1.7.

Safety (Chapter 9)
Goal 9.10: A City that is prepared for the potential impacts of climate change.

Policy 9.10.2: Encourage new development
and redesign of existing buildings to take
steps to reduce the impacts of extreme heat
events, including:

No Conflict. As discussed in Section 3.0, Project Description, of this EIR, the Project shall implement the County of
Riverside's 2019 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Screening Table Measures which include cool roofs, enhanced insulation, and energy efficient heating/cooling equipment, and on -site solar to provide 20% of the Project's energy requirements.

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• Design buildings to use less
mechanical heating and cooling
through use of passive solar
techniques.
• Support and incentivize, as
feasible, energy efficiency and
weatherization programs.
• Protect and expand the City's
urban tree canopy to provide
shade, increase carbon
sequestration, and purify the air.
• Provide shade structures in public
parks, outdoor playgrounds, and
bus shelters.

Additionally, as shown on Figure 3-14, Master Landscape Plan, streetscape landscaping presents a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees, low shrubs, and masses of groundcovers. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 9.10.2.

Policy 9.10.3: Require enhanced water
No Conflict. As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service Systems, the Project would construct an on -site recycled water system. The Project would connect a proposed 14 -inch
recycled water line that would connect to the existing 14 -inch recycled water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon
development at 4th Street. The Project will comply with CAP points for increased efficient use of water both inside the building and for landscaping irrigation. Additionally, the Project would be required to comply with Chapter 17.06 of the Municipal Code. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 9.10.3.
conservation measures in new development
and redesign of existing buildings to
address the possibility of constrained future
water supplies, including:
• Compliance with existing
landscape water conservation
ordinance (Chapter 17.06 of the
Municipal Code).
• Use of water conservation
measures in new development
beyond current requirements.
• Installation of recycled water use
and graywater systems.

Land Use (Chapter 11) 1
Goal 11.12: Encourage development to be efficient in the use of non-renewable resources, including water, energy, and air quality.

Policy 11.12.1: Promote the use of energy
and water conservation technologies and
practices.

Policy 11.12.3: Consider sustainable
development practices that reduce energy
and water demand.

No Conflict. The Project proposes conventional industrial uses reflecting contemporary energy efficient/energy conserving designs and operational programs. Energy efficiency/energy conservation attributes of the Project would be complemented by increasingly stringent State and federal regulatory actions addressing vehicle fuel economies and vehicle emissions standards; and enhanced building/utilities energy efficiencies mandated under California building codes (e.g., Title 24, California Green Building Standards Code). The Project would comply with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and proposes conventional industrial uses reflecting contemporary Lead Agency: City of Beaumont
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4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
General Plan Policy
Applicability
energy efficient/energy conserving designs and operational programs. Uses proposed by the Project are not inherently energy intensive, and the Project energy demands in total would be comparable to, or less than, other industrial projects of similar scale and configuration.

As disused in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service Systems, the Project would construct an on -site recycled water system. The Project would connect a proposed 14 -inch recycled water line that would connect to the existing 14 -inch recycled water line within the adjacent Hidden Canyon development at 4th Street.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policies 1.12.1 and 11.12.3.

Policy 11.12.4: Ensure that new
development does not result in wind and
solar access impacts.

No Conflict. As shown in Table 4.8-6, 20% of the Project's energy consumption would be from solar consistent with the CAP requirement. Furthermore, the Project's architecture would include skylights and clerestory windows to allow for increased use of passive solar design and day -lighted in new structures. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 11.12.4.

Policy 11.12.6: Improve air quality through
improved walkability, reduced vehicular
use and enhanced non- vehicular travel.

No Conflict. The Project includes installation of sidewalks along the Project site's frontage with Jack Rabbit Trail and 4th Street and along Industrial Way, a proposed private road located along the north side of the proposed industrial buildings. The Project Applicant proposes curb adjacent sidewalks and pedestrian paths to encourage and enhance pedestrian activity throughout the Project site. Additionally, the Project would include the installation of bicycle racks and lockers at each of the proposed light industrial buildings.

Therefore, the Project would not conflict with General Plan Policy 11.12.6.

4.8.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS
Implementation of a development project could contribute to global climate change through direct emissions of GHGs from on -site area sources and vehicle trips generated by the project, and indirectly through off -site energy production required for on -site activities, water use, and waste disposal.

Because no single project is large enough to result in a measurable increase in global concentrations of GHG emissions, climate change impacts of a project are considered on a cumulative basis consistent with the requirements outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)(3). As discussed, incorporation of mitigation would contribute in minimizing emissions. However, implementation of the Project would still result in net annual emissions that exceed the GHG emissions significance threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e/yr. Therefore, Project -related GHG emissions and their contribution to global climate change would be cumulatively considerable, and GHG emissions impacts would be significant.

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4.8.9 SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS BEFORE MITIGATION
Threshold a Significant Impact. Project GHG emissions would exceed the 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold. Therefore, impacts are significant.

Threshold b: Significant Impact. The Project would not conflict with applicable plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHG emissions. However, despite plan consistency, the Project's long-term operational GHG emissions would exceed the City's significance threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e per year, as such, a significant impact would occur as a result of the proposed Project.

4.8.10 MITIGATION
Mitigation Measures MM 4.3-3 through MM 4.3-12, in Section 4.3, Air Quality, of this EIR, would apply.

MM 4.8-1
Prior to issuance of building permits, the Project shall provide documentation to the City as part of the plan check process, demonstrating that the Project will implement the measures identified in Table 4.8-6, which were obtained from the Riverside County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Screening Tables. The Project may also achieve equivalent emission reductions from other measures approved by the City. Implementing these mitigation measures shall be verified by the City prior to the issuance of final Certificate of Occupancy.

Mitigation Measures MM 4.3-3 through 4.3-12 and MM 4.8-1 are designed to reduce emissions attributable to the proposed project. However, most of the measures cannot be quantified due to some uncertainty of the exact level of use or details needed to provide substantial evidence of reductions. As an example, the Ca1EEMod model does not provide reductions for the 60 EV charging systems and the TDM Program does not have enough detail to quantify at this time. In addition, the requirement for non -diesel outdoor cargo handling equipment is too vague to provide insight into potential GHG reductions. Therefore, the Project GHG emissions with mitigation shown below is a conservative forecast of GHG emissions and the Project is likely to be less than the total shown in Table 4.8-10, below.

4.8.11 SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS AFTER MITIGATION
Threshold a and b: Significant and Unavoidable Direct and Cumulatively -Considerable Impact: As shown in Table 4.8-10, 2027 Project Buildout GHG Emissions with Mitigation, the annual GHG emissions associated with the Project under Project Buildout scenario (Year 2027) with the implementation of mitigation measures are estimated to be approximately 60,638.09 MT CO2e per year, which exceeds the 3,000 MT CO2e per year threshold.

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Table 4.8-10 2027 Project Buildout GHG Emissions with Mitigation Emission Source
Emissions (MT/yr)
CO2
CH4
N20
Total CO2e
Annual construction -related emissions amortized
over 30 years
1,160.95

0.18 0.05
1,200.61
Area Sourcea

0.23 0.00

0.00 0.24
Energy Source'
5,155.53

0.22 0.07
5,183.39
Mobile Sources
48,209.87

1.27 5.45
49,865.32
TRU Source
-
236.63
On -Site Equipment Source
915.18

0.06 0.00
922.58
Waste Source
1,231.61

72.79 0.00
3,051.27
Water Usage Sourced
138.82

1.19 0.03
178.05
Total CO2e (All Sources)
60,638.09
a Mitigation Measure MM 4.3-10 requires electric landscaping equipment, which would reduce area source emissions. b Mitigation Measure MM 4.8-1 includes a requirement to offset 60% of energy demand via photovoltaic solar, which would reduce energy source emissions.

Mitigation Measure MM 4.3-6 requires implementation of a TDM program, which would reduce mobile source emissions.
d Mitigation Measure MM 4.8-1 includes several requirements to reduce water usage, which would reduce water usage source emissions.

Source: (Urban Crossroads, 2022d, Table 4-2)
No additional feasible mitigation measures are available that can reduce impacts to less than significant. The Project incorporates all feasible mitigation measures that could be implemented to further reduce the Project's GHG emissions below the 3,000 MTCO2e threshold. There are no additional measures available that would further reduce emissions because the majority of the Project's emissions come from mobile sources which are regulated by the State and not the City of Beaumont.

The reliance on carbon offsets to reduce either the Project's mobile or non -mobile emissions is also not feasible, there is no local program available at this time that would meet CEQA's criteria for this to be a valid mitigation measure. To reduce emissions, purchased offset credits must be genuine, quantifiable, additional, and verifiable. Even offset credits purchased from CARB-approved offset project registries have been determined to not adequately assure that purchased offset credits accurately and reliably represent actual emissions reductions or cannot guarantee that such reductions are additional to any reduction that would occur under business -as -usual operations and reductions required by law. Such offsets have been determined to not comply with CEQA's definition of a valid mitigation measure. See Golden Door Properties, LLC v. County of San Diego (2020) 50 Ca1.App.5th 467.

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Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report 4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions The City of Beaumont, as Lead Agency and the entity responsible for enforcing any mitigation measures incorporated into the Project and relied upon to reduce impacts to a less than significant level, has no enforcement authority over offset credits that fund carbon reduction projects outside of the City.

Many offset credits "sell" reductions in emissions generated outside of California, which may not be verifiable. International offsets may also be difficult to verify and guarantee. Notably, CARB does not have enforcement authority over such reductions, let alone the City of Beaumont. Thus, the purchase of offset credits is not a feasible mitigation measure to reduce the emissions impact of the proposed Project and impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.

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Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials •

4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Information presented in this section is primarily based on the technical reports listed below, which are included in their entirety in Technical Appendices H, M1 and M2, of this EIR. The ESA addresses the entire Project site in addition to approximately 83 acres off site (McAlister GeoScience, 2019).

Refer to Section 7.0, References, for a complete list of reference sources used in this analysis. • McAlister GeoScience. 2019. Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Report ("ESA").

November 12, 2019
• Dudek. 2022. Fire Protection Plan Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan County of Riverside.

November 15, 2022.
• CRA Mobility, 2022. Beaumont Pointe Project Fire Evacuation Analysis — Technical Memorandum. July 27, 2022.

For purposes of this EIR, the term "hazardous material" is defined as a substance that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may: 1) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, disposed of, or otherwise mismanaged; or 2) cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in irreversible or incapacitating illness. Hazardous materials include chemical, biological, flammable, explosive, and radioactive substances.

Hazardous waste is defined in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 66261.3. The defining characteristics of hazardous waste are: ignitability (oxidizers, compressed gases, and extremely flammable liquids and solids), corrosivity (strong acids and bases), reactivity (explosives or generates toxic fumes when exposed to air or water), and toxicity (materials listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA] as capable of inducing systemic damage to humans or animals). Certain wastes are called "Listed Wastes" and are found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Sections 66261.30 through 66261.35. Wastes appear on the lists because of their known hazardous nature or because the processes that generate them are known to produce hazardous wastes (which are often complex mixtures).

The Phase I ESA assessed the potential for Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECs) and Historical Recognized Environmental Conditions (HRECs) in connection with the Project site. RECs, CRECs and HRECs are defined as follows:
o RECs are defined as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: (1) due to release to the environment; (2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or (3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment. De minimis conditions are not RECs.

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials o CRECs are defined as a recognized environmental condition resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority (for example, as evidence by the issuance of a no further action letter or equivalent, or meeting risk -based criteria established by regulatory authority), with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject to the implementation of required controls (for example, property use restrictions, activity and use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering controls). o HRECs are defined as a past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that has occurred in connection with the property and has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or meeting unrestricted use criteria established by a regulatory authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls (for example, property use restrictions, activity and use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering controls).

4.9.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The approximately 539.9 -acre Project site includes 11 irregularly shaped parcels, including APNs:
422-060-002, 422-060-005, 422-060-009, 422-060-010, 422-060-016, 422-060-017, 422-060-018, 422-060-021, 422-060-022, 422-170-005, 422-170-008. The Project does not currently contain any buildings and is currently undeveloped, except for the eastern portion of the site that contains the paved portion of Jack Rabbit Trail. The Project site contains several unmarked trails that are located throughout the site. The Project site is characterized by steep slopes, overgrown vegetation, and complex drainage patterns.

A. Historical Review, Regulatory Records Review, and Field Reconnaissance Based on a review of historical uses and regulatory records and field reconnaissance, there is no evidence of any RECs, CRECs, or HRECS on the Project site. Details on the review and reconnaissance are provided below.

1. Historical Review
In order to determine the historical use of the Project site, various documents were reviewed, including historical aerial photographs, historical topographic maps, Environmental Data Resources (EDR) collection of regulatory database records, city directories, historical site occupants, and historical site ownership records. Refer to Technical Appendix H of this EIR for a more detailed description of McAlister GeoScience's research results.

The historical review of the Project site and surrounding properties revealed the area was either undeveloped or agricultural land in the early 1900s. By 1953, aerial photographs show a residential home near the Project site on the east side of Jack Rabbit Trail. By 1967, topographic maps show one well located south and a second located east of the Project site. No significant changes were observed in the area in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The 2012 and 2016 aerial photographs showed the northern adjacent land, across SR -60, to be under construction for residential neighborhoods. No environmental Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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concerns were identified during the historical review of the surrounding properties that would cause environmental impacts on the Project site (McAlister GeoScience, 2019).

2. Regulatory Records Review
A review of federal, State, and local environmental records databases was conducted to identify properties near the Project site with reported environmental issues. A summary of the research results is provided below; a detailed description of the environmental record review results is included in Technical Appendix H of this EIR.

The Project site is not listed on any federal, state, or local regulatory agency databases. There are no Federal National Priorities List (NPL), Federal Delisted NPL, Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS), Federal Superfund Enterprise Management System Archive (SEMS-ARCHIVE), Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action (CORRACTS), Federal RCRA non-CORRACTS Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD), Federal RCRA Large Quantity Generator (LQG), Federal RCRA Small Quantity Generator (SQG), Federal RCRA Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG), and Federal Institutional Controls/ Engineering Controls (IC/EC) sites listed on the Project site. There are also no State and Tribal Equivalent to NPL or CERCLIS sites; State and Tribal Landfill; State and Tribal Solid Waste Disposal; State and Tribal Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST); State or Tribal Spills, Leak Investigation and Cleanups (SLIC); State and Tribal Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCO); and State and Tribal Brownfield sites within Project site. The Project site is not located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Facility Information Detail (FIND) database. (McAlister GeoScience, 2019).

The online Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) database, EnviroStor, and the online Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) database, GeoTracker, were reviewed to identify nearby sites that have the potential to impact the Project site. The databases identified five properties within a two-mile radius, including:
o Lockheed Martin Beaumont Site 2 listed under the FINDS database. Additional details on this site are provided below.
o The Upper Oak Lift Station is located approximate 1.4 miles east/northeast of the center of the Project site and listed under the FINDS, CERS HAZ WASTE, CERS TANKS AND CERS databases. Several violations associated were noted, however, all were returned to compliance.

Based on the distance to the Project site, this site is not of concern. o The East Valley Golf Club is located 7,530 feet north/northeast of the center of the Project site and listed under the FINDS database. Based on the distance, this site is not of concern. o The Morongo Golf Club listed under the FINDS and ECHO databases. It is located 7,530 feet east/northeast. This site was not identified with any violations. Based on the distance, this site is not of concern.

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials o LUST site known as "Oak Valley Parkway," was identified 3,366 feet northwest and up - gradient of the Project site. The potential impact is associated with diesel, gasoline, and other petroleum hydrocarbons into the groundwater used for municipal and domestic supply, agriculture, and industrial service and processes supply. Although the site currently has a regulatory status of"Open-Site Assessment" as of April 23, 2019, the distance from the Project site reduces any concern associated with the LUST as an environmental risk to the Project site.

The Lockheed Martin Beaumont Site 2 is located approximately 1 mile east/southeast from the center of the Project site and was used as an Aerospace Rocket Testing/Launch Area from 1958 to 1974.

Between 1974 and 1986, portions of the overall site were used for sheep ranching and training of heavy equipment operators. This site is currently listed with the regulatory status of, "Open -Assessment & Interim Remedial Action" as of July 11, 2016. Potential contaminants of concern associated with the site include: 1,4-Dioxane, Explosives, Perchlorate, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and Tetrachloroethylene leaching into groundwater, sediments, soil, and surface water. However, levels of contaminants at the site are very low and do not present any health concern. Based on the low levels of contaminants, areas of plume, distance and cross -gradient location from the Project site, the Lockheed Martin Beaumont Site 2 is considered a de minimis condition (McAlister GeoScience, 2019).

The online mapping system (Well Finder) maintained by the State of California Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources for the immediate vicinity of the Project site was also reviewed. There is a Gas & Oil well located approximately 8,900 feet southwest of the Project site. However, due to its distance from the Project site, no environmental concerns were identified. Two plugged wells are also located northwest of the Project site. One is located adjacent, beyond State Route 60 (SR -60) and the other is located approximately 3,600 feet northeast. Both wells are plugged and identified as a "Dry Hole" and therefore they are not of environmental concern. Additionally, a Freedom of Information Act requests could not be sent to local agencies because no addresses associated with the Project site (McAlister GeoScience, 2019).

3. Field Reconnaissance
McAlister GeoScience conducted a reconnaissance of the Project site on November 6, 2019, and observed the property to be undeveloped with no buildings or portions of buildings observed within the boundaries of the Project site. No potentially hazardous chemicals, aboveground or underground storage tanks, unusual or noxious odors, pools of liquid, pits, ponds, or lagoons, stained soil or pavement, transformers or polychlorinated biphenyl -suspect hydraulic systems, stained soil or pavement, stressed vegetation, leach fields, septic tanks, or cesspools, fill or dump sites, or sumps, pits, or floor drains were observed at the Project site. No evidence of drains, ditches, or streams or wells was observed at the Project site. No other pertinent information was observed during the site reconnaissance, except for one drum and three paint containers, which appeared empty, were observed across Jack Rabbit Trail. No environmental concerns were identified during the field reconnaissance (McAlister GeoScience, 2019).

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials B. Airport Hazards
The nearest airport to the Project site is Banning Municipal Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the east. The Project site is not located within the Airport Influence Area Boundary (RCALUC, 2004).

C. Wildland Fire Hazards
The Project site is in the SOI for the City of Beaumont and within the San Timoteo Badlands, which are considered wildlands. As shown on Figure 4.9-1, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the Riverside County Information Technology (RCIT) and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) designates the Project site as located within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) for "High" and "Very High" fire hazard severity (Cal Fire, 2007; RCIT, 2021).

4.9.2 NOTICE OF PREPARATION/SCOPING COMMENTS
A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Project was released for public review on September 7, 2020 and an EIR Scoping Meeting was held September 17, 2020. No comments were made on the NOP or during the EIR Scoping Meeting that pertain to hazards and hazardous materials.

4.9.3 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Hazardous materials and hazardous wastes are regulated by various federal, State, and local regulations to protect public health and the environment. This section summarizes the overall regulatory framework governing hazardous materials management that is applicable to the Project.

A. Federal

1. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"), provides a Federal "Superfund" to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous -waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment. Through CERCLA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was given power to seek out those parties responsible for any release and assure their cooperation in the cleanup. EPA cleans up orphan sites when potentially responsible parties cannot be identified or located, or when they fail to act. Through various enforcement tools, EPA obtains private party cleanup through orders, consent decrees, and other small party settlements. EPA also recovers costs from financially viable individuals and companies once a response action has been completed (EPA, 2019a).

EPA is authorized to implement the Act in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Superfund site identification, monitoring, and response activities in states are coordinated through the state environmental protection or waste management agencies (EPA, 2019a).

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LEGEND

STATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA
SRA High L__� 227.1 AC
SRA Very High I 311.7 AC
Figure 4.9-1
4th Street
Source(s): ESRI, RCTLMA (2021), CAL Fire (2021)
0 275 550 1,100
Feet
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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■ L Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 reauthorized CERCLA to continue cleanup activities around the country. Several site -specific amendments, definitions clarifications, and technical requirements were added to the legislation, including additional enforcement authorities. Also, Title III of SARA authorized the Emergency Planning and Community Right -to -Know Act (EPCRA) as the national legislation on community safety. This law is designed to help local communities protect public health, safety, and the environment from chemical hazards. (EPA, 2019a).

2. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle -to -grave." This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also set forth a framework for the management of non -hazardous solid wastes. The 1986 amendments to RCRA enabled EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances (EPA, 2019b).

The Federal Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) are the 1984 amendments to RCRA that focused on waste minimization and phasing out land disposal of hazardous waste as well as corrective action for releases. Some of the other mandates of this law include increased enforcement authority for EPA, more stringent hazardous waste management standards, and a comprehensive underground storage tank program (EPA, 2019b).

3. Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975 (HMTA) empowered the Secretary of Transportation to designate as hazardous material any "particular quantity or form" of a material that "may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property" (OSHA, n.d.).

Hazardous materials regulations are subdivided by function into four basic areas:
o Procedures and/or Policies 49 CFR Parts 101, 106, and 107 o Material Designations 49 CFR Part 172
o Packaging Requirements 49 CFR Parts 173, 178, 179, and 180 o Operational Rules 49 CFR Parts 171, 173, 174, 175, 176, and 177 (OSHA, n.d.) The HMTA is enforced by use of compliance orders [49 U.S.C. 1808(a)], civil penalties [49 U.S.C. 1809(b)], and injunctive relief (49 U.S.C. 1810). The HMTA (Section 112, 40 U.S.C. 1811) preempts state and local governmental requirements that are inconsistent with the statute, unless that requirement affords an equal or greater level of protection to the public than the HMTA requirement (OSHA, n.d.).

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4. Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act of 1990 In 1990, Congress enacted the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act (HMTUSA) to clarify the maze of conflicting state, local, and federal regulations. Like the HMTA, the HMTUSA requires the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations for the safe transport of hazardous material in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. The Secretary also retains authority to designate materials as hazardous when they pose unreasonable risks to health, safety, or property (OSHA, n.d.).

The statute includes provisions to encourage uniformity among different state and local highway routing regulations, to develop criteria for the issuance of federal permits to motor carriers of hazardous materials, and to regulate the transport of radioactive materials (OSHA, n.d.).

5. Occupational Safety and Health Act
Congress initially passed the Occupational and Safety Health Act (OSH) in 1970 to ensure worker and workplace safety. Their goal was to make sure employers provide their workers a place of employment free from recognized hazards to safety and health, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions (EPA, 2019c).

In order to set and enforce workplace safety and health standards and to establish standards for workplace health and safety, the Act also created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as the research institution for OSHA. OSHA is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees the administration of the Act and enforces standards in all 50 states (EPA, 2019c).

6. Toxic Substances Control Act
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 provides EPA with authority to require reporting, record -keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. Certain substances are generally excluded from TSCA, including, among others, food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides. TSCA addresses the production, importation, use, and disposal of specific chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon, and lead -based paint (EPA, 2019d).

Various sections of TSCA provide authority to:
o Require, under Section 5, pre -manufacture notification for "new chemical substances" before manufacture
o Require, under Section 4, testing of chemicals by manufacturers, importers, and processors where risks or exposures of concern are found
o Issue Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), under Section 5, when it identifies a "significant new use" that could result in exposures to, or releases of, a substance of concern.

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials o Maintain the TSCA Inventory, under Section 8, which contains more than 83,000 chemicals.

As new chemicals are commercially manufactured or imported, they are placed on the list. o Require those importing or exporting chemicals, under Sections 12(b) and 13, to comply with certification reporting and/or other requirements.
o Require, under Section 8, reporting and record -keeping by persons who manufacture, import, process, and/or distribute chemical substances in commerce. o Require, under Section 8(e), that any person who manufactures (including imports), processes, or distributes in commerce a chemical substance or mixture and who obtains information which reasonably supports the conclusion that such substance or mixture presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment to immediately inform EPA, except where EPA has been adequately informed of such information. EPA screens all TSCA b§8(e) submissions as well as voluntary "For Your Information" (FYI) submissions. The latter are not required by law, but are submitted by industry and public interest groups for a variety of reasons (EPA, 2019d).

B. State

1. Cal/OSHA and the California State Plan
Under an agreement with OSHA, since 1973, California has operated an occupational safety and health program in accordance with Section 18 of the federal OSH. The State of California's Department of Industrial Relations administers the California Occupational Safety and Health Program, commonly referred to as Cal/OSHA. The State of California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is the principal agency that oversees plan enforcement and consultation. In addition, the California State program has an independent Standards Board responsible for promulgating State safety and health standards, and reviewing variances. It also has an Appeals Board to adjudicate contested citations and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement to investigate complaints of discriminatory retaliation in the workplace (OSHA, 2017).

Pursuant to 29 CFR 1952.172, the California State Plan applies to all public and private sector places of employment in the State, with the exception of federal employees, the United States Postal Service, private sector employers on Native American lands, maritime activities on the navigable waterways of the United States, private contractors working on land designated as exclusively under federal jurisdiction and employers that require federal security clearances. Cal/OSHA is the only agency in the State authorized to adopt, amend, or repeal occupational safety and health standards or orders. The Ca1/OSHA enforcement unit conducts inspections of California workplaces in response to a report of an industrial accident, a complaint about an occupational safety and health hazard, or as part of an inspection program targeting industries with high rates of occupational hazards, fatalities, injuries or illnesses (OSHA, 2017).

2. California Hazardous Waste Control Law
The Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL) (Cal. Health and Safety Code [HSC], Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Article 2, Section 25100, et seq.) is the primary hazardous waste statute in California. The HWCL implements RCRA as a "cradle -to -grave" waste management system in the State. It specifies Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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that generators have the primary duty to determine whether their wastes are hazardous and to ensure its proper management. The HWCL also establishes criteria for the reuse and recycling of hazardous wastes used or reuse as raw materials. The HWCL exceeds federal requirements by mandating source reduction planning and broadening requirements for permitting facilities that treat hazardous waste. It also regulates a number of waste types and waste management activities not covered by federal law (California Legislative Information, 1972).

3. California Code of Regulations, Titles 5, 17, 22 and 26 A variety of California Code of Regulation (CCR) titles address regulations and requirements related to hazardous materials and hazardous waste. CCR Title 17, Division 1, Chapter 8, defines and regulates handling and disposal of lead -based paint. Any detectable amount of lead is regulated. CCR Title 22 contains detailed compliance requirements for hazardous waste generators, transporters, and facilities for treatment, storage, and disposal. Because California is a fully -authorized state according to RCRA, most regulations (i.e., 40 CFR 260, et seq.) have been duplicated and integrated into Title 22. However, because the Depai inient of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) regulates hazardous waste more stringently than the EPA, the integration of State and federal hazardous waste regulations that make up Title 22 does not contain as many exemptions or exclusions as does 40 CFR 260. As with the HSC, CCR Title 22 also regulates a wider range of waste types and waste management activities than does RCRA. To aid the regulated community, California has compiled hazardous materials, waste, and toxics-related regulations from CCR, Titles 3, 8, 13, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24 and 27 into one consolidated listing: CCR Title 26 (Toxics). However, the hazardous waste regulations are still commonly referred to collectively as "Title 22" (DTSC, 2020b; DTSC, 2020a).

4. California Government Code Section 51178
This section specifies that the Director of CalFire, in cooperation with local fire authorities, shall identify areas that are Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) in Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs), based on consistent statewide criteria, and the expected severity of fire hazard. Per California Government Code (CGC) Section 51178, a local agency may, at its discretion, exclude from the requirements of Section 51182 an area within its jurisdiction that has been identified as a VHFHSZ, if it provides substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Section 51182 are not necessary for effective fire protection within the area. Alternatively, local agencies may include areas not identified as VHFHSZ by CalFire, following a finding supported by substantial evidence in the record that the requirements of Section 51182 are necessary for effective fire protection within the new area.

According to Section 51182, such changes made by a local agency shall be final, and shall not be rebuttable by CalFire.

C. Local

1. Local Permitting Requirements
The aforementioned federal and State hazardous materials regulations require all businesses that handle more than a specified amount of hazardous materials or extremely hazardous materials to obtain a hazardous materials permit and submit a business plan to its local Certified Unified Program Agency Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials (CUPA). The CUPA also ensures local compliance with all applicable hazardous materials regulations.

The CUPA associated with the Project site is the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH). The Department is responsible for inspecting facilities that handle hazardous materials, generate hazardous waste, treat hazardous waste, own/operate underground storage tanks, own/operate aboveground petroleum storage tanks, or handle other materials subject to the California Accidental Release Program. In addition, the Department maintains an emergency response team that responds to hazardous materials and other environmental health emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (RCDEH, 2020)
The CUPA also oversees the two Participating Agencies (Corona Fire and Riverside Fire) that implement hazardous materials programs within the County (RCDEH, 2020).

2. City of Beaumont General Plan
The General Plan identifies goals related to hazards and hazardous materials in the Safety Element.

These goals and policies and a discussion of the Project's consistency are discussed in Table 4.11-1, General Plan Applicability Analysis, in EIR Section 4.11, Land Use and Planning, of this Draft EIR.

3. City of Beaumont Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Beaumont's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a plan that the City reviews, monitors, and updates approximately every five years to reflect changing conditions and new information regarding hazards faced by the City of Beaumont. The most current version is dated June 2012 (City of Beaumont, 2012). The LHMP addresses hazards associated with wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, extreme weather, insect infestation, hazardous materials incidents, blackout, transportation incidents, pipeline incidents, toxic pollution, nuclear incidents, civil unrest, and terrorism within the City of Beaumont. The LHMP identifies vulnerabilities, provides recommendations for prioritized mitigation actions, evaluates resources, and identifies mitigation shortcomings, provides future mitigation planning and maintenance of the existing LHMP. The LHMP mitigation measures include: a vulnerability assessment of City facilities, incorporation of LHMP policies and goals into the City of Beaumont General Plan, dissemination of information pertaining to the City's Emergency Response Procedures, and public awareness training (City of Beaumont, 2012).

4.9.4 BASIS FOR DETERMINING SIGNIFICANCE
The City has not established local CEQA significance thresholds as described in Section 15064.7 of the CEQA Guidelines. Therefore, significance determinations utilized in this section are from Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. According to Section XI of Appendix G to the CEQA Guidelines, the Project would result in a significant impact to hazards and hazardous materials if the Project or any Project -related component would:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials;
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■ L Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment;
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school; d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment;
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area; f Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; or
Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires.
g.

As the City has not adopted its own thresholds with respect to hazards and hazardous materials, the above -listed thresholds are derived directly from Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines and address the typical, adverse effects related to hazards and hazardous materials that could result from implementation of the Project.

4.9.5 IMPACT ANALYSIS
Threshold a:

Threshold b:

Would the Project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials? Would the Project 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?
Implementation of the Project would result in the construction and long-term operation of industrial and commercial uses within the Project site. The Project would have the potential to expose workers on site, the public, and/or the environment to a substantial hazard if there are any hazards or hazardous materials on the Project site or if hazardous materials are used/stored, manufactured/shipped on the Project site during construction or long-term operation. The analysis below evaluates the potential for the Project to result in a substantial hazard to people or the environment during any stage of the Project.

A. On -Site Conditions
As discussed in Section 4.9.1, there are no RECS, CRECS, or HRECS associated with the Project site.

Therefore, the existing site condition is considered to be free from any environmental concern associated with hazards or hazardous materials. Grading and hauling of on -site soils would have no hazardous risk to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ L Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials hazardous materials; and there would be no risk of upset or accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

B. Temporary Construction -Related Activities
Heavy equipment (e.g., dozers, excavators, tractors) would be operated on the Project site during construction. This heavy equipment likely would be fueled and maintained by petroleum -based substances such as diesel fuel, gasoline, oil, and hydraulic fluid, which are considered hazardous if improperly stored or handled. In addition, materials such as paints, adhesives, solvents, and other substances typically used in building construction would be located on the Project site during construction. These materials would not be in such quantities or stored in such a manner as to pose a significant safety hazard to on -site construction workers or the general public. Construction contractors would be required to comply with all applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding the transport, use, and storage of hazardous construction -related materials, including but not limited requirements imposed by the EPA and DTSC. With mandatory compliance of applicable hazardous materials regulations, the Project would not create significant hazard to the public or the environment through routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials during the construction phase.

Improper use, storage, or transportation of hazardous materials can result in accidental releases or spills, potentially posing health risks to workers, the public, and the environment. This is a standard risk on all construction sites, and there would be no greater risk for improper handling, transportation, or spills associated with the Project than would occur on any other similar construction site. Thus, impacts due to construction activities would not cause a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions, and impacts would be less than significant impact. Therefore, temporary construction -related impacts would be less than significant.

C. Impact Analysis for Long -Term Operation
The Project site would include industrial and commercial land uses. The future occupants of the proposed buildings are not yet known. However, the building occupants within the industrial land use will include warehousing, manufacturing, fulfillment, parcel hub and/or similar uses. Manufacturing uses may include manufacturing on site and shipment of goods and/or shipment/transport of goods to the Project site for manufacturing on site. Building occupants within the commercial land uses will include restaurants, recreation, and entertainment (e.g., athletic fields, batting cages, miniature golf courses, health clubs, etc.). The full list of permitted, conditionally permitted, and ancillary uses allowed within the Project site are listed on Table 3-1 of the Beaumont Pointe Specific Plan. Based on the facilities and uses that would be allowed at the Project site, hazardous materials (e.g., diesel fuel, lubricants, solvents, corrosives, hazardous materials, etc.) could be used during the course of daily operations at the Project site. It is possible that other hazardous materials also could be used during the course of daily operations at the Project site. In the event that hazardous materials, other than those common materials described above, are associated with future operations, the hazardous materials would only be stored and transported to and from the Project site. General cleaning activities on site Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials that contain toxic substances are usually low in concentration and small in amount; therefore, there is no significant risk to humans or the environment from the use of such cleaning products.

Exposure of people or the environment to hazardous materials during operation of the Project may result from (1) the improper handling or use of hazardous substances; (2) transportation accidents; or (3) an unforeseen event (e.g., fire, flood, or earthquake). The severity of any such exposure is dependent upon the type and amount of the hazardous material involved; the timing, location, and nature of the event; and the sensitivity of the individuals or environment affected. As previously discussed, the U.S. Department of Transportation prescribes strict regulations for hazardous materials transport, as described in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (i.e., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act); these are implemented by Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. It is possible that vendors may transport hazardous materials to and from the Project; and the drivers of the transport vehicles must comply with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Hazardous materials or wastes stored on site are subject to requirements associated with accumulation time limits, amounts, and proper storage locations and containers, and proper labeling. Additionally, for removal of hazardous waste from the site, hazardous waste generators are required to use a certified hazardous waste transportation company which must ship hazardous waste to a permitted facility for treatment, storage, recycling, or disposal.

State and federal Community -Right -to -Know laws allow the public access to information about the amounts and types of chemicals that may be used by businesses on the Project site. Laws also are in place that require businesses to plan and prepare for possible chemical emergencies through preparation of a Hazardous Materials Inventory and a Hazardous Materials Business Plan. Any businesses that occupy the buildings on the Project site and that handles/stores substantial quantities of hazardous materials (as defined in Section 25500 of California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.95) will require a permit from the RCDEH in order to register the business as a hazardous materials handler. Such businesses also are required to prepare and comply with Hazardous Materials Inventory and a Hazardous Materials Business Plan, which requires immediate reporting to the RCDEH and the State Office of Emergency Services regarding any release or threatened release of a hazardous material, regardless of the amount handled by the business, and to prepare a Hazardous Materials Business Emergency Plan (HMBEP). An HMBEP is a written set of procedures and information created to help minimize the effects and extent of a release or threatened release of a hazardous material. The intent of the HMBEP is to satisfy federal and State Community Right -To - Know laws and to provide detailed information for use by emergency responders.

The RCDEH implements the Hazardous Materials Business Plan for the County. The Hazardous Materials Business Plan is required to contain basic information on the location, type, quantity, and health risks of hazardous materials stored, used, or disposed of on development sites. The plan also contains an emergency response plan, which describes the procedures for mitigating a hazardous release, procedures, and equipment for minimizing the potential damage of a hazardous materials release, and provisions for immediate notification of emergency -response personnel, such as the local fire agency having jurisdiction. Implementation of the emergency response plan facilitates rapid response in the event of an accidental spill or release, thereby reducing potential adverse impacts.

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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials If businesses that use or store hazardous materials occupy the future buildings on the Project site, the business owners and operators would be required to comply with all applicable federal, State, and local regulations to ensure proper transport, use, storage, use, emission, and disposal of hazardous substances (as described above). With mandatory regulatory compliance, the Project would not pose a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, storage, emission, or disposal of hazardous materials, nor would the Project increase the potential for accident conditions which could result in the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Based on the foregoing information, potential hazardous materials impacts associated with long-term operation of the Project are regarded as less than significant and no mitigation is required.

Threshold c: Would the Project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
The Project's eastern boundary is located approximately three (3) miles west of Three Rings Ranch Elementary School at 1040 Calumet Avenue in Beaumont, California (Google Earth Pro, 2021). There are no proposed schools in closer proximity to the Project site. Accordingly, the Project does not have the potential to emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, and/or wastes within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. Impacts related to on -site construction and operational uses are considered less than significant.

The vast majority of passenger car and truck travel to/from the Project site will be from 4th Street to Potrero Avenue to access SR -60. There are no existing or proposed schools within one -quarter mile of these roadways or the Potrero Avenue/SR-60 interchange. Additionally, and as described above under the analysis for Thresholds "a" and "b," the use of and transport of hazardous substances or materials to -and -from the Project site during construction and long-term operational activities would be required to comply with applicable federal, State, and local regulations that are designed to preclude substantial public safety hazards. Accordingly, there would be no significant potential for existing or proposed schools to be exposed to substantial safety hazards associated with emission, handling of, or the routine transport of hazardous substances or materials to -and -from the Project site. Impacts related to off -site construction and operational uses are considered less than significant.

Finally, refer to EIR Section 4.3, Air Quality, for analysis pertaining to human health risks associated with air pollutant emissions associated with the Project, including risks to sensitive receptors such as school children.

Threshold d: Would the Project be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? As discussed in Section 4.9.1A.2 above, based on a site search on November 6, 2019, the Project site is not listed on any federal, state, or local regulatory agency databases or any list of hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. There are no Federal National Priorities Lead Agency: City of Beaumont
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■ L 1 Environmental Impact Report 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials List (NPL), Federal Delisted NPL, Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS), Federal Superfund Enterprise Management System Archive (SEMS-ARCHIVE), Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action (CORRACTS), Federal RCRA non-CORRACTS Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD), Federal RCRA Large Quantity Generator (LQG), Federal RCRA Small Quantity Generator (SQG), Federal RCRA Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG), and Federal Institutional Controls/ Engineering Controls (IC/EC) sites listed on the Project site. There are also no State and Tribal Equivalent to NPL or CERCLIS sites; State and Tribal Landfill; State and Tribal Solid Waste Disposal; State and Tribal Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST); State or Tribal Spills, Leak Investigation and Cleanups (SLIC); State and Tribal Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCO); and State and Tribal Brownfield sites within Project site. The Project site is not located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Facility Information Detail (FIND) database (McAlister GeoScience, 2019). Accordingly, no impact would occur.

Threshold e: For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area?
The Project site is not located within the Airport Influence Area for the nearest airport to the Project site, Banning Municipal Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the east of the Project site (RCALUC, 2004). Therefore, implementation of the Project would not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the Project area. No impact would occur.

Threshold f Would the Project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? The Project site does not contain any emergency facilities, nor does it serve as an emergency evacuation route. During an emergency in the City, operations are coordinated from the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in accordance with the City's EOP. The primary EOC location is at the Chatigny Recreation Center (CRC) located on the northeast corner of Oak Valley Parkway and Cherry Avenue. The alternate EOC location is the Beaumont City Hall Facility located at 550 E 6th Street.

Additionally, according to the City's General Plan Safety Element, The City has major evacuation routes which include I-10 and SR -60 as well as several major roadways. The following existing major roadways are emergency evacuation routes: Brookside Avenue, Oak Valley Parkway, Highland Spring Avenue, and Beaumont Avenue. It should be noted that an interchange at Potrero Boulevard and SR - 60 is under construction and an extension of Potrero eastward to connect to Highland Springs Avenue is planned. Following the completion of the extension, Potrero Boulevard will be designated by the City as an evacuation route. Additionally, the SR -60, immediately north of the Project site, serves as an evacuation route for the City (City of Beaumont, 2020).

During Project construction, travel lanes along Frontage Road would be maintained, and construction materials and equipment would be staged on site. The Project is not anticipated to result in a substantial Lead Agency: City of Beaumont SCH No. 2020099007