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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Purpose and Scope 1
1.2 Implementing the Vision and Themes 1
1.3 Relation to Other General Plan Elements and Policies 2
1.4 Related Plans and Programs 2
1.4.1 Regional Growth Management Strategy 2
1.4.2 Regional Comprehensive Plan 3
1.5 Sustainable Development 3
Figure 9-1: Key Components of Sustainable Development 4
1.6 Environmental Justice 6
1.6.1 Relationship to General Plan Land Use Planning And Policies 6
1.6.2 Equitable Distribution of Public Facilities and Services 7
1.6.3 Overconcentration of Industrial Uses 7
1.6.4 Transit-Oriented Development 7
2.0 GOAL
9 3.0 PLANNING FACTORS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES 10
3.1 Conservation 10
3.1.1 Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) 10
Figure 9-2: City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea and Planning Map 13
3.1.2 Protecting Water Quality 15
Figure 9-3: San Diego Bay Watershed Map 19
3.1.3 Meeting Water Demand Through Conservation and Efficient Use 22
3.1.4 Preserving the Opportunity for Agricultural Uses 24
3.1.5 Wise Use of Mineral Resources 26
3.1.6 Promoting Clean Air 28
Table 9-1: San Diego County’s Federal and State Designations for Criteria Pollutants as of December 2004 28
Figure 9-4: MRZ-2 Map 29
3.1.7 Creating a Sustainable Energy Future 35
3.1.8 Promoting Solid Waste Reduction Strategies 37
3.1.9 Protecting Chula Vista’s Cultural Resources 38
3.1.10 Protecting Paleontological Resources 40
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3.2 Open Space 42
3.2.1 Connecting and Improving Chula Vista’s Open Space and Trails Network 44 Figure 9-5: General Plan Area Open Space Map 45
Figure 9-6: Natural Systems Open Space Map 47
3.2.2 Providing Connections to the Regional Open Space and Trails Network 51
3.2.3 Exploring Ecotourism Opportunities 52
3.3 Natural Hazards 53
3.3.1 Identifying and Limiting Geologic Hazards 53
Figure 9-7: Geologic Hazards Map 55
3.3.2 Identifying and Limiting Flood Hazards 57
Figure 9-8: Flood and Dam Inundation Hazards Map 59
3.3.3 Identifying and Limiting Wildland Fire Hazards 60 Figure 9-9: Wildland Fire Hazards Map 61
3.4 Hazardous Materials and Waste 62
3.4.1 Remediation of Contaminated Sites 62
3.4.2 Managing Household Hazardous Waste 63
3.4.3 Siting Hazardous Waste Facilities 64
Figure 9-10: General Areas Map 66
3.4.4 Siting and Managing Facilities that Use, Store, and Handle Hazardous Materials and Waste 67
3.5 Noise 69
3.5.1 Protecting People from Excessive Noise 69
Table 9-2: Exterior Land Use/Noise Compatibility Guidelines 70 Figure 9-11: Existing Noise Contour Map 71
Figure 9-12: Projected 2030 Noise Contour Map 73
Figure 9-13: Brown Field Year 2000 Noise Contour Map 75
3.5.2 Minimizing Transportation Noise 77
3.6 Environmental Justice 78
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose and Scope
The Environmental Element establishes the policy framework for improving sustainability through the responsible stewardship of Chula Vista’s natural and cultural resources, promotion of both physical and environmental health, and protection of persons and property from environmental hazards and noise. It contains policies that reconcile conflicting demands created when population growth and development consumes natural
resources--both renewable and non-renewable, finite resources and environmental justice policies to help achieve a healthy sustainable community for everyone
The California Government Code requires General Plans to include con servation, open space, noise, and safety element s. These elements address relevant environmental issues, including:
open space; water quality and conservation; biological resources; mineral resources; air quality; cultural resources; agricultural resources ; energy; noise; and geologic, flood, and wildla nd fire hazards. These and other issues and topics are addressed in this Environmental Element, which is divided into the following sections: Conservation; Open Space; Natural Hazards; Hazardous Materials and Waste; and Noise.
1.2 Implementing the Vision and Themes
The Vision for Chula Vista is to preserve and enhance the unique features that give Chula Vista its character and identity, while at the same time improving our community and meeting the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Achieving this Vision requires that the City recognize that its natural resources are finite, and that responsible and just stewardship is essential for the future enjoyment and utilization of these resources. The City further recognizes that integrating policies that promote a healthy and sustainable community is essential to the quality of life for all residents.
A full discussion of our Vision and seven Themes is found in Chapter 4 of this General Plan. This Environmental Element focuses on and develops four of those Themes:
Theme 1: Strong Community Character and Image
Chula Vista continues to develop as a city with a distinct identity that its citizens are proud to call home.
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Theme 4: Improved Mobility
Chula Vista provides a wide range of convenient and affordable mobility options that allow people to go from where they are to where they want to be, in a safe; pleasant; rapid; cost-effective; and environmentally friendly manner.
Theme 5: Healthy and Sustainable Community
Chula Vista is committed to the health and wellbeing of all of its residents.
Theme 6: High Quality Community Services
Chula Vista places a high priority on exemplary community services and facilities (such as police and fire protection, libraries, and park and recreation), and continues to ensure that services and infrastructure expand to match needs created by growth and redevelopment.
1.3 Relation to Other General Plan Elements and Policies The elements of a general plan are closely interrelated. Each element must be internally consistent as well as consistent with one another. The Land Use and Transportation Element addresses the location and compatibility of land uses and provides for a planned pattern of land uses, including lands designated for habitat conservation, open space, and parks and recreation uses. Integration between Land Use and Tranportation, such as mixed use, transit oriented development, is an integral part of a sustainable community. The Public Facilities and Services Element addresses municipal water and sewer services; parks and recreation facilities; solid waste disposal; and energy, all of which relate to the Environmental Element. Cross-references are provided, where applicable, throughout the Environmental Element to identify where these interrelationships with other elements exist.
1.4 Related Plans and Programs
1.4.1 Regional Growth Management Strategy
The Regional Growth Management (Strategy) was adopted by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in 1993, as mandated by the voters through Proposition C, the Regional Planning and Growth Control Initiative. The Strategy takes “a quality of life” approach to growth management, and contains standards, objectives and recommended actions for nine quality of life factors, such as: air quality; water; sensitive lands and open space preservation and protection; and solid waste management. Through a joint powers agreement, local jurisdictions, including Chula Vista, have agreed to certify that the ir general plans are consistent with the Strategy.
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1.4.2 Regional Comprehensive Plan
SANDAG serves as the forum for decision -making on regional issues in San Diego County.
Significant growth throughout the region and beyond has resulted in numerous challenges and anticipated future growth represents further challenges. As a result, SANDAG adopted the Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) in 2004 to help chart where the region's future growth should be focus ed and to prioritize public infrastructure investments. While new construction in the region in rece nt decades has occurred largely in previously undeveloped areas, the vision of the RCP is that future population growth will be focused away from rural area s and closer to existing and planned job centers and public facilities, including transit. The RCP w as not designed as a regulatory plan, but rather as a guidance plan. As such, the preferred implementation approach is that local and regional agencies inco rporate the recommended policy objectives and actions into their local and regional plans as these plans are updated in the future. Additionally, the RCP recommends that incentives be provided to member agencies for including the policy objectives in their plans, and for helping to implement the actions contained in the RCP. The City’s General Plan supports relevant RCP policy objectives and actions.
1.5 Sustainable Development
Chula Vista's Vision to preserve and enhance the unique features that give the City its identity, while at the same time creating a healthy and sustainable community that meets the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, can be achieved, in part, through the promotion of sustainable development.
The most widely accepted defini tion of “sustainable
development” as, presented by the United Nations World
Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, is
as follows:
“Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ab ility of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainable development is a means of balancing growth and economic progress with the protection of natural resources and the environment in a socially responsible manner.
Sustainable development consi sts of three key components --economic security, environmental integrity, and social/cultural equity --that overlap and function together, as illustrated in Figure 9 -1.
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These three components are equally important in developing a basis for sustainability, and are not mutually exclusive. Community sustainability is strengthened through identifying and addressing the issues that affect sustainable development, and creating measures to secure, protect, and enhance valuable resources and the physical health and well being of the community.
Sustainability issues exi st on a global level and at all levels of government. This General Plan addresses
sustainable development at the local, community level.
Such a local effort requires coordination and cooperation between all agencies that provide s ervices within the
community. While not all aspects of sustainability can be affected locally, much can be achieved by including
policies and programs in a jurisdiction's General Plan
that promote sustainable development. Chula Vista
currently implements a number of programs to pro mote
sustainable development, and strives to expand upon
such programs.
Based upon the three key components illustrated in Figure 9 -1, the following discussion addresses the characteristics of sustainability related to municipal planning functions:
Figure 9-1
Economic Security focuses on balancing revenues and
expenditures needed to provide sustainable services and improve the quality of life for local residents. This can be EEccoonnoommiicc
SSeeccuurriittyy
EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall
IInntteeggrriittyy
accomplished by creating a General Plan that facilitates revenue-generating sources sufficient to support the
ongoing operation of a jurisdiction and its ability to
provide the facilities and levels of service desired by the SSoocciiaall//CCuullttuurraall
EEqquuiittyy
Key Components
of Sustainable Development
community. Jurisdictions can promote a mix of diverse jobs and affordable housing that provides the opportunity for residents to live and work within their community. By
expanding educational opportunities within a commun ity, residents can increase their marketable skills without leaving the area. A local eco nomy that provide such opportunities is considered to be sustainable.
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Environmental Integrity deals with the preservation and conservation of natural resources, including water, biological resources, and air quality, an d with improving environmental sustainability, such as increasing development of and reliance on renewable energy sources.
Jurisdictions can take a major step towards securing environmental integrity and ensuring a sustainable community by developing a con sistent approach to environmental issues through the adoption of appropriate General Plan policies.
Social/Cultural Equity is realized through fair and equal access to community facilities and services, including: health care; social services; education; cultural arts; and natural resources.
This can be achieved through a general plan by identifying health as a core value, identifying future community services needs and by establishing policies to ensure that such needs can be met.
Closely related to sustainable development is the notion of an environmentally sustainable economy. On a local level, the backbone of an environmentally sustainable economy could consist of: facilitating the use of ren ewable sources of energy; an urban mobility system centered on a state-of-the-art public transportation system; and transit - and pedestrian-oriented development; and a comprehensive reuse/recycle program.
Local jurisdictions can take steps towards promoti ng and achieving sustainable development, as well as economic and ecological sustainability. Through various existing policies, programs, and procedures, Chula Vista has taken significant initial steps in this direction. Through various goals, objectives, policies, and implementation measures established through the adoption of this General Plan, Chula Vista will continue to move forward in supporting the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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1.6 Environmental Justice
State law defines environmental justice as:
“The fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, a nd policies.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states:
“Fair treatment means that no group of people, including a racial, ethnic, or a socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, and local policies.”
Environmental justi ce problems are often related to procedural inequity and geographic inequity. Procedural inequity occurs when the planning p rocess is not applied uniformly, resulting in disproportionate impacts to lower income or minority populations. Geographic inequity occurs when the burdens of undesirable land uses are concentrated in certain neighborhoods while the benefits are received e lsewhere. It also describes a situation in which public amenities are concentrated only in certain areas.
The following topics, discussed in detail below, represent areas in which environmental justice can be addressed at the local level -- General Plan land use planning and policies; the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyles; equitable distribution of public facilities and services; overconcentration of industrial uses; and transit -oriented development.
1.6.1 Relationship to General Plan Land Use Planning and Policies
Planning policies that promote healthy, livable communities and smart growth can be tools for achieving environmental justice. The primary purpose of planning, and the source of government authority to engage in planning, is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Traditionally, land use planning has attempted to minimize health and safety risks by segregating land uses. However, rigid separation of land uses has resulted in disconnected islands of activity and contributed to sprawl, counter to sustainable development goals. Mixed use development is a more sust ainable approach to land use planning and a means to address health considerations. Despite the desirability of mixed use development, it is important to recognize that there are certain land uses (e.g.,industrial, agricultural, major roadways and freeways) that will, in most cases, be incompatible with sensitive receptors, including residential
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and school uses. Sensitive receptors may be adve rsely impacted by incompatible land uses as a result of air pollutant emissions, exposu re to hazardous materials and related accident risks, and excessive noise. Most land use incompatibility issues can be addressed at the General Plan level through approp riate land use planning and the inclusion of policies addressing the siting and development of potentially harmful land uses in proximity to sensitive receptors.
1.6.2 Equitable Distribution of Public Facilities and Services
To the extent feasible through its General Plan, a jurisdiction should plan for the equitable distribution of new public facilities throughout the community, and services that increase and enhance community quality of life. Public facilities and services t hat enhance quality of life include: parks; open space; trails; recreational facilities; child care facilities; libraries; and museums. The equitable distribution of facilities and services has two components. The first component is the number and size of facilities -- a community should have adequate facilities and services to serve all residents equally. The second component is access, which can be measured as the distance or travel time from residential areas to facilities and services.
1.6.3 Overconcentration of Industrial Uses
Overconcentration occurs when two or more industrial facilities or uses, which do not individually exceed acceptable regulato ry standards for public health and safety, pose a significant hazard to adjacent sensitive receptors, due to their cumulative effects. It is important to differentiate between overconcentration and the mere presence of materials that may be classified as hazardous. Many neighborhood businesses, such as, gas stations, retail paint stores, and dr y cleaners, utilize hazardous materials. While these activities must be conducted in a responsible manner in accordance with applicable environmental regulations, the y should not be confused with those truly industrial activities that are inappropriate within or adjacent to residential or mixed use areas. A General Plan should seek to avoid the development of sensitive receptors in close proximity to land uses that pose a significant hazard to human health and safety, due to the quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics of the hazardous mate rials that they utilize, or the hazardous waste that they generate or emit.
1.6.4 Transit-Oriented Development
Expanding opportunities for transit -oriented development (TOD) p romotes healthier and livable communities. TOD is defined as moderate- to high-density development located within an easy walk of a major transit stop, generally with a mix of residential, employment, and shopping opportunities. TOD can provide mobility choices; increase public safety; increase disposable household income by reducing transportation costs; reduce air pollution and energy Chula
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consumption rates; help conserve resources and open space; assist in economic development; and expand the supply of housing.
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By improving access to multi-modal transportation options, jobs and housing and revitalizing existing neighborhoods, TOD can be a tool for promoting a healthier community and environmental justice. Jurisdictions can promote TOD through general plan policies that support the value of a healthy community, mixed use development; higher land use densities; reduced parking requirements; and increased transit service. TOD policies should facilitate a pedestrian-oriented environment with features such as traffic calming strategies and architectural and streetscape design that orients buildings to sidewalks, plazas, parks, and other public spaces, rather than to parking.
The promotion of environmental justice on a local level may be accomplished through a b road range of actions taken on various fronts, including through land use planning and policies at the general plan level. The issues of land use incompatibility; access to nutritious and healthier food options, equitable distribution of public facilities and services; overconcentration of industrial uses; and transit-oriented development can be addressed in a general plan. Through various goals, objectives, policies, and implementation measures established through the adoption of this General Plan, Chula Vista is taking steps to address these issues in the interest of promoting environmental justice.
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2.0 GOAL
The overall goal of the Environmental Element is to:
Provide a healthy and sustainable community through the improved health of all citizens, environmental justice, the responsible stewardship of Chula Vista's natural and cultural resources; promotion of environmental health; and protection of persons and property from environmental hazards and the undesirable consequences of noise.
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3.0 PLANNING FACTORS,
OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
There are several planning factors involved in achieving the goal of the Environmental Element.
Such factors are discussed in Sections 3.1 - 3.6 of this element. Each factor has at least one objective, or focused goal, and each objective has at least one p olicy, which describes how the City will meet the objectives.
3.1 Conservation
Conservation is the planned managemen t, preservation, and wise utilization of natural resources to assure their continued availabili ty for use, appreciation, and enjoyment. The Conservation Section of this Environmental Element provides the City with the necessary direction towards that end. The topics presented in this section include:
• Multiple Species Conservation Program
• Protecting Water Quality
• Meeting Water Demand Through Conservation and Efficient Use • Preserving the Opportunity for Agricultural Uses
• Wise Use of Mineral Resources
• Promoting Clean Air
• Creating a Sustainable Energy Future
• Promoting Solid Waste Reduction Strategies
• Protecting Chula Vista's Cultural Resources
• Protecting Paleontological Resources
Photographer: Jeff Priest
3.1.1 Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
Background
The Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) is acomprehensive, long-term habitat conservation plan developed to address the needs of multiple species and the preservation of natural vegetation communities in San Diego County. The MSCP Subregional Plan was adopted by the City of San Diego and San Diego County in 1997, and conditionally approved by the the City of Chula Vista in October 2000. The MSCP Subregional Plan encompasses an area of approximately 580,000 acres and 12 local jurisdictions, including the City of Chula Vista.
Source: Dudek & Associates, Inc.
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City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan
On May 13, 2003, the City of Chula Vista City Council and Planning Commission approved the City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan (Subarea Plan) and formally adopted it as part of the City’s General Plan. The Subarea Plan is the policy document through which the MSCP Subregional Plan is implemented within the City's jurisdiction.
The Subarea Plan provides the framework for habitat planning and specifically establishes areas of conservation and development wi thin the Chula Vista MSCP Planning Area. Figure 9-2 depicts the designated conservation and development areas within the Chula Vista MSCP Planning Area. It should be noted that select areas designated for development in the Subarea Plan are not necessary t o conserve for biological purposes. However, other local City pl ans, policies, or guidelines may further regulate or prohibit the extent of development
Photographer: Julie Vanderweir
in these areas for a variety of reasons, such as topographical constraints or aesthetics (for example, the peak of Rock Mountain).
Additionally, since the completion of the County Subarea Pla n and the approval of the City’s Subarea Plan, several areas within the northern part of the City, as well as the unincorporated County portion of the Otay Ranch, have been acquired by public/quasi -public agencies to be preserved as Permanent open space. T hese areas are depicted on Figure 5 -12.
The Subarea Plan is intended to implement all relevant sections o f the MSCP Subregional Plan, including the habitat and species conservation goals and requirements found in Table 3 -5 of the Subregional Plan. Any project approved by the City must be in conf ormance with the Subarea Plan.
The complete Subarea Plan documen t has been included as part of this General Plan and is provided under separate cover as Appendix 1. The Subarea Plan goals found on page 1 -2 of the Subarea Plan are as follows:
Subarea Plan Goals
1. To conserve Covered Species and their habitats through the conservation of interconnected significant habitat cores and linkages.
2. To delineate and assemble a Preserve using a variety of techniques, including public acquisition, on- and off-site mitigation, and land use regulations.
Source: Dudek & Associates, Inc.
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3. To provide a preserve management program that, together with the federal and state management activities, will be carried out over the long -term, further ensuring the conservation of Covered Species.
4. To provide necessary funding for a Preserve management program and biological monitoring of the Preserve.
5. To reduce or eliminate redundant federal, state, and local natural resource regulatory and environmental review of individual projects by obtaining federal and state authorizations for 86 species.
Biological Resources
The majority of the natural biological resources within the City consist of native upland habitats, including coastal sage scrub (3,815 acres), grasslands (3,125 acres), and small areas of maritime succulent scrub (293 acres). Approximately 15 percent of the natural vegetation communities within the City also consist of wetland resources, including: southern coastal sal t marsh (204 acres); riparian/tamarisk scrub (604 acres); and natural flood channels (159 acres). (Source: City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan, Feb ruary 2003.)
As identified in the Subarea Plan, a total of approximately 2,251 acres of the MSCP Preserve (approximately 1,940 acres of undisturbed habitat types) will be conserved within the central and northern areas of the City. The Subarea Plan specif ically provides protection for major canyon systems within the City, inclu ding Rice Canyon and Bonita Long Canyon. These canyon systems support large areas of coastal sage scrub and maritime succulent scrub. Additionally, a variety of narrow endemic plant species will be conserved, as well as documented locations of the Quino ch eckerspot butterfly. The federally listed endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly was not included as a Covered Species under the MSCP Subregional Plan. However, because the Subarea P lan defines the actions to be undertaken to provide for the long-term conservation and recovery of this species in the Chula Vista Subarea, the Quino checkerspot butterfly is included as a Covered Species und er the Subarea Plan.
The portion of the Otay Ra nch located within the City boundaries includes substantial areas of land that have historically been used for dry farming. Approximately 2,742 acres within Otay Ranch will be conserved within the subarea bou ndaries (approximately 2,617 acres, which represent undisturbed habitat types). The Otay Ranch area also includes important habitat resources, most notably the Otay River Valley and its tributary canyons; Salt Creek: Poggi, and Wolf Canyons.
The Otay Ranch area
includes important
habitat resources,
most notably the
Otay River Valley
and its tributary
canyons: Salt Creek,
Poggi, and Wolf
Canyons.
City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea and Planning Map
Figure 9-2 Page E-13
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Implementation of the MSCP
Implementation of the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan will ensure conservation of core biological resource areas and associated habitat linkages identified in the MSCP Subregional Plan located within the boundaries of the Chula Vista Subarea, comprised of th e land area within the incorporated boundary of the City. In addition, implementation of the Subarea Plan will contribute significant conservation outside the Chula Vista Subarea, within the Chula Vista MSCP Planning Area, in the unincorporated County Mult i-Habitat Planning Area.
Conserve Chula Vista’s sensitive biological resources.
Policies
E 1.1 Implement the City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan.
3.1.2 Protecting Water Quality
Water quality refers to the purity of water and the lack of pollutants. Urban runoff discharged into streams, bays, and oceans is one of the principal causes of poor water quality. Pollutants such as motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, and pesticides accumulate on impervious surfaces and are picked up and transported downstream via the storm drain system, ultimately rea ching the Sweetwater and Otay Rivers, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. These pollutants in urban runoff can cause both short -term and long -term impacts to local water bodies.
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act focuses on improving the quality of th e nation's water and provides a comprehensive framework of standards and technical tools to address the causes of pollution and poor water quality. To satisfy the requirements of California Water Code Section 13241 and Clean Water Act Section 303, water quality criteria are assigned to all waters of the state. In Chula Vista, water quality objectives are achieved primarily through establishment of waste discharge requirements, and through implementation of the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (1994).
Objective - E1
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NPDES
On February 21, 2001, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (Municipal Permit) to the 18
municipalities within San Diego County, including the City of Chula Vista. San Diego County and the San Diego Unified Port District were co -permittees of the Municipal Permit. The minimum requirement of the Municipal Permit is to ensure that pollutants in discharges from storm drain systems owned and operated by the co -permittees are reduced to the maximum extent practicable. The Municipal Permit outlines the individual responsibilities of the co -permittees, including, but not limited to, the implementation of management programs, best management practices (BMPs), and monitoring programs. The NPDES regulations also consider the need to conserve natural areas, minimize impervious surfaces, and encourage the use of native or drought tolerant plant material in landscaping.
In accordance with NPDES requirements, construction projects in Chula Vista are required to implement BMPs to minimize the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. For certain types of developments, the Municipal Permit requires the implementation of permanent, post- construction BMPs, as described in the Chula Vista Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan and in the City of Chula Vista Development and Redevelopment Projects Storm Water Management Standards Requirements Manual.
The Chula Vista Pollution Prevention Policy addresses pollutio n reduction practices for City facilities and incorporates BMPs to prevent and reduce water pollution. The Pollution Prevention Policy identifies procedures and other practices for various City operations, including using environmentally friendly products for equipment maintenance; cleaning; swimming pool maintenance; and the use of chemicals and pesticides in parks, parkways, and street medians.
Watershed Planning
The State Water Resources Con trol Board uses watershed planning to improve and protect the quality of local and regional waters. Watersheds are the areas above and below ground that drain into a particular water body. This watershed planning approach recognizes that BMPs and treatment facilities may be more effective when located within a waters hed or drainage basin, rather than on individual project sites. Watershed management practices can provide an integrated approach to protecting water quality.
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San Diego Bay Watershed
The San Diego Bay watershed is c omprised of three
subwatersheds, two of which are within the General Plan area (Sweetwater River and Otay River watersheds), and a third (Pueblo San Diego watershed), situated to the north (Figure 9- 3). The 2001 Municipal Permit required local co -permittees to implement a comprehensive U rban Runoff Management
Program at both the jurisdictional and watershed level. In compliance with the Municipal Permit, Chula Vista prepared a Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Program.
Additionally, the City, along with seven other municipalities, San Diego County, and the Unified Port District,
prepared the San Diego Bay Watershed Urban Runoff Management Program, which is a collaborative and comprehensive watershed plan for the San Diego Bay Watershed. Both of these watershed planning programs have b een developed to identify and prioritize areas where local water quality can be improved and provide solutions to mitigate problems attributable to local urban runoff.
Sweetwater River Watershed
The Sweetwater River watershed is the largest of the thre e subwatersheds comprising the San Diego Bay watershed, with 230-square-miles of the approximately 415 -square-mile total.
Over 86 percent of the Sweetwater River watershed is within unincorporated ju risdictions, with the urbanized lower portion of the watershed containing portions of the cities of San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove. Major water bodies in the watershed include the Sweetwater River, Sweetwater Reservoir, Loveland Reservoir, and the San Diego Bay. The most importan t watershed issues are related to the protection of municipal water supplies and the protection and restoration of sensitive wetland and wildlife habitats.
The Sweetwater River flood control chan nel, which generally represents the jurisdictional boundary between Chula Vista and National City, extends from Interstate 5 east to Interstate 805.
The Sweetwater Regional Park extends from Interstate 805 east through the Chula Vista and Bonita golf cours es to the County's Summit Park on the west edge of the Sweet water Reservoir; the park comprises 570 acres, 178 of which are within Chula Vista. No recent watershed planning efforts for the Sweetwater River watershed have been undertaken and none are planned at this time.
The Sweetwater River
watershed is the
largest of the three
subwatersheds
comprising the
San Diego Bay
watershed, with
230-square-miles of
the approximately
415-square-mile total.
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Otay River Watershed
The Otay River wat ershed, which encompasses approximately 160 square miles, is the second largest of three hydrologic units that discharge into San Diego Bay. The Otay River watershed consists largely of unincorporated area, but also includes portions of t he cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Coronado, National City, and San Diego. The major inland water bodies, Upper and Lower Otay Lakes, are two water supply reservoirs that also provide important habitat and recreational
opportunities. Approximately 3 6 square miles of the watershed are within the Chula Vista MSCP Planning Area that contains habitat for a wide range of endangered plant and animal species.
Currently, San Diego County is leading the efforts in the development of a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) and Speci al Area Management Plan (SAMP) for the Otay River watershed. The WMP will identify critical resource areas and recommend BMPs needed to prevent water pollution. The WMP will provide the framework for management activities to be implemented within the water shed, which will ensure the protection of existing beneficial uses and natural resources. The SAMP will be a comprehensive assessment of the Otay River watershed, which will provide regional protection of wetlands and wetland species. Furthermore, the SAMP will streamline the regulatory permitting process by assisting the federal, state and local regulatory agencies with their decision -making and permitting authority to protect aquatic resources.
Both plans will identify measures needed to preserve sensiti ve wetland species and habitat while still providing for reasonable economic growth. The goals of the watershed planning process include preventing water pollution and protecting natural resources and existing activities that are beneficial to the public, such as the Otay Valley Regional Park.
Implementation of Water Protection Measures
With further growth and redevelopment in Chula Vista, the protection of local and regional water resources must be adequately addressed. Chula Vista will continue its effor ts to reduce the discharge of pollutants into the municipal storm drain system and n atural water bodies in accordance with established NPDES standards and watershed planning efforts involving the City.
San Diego Bay Watershed Map
Legend
1. Pueblo San Diego
2. Sweetwater River
3. Otay River
Figure 9-3 Page E-19
BLANK
ENVIRONMENTAL
C H APTER 9
Page E-21 City of Chula Vista General Plan
Protect and improve water quality within surface water bodies and groundwater resources within and downstream of Chula Vista.
Policies
E 2.1
E 2.2
E 2.3
E 2.4
E 2.5
E 2.6
E 2.7
Ensure safely swimmable and fishable surface waters through careful management of land uses and activities within Chula Vista.
Pursue safe alternatives to traditional pest ma nagement methods in order to reduce toxics in urban runoff and large open uses of land (e.g., golf courses, parks, and agricultural lands).
Educate residents, business owners and City departments about feasible methods to minimize the discharge of polluta nts into natural drainages and the municipal storm drainage system.
Ensure compl iance with current federal and state water quality regulations, including the implementation of applicable NPDES requirements and the City's Pollution Prevention Policy.
Encourage and facilitate construction and land development techniques that minimize water quality impacts from urban development.
Maximize the protection of potable water supply resources from pollutants.
Collaborate with other applicable jurisdictions in the development and funding of regional watershed management plans that will provide a balance between watershed protection, regional economic growth, and development of public infrastructure and services consistent with the goals and objectives of the General Plan.
Objective - E 2
Chula Vista
Vision
2020
ENVIRONMENTAL
C H APTER 9
Page E-22 City of Chula Vista General Plan
3.1.3 Meeting Water Demand Through Conservation
and Efficient Use
This section of the Environmental Element addresses the conservation and efficient use of water. The Public Facilities and Services Element addresses current and future water supply and delivery issues.
Three water districts serve Chula Vista: The Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority, and Cal -American Water Company. These districts base their facility master plans and capita l improvement programs on projected population growth. Within the Otay Water District's s ervice area, which includes the planned future development areas within eastern Chula Vista, all potable water comes from imported sources purchased from the San Diego County Water Authority. Due to the lack of significant undeveloped land area within the boundaries of the Sweetwater Authority's service area, future increases in the demand for potable water will be associated with infill development and redevelopment pr ojects. The Sweetwater Authority’s water supply is derived from a variety of sources, inc luding Sweetwater Reservoir, a brackish groundwater demineralization facility, and deep freshwater wells. Seventy percent of the Authority’s water supply comes from local sources.
Areas served by the Cal -American Water Company are presently built out and significant growth in water demand is not anticipated.
Water recycling and conservation are major issues in southern California, as water suppliers strive to meet the increased water demands from population growth. N e w d e v e l o p m e n t s h a l l Chula Vista's Gro wth Management Program and Growth Management Ordinance require that a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) be prepared for all major development projects. WCPs provide an analyzesis of potable and recycled water usage requirements and incorporate proven methods to reduce per capita water consumption. The adopted WCP Guidelines
require all major projects to install specific indoor and outdoor water conservation devices. .The req uirement to prepare and implement WCPs promotes Wwater- efficient development and community awareness of valuable water resources shall be promoted as a result .
Chula Vista's Landscape Manual identifies the need for water conservation practices to be implemented, as required by State law and the State Department of Water Resources Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. In addition, the City's Landscape Manual requires the use of recycled water to irrigate landscaped areas of residential, commercial, and indu strial developments, as well as schools, parks, and golf courses, where recycled water is available.
Chula Vista can help
to ensure adequate
water supply by
continuing to promote
the development of
water efficient
communities and to
implement water
conservation programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL
C H APTER 9
Page E-23 City of Chula Vista General Plan
Within the General Plan area, only the Otay Water District provides recycled water. Its Code of Ordinances requires recycled water to be used wherever it is technically and financially feasible, including the irrigation of greenbelt and open space slopes; roadway medians; parks; and the common areas of schools and multi -family residential properties. The Otay Water District's recycled water supply originates from the District's Ralph W. Chapman Water Recycling Facility in Rancho San Diego and is pumped to eastern Chula Vista. In the future, 6.0 million gallons per day (mgd) of recycled water will be supplied from the City of San Diego's South Bay Water Reclamation Plant. As required by an agreement with the City of San Diego, th e Otay Water District is responsible for installing the infrastructure necessary to distribute recycled water within its service area. Recycled water is not a part of the potable w ater supply.
The demand for water will continue to increase as Chula Vista experiences further growth. Chula Vista can help to ensure adequate water supply for future generations by continuing to promote the development of water efficient communities and to implement water conservation programs.
Minimize th e impacts of growth and development on water supply resources through the efficient use and conservation of water by residents, businesses, and city government.
Policies
E 3.1
E 3.2
E 3.3
E 3.4
Promote state-of-the-art water conservation practices in existing and new development, where proven to be safe and environmentally sound.
Promote the use of low water demand landscaping and drought tolerant plant materials in both existing and new d evelopment.
Where safe and feasible, promote and facilitate the continued use of recycled water in new developments, and explore opportunities for the use of recycled water in redevelopment projects.
Support the continued use of graduated rate structures by water sup pliers in order to promote water conservation.
Objective - E 3
Chula Vista
Vision
2020
ENVIRONMENTAL
C H APTER 9
Page E-24 City of Chula Vista General Plan
E 3.5
E
3.65 Require the preparation and implementation of Water Conservation Plans for large development and redevelopment projects in accord ance with the City's Water Conservation Plan G uidelines or its equivalent, pursuant to the City's Growth Management Program.
For allexisting development , as well as small development and redevelopment projects not subject to the City's Growth Management Program, promote water conservation by residents and businesses through appropriately targeted education and community programs.
3.1.4 Preserving the Opportunity for Agricultural Uses
Through the early 1990s, the last of the large -scale agricultural operations in Chula Vista we re located primarily on large landholdings within the eastern portion of the General Plan area.
Agricultural production on lands within this area has been historically constrained due to the limited availability of water for irrigation and the high cost of water where it has been available.
Although the General Plan area does not contain any lands specifically designated for agricultural uses, the potential remains for agricultural uses to occur within certain portions o f the General Plan area on both an interim and long -term basis. 2002 State Department of Conservation mapping identified 13 acres of Prime Farmland within the City limits (plus an additional 21 acres within the remainder of the General Plan area). There are no active Williamson Act contracts or properties, which are established agricultural preserves, within the General Plan area.
A limited number of parcels retain agricultural zoning, which is considered a holding zone, pe nding development proposals in conformance with the applicable land use plans. Much of the land zoned for agriculture west of the Sweetwater Reservoir has been incorporated into parkland. Only a relatively few landholdings within the western portion of the General Plan area, located primarily in the vicinity of the Otay R iver, still retain small -scale agricultural operations. Agricultural production on these parcels may include seasonal fruit and vegetable crops but may also include nurseries; apiaries; riding facilities; or similar uses. Lands zoned for agriculture within the eastern portions of the Otay Ranch, east of the Otay Reservoir, and north and south of Dulzura Creek, are generally located in areas conta ining biological resources and interim agricultural uses Within the General
Plan area the
potential remains
for some degree of
agricultural uses
to occur on both
an interim and
long-term basis.
ENVIRONMENTAL
C H APTER 9
Page E-25 City of Chula Vista General Plan
Objective - E 4
are being phased out. Intermittent cattle grazing and dry land farming occur primarily on the non-irrigated land in the east. Production associated with these uses is not significant in terms of countywide agricultural value. Long -term agricultural use is not planned for the General Plan area, but is allow ed where it is consistent with the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan and zoning , including within portions of the Chula Vista Greenbelt open space system.
Although agriculture has a long history within Chula Vista and the surrounding area, the economic contri butions of agriculture have continually decreased in both production and employment value over time. Although agricultural production within the General Plan area will not be a major factor in the local or regional economy, the potential remains for some d egree of agricultural uses to occur on both an interim and long -term basis. Furthermore, recreational and educational benefits can be derived from agricultural -related uses, such as community gardens, which can be integrated within development areas.
Maintain the opportunity for limited agricultural and related uses to occur as an interim land use within planned development areas and as a potential permanent land use within appropriate locations Policies
E 4.1
E 4.2
E 4.3
Allow historical agric ultural uses to continue within planned development areas as an interim land use in accordance with the MSCP Subarea Plan.
Allow agricultural uses on privately -owned property within the Chula Vista Greenbelt and elsewhere, provi ded the use is consistent w ith the provisions of the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan, as well as the zoning of the property.
Encourage the development of community gardens and similar related uses within appropriate, compatible locations throughout the City .
Chula Vista
Vision
2020
ENVIRONMENTAL
C H APTER 9
Page E-26 City of Chula Vista General Plan
3.1.5 Wise Use of Mineral Resources
Mineral resources are important commodities in the state of California. The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) includes requirements and programs to ensure the long - term availability of mineral resources and that the significant adverse en vironmental impacts of surface mining are adequately mitigated. Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs) are areas identified by the State of California relative to known or expected mineral resources. Portions of the Otay River Valley within the General Plan area are identified as an MRZ -2 area -- an area where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that a high likelihood for their presence exists (Figure 9-4). Two other MRZ-2 areas are located on and just outside the General Plan area: one in the Sweetwater River Valley east of the Sweetwater Reservoir; and the other along the Jamul/Dulzura Creek east of Lower Otay Lake (Figure 9 -4).
Of the mineral resources identi fied in the MRZ -2 zone, the most economically valuable to the state and the San Diego region is the mining of sand, gravel, and crushed rock
resources, known collectively as construction aggregate.
Construction costs are significantly reduced if aggregate materials are available close to and in sufficient quality and quantity to support nearby construction. Given that the need is greatest in rapidly urbanizing areas, a problem facing sand and gravel producers throughout the region is th at they are being replaced by the urban growth that they support.
Both the Sweetwater River and the Otay River valleys contain significant deposits of construction quality sand reserves. The reach of the Sweetwater Riv er that falls within the General Plan area is also within a regional park and, therefore, no further extraction of this resource is permitted. In addition to sand and gravel resources, Rock Mountain, situated immediately north of the Otay River, is current ly being mined for boulders, which ar e processed into crushed rock. Although the MRZ-2 zone within the Otay River Valley has experienced sand and gravel mining in the past, the majority of this area is now within the Chula Vista MSCP Preserve.
The MSCP is a comprehensive, long-term habitat conservation program that addresses the needs of multiple endangered, threatened, and sensitive plant and animal species. Pursuant to the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan, in the long-term it is envisioned that no mining, extraction, or processing facilities and/or activities will occur in the Preserve. The Subarea Plan mandates that all temporary sand mining and related activities must be consistent with the objectives, guidelines, and requirements of the MSCP Subregional Plan, the City of Chula Vista's ordinances, and SMARA. The MSCP Subregional Plan states that: “New or expanded mining operations on lands conserved as part of the Preserve are incompatible with MSCP Preserve goals for covered The most valuable
mineral resource
in Chula Vista is
construction
aggregate.