CITY OF CORONA
SEPTEMBER 2024
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and telecommuting, employer-sponsored van pools or shuttles, ride share programs, and bike share.
Policy CE-4.2 Work with the Riverside Transit Agency to identify needs for additional bus services and enhancements to existing services.
Policy CE-4.5 Encourage employers to reduce single-occupant vehicular trips by providing employee incentives (e.g., reduced rate transit passes).
Policy CE-4.6 Require new development to provide transit facilities, such as bus shelters and turnouts, where deemed necessary, to encourage the use of transit and other alternative forms of transportation.
Policy CE-4.7 Preserve options for expanding future transit use when designing improvements for roadways or redeveloping major developments and including areas for transit facilities.
Policy CE-5.2 Maintain existing pedestrian facilities and encourage new development to provide walkways between and through developments.
Policy CE-5.3 Provide for safe accessibility to and use of pedestrian facilities by people with disabilities to implement accessibility requirements under the American with Disabilities Act.
Policy CE-5.6 Encourage new and existing development to provide accessible and secure areas for bicycle storage. Provide bicycle racks or storage facilities at public facilities and require bicycle parking, storage, and other support facilities as part of new office and retail developments.
Policy CE-5.7 Use easements and/or rights-or-way along flood control channels, public utilities, railroads, and streets wherever possible for bikeways and equestrian and hiking trails.
Policy CE-6.1 Provide primary truck routes on selected arterial streets that will serve the business community while minimizing the impacts of through truck traffic into residential areas.
Policy CE-6.2 Provide appropriately designed and maintained roadways in accordance with local, state, and federal standards for truck routes so that they can safely accommodate truck travel.
Policy CE-6.3 Develop appropriate treatments along local truck routes to minimize noise and vibration impacts on sensitive land uses that are adjacent to or impacted by the truck route.
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Policy CE-6.4 Ensure that new development provides adequate on-site truck loading facilities and enforce prohibition of queuing of trucks on public streets or in other areas not intended for such uses.
Policy CE-6.6 Strive to minimize through truck traffic in residential neighborhoods and other areas not intended for such travel, and enforce City codes that restrict or prohibit trucks on certain streets.
Policy CE-7.3 Encourage employers to include strategic parking provisions in new developments, where feasible, to encourage the use of transit and other modes of travel rather than single-occupancy autos.
Policy CE-7.4 Accommodate joint use of parking facilities as part of an area plan or site plan, based on the peak parking demands of permitted uses in the planning area.
Land Use Element
Policy LU-1.2 Emphasize the development of uses that sustain Corona as a cohesive, distinct, and self- sustaining community and minimize the need for residents to travel to surrounding communities for retail goods, services, and employment.
Policy LU-6.1 Promote sustainable features in new construction and significant renovations, including the use of locally sourced, recycled, and sustainable-sourced building materials, energy- and water-efficient building design, integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems, and waste minimization during construction.
Policy LU-6.2 Require that new residential, commercial, office, and industrial development be designed to minimize consumption of and sustain scarce environmental resources through:
• Site design—concentration and intermixing of development to minimize vehicular trips and promote walking and building orientation for solar access and heat gain and loss. • Landscaping—drought-tolerant species, use of recycled water for irrigation, and other purposes.
• Capture of rainwater and re-use on site.
• Building design and construction materials—energy-and water efficient fixtures, recycled building materials, insulation and wall thickness, permeable paving surfaces, and comparable techniques.
Policy LU-10.6 Establish a multi-use trail system that connects the rural and estate neighborhoods adjoining open spaces and parklands. These may be developed for pedestrians, bicycles, and/or for horseback riding where allowed by zoning.
Policy LU-11.6 Require that transit-supporting facilities, such as bus turnouts, passenger drop-offs, and shelters, be incorporated in new commercial centers or when subject to major
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SEPTEMBER 2024
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renovation and improvement, where appropriate to support local, citywide, and regional transit systems. The location and type of facility should be coordinated with transit agencies.
Policy LU-12.7 Regulate the development of industrial uses (consistent with local regulation and state law) that use, store, produce, or transport toxic and hazardous materials; generate unacceptable levels of air or noise pollution; or result in other adverse impacts.
Policy LU-13.2 Limit retail commercial and professional office uses within a mixedresidential- commercial/office use development to those uses that are compatible with residential uses.
Policy LU-13.3 Require that adequate open space and, for larger projects, recreational facilities be incorporated into mixed-use development projects to meet the need of their residents and improve overall aesthetics.
Healthy Community Element
Policy HC-2.5 Require the preparation of air quality, noise, and vibration technical studies to determine the impact of proposed new development on adjacent and surrounding land uses and to identify the appropriate measures required to mitigate such impacts.
Housing Element (2021-2029)
Policy H-1.2 Promote specific plans and zoning map amendments that provide a variety of housing types and densities based on the suitability of the land, including the availability of infrastructure, the provision of adequate City services and recognition of environmental constraints.
Policy H-1.4 Support the development of sustainable projects that reduce demand for water and energy resources, reduce commute times and operational costs, and provide for transitoriented development.
Environment Resources Element
Policy ER-12.1 Promote and encourage alternate employment work schedules for public- and private-sector businesses to achieve a reduction of employee-related motor vehicle emissions in accordance with SCAQMD Rule 2202.
Policy ER-12.2 Continue to cooperate with the SCAQMD and other local authorities in the air basin, in implementing air emission reduction programs and techniques.
Policy ER-12.3 Establish and strictly enforce controls on land use activities that contain operations or materials that individually or cumulatively add significantly to the degradation of air quality in Corona.
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Policy ER-12.6 Support major commercial centers and employment center projects, having 100 or more employees, to incorporate transit amenities, access points, and van and carpool parking as part of the project.
Policy ER-12.8 Require new commercial and industrial development and redevelopment projects of sufficient scale and number of employees to provide adequate facilities for bicycles, such as bicycle racks located close to the front entranceways of buildings and shower facilities with lockers.
Policy ER-12.9 Continue to incorporate bicycle lanes in all new and upgrade roadway projects in order to encourage commuter bicycle trips. Also, improve existing bicycle lanes for greater user safety.
Policy ER-12.11 Require that large-scale master-planned residential communities incorporate pedestrian and cycling paths/trails that link with adjacent neighborhoods, schools, areas of shopping and employment, community centers, other places of activity, and transit access points.
Policy ER-12.12 Provide effective utility of pedestrian and cycling paths/trails and place strong limitations on intrusions into these rights-of-way used for pedestrian and bicycling.
Policy ER-12.13 Reduce particulate emissions from paved and unpaved roads, parking lots, and road and building construction through the implementation of best practices as deemed feasible by the City of Corona.
Policy ER-12.14 Reduce energy consumed by commercial and residential uses by requiring the use and installation of energy conservation features in all new construction projects and wherever feasible, retrofitting existing and redevelopment projects.
Policy ER-13.2 Encourage the maximum feasible energy efficiency in site design, building orientation, landscaping, and utilities/infrastructure for all development and redevelopment projects (residential, commercial, industrial, and public agency) to support GHG emissions reductions.
Policy ER-13.3 Evaluate opportunities to reduce energy use and the urban heat island effect through site and building design, materials and landscaping, such as reflective roofs or pavement, vegetated roofs, pervious pavement, shade trees, and re-vegetation of paved areas.
Policy ER-13.4 Support the increase of clean energy supply to existing and new development and municipal facilities through means to include, but not be limited to: onsite or other local renewable energy sources for new and existing buildings and infrastructure.
Policy ER-13.5 Increase use of clean fuel and electric vehicles in the city through the support of the installation of electric vehicle infrastructure; explore opportunities to incentivize and/or facilitate installation of electric vehicle charging stations at convenient locations in Corona.
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SEPTEMBER 2024
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Policy ER-13.6 Reduce solid waste sent to the landfills and associated community-wide GHG emissions by ensuring all properties have access to curbside solid waste, recycled materials, and green/organic waste programs; target special programs for construction debris, household hazardous waste, etc.
Policy ER-13.7 Support a wide variety of transportation related measures (e.g., active transportation, increased bus and rail transit, transportation system and demand management, etc.) as articulated in the Circulation Element to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled in Corona.
Infrastructure and Utilities Element
Policy IU-7.7 Encourage the reduction of energy consumption through passive solar building orientation as well as the installation of rooftop solar energy systems and energyefficient technologies.
4.3.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.3.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant air quality impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold AQ-1 Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
Threshold AQ-2 Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Threshold AQ-3 Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Threshold AQ-4 Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
METHODOLOGY
Air quality impacts were assessed in accordance with methodologies recommended by CARB and the SCAQMD. The latest version of CalEEMod (v2022.1), which was released by the SCAQMD in conjunction with CAPCOA and other California air quality districts in May 2022, was used to determine construction and operational air quality emissions of the Modified Project. CalEEMod is a statewide land use emissions computer model designed to quantify potential criteria pollutant emissions associated with both construction and operations from a variety of land use projects. Project construction-generated air pollutant emissions were
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calculated using CalEEMod model defaults for Orange County. Construction of the proposed Project is anticipated to start in the first quarter of 2024 and the first phase (PAs 1, 2, and 3) would be completed and operational by 2024 and buildout of the Project (phase one plus PAs 4 and 5) operational by third quarter of 2025. Operational air pollutant emissions were based on the proposed Project site plans and the estimated traffic trip generation rates from the Green River Ranch Specific Plan Amendment, SP00-001 Amendment No.1, Traffic Analysis, dated June 10, 2024, and prepared by Urban Crossroads (Appendix S).
4.3.7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result
in new or
more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to
the Prior
EIR?
Would the Modified
Project be
implemented under
changed
circumstances
resulting in new or
more severe impacts
requiring revisions to
the Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more
severe impacts
from the
Modified Project
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to
impacts and no
changes to the
Prior EIR are
required?
Would the project:
AQ-1 Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the
applicable air quality
plan?
AQ-2 Result in a cumulatively
considerable net
increase of any criteria
pollutant for which the
project region is nonattainment under an
applicable federal or
state ambient air quality
standard?
AQ-3 Expose sensitive
receptors to substantial
pollutant
concentrations?
AQ-4 Result in other emissions
(such as those leading to
odors) adversely
affecting a substantial
number of people?
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SEPTEMBER 2024
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IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact AQ-1: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
The Modified Project result in new or more severe impacts requiring revisions to the 2001 EIR.
Projects are considered consistent with the AQMP if the growth in socioeconomic factors (e.g., population, employment) is consistent with the underlying regional plans used to develop the AQMP. The future emissions forecasts are primarily based on demographic and economic growth projections provided by SCAG. Thus, demographic growth forecasts for various socioeconomic categories developed by SCAG in their current 2020-2045 RTP/SCS were in turn used to estimate future emissions by SCAQMD in their current 2022 AQMP (SCAQMD 2022).
Pursuant to SCAQMD’s consistency analysis guidelines contained in their CEQA Air Quality Handbook, consistency with the AQMP is affirmed when a project: (1) does not increase the frequency or severity of an air quality standards violation or cause a new violation; and (2) is consistent with the growth assumptions in the AQMP.
AQMP Consistency Criterion 1: The Modified Project would result in long-term operational pollutant emissions that exceed CEQA significance emissions thresholds established by SCAQMD, as demonstrated below; therefore, the proposed Modified Project would result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations or cause or contribute to new violations or delay the timely attainment of air quality standards or the interim emissions reductions specified in the AQMP. A detailed discussion of this conclusion follows.
As shown below in Table 4.3-1, the Modified Project construction-source emissions would exceed SCAQMD regional thresholds for NOX emissions. However, with implementation of Mitigation Measure, MM AQ-1 as presented in Section 4.3.10, the Modified Project construction source emissions impacts would be reduced to less than significant as shown in Table 4.3-2. Implementation of MM AQ-1 requires that all grading construction contractors ensure offroad diesel construction equipment complies with EPA/CARB Tier 4 Interim emissions standards or equivalent and ensure that all construction equipment is tuned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. As a result, the Modified Project would not exceed the applicable regional significance thresholds for construction activity with mitigation incorporated. Thus, construction activities related to the Modified Project would be consistent with the first criterion.
As shown below in Table 4.3-3, the Modified Project’s long-term operational activities would exceed summer VOC emissions thresholds and NOX emissions thresholds for both summer and winter. As a result, the Modified Project has the potential to exceed the applicable regional
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significance thresholds during operational activities. The Modified Project is required to comply with SCAQMD Rule 2305, the Warehouse Indirect Source Rule, which requires owners and operators associated with warehouses 100,000 square feet or larger are required to directly reduce NOX and PM emissions, or to otherwise facilitate emission and exposure reductions of these pollutants in nearby communities. As such, the Modified Project would be required to incorporate Mitigation Measures, MM AQ-2 through MM AQ-5 to reduce operational-related emissions, specifically designed to improve truck efficiency. However, the estimated long-term operational emissions generated under full buildout of the Modified Project would exceed the SCAQMD’s regional operational significance thresholds. In addition, Project operational-source VOC emissions during summer cannot be definitively reduced below applicable SCQMD thresholds and therefore would therefore exceed regional operational significance thresholds.
The proposed Project’s main operational-source emissions source would be generated by passenger cars and trucks accessing the Modified Project, and no feasible mitigation beyond the measures to be implemented exist that would reduce Project operational-source VOC and NOX emissions to levels that are less than significant. As a result, the Modified Project would conflict with the AQMP according to this criterion.
AQMP Consistency Criterion 2: The Modified Project would not exceed the growth assumptions in the AQMP. The 2022 AQMP demonstrates that the applicable ambient air quality standards can be achieved within the timeframes required under federal law. Growth projections from local general plans adopted by cities in the district are provided to SCAG, which develops regional growth forecasts, which are then used by SCAQMD to develop future air quality forecasts for the AQMP. The Approved Project land uses are consistent with the City’s GP and are therefore consistent with the AQMP growth projections. The Modified Project’s land uses are less intense than the Approved Project, and therefore are also consistent with the AQMP growth projections.
Per the City’s General Plan, PAs 1, 2, and 3 are designated for MU2 and GC uses, and PAs 4 and 5 are designated for MU2 and ER in accordance with the Approved Project. The MU2 land use designation allows for light industrial and commercial uses. The GC land use designation allows for the development of supermarkets, department stores, apparel stores, theaters, and nonretail uses such as offices and banks. The ER land use designation includes the development of single-family homes, light agriculture uses, and accessory buildings. The Modified Project’s proposed uses and development would be consistent with the land use designation intensities stated in the General Plan and the Approved Project (i.e., the GRRSP.
The Project would exceed the applicable SCAQMD regional thresholds for operational-source activity for emissions of summer VOC and NOX. Even with implementation of feasible mitigation, this threshold exceedance is considered significant and unavoidable. Thus, the Modified Project would have the potential to conflict with the second criterion.
CITY OF CORONA
SEPTEMBER 2024
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As previously discussed, Modified Project operational-source emissions would exceed the applicable SCAQMD regional thresholds for summer VOC and NOX with mitigation incorporated. In addition, the Project’s proposed land use designation for the GRRSP Planning Area would potentially affect the development intensities. As a result, the Project would conflict with the AQMP and result in a significant and unavoidable impact.
In summary, the Modified Project would result in a new increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations or cause or contribute to new violations or delay the timely attainment of air quality standards or the interim emissions reductions specified in the AQMP.
The Modified Project would result in new or more severe impacts in comparison to those identified for the Approved Project in the 2001 EIR.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail Section 4.3.10.
• MM AQ-1 through AQ-5
Impact AQ-2: Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The CAAQS designate the Modified Project area as nonattainment for O3, PM10, and PM2.5 while the NAAQS designates the Modified Project area as nonattainment for O3 and PM2.5. As presented in the AQIA , the analysis assumes that individual projects that do not generate operational or construction emissions that exceed the SCAQMD’s recommended daily thresholds for project specific impacts would also not cause a cumulatively considerable increase in emissions for those pollutants for which SCAB is in nonattainment, and, therefore, would not be considered to have a significant, adverse air quality impact. Alternatively, individual project-related construction and operational emissions that exceed SCAQMD thresholds for project-specific impacts would be considered cumulatively considerable.
Construction Impacts
As detailed in the AQIA , the estimated maximum daily construction emissions without mitigation are summarized on Table 4.3-1 below. Under the assumed scenarios, emissions resulting from the Modified Project construction will exceed thresholds established by the SCAQMD for emissions of NOX during construction activity. The exceedance is a result of on-site equipment operations occurring during the 2024 grading activities.
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Table 4.3-1: Overall Construction Emissions Summary – Without Mitigation Phase
Emissions (lbs/day)
VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Summer
2024 33.76 105.22 77.06 0.30 16.80 7.77
2025 14.03 40.35 46.59 0.07 4.47 2.44
Winter
2024 33.63 106.55 72.64 0.30 16.80 7.90
2025 4.12 37.58 33.46 0.06 7.83 4.52
Maximum Daily Emissions 33.76 106.55 77.06 0.30 16.80 7.90 SCAQMD Regional Threshold 75 100 550 150 150 55
Threshold Exceeded? NO YES NO NO NO NO
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
The estimated maximum daily construction emissions with mitigation are summarized on Table 4.3-2 below. As presented above in Impact AQ-1, implementation of MM AQ-1 would be required to reduce the severity of the impacts from construction equipment. As a result, construction-source emissions would be reduced below the applicable SCAQMD thresholds.
Therefore, with implementation of MM AQ-1, Modified Project construction-source emissions would be less than significant with mitigation.
Table 4.3-2: Overall Construction Emissions Summary – With Mitigation Phase
Emissions (lbs/day)
VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Summer
2024 33.76 69.91 82.95 0.30 13.62 4.86
2025 14.03 40.35 46.59 0.07 4.47 2.44
Winter
2024 33.63 71.24 82.26 0.30 13.62 7.90
2025 4.12 37.58 33.46 0.06 7.83 4.52
Maximum Daily Emissions 33.76 71.24 82.95 0.30 13.62 7.90 SCAQMD Regional Threshold 75 100 550 150 150 55
Threshold Exceeded? NO NO NO NO NO NO
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
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SEPTEMBER 2024
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Operational Impacts
Operational activities associated with the Project will result in emissions of VOCs, NOX, SOX, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. Operational emissions are expected from the following primary sources:
• Area Source Emissions
• Energy Source Emissions
• Mobile Source Emissions
• On-Site Cargo Handling Equipment Emissions
• Transportation Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Emissions
• Gasoline Dispensing Emissions
Table 4.3-3: Summary of Peak Operational Emissions – Without Mitigation Phase
Emissions (lbs/day)
VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Summer
Mobile Source 35.63 59.42 282.46 0.95 67.91 18.03
Area Source 25.13 0.78 35.92 0.01 0.10 0.08
Energy Source 0.35 6.36 5.22 0.04 0.48 0.48
Stationary Sources 4.92 13.76 12.55 0.02 0.72 0.72
On-site Equipment 0.35 1.13 49.33 0.00 0.09 0.08
TRU Source 12.56 13.33 1.50 0.00 0.48 0.44
Fueling Station Source 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Maximum Daily
Emissions
80.17 94.77 386.99 1.01 69.79 19.85
SCAQMD Regional Threshold 55 55 550 150 150 55
Threshold Exceeded? YES YES NO NO NO NO
Winter
Mobile Source 33.37 62.85 241.24 0.91 67.91 18.03
Area Source 19.40 0.48 0.20 0.00 0.04 0.04
Energy Source 0.35 6.36 5.22 0.04 0.48 0.48
Stationary Sources 4.92 13.76 12.55 0.02 0.72 0.72
On-site Equipment 0.35 1.13 49.33 0.00 0.09 0.08
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TRU Source 12.56 13.33 1.50 0.00 0.48 0.44
Fueling Station Source 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Maximum Daily
Emissions 72.18 97.90 310.06 0.97 69.73 19.80
SCAQMD Regional Threshold 55 55 550 150 150 55
Threshold Exceeded? YES YES NO NO NO NO
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
As shown above in Table 4.3-3, the Modified Project’s operational‐source NOX emissions will exceed applicable SCAQMD regional thresholds without implementation of mitigation resulting in a significant impact requiring mitigation.
As previously stated in Impact AQ-1, the Modified Project would be required to incorporate Mitigation Measures, MM AQ-2 through MM AQ-5 to reduce operational-related emissions.
The estimated maximum daily operational emissions with mitigation are summarized on Table
4.3-4 below.
Table 4.3-4: Summary of Peak Operational Emissions – With Mitigation Phase
Emissions (lbs/day)
VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Summer
Mobile Source 35.63 59.42 282.46 0.95 67.91 18.03
Area Source 25.13 0.78 35.92 0.01 0.10 0.08
Energy Source 0.35 6.36 5.22 0.04 0.48 0.48
Stationary Sources 4.92 13.76 12.55 0.02 0.72 0.72
On-site Equipment 0.35 1.13 49.33 0.00 0.09 0.08
TRU Source 12.56 13.33 1.50 0.00 0.48 0.44
Fueling Station Source 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Maximum Daily
Emissions
79.81 93.64 337.66 1.01 69.70 19.77
SCAQMD Regional Threshold 55 55 550 150 150 55
Threshold Exceeded? YES YES NO NO NO NO
Winter
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Mobile Source 33.37 62.85 241.24 0.91 67.91 18.03
Area Source 19.40 0.48 0.20 0.00 0.04 0.04
Energy Source 0.35 6.36 5.22 0.04 0.48 0.48
Stationary Sources 4.92 13.76 12.55 0.02 0.72 0.72
On-site Equipment 0.35 1.13 49.33 0.00 0.09 0.08
TRU Source 12.56 13.33 1.50 0.00 0.48 0.44
Fueling Station Source 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Maximum Daily
Emissions
71.83 96.77 260.72 0.97 69.64 19.72
SCAQMD Regional Threshold 55 55 550 150 150 55
Threshold Exceeded? YES YES NO NO NO NO
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
As shown above in Table 4.3-4, the Modified Project’s operational‐source NOX emissions will exceed applicable SCAQMD regional thresholds with implementation of mitigation resulting in a significant impact requiring mitigation. As stated in the AQIA, no feasible mitigation beyond the measures to be implemented exist that would reduce Project operational-source VOC and NOX emissions to levels that are less than significant. As a result, the Modified Project would result in a significant and unavoidable impact.
As discussed previously, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would produce construction-related impacts from NOx and PM10 emissions and operational-related emissions from CO, ROC, and NOx that would be significant and unavoidable even with implementation of all feasible mitigation measures. Therefore, no new impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR.
However, additional mitigation measures MM AQ-1 through MM AQ-5 have been identified for the Modified Project to reduce impacts from construction and operations of the Modified Project to the fullest extent feasible.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail Section 4.3.10.
• MM AQ-1 through MM AQ-5
Impact AQ-3: Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
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Localized Impact Analysis
The AQIA includes a Localized Significance Threshold (LST) analysis based on SCAQMD methodology. The analysis quantified localized impacts (maximum daily emissions) for all nearest sensitive and non-sensitive receptors compared to the thresholds established by the SCAQMD. Consistent with LST Methodology, the LST emissions were calculated using an air dispersion model because the Project exceeds five acres.
During the peak phases of construction, the LST analysis determined no exceedances of SCAQMD thresholds would occur as shown in Table 4.3-5. Impacts would be less than significant. Notwithstanding, implementation of Mitigation Measure MM AQ-1 would further reduce localized emissions in Planning Areas 1, 2, and 3.
Table 4.3-5: Localized Significance Summary of Peak Construction – Without Mitigation Peak Construction
CO NO2 PM10 PM2.5
Averaging Time
1-Hour 8-Hour 1-Hour 24-Hours 24-Hours
Peak Day Localized Emissions 0.02 0.01 1.43E-02 0.59 0.34 Background ConcentrationA 1.70 1.20 0.085 NA NA
Total Concentration 1.72 1.21 0.10 0.59 0.34
SCAQMD LSTB 20 9 0.18 10.4 10.4
Threshold Exceeded? NO NO NO NO NO
A Highest concentration from the last three years of available data. Per SCAQMD LST guidance, PM10 and PM2.5 background concentrations are not considered. B Significance thresholds are based on SCAQMD’s Air Quality Significance Thresholds for Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants.
Note: PM10 and PM2.5 background concentrations are expressed in ug/m3. All others are expressed in ppm.
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
The LST operational analysis generally includes on-site sources (area, energy, mobile, TRUs, and on-site cargo handling equipment). The Modified Project operational emissions would not exceed the numerical localized thresholds of significance established by the SCAQMD for any criteria pollutant as shown below in Table 4.3-6. Thus, a less than significant impact would occur for localized Project-related operational-source emissions, and no mitigation is required.
Table 4.3-6: Localized Significance Summary of Peak Operations – Without Mitigation Peak Construction
CO NO2 PM10 PM2.5
Averaging Time
1-Hour 8-Hour 1-Hour 24-Hours 24-Hours
Peak Day Localized Emissions 1.96E-02 8.31E-03 3.33E-03 0.15 0.05
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Background ConcentrationA 1.70 1.20 0.085 NA NA
Total Concentration 1.72 1.21 0.09 0.15 0.05
SCAQMD LSTB 20 9 0.18 2.5 2.5
Threshold Exceeded? NO NO NO NO NO
A Highest concentration from the last three years of available data. Per SCAQMD LST guidance, PM10 and PM2.5 background concentrations are not considered.
B Significance thresholds are based on SCAQMD’s Air Quality Significance Thresholds for Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants.
Note: PM10 and PM2.5 background concentrations are expressed in ug/m3. All others are expressed in ppm.
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
CO Hot Spot Analysis
The AQIA conducted a CO hot spot analysis to determine if the Modified Project's vehicular traffic additions would result in CO concentrations at nearby roadways and intersections that would result in a violation of ambient air quality standards. It has long been recognized that CO hotspots are caused by emissions from vehicles idling at congested intersections. As vehicle emissions standards have become increasingly stringent resulting in the replacement of older vehicles by newer vehicles in the vehicle fleet, plus the introduction of cleaner burning fuels, CO is now designated as attainment in the SCAB. The AQIA determined the Modified Project along with background and cumulative development would not produce the volume of traffic required to generate a CO hot spot based on empirical data derived from a 2003 Los Angeles hot spot study and based on representative Bay Area AQMD CO threshold considerations. Localized air quality impacts related to CO hot spots from the Modified Project’s mobile-source emissions would therefore be less than significant.
Health Risk Analysis Impacts
The Health Risk Assessment (HRA) prepared for the Modified Project evaluated potential health risk impacts to nearby sensitive receptors. The nearest sensitive receptors are the existing homes and residents to the east/southeast of the GRRSP Planning Area off Dominguez Ranch Road and workers associated with future development of the proposed Project. Health risk impacts result from exposure to Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs) including diesel particulate matter (DPM) as a result of heavy-duty diesel trucks accessing the site. The analysis was conducting in accordance with the SCAQMD’s Health Risk Assessment Guidance for Analyzing Cancer Risks from Mobile Source Diesel Idling Emissions for CEQA Air Quality Analysis. DPM emissions concentrations were calculated using the EPA’s AERMOD dispersion model using site specific, area climate, and Project inputs. Project data inputs include the detailed construction assumptions for each phase of the Modified Projects development contained in the AQIA. The phases analyzed were: Phase 1 = 746,167 sf of BPI uses in PAs 1, 2, 3; Phase 2 = Phase 1 plus 19,600 sf of GC uses in PA 4; Phase 3 = Phase 2 plus 32 ER DUs in PA 5.
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The individual land use with the maximum exposure to emissions from a project is referred to as the maximally individual receptor (MEIR). The MEIR the proposed Project’s construction and operational DPM source emissions was identified as the backyard of an existing residence on San Viscaya Circle approximately 246 feet east of PAs 1, 2 and 3. As shown in Table 4.3- 5, the maximum incremental cancer risk at the MEIR attributable to the proposed Project construction and operational DPM source emissions is estimated at 5.14 in one million, which is less than SCAQMD’s risk threshold of 10 in one million. Also shown in Table 4.3-5, noncancer risks were estimated to be 0.003 at the MEIR, which is less than SCAQMD’s hazard risk threshold of 1.0. The Modified Project will not cause a significant human health or cancer risk to adjacent land uses as a result of construction and operational activity. All other receptors during construction and operational activity would experience less risk than what is identified for this location. Health risk impacts from the Modified Project’s DPM emissions would therefore be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
Table 4.3-5: Summary of Construction and Operational Cancer and Non-Cancer Risks Time Period Location
Maximum
Lifetime Cancer
Risk (Risk per
Million)
Significance
Threshold
(Risk per
Million)
Exceeds
Significance
Threshold
30 Year
Exposure Maximum Exposed Sensitive Receptor 5.14 10 NO
Time Period Location Maximum Hazard
Index
Significance
Threshold
Exceeds
Significance
Threshold
Annual Average Maximum Exposed Sensitive Receptor 0.003 1.0 NO Source: Urban Crossroads, 2024 (Appendix C-1)
As discussed previously, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would not result in emissions that would affect sensitive receptors. The Modified Project would not result in CO hot spot impacts, construction-related LST impacts from NOx and PM10 emissions, or operational-related LST impacts from CO, ROC, and NOx emissions. In addition, the Modified Project would not result in health risk impacts to nearby sensitive receptors. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Friant Ranch Case
The California Supreme Court held in 2018 that air quality analyses in an EIR must address the connection between identified air quality impacts to the human health consequences of the identified air quality impacts, or meaningfully explain why such an analysis cannot be provided given correlation of a project’s criteria air pollutant emissions to specific health impacts is challenging. SCAQMD expressed at the time it may be “difficult to quantify health impacts
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for criteria pollutants,” an important opinion coming from one of the State’s are districts with the most sophisticated air quality modeling and health impact evaluation capabilities. Using O3 as an example, SCAQMD expressed why it is impracticable to determine specific health outcomes from criteria pollutants for all but very large, regional-scale projects. First, forming O3 “takes time and the influence of meteorological conditions for these reactions to occur, so ozone may be formed at a distance downwind from the sources.” Second, “it takes a large amount of additional precursor emissions (NOX and VOCs) to cause a modeled increase in ambient ozone levels over an entire region,” referencing a 2012 study showing that “reducing NOX by 432 tons per day (157,680 tons/year) and reducing VOC by 187 tons per day (68,255 tons/year) would reduce ozone levels at the SCAQMD’s monitor site with the highest levels by only 9 parts per billion.”
SCAQMD concluded it “does not currently know of a way to accurately quantify ozone related health impacts caused by NOX or VOC emissions from relatively small projects.” The San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD) ties the difficulty of correlating the emission of criteria pollutants to health impacts to how ozone and particulate matter are formed, stating that “[b]ecause of the complexity of ozone formation, a specific tonnage amount of NOX or VOCs emitted in a particular area does not equate to a particular concentration of ozone in that area.” Similarly, the quantity of particulate matter “emitted does not always equate to the local PM concentration because it can be transported long distances by wind,” and “[s]econdary PM, like ozone, is formed via complex chemical reactions in the atmosphere between precursor chemicals such as sulfur dioxides (SOX) and NOX,” meaning that “the tonnage of PM-forming precursor emissions in an area does not necessarily result in an equivalent concentration of secondary PM in that area.” The disconnect between the amount of precursor pollutants and the concentration of ozone or PM formed makes it difficult to determine potential health impacts, which are related to the concentration of ozone and PM experienced by the receptor rather than levels of NOX, SOX, and VOCs produced by a source.
Most local agencies lack the data to do their own assessment of potential health impacts from criteria air pollutant emissions, as would be required to establish customized, locally specific thresholds of significance based on potential health impacts from an individual development project. The use of national or “generic” data to fill the gap of missing local data would not yield accurate results because such data does not capture local air patterns, local background conditions, or local population characteristics, all of which play a role in how a population experiences air pollution. Because it is impracticable to accurately isolate the exact cause of a human disease (for example, the role a particular air pollutant plays compared to the role of other allergens and genetics in cause asthma), existing scientific tools cannot accurately estimate health impacts of the proposed Project’s air emissions without undue speculation.
Instead, readers are directed to the proposed Project’s air quality impact analysis above, which provides extensive information concerning the quantifiable and non-quantifiable health risks related to the Project’s construction and long-term operation.
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The LST analysis above determined the proposed Project would not result in emissions exceeding SCAQMD’s LSTs. Therefore, the proposed Project would not be expected to exceed the most stringent applicable federal or state ambient air quality standards for emissions of CO, NOX, PM10, and PM2.5.
As the proposed Project’s emissions will comply with federal, state, and local air quality standards, the proposed Project’s emissions are not sufficiently high enough to use a regional modeling program to correlate health effects on a basin-wide level and would not provide a reliable indicator of health effects if modeled.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail Section 4.3.10.
• MM AQ-1
Impact AQ-4: Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
As discussed in the AQIA, the Modified Project has the potential to generate objectionable odors from construction and operation related activities. Potential odor sources associated with construction related activities from the Modified Project may result from construction equipment exhaust and the application of asphalt and architectural coatings during construction activities. However, standard construction requirements would minimize odor related impacts from construction activities and equipment. Furthermore, the construction odor emissions would be temporary, short-term, and intermittent in nature and would cease upon completion of the respective phase of construction. Therefore, construction odor related impacts are considered to be less than significant.
Land use operations that are generally associated with objectional odor complaints include:
• Agricultural uses (livestock and farming)
• Wastewater treatment plants
• Food processing plants
• Chemical plants
• Composting operations
• Refineries
• Landfills
• Dairies
• Fiberglass molding facilities
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As stated in the AQIA, potential odor related sources during operation of the Modified Project would primarily occur from development of Phase 2 which includes the super convenience gas station (with 12 vehicle fueling stations). Additionally, the refuse that would be stored in covered containers and removed at regular intervals in compliance with the solid waste regulations would be a potential odor related source. Pursuant to SCAQMD Rule 461 the proposed gas station land use would be required to utilize gas dispensing equipment that minimizes vapor and liquid leaks. Furthermore Rule 461 requires the equipment be maintained at proposed worker odor, which will minimize odor impacts occurring from the gasoline and diesel dispensing facilities. With required compliance of SCAQMD Rule 402 and Rule 461, odors associated with the Modified Project construction and operations would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. The 2001 determined the Approved Project would result in less than significant and no mitigation was required. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
4.3.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
As stated within the AQIA, individual project-related construction and operational emissions that exceed SCAQMD thresholds for project-specific impacts would be considered cumulatively considerable. Due to the Modified Project’s construction-source air pollutant emissions not resulting in exceedances of regional thresholds with implementation of mitigation, cumulative impacts are considered to be less than significant. Alternatively, the Modified Projects operational‐source NOX emissions would exceed applicable SCAQMD regional thresholds. Per SCAQMD significance guidance, these impacts at the Project level are considered cumulatively significant and would persist over the life of the Project. The 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would result in cumulatively considerable construction impacts from emission of NOx that would contribute to regional ozone formation. The 2001 EIR determined both long-term stationary (on-site energy consumption) and mobile (vehicular traffic) sources would contribute to regional criteria pollutant emissions, resulting in a cumulatively considerable impact. Therefore, no new or substantially greater cumulative impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
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4.3.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
The following 2001 EIR mitigation measures reduce air pollutants generated during the Project construction phase.
4.3.1A: The Construction Contractor shall select the construction equipment used on site based on low emission factors and high energy efficiency. The Construction Contractor shall ensure that construction grading plans include a statement that all construction equipment will be tuned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
4.3.1B: The Construction Contractor shall utilize electric or diesel-powered equipment in lieu of gasoline-powered engines where feasible.
4.3.1C: The Construction Contractor shall ensure that construction grading plans include a statement that work crews will shut off equipment when not in use.
During smog season (May through October), the overall length of the construction period should be extended, thereby decreasing the size of the area prepared each day, to minimize vehicles and equipment operating at the same time.
4.3.1D: The Construction Contractor shall time the construction activities so as to not interfere with peak hour traffic and minimize obstruction of through traffic lanes adjacent to the site; if necessary, a flag person shall be retained to maintain safety adjacent to existing roadways.
4.3.1E: The Construction Contractor shall support and encourage ridesharing and transit incentives for the construction crew.
4.3.1F: Dust generated by the development activities shall be retained on site and kept to a minimum by following the dust control measures listed below:
a. During clearing, grading, earth moving, excavation, or transportation of cut or fill materials, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust after each day's activities cease.
b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would include wetting down such areas in the later morning and after work is completed for the day, and whenever wind exceeds 15 miles per hour.
c. After clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation is completed, the entire area of disturbed soil shall be treated immediately by pickup of the soil until
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the area is paved or otherwise developed so that dust generation will not occur.
d. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation.
e. Trucks transporting soil, sand, cut or fill materials and/or construction debris to or from the site shall be tarped from the point of origin.
4.3.1G: The Construction Contractor shall utilize as much as possible precoated/natural colored building materials, water-based or low-VOC coating, and coating transfer or spray equipment with high transfer efficiency, such as high volume low pressure (HVLP) spray method, or manual coatings application such as paint brush, hand roller, trowel, spatula, dauber, rag, or sponge.
4.3.2A: The project shall comply with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations established by the Energy Commission regarding energy conservation standards. The project applicant shall incorporate the following in building plans:
• Planting trees to provide shade and shadow to building. • Solar or low-emission water heaters shall be used with combined space/water heater unit.
• Refrigerator with vacuum power insulation.
• Double-pained glass or window treatment for energy conservation shall be used in all exterior windows.
• Energy-efficient low-sodium parking lot lights shall be used.
4.3.2B: Use of transportation demand measures (TDM) such as preferential parking for vanpooling/carpooling, subsidy for transit pass or vanpooling/carpooling, flextime work schedule, bike racks, lockers, showers, and on-site cafeteria shall be incorporated in the design of the commercial land uses.
4.3.2C: The project proponent shall determine with the City and the electrical purveyor if it is feasible to pre-wire houses for electrical charges for EV cars and/or opticfibers for home offices. If feasible, install EV charges and/or optic-fibers per the electrical purveyor's direction prior to Certificate of Occupancy.
4.3.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail below. No feasible mitigation measures beyond MM AQ-2 through MM AQ-5 exist that would reduce project-related operational emissions to levels that are less than significant.
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MM AQ-1: During grading of Planning Areas 1, 2, and 3, all Construction Contractors shall ensure that offroad diesel construction equipment complies with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/CARB Tier 4 Interim emissions standards or equivalent and shall ensure that all construction equipment is tuned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
MM AQ-2: Legible, durable, weather-proof signs shall be placed at truck access gates, loading docks, and truck parking areas that identify applicable CARB antiidling regulations. At a minimum, each sign shall include: 1) instructions for truck drivers to shut off engines when not in use; 2) instructions for drivers of diesel trucks to restrict idling to no more than five (5) minutes once the vehicle is stopped, the transmission is set to "neutral" or "park," and the parking brake is engaged; and 3) telephone numbers of the building facilities manager and the CARB to report violations. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the Lead Agency (City of Corona) shall conduct a site inspection to ensure that the signs are in place.
MM AQ-3: Prior to tenant occupancy for Planning Areas 1, 2 and 3, the Project Applicants or successors in interest shall provide documentation to the Lead Agency (City of Corona) demonstrating that occupants/tenants of the Project site have been provided documentation on funding opportunities, such as the Carl Moyer Program, that provide incentives for using cleaner-than-required engines and equipment.
MM AQ-4: The minimum number of automobile electric vehicle (EV) charging stations required by the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 shall be provided. Final designs of Project buildings shall include electrical infrastructure sufficiently sized to accommodate the potential installation of additional auto and truck EV charging stations.
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4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
4.4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the Draft SEIR assesses the potential impacts associated with biological resources from the implementation of the Proposed Project. The impact discussions for each specific impact topic include a comparison to the impacts evaluated for the Approved Project consistent with the conditions detailed in CEQA Guidelines 15162 regarding a Subsequent EIR. The discussion describes the regulatory framework and existing conditions, identifies criteria used to determine impact significance, provides an analysis of the potential impacts associated with biological resources, and identifies methods to mitigate any potentially significant impacts of the Proposed Project.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based on the Biological Technical Report for the Green River Specific Plan, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated April 2, 2024 (Appendix E-1); Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) Analysis for impacts to MSHCP Riparian/Riverine Area Green River Ranch Industrial Project, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated August 29, 2024 (Appendix E-2); and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Consistency Analysis, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated August 29, 2024 (Appendix E-3).
4.4.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would result in less than significant impacts to: wildlife movement and wildlife corridors; conflicts with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources; and conflicts with adopted conservation plan. Impacts to:
migratory birds (MM 4.7.3A and 4.7.3B); federal waters and state streambed and riparian habitat (4.7.2A); and natural communities (MM 4.7.4A and 4.7.4B) were determined to be less than significant with implementation of mitigation. Impacts to endangered species and removal of associated habitat were determined to be significant and unavoidable even with implementation of all feasible mitigation (MM 4.7.1A). The Biological impact analysis related to biological resources is summarized below based on the checklist questions in place at that time.
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or indirectly or through habitat modification, on any species listed as threatened or endangered under the California or the federal endangered species act or on any species that can be shown to meet the criteria for such listing?
and;
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f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
Sensitive Species
The 2001 EIR found implementation of the Approved Project could result in short-term impacts during construction from the loss of individual sensitive species members and loss of habitat. The species identified onsite were the San Diego horned lizard, golden eagle, sharpshinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, loggerhead shrike, and southern California rufous-crowned sparrow. Several other sensitive wildlife species were found to have a moderate potential to occur on site but these species were not seen on site. Because these species were not protected by federal or state listings as threatened or endangered and any loss of individuals would not threaten their regional populations, removal of their habitat was determined to be a less than significant impact.
Listed Species
The 2001 EIR found implementation of the Approved Project could result in the take of an endangered species in the form of direct loss (i.e., complete or partial removal) of at least one California gnatcatcher individual and approximately 8 acres of habitat used by the species.
Such take could result from harassment and harm to the species from being displaced and habitat being graded during lawful grading and construction of the Approved Project. The Approved Project was also found to result in the loss of critical habitat as identified by the USFWS for the California gnatcatcher.
These affects were considered to be a significant impact requiring mitigation. To mitigate such affects, the 2001 EIR required implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.7.1A that would replace destroyed California gnatcatcher habitat of equal or greater quality at a minimum ratio of 1:1. The Approved Project would impact 8 acres of California gnatcatcher habitat, and therefore MM 4.7.1A required acquisition and preservation of at least 8 acres of habitat in a location that would facilitate management for the species (i.e., supports the species and contiguous with a larger area managed for conservation of the species).
It should be noted the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would also remove many common plants, however these are abundant elsewhere and expected to recover. Thus, impacts were determined to be less than significant.
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the CDFG or the USFWS.
and;
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e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.
The 2001 EIR stated development of the Approved Project would result in the direct removal of individual Coast Live Oaks and reduction in approximately 3.90 acres of Coast Live Oak Woodland Communities. Consequently, the 2001 EIR determined impacts to individual oak trees and the reduction of overall Coast Live Oak Woodland Communities would be significant. To minimize such impacts, the 2001 EIR implemented Mitigation Measures MM
4.7.4A thru 4.7.4E of which required the Approved Project to prioritize clustering development and create an oak management plan that includes ongoing maintenance, access limitations, and transplanting opportunities. Additionally, the Approved Project would replant oak trees at a 10:1 ratio to compensate for any lost trees. As such, the 2001 EIR determined impacts to coast live oak woodlands would be reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.7.4A thru 4.7.4E.
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means.
The 2001 EIR determined development of the Approved Project would result in the loss of Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) defined jurisdictional waters and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) defined jurisdictional streambed and related riparian habitat; therefore, impacts were considered significant due to the cumulative linear distance of stream impact and the complete filling of direct tributaries to the Santa Ana River. CDFG changed its name after certification of the 2001 EIR and is now known as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW will be referenced from this point forward.
The 2001 EIR stated implementation of the Approved Project would result in the loss of 1.76 acres of Corps jurisdictional waters and 9.81 acres of CDFW jurisdictional streambed and associated riparian habitat and approximately 15,350 linear feet of ephemeral streambed within the GRRSP area. The Approved Project would fill all of the on-site streambeds in the form of manufactured slopes. As previously stated, these impacts in the 2001 EIR were determined significant requiring implementation of Mitigation Measure 4.7.2A. MM 4.7.2A would replace any riparian habitat lost due to the Approved Project. Additionally, MM 4.7.2A required the Approved Project to either create new habitat on-site at a 1.5:1 ratio (e.g., creating
1.5 acres for every 1 acre lost) or purchase credits at a 2:1 ratio from an off-site mitigation bank. The created habitat must be permanent and any oak woodlands established for other mitigation measures can also count towards this goal if placed in riparian areas. Finally, MM
4.7.2A stated the Approved Project would likely need permits from wildlife and water quality agencies due to the impact on riparian habitat.
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In conclusion, the 2001 EIR determined impacts to jurisdictional waters were reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of Mitigation Measure MM 4.7.2A, and additional mitigation measures may be imposed by the Corps, CDFW, and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) during their respective permitting/approval processes. d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native or resident migratory wildlife corridors, or substantially diminish wildlife habitat.
Migratory Wildlife
The 2001 EIR determined development of the Approved Project would disturb or destroy active migratory bird nests, a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, therefore, creating a potentially significant impact.
Although no nests were observed, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved GRRSP area supports a variety of tall trees (native and non-native) that could potentially support nesting birds, particularly raptors. Consequently, disturbing or destroying active nests is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and was determined to be a significant adverse impact.
The 2001 EIR required the implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.7.3A and MM
4.7.3.B (Alternative) to protect nesting birds during construction of the Approved Project. This mitigation required the Approved Project to either conduct pre-construction surveys to identify and avoid active nests during nesting season (March-July), or simply delay tree removal and grading activities until after the nesting season is over. The 2001 EIR determined impacts to migratory bird nesting were reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of either Mitigation Measure MM 4.7.3A or 4.7.3B (Alternative).
Wildlife Corridor
The 2001 EIR determined the GRRSP area would not likely be used as a regional wildlife movement corridor and impacts to the site as a result of the Approved Project would not significantly impact regional wildlife movement. Biologists concluded that the GRRSP area was unlikely to be a corridor as the northern portion of the property itself is developed and lacks vegetation, and the surrounding freeways, railroads, and residential and commercial development block wildlife movement. The 2001 EIR concluded the larger undisturbed Coal Canyon with year-round water and diverse habitats is a more suitable path for wildlife traveling between the Santa Ana Mountains and Chino Hills open spaces. The 2001 EIR determined impacts to be less than significant.
Cumulative Impacts
The 2001 EIR stated that as many as 25 sensitive wildlife species, including the California gnatcatcher, (discussed above) could be reasonably expected or demonstrated to occur on the Approved Project site in a resident, seasonal, migratory or transient basis, utilizing coastal sage
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scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland habitats. The 2001 EIR found that the project would have some impact on sensitive habitats and streambeds, and while the impact on individual species might be small, the overall effect on these resources would be significant.
Furthermore, the 2001 EIR stated the regional loss and fragmentation of coastal sage scrub habitat led to the 1993 listing of the California gnatcatcher as a Threatened species under the federal ESA. The 2001 EIR concluded that the Approved Project would significantly reduce habitat for various sensitive coastal plant and animal species, with efforts to mitigate the impact on the California gnatcatcher, the overall effect on such resources would remain significant and unavoidable even with implementation of mitigation.
4.4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Modified Project site is located within the western portion of the City and consist of approximately 175 acres of various vegetation communities. Due to the topography of the property, development has historically been limited to the northern portion of the site. The property slopes to the north toward Green River Road. The southern portion of the site is dominated by the rugged hillside terrain of the Santa Ana Mountains. Northerly trending ridges with intervening northerly drainage tributary canyons flow from the high terrain. As these canyons descend to the north into the Study Area, the canyons transition to narrow streambeds that ultimately discharge to series of pipes and culverts on the south side of Green River Road. The central portion of the site contains several low foothills and deeply incised drainages, while the northern portion of the property is characterized by gently sloping to flat terrain. Elevations within the Project site range from approximately 525 feet above mean sea level (MSL) at Green River Road to over 2,500 feet above MSL in the southcentral portions.
The Modified Project area is located south of SR 91, southwest of Dominguez Ranch Road, and southeast of Fresno Road. Green River Road bisects a small portion of the GRRSP Planning Area in an east-west alignment. The Modified Project site is bounded by undeveloped land on the north, partially developed land to the east, the 91 Freeway to the west, and undeveloped land to the south. Further to the south, is the Cleveland National Forest. The Open Space and Estate Residential portions of the Project are located within the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The BPI portion of the Modified Project is located at the base of these foothills.
Plant Community/Habitat Classification
Vegetation is similar to that outlined within the 2001 EIR. The Study Area supports the following MSHCP vegetation and land-cover types: Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest/Riverine Vegetation, Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Desert, Developed/Disturbed Land, and Grassland. Within the Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest/Riverine Vegetation classification, there are two different vegetation alliances: Coast Live Oak Woodland and Elderberry Stands. For the Coastal Sage Scrub classification, the following alliances are
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present: Coastal Sage Scrub and Riversidean Sage Scrub/Mixed Chaparral. In the Chaparral classification there are four alliances: Disturbed Mixed Chaparral, Lower Montane Mixed Chaparral, Mixed Chaparral, Southern Mixed Chaparral. In the Desert classification there is one alliance: Saltbush Scrub. The Grassland classification is vegetated by Non-native Grassland. The description of the natural communities is provided below and on Table 4.4-1 and in Figure 4.4.1.
Table 4.4-1: Natural Communities within the Project site and Offsite Improvements Natural Community Onsite Project Site
(Acres)
Offsite
Improvements
(Acres)
Scrub Communities
Coastal Sage Scrub 1.27 1.15
Saltbush Scrub 0.25 0.76
Chaparral Communities
Riversidean Sage Scrub/Mixed Chaparral 1.90 0.00
Mixed Chaparral 41.69 0.00
Disturbed Mixed Chaparral 15.59 0.03
Southern Mixed Chaparral 3.45 0.00
Lower Montane Mixed Chaparral 0.94 0.00
Grassland Communities
Ruderal/Non-Native Grassland 69.37 1.64
Woodland Communities
Elderberry Savannah 0.55 0.26
Coast Live Oak Woodland 4.74 0.00
Disturbed or Developed Areas
Disturbed/Developed 18.29 10.94
Residential/Urban/Exotic 1.78 0.52
Total 159.82 15.30
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FIGURE 4.4-1: PROJECT VEGETATION MAP
SOURCE: GLENN LUKOS ASSOCIATES, 2024.
LEGEND
Specific Plan Boundary (Onsite)
Offsite Improvements
Coast Live Oak Woodland
Coastal Sage Scrub
Disturbed Mixed Chaparral
Disturbed/Developed
Elderberry Savannah
Lower Montane Mixed Chaparral
Mixed Chaparral
Residential/Urban/Exotic
Riversidean Sage Scrub/Mixed Chaparral
Ruderal/Non-native grassland
Saltbush Scrub
Southern Mixed Chaparral
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Coastal Sage Scrub
The Study Area supports approximately 2.42 acres of coastal sage scrub within the southwestern Project boundary and north of Green River Road, of which 1.27 acres are within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 1.15 acres are located in the offsite improvement areas. This plant community is dominated with California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California brittlebush (Encelia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), occasional individuals or small patches of deerweed (Acmispon glaber), and non-native grasses in the understory.
Saltbush Scrub
The Study Area supports approximately 1.01 acres of Southern Saltbush Scrub, of which 0.25 acre is within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 0.76 acre is located in the offsite improvement areas. This plant community occurs primarily on along the shoulders of Green River Road.
This plant community is dominated by big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis), with laurel sumac, California buckwheat, California sagebrush, California brittlebush, and coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis).
Riversidean Sage Scrub/Mixed Chaparral
The Study Area contains 1.90 acres of Riversidean Sage Scrub/Mixed Chaparral, all of which is in the Specific Plan (onsite). This plant community occurs primarily within the southern portions of the Study Area. This plant community is dominated primarily with deerweed (Acmispon glaber), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California sagebrush.
Mixed Chaparral
The Study Area supports approximately 41.69 acres of Mixed Chaparral, all of which is in the Specific Plan (onsite). This plant community occurs primarily on the southern portion of the Study Area. This plant community is dominated by laurel sumac, California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and chaparral yuca.Disturbed Mixed Chaparral The Study Area supports approximately 15.62 acres of Disturbed Mixed Chaparral, of which
15.59 acres are within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 0.03 acre is located in the offsite improvement areas. This plant community occurs primarily within the southwestern Project boundary. This plant community is dominated by laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei).
Southern Mixed Chaparral
The Study Area supports approximately 3.45 acres of Southern Mixed Chaparral, all of which is in the Specific Plan (onsite). This plant community occurs primarily on the southern portion of the Study Area. This plant community is dominated by lemonade berry, chamise
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(Adenostoma fasciculatum), California sagebrush, California buckwheat, laurel sumac, California buckwheat, and chaparral yucca.
Lower Montane Mixed Chaparral
The Study Area supports approximately 0.94 acre of Lower Montane Mixed Chaparral, all of which is in the Specific Plan (onsite). This plant community occur primarily within the western portion of the Study Area south of Fresno Road. This plant community is dominated by toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) in the shrub layer along with black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California sagebrush. The understory is sparsely vegetated.
Ruderal/Non-Native Grassland
The Study Area supports approximately 71.01 acres of Ruderal/Non-Native Grassland, of which 69.37 acres are within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 1.64 acres are located in the offsite improvement areas. This plant community is present throughout the Study Area. As such, this plant community is dominated by non-native ruderal species including red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum), Mediterranean grass (Schismus barbatus), black mustard (Brassica nigra), tocalote (Centaurea melitensis), and coastal heron’s bill (Erodium cicutarium).
Elderberry Savannah
The Study Area supports approximately 0.81 acre of Elderberry Savannah, of which 0.55 acre is within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 0.26 acre is located in the offsite improvement areas.
This plant community occurs within the northern portions of the Study Area just north of Green River Road in the offsite Commercial Development. This plant community is dominated with blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) with a non-native grasses in the understory.
Coast Live Oak Woodland
The Study Area supports approximately 4.74 acres of coast live oak woodland near the southern and eastern Project boundary, all of which is in the Specific Plan (onsite). This plant community is dominated with coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) with non-native grasses in the understory. This plant community is riparian vegetation associated with drainage features.
Disturbed/Developed
The Study Area supports approximately 29.23 acres of disturbed/developed lands, of which
18.29 acres are within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 10.94 acres are located in the offsite improvement areas. This land-cover type occurs primarily within the northern portions of the Study Area. Developed areas are areas where human disturbance has resulted in permanent modification of the existing landscape. These include paved areas, equestrian uses, Green River Road, and buildings. As such, this land cover type does not represent a natural plant community.
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Residential/Urban/Exotic
The Study Area contains 2.30 acres of Residential/Urban/Exotic vegetation, of which 1.78 acres are within the Specific Plan (onsite) and 0.52 acre is located in the offsite improvement areas. Residential/Urban/Exotic vegetation includes areas where the vegetation predominately consists of introduced or escaped non-native horticultural plants, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf grass. This plant community occurs primarily along Green River Road, the eastbound SR-91 onramp, and along Dominguez Ranch Road. This plant community include eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle), and fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum).
Sensitive Plant Surveys
Similar to the 2001 EIR, sensitive plant surveys were conducted concurrently with other survey efforts for the Modified Project and in accordance with published survey guidelines. Sensitive plant species include those listed as threatened or endangered or candidates for listing by USFWS, CDFW, and listed by CNPS as extinct, rare, threatened, or endangered (CNPS list 1A, 1B, and 2). Because the Project lies within the potential Quino checkerspot butterfly (QCB) range, exhaustive survey efforts were undertaken to identify any potential host plant species for the QCB. The level of detail necessary to identify those host plants also led to a thorough survey for all sensitive plant species potentially occurring on the subject property.
Plant surveys were focused within all habitat communities on site. All plant species observed were recorded in field notes.
Several sensitive plant species were reported in the Biological Technical Report (Appendix D1) as potentially existing in the region. Table 4-3 in Appendix D-1 provides a complete list of sensitive plant species and likelihood of presence/absence within the Study Area. However, none of the sensitive plant species were observed on the within the development footprint.
Coast live oaks woodland occurs on site (4.74 acres) in the easterly and the centrally located drainages of the property.
Waters of the U.S. and Wetlands
A jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S. assessment of the Project site was conducted according to the methods outlined in the Corps Wetland Delineation Manual (1987). Nonwetland waters of the U.S. were delineated based on the limits of the an ordinary high water mark (OHWM) as determined by erosion, the deposition of vegetation or debris, and changes in vegetation. The CDFW jurisdiction was defined to the bank of the stream/channels or to the limit of the adjacent riparian vegetation.
Jurisdictional features addressed within the Study Area include three major drainage systems, referred to herein as Drainage Systems A, B, and C. Each of these systems includes several small tributaries that feed into the larger drainages and are sometimes connected to the system
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by non-jurisdictional swale-like features that do not possess an OHWM or obvious bed, bank, or channel. There is also a small drainage feature located north of Green River Road that is referred to herein as Drainage D. Drainage C contained a pocket of riparian vegetation in an upper reach. The vegetation consists of mature coast live oak, arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (Salix laevigata), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), and black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera).
All drainages are identified as being ephemeral.
Identified within the three major drainage systems and their respective tributaries, the RWQCB jurisdiction totals 18,838 linear feet, of which 467 linear feet occurs offsite. The total acreage of RWQCB jurisdiction is 3.03 acres, of which 0.06 acres occurs offsite. No Corps jurisdiction was identified. The existing Corps and RWQCB jurisdictional drainages are shown on Figure
4.4-2.
Identified within the three major drainage system and their respective tributaries, total CDFW jurisdiction is 8,838 linear feet, of which 467 linear feet occurs offsite. The total acreage of CDFW jurisdiction is 8.30 acres, of which 0.10 acres occurs offsite. Of the 8.30 acres of CDFW jurisdiction, a total of 4.66 acres is identified as riparian habitat. The existing CDFW jurisdictional drainages are shown on Figure 4.4-3.
Identified within the three major drainage system and their respective tributaries, total Riparian/Riverine MSHCP jurisdiction is 8.30 acres, of which 0.10 acres occurs offsite. Of the
8.30 acres, 3.64 acres is considered MSHCP Riverine habitat, and 4.66 acres is considered MSHCP Riparian habitat. The existing Riparian/Riverine jurisdictional drainages are shown on Figure 4.4-4.
General Wildlife Inventory
General wildlife surveys were conducted concurrent with all site investigations. Animals identified during the diurnal field surveys by sight, call, tracks, nests, scat, remains, or other signs were recorded. In addition to species observed on the property, species expected to use the site were derived from analysis of habitats on the site and known preferences of regionally occurring wildlife species were listed as potentially present on the property.
The property is located along the southern edge of a significant natural area, which surrounds the Santa Ana River in the western most edge of Riverside County. The area is labeled as site number RIV 14 by the CDFW (Significant Natural Areas of Riverside County, 1999).
Wildlife species common to the region and habitat types occurring on site are expected or observed to be present on site. Special status species observed during the Biological and focused surveys include least Bell’s vireo, Crotch’s bumble bee, yellow warbler, and Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow.
FIGURE 4.4-2: RWQCB JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
PAGE: 4.4-13
LEGEND
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FIGURE 4.4-3: CDFW JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
SOURCE: GLENN LUKOS ASSOCIATES, 2024. PAGE: 4.4-15
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FIGURE 4.4-4: MSHCP JURISDICTIONAL DRAINAGES
SOURCE: GLENN LUKOS ASSOCIATES, 2024.
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Wildlife species observed as well as those expected to occur within the study area are summarized in Appendix B of the Biological Resources Assessment (Appendix E-1 to this Supplemental EIR).
Regional Connectivity / Wildlife Movement Corridor Assessment The Project site and adjacent lands support the movement of multiple mammalian species, including mountain lion, mule deer, bobcat, coyote, and grey fox, utilizing an extension system of ridges, canyons, and trails. The Project site occurs within an area that the MSHCP identifies as Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 (PCL-1). PCL-1 is intended to connect Existing Core A (north of the Project site) with Existing Core B to the south and is expected to provide for movement of mountain lion, bobcat, and other wildlife. However, the northern portion of PCL1 contains multiple constraints to wildlife movement, including SR-91, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad line, and Green River Road. Because of these constraints and the presence of an important wildlife movement area to the west (referred to as “B Canyon”), the RCA, Wildlife Agencies, and the City of Corona have for a number of years discussed the possibility of relocating PCL-1 to the west to coincide with the B Canyon area.
However, because the B Canyon lands have until recently been privately owned, it was not possible to accomplish a Criteria Refinement necessary to formally re-designate the Linkage, referred to within this document as the Alternative Alignment of PCL-1. Recently the RCA completed the acquisition of approximately 740 acres of lands located south and west of the Specific Plan Project that coincide with B Canyon. Concurrent with the land acquisition, GLA submitted a Criteria Refinement Analysis via the City of Corona to the RCA to support the formal relocation of PCL-1. The RCA issued Criteria Refinement Review Findings (CR# 24- 01-10-01, dated February 20, 2024) in support of the Criteria Refinement and those (Appendix D-4).
RCA and Wildlife Agencies have conceptually approved the Refinement Criteria and Alternative Alignment of PCL-1 (Appendix D-4). Additional information and environmental analysis of the Alternative Alignment of PCL-1 can be found in Section 5.0.
In further support of the assembly of PCL-1, the Project conserves 80.77 acres of land within the southern half of the Project site. The proposed conservation is contiguous with the lands recently acquired by the RCA for the MSHCP Reserve. The 80.77 acres of proposed conservation contains the structural topography and vegetative cover to facilitate regional wildlife movement. It also aligns with the wildlife linkage/corridor conservation goals of the MSHCP.
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4.4.4 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL
Federal Endangered Species Act
The Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) of 1973 defines an endangered species as “any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” A threatened species is defined as “any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” Under provisions of Section 9(a)(1)(B) of the FESA it is unlawful to “take” any listed species. “Take” is defined in Section 3(18) of FESA: “...harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Further, the USFWS, through regulation, has interpreted the terms “harm” and “harass” to include certain types of habitat modification that result in injury to, or death of species as forms of “take.” These interpretations, however, are generally considered and applied on a case-by-case basis and often vary from species to species. In a case where a property owner seeks permission from a federal agency for an action that could affect a federally listed plant and animal species, the property owner and agency are required to consult with USFWS. Section 9(a)(2)(b) of the FESA addresses the protections afforded to listed plants.
Section 7 of the ESA outlines the procedures for Federal interagency cooperation to conserve Federally listed species and designated critical habitat. Section 7 of the Act requires federal agencies to consult with the USFWS on proposed actions which may affect threatened or endangered species or which may affect critical habitat. Section 7 also requires federal agencies to confer with the USFWS if the agency determines that its action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any proposed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. This consultation may take place in two steps:
1. Informal consultation is an optional process that includes all discussions, correspondence, etc. between the USFWS and the federal agency or a designated non-federal representative. Informal consultation is designed to assist the involved agencies in determining whether an action may affect a listed species. If the USFWS concurs that an action is not likely to adversely affect a listed species, Section 7 consultation ends. During informal consultation, the USFWS may suggest modifications to the action that the federal agency and/or permittee could make to avoid the likelihood of adverse effect.
2. If the project is likely to adversely affect a listed species, formal consultation between the USFWS and the federal agency is initiated. During formal consultation, the USFWS evaluates information relating to potential project effects on the listed species. At the conclusion of this evaluation, the USFWS formulates
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a Biological Opinion as to whether the project is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the listed species. If a "jeopardy opinion" is issued, the USFWS is to include reasonable and prudent alternatives to the federal action. In the case of a "no jeopardy opinion" (or with the implementation of reasonable and prudent alternatives), the USFWS may also issue an "incidental take" statement, which allows the incidental take of a listed species in accordance with terms and conditions specified in the Biological Opinion.
Section 10 of the ESA provides the regulatory mechanism which allows the incidental take of a listed species by private interests and non-federal government agencies during lawful land, water, and ocean use activities. Under these conditions habitat conservation plans (HCPs) for the impacted species must be developed, approved by the USFWS, and implemented by the permittee. It is the goal through the HCP to minimize impacts to the species and develop viable mitigation measures to offset the unavoidable impacts.
STATE
California Endangered Species Act
California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA) defines an endangered species as “a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease.” The State defines a threatened species as “a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as rare on or before January 1, 1985 is a threatened species.” Candidate species are defined as “a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that the commission has formally noticed as being under review by the department for addition to either the list of endangered species or the list of threatened species, or a species for which the commission has published a notice of proposed regulation to add the species to either list.” Candidate species may be afforded temporary protection as though they were already listed as threatened or endangered at the discretion of the Fish and Game Commission. Unlike the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), CESA does not list invertebrate species.
Article 3, Sections 2080 through 2085, of the CESA addresses the taking of threatened, endangered, or candidate species by stating “No person shall import into this state, export out of 18 this state, or take, possess, purchase, or sell within this state, any species, or any part or product thereof, that the commission determines to be an endangered species or a threatened species, or attempt any of those acts, except as otherwise provided.” Under the CESA, “take”
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is defined as “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” Exceptions authorized by the state to allow “take” require permits or memoranda of understanding and can be authorized for endangered species, threatened species, or candidate species for scientific, educational, or management purposes and for take incidental to otherwise lawful activities. Sections 1901 and 1913 of the of the California Fish and Game Code provide that notification is required prior to disturbance.
State authorizations of impacts to or incidental take of a listed species by a private individual or other private entity would be granted as outlined within Sections 2090-2097 of the CESA.
This requires that the state lead agency consult with CDFW on projects with potential impacts on state-listed species. These provisions also require CDFW to coordinate consultations with USFWS for actions involving federally listed as 19 well as state-listed species. In certain circumstances, Section 2080.1 of the California Fish and Game Code allows CDFW to adopt the federal incidental take statement or the 10(a) permit as its own based on its findings that the federal permit adequately protects the species under state law.
Clean Water Act, Section 404
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Corps regulates the discharge of dredged and/or fill material into waters of the United States. The term "waters of the United States" is defined in Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 328.3(a) as:
(1) All waters which are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide;
(2) All interstate waters including interstate wetlands; (3) All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use, degradation or destruction of which could affect foreign commerce including any such waters:
(i) Which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other purposes; or
(ii) From which fish or shell fish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce; or
(iii) Which are used or could be used for industrial purpose by industries in interstate commerce...
(4) All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States under the definition;
(5) Tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (a) (1)-(4) of this section; (6) The territorial seas;
(7) Wetlands adjacent to waters (other than waters that are themselves wetlands) identified in paragraphs (a) (1)-(6) of this section.
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(8) Waters of the United States do not include prior converted cropland. Notwithstanding the determination of an area's status as prior converted cropland by any other federal agency, for the purposes of the Clean Water Act, the final authority regarding Clean Water Act jurisdiction remains with the EPA.
Waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons designed to meet the requirements of CWA (other than cooling ponds as defined in 40 CFR 123.11(m) which also meet the criteria of this definition) are not waters of the United States.
In the absence of wetlands, the limits of Corps jurisdiction in non-tidal waters, such as intermittent streams, extend to the OHWM which is defined at 33 CFR 328.3(e) as: ...that line on the shore established by the fluctuation of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas.
The term “wetlands” (a subset of “waters of the United States”) is defined at 33 CFR 328.3(b) as "those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support...a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." In 1987 the Corps published the Wetland Manual to guide its field personnel in determining jurisdictional wetland boundaries. The methodology set forth in the Wetland Manual and the Arid West Supplement generally require that, in order to be considered a wetland, the vegetation, soils, and hydrology of an area exhibit at least minimal hydric characteristics. While the Wetland Manual and Arid West Supplement provide great detail in methodology and allow for varying special conditions, a wetland should normally meet each of the following three criteria:
• More than 50 percent of the dominant plant species at the site must be hydrophytic in nature as published in the most current national wetland plant list; • Soils must exhibit physical and/or chemical characteristics indicative of permanent or periodic saturation (e.g., a gleyed color, or mottles with a matrix of low chroma indicating a relatively consistent fluctuation between aerobic and anaerobic conditions); and
• Whereas the Wetland Manual requires that hydrologic characteristics indicate that the ground is saturated to within 12 inches of the surface for at least five percent of the growing season during a normal rainfall year, the Arid West Supplement does not include a quantitative criteria with the exception for areas with “problematic hydrophytic vegetation”, which require a minimum of 14 days of ponding to be considered a wetland.
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Clean Water Act, Section 401
The California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is responsible for the administration of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. RWQCB and each of its nine Regional Boards regulate the discharge of waste (dredged or fill material) into waters of the United States and waters of the state. Waters of the United States are defined above in Section II.A and waters of the state are defined as “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state” (California Water Code 13050[e]).
The Project is within the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana RWQCB and will require a water quality certification or waiver. Section 401 of the CWA requires certification for any federal permit or license authorizing impacts to waters of the U.S. (i.e., waters that are within federal jurisdiction), such as Section 404 of the CWA and Section 10 of the Safe Rivers and Harbors Act, to ensure that the impacts do not violate state water quality standards. When a project could impact waters outside of federal jurisdiction, the Regional Board has the authority under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act to issue Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) to ensure that impacts do not violate state water quality standards. Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certifications, WDRs, and waivers of WDRs are also referred to as orders or permits.
California Fish and Wildlife Section 1600
Sections 1600-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulates all diversions, obstructions, or changes to the natural flow or bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake, which supports fish or wildlife.
CDFW defines a stream (including creeks and rivers) as "a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses having surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation." CDFW's definition of "lake" includes "natural lakes or manmade reservoirs." CDFW also defines a stream as “a body of water that flows, or has flowed, over a given course during the historic hydrologic regime, and where the width of its course can reasonably be identified by physical or biological indicators.” It is important to note that the Fish and Game Code defines fish and wildlife to include: all wild animals, birds, plants, fish, amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, and related ecological communities including the habitat upon which they depend for continued viability (FGC Division 5, Chapter 1, section 45 and Division 2, Chapter 1 section 711.2(a) respectively).
Furthermore, Division 2, Chapter 5, Article 6, Section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code does not limit jurisdiction to areas defined by specific flow events, seasonal changes in water flow, or presence/absence of vegetation types or communities.
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REGIONAL
Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) was adopted on June 17, 2003, and an Implementing Agreement (IA) was executed between the federal and state wildlife agencies and participating entities. The MSHCP is a comprehensive habitat conservation-planning program for western Riverside County. The intent of the MSHCP is to preserve native vegetation and meet the habitat needs of multiple species, rather than focusing preservation efforts on one species at a time. As such, the MSHCP is intended to streamline review of individual projects with respect to the species and habitats addressed in the MSHCP, and to provide for an overall Conservation Area that would be of greater benefit to biological resources than would result from a piecemeal regulatory approach. The MSHCP provides coverage (including take authorization for listed species) for special-status plant and animal species, as well as mitigation for impacts to sensitive species pursuant to Section 10(a) of the FESA.
Through agreements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the MSHCP designates 146 special-status animal and plant species that receive some level of coverage under the plan. Of the 146 “Covered Species” designated under the MSHCP, the majority of these species have no additional survey/conservation requirements. In addition, through project participation with the MSHCP, the MSHCP provides mitigation for project-specific impacts to Covered Species so that the impacts would be reduced to below a level of significance pursuant to CEQA. As noted above, project-specific survey requirements exist for species designated as “Covered Species not yet adequately conserved”. These include Narrow Endemic Plant Species, as identified by the Narrow Endemic Plant Species Survey Areas (NEPSSA); Criteria Area Plant Species identified by the Criteria Area Species Survey Areas (CASSA); animal species as identified by survey area; and plant and animal species associated with riparian/riverine areas and vernal pool habitats (Volume I, Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP document).
For projects that have a federal nexus such as through federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting, take authorization for federally listed covered species would occur under Section 7 (not Section 10) of FESA and that USFWS would provide a MSHCP consistency review of the proposed project, resulting in a biological opinion. The biological opinion would require no more compensation than what is required to be consistent with the MSHCP.
LOCAL
City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan
The City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan includes several goals and policies relating to biological resources including:
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Environmental Resources Element
Goal ER-4: Proper management of floodplain and riparian areas for their importance to wildlife habitat, unique and sensitive plant life, water recharge, and public health and safety.
Policy ER-4.4: Preserve and enhance existing native riparian habitat and prevent obstruction of natural watercourses to the extent feasible in new private and public developments or implement on-site replacement as mitigation.
Goal ER-5: Preservation and protection of natural and man-made wetlands from development impacts for their importance to wildlife habitat, unique and sensitive plant life, water recharge, and scenic value.
Policy ER-5.5: Prohibit the planting of invasive, nonnative species in areas that would encroach and affect watercourses, their banks, and riparian areas.
Goal ER-6: Protection, enhancement, and sustaining of significant plant and wildlife species and habitat that exist in Corona and its Planning Area, for the long-term benefit of the natural environment and Corona residents and visitors.
Policy ER-6.1: Support the rehabilitation and enhancement of the biological diversity, and integrity of the City’s natural resources through such means as vegetation restoration, control of alien plants and animals, landscape buffering, and natural watercourse channel restoration.
Policy ER-6.2: Preserve the wildlife and plant species and habitats listed in Tables 4- 12 and 4-13 of the Technical Background Report for the General Plan and EIR and those that may be considered by the City of Corona in the future.
Policy ER-6.3: Ensure that new developments and circulation improvements demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations concerning the status, location, and condition of significant and sensitive biological species and habitats and riparian and riverine corridors. Biological surveys, as required and defined by the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, should identify potential impacts on biological resources and include mitigation measures to protect/replace resources in like kind.
Policy ER-6.4: Ensure that new developments through the development review process adhere to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan, and other habitat plans as appropriate to conserve biological diversity through protection of natural communities.
Policy ER-6.5: Preserve wildlife habitat of significant natural open space areas, including expanding habitat ranges, movement corridors, and nesting sites by adhering to and implementing the core biological linkages identified in the MSHCP for parts of the Temescal Canyon Area Plan in the City. Any proposed recreational use of those areas such as trails shall be designed to not interfere with the preservation efforts established in the MSHCP.
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Goal ER-7: Adequate protection of biological resources and increased public awareness of their value to the community.
Policy ER-7.1: Require that public and private construction activities be conducted in a manner to minimize adverse impacts on natural resources and biological resources in proximity to MSHCP conservation areas and adhere to the MSHCP Guidelines pertaining to Urban/Wildlife Interface for drainage, toxics, lighting, noise, invasive barriers and grading [MSHCP Section 6.1.4].
Goal ER-8: Protection, enhancement, and sustaining of significant plant and wildlife species and habitat that exist in Corona and its Planning Area, for the long-term benefit of the natural environment and Corona residents and visitors.
Policy ER-6.1: Support the rehabilitation and enhancement of the biological diversity, and integrity of the City’s natural resources through such means as vegetation restoration, control of alien plants and animals, landscape buffering, and natural watercourse channel restoration.
Goal ER-8: Protection of forest and vegetation resources in the City of Corona.
Policy ER-8.1: Cooperate with federal and state agencies to achieve the sustainable conservation of forest lands as a means of providing open space and protecting natural resources and MSHCP habitat.
Policy ER-8.4: Maintain and conserve superior examples of native trees (including oak trees), natural vegetation, stands of established trees, and other features for aesthetic and water conservation purposes.
Policy ER-8.5: Conserve the oak tree resources in the City to the extent feasible.
Goal ER-9: Protection of regional washes and waterways and their use for recreational and open space purposes such as trails, habitat preservation, and groundwater recharge.
Policy ER-9.1: Protect sensitive biological resources in the Temescal Canyon Area Plan through adherence to policies in the Western Riverside County MSHCP.
Policy ER-9.2: Conserve existing wetlands and wetland functions and values in the Temescal Canyon Wash, Prado Basin, and the Santa Ana River with a focus on conservation of existing riparian, woodland, coastal sage scrub, alluvial fan scrub, and open water habitats.
Policy ER-9.3: Conserve existing known populations of least Bell’s vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher within the Temescal Canyon Area Plan including locations at Prado Basin, Santa Ana River, and Temescal Wash. Maintain existing breeding habitat for these species at Prado Basin, Santa Ana River, and Temescal Wash where applicable to a particular project and location.
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Policy ER-9.4: Conserve and manage suitable habitat for species known to exist in the Temescal Canyon Area Plan of Western Riverside County’s Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Policy ER-9.5: Conserve clay soils supporting sensitive plant species known to occur in the Temescal Canyon area, including Munz’s onion, Palmer’s grappling hook, smallflowered morning glory, long-spined spineflower, thread-leaved brodiaea, smallflowered microseris, and many-stemmed dudleya.
Policy ER-9.6: Conserve sandy soils co-occurring with chaparral supporting Palomar monkeyflower, known to occur in the Temescal Canyon area.
Policy ER-9.7: Conserve locations supporting California muhly, heart-lived pitcher sage, Hall’s monardella, and other sensitive plant species that may occur in a wide variety of habitat types within the Temescal Canyon Area Plan.
Policy ER-9.8: Provide for and maintain connection(s) from the Cleveland National Forest to Prado Basin and the Santa Ana River within Temescal Canyon, providing opportunities for offsite connections to Chino Hills State Park.
Policy ER-9.10: Conserve floodplain areas supporting sensitive plant species known to occur in Temescal Canyon, including Parry’s spineflower, peninsular spineflower, and smooth tarplant, and Coulter’s matilija poppy.
Policy ER-9.11: Conserve rocky soils co-occurring with coastal sage scrub, peninsular jumper, or chaparral supporting Payson’s jewelflower, known to occur in the Temescal Canyon area.
Policy ER-9.12: Provide for and maintain a continuous linkage along Temescal Wash from the southern boundary of the Temescal Canyon area to the Santa Ana River.
4.4.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
No biological resource project design features.
4.4.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Criteria for determining the significance of impacts related to biological resources are based on criteria contained in Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines and the City’s CEQA Manual. The proposed Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Threshold BIO-1 Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
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Threshold BIO-2 Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Threshold BIO-3 Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
Threshold BIO-4 Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Threshold BIO-5 Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Threshold BIO-6 Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
METHODOLOGY
The following analysis is based, in part, on information provided by the Biological Technical Report for the Green River Specific Plan, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated April 2, 2024 (Appendix D-1); Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) Analysis for impacts to MSHCP Riparian/Riverine Area Green River Ranch Industrial Project, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated April 11, 2024 (Appendix D-2); and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Consistency Analysis, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated April 11, 2024 (Appendix D-3). The information obtained from these sources and other relevant materials was reviewed to evaluate the potential presence of biological resources on the Project site.
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4.4.7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH MODIFIED
PROJECT
Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result in
new or more
severe impacts
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified
Project be
implemented
under changed
circumstances
resulting in new
or more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more
severe impacts
from the
Modified
Project requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to impacts
and no changes to
the Prior EIR are
required?
Would the Project:
BIO-1 Have a substantial adverse
effect, either directly or
through habitat
modifications, on any
species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or
special status species in
local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or
by the California
Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
BIO-2 Have a substantial adverse
effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive
natural community
identified in local or
regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the
California Department of
Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
BIO-3 Have a substantial adverse
effect on state or federally
protected wetlands
(including, but not limited
to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption,
or other means.
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Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result in
new or more
severe impacts
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified
Project be
implemented
under changed
circumstances
resulting in new
or more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more
severe impacts
from the
Modified
Project requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to impacts
and no changes to
the Prior EIR are
required?
Would the Project:
BIO-4 Interfere substantially
with the movement of any
native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established
native resident or
migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the
use of native wildlife
BIO nursery sites. -5 Conflict with any local
policies or ordinances
protecting biological
resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or
ordinance.
BIO-6 Conflict with the
provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation
Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or
other approved local,
regional, or state habitat
conservation plan.
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IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact BIO-1: Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
New information that would result in new or more severe impacts from the Modified Project requiring revisions to the Prior EIR.
As previously stated in the 2001 EIR, construction of the Approved Project would result in the loss of common plant species. One special status plant species was observed with the updated survey for the Modified Project and includes Coulter's matilija poppy. This species is a covered species under the MSHCP. This species is not a state or federally listed species, but is classified as Rank 4. As summarized in Table 3-1 of the Biological Study, Rank 4 species are currently thought to be limited in distribution or range whose vulnerability or susceptibility to threat is currently low. Given the low sensitivity of this species and the limited presence within the Modified Project site, impacts to the matilija poppy would be less than significant.
Three special-status birds were observed during the updated biological surveys for the Modified Project including yellow warbler, southern California rufous-crowned sparrow and least Bell’s vireo. The Project would impact habitat for the rufous-crowned sparrow, least Bell’s vireo, and yellow warbler. Additionally, the Project would remove habitat with the potential to support white-tailed kite and would reduce the suitable foraging and/or nesting habitat (e.g., chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, and scrub oak chaparral). The rufous-crowned sparrow is not listed and is not a California Species of Concern, but does have a S3 State Ranking, and therefore is marginally considered to have special-status. However, based on the relatively low sensitivity ranking, broad distribution, and limited impact by the Project compared to the large range of species and the Project’s adjacency to MSHCP conservation areas to the south and to the west where proximate foraging habitat is available, impacts to the rufous-crowned sparrow would be less than significant.
Impacts to the least Bell’s vireo and yellow warbler that would occur upon development of the Commercial component would be potentially significant. However, as the MSHCP provides coverage for both species, the Project’s participation in the MSHCP through mandatory MSHCP fee payments and compliance with the biological requirements of the MSHCP ensures that any impacts to covered special status plants would be less than significant. In addition, the loss of habitat for the least Bell’s vireo would require mitigation and the impacts would require the approval of a DBESP by the Wildlife Agencies.
Construction of the BPI Industrial Development would potentially impact least Bell’s vireo, and as part of the JPR process for the development project RCA is requiring construction
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mitigation for such indirect impacts. This is considered to be a significant impact requiring mitigation. MM 4.7.3.A and MM 4.7.3.B (alternative) remain applicable to the Modified Project to reduce impacts to Migratory Birds to a less than significant level. With the inclusion of additional construction mitigation contained in MM BIO-1 for indirect impacts to the least Bell’s vireo, impacts would be mitigated to less than significant.
Mitigation Measure MM BIO-1: If construction will occur within 300 feet of potential vireo habitat between March 15 and September 30, a biologist shall determine whether vireo individuals are present within the adjacent habitat. If work will start prior to March 15 and continue into the vireo season, or will start between March 15 and April 30, the biologist shall survey the adjacent habitat weekly for eight weeks[1] starting on or around March 15 until vireo are detected, or until eight visits are completed and the vireo is confirmed absent. If construction work will start after April 30, then surveys will start on or around April 10 (the formal start of the vireo survey period), and surveys will follow the survey intervals as stated above.
If vireo individuals are detected, the biologist will determine necessity and applicability of measures to address edge effects for construction activities occurring within 300 feet of occupied vireo habitat to protect the vireo. At minimum the following are recommended.
1) Noise: Given the proximity of the vireo habitat to the existing Green River Road and the adjacent SR-91, there is already an existing noise baseline from heavy traffic use, and it is possible that construction noise would not exceed that baseline. The Project proponent will retain a qualified biologist to perform noise monitoring to determine the ambient noise level at the habitat edge without construction activities occurring within 300 feet of the habitat edge, and then determine noise levels while construction activities are occurring. If it is determined that with construction, the noise levels exceed the ambient levels, then noise attenuation measures may be implemented, including the construction of a temporary noise attenuation barrier (sound wall) along the disturbance limits north of Green River Road. If it is determined that noise levels cannot be attenuated, then the specific construction activities resulting in the noise will need to be temporarily ceased until August 31, or prior if it is determined through surveys that the vireo are no longer present.
2) Lighting: Any night lighting needed during construction within 300 feet of occupied vireo habitat will be down shielded or directed away from the vireo habitat to prevent the illumination of the adjacent habitat.
3) Dust Emissions: The Project, as a part of standard best management practices (BMPs) pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403, will introduce dust control measures for the duration of construction activities to minimize any dust-related effect on adjacent vireos.
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4) Trespassing: Prior to the start of construction activities along the northern side of Green River Road, the edge of the disturbance limits adjacent to the vireo habitat will be demarcated with orange construction fencing to prevent trespassing into the adjacent habitat. In addition, the Project proponent will implement an Environmental Awareness Training program prior to the start of construction to advise workers of sensitive biological areas adjacent to the development footprint, including the habitat areas north of Green River Ranch Road.
In 2019 the Crotch Bumble Bee was listed as a State Candidate Endangered (SCE) Species.
Crotch bumble bee was observed onsite during focused surveys for this species. The overall Study Area supports potentially suitable habitat for the Crotch bumble bee primarily within the non-native grasslands and within the scrub; however, this species is a habitat generalist as it will occur in a variety of plant communities throughout its range. Individuals were detected on the lower slopes in the southern portion of the Project’s impact footprint where the grassland areas are less disturbed and native scrub vegetation is present. Furthermore, if Crotch bumble bee remains as a SCE or has otherwise been confirmed as a State Endangered species at the time of Project site disturbance, then an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) may be required prior to the disturbance of the occupied habitat. Impact would be considered potentially significant.
The following mitigation measure which includes the conservation of 50.96 acres of scrub habitat and 26 acres of non-native grasslands and conservation of open space will offset impacts to the Crotch Bumble Bee and bring impacts to a less than significant level.
Mitigation Measure MM BIO-2: If the bumble bee is still a Candidate species or has been confirmed as a State listed species at the time of Project site disturbance, then prior to the issuance of a grading permit that would remove Crotch bumble bee habitat:
1) The Project proponent shall have conveyed or have an agreement to convey approximately 50.96 acres of various scrub habitats and 26 acres of non-native grassland in the southern portion of the Project site to the RCA, which constitutes avoidance of suitable habitat.
2) If the land to be conserved in the southern portion of the Project site has not been conveyed to the RCA and no agreement is yet in place to convey the property, the Project proponent shall coordinate with CDFW to address the extent of impacts and determine whether an ITP for Crotch bumble bee would be required. If an ITP were required, then mitigation may be required by CDFW as part of the ITP process, and the conservation of the comparable open space habitat would be presented to support the ITP.
This impact is new information or more severe impact as a result of the Modified Project, however, with the addition of Mitigation Measure MM BIO-2 impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level.
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As identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project, suitable habitat occurs onsite for Plummer’s mariposa lily and intermediate mariposa lily and they have a moderate potential to occur onsite. These species were not observed during the updated surveys for the Modified Project. Many-stemmed dudleya and Brauton’s milk-vetch have a low likelihood of occurring onsite. These species were not observed during the updated surveys for the Modified Project, therefore impacts remain similar to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project, which is less than significant.
Several sensitive wildlife species were observed on site during the updated surveys for the Modified Project. Several other sensitive wildlife species have at least a moderate potential to occur on site, identified within Appendix A and Append B of the Biological Technical Report.
As identified within the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project, short-term impacts may occur to the species as a result of construction activities. These species are not protected by federal or state listings as threatened or endangered and any loss of individuals would not threaten their regional populations. Removal of their habitat represents a less than significant impact to regional populations of these species.
As identified within the 2001 EIR, implementation of the Approved Project would result in a direct loss of at least one California gnatcatcher and occupied live-in habitat for the species.
While the loss of habitat for the species is now covered by the MSHCP, the Modified Project prohibits clearing occupied habitat during breeding season (March 1 through August 31).
These impacts remain potentially significant for the Modified Project. Mitigation Measure
4.7.1.A remain applicable to the Modified Project to reduce impacts to California gnatcatcher to a less than significant level.
The 2001 EIR concluded implementation of the Modified Project would result in potential impacts to migratory birds and the nests. Mitigation Measure 4.7.3.A and Mitigation Measure 4.7.3.B (alternative) remain applicable to the Modified Project to reduce impacts to Migratory Birds to a less than significant level.
With the inclusion of the additional Mitigation Measure for the Crotch Bumble Bee, Impacts would be more severe impacts from the Modified Project requiring revisions to the Prior EIR. With the include of the additional Mitigation Measure MM BIO-1 for the Crotch Bumble Bee, impacts are reduced to a less than significant level.
Impact BIO-2: Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
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Under the Modified Project, a total of 2.10 acres of Regional Board jurisdiction would be permanently impacted (all non-wetland waters), including 2.07 acres onsite and 0.03 acre offsite.
A total of 3.66 acres of CDFW Jurisdiction would be permanently impacted as part of the BIP Development. This includes 2.51 acres of non-riparian streambed and 1.15 acres of riparian streambed.
As identified in the 2001 EIR of the Approved Project, a total of 1.76 acres of Corps/RWQCB jurisdiction and 9.81 acres of CDFW jurisdiction would be impacted as a result of the Approved Project implementation. Per the 2001 EIR Mitigation Measure 4.7.2.A, impacts to riparian habitat would be replaced through creation of new riparian habitat at a minimum of
1.5:1 onsite or alternatively, or in combination with onsite crease, riparian or wetlands mitigation credits shall be acquired in an offsite mitigation bank at a replacement ratio of 2:1.
While RWQCB impacts have slightly increase for the Modified Project, these impacts are minor. Furthermore, impacts to CDFW jurisdiction as a result of the Modified Project has decreased significantly. Mitigation Measure 4.7.2.A remains applicable for the Modified Project with the clarification that impacts to the 3.66 acres of CDFW jurisdiction shall be mitigated at a greater than 3:1 ratio (11.14 acres). The Mitigation would be a combination of onsite restoration and preservation, and purchase of offsite mitigation bank (Riverpark Mitigation Bank). The onsite mitigation would consist of restoration of 2.57 acres of riparian oak woodland and preservation of 3.80 acres of oak woodlands and streams. The remaining balance of 4.68 acres would be purchased at a Mitigation bank. As such, Mitigation Measure
4.7.2.A would be clarified to include the following language.
Mitigation Measure 4.7.2A All riparian habitat impacted (i.e., removed) by the proposed project shall be replaced through creation of new riparian habitat of equal or greater quality. Permanent impacts to 3.47 acres of CDFW jurisdiction (including 1.96 acres of potential Corps/RWQCB jurisdiction) shall be mitigated through the combination of onsite restoration and preservation, and offsite mitigation (Riverpark Mitigation Bank: Should Riverpark Mitigation Bank become unavailable in the future, an alternative mitigation strategy through another mitigation bank within the MSHCP Plan Boundary shall be reviewed and approved by the RCA and Wildlife Agencies (CDFW and USFWS) prior to issuance of a grading permit). The onsite mitigation will consist of the restoration of 2.57 acres of riparian oak woodland and the preservation of 6.36 acres of oak woodlands and streams. The balance of mitigation would consist of 4.62 acres would be purchased at a Mitigation bank.
It is anticipated that project construction will require permits or approvals from the CDFW (per Section 1601/1603 of the Fish and Game Code), and RWQCB (per Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act).
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If habitat creation is conducted on site, the replacement ratio shall be a minimum of
1.5:1(create 1.5 acres of habitat for each 1 acre impacted). Suitable locations for onsite creation of habitat include proposed debris basins and drainage corridors that may be retained or established in the proposed estate residential area. Any portions of the basins that are used for habitat creation will be excluded from any debris removal, sediment removal, or other maintenance operations. The created habitat shall be retained in a natural condition in perpetuity. Since the existing coast live oak woodland is primarily associated with drainage courses, oak woodlands established as mitigation for measures 4.7.4A will also qualify as created riparian habitat if established in riparian settings including in or adjacent to the proposed debris basins.
With the clarification language for the Modified Project, impacts would be less than significant within mitigation, as previously identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Impact BIO-3: Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The biological studies prepared for the Modified Project determined the site does not support any wetlands. Consequently, no impact to state or federally protected wetlands would occur and no mitigation is required.
Impact BIO-4: Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The Modified Project will impact the lower portions of north-south ridges and canyons that terminate at the flat portion of the property at Green River Road that support the local movement of wildlife.
As discussed above, the City is currently pursuing a Criteria Refinement through the RCA and Wildlife Agencies to formally relocated PCL-1 west to coincide with the B Canyon area.
Additional information and environmental analysis of the Alternative Alignment of PCL-1 can be found in Section 5.0. The processing of the Criteria Refinement coincides with the RCA’s
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recent acquisition of approximately 740 acres of lands located south and west of the Project site that contain B Canyon. The RCA issued Criteria Refinement Review Findings (CR# 24- 01-10-01, dated February 20, 2024) in support of the Criteria Refinement stating approval of the realignment of PCL-1. The findings letter is included as Appendix D-4.
The formal relocation of PCL-1 removes the Modified Project site from the Linkage and thereby greatly reduces the relative importance of the Project site to facilitate wildlife movement and to connect Core A and Core B. In further support of the assembly of PCL-1, the Modified Project proponent is proposing to conserve 80.77 acres of land within the southern half of the site. The proposed conservation is contiguous with the lands recently acquired by the RCA for the MSHCP Reserve. The 80.77 acres of proposed conservation contains the structural topography and vegetative cover to facilitate regional wildlife movement. It aligns with the wildlife linkage/corridor conservation goals of the MSHCP.
The Modified Project includes the construction of a wildlife fence between the proposed MSHCP conservation areas and the of the Project. The fencing will be constructed along the western and southern edges of the Project site to direct wildlife to the west along the rerelocated PCL-1 Route in B Canyon. The fence will start at the eastern property boundary, extending west along the limits of the proposed MSHCP Conservation until the fence reaches the western boundary shared with the existing MSHCP Additional Reserve Lands. Then the fence will turn north along the property boundary to the terminus of Fresno Road, then northwest where the fence will terminate at the limits of Caltrans’ easement for SR-91. The fence is proposed to be chain link (at least 8 feet tall) and will include one-way swing gates to allow for wildlife escape access to the open space to the south and west.
Temporary disturbances to wildlife movement may occur during construction; however, these disturbances would primarily occur during day-time hours during construction activities and would not interfere significantly with wildlife movement on a landscape level. The Project’s consistency with the MSHCP and adherence to mandatory MSHCP requirements would reduce impacts to wildlife movement to a level of less than significant under CEQA.
Additionally, no native wildlife nursery sites were observed within the Project area and therefore, no impacts to wildlife nursery sites would occur.
The Project’s construction activities have the potential to impact active bird nests if vegetation is removed during the nesting season (February 1 to September 15). To avoid impacts to nesting birds, as identified within the 2001 EIR Mitigation Measure 4.7.3.A and Mitigation Measure 4.7.3.B (alternative) remain applicable to the Modified Project to reduce impacts to Migratory Birds to a less than significant level.
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Impact BIO-5: Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The 2001 EIR identified 3.90 acres of coast live oak that would be impacted as a result of the Approved Project. Mitigation Measures 4.7.4.A through 4.7.4.E was included to mitigate for the impacts associated with coast live oak woodlands to a less than significant level.
The Modified Project would also implement Mitigation Measures 4.7.4.A through 4.7.4.E to reduce impacts to coast live oak. However, the Modified Project would impact 1.13 acres of coast live oak woodland, which is significantly less impacts than the Approved Project.
Furthermore, the Modified Project would avoid and conserve 3.50 acres of coast live oak woodland. Therefore, the Modified Project reduces impacts to coast live oak woodland in comparison to the Approved Project.
While the City has no direct tree preservation ordinance, the City’s 2020–2040 General Plan includes several goals and policies relating to biological resources. The goals and policies of the General Plan are intended to support consistency with the MSHCP and to protect and preserve biological resources including plants and wildlife, vegetation communities, and wetlands and drainages.
The Project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. The Project proponent is proposing permanent conservation of 80.77 acres of land within the southern half of the Study Area, and all development associated with the Modified Project will comply with the requirements of the MSHCP. The conservation of native land and compliance with the MSCHP in conjunction with avoidance, minimization, and mitigation will render the Project compliant with and not conflict with the biological resource policies of the City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan. With implementation of Mitigation Measures
4.7.4.A through 4.7.4.E, impacts are considered less than significant.
Impact BIO-6: Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The Modified Project occurs within the MSHCP Temescal Area Plan, specifically in Subunit 1 (Santa Ana River to Santa Ana Mountains), Criteria Cells 1702, 1704, 1811, and 1812 [Exhibit 5A – MSHCP Overlay Map]. Lands described for conservation within these Criteria Cells are intended support the assembly of Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 (“PCL-1”) and
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Proposed Constrained Linkage 2 (“PCL-2”) further to the east. The City is currently pursuing a Criteria Refinement through the RCA and Wildlife Agencies to formally relocate PCL-1 west to coincide with the B Canyon area. Additional information and environmental analysis of the Alternative Alignment of PCL-1 can be found in Section 5.0. The processing of the Criteria Refinement coincides with the RCA’s recent acquisition of approximately 740 acres of lands located south and west of the Specific Plan Project that contain B Canyon. The RCA issued Criteria Refinement Review Findings (CR# 24-01-10-01, dated February 20, 2024) in support of the Criteria Refinement stating approval of the realignment of PCL-1. The findings letter is included as Appendix D-4.
The formal relocation of PCL-1 removes the Modified Project site from the Linkage and thereby greatly reduces the relative importance of the Project site to facilitate wildlife movement and to connect Core A and Core B. Even with the approval of the Criteria Refinement, i.e., the relocation of PCL-1, the Modified Project is still subject to JPR for the RCA to determine the Project’s overall consistency with the MSHCP; however, the Modified Project would no longer be required to conserve lands in support of the original PCL-1 alignment. Regardless, the Modified Project would conserve approximately 80.77 acres of land within the southern half of the site to contribute to the MSHCP Reserve. The conserved lands would be dedicated to the RCA and managed and protected in perpetuity.
The Modified Project would impact approximately 3.66 acres of MSHCP riparian/riverine areas, including 1.15 acres of riparian vegetation and 2.51 acres of unvegetated riverine areas.
The functions of impacted MSHCP riparian areas must be replaced such that the resulting project is “biologically equivalent or superior” to the existing site conditions. A DBESP must be approved by the wildlife agencies (USFWS and CDFW) for the proposed Modified Project.
Per the submitted DBESP prepared by GLA on January 17, 2022 and revised August 29, 2024 included as Appendix E-2, the modified Project avoids a total of 80.77 acres in the southern portion of the site, and protect in perpetuity 6.36 acres which contain 2.57 acres of riparian/riverine areas and 3.80 acres of coast live oak woodland.
In comparison, of the 3.66 acres of impacts to riparian/riverine areas, more than half of the impacts (2.07 acres) include drainage features in the northern portion of the Project site that have been disturbed through past land uses, with 1.01 acres mapped as disturbed or developed;
0.96 acre as supporting vegetation associated with ruderal areas, including non-native grasses and forbs; and 0.10 acre in areas mapped as residential/urban/exotic. These drainage features do not contain habitats described for conservation, nor do they contain habitat that support Section 6.1.2 species. However, the Project will impact 1.59 acres of riverine areas supporting native vegetation communities, including 1.12 acres of coast like oak woodland, 0.03 acre of elderberry stands, and 0.44 acre of native upland scrub. The coast live oak woodland and elderberry stands are classified as riparian communities.
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With the implementation of Mitigation Measure 4.7.2.A, impacts would be less than significant. Furthermore, with the realignment and conservation of PCL-1, the Project would conserve 80.77 acres of lands, which increases habitat for sensitive and listed species. These lands would be protected in perpetuity via the MSHCP Reserve to support Covered Species.
Lastly, the Project will conserve and protect 2.57 acres of riparian/riverine areas, including
3.80 acres of coast live oak woodland and 0.64 acre of native upland scrub communities (chaparral and Riversidean sage scrub. The Project will conserve habitat functions at a 2.5:1 to nearly 3:1 ratio to the quantity impacted. In addition, the Project will further mitigate impacts to 3.66 acres of MSHCP riparian/riverine areas through the onsite restoration of 2.57 acres of oak woodland and the additional purchase of 4.62 acres of mitigation credits at the Riverpark Mitigation Bank.
4.4.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Cumulative impacts are defined as the direct and indirect effects of a proposed project which, when considered alone, would not be deemed a substantial impact, but when considered in addition to the impacts of related projects in the area, would be considered potentially significant. “Related projects” refers to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable probable future projects, which would have similar impacts to the proposed Project.
Anticipated cumulative impacts are addressed by the MSHCP, which, as currently adopted, addresses 146 “Covered Species” that represent a broad range of habitats and geographical areas within western Riverside County, including threatened and endangered species and regionally- or locally-sensitive species that have specific habitat requirements and conservation and management needs. The MSHCP addresses biological impacts for take of Covered Species within the MSHCP area. Impacts to Covered Species and establishment and implementation of a regional conservation strategy and other measures included in the MSHCP are intended to address the federal, state, and local mitigation requirements for these species and their habitats.
Impacts to the special-status vegetation communities could be potentially cumulatively significant, prior to mitigation. These vegetation communities are Coast Live Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Elderberry Savannah, and Riparian/Riverine resources for the Modified Project. For those non-riparian/riverine vegetation communities, the MSHCP provides full mitigation for proposed impacts. For the proposed impacts to riparian/riverine resources, the MSHCP requires equivalent or superior preservation that is detailed in a DBESP. As presented above, the Modified Project would mitigate 3.04 acres of riparian/riverine resources (1.11 acres of riparian and 1.93 acres of unvegetated streambed). This would mitigate impacts to a level
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of less than significant under CEQA and would be consistent with MSHCP requirements in that equivalent or superior preservation is provided.
The proposed BPI Project would remove several Coulter’s matilija poppy, a non-listed special status plant species that is covered and adequately conserved by the MSHCP. The removal of Coulter’s matilija poppy by the Modified Project would not pose a cumulatively considerable contribution to the regional decline of this species.
Impacts to the following animal species would be potentially cumulatively significant, prior to mitigation, as a result of the loss of potential habitat for these species: Crotch’s bumble bee, least Bell’s vireo, Cooper’s hawk, yellow warbler, southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, western mastiff bat, western yellow bat, coast horned lizard, coast patch-nosed snake, coastal whiptail, orange throat whiptail, red-diamond rattlesnake, and southern California legless lizard.
Some of these species are fully covered species under the MSHCP and as such any proposed impacts would be fully mitigated under the MSHCP. For others such as the bat species, impacts would be potentially cumulatively significant, however the Project is proposing permanent natural land conservation in the southern portion of the Project site. With implementation of Project mitigation in combination with the Project’s proposed design feature of open space conservation, the potential for the Project to make a cumulatively considerable contribution to the regional decline of any of these species would not occur.
With implementation of the Modified Project’s open space and in combination with Mitigation Measure 4.7.1.A for impacts to California gnatcatchers, Additional information and environmental analysis of the Alternative Alignment of PCL-1 can be found in Section
5.0. for Crotch bumble bee, Mitigation Measure 4.7.2.A for mitigation for impacts to jurisdictional features, Mitigation Measure 4.7.3.A for nesting birds, Mitigation Measure BIO-1 for least Bell’s vireo, Mitigation Measure BIO-2 for Crotch’s bumble bee, Mitigation Measure 4.7.4 through 4.7.4.E for oak woodlands mitigation, the Modified Project would have a less than significant with mitigation cumulative impact regarding biological resources.
4.4.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
With minor modifications in some instances, all mitigation as identified within the 2001 EIR are applicable to the Modified Project as follows.
4.7.1A: Prior to issuance of grading permits for each increment of development, applicable pre-construction California gnatcatcher surveys shall be conducted and a survey report approved by the City. The report shall identify mitigation for impacts to the California gnatcatcher consisting of acquiring and preserving California gnatcatcher habitat of equal or greater quality at a minimum
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replacement ratio of 1:1 (acquire at least 1 acre for each acre impacted). The Modified Project would impact 8 acres of habitat used by the California gnatcatcher; therefore, mitigation shall consist of the acquisition and preservation of at least 8 acres of occupied habitat. The acquired habitat shall be in a location that facilitates management for the species (i.e., currently supports the species and is contiguous with a larger area that will be managed for conservation of the species). Potential suitable locations include areas adjacent to existing reserves (such as Stephens’ kangaroo rat reserves) or within established mitigation banks for the California gnatcatcher.
Project impacts to the California gnatcatcher and its designated critical habitat may require consultation or other permitting for compliance with the federal ESA that may result in requirements for additional mitigation measures beyond those described above.
4.7.2A: Prior to issuance of grading permits for each increment of development, applicable pre-construction riparian area surveys shall be conducted and a survey report approved by the City. The report shall identify all riparian habitat impacted (i.e., removed) by the proposed project and such impacted areas shall be replaced through creation of new riparian habitat of equal or greater quality.
Impacts to 3.66 acres of CDFW jurisdiction (including 2.10 acres of potential RWQCB jurisdiction) shall be mitigated at a 3:1 ratio (10.98 acres) through the combination of onsite restoration and preservation, and offsite mitigation (Riverpark Mitigation Bank). The onsite mitigation will consist of the restoration of 2.57 acres of riparian oak woodland and the preservation of 6.36 acres of oak woodlands and streams. The balance of mitigation would consist of 4.62 acres would be purchased at a Mitigation bank.
It is anticipated that project construction may require permits or approvals from the CDFW (per Section 1601/1603 of the Fish and Game Code) and RWQCB (per Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act),.
4.7.3A: Prior to the commencement of tree removal or grading on the proposed project site during the nesting season (March-July), all suitable habitat shall be thoroughly surveyed for the presence of nesting birds by a qualified biologist.
If any active nests are detected, the area shall be flagged and avoided until the nesting cycle is complete. In addition, a biologist shall be present on site to monitor the tree removal and grading to ensure that any nests detected during the initial survey are not disturbed.
4.7.3B: (Alternative) Tree removal and grading shall be delayed until after the nesting season (March-July).
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4.7.4A: Prior to issuance of grading permits for PA 1, 2, 3, and 5, the project shall comply with the City’s Hillside Development Overlay Ordinance. This mitigation was previously introduced as mitigation measure 4.6-1. This Ordinance promotes the use of residential clustering techniques and their measures to minimize impacts on hillside sites, typically areas containing oak trees. Home sites shall be clustered into the fewest number of acres possible to minimize the spread of impacts over a large portion of the property to reduce fragmentation of the remaining natural areas.
4.7.4B: Prior to issuance of grading permits for PAs 1, 2, 3, and 5, the applicant shall design an oak woodland management plan which includes the following:
• Provisions for ongoing maintenance, management, and construction impact practices for all oaks on site.
• Provisions for enhancing oak woodlands not within the development zone. • Provisions for limiting human and vehicular access to existing oak woodland areas in order to preserve habitat quality.
• Limitations on the use of herbicides or pesticides within the oak woodland areas.
4.7.4C: Prior to grading within PAs 1, 2, 3, and 5, the applicant shall conduct a revised Tree Survey, based on the staking of the specific limits of grading, to assess opportunities for transplanting the oak trees.
4.7.4D: Prior to issuance of building permits within PAs 1, 2, 3, and 5 a qualified native plant horticulturist shall determine the sensibility and likelihood of survival of transplanting 10 percent of the oak trees.
4.7.4E: Prior to certification of occupancy, the applicant shall replant 15-gallon size oaks at a ratio of 10 to 1 for all oaks lost but not transplanted. The location and methods for these plantings would be specified by a qualified native plant biologist/horticulturist.
4.4.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT MM BIO-1: If construction will occur within 300 feet of potential vireo habitat between March 15 and September 30, a biologist shall determine whether vireo individuals are present within the adjacent habitat. If work will start prior to March 15 and continue into the vireo season, or will start between March 15 and April 30, the biologist shall survey the adjacent habitat weekly for eight weeks[1] starting on or around March 15 until vireo are detected, or until eight visits are completed and the vireo is confirmed absent. If construction work
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will start after April 30, then surveys will start on or around April 10 (the formal start of the vireo survey period), and surveys will follow the survey intervals as stated above.
If vireo individuals are detected, the biologist will determine necessity and applicability of measures to address edge effects for construction activities occurring within 300 feet of occupied vireo habitat to protect the vireo. At minimum the following are recommended.
1) Noise: Given the proximity of the vireo habitat to the existing Green River Road and the adjacent SR-91, there is already an existing noise baseline from heavy traffic use, and it is possible that construction noise would not exceed that baseline. The Project proponent will retain a qualified biologist to perform noise monitoring to determine the ambient noise level at the habitat edge without construction activities occurring within 300 feet of the habitat edge, and then determine noise levels while construction activities are occurring. If it is determined that with construction, the noise levels exceed the ambient levels, then noise attenuation measures may be implemented, including the construction of a temporary noise attenuation barrier (sound wall) along the disturbance limits north of Green River Road.
If it is determined that noise levels cannot be attenuated, then the specific construction activities resulting in the noise will need to be temporarily ceased until August 31, or prior if it is determined through surveys that the vireo are no longer present.
2) Lighting: Any night lighting needed during construction within 300 feet of occupied vireo habitat will be down shielded or directed away from the vireo habitat to prevent the illumination of the adjacent habitat. 3) Dust Emissions: The Project, as a part of standard best management practices (BMPs) pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403, will introduce dust control measures for the duration of construction activities to minimize any dust-related effect on adjacent vireos.
4) Trespassing: Prior to the start of construction activities along the northern side of Green River Road, the edge of the disturbance limits adjacent to the vireo habitat will be demarcated with orange construction fencing to prevent trespassing into the adjacent habitat. In addition, the Project proponent will implement an Environmental Awareness Training program prior to the start of construction to advise workers of sensitive biological areas adjacent to
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the development footprint, including the habitat areas north of Green River Ranch Road.
MM BIO-2: If the Crotch bumble bee is still a Candidate species or has been confirmed as a State listed species at the time of Modified Project site disturbance, then prior to the issuance of a grading permit that would remove Crotch bumble bee habitat the following measures shall be implemented:
• The Project proponent shall have conveyed or have an agreement to convey approximately 50.96 acres of various scrub habitats and 26 acres of nonnative grassland in the southern portion of the Project site to the RCA, which constitutes avoidance of suitable habitat.
• If the land to be conserved in the southern portion of the Project site has not been conveyed to the RCA and no agreement is yet in place to convey the property, the Project proponent shall coordinate with CDFW to address the extent of impacts and determine whether an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for Crotch bumble bee would be required. If an ITP were required, then mitigation may be required by CDFW as part of the ITP process, and the conservation of the comparable open space habitat would be presented to support the ITP.
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4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.5.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing cultural resources within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential changes in impacts to cultural resources from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. No NOP comment letters, or Scoping Meeting comments were received pertaining to this topic.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based on the Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Green River Ranch III Project (CRA), prepared by Brian F. Smith Associates, Inc. (BFSA), dated August 7, 2020, revised January 10, 2024 (Appendix F).
4.5.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The Approved Project impact analysis related to cultural resources as presented in the 2001 EIR as well as any mitigation measures identified to reduce significant impacts are summarized as follows:
b) Archeological resources?
c) Historical site or building?
d) Ethnic cultural values?
As stated in the 2001 EIR, the GRRSP area contained two manufactured homes, facilities for a horse boarding operation, and a church operating out of an old restaurant building. In addition, a 1939 concrete culvert at the extreme north end of the Project area was evaluated for consideration as a historic resource, but was not considered a historic resource and not eligible for inclusion in the National Register. The remainder of the Project area was undeveloped and no other potential historic structures existed on site. As a result, the 2001 EIR determined no impact would result.
e) Restriction of sacred uses?
Although the GRRSP area included a church on site, the 2001 EIR determined there were no known unique ethnic or cultural values associated with the site. In addition, there were no known religious or sacred uses on site which would be affected by the Approved development, and no significant impact on religious/sacred uses attributable to the Approved Project would be expected.
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Cumulative Impacts
The 2001 EIR determined there were no significant prehistoric or historic archeological resources located within the GRRSP Planning Area. As a result, the 2001 EIR determined, there was no cumulative impact anticipated by the implementation of Approved Project.
4.5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The GRRSP Planning Area is located in the northwestern portion of the Santa Ana Mountains at the eastern entrance to the Santa Ana Canyon. Topographically, the surrounding area of the GRRSP site slopes down north and west towards Wardlow Wash and the Santa Ana River, and slopes down to the north from the Santa Ana Mountain hillside to Green River Ranch Road.
The northern portion of the GRRSP Planning Area consists of gently sloping to almost flat terrain. However, the southern portion of the Planning Area is comprised of the steep slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains which are separated by seasonal drainages extending from higher elevations north through the property into the Santa Ana River and the Wardlow Wash.
Topographic elevation for the GRRSP Planning Area include ranges from approximately 515 to 1,800 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).
The Santa Ana Mountains are composed of Pleistocene nonmarine, Oligocene nonmarine, Upper Cretaceous, and Paleocene marine and include two faults, the Chino and the WhittierElsinore fault. The alluvial and aeolian deposition and faults combined with erosion processes are responsible for the modern appearance of the region.
Records Search
As stated in the CRA, A request was submitted to the Eastern Information Center (EIC) for a records search; however, due to the current pandemic (2020 COVID-19 outbreak), results of the archaeological records search have yet to be obtained. However, in support of the 2001 EIR, the entire property was surveyed in 1999 by LSA Associates, Inc., including four previous times (Kirkish and McCoy 1972; Leonard 1975; Lipp 1977; Tedlock 1977). None of these studies identified any cultural resources on the property. Although, a historic concrete culvert stamped “1939” was identified in the northern portion of the development, LSA evaluated the culvert as not eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) (LSA 2000).
A Sacred Lands File (SLF) search was also requested from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). The NAHC SLF search did not indicate the presence of any sacred sites or locations of religious or ceremonial importance within the search radius.
Field Survey
BFSA conducted the survey of the GRRSP Planning Area on July 10, 2020 by Senior Field Archaeologist Clarence Hoff with assistance from field archaeologists James Shrieve. The archaeological survey of the Planning. Area was a reconnaissance consisting of a series of parallel survey transects spaced at approximately 10-meter intervals, except where the steep
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slopes and dense vegetation prohibited systematic transects. The appropriate primary records form is included in the technical study contained in Appendix E.
4.5.4 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.5.5 EXISITNG REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
The NHPA of 1966 established a federal program to identify and protect historic places. It created the National Register of Historic Places, an inventory of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed significant for their history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. The NHPA also requires federal agencies to consider the potential effects of their undertakings on historic properties. This process, outlined in Section 106 of the NHPA, ensures that consulting parties are identified, the significance of historic properties is assessed, and adverse effects are avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
STATE REGULATIONS
California Public Resources Code Section 5097.5
Public Resources Code section 5097.5 provides for the protection of cultural and paleontological resources and prohibits the removal, destruction, injury, or defacement of archaeological and paleontological features on any lands under the jurisdiction of State or local authorities.
California Register of Historical Resources Section 5020 State law also protects cultural resources by requiring evaluations of the significance of prehistoric and historic resources in CEQA documents. A cultural resource is an important historical resource if it meets any of the criteria found in Section 15064.5(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines. These criteria are nearly identical to those of the National Register.
The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) maintains the California Register. Properties listed, or formally designated eligible for listing, on the National Register are nominated to the California Register and then selected to be listed on the California Register, as are the State Landmarks and Points of Interest.
California Penal Code Section 622.5
California Penal Code section 622.5 provides misdemeanor penalties for injuring or destroying objects of historic or archaeological interest located on public or private lands, but specifically excludes the landowner.
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California Health and Safety Code Sections 7050.5 and 7052 California Health and Safety Code section 7050.5 declares that in the event of the discovery of human remains outside a dedicated cemetery, all ground disturbance must cease and the county coroner must be notified. California Health and Safety Code section 7052 establishes a felony penalty for mutilating, disinterring, or otherwise disturbing human remains, except by relatives.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
There are no regional regulations that apply to the Modified Project.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
City of Corona 2020-2040 General Plan
Historic Resources Element
Goal HR-3 Recognize the importance of archeological and paleontological resources and ensure the identification and protection of those resources within the City of Corona.
Policy HR-3.1 Require appropriate treatment/preservation of archaeological collections in a culturally appropriate manner, in accordance with state and federal standards, and in consultation with interested Native American tribes that have traditional cultural affiliation with the project area and/or the resources affected by the project.
Policy HR-3.2 Require that development proposals incorporate specific measures to identify, protect, and preserve cultural resources in the planning, environmental review, and development process.
Policy HR-3.3 Archaeological resources found prior to or during construction shall be evaluated by a qualified archaeologist and appropriate mitigation measures applied, pursuant to § 21083.2 of CEQA, before the resumption of development activities. Any measures applied shall include the preparation of a report meeting professional standards, which shall be submitted to the appropriate CHRIS information center.
Policy HR-3.4 Any project that involves earth-disturbing activities in an area determined to be archaeologically or culturally sensitive shall require evaluation of the site by a qualified archaeologist. The applicant shall implement the recommendations of the archaeologist, subject to the approval of the City. Planning Department.
Policy HR-3.5 Any project that involves earth-disturbing activities in an area determined to be archaeologically or culturally sensitive shall require consultation by the applicant with interested federally recognized American Indian Tribe(s) that have a traditional cultural affiliation with the project area and/or the resources affected by the project, for the purposes of determining resources impacts and appropriate mitigation to address such impacts.
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Applicant shall also arrange for monitoring of earth-disturbing activities by interested federally recognized American Indian Tribe(s) that have a traditional cultural affiliation with the project area and/or the resources affected by the project, if requested.
Policy HR-3.8 In the event of the discovery of a burial, human bone, or suspected human bone, all excavation or grading in the vicinity of the find shall halt immediately and the area shall be protected and the project applicant immediately shall notify the Riverside County Coroner and comply with provisions of the Health and Safety Code § 7050.5, including PRC § 5097.98, if applicable. If the find is determined to be Native American human remains, the applicant shall consult with the Most Likely Descendent to determine appropriate treatment for such remains.
4.5.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant cultural resources impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Projectrelated component would:
Threshold CUL-1 Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Threshold CUL-2 Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Threshold CUL-3 Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries?
METHODOLOGY
Cultural resource impacts are assessed based on the potential for the Modified Project to significantly affect existing known and unknown historic and archaeological resources. The methodology entails identifying significant cultural resources and whether the Modified Project would cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of the resource. Examples of substantial adverse changes include physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of an historical resource would be materially impaired.
A review of the CRA comprised of an archaeological survey consisting of an institutional records search, a sacred lands file (SLF) search, and a pedestrian survey within the prior 164- acre Project Boundary (now 160 acres).
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4.5.7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result
in new or
more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to
the Prior EIR?
Would the Modified
Project be
implemented under
changed
circumstances
resulting in new or
more severe impacts
requiring revisions to
the Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more severe
impacts from the
Modified Project
requiring revisions
to the Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to
impacts and no
changes to the
Prior EIR are
required?
Would the project:
CUL-1 Cause a substantial
adverse change in
the significance of a
historical resource
pursuant to §
15064.5?
CUL-2 Cause a substantial
adverse change in
the significance of
an archaeological
resource pursuant to
§ 15064.5?
CUL-3 Disturb any human
remains, including
those interred
outside of dedicated
cemeteries?
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact CUL-1: Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
An adverse effect is found when a project may alter, directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics of a historic resource that would diminish the integrity of the property’s location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association. Substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource means physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of an historical resource would be materially impaired (CEQA, Title 14, Chapter 3, p78; Federal Register, 36 CFR Part 800).
As discussed in the Project Description, no changes in the location, size, or boundaries of the GRRSP Planning Area boundary have occurred since adoption of the GRRSP in 2001. In
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addition, the Modified Project would modify the size and boundaries of the GRRSP, however minimally in the northern portion of the Project site. In addition, the eastern portion of the Project site has been slightly expanded to incorporate appropriate grading limits within the hilly terrain. As such, BFSA conducted this updated assessment to locate and record any cultural resources identified within the Modified Project boundary in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and following City of Corona Environmental Guidelines.
As stated in the CRA prepared for the Modified Project, the previously discussed 1939 culvert recorded by LSA has been completely replaced when the City of Corona conducted improvements to Green River Road between 2015 and 2016. Although the 1939 culvert has been replaced, additional historic features were identified in the Modified Project’s CRA within the GRRSP Planning Area. Within the CRA, BFSA identified these features as Site Temp-1 of which consist of a board-formed concrete water tank, a concrete-lined reservoir, and a front-gabled cinderblock garage. Based upon aerial photographs and property research, Site Temp-1 appears to be associated with the ranching operations first visible on aerial photographs from 1946. However, Site Temp-1 is not eligible for listing on the CRHR and do not qualify as significant resources under CEQA. As determined in the CRA prepared for the Modified Project, there are no significant resources identified within the GRRSP Planning Area. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts related to historical resources would occur with implementation of the proposed Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
Impact CUL-2: Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Change in Circumstance or New Information Requiring Major or Minor EIR Revisions.
The archaeological surveys conducted within the GRRSP Planning Area for the 2001 EIR revealed no archaeological or cultural resources. Similarly, the CRA prepared for the Modified Project (Appendix E) determined that no significant resources were identified within the GRRSP Planning Area boundary. However, the CRA states that given the prior disturbance and historic use of the Project site, and the proximity to multiple natural sources of water, unknown buried archaeological deposits may be encountered within the Planning Area during grading operations. Due to current best practices and the City’s General Plan, it is understood that unknown resources may be encounter during development of the Modified Project may occur resulting in a significant impact.
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As stated below in Mitigation Measure, MM CUL-1, all earthwork for development of the Modified Project would be required to be monitored by a qualified archaeologist and protocols within the Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program (MMRP) are to be followed. As a result, with implementation of MM CUL-1 impacts to unknown archaeological resources would be reduced to less than significant. However, no substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail Section 4.5.10.
• MM CUL-1 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) Impact CUL-3: Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries?
Change in Circumstance or New Information Requiring Major or Minor EIR Revisions.
As previously stated, no changes in the location, size, or boundaries of the Specific Plan area have occurred since the 2001 EIR. In addition, the Modified Project would modify the size and boundaries of the GRRSP, however minimally. No evidence suggesting the area has been utilized in the past for human burials has been identified in the approved GRRSP Planning Area. Nevertheless, the remote potential exists that human remains may be unearthed during grading and excavation activities associated with Modified Project construction should Project-related construction activities extend into previously undisturbed soils.
As stated in Mitigation Measure, MM CUL-2, in the unlikely event human remains are discovered during grading or construction activities within the area, compliance with State law (Health and Safety Code § 7050.5) (HSC § 7050.5) would be required. As stated in the City’s General Plan, these requirements have been imposed on any construction activity in which human remains are detected after certification of the 2001 EIR. Therefore, the potential to encounter human remains would occur as a result of the Modified Project and implementation of MM CUL-2 would be required per State Law and render potential impacts to less than significant. However, no substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail Section 4.5.10.
• MM CUL-2 Human Remains
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4.5.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
As stated in the 2001 EIR, the cumulative impact area for cultural resources is the City of Corona. Similar to the Modified Project, the 2001 EIR determined no significant prehistoric or historic archeological resources were located within the Project area. Moreover, the previously identified concrete culvert located at the north end of the Project area was evaluated for consideration as a historic resource is not considered a historic resource and is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register. Therefore, as determined in the 2001 EIR, there are no cumulative impact anticipated by the implementation of the Modified Project.
4.5.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures were included in the 2001 EIR.
4.5.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail below. In some instances, the new measures to be implemented reflect current regulations and/or best practices, but the measures substantively accomplish the same level of significance as the 2001 EIR.
MM CUL-1: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) - As a condition of project approval, a MMRP is recommended to identify any cultural resources that may be uncovered during grading, and subsequently, to mitigate potential impacts to any discovered archaeological resources evaluated as significant.
This program shall include, but not be limited to, the following actions:
1) Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the applicant shall provide written verification in the form of a letter from the project archaeologist to the lead agency stating that a certified archaeologist has been retained to implement the monitoring program.
2) The project applicant shall provide Native American monitoring during grading when the archaeological monitor identifies undisturbed soil or Native American artifacts. The Native American monitor shall work in concert with the archaeological monitor to observe ground disturbances and search for cultural materials when the potential exists to encounter prehistoric artifacts.
3) The certified archaeologist shall attend the pre-grading meeting with the contractors to explain and coordinate the requirements of the monitoring program.
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4) During the cutting of previously undisturbed deposits, the archaeological monitor(s) shall be on-site, as determined by the consulting archaeologist, to perform periodic inspections of the excavations. The frequency of inspections will depend upon the rate of excavation, the materials excavated, and the presence and abundance of artifacts and features. The consulting archaeologist shall have the authority to modify the monitoring program if the potential for cultural resources appears to be less than anticipated.
5) Isolates and clearly non-significant deposits will be minimally documented in the field so the monitored grading can proceed. 6) In the event that previously unidentified cultural resources are discovered, the archaeologist shall have the authority to divert or temporarily halt ground disturbance operation in the area of discovery to allow for the evaluation of potentially significant cultural resources.
The archaeologist shall contact the lead agency at the time of discovery.
The archaeologist, in consultation with the lead agency, shall determine the significance of the discovered resources. The lead agency must concur with the evaluation before construction activities will be allowed to resume in the affected area. For significant cultural resources, a Research Design and Data Recovery Program to mitigate impacts shall be prepared by the consulting archaeologist and approved by the lead agency before being carried out using professional archaeological methods. If any human bones are discovered, the county coroner and lead agency shall be contacted. In the event that the remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Most Likely Descendant (MLD), as identified by the NAHC, shall be contacted in order to determine proper treatment and disposition of the remains. 7) Before construction activities are allowed to resume in the affected area, the artifacts shall be recovered and features recorded using professional archaeological methods. The project archaeologist shall determine the amount of material to be recovered for an adequate artifact sample for analysis.
8) All cultural material collected during the grading monitoring program shall be processed and curated according to the current professional repository standards. The collections and associated records shall be transferred, including title, to an appropriate curation facility, to be accompanied by payment of the fees necessary for permanent curation.
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9) A report documenting the field and analysis results and interpreting the artifact and research data within the research context shall be completed and submitted to the satisfaction of the lead agency prior to the issuance of any building permits. The report will include DPR Primary and Archaeological Site Forms.
MM CUL-2: Human Remains - If human remains are encountered, California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that no further disturbance shall occur until the Riverside County Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin.
Further, pursuant to Public Resource Code Section 5097.98(b), remains shall be left in place and free from disturbance until a final decision as to the treatment and disposition has been made. If the Riverside County Coroner determines the remains to be Native American, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) shall be contacted within the period specified by law (24 hours). Subsequently, the NAHC shall identify the "most likely descendant." The most likely descendant shall then make recommendations and engage in consultation concerning the treatment of the remains as provided in Public Resources Code Section 5097.98.
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4.6 ENERGY
4.6.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project, an overview of existing environmental conditions and regulatory requirements related to energy, and analyses of potential changes in impacts associated with energy consumption from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. Mitigation measures are recommended as necessary to reduce significant energy related impacts. No NOP comment letters, or Scoping Meeting comments were received pertaining to this topic.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based in part on the Green River Ranch Specific Plan Amendment, SP00-001 Amendment No.1, Energy Analysis, June 12, 2024, Urban Crossroads dated (Appendix G).
4.6.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The following summarizes the determination from the 2001 EIR as it relates to energy impacts from the Approved Project.
a) Conflict with energy conservation plans?
As determined in the 2001 EIR, development of the Approved Project would not conflict with any adopted energy conservation plan by the City. Although the Approved Project would consume approximately 21,077 kilowatt hours of electricity per day, this was determined to be an insignificant amount of the electrical energy when compared to the amount of electricity supplied daily by Southern California Edison or of the energy consumption in the City. As a result, impacts were determined to be less than significant. b) Use of non-renewable resources?
Although energy in the form of fossil fuels and electricity would be utilized by construction vehicles and lighting during construction, post-construction, and occupancy use of the structures, the 2001 EIR determined construction of the Approved Project would not require use of large or wasteful amounts of fuel or energy. The use of energy to construct the Approved Project would be an irrevocable commitment of fossil fuel resources. However, the Approved Project would comply with the City's policies relevant to energy conservation, and would incorporate designs that include energy conservation features consistent with Uniform Building Code (UBC) standards and State Building Energy Efficiency Standards (under Title 24 of the California Administrative Code). Development of the Approved Project was not expected to use construction materials or energy in a wasteful or inefficient manner. As a result,
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the 2001 EIR determined impacts from the approved Project’s use of non-renewable resources to be less than significant requiring no mitigation.
4.6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Due to the topography of the property, development has been limited to the northern portion of the GRRSP Planning Area. Previous on-site structures included two residential homes and horse boarding facilities (corrals, feed and tack storage containers, pasture, etc.) in the northern and flatter portions of the Project site south of Green River Road. Most of these structures and facilities have been removed after approval of the Approved Project. Currently, the GRRSP Planning Area is primarily undeveloped and vacant with the exception of drainage facilities installed within the hillside of the southeastern border of the site. As a result, the Planning Area does not consume energy.
Electricity
Electricity is a man-made resource. The production of electricity requires the consumption or conversion of renewable and non-renewable energy resources including water, wind, oil, gas, coal, solar, geothermal, and nuclear resources into energy. Electricity is used for a variety of purposes (e.g., lighting, heating, cooling, and refrigeration, and for operating appliances, computers, electronics, machinery, and public transportation systems).
The GRRSP Planning Area is within the service territory of Southern California Edison (SCE).
SCE provides electricity to more 15 million people, 180 incorporated cities, 15 counties, 5,000 large businesses, and 280,000 small businesses throughout its 50,000-square-mile service area.
According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), total electricity consumption in the SCE service area in 2022 was approximately 85,869 GWh. (31,603 GWh for the residential sector). Total electricity consumption in Riverside County in 2022 was 17,781 GWh (for residential and nonresidential sectors).
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel. Natural gas is a combustible mixture of hydrocarbon compounds (primarily methane) that is used as a fuel source. Natural gas is found in naturally occurring reservoirs in deep underground rock formations. Natural gas is used for a variety of uses including heating buildings, generating electricity, and powering appliances such as stoves, washing machines and dryers, gas fireplaces, and gas grills.
The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the natural gas service provider for the Project site. SoCalGas provides natural gas to approximately 21.8 million people in a 24,000 square-mile service area. According to the CEC, total natural gas consumption in the SoCalGas service area in 2022 was approximately 5,026 million therms (2,230 million therms for the residential sector). Total natural gas consumption in Riverside County in 2022 was approximately 431 million therms (284 million therms for the residential sector).
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Petroleum Transportation Energy
Petroleum is also a non-renewable fossil fuel. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline is the most used transportation fuel in California, being consumed by passenger vehicles including light-duty cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. According to the EIA, in 2021, total consumption of energy in California was 6,923 trillion British Thermal Units (BTU). In 2021, California consumed approximately 12,157 million gallons in motor gasoline (33.31 million per day) and approximately 3,541 million gallons of diesel fuel (9.7 million per day).
4.6.4 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Of 1991 (ISTEA) The ISTEA promoted the development of inter‐modal transportation systems to maximize mobility as well as address national and local interests in air quality and energy. ISTEA contained factors that Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) were to address in developing transportation plans and programs, including some energy‐related factors. To meet the new ISTEA requirements, MPOs adopted explicit policies defining the social, economic, energy, and environmental values guiding transportation decisions.
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) The TEA‐21 was signed into law in 1998 and builds upon the initiatives established in the ISTEA legislation, discussed above. TEA‐21 authorizes highway, highway safety, transit, and other efficient surface transportation programs. TEA‐21 continues the program structure established for highways and transit under ISTEA, such as flexibility in the use of funds, emphasis on measures to improve the environment, and focus on a strong planning process as the foundation of good transportation decisions. TEA‐21 also provides for investment in research and its application to maximize the performance of the transportation system through, for example, deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems, to help improve operations and management of transportation systems and vehicle safety.
STATE REGULATIONS
Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR)
Senate Bill 1389 (Bowen, Chapter 568, Statutes of 2002) requires the CEC to prepare a biennial integrated energy policy report that assesses major energy trends and issues facing the state’s electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuel sectors and provides policy recommendations to conserve resources; protect the environment; ensure reliable, secure, and diverse energy supplies; enhance the state’s economy; and protect public health and safety (Public Resources Code § 25301[a]). The CEC prepares these assessments and associated policy
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recommendations every two years, with updates in alternate years, as part of the Integrated Energy Policy Report. The 2022 IEPR was adopted February 2023, and continues to work towards improving electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuel energy use in California.
The 2022 IEPR introduces a new framework for embedding equity and environmental justice at the CEC and the California Energy Planning Library which allows for easier access to energy data and analytics for a wide range of users. Additionally, energy reliability, western electricity integration, gasoline cost factors and price spikes, the role of hydrogen in California’s clean energy future, fossil gas transition and distributed energy resources are topics discussed within the 2022 IEPR.
State of California Energy Plan
The CEC is responsible for preparing the State Energy Plan, which identifies emerging trends related to energy supply, demand, conservation, public health and safety, and the maintenance of a healthy economy.
The Plan calls for the state to assist in the transformation of the transportation system to improve air quality, reduce congestion, and increase the efficient use of fuel supplies with the least environmental and energy costs. To further this policy, the plan identifies several strategies, including assistance to public agencies and fleet operators and encouragement of urban designs that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and accommodate pedestrian and bicycle access.
California Code Title 24, Part 6, Energy Efficiency Standards California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 Part 6: The California Energy Code 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. 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, 2009, 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.
Local jurisdictions are permitted to adopt more stringent requirements, as state law provides methods for local enhancements. CALGreen recognizes that many jurisdictions have developed existing construction waste and demolition ordinances and defers to them as the ruling guidance provided, they establish a minimum 65% diversion requirement.
The code also provides exemptions for areas not served by construction waste and demolition recycling infrastructure. The State Building Code provides the minimum standard that
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buildings must meet in order to be certified for occupancy, which is generally enforced by the local building official.
Energy efficient buildings require less electricity; therefore, increased energy efficiency reduces fossil fuel consumption and decreases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The 2022 version of Title 24 was adopted by the CEC and will be effective on January 1, 2023.
The 2022 Title 24 standards would result in less energy use, thereby reducing air pollutant emissions associated with energy consumption in the SCAB and across the State of California.
For example, the 2022 Title 24 standards require solar photovoltaic systems for new homes, encourage the use of heat pumps for space and water heating, and require homes to be electric ready to ease the adoption of cleaner electric heating, cooking, and EV charging. 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 (19). The Project would be required to comply with the applicable standards in place at the time building permit document submittals are made.
These require, among other items (20):
Residential Mandatory Measures
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. New construction shall comply with Section
4.106.4.1, 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.3, to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers.
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625. (4.106.4).
o New one- and two-family dwellings and town-houses with attached private garages. For each dwelling unit, install a listed raceway to accommodate a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit. The raceway shall not be less than trade size 1 (nominal 1-inch inside diameter). The raceway shall originate at the main service or subpanel and shall terminate into a listed cabinet, box or other enclosure in close proximity to the proposed location of an EV charger. Raceways are required to be continuous at enclosed, inaccessible or concealed areas and spaces. The service panel and/or subpanel shall provide capacity to install a 40-ampere 208/240-volt minimum dedicated branch circuit and space(s) reserved to permit installation of a branch circuit overcurrent protective device.
o New hotels and motels. All newly constructed hotels and motels shall provide EV spaces capable of supporting future installation of EVSE. The construction documents shall identify the location of the EV spaces. The number of required EV spaces shall be based on the total number of parking spaces provided for all types of parking facilities in accordance with Table 4.106.4.3.1. • Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with Sections 4.303.1.1,
4.303.1.2, 4.303.1.3, and 4.303.1.4.
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• Outdoor potable water use in landscape areas. Residential developments shall comply with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resource ‘Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent.
• Operation and maintenance manual. At the time of final inspection, a manual, compact disc, web-based reference or other media acceptable to the enforcing agency which includes all of the following shall be placed in the building:
o Directions to the owner or occupant that the manual shall remain with the building throughout the life cycle of the structure.
o Operations and maintenance instructions for the following:
1. Equipment and appliances, including water-saving devices and systems, HVAC systems, photovoltaic systems, EV chargers, water-heating systems and other major appliances and equipment.
2. Roof and yard drainage, including gutter and downspouts.
3. Space conditioning systems, including condensers and air filters.
4. Landscape irrigation systems.
5. Water reuse systems.
o Information from local utility, water and waste recovery providers on methods to future reduce resource consumption, including recycle programs and locations. o Public transportation and/or carpool options available in the area. o Educational material on the positive impacts of an interior relative humidity between 30-60% and what methods an occupants may use to maintain the relative humidity level in that range.
o Information about water-conserving landscape and irrigation design and controllers which conserve water.
o Instructions for maintaining gutters and downspouts and the importance of diverting water at least 5 feet away from the foundation. o Information about state solar energy and incentive programs available. o A copy of all special inspection verifications required by the enforcing agency of this code.
o Information from CALFIRE on maintenance of defensible space around residential structures.
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• Any installed gas fireplace shall be direct-vent sealed-combustion type. Any installed woodstove or pellet stove shall comply with U.S. EPA New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) emission limits as applicable, and shall have a permanent label indicating they are certified to meet the emission limits. Woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces shall also comply with applicable local ordinances. • Paints and coatings. Architectural paints and coatings shall comply with VOC limits in Table 1 of the CARB Architectural Suggested Control Measure, as shown in Table
4.504.3, unless more stringent local limits apply. The VOC content limit for coatings that do not meet the definitions for the specialty coatings categories listed in Table
4.504.3 shall be determined by classifying the coating as a Flat, Nonflat, or Nonflathigh Gloss coating, based on its glass, as defined in subsections 4.21, 4.36, and 4.37 of the 2007 CARB, Suggested Control Measure, and the corresponding Flat, Nonflat, Nonflat-high Gloss VOC limit in Table 4.504.3 shall apply.
Nonresidential Mandatory Measures
• Short-term bicycle parking. If the new project or an additional alteration is anticipated to generate visitor traffic, provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 200 feet of the visitors’ entrance, readily visible to passers-by, for 5% of new visitor motorized vehicle parking spaces being added, with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack (5.106.4.1.1).
• Long-term bicycle parking. For new buildings with tenant spaces that have 10 or more tenant-occupants, provide secure bicycle parking for 5% of the tenant-occupant vehicular parking spaces with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility (5.106.4.1.2). • Designated parking for clean air vehicles. In new projects or additions to alterations that add 10 or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of low-emitting, fuel-efficient and carpool/van pool vehicles as shown in Table 5.106.5.2 (5.106.5.2).
• EV charging stations. New construction shall facilitate the future installation of EV supply equipment. The compliance requires empty raceways for future conduit and documentation that the electrical system has adequate capacity for the future load. The number of spaces to be provided for is contained in Table 5.106. 5.3.3 (5.106.5.3).
Additionally, Table 5.106.5.4.1 specifies requirements for the installation of raceway conduit and panel power requirements for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle supply equipment for warehouses, grocery stores, and retail stores. • Outdoor light pollution reduction. Outdoor lighting systems shall be designed to meet the backlight, uplight and glare ratings per Table 5.106.8 (5.106.8).
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• Construction waste management. Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 65% of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with Section
5.408.1.1. 5.405.1.2, or 5.408.1.3; or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever is more stringent (5.408.1). • Excavated soil and land clearing debris. 100% of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reuse or recycled.
For a phased project, such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed (5.408.3).
• Recycling by Occupants. Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are identified for the depositing, storage, and collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste, and metals or meet a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive (5.410.1).
• Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with the following:
o Water Closets. The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons per flush (5.303.3.1)
o Urinals. The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons per flush (5.303.3.2.1). The effective flush volume of floor- mounted or other urinals shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (5.303.3.2.2). o Showerheads. Single showerheads shall have a minimum flow rate of not more than
1.8 gallons per minute and 80 psi (5.303.3.3.1). When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, the combine flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi (5.303.3.3.2).
o Faucets and fountains. Nonresidential lavatory faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 0.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi (5.303.3.4.1). Kitchen faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute of 60 psi (5.303.3.4.2). Wash fountains shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute (5.303.3.4.3). Metering faucets shall not deliver more than 0.20 gallons per cycle (5.303.3.4.4). Metering faucets for wash fountains shall have a maximum flow rate not more than 0.20 gallons per cycle (5.303.3.4.5). • Outdoor potable water uses in landscaped areas. Nonresidential developments shall comply with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent (5.304.1).
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• Water meters. Separate submeters or metering devices shall be installed for new buildings or additions in excess of 50,000 sf or for excess consumption where any tenant within a new building or within an addition that is project to consume more than 1,000 gallons per day (GPD) (5.303.1.1 and 5.303.1.2).
• Outdoor water uses in rehabilitated landscape projects equal or greater than 2,500 sf.
Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 sf requiring a building or landscape permit (5.304.3). Commissioning. For new buildings 10,000 sf and over, building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building systems and components meet the owner’s or owner representative’s project requirements (5.410.2)
AB 1493 Pavley Regulations And Fuel Efficiency Standards 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. Under this legislation, CARB adopted regulations to reduce GHG emissions from non-commercial passenger vehicles (cars and light-duty trucks). Although aimed at reducing GHG emissions, specifically, a co-benefit of the Pavley standards is an improvement in fuel efficiency and consequently a reduction in fuel consumption.
California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
First established in 2002 under Senate Bill (SB) 1078, California’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) requires retail sellers of electric services to increase procurement from eligible renewable resources to 33% of total retail sales by 2020.
Clean Energy And Pollution Reduction Act Of 2015 (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 renewables portfolio standard (RPS), higher energy efficiency requirements for buildings, initial strategies towards a regional electricity grid, and improved infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. 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.
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• Reorganize the Independent System Operator (ISO) 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 (California Leginfo 2015).
100 Percent Clean Energy Act Of 2018 (SB 100)
In September 2018, the legislature approved, and the Governor signed SB 100, which builds on the targets established in SB 1078 and SB 350. Most notably, SB 100 sets a goal of powering all retail electricity sold in California with renewable and zero-carbon resources. Additionally, SB 100 updates the interim renewables target from 50% to 60% by 2030.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
There are no regional energy regulations that apply to the Modified Project.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
City of Corona Climate Action Plan (CAP)
In June 2020, the City adopted the 2019 CAP Update, which includes an interim goal of reducing GHG emission to 49% below 2008 levels by the year 2030 and a longer-term GHG reduction goal of 66% below 2008 levels by 2040. The interim and longer-term goals put the City on a path toward the state’s long-term goal to reduce emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The 2019 CAP Update (establishes goals and policies that encourage energy efficiency, water conservation, alternative transportation, solid waste reduction, and clean energy.
To meet the established 2020 Reduction Target, the current CAP includes various reduction measures across several sectors that include transportation, energy, water, solid waste, and agriculture. The reduction measures encompass both state- and local-based measures.
Identified state-based measures related to energy include compliance with the Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CALGreen and utilities meeting the RPS. The 2012 CAP also includes energy-related local-based measures, which are measures the City can implement that are beyond statewide measures.
The Modified Project shall implement Screening Table Measures providing for a minimum of 100 points per the City’s CAP Screening Tables. The Project would be consistent with the CAP’s requirement to achieve at least 100 points for both the residential and non-residential portions of the Project and thus the Project is considered to have a less than significant individual and cumulatively considerable impact on GHG emissions. The City shall verify incorporation of the identified Screening Table Measures within the Project building plans and site designs prior to the issuance of building permit(s) and/or site plans (as applicable). Projects
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that achieve a total of 100 points or more are considered to have a less than significant individual and cumulative impact on GHG emissions.
City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan
Circulation Element
Policy CE-1.4 Design and employ traffic control measures to ensure City streets and roads function with safety and efficiency.
Policy CE-1.7 Limit driveway and local street access on arterial streets to maintain a desired quality of traffic flow. Wherever possible, consolidate driveways and implement access controls during redevelopment of adjacent parcels.
Policy CE-3.1 Implement and maintain traffic signal coordination and advanced traffic management strategies throughout the City to the maximum extent practicable and integrate signal systems with adjacent jurisdictions and Caltrans.
Policy CE-3.2 Implement, maintain, and enforce the traffic demand and system management recommendations in the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Air Quality Management Plan and in the Riverside County Congestion Management Program.
Policy CE-3.3 Encourage employers to reduce vehicular trips by offering to employees commute trip reduction programs, such as transit fare subsidies, alternative work schedules and telecommuting, employer-sponsored van pools or shuttles, ride share programs, and bike share.
Policy CE-4.1 Maintain local fixed-route and demand-responsive transit service to ensure mobility within Corona and to ensure that users have adequate access to public facilities, services, and employment options.
Policy CE-4.2 Work with the Riverside Transit Agency to identify needs for additional bus services and enhancements to existing services.
Policy CE-4.3 Encourage the development of additional regional public transportation services and facilities, including park-and-ride near the SR-91 and I-15 freeways and mobility hubs at key transit stations.
Policy CE-4.4 Ensure public transit opportunities (e.g., fixed-route buses, paratransit) for elderly and disabled persons and accessibility of such services by elderly and disabled persons.
Policy CE-4.5 Encourage employers to reduce single-occupant vehicular trips by providing employee incentives (e.g., reduced rate transit passes).
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Policy CE-4.6 Require new development to provide transit facilities, such as bus shelters and turnouts, where deemed necessary, to encourage the use of transit and other alternative forms of transportation.
Policy CE-4.7 Preserve options for expanding future transit use when designing improvements for roadways or redeveloping major developments and including areas for transit facilities.
Policy CE-4.8 Encourage access to and the expansion of regional rail transportation facilities and services at the Metrolink stations to increase ridership.
Policy CE-4.9 Encourage the development of bus rapid transit systems along major transportation corridors where feasible.
Policy CE-4.10 Improve first/last mile connections to improve transit use and accessibility. Explore use of transportation network companies, micro-transit, and other emerging technologies to strengthen the transit system.
Policy CE-5.1 Provide for safety of bicyclists, equestrians, and pedestrians by adhering to national standards and uniform practices; adhere to accessibility requirements for people with disabilities.
Policy CE-5.2 Maintain existing pedestrian facilities and encourage new development to provide walkways between and through developments.
Policy CE-5.3 Provide for safe accessibility to and use of pedestrian facilities by people with disabilities to implement accessibility requirements under the American with Disabilities Act.
Policy CE-5.4 Develop bicycle routes in accordance with the City’s adopted Bicycle Master Plan and implement other elements of that plan.
Policy CE-5.5 Develop and maintain a bikeway system that provides connections to routes of neighboring jurisdictions and regional bikeways.
Policy CE-5.6 Encourage new and existing development to provide accessible and secure areas for bicycle storage. Provide bicycle racks or storage facilities at public facilities and require bicycle parking, storage, and other support facilities as part of new office and retail developments.
Policy CE-5.7 Use easements and/or rights-or-way along flood control channels, public utilities, railroads, and streets wherever possible for bikeways and equestrian and hiking trails.
Policy CE-5.8 Improve bicycling and pedestrian safety by minimizing conflict points (e.g., bicycle and vehicle crossings) with motorized traffic, separating bike routes and truck
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routes where possible, or adding and improving existing facilities with buffers/barriers to separate bikes from vehicle lanes.
Policy CE-5.9 Coordinate with the Riverside County General Plan and the Santa Ana River Trails Plan to create an uninterrupted Class I bicycle route through Corona that connects to the Santa Ana River Trail in surrounding cities.
Policy CE-5.10 Encourage and support safe bicycle riding on City streets. Provide bicycle safety and education programs through public outreach. Support future bikeway designs that minimize bicycle conflicts with vehicles, separate bikeways from vehicles where possible, and lower bicycle level of stress.
Policy CE-6.1 Provide primary truck routes on selected arterial streets that will serve the business community while minimizing the impacts of through truck traffic into residential areas.
Policy CE-7.3 Encourage employers to include strategic parking provisions in new developments, where feasible, to encourage the use of transit and other modes of travel rather than single-occupancy autos.
Land Use Element
Policy LU-1.2 Emphasize the development of uses that sustain Corona as a cohesive, distinct, and self- sustaining community and minimize the need for residents to travel to surrounding communities for retail goods, services, and employment.
Policy LU-6.1 Promote sustainable features in new construction and significant renovations, including the use of locally sourced, recycled, and sustainable-sourced building materials, energy- and water-efficient building design, integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems, and waste minimization during construction.
Policy LU-6.2 Require that new residential, commercial, office, and industrial development be designed to minimize consumption of and sustain scarce environmental resources through:
• Site Design – concentration and intermixing of development to minimize vehicular trips and promote walking and building orientation for solar access and heat gain and loss.
• Landscaping – drought tolerant species, use of recycled water for irrigation, and other purposes.
• Capture of rainwater and re-use on site.
• Building design and construction materials-energy and water efficient fixtures, recycled building materials, insulation and wall thickness, permeable paving surfaces and comparable techniques.
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Policy LU-10.6 Establish a multi-use trail system that connects the rural and estate neighborhoods adjoining open spaces and parklands. These may be developed for pedestrians, bicycles, and/or for horseback riding where allowed by zoning.
Policy LU-11.6 Require that transit-supporting facilities, such as bus turnouts, passenger drop-offs, and shelters, be incorporated in new commercial centers or when subject to major renovation and improvement, where appropriate to support local, citywide, and regional transit systems. The location and type of facility should be coordinated with transit agencies.
Policy LU-12.7 Regulate the development of industrial uses (consistent with local regulation and state law) that use, store, produce, or transport toxic and hazardous materials; generate unacceptable levels of air or noise pollution; or result in other adverse impacts.
Policy LU-13.2 Limit retail commercial and professional office uses within a mixedresidential- commercial/office use development to those uses that are compatible with residential uses.
Policy LU-13.3 Require that adequate open space and, for larger projects, recreational facilities be incorporated into mixed-use development projects to meet the need of their residents and improve overall aesthetics.
Housing Element (2021-2029)
Policy H-1.4 Support the development of sustainable projects that reduce demand for water and energy resources, reduce commute times and operational costs, and provide for transitoriented development.
Environment Resources Element
Policy ER-12.4 Continue to expand the City-owned fleet of vehicles to alternative fuels, such as methanol or other clean-burning energy sources, as technology becomes feasible and cost-effective.
Policy ER-12.14 Reduce energy consumed by commercial and residential uses by requiring the use and installation of energy conservation features in all new construction projects and wherever feasible, retrofitting existing and redevelopment projects.
Policy ER-13.1 Maintain and periodically update a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that detail the City’s strategies to reduce GHG emissions and to ensure ongoing and sustained reduction of GHG emissions from all sectors to meet 2020, 2030, and 2040 reduction targets.
Policy ER-13.2 Encourage the maximum feasible energy efficiency in site design, building orientation, landscaping, and utilities/infrastructure for all development and redevelopment projects (residential, commercial, industrial, and public agency) to support GHG emissions reductions.
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Policy ER-13.3 Evaluate opportunities to reduce energy use and the urban heat island effect through site and building design, materials and landscaping, such as reflective roofs or pavement, vegetated roofs, pervious pavement, shade trees, and re-vegetation of paved areas.
Policy ER-13.4 Support the increase of clean energy supply to existing and new development and municipal facilities through means to include, but not be limited to: onsite or other local renewable energy sources for new and existing buildings and infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Utilities Element
Policy IU-2.1 Continue to implement the City’s water conservation and reuse efforts; review these programs regularly, and modify them as appropriate and feasible.
Policy IU-2.2 Establish guidelines and standards for water conservation and actively promote use of water conserving devices and practices in new construction, major alterations and additions to existing buildings, and retrofitting of irrigation systems where feasible.
Policy IU-2.3 Require incorporation of best available technologies for water conservation, internally and externally, in new construction and associated site design.
Policy IU-2.4 Expand the recycled water program to provide water for landscaped medians and other appropriate open spaces along SR-91 and I-15, in coordination with Caltrans when feasible.
Policy IU-2.5 Require that sewer flows be minimized in existing and future developments through water conservation and recycling efforts.
Policy IU-2.6 Encourage the use of recycled water by industrial, commercial, and institutional users through the use of incentives such as differential pricing; require recycled water use for landscaped irrigation, grading, and other noncontact uses in new projects, where feasible.
Policy IU-2.7 Require the use of recycled water for landscaped irrigation, grading, and other noncontact uses in new developments, parks, golf courses, sports fields, and comparable uses, where feasible.
Policy IU-2.8 Continue to provide and support public educational efforts to residents, business, and students regarding the importance of water conservation and recycled water use.
Policy IU-2.9 Require that grading plans be designed and implemented to reduce stormwater runoff by capturing rainwater onsite and storing on a temporary, short-term basis to facilitate groundwater recharge rather than relying solely on community drainage facilities.
Policy IU-2.10 Require the use of rainwater capture and storage facilities, techniques, and improvements in residential and nonresidential developments to further objectives for water conservation.
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Policy IU-7.1 Require that new development is approved contingent upon its ability to be served with adequate natural gas, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
Policy IU-7.2 Coordinate with energy providers and the City Department of Power and Water to ensure that adequate services and facilities will meet SB 100 guidelines and the demand of existing and future developments, and be compatible with adjacent uses in Corona.
Policy IU-7.5 Continue to require and regulate the undergrounding of electrical poles and wires in accordance with the Corona Municipal Code.
Policy IU-7.6 Continue to expand the supply of rooftop solar energy systems at public facilities and improve energy efficiency in City operations and capital improvements.
Policy IU-7.7 Encourage the reduction of energy consumption through passive solar building orientation as well as the installation of rooftop solar energy systems and energyefficient technologies.
Policy IU-7.8 Continue to inform the community of rebates and other supportive programs for energy efficient building improvements, appliances, and alternative energy systems.
4.6.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.6.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant impacts related to energy would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold EN-1 Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
Threshold EN-2 Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
With regard to Threshold EN-1, this analysis relies upon Appendix F of the State CEQA Guidelines. Appendix F of the State CEQA Guidelines was prepared in response to the requirement in PRC Section 21100(b)(3), which states that an EIR shall include a detailed statement setting forth “mitigation measures proposed to minimize significant effects of the environment, including, but not limited to, measures to reduce the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy.” In addition, Appendix F of the State CEQA Guidelines states that the means of achieving the goal of energy conservation includes the following:
1. Decreasing overall per capita energy consumption,
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2. Decreasing reliance on fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil, and
3. Increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.
METHODOLOGY
The analysis of electricity/natural gas usage is based on the CalEEMod Version 2022.1 modeling conducted by Urban Crossroads (June 2024) which quantifies energy use for the Modified Project operations. This energy study utilizes the different fuel types for each vehicle class from the annual EMFAC2021 emission inventory in order to derive the average vehicle fuel economy which is then used to determine the estimated annual fuel consumption associated with vehicle usage during Project construction and operational activities. For purposes of analysis, the 2024, 2025 and 2026 analysis years were utilized to determine the average vehicle fuel economy used throughout the duration of the Modified Project.
Information from the CalEEMod outputs for the Modified Project AQ Analysis was utilized in the Energy Analysis, detailing the Modified Project related construction equipment, transportation energy demands, and facility energy demands.
4.6.7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result
in new or
more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to
the Prior EIR?
Would the Modified
Project be
implemented under
changed
circumstances
resulting in new or
more severe impacts
requiring revisions to
the Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more
severe impacts
from the Modified
Project requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to
impacts and no
changes to the
Prior EIR are
required?
Would the project:
EN-1 Result in potentially
significant
environmental impact
due to wasteful,
inefficient, or
unnecessary
consumption of energy
resources, during
project construction or
operation?
EN-2 Conflict with or
obstruct a state or local
plan for renewable
energy or energy
efficiency?
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IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact EN-1: Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Construction
Construction of the Modified Project would require energy for the manufacture and transportation of construction materials, preparation of the site for grading and building activities, and construction of the building. All or most of this energy would be derived from nonrenewable resources. Petroleum fuels (e.g., diesel and gasoline) would be the primary sources of energy for these activities.
Construction of the Modified Project is proposed to be developed in three (3) phases. Phase 1 would include the construction of the 746,167 square-foot BPI Development within PAs 1, 2, and 3. Phase 2 would include Phase 1 plus the construction of PA 4 comprised of 19,600 square feet of GC uses. Project buildout Phase 3 would include Phases 1 and 2 plus the addition of 32 ER residential lots. Construction of PAs 1, 2, and 3 is expected to occur over 11 months, and construction of PAs 4 and 5 would occur over seven (7) months.
Based on estimations provided in the Energy Analysis prepared for the Modified Project, the estimated total electricity usage during construction, after full Project build-out, was calculated to be approximately 549,793 kWh. In addition, construction-related vehicle trips would result in approximately 1.28 million VMT and consume an estimated 271,647 gallons of gasoline and diesel combined. The construction-related equipment would not be powered by natural gas and no natural gas demand is anticipated during construction, therefore would not involve the consumption of natural gas.
Construction equipment use of fuel would not be atypical for the type of construction proposed because there are no aspects of the Project’s proposed construction process that are unusual or energy-intensive, and Project construction equipment would conform to the applicable CARB emissions standards, acting to promote equipment fuel efficiencies. In addition, CCR Title 13, Title 13, Motor Vehicles, section 2449(d)(3) Idling, limits idling times of construction vehicles to no more than 5 minutes, thereby precluding unnecessary and wasteful consumption of fuel due to unproductive idling of construction equipment. BACMs inform construction equipment operators of this requirement. Enforcement of idling limitations is realized through periodic site inspections conducted by City building officials, and/or in response to citizen complaints.
Moreover, given the cost of fuel, contractors and owners have a strong financial incentive to avoid wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy during construction.
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Although the temporary nature of construction and the financial incentives for owners and contractors to use energy-consuming resources in an efficient manner, the construction phase of the Modified Project would not result in wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy. Therefore, the construction-related impacts related to electricity and fuel consumption would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
Operation
Electricity and Natural Gas
Operation of the Modified Project would consume energy as part of building operations and transportation activities. Building operations would involve energy consumption for multiple purposes including, but not limited to, building heating and cooling, refrigeration, lighting, and electronics. Based on CalEEMod energy use estimations, operations for the Modified Project would result in approximately 15,108,857 kWh of electricity and 23,731,098 kBTU per year of natural gas annually.
Development of the Modified Project would be designed and constructed in accordance with the City’s latest adopted energy efficiency standards, which are based on the California Title 24 energy efficiency standards. Title 24 standards include a broad set of energy conservation requirements that apply to the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a building. For example, the Title 24 Lighting Power Density requirements define the maximum wattage of lighting that can be used in a building based on its square footage. Title 24 standards are widely regarded as the most advanced energy efficiency standards, would help reduce the amount of energy required for lighting, water heating, and heating and air conditioning in buildings and promote energy conservation. Therefore, operational impacts related to electricity and natural gas consumption would be less than significant requiring no mitigation.
Fuel
Operational gasoline and diesel energy would also be consumed during vehicle trips associated with the Modified Project. Fuel consumption would be primarily related to passenger vehicle use by residents, visitors, and employees as well truck trips to and from the BPI and commercial uses. Based on CalEEMod energy use estimations, project-related vehicle trips would result in approximately 28.78 million VMT and consume an estimated 1,522,736 gallons of gasoline and diesel combined, annually.
The Modified Project is partially surrounded by urban uses, and the availability of existing transportation facilities and infrastructure would provide future residents, visitors, and employees associated with the Modified Project good access to a mix of nearby land uses, further reducing fuel consumption demand. Additionally, the Modified Project would provide parking and EV infrastructure that would further promote fuel efficient vehicles. For these reasons, operational-related transportation fuel consumption would not result in a significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy
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resources. Therefore, the operational impact related to vehicle fuel consumption would be less than significant requiring no mitigation.
Construction Plus Operation
Overall, the Modified Project would not result in a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary of energy resources during Project construction or operation. Impacts would be less than significant requiring no mitigation. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
Impact EN-2: Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Construction
As previously discussed in Impact EN-1, the Modified Project would result in energy consumption through the combustion of fossil fuels in construction vehicles, worker commute vehicles, and construction equipment, and the use of electricity for temporary buildings, lighting, and other sources. California Code of Regulations Title 13, Sections 2449 and 2485, limit idling from both on- road and off-road diesel-powered equipment and are enforced by the ARB. The Modified Project would comply with these regulations. There are no policies at the local level applicable to energy conservation specific to the construction phase. Thus, it is anticipated that construction of the Modified Project would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing energy use or increasing the use of renewable energy. Therefore, construction- related energy efficiency and renewable energy standards consistency impacts would be less than significant requiring no mitigation.
Operation
California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) establishes a goal of renewable energy for local providers to be 44 percent by 2040. Similarly, the State is promoting renewable energy target to meet the 2022 Scoping Plan greenhouse gas emissions reductions. As previously discussed in Impact EN-1, the Modified Project would result in approximately 15,108,857 kWh of electricity and 23,731,098 kBTU/year of natural gas annually.
Future development projects would be designed and constructed in accordance with the City’s latest adopted energy efficiency standards, which are based on the California Title 24 energy efficiency standards. Title 24 standards include a broad set of energy conservation
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requirements that apply to the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a building. For example, the Title 24 Lighting Power Density requirements define the maximum wattage of lighting that can be used in a building based on its square footage. Title 24 standards are widely regarded as the most advanced energy efficiency standards, would help reduce the amount of energy required for lighting, water heating, and heating and air conditioning in buildings and promote energy conservation.
Compliance with the aforementioned mandatory measures would ensure that future development projects would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing energy use or increasing the use of renewable energy.
Therefore, operational energy efficiency and renewable energy standards consistency impacts would be less than significant requiring no mitigation.
Construction Plus Operation
Overall, the Modified Project would be consistent with applicable plans and policies and would not result in wasteful or inefficient use of nonrenewable energy sources. Impacts would be less than significant. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the or the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
4.6.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or No New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR.
Development of the proposed BPI Development would be required to comply and be consistent with obligatory energy efficiency requirements in the City’s General Plan and Development Code as well as all obligatory State-level energy programs and requirements. Similarly, as future development projects within PAs 4 and 5 of the GRRSP are received and reviewed by the City in subsequent years, those projects would also be reviewed for compliance consistency with the General Plan and Development Code and all relevant State-level energy programs and requirements. All development associated with the Modified Project would implement the most current version of Title 24 energy efficiency requirements, as required by State law.
Consistency with the General Plan, Development Code and other mandatory State-level programs would ensure that the Modified Project’s contributions to inefficient, wasteful or unnecessary energy use would be less than significant. Moreover, as identified above, implementation of the Modified Project would not be expected to cause an inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary use of energy resources nor conflict with or obstruct a state or local
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plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. As a result, the Modified Project’s incremental contribution to cumulative energy impacts would be less than cumulatively considerable requiring no mitigation.
4.6.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures related to energy were included in the 2001 EIR, although numerous measures were included as part of mitigation for Air Quality impacts.
4.6.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT No mitigation measures are required.
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
4.7.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing geology, soils, seismicity, and paleontological resources within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential changes in impacts to geology and soils from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. No NOP comment letters, or Scoping Meeting comments were received pertaining to this topic.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based on the EIR-Level Geotechnical Study prepared by Petra Geosciences, Inc., dated August 12, 2020 (Appendix H-1), the Update of EIR-Level Geotechnical Study prepared by Petra Geosciences, Inc., dated January 31, 2024 (Appendix H-2), and the Paleontological Resource Record Search Update for the Green River Ranch III Project, prepared by Brian F. Smith and Associates, revised January 10, 2024 (Appendix H3).
4.7.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The Approved Project impact analysis related to geology and soils as presented in the 2001 EIR as well as any mitigation measures identified to reduce significant impacts are summarized as follows.
Geology and Soils
a) Exposes people or structures to major geologic hazards, including but not limited to: strong ground motion, faulting, ground rupture, slope instability, liquefaction, soil settlement and/or expansion, erosion, and/or seismic induced flooding.
The 2001 EIR evaluated the significance of geologic hazards as it relates to the development of the Approved Project. The 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project site is not traversed by any identified faults, and potential impacts resulting for on-site ground rupture were determined to be less than significant. The 2001 EIR determined significant impact from expansion or settlement of on-site soils is expected to occur, and based on the results of laboratory testing, the Approved Project’s on-site surface and near surface soils exhibit very low expansion potential. The 2001 EIR concluded properly compacted-engineered fill would generally possess adequate strength and consolidation characteristics to support the Approved Project’s commercial structures without detrimental settlement. Due to relatively low existing groundwater depths, the 2001 EIR determined potential impacts associated with liquefaction to be less than significant.
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The 2001 EIR identified the nearest active fault to be the Elsinore Fault. The northern branch of the fault is located 300 feet south of the southern property line and the main branch approximately 2,200 feet to the south. The 2001 EIR acknowledged close proximity to the Elsinore Fault would create the potential for moderate to severe ground shaking from an earthquake generated along this fault. As such, the 2001 EIR determined with implementation of mitigation measure MM 4.10.1A, ground shaking hazards would be reduced to a less than significant level. MM 4.10.1A would require that all on-site structures be designed and constructed in accordance with the City’s existing seismic code. b) Permits development in areas of unsuitable geologic conditions.
The 2001 EIR determined the commercial and industrial portions of the Approved Project consist of alluvial materials considered unsuitable to support the anticipated structures resulting from development of the GRRSP. The 2001 EIR determined the specific recommendations and design standards contained in the Approved Project’s geotechnical report should be applied to all construction resulting from the GRRSP as stated in mitigation measures MM 4.10.2A through 4.10.2L. The 2001 EIR determined with implementation of mitigation measure, MM 4.10.2A through 4.10.2L, impacts associated with the unsuitable alluvium materials would be reduced to below a level of significance. c) Creates substantial erosion or otherwise diminishes soil as a natural resource.
The 2001 EIR evaluated the significance of erosion as it relates to alluvium slope raveling and slope instability. The 2001 EIR noted the southern portion of the industrial and commercial pad areas would located in cut areas and therefore older alluvial materials would be exposed at pad grade. The 2001 EIR concluded this creates the potential for alluvium slope raveling and slope instability. The 2001 EIR determined the specific recommendations and design standards contained in the Approved Project’s geotechnical report should be applied to all construction resulting from the GRRSP as stated in mitigation measures MM 4.10.3A through MM 4.10.3E. With implementation of MM 4.10.3A through MM 4.10.3E, , potential impacts related to slope stability would be reduced to less than significant. d) Alteration or destruction of any significant paleontological resource.
The 2001 EIR analyzed the Approved Project’s potential to impact paleontological resources and determined the Approved Project would produce indirect and direct adverse impacts to significant non-renewable paleontological resources as the parcel is developed or after construction has ceased. The 2001 EIR determined excavation and grading of the Approved Project would require mitigation to reduce the potential impact. The 2001 EIR identified Mitigation Measure MM 4.9.1A to be implemented to assure the protection of potential subsurface paleontological resources that may be unearthed during earth moving activities. MM
4.9.1.A requires the applicant to retain a qualified vertebrate paleontologist, approved by the City, to develop a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP). The
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PRIMP would be reviewed by the City of Corona Planning Department for consistency with the paleontology resource impact mitigation guidelines from both Riverside County and the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. The 2001 EIR determined impacts to paleontological resources would be reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of the Mitigation Measure MM 4.9.1A.
Cumulative Impacts
The 2001 EIR determined the potential impacts related to the geology and paleontological resources from development of the Approved Project site would be reduced to less than significant with mitigation incorporated. Impacts related to earthquakes and construction on alluvial material were identified, and appropriate mitigation provided. The 2001 EIR stated development of the Approved Project site would contribute to the alteration of the existing topography in the region and any new development within the region had the potential of exposing a greater population to regional and site-specific seismic hazards. The 2001 EIR noted seismic impacts could only be mitigated through appropriate site planning and building design, and adherence to identified mitigation measures would reduce potential seismic and soil erosion impacts to less than significant levels.
In addition, the 2001 EIR noted the cumulative impact area for paleontological resources are the Ladd and Paleocene Silverado formations, which are known to contain significant fossils.
The 2001 EIR determined future development within this area would result in potential loss of paleontological resources. To the extent that each development project implements appropriate mitigation during earth moving activities (as is the case for the Approved Project), cumulative impacts to paleontological resources were determined to be reduced to below a level of significance. The 2001 EIR acknowledged that pursuant to the provisions of CEQA, development project within the cumulative impact area that require a discretionary action by a public agency would be assessed for its impact on paleontological resources and it is reasonable to assume appropriate mitigation would be implemented.
Overall, the 2001 EIR determined implementation of the Approved Project would not contribute to cumulative impacts related to potential geologic and seismic hazards and paleontological resources with mitigation incorporated.
4.7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Modified Project site is located along the northern flank of the Santa Ana Mountains in western Riverside County. The Santa Ana River Valley and Prado Dam are located to the north.
Rugged hillside terrain of the Santa Ana Mountains is located to the south. Tertiary through Cretaceous bedrock formations have been mapped in the Santa Ana Mountains in the Project vicinity. These formations include the upper Cretaceous Ladd Formations, the Paleocene Silverado Formation, and the Middle Eocene Santiago Formation. These formations are comprised of sedimentary rocks ranging in composition from sandstone to shale. Quaternary
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deposits on site and to the north include younger and older alluvium. The older alluvium was deposited from ancestral stream channels to the Santa Ana River. Younger alluvium has been deposited from the Santa Ana River and tributary canyons from the Santa Ana Mountains.
Topography
The GRRSP Planning Area consists of approximately 160.0 acres. Elevations range from 1,110 feet AMSL in the southwestern corner of the Modified Project site to 515 feet amsl in the northeastern corner of the property. Maximum relief of the site is 595 feet.
The southern portion of the Modified Project site is dominated by rugged hillside terrain of the Santa Ana Mountains. Northerly trending ridges with intervening northerly draining tributary canyons originate from the high terrain in the southern portion of the Modified Project site.
Natural slopes in this area range from 4:1 horizontal to vertical along the ridges to 1.5:1 horizontal to vertical on the descending slopes.
Site Geology
On-site geology is consistent with the regional geology. Bedrock underlying the southern portion of the Modified Project area is assigned to the Paleocene Silverado Formation while bedrock in the middle portion of the site has been assigned to the middle Eocene Santiago Formation. Older alluvium has been mapped on the northern slope flanks while young alluvium has been mapped along the stream channels and gently sloping areas further north.
The bedrock structure of the Modified Project area is dominated by east-west trending steeply southerly dipping overturned bedding in the south. The southern portion of the Project area is underlain by the Paleocene Silverado Formation comprised of brownish-yellow to greenishgray marine sandstone and coarse-grained micaceous feldspathic nonmarine continental sandstone and conglomerate. The south central portion of the Modified Project site is underlain by the middle Eocene Santiago formation comprised of white to brownish-yellow massive coarse-grained sandstone and conglomerate. Gray sandstone, sandy siltstone, and conglomerate also occur with this formation. The Santiago formation overlies the Silverado formation.
The hillside terrain in the north-central portion of the Modified Project site is underlain by older alluvium. Older alluvium consists of reddish-brown clayey sand with abundant wellrounded pebbles and cobble beds and lenses. Older alluvial deposits observed on site displayed approximate horizontal stratification. Alluvium located in the northern portion of the site and in the southerly flowing tributary stream drainages consists of silty to clayey sand with common pebble and cobble beds and lenses, while boulder size materials were encountered in exploratory pits in the tributary canyon areas. Artificial fill occurs in the vicinity of the prior equestrian uses and the existing concrete reservoir in the eastern portion of the Project area.
Artificial fill consists of alluvial and older alluvial materials that have been moved to create pad areas, berms, and reservoirs. Generally, on-site artificial fill is loose and non-compacted.
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Seismicity
The GRRSP Planning Area is located in a region within Southern California that is characterized by moderate to high seismic activity. The Project area is located in relatively close proximity to the Whittier, Glen Ivy, and Chino sections of the Elsinore Fault Zone. The northern branch of this fault traverses the Santa Ana Mountains approximately 300 feet south of the southern Project area property line. The main branch of this fault is located approximately 2,200 feet south of the southern Project area boundary. The Elsinore fault is a steeply dipping east-west trending fault. Although the bedrock structure in the vicinity of the GRRSP Planning Area is affected by this fault, it is not identified as an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone in the Planning Area vicinity. This designation is applied to portions of the fault located northwest and southeast of the Project area.
Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources (fossils) are the remains and/or traces of prehistoric life. Fossils are typically preserved in layered sedimentary rocks and the distribution of fossils is a result of the sedimentary history of the geologic units within which they occur. Fossils occur in a noncontinuous and often unpredictable distribution within some sedimentary units, and the potential for fossils to occur within sedimentary units depends on several factors. Although it is not possible to determine whether a fossil will occur in any specific location, it is possible to evaluate the potential for geologic units to contain scientifically significant paleontological resources, and therefore evaluate the potential for impacts to those resources and provide mitigation for paleontological resources if they do occur during construction.
The existence of Quaternary (middle to early Pleistocene) very old alluvial fan sediments and three Tertiary sedimentary formations beneath the Project area, the High paleontological resource sensitivity assigned to these geologic units, and fossils recovered from within and nearby the Project area. However, no Pleistocene fossils are known from within the project.
4.7.4 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act
The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act was enacted in 1997 to "reduce the risks to life and property from future earthquakes in the United States through the establishment and maintenance of an effective earthquake hazards and reduction program." To accomplish this, the Act established the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program that provides characterization, and prediction of hazards and vulnerabilities; improvement of building codes and land use practices; risk reduction through post-earthquake investigations and education; development and improvement of design and construction techniques; improvement of mitigation capacity; and accelerated application of research results. This Act designated the
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the lead agency of the program and assigns it several planning, coordinating, and reporting responsibilities. Programs under this Act provide building code requirements such as emergency evacuation responsibilities and seismic code standards such as those to which development would be required to adhere.
STATE REGULATIONS
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act was enacted in 1972 to prohibit the location of developments and structures for human occupancy across the trace of active faults. To assist with this, the State Geologist delineates appropriately wide earthquake fault zones (AlquistPriolo Zones) to encompass potentially and recently active traces, which are submitted to city and county agencies to be incorporated into their land use planning and construction policies.
A trace is a line on the earth’s surface defining a fault, and an active fault is defined as one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. The minimum distance a structure for human occupancy can be placed from an active fault is generally fifty feet.
Seismic Hazard Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (SHMA) of 1990 directs the Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey to identify and map areas prone to earthquake hazards of liquefaction, earthquake- induced landslides and amplified ground shaking. The purpose of the SHMA is to reduce the threat to public safety and to minimize the loss of life and property by identifying and mitigating these seismic hazards.
The SHMA requires the State Geologist to establish regulatory zones (Zones of Required Investigation) and to issue appropriate maps (Seismic Hazard Zone Maps). These maps are distributed to all affected cities, counties, and state agencies for their use in planning and controlling construction and development.
California Building Code
The California Building Code (also known as the “California Building Standards Code”) is promulgated under the California Code of Regulations (CCR) (Title 24, Parts 1 through 12) and is administered by the California Building Standards Commission. The national model code standards adopted into Title 24 apply to all occupancies in California except for modifications adopted by State agencies and local governing bodies. The California Building Standards Commission published the 2022 California Building Code which came into effect in January 2023. The Project would comply with State requirements regarding seismic design in effect at the time building permits are issues. Cities and counties may adopt ordinances making more restrictive requirements than provided by the California Building Code, because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Such adoptions and a finding of need statement must be filed with the California Building Standards Commission.
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Paleontological Resources
California Public Resources Code
Paleontological sites are protected under a wide variety of state policies and regulations in the California Public Resources Code (PRC). In addition, paleontological resources are recognized as nonrenewable resources and receive protection under the PRC and CEQA. PRC Division 5, Chapter 1.7, Section 5097.5, and Division 20, Chapter 3, Section 30244 states:
No person shall knowingly and willfully excavate upon, or remove, destroy, injure or deface any historic or prehistoric ruins, burial grounds, archaeological or vertebrate paleontological site, including fossilized footprints, inscriptions made by human agency, or any other archaeological, paleontological or historical feature, situated on public lands, except with the express permission of the public agency having jurisdiction over such lands. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor. This statute prohibits the removal, without permission, of any paleontological site or feature from lands under the jurisdiction of the state or any city, county, district, authority, or public corporation, or any agency thereof. As a result, local agencies are required to comply with PRC 5097.5 for their own activities, including construction and maintenance, as well as for permit actions (e.g., encroachment permits) undertaken by others.
PRC Section 5097.5 also establishes the removal of paleontological resources as a misdemeanor, and requires reasonable mitigation of adverse impacts to paleontological resources from developments on public (state, county, city, and district) lands.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
There are no regional regulation applicable to the Modified Project.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan
Public Safety Element
Policy PS-1.1 Maintain accurate records, information, and mapping of seismic and geologic activity and hazards in Corona and the region from the California Geologic Survey; update records with information from local geotechnical studies.
Policy PS-1.2 In areas subject to seismic and geologic hazards, require development proposals to include a geotechnical hazard analysis and specific mitigations to reduce risks to acceptable levels as a condition of approval.
Policy PS-1.3 Enforce development requirements, such as seismic study analyses, project siting, setbacks, and project design features for proposed developments near the Elsinore Fault Zone and other active faults in accordance with the Alquist-Priolo Act.
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Policy PS-1.4 Require adherence to the latest California Building Codes and associated regulations in the City’s Municipal Code; update local codes and development requirements periodically for the latest best practices.
Policy PS-1.5 Locate new or existing buildings in the Elsinore earthquake fault zone or in other areas at risk from liquefaction, landslides, or other seismic and geologic hazards in the community and take corrective actions to minimize the risk of loss.
Policy PS-1.6 Identify vulnerable structures and encourage the retrofit or upgrade of vulnerable buildings (e.g., mobile homes) to minimize the damage to structures and reduce the risk or injury or death from seismic or geologic events.
Policy PS-1.7 Require geotechnical analysis for projects proposed in areas subject to corrosive soils. Where found, require appropriate cathodic protections and other best practices to minimize damage to buildings, structures, and infrastructure.
Policy PS-1.8 Limit grading for developments to the minimum needed to preserve natural topography, preserve vegetation, and maintain soil and slope stability. Require appropriate grading plans and slope stability to minimize soil instability.
Environmental Resources Element
Policy HR-3.1 Require appropriate treatment/preservation of archaeological collections in a culturally appropriate manner, in accordance with state and federal standards, and in consultation with interested Native American tribes that have traditional cultural affiliation with the project area and/or the resources affected by the project.
Policy HR-3.2 Require that development proposals incorporate specific measures to identify, protect, and preserve cultural resources in the planning, environmental review, and development process.
Policy HR-3.4 Any project that involves earth-disturbing activities in an area determined to be archaeologically or culturally sensitive shall require evaluation of the site by a qualified archaeologist. The applicant shall implement the recommendations of the archaeologist, subject to the approval of the City.
Policy HR-3.6 Any project that involves earth-disturbing activities in soil or rock units known or reasonably suspected to be fossil-bearing shall require monitoring by a qualified paleontologist retained by the project applicant for the duration of excavation or trenching.
Policy HR-3.7 Paleontological resources found prior to or during construction shall be evaluated by a qualified paleontologist, and appropriate mitigation measures applied, pursuant to § 21083.2 of CEQA, before the resumption of development activities. Any measures applied shall include the preparation of a report meeting professional standards, which shall be submitted to the Riverside County Museum of Natural History.
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Infrastructure and Utilities Element
Policy IU-3.3 Build, upgrade, maintain, and expand existing sewer collection and treatment facilities where existing systems are deficient in accordance with the Sewer Master Plan and state and federal standards.
Policy IU-3.4 Require that new development be connected to the municipal sewer system and ensure that adequate capacity is available for the treatment of generated sewer flows and safe disposal of sludge.
Policy IU-3.6 Restrict and prioritize sewer connections, if necessary, to comply with available treatment capacity.
Policy IU-3.7 Ensure that sewer connection fees and charges are reviewed annually and are sufficient to fully fund and support the construction, improvement, and rehabilitation of sewer facilities.
Policy IU-3.8 Require that new development be connected to the City’s sewer system.
4.7.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.7.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant geology and soilsimpacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold GEO-1 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 Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault.
Threshold GEO-2 ii. Strong seismic ground shaking.
Threshold GEO-3 iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction.
Threshold GEO-4 iv. Landslides.
Threshold GEO-5 Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
Threshold GEO-6 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 onor off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse.
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Threshold GEO-7 Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-I-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property.
Threshold GEO-8 Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater.
Threshold GEO-9 Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature.
METHODOLOGY
The analysis of geology and soils impacts associated with the Modified Project is based on a review of the EIR-Level Geotechnical Study dated August 12, 2020 and the Update of EIRLevel Geotechnical Study dated January 31, 2024 prepared by Petra Geosciences, Inc., referred to as the Geotechnical Study for the Modified Project, and the Paleontological Resource Record Search Update for the Green River Ranch III Project, prepared by Brian F. Smith and Associates, revised January 10, 2024. The assessment presents field exploration, findings, conclusions and recommendations, and seismic design considerations based on the analysis in the Geotechnical Study. Additional resources reviewed include the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan and General Plan Technical Update Draft EIR, and the California Department of Conservation. The sections that follow describe the identified impacts and the measures that would be incorporated to mitigate significant impacts from the Modified Project.
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4.7.7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result
in new or
more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to
the Prior
EIR?
Would the Modified
Project be
implemented under
changed
circumstances
resulting in new or
more severe impacts
requiring revisions
to the Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more
severe impacts
from the
Modified Project
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to
impacts and no
changes to the
Prior EIR are
required?
Would the project:
GEO-1 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
Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning
Map, issued by the State
Geologist for the area or
based on other
substantial evidence of a
known fault.
GEO-2 ii. Strong seismic ground
shaking.
GEO-3 iii. Seismic-related
ground failure, including
liquefaction.
GEO-4 iv. Landslides.
GEO-5 Result in substantial soil
erosion or the loss of
topsoil.
GEO-6 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.
CITY OF CORONA
SEPTEMBER 2024
DRAFT SUBSEQUENT EIR
GREEN RIVER RANCH SPA & BUSINESS PARK
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND
RELOCATION OF PCL - 1
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
ENPLANNERS
4.7-12
Impacts
Would the
Modified
Project result
in new or
more severe
impacts
requiring
revisions to
the Prior
EIR?
Would the Modified
Project be
implemented under
changed
circumstances
resulting in new or
more severe impacts
requiring revisions
to the Prior EIR?
Is there new
information that
would result in
new or more
severe impacts
from the
Modified Project
requiring
revisions to the
Prior EIR?
Would the
Modified Project
result in
eliminated,
reduced, or no
changes to
impacts and no
changes to the
Prior EIR are
required?
Would the project:
GEO-7 Be located on expansive
soil, as defined in Table
18-I-B of the Uniform
Building Code (1994),
creating substantial direct
or indirect risks to life or
property.
GEO-8 Have soils incapable of
adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater
disposal systems where
sewers are not available
for the disposal of
wastewater.
GEO-9 Directly or indirectly
destroy a unique
paleontological resource
or site or unique geologic
feature.
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact GEO-1: 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 Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
As stated previously, the GRRSP Planning Area is not within a State of California defined Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Hazard Zone and no known active faults transect the Project site. As determined in the Geotechnical Study (Appendix G-1), no known surface traces of active or potentially active faults traverse any portion of the Modified Project site and field
DRAFT SUBSEQUENT EIR
GREEN RIVER RANCH SPA & BUSINESS PARK
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND
RELOCATION OF PCL - 1
CITY OF CORONA
SEPTEMBER 202 4
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
ENPLANNERS
4.7-13
observations did not reveal evidence of ground rupturing faulting at the surface. Therefore, the potential for substantial adverse effects due to surface rupture along a known earthquake fault is less than significant and no mitigation is required. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
Impact GEO-2: ii. Strong seismic ground shaking.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The GRRSP Planning Area is located in a seismically active area of southern California. The type and magnitude of seismic hazards that may affect the Modified Project site are dependent on both the distance to causative faults and the intensity and duration of the seismic event.
Although surface rupture is considered less than significant, the Modified Project could be subject to future seismic shaking and strong ground motion resulting in structural damage.
Future construction of the Modified Project and the construction of the proposed BPI Development and future construction of the balance of the Modified Project would be subject to applicable ordinances and requirements of the current California Building Code (CCR Title 24). The CBC provides requirements for foundation strength, tie-downs, shear strength, and other building requirements designed to withstand significant ground-shaking. Similar to the Approved Project, with implementation of design and construction techniques tailored to withstand ground shaking to an acceptable level defined by the CBC, potential impacts to the proposed BPI Development and balance of the Modified Project would be reduced to less than significant. Mitigation Measure 4.10.1A was identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project to require adherence to obligatory design and construction techniques related to mitigating the affects from ground shaking. However, such mitigation is not necessary because the requirements are obligatory. Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
Impact GEO-3: iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.