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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.
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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:
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
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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.
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The secondary effects of seismic activity that are typically considered as potential hazards to a particular site include several types of ground failure. The general types of ground failure that can occur as a consequence of severe ground shaking include liquefaction. The probability of occurrence of each type of ground failure depends on the severity of the earthquake, distance from the causative fault, topography, soil, and groundwater conditions and other factors.
Liquefaction occurs when dynamic loading of a saturated sand or silt causes pore-water pressures to increase to levels where grain-to-grain contact is lost or significantly reduced and material temporarily behaves as a viscous fluid. Typically, these conditions must be present within 30 to 35 feet of the ground surface. Liquefaction can cause settlement of the ground surface, settlement and tilting of engineered structures, flotation of buoyant buried structures and fissuring of the ground surface. A common surface manifestation of liquefaction is the formation of sand boils.
As stated in the Geotechnical Study, only dry-sand settlement appears to be a potential concern with respect to development of the Modified Project including proposed BPI development project. However, as stated in the 2001 EIR and consistent with the findings in the current Geotechnical Study, liquefaction beneath the Modified Project site is considered unlikely because groundwater was not encountered in the exploratory borings completed to a maximum depth of 87 feet below grade. As a result, the potential for the occurrence of liquefaction beneath the GRRSP Planning Area with impact to the development is considered less than significant.
In addition, the effects of seismic-related ground failure would be further mitigated through remedial grading, and the incorporation of strengthened foundation systems (i.e. mat or posttensioned) into the project design which are obligatory requirements of State and local laws and ordinances, including Chapter 18 of the CBC as the City has adopted in its Municipal Code. These requirements include implementation of specific recommendations for remedial grading and foundation design determined in the design-phase geotechnical report. Remedial grading would include excavation and recompaction of near-surface soils to increase the relative density of the surficial dry sandy soils. Therefore, impacts are considered to be less than significant with implementation of existing regulations 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-4: iv. Landslides.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
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Landslides or large unstable slopes can result in soil movement downslope that damages property or results in injury to persons located downslope. The potential for such soil movements can be evaluated to determine the presence of weak soil or rock layers, or unstable materials that may contribute to the occurrence of landslides..
Cut slopes up to approximately 180 feet in height have been proposed to facilitate building pad construction of the BPI Development. As stated in the Geotechnical Study, it is anticipated that the upper portion of these slopes will consist of very old alluvial fan deposits, while the lower portions and the toe of these slopes are likely to expose bedrock. As such, the proposed slope configurations are likely to be stable with adequate factors of safety under static conditions.
As discussed previously, the BPI Development site is very close to active faulting associated with the Elsinore fault and therefore seismic shaking potential at the BPI Development site is very high as previously analyzed.
Preliminary results from the Geotechnical Study indicated that typical 2:1 slopes of 180 feet in height may not achieve adequate factors of safety. The Geotechnical Study identified one landslide surface within the southwesterly cut slope of the BPI Development; however, it will be removed during designed grading of the cut slope. Implementation of specific recommendations for remedial grading determined in the design-phase geotechnical report will include detailed evaluation of the slope stability and any landslides at the site for determination of appropriate design measures. The design-phase geotechnical report will include a pseudostatic analysis which takes into account the potential ground shaking at the site. The stability analysis will ensure an adequate factor of safety will be constructed at the slope, including modifications to the design if needed such as a further laid back or further stabilized such that the potential for seismically induced slope failure will be less than significant. With implementation of these obligatory requirements included in the BPI Development Project’s design, impacts associated with slope stability and from a future landslide would be reduced to less than significant levels.
Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
Impact GEO-5: Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
As previously discussed, construction of the Modified Project would include the grading of slopes of moderate to significant height within the Modified Project site as it pertains to the proposed BPI Development. Potential runoff from precipitation or uncontrolled irrigation,
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erosion of graded areas could occur during construction of all portions of the Modified Project that would result in offsite transport of the non-cohesive surface soils.
Reduction of the erosion potential during construction activities can be accomplished through a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which specifies best management practices (BMPs) for temporary erosion controls. As part of the SWPPP, standard erosion control measures would be implemented for development of each phase of development of the Modified Project including the BPI Development to minimize the risk of erosion or sedimentation during construction. The SWPPP requires the inclusion of an erosion control plan that prescribes measures such as phasing grading, limiting areas of disturbance, designating restricted-entry zones, diverting runoff from disturbed areas, protective measures for sensitive areas, outlet protection, and provisions for revegetation or mulching. The erosion control plan(required under Section 15.36.060, Erosion Control Plan, of the City’s Municipal Code) would also include treatment measures to trap sediment, including inlet protection, straw bale barriers, straw mulching, straw wattles, silt fencing, check dams, terracing, and siltation or sediment ponds.
Such standards include proper implementation of storm water BMPs (as mandated by the City’s water quality ordinance) prior to commencement of earthwork operations within the Modified Project site including the BPI development, as well as diligent maintenance of erosion control devices throughout the early phases of construction until such time as the permanent storm water conveyance system has been constructed and activated. During the post-construction and occupancy period, the potential for soil erosion and loss of topsoil would remain less than significant through proper maintenance of irrigation systems and permanent storm water conveyance devices, as well as though compliance with the City’s water quality ordinance.
The 2001 EIR concluded construction of the Approved Project would create the potential for alluvium slope raveling and slope instability causing potential erosion impacts. With implementation of specific design recommendations from the Approved Project’s geotechnical study as detailed in mitigation measures MM 4.10.3A through MM 4.10.3E identified in the 2001 EIR, potential impacts related to slope stability would be reduced to less than significant.
However, it can be assumed implementation of standard obligatory regulations would reduce impacts from soil erosion and loss of topsoil associated with development of each phase of the Modified Project’s development to 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
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Impact 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.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Based on testing and a review of the borings and laboratory testing provided in the Geotechnical Study, existing soils within the low-lying/northerly portion of the BPI Development site are considered unsuitable. As a result, these soils are unsuitable for development and should be removed to underlying competent alluvial fan soils and replaced as properly compacted fill. Localized areas of deeper excavation of unsuitable soils may be necessary, and should be anticipated. Removal of soils in the natural canyon areas that extend southward into the hilly portion of the Modified Project site will likely be required down to bedrock. As such, the unsuitable soils and the recommendations detailed in the Geotechnical Study, over excavation and remediation of soils is required to render impacts to below a level less than significant.
In order to provide suitable support for the proposed BPI Development and similar conditions for future development of the GRRSP Planning Area, existing compressible materials should be over-excavated and the excavated material replaced as properly compacted, engineered fill.
As stated in the Geotechnical Study, the depth of required over-excavation will vary below existing grades and actual remedial grading depths will need to be determined during supplemental investigations and during grading based on on-site field observations by the Project geotechnical consultant. Detailed recommendations for remedial and design grading should be provided in the comprehensive design-phase geotechnical report. Additionally, the remedial recommendations should consider the need to protect any adjacent offsite properties and other restrictions that may be imposed by property limit boundaries.
Remedial and design grading within the Modified Project site including the BPI Development site would be performed in accordance with local grading ordinances, current standards of practice in the area, and the site-specific recommendations to be provided by the Project geotechnical professional. Based on the preceding findings, it is expected that excessive settlement resulting from compression and/collapse of existing near surface soils will be reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of the detailed recommendations contained in the design-phase geotechnical report, during supplemental investigations, and during grading based on on-site field observations by the Project geotechnical consultant.
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.
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Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
Impact 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.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Expansive soils are types of soil that expand or contract when they absorb or lose moisture.
This can cause problems for buildings with concrete surfaces or rigid floors, like cracking or shifting. As stated in the Geological Study (Appendix G-1), laboratory testing determined nearsurface soil and bedrock is anticipated to generally have a very low expansion potential.
Similar to the conclusions in the 2001 EIR, the Geotechnical Study indicated clayey alluvial materials located in the northern portion of the proposed BPI Development have a higher expansion potential. The CBC, Section 1808.6, as adopted by the City, contains provisions for design of building foundations and floor slabs to address the potential detrimental effects of expansive soils.
As mentioned in the Geotechnical Study, construction at the Modified Project will include mass grading and mixing of the various materials that are currently beneath the site. As stated in the 2001 ERI, properly compacted-engineered fill would be considered adequate in strength and consolidation characteristics to support the future structures constructed as part of the Approved Project without detrimental settlement. After completion of grading, the Geotechnical Study determined any identified near-surface soils within building pad areas exhibit an elevated expansion potential, those expansive soils would be addressed through design of structural foundations and floor slabs in compliance with the provisions of Section 1808.6 of the CBC, as adopted by the City Development Code, to prevent structural damage to the structures. With implementation of these obligatory procedures, impacts from expansive soils would be less than significant and no further 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-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.
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Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
As discussed in Section 4.19, Utilities and Service Systems, sewer services within the GRRSP Planning Area and BPI Development area would be provided by the City of Corona Water Utilities Department. No septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems are proposed as part of the Modified Project. Soils would not be required to support septic tanks once the project is implemented. As a result, there would be no impact and no mitigation is required.
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-9: Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature.
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The Geotechnical Study identified the existence of very old alluvial fan sediments and sedimentary formations beneath the Modified Project that are considered to possess high paleontological resource sensitivity. Consequently, ground breaking activities during Project construction are considered to have a potential for impact to paleontological resources and therefore mitigation is required. Full-time paleontological monitoring shall be required in undisturbed fossil-bearing formations starting at the surface during surficial grading, excavation, or utility trenching activities associated with site preparation. This same conclusion was reached by the earlier investigations contained in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
For this reason, the Geotechnical Study recommended a draft PRIMP that would compliment the PRIMP contained in MM 4.9.1A of the prior 2001 EIR for the Approved Project. The revised and updated PRIMP would be comparable to the Approved Project’s mitigation, consistent with the provisions of CEQA, the City’s GP policies regarding paleontological resources, and the guidelines of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Upon implementation, the revised and updated PRIMP in combination with the recommendations contained in the 2001 EIR Mitigation Measure 4.9.1A would mitigate any adverse impacts (loss or destruction) to potential nonrenewable paleontological fossil resources, if present, to less than significant.
The updated and revise PRIMP acknowledges that paleontological monitoring may be reduced or halted if the excavations are unlikely to yield paleontological resources based upon the observations and recommendations of the professional-level project paleontologist.
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
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with implementation of 2001 EIR MM 4.9.1.A plus revised and updated Mitigation Measure MM PAL-1.
Mitigation Measure
In addition to 2001 EIR MM 4.9.1.A, the Modified Project introduces Mitigation Measure MM PAL-1 that would reduce project-related impacts to levels that are less than significant.
4.7.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Future development within the Modified Project vicinity would result in the potential for loss of paleontological resources. However, each development project is required to implement appropriate mitigation during earth moving activities in the same manner as identified for the Modified Project (prior EIR MM 4.9.1.4 and new MM PAL-1). For this reason, cumulative impacts to paleontological resources would be reduced to below a level of significance in the same manner as concluded in the 2001 EIR. Pursuant to local paleontological protection measures contained in the County of Riverside’s and City’s GPs, and the provisions of CEQA, impacts to paleontological resources from projects within the cumulative impact area that require discretionary action by a public agency would be assessed. Similar to the conclusion reached in the prior EIR, it is reasonable to assume appropriate mitigation would be required for all cumulative projects and impacts would be reduced to less than significant on a project and cumulative level. 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.
4.7.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No prior 2001 EIR mitigation measures are applicable as they are 1) superseded by the obligatory requirements of the CBC; or 2) the new Geotechnical Study (Appendix G-1 and G2) current design and construction recommendations.
4.7.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail below.
MM PAL-1: 1) Monitoring of mass grading and excavation activities in areas identified as likely to contain paleontological resources by a qualified paleontologist or paleontological monitor. Full time monitoring of grading or excavation activities should be performed starting from the surface in undisturbed areas of very old Quaternary (middle to early Pleistocene) alluvial fan deposits, and the Tertiary-aged Sespe, Vaqueros, Santiago, and Silverado formations within the
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project. Paleontological monitors will be equipped to salvage fossils as they are unearthed to avoid construction delays and to remove samples of sediments that are likely to contain the remains of small fossil invertebrates and vertebrates.
The monitor must be empowered to temporarily halt or divert equipment to allow for the removal of abundant or large specimens in a timely manner.
Monitoring may be reduced if the potentially fossiliferous units are not present in the subsurface, or if present, are determined upon exposure and examination by qualified paleontological personnel to have a low potential to contain or yield fossil resources.
2) Paleontological salvage during trenching and boring activities is typically from the generated spoils and does not delay the trenching or drilling activities.
Fossils are collected and placed in cardboard flats or plastic buckets and identified by field number, collector, and date collected. Notes are taken on the map location and stratigraphy of the site, and the site is photographed before it is vacated and the fossils are removed to a safe place. On mass grading projects, any discovered fossil site is protected by red flagging to prevent it from being overrun by earthmovers (scrapers) before salvage begins. Fossils are collected in a similar manner, with notes and photographs being taken before removing the fossils. Precise location of the site is determined with the use of handheld Global Positioning System units. If the site involves a large terrestrial vertebrate, such as large bone(s) or a mammoth tusk, that is/are too large to be easily removed by a single monitor, Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. (BFSA) will send a fossil recovery crew in to excavate around the find, encase the find within a plaster jacket, and remove it after the plaster is set. For large fossils, use of the contractor’s construction equipment is solicited to help remove the jacket to a safe location before it is returned to the BFSA laboratory facility for preparation.
3) Particularly small invertebrate fossils typically represent multiple specimens of a limited number of organisms, and a scientifically suitable sample can be obtained from one to several five-gallon buckets of fossiliferous sediment. If it is possible to dry screen the sediment in the field, a concentrated sample may consist of one or two buckets of material. For vertebrate fossils, the test is usually the observed presence of small pieces of bones within the sediments. If present, as many as 20 to 40 five-gallon buckets of sediment can be collected and returned to a separate facility to wet-screen the sediment. In the laboratory, individual fossils are cleaned of extraneous matrix, any breaks are repaired, and the specimen, if needed, is stabilized by soaking in an archivally approved acrylic hardener (e.g., a solution of acetone and Paraloid B-72).
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4) Preparation of recovered specimens to a point of identification and permanent preservation, including screen washing sediments to recover small invertebrates and vertebrates, if necessary. Preparation of individual vertebrate fossils is often more time-consuming than for accumulations of invertebrate fossils.
5) Identification and curation of specimens into a professional, accredited public museum repository with a commitment to archival conservation and permanent retrievable storage (e.g., the Western Science Center, 2345 Searl Parkway, Hemet, California 92543). The paleontological program should include a written repository agreement prior to the initiation of mitigation activities.
6) Preparation of a final monitoring and mitigation report of findings and significance, including lists of all fossils recovered and necessary maps and graphics to accurately record their original location. The report, when submitted to the appropriate lead agency (City of Corona), will signify satisfactory completion of the project program to mitigate impacts to any paleontological resources.
7) Decisions regarding the intensity of the MMRP will be made by the project paleontologist based upon the significance of the potential paleontological resources and their biostratigraphic, biochronologic, paleoecologic, taphonomic, and taxonomic attributes, not upon the ability of a project proponent to fund the MMRP.
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4.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
4.8.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) conditions within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential changes in impacts from GHG emissions from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. The NOP comment letters from South Coast Air Quality Management District, Southern California Association of Governments, and California Allied for a Responsible Economy were received pertaining to this topic. No 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, Greenhouse Gas Analysis (GHG Analysis), prepared by Urban Crossroads dated June 12, 2024 (Appendix I) .
4.8.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 EIR did not include analysis of GHG emissions.
4.8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
GHGs are any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. This absorption traps heat within the atmosphere, altering the Earth’s surface temperature. Increased surface temperatures caused by increased absorption of the sun’s infrared radiation from GHGs is commonly referred to as the greenhouse gas effect. A majority of the scientific community believes GHG emissions resulting from human activities have caused increased levels of most naturally occurring GHGs measured in the atmosphere over the past several decades. Regardless of the cause, the majority of the scientific community believes the continued increase of these GHG levels will result in an increase in the temperature of the Earth’s lower atmosphere. This increase in atmospheric temperature from increased GHGs is a phenomenon commonly referred to as global warming. Warming of the Earth’s lower atmosphere induces a suite of additional changes, including changes in global precipitation patterns; ocean circulation, temperature, and acidity; global mean sea level; species distribution and diversity; and the timing of biological processes. These large-scale changes are collectively referred to as global climate change. The GHGs listed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), fluoroform (HFC-23), tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), difluoroethane (HFC-152a), and sulfur hexaflouride (SF6) (IPCC 2022).
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The Global Warming Potential (GWP) was developed to simplify quantification, reporting, analysis, and comparison of the global warming impacts of different GHGs. IPCC defines the GWP of various GHG emissions on a normalized scale that recasts all GHG emissions in terms of CO2 equivalents (CO2e). The GWP of CO2 is, by definition, 1. GHG emissions are quantified and presented in terms of metric tons (MT) of CO2e emitted per year.
4.8.4 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Executive Order 13990
On January 20, 2021, federal agencies were directed to immediately review and take action to address federal regulations promulgated and other actions taken during the prior 4 years that conflict with: national objectives to improve public health and the environment; ensure access to clean air and water; limit exposure to dangerous chemicals and pesticides; hold polluters accountable, including those who disproportionately harm communities of color and lowincome communities; reduce GHG emissions; bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change; restore and expand our national treasures and monuments; and prioritize both environmental justice and employment.
STATE REGULATIONS
AB 1493 - Pavley Fuel Efficiency Standards
In 2002, the California Legislature adopted AB 1493 requiring the adoption of regulations to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector. In September 2004, pursuant to AB 1493, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved regulations to reduce GHG emissions from new motor vehicles beginning with the 2009 model year (Pavley Regulations). In September 2009, CARB adopted amendments to the Pavley Regulations to reduce GHG from 2009 to 2016. CARB, EPA, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) have coordinated efforts to develop fuel economy and GHG standards for model 2017-2025 vehicles. The GHG standards are incorporated into the “Low Emission Vehicle” (LEV) Regulations.
Executive Order S-3-05
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on June 1, 2005, through Executive Order S-3-05, the following reduction targets for GHG emissions:
• By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels.
• By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels.
• By 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels.
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The 2050 reduction goal represents what some scientists believe is necessary to reach levels that would stabilize the climate. The 2020 goal was established to be a mid-term target.
Because this is an executive order, the goals are not legally enforceable for local governments or the private sector.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1279
Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 requires the state to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter. The bill also requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions by 85 percent compared to 1990 levels and directs the California Air Resources Board to work with relevant state agencies to achieve these goals.
AB 32 Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
The California State Legislature enacted AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, in 2006 requiring GHGs emitted in California be reduced to 1990 levels by the year 2020 (this goal has been met). GHGs as defined under AB 32 include CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. Since AB 32 was enacted, a seventh chemical, NF3, has also been added to the list of GHGs. CARB is the state agency charged with monitoring and regulating sources of GHGs. Pursuant to AB 32, CARB adopted regulations to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and costeffective GHG emission reductions. AB 32 states the following:
“Global warming poses a serious threat to the economic well-being, public health, natural resources, and the environment of California. The potential adverse impacts of global warming include the exacerbation of air quality problems, a reduction in the quality and supply of water to the state from the Sierra snowpack, a rise in sea levels resulting in the displacement of thousands of coastal businesses and residences, damage to marine ecosystems and the natural environment, and an increase in the incidences of infectious diseases, asthma, and other human health-related problems.”
2022 Scoping Plan
The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) requires that CARB develop and update every five years a scoping plan that sets forth the approach California will take to reduce statewide GHG emissions. The fourth Scoping Plan was approved by CARB in December 2022. The 2022 Scoping Plan focuses on turning California into a clean energy economy overall, with regulations that touch on numerous industries. The plan would cut GHG emissions by 48% below 1990 levels by 2030, an increase from the current 40% statutory mandate. By 2045, the plan would cut emissions by a dramatic 85% below 1990 levels and attain carbon neutrality. The plan would result in a 71% reduction in smog-forming air pollution, reduce fossil fuel consumption to less than one-tenth of what California uses presently, create 4 million new jobs in the energy sector, and save Californians $200 billion in health costs due to pollution in 2045.As part of the plan, CARB would seek to reduce liquid
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petroleum fuel consumption by 94% and total fossil fuel demand by 86% by 2030. The most ambitious of these new measures includes a prohibition on building new fossil gas plants or expanding on current plants in the state. Instead, energy development would be focused on renewable resources. For the electricity generation sector at large, CARB’s plan includes lowering sector GHG emissions to 38 million metric tons (MMT) in 2030 and 30 MMT in 2035.
CARB’s plan calls for installing point source capture technology on petroleum refineries, cement production facilities, and electricity-generating gas plants where there is currently no feasible alternative to combustion energy. These technological capture methods are intended to be implemented in addition to increased focus on carbon capture via natural means, such as the preservation of natural lands by planting trees and restoring wetlands.
The plan incorporates newly passed measures that ban the sale of gasoline-only cars by 2035.
The plan calls for at least 35% of new vehicles sold to be zero emission by 2026, a threshold which gradually increases each year to meet the 100% goal. Other transportation modes will be targeted including aviation fuels, mass transit transportation emissions (buses and light rail), and freight and passenger locomotive sales.
The plan will reduce impacts from residential and commercial buildings. New residential will require all electric appliances by 2026. For existing homes, 80% of new appliance sales must be electric by 2030 and 100% by 2045. For new commercial buildings, all appliances must be electric by 2029. Existing commercial buildings, 80% of new appliance sales must be electric by 2030 and 100% by 2045.
AB 1881
The Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006 requires local agencies to adopt the updated DWR model ordinance or equivalent. AB 1881 also requires the CEC to consult with the DWR to adopt, by regulation, performance standards and labeling requirements for landscape irrigation equipment, including irrigation controllers, moisture sensors, emission devices, and valves to reduce the wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy or water.
Senate Bill (SB) 1368. California SB 1368 adds Sections 8340 and 8341 to the Public Utilities Code (effective January 1, 2007) with the intent “to prevent long-term investments in power plants with GHG emissions in excess of those produced by a combined-cycle natural gas power plant” with the aim of “reducing emissions of GHGs from the state’s electricity consumption, not just the state’s electricity production.” SB 1368 provides a mechanism for reducing the GHG emissions of electricity providers, both in-state and out-of-state, thereby assisting CARB in meeting its mandate under AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.
SB 375
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In August 2008, the Legislature passed, and on September 30, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 375, which addresses GHG emissions associated with the transportation sector through regional transportation and sustainability plans. Regional GHG reduction targets for the automobile and light-truck sector for 2020 and 2035, as determined by CARB, are required to consider the emission reductions associated with vehicle emission standards (see SB 1493), the composition of fuels (see Executive Order S-1-07), and other CARB-approved measures to reduce GHG emissions. Regional metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) will be responsible for preparing a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) within their Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The goal of the SCS is to establish a development plan for the region, which, after considering transportation measures and policies, will achieve, if feasible, the GHG reduction targets. If an SCS is unable to achieve the GHG reduction target, an MPO must prepare an Alternative Planning Strategy demonstrating how the GHG reduction target would be achieved through alternative development patterns, infrastructure, or additional transportation measures or policies. SB 375 provides incentives for streamlining CEQA requirements by substantially reducing the requirements for “transit priority projects,” as specified in SB 375, and eliminating the analysis of the impacts of certain residential projects on global warming and the growth-inducing impacts of those projects when the projects are consistent with the SCS or Alternative Planning Strategy. On September 23, 2010, CARB adopted the SB 375 targets for the regional MPOs.
Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (Sb 350) In October 2015, the legislature approved, and Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 350, which reaffirms California’s commitment to reducing its GHG emissions and addressing climate change. Key provisions include an increase in the RPS, higher energy efficiency requirements for buildings, initial strategies towards a regional electricity grid, and improved infrastructure for EV charging stations. Provisions for a 50% reduction in the use of petroleum statewide were removed from the Bill because of opposition and concern that it would prevent the Bill’s passage. Specifically, SB 350 requires the following to reduce statewide GHG emissions:
• Increase the amount of electricity procured from renewable energy sources from 33% to 50% by 2030, with interim targets of 40% by 2024, and 25% by 2027. • Double the energy efficiency in existing buildings by 2030. This target would be achieved through the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and local publicly owned utilities. • Reorganize the Independent System Operator (ISO) to develop more regional electrify transmission markets and to improve accessibility in these markets, which would facilitate the growth of renewable energy markets in the western United States.
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SB 32 (Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016)
On September 8, 2016, Governor Brown signed SB 32 and its companion bill, AB 197. SB 32 requires the state to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, a reduction target that was first introduced in Executive Order B-30-15. The new legislation builds upon the AB 32 goal and provides an intermediate goal to achieving S-3-05, which sets a statewide GHG reduction target of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. AB 197 creates a legislative committee to oversee regulators to ensure that CARB not only responds to the Governor, but also the Legislature.
Cap-and-Trade Program
According to CARB, a cap-and-trade program will help put California on the path to meet its goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020 and ultimately achieving an 80% reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. Under cap-and-trade, an overall limit on GHG emissions from capped sectors is established, and facilities subject to the cap will be able to trade permits to emit GHGs within the overall limit.
CARB adopted a California Cap-and-Trade Program pursuant to its authority under AB 32.
See Title 17 of the CCR §§ 95800 to 96023). The Cap-and-Trade Program is designed to reduce GHG emissions from major sources (deemed “covered entities”) by setting a firm cap on statewide GHG emissions and employing market mechanisms to achieve AB 32’s emissionreduction mandate of returning to 1990 levels of emissions by 2020. The statewide cap for GHG emissions from the capped sectors (e.g., electricity generation, petroleum refining, and cement production) commenced in 2013 and will decline over time, achieving GHG emission reductions throughout the program’s duration.
California Regulations and Building Codes
California has a long history of adopting regulations to improve energy efficiency in new and remodeled buildings. These regulations have kept California’s energy consumption relatively flat even with rapid population growth.
Title 20 CCR Sections 1601 Et Seq. – Appliance Efficiency Regulations. The Appliance Efficiency Regulations regulate the sale of appliances in California. The Appliance Efficiency Regulations include standards for both federally regulated appliances and nonfederally regulated appliances. 23 categories of appliances are included in th-e scope of these regulations. The standards within these regulations apply to appliances that are sold or offered for sale in California, except those sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the state Green River Ranch Specific Plan Amendment and those designed and sold exclusively for use in recreational vehicles (RV) or other mobile equipment (CEC 2012).
Title 24 Ccr Part 6 – California Energy Code. The California Energy Code was first adopted in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California’s energy consumption. The
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standards are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficient technologies and methods.
Title 24 Ccr Part 11 – California Green Building Standards Code. 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 became 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 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 became 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 electricready 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 (40). The Project would be required to comply with the applicable standards in place at the time building permit document submittals are made.
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) was required by AB 1881, the Water Conservation Act. The bill required local agencies to adopt a local landscape ordinance at least as effective in conserving water as the Model Ordinance by January 1, 2010.
Reductions in water use of 20% consistent with (SBX-7-7) 2020 mandate are expected upon
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compliance with the ordinance. Governor Brown’s Drought Executive Order of April 1, 2015 (Executive Order B-29-15) directed the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to update the Ordinance through expedited regulation. The California Water Commission approved the revised Ordinance on July 15, 2015 effective December 15, 2015. New development projects that include landscape areas of 500 sf or more are subject to the Ordinance. The update requires:
• More efficient irrigation systems;
• Incentives for graywater usage;
• Improvements in on-site stormwater capture;
• Limiting the portion of landscapes that can be planted with high water use plants; and
• Reporting requirements for local agencies.
CARB Refrigerant Management Program
CARB adopted a regulation in 2009 to reduce refrigerant GHG emissions from stationary sources through refrigerant leak detection and monitoring, leak repair, system retirement and retrofitting, reporting and recordkeeping, and proper refrigerant cylinder use, sale, and disposal. The regulation is set forth in sections 95380 to 95398 of Title 17, CCR. The rules implementing the regulation establish a limit on statewide GHG emissions from stationary facilities with refrigeration systems with more than 50 pounds of a high GWP refrigerant. The refrigerant management program is designed to (1) reduce emissions of high-GWP GHG refrigerants from leaky stationary, non-residential refrigeration equipment; (2) reduce emissions from the installation and servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning appliances using high-GWP refrigerants; and (3) verify GHG emission reductions.
Tractor‐Trailer GHG Regulation
The tractors and trailers subject to this regulation must either use EPA SmartWay certified tractors and trailers or retrofit their existing fleet with SmartWay verified technologies. The regulation applies primarily to owners of 53‐foot or longer box‐type trailers, including both dryvan and refrigerated‐van trailers, and owners of the heavy-duty tractors that pull them on California highways. These owners are responsible for replacing or retrofitting their affected vehicles with compliant aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires. Sleeper cab tractors model year 2011 and later must be SmartWay certified. All other tractors must use SmartWay verified low rolling resistance tires. There are also requirements for trailers to have low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic devices.
Phase I and 2 Heavy-Duty Vehicle GHG Standards
CARB has adopted a new regulation for GHG emissions from HDTs and engines sold in California. It establishes GHG emission limits on truck and engine manufacturers and harmonizes with the EPA rule for new trucks and engines nationally. Existing heavy-duty
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vehicle regulations in California include engine criteria emission standards, tractor-trailer GHG requirements to implement SmartWay strategies (i.e., the Heavy-Duty Tractor-Trailer GHG Regulation), and inuse fleet retrofit requirements such as the Truck and Bus Regulation.
In September 2011, the EPA adopted their new rule for HDTs and engines. The EPA rule has compliance requirements for new compression and spark ignition engines, as well as trucks from Class 2b through Class 8. Compliance requirements begin with model year 2014 with stringency levels increasing through model year 2018. The rule organizes truck compliance into three groupings, which include a) heavy-duty pickups and vans; b) vocational vehicles; and c) combination tractors. The EPA rule does not regulate trailers.
CARB staff has worked jointly with the EPA and the NHTSA on the next phase of federal GHG emission standards for medium-duty trucks (MDT) and HDT vehicles, called federal Phase 2. The federal Phase 2 standards were built on the improvements in engine and vehicle efficiency required by the Phase 1 emission standards and represent a significant opportunity to achieve further GHG reductions for 2018 and later model year HDT vehicles, including trailers. But as discussed above, the EPA and NHTSA have proposed to roll back GHG and fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks, which suggests a similar rollback of Phase 2 standards for MDT and HDT vehicles may be pursued.
In February 2019, the OAL approved the Phase 2 Heavy-Duty Vehicle GHG Standards and became effective April 1, 2019. The Phase 2 GHG standards are needed to offset projected VMT growth and keep heavy-duty truck CO2 emissions declining. The federal Phase 2 standards establish for the first time, federal emissions requirements for trailers hauled by heavy-duty tractors. The federal Phase 2 standards are more technology-forcing than the federal Phase 1 standards, requiring manufacturers to improve existing technologies or develop new technologies to meet the standards. The federal Phase 2 standards for tractors, vocational vehicles, and heavy-duty pick-up trucks and vans (PUVs) will be phased-in from 2021-2027, additionally for trailers, the standards are phased-in from 2018 (2020 in California) through 2027.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
SCAQMD
SCAQMD is the agency responsible for air quality planning and regulation in the SCAB. The SCAQMD addresses the impacts to climate change of projects subject to SCAQMD permit as a lead agency if they are the only agency having discretionary approval for the project and acts as a responsible agency when a land use agency must also approve discretionary permits for the project. The SCAQMD acts as an expert commenting agency for impacts to air quality.
This expertise carries over to GHG emissions, so the agency helps local land use agencies through the development of models and emission thresholds that can be used to address GHG emissions.
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In 2008, SCAQMD formed a Working Group to identify GHG emissions thresholds for land use projects that could be used by local lead agencies in the SCAB. The Working Group developed several different options that are contained in the SCAQMD Draft Guidance Document – Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold, that could be applied by lead agencies. The working group has not provided additional guidance since the release of the interim guidance in 2008. The SCAQMD Board has not approved the thresholds; however, the Guidance Document provides substantial evidence supporting the approaches to significance of GHG emissions that can be considered by the lead agency in adopting its own threshold.
The current interim thresholds consist of the following tiered approach:
• Tier 1 consists of evaluating whether or not the project qualifies for any applicable exemption under CEQA.
• Tier 2 consists of determining whether the project is consistent with a GHG reduction plan. If a project is consistent with a qualifying local GHG reduction plan, it does not have significant GHG emissions.
• Tier 3 consists of screening values, which the lead agency can choose, but must be consistent with all projects within its jurisdiction. A project’s construction emissions are averaged over 30 years and are added to the project’s operational emissions. If a project’s emissions are below one of the following screening thresholds, then the project is less than significant:
o Residential and commercial land use: 3,000 MTCO2e/yr
o Industrial land use: 10,000 MTCO2e/yr
o Based on land use type: residential: 3,500 MTCO2e/yr; commercial: 1,400 MTCO2e/yr; or mixed use: 3,000 MTCO2e/yr
• Tier 4 has the following options:
o Option 1: Reduce Business-as-Usual (BAU) emissions by a certain percentage; this percentage is currently undefined.
o Option 2: Early implementation of applicable AB 32 Scoping Plan measures o Option 3: 2020 target for service populations (SP), which includes residents and employees: 4.8 MTCO2e per SP per year for projects and 6.6 MTCO2e per SP per year for plans;
o Option 3, 2035 target: 3.0 MTCO2e per SP per year for projects and 4.1 MTCO2e per SP per year for plans.
• Tier 5 involves mitigation offsets to achieve target significance threshold.
The SCAQMD’s interim thresholds used the Executive Order S-3-05-year 2050 goal as the basis for the Tier 3 screening level. Achieving the Executive Order’s objective would contribute to worldwide efforts to cap CO2 concentrations at 450 ppm, thus stabilizing global climate. SCAQMD only has authority over GHG emissions from development projects that include air quality permits. At this time, it is unknown if the project would include stationary
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sources of emissions subject to SCAQMD permits. Notwithstanding, if the Project requires a stationary permit, it would be subject to the applicable SCAQMD regulations.
SCAQMD Regulation XXVII, adopted in 2009 includes the following rules:
• Rule 2700 defines terms and post global warming potentials. • Rule 2701, SoCal Climate Solutions Exchange, establishes a voluntary program to encourage, quantify, and certify voluntary, high quality certified GHG emission reductions in the SCAQMD.
• Rule 2702, GHG Reduction Program created a program to produce GHG emission reductions within the SCAQMD. The SCAQMD will fund projects through contracts in response to requests for proposals or purchase reductions from other parties.
SCAQMD Rule 2305
The SCAQMD adopted Rule 2305, the Warehouse Indirect Source Rule, on May 7, 2021.
Owners and operators associated with warehouses 100,000 square feet (sf) 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. While NOX and PM emissions are the target of this regulation, GHG emission reductions would also be realized through the implementation of zero-emission and/or near-zero emissions trucks, solar panels, and electric vehicle chargers.
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.
For new development projects in the City, consistency with the CAP is obtained by using Screening Tables to confirm the project’s features equate to 100 points. The point values in the Screening Tables were derived from the projected emissions reductions that would be achieved by each of the reduction measures associated with new development within the City. The points within the Screening Tables calculated using projected growth in households and commercial uses in 2030 and proportioning the appropriate reduction quantities for new development to the residential, commercial, and industrial land use sectors within the Screening Tables. The resulting point values are assigned by residential unit or commercial/industrial square footage.
The size of the project is not relevant, each project must obtain 100 points in the Screening
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Tables to demonstrate consistency with the CAP. The result is that the GHG emissions calculated for a project, which are directly tied to its size, are not used to determine CAP consistency. Rather, project efficiency becomes important through use of the Screening Tables.
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-1.10 Require a traffic analysis to be prepared in accordance with the City’s adopted Traffic Impact Study Guidelines and require projects to mitigate impacts on the City’s circulation system that exceed the City’s adopted service thresholds for near term and future conditions.
Intercity and Regional Transportation
Policy CE-2.1 Support RCTC and Caltrans efforts to improve management of the SR91, I-15, and SR-71. Promote improvements that reduce regional cut-through traffic on City streets and work with RCTC and Caltrans to ensure that accessibility to these facilities is provided to Corona residents.
Policy CE-2.2 Support regional transportation infrastructure that would provide alternative connections and access to neighboring counties and reduce the volume of cutthrough traffic on City streets.
Transportation Management
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.
Public Transportation
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).
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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.
Bicycle and Pedestrian 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.
Goods Movement
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.
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.
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Parking
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 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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,
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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.
4.8.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.8.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant greenhouse gas emission impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold GHG-1 Generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Threshold GHG-2 Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs?
METHODOLOGY
This section describes existing global climate change conditions, existing rules and regulations as adopted by the state and the City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan (2020) and City of Corona’s (City’s) 2019 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update (2019) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, an inventory of the approximate GHG emissions that would result from implementation of the Modified Project, and an analysis of the significance of the impact of these GHG emissions. The analysis in this section is based in part on the following information:
Green River Ranch Specific Plan Amendment, SP00-001 Amendment No.1, Greenhouse Gas Analysis (GHG Analysis), dated June 14, 2024, and prepared by Urban Crossroads (Appendix H), City’s 2019 CAP Update (2019), and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Interim California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) GHG Significance Threshold Guidance Document (2008).
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4.8.7 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:
GHG-1 Generate GHG
emissions, either
directly or
indirectly, that may
have a significant
impact on the
environment?
GHG-2 Conflict with an
applicable plan,
policy or regulation
adopted for the
purpose of reducing
the emissions of
GHGs?
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact GHG-1: Generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Impact GHG-2: Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs?
Under changed circumstances the Modified Project resultsin new or more severe impacts requiring revisions to the 2001 EIR.
As stated in the GHG Analysis, the Modified Project would result in direct and indirect emissions of CO2, CH4, N2O and Refrigerants. Direct Project-related GHG emissions include emissions from construction activities, area sources, and mobile sources, while indirectsources include emissions from electricity consumption, water demand, and solid waste generation.
Project-related GHG emissions were quantified with CalEEMod Version 2022.1, which relies upon vehicle trip rates and Project-specific land use data to calculate emissions. As shown below in Table 4.8-1, the Modified Project would result in a total of approximately 19,208.02 MTCO2e/yr.
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Table 4.8-1: Project GHG Emissions
Emissions Source
Emissions (MT/yr)
CO2 CH4 N2O Refrigerants Total CO2e
Annual construction-related
emissions amortized over 30
years
87.36 3.07E-03 5.04E-03 5.12E-02 88.99
Mobile Source 13,952.83 0.48 1.18 19.90 14,336.03
Area Source 23.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 23.30
Energy Source 3,631.75 0.34 0.03 0.00 3,649.06
Water Usage 80.47 1.11 0.03 0.00 116.27
Waste 95.62 9.56 0.00 0.00 334.54
Refrigerants 0.00 0.00 0.00 52.73 52.73
On-Site Equipment 142.10
TRUs 407.70
Total CO2e (All Sources) 19,208.02
Source: Urban Crossroads, 2023 (Appendix H)
As noted previously, instead of showing consistency with an adopted numeric threshold of significance for GHG emissions, the City’s CAP utilizes a point system to show consistency through use of a point system. Calculation of the points is conducted using the CAP Screening Tables, which allocates points for specific features of a project or features that can be added to a project to obtain the necessary points. The points are based on the GHG reduction value of the feature. For this reason, the Modified Project’s GHG emissions of 19,208.02 MTCO2e/yr, is not specifically evaluated because the CAP implements a project efficiency based determination of consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4(b) by considering whether the Modified Project is consistent with applicable regulations or requirements adopted to implement a Statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions.
The Modified Project shall show CAP consistency with the CAP through use of the Screening Table Measures to show the Project’s GHG reduction features obtain a minimum of 100 points.
The Modified 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 would be 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).
As previously stated, a minimum of 100 points will be required for both the residential and non-residential portions of the Modified Project. 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 that achieve a total
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of 100 points or more are considered to have a less than significant individual and cumulative impact on GHG emissions.
In order to ensure the appropriate GHG reduction features are implemented, new Mitigation Measure MM GHG-1, shall be required to ensure each phase of the Modified Project includes applicable measures from the CAP Screening Tables (Appendix C to the CAP) to achieve a minimum of 100 points for both the residential and non-residential portions of the Modified Project. Alternatively, specific measures may be substituted for other measures that achieve an equivalent amount of GHG reduction, subject to City of Corona Building Division review.
As previously discussed, the Project would not generate significant GHG emissions, nor conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation. Therefore, a less than significant impact is expected with mitigation measure MM GHG-1 incorporated.
Overall, the Modified Project implemented under changed circumstances would result in new or more severe impacts requiring revisions to the Prior EIR.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measures and are further described in detail Section 4.8.10.
• MM GHG-1
4.8.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
GHG emissions impacts are assessed in a cumulative context, since no single project can cause a discernible change to climate. Climate change impacts are the result of incremental contributions from natural processes, and past and present human-related activities. Therefore, the area in which a proposed project in combination with other past, present, or future projects, could contribute to a significant cumulative climate change impact would not be defined by a geographical boundary such as a project site or combination of sites, city or air basin. Even though the emissions of GHGs cannot be defined by a geographic boundary and are effectively part of the global issue of climate change, CEQA places a boundary for the analysis of impacts at the state’s borders. Thus, the geographic area for analysis of cumulative GHG emissions impacts is the State of California. Therefore, the Modified Project would generate GHG emissions that would contribute to cumulative emissions in California.
The Modified Project would not generate significant GHG emissions, nor conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation with mitigation measure MM GHG-1 incorporated resulting in a less than significant impact. As a result, with the implementation of mitigation and GHG reduction strategies, the Modified Project’s cumulative GHG emissions would be considered less than significant.
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4.8.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions were included in the 2001 EIR.
4.8.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT MM GHG-1: Prior to issuance of a building permit for each increment of development in the GRRSP, the Project applicant shall provide documentation to the City of Corona Building Division demonstrating that the improvements and/or buildings subject to a building permit application include the measures from the CAP GHG Emissions Screening Tables (Appendix C to the CAP), as needed to achieve a minimum of 100 points for both the residential and non-residential portions of the Project. Alternatively, specific measures may be substituted for other measures that achieve an equivalent amount of GHG reduction, subject to City of Corona Building Division review.
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4.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
4.9.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing hazards and hazardous materials within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential changes in impacts to hazards and hazardous materials from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. Scoping Meeting comments from Bruce Fields were received pertaining to this topic. No NOP comment letters were received pertaining to this topic.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based in part on the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Update Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNS) 101-180-014, -015, -037 AND -038 (ESA), prepared by GeoTek, Inc. (GeoTek), dated August 19, 2019 (Appendix J). The ESA addresses the proposed BPI Development (PAs 1, 2, 3) and future Estate Residential (PA 5) components of the Modified Project area.
4.9.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would not generate impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. The Approved Project impact analysis related to hazards and hazardous materials as presented in the 2001 EIR as well as any mitigation measures identified to reduce significant impacts are summarized as follows. a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances? Potential land uses that could develop upon implementation of the Approved Project include office, light industrial, and retail uses that could entail transferring, storing, and dispensing limited amounts of oil and gasoline products. The 2001 EIR noted potential impacts are associated primarily with operation of light industrial and auto oriented commercial uses. In addition, hazardous materials such as pesticides, fertilizer, and paint products were disclosed in the 2001 EIR as being potentially stored and sold in conjunction with retail-oriented uses within the GRRSP. However, the prior EIR noted transportation, storage, and handling of such materials is routinely conducted at commercial facilities of this nature in accordance with federal and state safety standards. Consequently, the 2001 EIR concluded risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances was considered less than significant and no mitigation was determined necessary.
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b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Implementation of the Approved Project would result in new development in accordance with the land uses contained in the GRRSP. The Approved Project would not interfere with adopted emergency response or emergency evacuation plans. Consequently, the 2001 EIR concluded the Approved Project would not interfere with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan and impacts were considered less than significant requiring no mitigation. c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard? The Approved Project proposed land uses in the GRRSP would allow development of business park/office commercial, retail, service, and residential uses. The non-residential components of the GRRSP could result in development of uses that store and dispense potentially hazardous materials as discussed in Section 4.9.2 a) above. The risk of accidental release of hazardous substances associated with the Approved Project was determined to be less than significant requiring no mitigation.
d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? No existing health hazards were identified in the GRRSP Planning Area. Exposure of people to existing health hazards resulting from implementation of the Approved Project was determined to be unlikely, as no existing health hazards were identified in the project vicinity.
Consequently, the 2001 EIR concluded the Approved Project would not expose people to existing sources of potential health hazards and impacts were considered less than significant requiring no mitigation.
e) Emissions within 0.25 mile of schools? (Air Quality) The 2001 EIR noted that no schools are located in the vicinity of the GRRSP Planning Area.
The nearest existing school, Prado View Elementary School, was determined to be located approximately 1.5 miles to the east of the Approve Project and no schools were known to be planned any closer than Prado View Elementary School.
Cumulative Impacts
Because the Approved Project would not result in an impact associated with hazards or hazardous materials, it can be concluded cumulative impacts would be less than significant as there were no other development projects that would produce impacts that would comingle with those from the Approved Project creating a significant agricultural impact over and above those at the Approved Project level. Therefore, cumulative impacts were determined to be less than significant requiring not mitigation.
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4.9.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The GRRSP Planning Area encompasses the area adjacent to Green River Road, east of the SR-91/Green River Road interchange and west of Dominguez Ranch Road. The Project site is largely undeveloped. However, the site is surrounded by residential development to the north (beyond the SR-91), vacant and disturbed land to the south, residential and commercial development to the east, and vacant and disturbed land to the west. Vacant areas are mostly covered with native vegetation, much of which consists of low-lying scrub. Elevations on site range from 1,110 feet in the southwestern corner of the property to 515 feet in the northeastern corner of the property.
The southern portion of the property is in an undeveloped natural condition dominated by rugged hillside terrain of the Santa Ana Mountains vegetated by grass, brush, scrub, and chaparral. Due to the topography of the property, development has been limited to the northern portion of the Specific Plan area. The eastern portion of the GRRSP Planning Area is occupied by two single-family residences. Several equestrian stables, one above water reservoir and a concrete lined stormwater basin related to prior horse boarding operations remain on-site.
Based on readily available historic information, the ESA determined the Site appears to have been vacant land from at least 1931 until approximately 1946. Two residential structures and associated agricultural land can be observed in the northeastern portion of the Site from at least 1946 until approximately 1987. From 1946 to the present, the above ground water reservoir can be seen on the northeast portion of the Site and the concrete lined stormwater basin can be seen near the eastern property line from 1953 to the present. Portions of the Site appear to have been used for agricultural fields from approximately 1946 to 1953. From 1987 to approximately 1990 a commercial building with surrounding parking areas can be observed.
Within the commercial building pad several floor tiles are currently present. Aerial photography from 1994 shows the central and northern portions of the Site being used as equestrian stables. There are numerous in-use and abandoned storage containers, farm equipment and vehicles, and various sized horse pens. By 1994 the site appears to be similar to the current condition. The surrounding properties appear to historically have been vacant and undeveloped land, or occupied by residential development, since at least 1938. The residential development to the east of the Site can first be observed in an aerial photograph dated 1990. The commercial development to the northeast can first be observed in an aerial photograph dated 1994.
4.9.4 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
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4.9.5 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) is a law developed to protect the water, air, and soil resources from the risks created by past chemical-disposal practices. This law is also referred to as the Superfund Act and regulates sites on the National Priority List (NPL), which are called Superfund sites.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act
In 1986, Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Title III of this regulation may be cited as the “Emergency Planning and community Right-to-Know Act of 1986” (EPCRA). The Act required the establishment of state commissions, planning districts, and local committees to facilitate the preparation and implementation of emergency plan. Under the requirements, local emergency planning committees are responsible for developing a plan for preparing for and responding to a chemical emergency, including:
• An identification of local facilities and transportation routes where hazardous materials are present.
• The procedures for immediate response in case of an accident (this must include a community-wide evacuation plan).
• A plan for notifying the community that an incident has occurred. • The names of response coordinators at local facilities. • A plan for conducting drills to test the plan.
The emergency plan is reviewed by the State Emergency Response Commission and publicized throughout the community. The local emergency planning committee is required to review, test, and update the plan each year. The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health is responsible for coordinating hazardous material and disaster preparedness planning and appropriate response efforts with city departments and local and state agencies. The goal is to improve public- and private-sector readiness and to mitigate local impacts resulting from natural or man-made emergencies.
Another purpose of the EPCRA is to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their areas. Sections 311 and 312 of EPCRA require businesses to report to state and local agencies the location and quantities of chemicals stored onsite. Under section 313 of EPCRA, manufacturers are required to report chemical releases for more than 600 designated chemicals.
In addition to chemical releases, regulated facilities are also required to report offsite transfers of waste for treatment or disposal at separate facilities, pollution prevention measures, and
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chemical recycling activities. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the Toxic Release Inventory database that documents the information that regulated facilities are required to report annually.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the principal federal law that regulates generation, management, and transportation of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste management includes the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste.
STATE REGULATIONS
Hazardous Materials Release Notification
Many state statutes require emergency notification of a hazardous chemical release:
• California Health and Safety Codes Sections 25270.8, and 25507 • Vehicle Code Section 23112.5
• Public Utilities Code Section 7673, (PUC General Orders #22-B, 161) • Government Code Sections 51018, 8670.25.5 (a)
• Water Codes Sections 13271, 13272,
• California Labor Code Section 6409.1 (b)10
Requirements for immediate notification of all significant spills or threatened releases cover owners, operators, persons in charge, and employers. Notification is required regarding significant releases from facilities, vehicles, vessels, pipelines, and railroads. In addition, all releases that result in injuries or harmful exposure to workers must be immediately reported to the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration pursuant to the California Labor Code Section 6409.1(b).
Hazardous Materials Disclosure Programs
The Unified Program administered by the State of California consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the administrative requirements, permits, inspections, and enforcement activities for environmental and emergency management programs, which include: Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventories (business plans), the California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) Program, and the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program.
The Unified Program is implemented at the local government level by Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs).
The CUPA for the City of Corona is the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH), which is responsible for regulating hazardous waste and tiered permitting; underground storage tanks; aboveground storage tanks; and risk management plans.
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The Corona Fire Department (CFD) is a Participating Agency under the Certified Unified Program, and administers Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory Program and Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Inventory and permits for handling underground storage and storage of hazardous materials pursuant to the Corona Fire Code.
Hazardous Materials Business Plans
Both the federal government (Code of Federal Regulations) and the State of California (California Health and Safety Code) require all businesses that handle more than a specified amount—or “reporting quantity”—of hazardous or extremely hazardous materials to submit a hazardous materials business plan to the CFD. According to City guidelines, the preparation, submittal, and implementation of a business plan is required by any business that handles a hazardous material or a mixture containing a hazardous material in specified quantities.
Business plans must include an inventory of the hazardous materials at the facility. Businesses must update their business plan and the chemical portion annually. Also, business plans must include emergency response plans and procedures to be used in the event of a significant or threatened significant release of a hazardous material. These plans need to identify the procedures for immediate notification of all appropriate agencies and personnel, identification of local emergency medical assistance appropriate for potential accident scenarios, contact information for all company emergency coordinators, a listing and location of emergency equipment at the business, an evacuation plan, and a training program for business personnel.
California Accidental Release Prevention Program
CalARP became effective on January 1, 1997, in response to Senate Bill 1889. CalARP aims to be proactive and therefore requires businesses to prepare risk management plans, which are detailed engineering analyses of the potential accident factors present at a business and the mitigation measures that can be implemented to reduce this accident potential. This requirement is coupled with the requirements for preparation of hazardous materials business plans under the Unified Program, implemented by the CUPA.
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Leaking USTs have been recognized since the early 1980s as the primary cause of groundwater contamination from gasoline compounds and solvents. In California, regulations aimed at protecting against UST leaks have been in place since 1983 (Health and Safety Code). This occurred one year before RCRA was amended to add Subtitle I, requiring UST systems to be installed in accordance with standards that address the prevention of future leaks. The State Water Resources Control Board has been designated the lead California regulatory agency in the development of UST regulations and policy.
Older tanks are typically single-walled steel tanks. Many of these have leaked as a result of corrosion, punctures, and detached fittings. As a result, the State of California required the
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replacement of older tanks with new double-walled fiberglass tanks with flexible connections and monitoring systems. UST owners were given 10 years to comply with the new requirements—deadline was December 22, 1998. However, many UST owners did not act by the deadline, so the state granted an extension for their replacement ending January 1, 2002.
The California Regional Water Quality Control Boards, in cooperation with the Office of Emergency Services, maintain an inventory of leaking USTs in a statewide database.
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5
Title 22, Division 4.5, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) sets forth the requirements for hazardous waste generators; transporters; and owners or operators of treatment, storage, or disposal facilities. These regulations include the requirements for packaging, storage, labeling, reporting, and general management of hazardous waste prior to shipment. In addition, the regulations identify standards applicable to transporters of hazardous waste. These regulations specify the requirements for transporting shipments of hazardous waste, including manifesting, vehicle registration, and emergency accidental discharges during transportation.
California Fire Code
The California Fire Code (CCR Title 24 Part 9) sets forth requirements including those for building materials and methods pertaining to fire safety and life safety, fire protection systems in buildings, emergency access to buildings, and handling and storage of hazardous materials.
The city adopts the update to the CFC every three years.
California Building Code
The California Building Code requires the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms in residential dwelling units:
• CCR Title 24, Part 2, Section 907.2.11.2. Smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained on the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms. In each room used for sleeping purposes, and in each story within a dwelling unit. The smoke alarms shall be interconnected.
Evacuation Routes
Government Code Section 65302 requires the Safety Element of a General Plan to address evacuation routes. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Safety Element checklist also requires cities to address evacuation routes. In addition, Senate Bill 99 (2018) requires a Safety Element, upon the next revision of the housing element on or after January 1, 2020, to include information identifying residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.
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REGIONAL REGULATIONS
South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCAQMD Rule 1403 governs the demolition of buildings containing asbestos materials. Rule 1403 specifies work practices with the goal of minimizing asbestos emissions during building demolition and renovation activities, including the removal and associated disturbance of asbestos-containing material (ACM). The requirements for demolition and renovation activities include asbestos surveying, notification, ACM removal procedures and time schedules, ACM handling and cleanup procedures, and storage and disposal requirements for asbestos-containing waste materials.
Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
In the SOI, the DEH is responsible for all components of the CUPA program described above, including Hazardous Materials Business Plans and hazardous materials inventories, for which CFD is responsible within the City of Corona.
Hazardous Waste Transporters and Disposal Facilities
The DEH list of hazardous waste transporters includes six in western Riverside County, including three in Corona (DEH 2015). No landfills in Riverside County accept hazardous waste; one landfill in surrounding counties, the Clean Harbors Westmoreland Landfill Facility near the City of Westmoreland in Imperial County, accepts such wastes (SWRCB 2016).
Two facilities in western Riverside County—one in the City of Corona and one in the City of Riverside—are listed by DEH as accepting universal wastes which include televisions, computers, and other electronic devices as well as batteries, fluorescent lamps, mercury thermostats, and other mercury-containing equipment (DEH 2014).
CAL FIRE, County of Riverside Unit Strategic Plan
The California Strategic Plan is implemented through individual “unit plans” that are prepared for different regions of the state. CAL FIRE has adopted a Riverside Unit Fire Plan that covers Riverside County and the agency’s priorities for prevention, protection, and suppression of wildfires. The overall goal of the Riverside County Unit Fire Plan is to reduce total costs and losses from wildland fire in the unit by protecting assets at risk through focused prefire management prescriptions and increasing initial attack success.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
City of Corona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Corona has prepared a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to identify the City’s hazards, review and assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences, and set goals to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from
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natural and man-made hazards. Wildfire hazard is rated the second highest risk of the 23 hazards evaluated, after earthquakes. The LHMP contains a series of goals and mitigation programs to address each of the hazards.
City of Corona Emergency Operations Plan
The City of Corona has prepared an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to address the City’s planned response to natural disasters, technological incidents, and national security emergencies. The EOP does not address normal day-to-day emergencies or the wellestablished and routine procedures used in coping with such emergencies. The EOP’s operational concepts focus on potential large-scale disasters that can generate unique situations requiring unusual emergency responses. The EOP’s emergency management goals are:
1. Provide effective life safety measures and reduce property losses.
2. Provide for the rapid resumption of impacted businesses and community services.
3. Provide accurate documentation and records required for cost recovery efforts.
Corona Standards of Coverage Study and Fire Strategic Plan The Corona Fire Department sets the vision, mission, business operations and guiding principles for the department by means of a strategic plan. The purpose of the strategic plan is so that the members of the organization can envision its future and develop the necessary procedures and operations to achieve that future. The strategic plan is a foundational plan that assists the department in preparing annual fiscal year budgets, master plans, and other related activities it is required to perform. Although the planning period is eight years, it is updated annually to assess service levels, performance, and other needed functions that may change during the course of a year.
Corona Municipal Code
Chapter 2.52, Emergency Management Organization, provides for the preparation and carrying out of plans to protect people and property within the City of Corona during an emergency or disaster event.
• Section 2.52.060 establishes a Disaster Council in the event there is an emergency or disaster event in the City. The Disaster Council include the Fire Chief, who shall be the Council Chair, and member of the Riverside County Disaster Council, unless otherwise stated by the City Manager, and the Disaster Council shall include the Fire Department Emergency Services Director.
• Section 2.52.090 indicates that the Fire Chief shall be the Emergency Services Director and shall appoint an Emergency Services Coordinator.
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• Section 2.52.120 established the Corona Fire Department Office of Emergency Services, which consists of positions that may be established by the City Council by resolution. The Corona Fire Department are assigned the office and its responsibilities. • Section 2.52.130 establishes the position of Emergency Services Coordinator, which the Fire Chief shall appoint. The Emergency Services Coordinator, and associated duties, is assigned to the Fire Department, and the person serving that position is assigned to the Emergency Services Director.
Chapter 15.16, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, outlines the authority of the Fire Chief in determining Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) and creating a VHFHSZ map. • In Section 15.16.010, the City Council delegates authority to its Fire Chief to designate within the City VHFHSZs as required by California Government Code Section 51175 et seq. and other applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. The Fire Chief has the authority to make any future revisions to the VHFHSZ in accordance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• In Section 15.16.020, the Fire Chief shall prepare and maintain a map titled the “City of Corona Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRA” (“VHFHSZ Map”) to show the VHFHSZ within the City. The Fire Chief has the authority to make any future revisions to the VHFHSZ Map in accordance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• In Section 15.16.040, the VHFHSZ Map is intended to be used in conjunction with the most current edition of the California Building Code, and supersedes any other maps previously adopted by the City designating high fire hazard areas. The Building Official shall be responsible for enforcing provisions of the code and other applicable law which may be applicable to property identified on the VHFHSZ Map within the City, pursuant to Section 3202, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and other applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan
Environmental Resources Element
Policy ER-1.2 Require all public and private grading and construction activities to minimize adverse impacts on the City’s water resources through the use of best management practices, as established and updated from time to time by the City of Corona.
Policy ER-1.3 Implement standard conditions of approval on development and related projects that require appropriate mediation strategies if soil or groundwater contamination is encountered during project grading and construction.
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Policy ER-1.4 Prohibit the discharge of toxins, debris, refuse, and other contaminants into watercourses, other drainages, water bodies, and groundwater basins. Work with appropriate entities to ensure the cleanup of contamination of existing water resources.
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.
Healthy Community Element
Policy HC-2.1 Require that proposals for new sensitive land uses and/or industrial and commercial uses incorporate the adequate use of setbacks, barriers, landscaping, or other design measures as necessary to minimize air quality impacts and achieve appropriate health standards.
Policy HC-2.2 Designate and maintain truck routes that are sufficient to serve the needs of industry and commerce while avoiding residential areas, schools, or other sensitive land uses so as to minimize exposure to the noise, air pollution, and vibration associated with trucks.
Policy HC-2.4 Ensure that individuals, neighborhoods, and businesses clearly understand the potential for adverse pollution, noise, odor, vibration, and lighting and glare, and the effects of toxic materials or emissions when generating uses are proposed near them.
Policy HC-2.6 Apply and enforce performance standards with respect to fire and explosion hazards, radio frequency or electrical disturbance, noise and vibration, dust, smoke, glare, underground storage tanks, or other potential sources of exposure to pollution.
Policy HC-4.6 Support housing construction practices, where initiated by developers, that are free from asbestos, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals known to be hazards.
Land Use Element
Policy LU-2.1 Locate and design development to reflect Corona’s unique physical setting considering its natural topography, environmental resources, natural hazards, and opportunities for views in accordance with this plan’s policies.
Policy LU-4.3 Allow for the development of vacant lands on the periphery of existing development that complements the scale and pattern of existing uses; protects significant plant, animal, and other natural environmental resources; protects development and population from natural hazards; and where it is logical and feasible to extend infrastructure.
Policy LU-10.3 Minimize the removal of native landscape and integrate with new residential development, to the extent feasible and practical for fire control; require adherence to building construction and site designs necessary to minimize risks from wildfire, such as implementation of fuel modification areas, concrete tile roofs and boxed eaves.
Policy LU-10.4 Require that new development and major rehabilitations be located, designed, and built to maintain natural drainages, riparian vegetation, and the viability of habitats, except as necessary to protect from flooding or wildfire, or that impacted areas be properly mitigated.
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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-16.1 Accommodate open spaces that can be used for recreation and conserved to protect significant plant and animal habitats and population from the risks of flood, fire, and seismic hazards in accordance with the designations of the land use plan.
Policy LU-16.7 Work with Corona Fire, CAL FIRE and Forest Service and with property owners in affected areas to reduce and minimize the hazards associated with wildfire in the hillsides and open spaces, consistent with the goals and policies of the safety element.
Policy LU-22.10 Collaborate with local, county, and regional governmental agencies to provide water, sewer, public safety, fire response, and other appropriate municipal services; coordinate emergency response services through mutual and automatic aid agreements.
Circulation Element
Policy CE-1.11 Provide all residential, commercial, and industrial areas with efficient and safe access for emergency vehicles, including undeveloped areas or those on the hillsides in high or very high fire hazard severity zones.
Infrastructure and Utilities Element
Policy IU-6.7 Continue to work with providers and businesses to educate the community and to provide household hazardous material, used oil, and electronic waste collection for the community.
Public Safety Element
Policy PS-3.1 Enforce federal and state regulations and local ordinances in accordance with Certified Unified Program Agency requirements that require all users, producers and transporters of hazardous materials and waste to clearly identify materials that they store, use or transport, and make available emergency response plans, emergency release reports, hazardous material inventory reports, and toxic chemical release reports to reduce the risk from natural or other hazards and effectively protect the community.
Policy PS-3.2 Require projects to comply with applicable land use regulation, building and fire codes, and local ordinances; determine the need for buffer zones/setbacks, building modifications, site design, operational changes, or other measures to minimize risk from hazardous materials.
Policy PS-3.8 Require property owners of contaminated sites to develop and implement, at their own expense, a site remediation plan to the satisfaction of the Riverside County and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Policy PS-3.9 Minimize the potential risk of contamination to surface water and groundwater resources and implement restoration efforts to resources adversely impacted by past urban and rural land use activities.