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Additionally, implementation of the Modified Project including the BPI development would be required to adhere to the California Fire Code (CFC), as included in the City’s Municipal Code Section 15.12.020, as part of the permitting process all project plans within the Modified Project would be reviewed by the City’s Building Division to ensure that the plans of the BPI development and future projects meet the fire protection requirements. Furthermore, the Project applicant including future project applicants would be required to pay standard City development impact fees (DIF)(Municipal Code Section 16.23.040), which include a fee for fire service impacts as determined in the 2001 EIR.
Impact fees mitigate the overburdening of existing facilities, equipment, and levels of service.
Provision of a new or physically altered fire station would not be required that could cause environmental impacts. Therefore, impacts related to fire protection services from the Modified Project 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
IMPACT PUB-2 ii) Police Protection?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The City of Corona Police Department is located at 730 Public Safety Way, which is 6.1 miles east from the GRRSP Planning Area. The Police Department staff consists of 250 sworn officers and support personnel. Based on the previously stated population City of 156,615 (2024, DOF) for the City, the City has approximately 1.59 officers per 1,000 residents. As previously stated, the additional 1,104 residents/employees (113 ER residents + 991 BPI/GC residents), not previously considered to be a substantial population growth nor induce substantial unplanned population, the Modified Project would require 0.7 percent of an additional officer. Therefore, the Modified Project’s incremental increase in demands on law enforcement services would not be significant when compared to the current demand levels.
As previously stated, the Project applicant including future project applicants would be required to pay standard City DIF, which include a fee for police service impacts as determined in the 2001 EIR. Impact fees mitigate the overburdening of existing facilities, equipment, and levels of service. Provision of a new or physically altered police station would not be required that could cause environmental impacts. Therefore, impacts related to police protection services from the Modified Project would be less than significant.
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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 PUB-3 iii) Schools?
The Modified Project result in new or more severe impacts requiring revisions to the 2001 EIR.
Development of the Modified Project would allow for up to 32 additional homes, resulting in an increase of 113 ER residents in the City of Corona served by CNUSD. The CNUSD estimates the number of students that will be generated by new residential development by using district-specific rates in order to plan for future facilities expansions or constructions.
Specific to the Modified Project, CNUSD’s student generation rates for single-family development are 0.3650 for elementary school (ES), 0.1136 for middle school (MS), and
0.2337 for high school (HS).
Buildout of the Modified Project would generate 11.68 ES students,3.64 MS students, and 7.5 HS students in the City of Corona. The CNUSD would have adequate capacity for students generated by the Modified Project.
As previously stated, the Project applicant for the ER component would be required to pay standard City DIF, which include a fee for CNUSD impacts as determined in the 2001 EIR.
Impact fees mitigate the overburdening of existing facilities, equipment, and levels of service.
Therefore, impacts related to school services from the Modified Project 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
IMPACT PUB-4 iv) Parks?
The Modified Project result in new or more severe impacts requiring revisions to the 2001 EIR.
Please see Section 4.16 Recreation, Subsection 4.16.7 Impact REC-1 and REC-2, for a thorough discussion of the Modified Project’s impacts associated with parks.
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IMPACT PUB-5 v) Other Public Facilities?
The Modified Project result in new or more severe impacts requiring revisions to the 2001 EIR.
As previously summarized, the 2001 determined the Approved Project’s incremental increase in demands for government services such as recreation facilities, libraries and social services was anticipated to be less than significant.
The additional 1,104 residents/employees (113 ER residents + 991 BPI/GC residents), determined not to be a substantial population growth nor induce substantial unplanned population due to the implementation of the Modified Project, impacts can be considered similar to those determined in the 2001 EIR. Because the GRRSP Planning Area is already served by other services and the Modified Project would result in a limited increase in population, the Modified Project would not result in the need for new or physically altered facilities to provide other services, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts. As such, 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
4.15.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or No New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR.
The geographic context for an analysis of cumulative impacts with regards to public services is the local service area within the City for fire and police services, schools, and libraries. As discussed in Chapter 2 of this DEIR, cumulative development in the City and surrounding would be minimal. Past and present development has resulted in increased population, which in turn has resulted in an increase in demand for all public services. Growth in the City to date has been consistent with the growth projections in the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan. In addition, each of the public service providers conducts an annual budgeting process where future facility/staffing needs are identified. Because past and present development is consistent with growth identified in the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan and there are mechanisms in place to ensure provision of adequate service, there would be no significant cumulative environmental impact on public services from implementation of the Modified Project.
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4.15.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures are required.
4.15.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT No mitigation measures are required.
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4.16 RECREATION
4.16.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing recreation and recreational facilities within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential impacts associate with recreation and recreational facilities from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. The Scoping Meeting comments from Craig Reiter and Dwight Woodward were received pertaining to this topic. No NOP comment letters or Public Scoping Meeting comments were received pertaining to this topic.
4.16.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would result in less than significant impacts associated with recreation and recreational facilities as follows. a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
The 2001 EIR noted implementation of the proposed project would incrementally increase demand for recreation facilities and demand on such government services is primarily caused by residential development, for which development impact fees are collected by the City to help fund on going services. Due to the small quantity of residential use proposed by the Approved Project (maximum of 32 estate residential homes), a significant increase in demand on these services was not anticipated and therefore, construction of new or expansion of existing recreational facilities that would otherwise result in a direct impact to the environment would not occur.
4.16.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The City and its SOI include open space areas, natural trails, parklands, and recreational facilities and programs providing recreational opportunities for Corona residents and the surrounding communities.
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Natural Areas
The City’s nearby natural open space areas include mountains, hillsides, canyons, and preserves. The Prado Dam Basin is located adjacent to the northwest portion of the City and approximately 1.0 mile northeast of the Modified Project. Chino Hills State Park is a 14,100- acre preserve, with portions of the park located adjacent to the northwest portion of the City and approximately 0.25 mile north of the Modified Project. The Cleveland National Forest is the southernmost National Forest in California, located on the western front of the City of Corona’s SOI and approximately 0.25 mile south of the Modified Project at its nearest point.
Several local natural areas are also available to Corona residents offering open space for walking, hiking, and bicycling. These areas include the Sage Open Space and Fresno Canyon, Wardlow Wash, Oak Street Channel, Main Street Channel, and Temescal Wash. The Santa Ana River in the Prado Dam area also connects to a regional trail system.
Built and natural trails are another benefit for the hiking, bicycling, and walking residents of Corona. Urban trails have been constructed throughout the City consisting of multipurpose, hard surface, pedestrian, and cycling routes that physically connect residential areas, parks, schools, commercial nodes, and employment centers. The City has several historic trails providing scenic walkways through older residential neighborhoods and downtowns to promote the City’s heritage. Additional rural and natural trails are available for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riding that run along washes, railroad rights-of-way, or unimproved open space areas.
Developed Parks and Recreational Facilities
Corona has 35 public parks covering about 352 acres, exclusive of natural open space areas as shown on Figure PR-1 Recreation and Park Facilities in the General Plan. The public park system includes mini, neighborhood, community and major/regional parks that are differentiated by scale, population served, and amenities. In addition to developed public parkland, additional recreational facilities are available in the form of golf courses and as part of homeowner associations.
The Circle City Center is one of the main community centers in Corona located at 365 North Main. The facility includes a gymnasium/event hall, a fitness room, a game room, classrooms and meeting rooms, a banquet room, and a catering kitchen. The Senior Center offers an opportunity for adults 50 years of age and older to develop an extended family through a wide range of health and educational programs, human services, recreational and social activities, and special events throughout the year.
The City of Corona Community Services Department provides community services, recreational and leisure time opportunities. This includes adult and youth sports, special events, childcare, afterschool programs, summer programs, aquatic programs, community classes, community involvement programs, senior recreation programs, and reservations for facilities.
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4.16.4 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.16.5 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
There are no federal regulations related to recreation and recreational facilities that apply to the Modified Project.
STATE REGULATIONS
Quimby Act
The Quimby Act authorizes cities to adopt ordinances addressing parkland and/or fees for residential subdivisions for the purpose of providing and preserving open space and recreational facilities and improvements, and requires the provision of three acres of park area per 1,000 persons residing within a subdivision, unless the amount of existing neighborhood and community park area exceeds that limit, in which case the city may adopt a higher standard not to exceed five acres per 1,000 residents. The Quimby Act also specifies acceptable uses and expenditures of such funds California housing element laws require that each city and county identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs within its jurisdiction and prepare goals, policies, and programs to further the development, improvement, and preservation of housing for all economic segments of the community commensurate with local housing needs.
Mitigation Fee Act
The California Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code §§ 66000 et seq.) allows cities to establish fees that will be imposed upon development projects for the purpose of mitigating the impact that the development projects have upon city’s ability to provide specified public facilities including parks. In order to comply with the Mitigation Fee Act, the City must follow four primary requirements: 1) Make certain determinations regarding the purpose and use of a fee and establish a nexus or connection between a development project or class of project and the public improvement being financed with the fee; 2) Segregate fee revenue from the General Fund in order to avoid commingling of capital facilities fees and general funds; 3) Make findings each fiscal year describing the continuing need for fees that have been in the possession of the City for five years or more and that have not been spent or committed to a project; and 4) Refund any fees with interest for developer deposits for which the findings noted above cannot be made.
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California Public Park Preservation Act
The primary instrument for protecting and preserving parkland is California’s Public Park Preservation Act of 1971. Under the Public Resource Code, cities and counties may not acquire any real property that is in use as a public park for any nonpark use unless compensation, land, or both are provided to replace the parkland acquired. This provides no net loss of parkland and facilities.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
There are no regional regulations related to recreation and recreational facilities that apply to the Modified Project.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
City of Corona Municipal Code
Quimby Act Fees
The City’s Quimby Act is codified in Chapter 16.35, Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees, in the City’s Municipal Code. As a condition of approval of a tentative or final tract map or parcel map for a residential subdivision, or for a building permit within a subdivision, the subdivider is required to dedicate park land and/or pay an in-lieu fee. Recreational facilities provided by a project must be provided in accordance with the standards, specifications and requirements of the City’s General Plan, the City’s Park Master Plan, and any other adopted resolution, policy, or standard of the City. The City’s park standard is based on a ratio of 3.0 acres of park area per 1,000 persons. At the time of filing a tentative map application for all subdivisions with residential land uses, project applicants may indicate whether they desire to dedicate property for park and recreational purposes onsite or whether they desire to pay a fee in lieu thereof. If they desire to dedicate land, they must designate the area on a tentative map.
Development Impact Fees
The City of Corona Municipal Code, Chapter 16.23, Development Impact Fees, provides for the meansto finance adequate infrastructure and other public improvements and facilities made necessary by the impacts created by new residential (i.e., beyond just demand created by subdivisions) and non-residential development in the City. To maintain the current level of service for parks in the City, Chapter 16.24, Improvement Requirements, requires payment of development impact fees (DIF) for recreational facilities to assure the acquisition and improvement of adequate recreation facilities to serve the subsequently annexed areas.
Sections 16.24.170 through 16.24.200 of the City’s Municipal Code apply to the construction of new dwelling units and to additions or improvements to existing units if such improvements or additions increase habitable living space by 25 percent. The current park and recreation DIFs for Estate Residential are:
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• Quimby Fees: $12,708 per du.
• Aquatic Center Facilities: $192 per du.
• Parkland and Open Space (credit applied if Quimby paid): $12,708 per du.
4.16.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant housing and population impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Projectrelated component would:
Threshold REC-1 Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Threshold REC-2 Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
METHODOLOGY
Potential impacts were evaluated by analyzing potential impacts to the environment from construction of renovated or new park and recreational facilities from development of the Modified Project.
4.16.7 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:
REC-1 Would the project
increase the use of
existing neighborhood
and regional parks or
other recreational
facilities such that
substantial physical
deterioration of the
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facility would occur or
be accelerated?
REC-2 Does the project
include recreational
facilities or require the
construction or
expansion of
recreational facilities
which might have an
adverse physical effect
on the environment?
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact REC-1: Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Impact REC-2: Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment)?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The Modified Project does not include development of a new or renovated off-site park or recreational facility that would result in an impact to the environment. Up to 32 ER residences would potentially be developed in PA 5, directly adding to the City’s population. In addition, the Modified Project would potentially add to demand on parks and recreational facilities from employees working at the proposed 746,167 sf BPI Development and planned 19,600 sf of GC uses. As described previously in Section 4.14 Population and Housing, the 32 ER homes would accommodate approximately 113 residents, the 746,167 sf BPI Development would produce approximately 995 employees, and the 19,600 sf of GC use would produce approximately 130 employees. Even if 25% of the employees and their households were to move to the City, the resulting growth in population would be approximately 1,104 people. Compared to the City’s 2024 estimated population from DOF of 156,615, the additional 1,104 residents would represent a less than one-tenth of one percent increase in population. This increase would not be considered substantial population growth and would not result in substantial increased demand on parks and recreational facilities. Construction of a new or renovated park or recreational facilities would not be required and impacts to the environment would not occur, resulting in a 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.
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Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
4.16.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or No New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR.
As discussed under impact REC-1 and REC -2, the Modified Project does not propose construction of a new or renovation of an existing park or recreational facility that would result in and impact to the environment. Cumulative impacts associated with parks and recreational facilities are mitigated by City park fees paid by residential development and City DIF fees paid by all development. These monies are collected and used to fund future park and recreational facilities subject to environmental review. Therefore, the Modified Project’s cumulative impacts are considered less than significant and consistent with the impacts identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project. The level of impact (less than significant) remains unchanged.
4.16.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures were included in the 2001 EIR.
4.16.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT No mitigation measures are required.
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4.17 TRANSPORTATION
4.17.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing population and housing conditions within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential changes in population and housing impacts from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. The Public Scoping Meeting comments were received from Dwight Woodward, Bruce Fields, Diana Reuss and Robert Reuss, Jeanmarie Martinez, Mike Serle, and Tom Pavelich pertaining to this topic. The NOP comment letters were received from Southern California Association of Governments, Adam Ruiz, Robert Schnabel, Don Osborne, and Klaus Kraemer 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, Traffic Analysis, June 10, 2024 Urban Crossroads (Appendix M-1) and the Green River Ranch Specific Plan Amendment Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis, dated June 24, 2024 (Appendix M-2).
4.17.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would result in less than significant traffic impacts with implementation of improvements to the Green River Road/SR-91 ramps, and a significant and unavoidable transportation impact to the SR-91 mainline freeway lanes based on the checklist question in place at that time.
a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion?
The 2001 EIR evaluated the Approved Project’s potential traffic impacts on vicinity intersections, roadways, and SR-91. The analysis examined levels of service (LOS) at five intersections in the study area including the Green River Road/SR-91 EB and WB ramps, LOS on Green River Road from the ramps to Palisades Drive and Palisades Drive, and LOS on SR91 freeway segments from Main Street to the Orange/Riverside County line. Intersection analysis was conducted for Year 2001 plus Approved Project Phase I (MU and GC); intersection and freeway analysis was conducted for Year 2003 plus Approved Project Phase II (buildout); and intersection and roadway analysis was conducted for Year 2015 plus Approved Project Phase II (buildout). The following summarizes the analysis. • Year 2001 plus Phase I Intersection Analysis: Due to existing and background traffic congestion, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would contribute to a significant impact to the Green River Road/SR-91 eastbound and westbound ramp intersections. With implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.2.1A and MM
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4.2.1B consisting of installation of signals and turn lanes, impacts were reduced to less than significant.
• Project Timing: The project traffic analysis prepared for the 2001 EIR assumed development of a specific mix of commercial, hotel, industrial, and residential uses based on the land use flexibility allowed in the GC and MU categories of the GRRSP.
The 2001 EIR acknowledged implementation of the Approved Project could result in construction of land uses with higher trip generation than analyzed, producing a significant impact. The 2001 EIR introduced Mitigation Measure MM 4.2.2, requiring the total cumulative a.m. and p.m. peak hour trip generation estimate for PAs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 not exceed the a.m. and p.m. peak hour trip generation estimated contained in the Approved Project traffic study. With implementation of Mitigation Measure MM
4.2.2, impacts were reduced to less than significant.
• Year 2003 plus Phase II Intersection Analysis: Due to regional improvements to the SR-91/Green River Road interchange, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would not impact intersections in the study area. However, the 2001 EIR noted the Approved Project would contribute to significant impacts at the Green River Road/SR91 ramps if development of the Approved Project precedes installation of the regional improvements. With implementation of Mitigation Measures MM 4.2.3 requiring construction of regional improvements to the interchange including widening the Green River Road overpass to six lanes prior to issuance of building permits for the ER residences, impacts were reduced to less than significant. • Year 2003 plus Phase II Freeway Analysis: Due to projected traffic congestion, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would contribute to a significant impact to the SR-91 freeway lanes in the peak direction of flow (westbound during the a.m. peak hour and eastbound during the p.m. peak hours). The addition of proposed project trips will further deteriorate the projected LOS F for 2003 background conditions.
Mitigation in the form of additional freeway lanes would mitigate project impacts by addressing the capacity deficiencies on SR-91, however the schedule for installing such lanes was not known at that time. Consequently, the 2001 EIR concluded there is no reasonable mitigation for the significant impact and it would remain significant and unavoidable.
• Year 2015 plus Phase II Intersection Analysis: With the regional improvements to the SR-91/Green River Road interchange, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would not impact intersections in the study area in the Year 2015 time horizon. Impacts were determined to be less than significant and no mitigation was required. • Year 2015 plus Phase II Roadway Analysis: With Green River Road assumed to be widened to six lanes from SR-91 to Dominguez Ranch Road and four lanes east of Dominguez Ranch Road, the 2001 EIR determined the Approved Project would not
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impact roadways in the study area in the Year 2015 time horizon. Impacts were determined to be less than significant and no mitigation was required.
The LOS analyses that was conducted to evaluate the Approved Project’s traffic impacts was based on an analytical metric that is no longer a valid measure of traffic impacts in accordance with CEQA and State environmental law.
b) Traffic hazards from design features?
The 2001 EIR noted preliminary design of the Approved Project included at grade public streets that would provide adequate site distance and the installation of traffic flow control measures. Mitigation of traffic flows was noted as being typically obtained through signalization and signal sequencing to facilitate roadway traffic flows. c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? The 2001 EIR noted preliminary design of the Approved Project included adequate provisions for emergency access to the site, and to nearby uses. Final design of all roadways and intersections would be required to incorporate design standards tailored specifically to provide adequate site access in accordance with City development standards. d) Insufficient parking capacity on site or off site?
The 2001 EIR noted implementation of the proposed non-residential uses would require onsite parking in accordance with the City’s parking requirements, which would provide necessary parking supplies to meet anticipated parking demand from the uses that would eventually develop on the site. Final design of on-site parking would be required to incorporate design standards tailored specifically to parking demands of the Approved Project in accordance with the proposed GRRSP or the City’s development standards. e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists?
The Initial Study for the 2001 EIR noted the project EIR would assess potential safety hazards associated with the interface of pedestrians and bicycles and vehicular traffic accessing the project site. Although such analysis was not specifically provided, it is reasonable to assume such impacts were less than significant given the Approved Project’s on-site and off-site improvements associated with pedestrian and bicycle travel would be designed and constructed in accordance with applicable City standards.
f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?
The Initial Study for the 2001 EIR noted the project EIR would assess the compatibility of the Approved Project’s access and design features with policies identified by the City regarding incorporation of alternate modes of transportation. Although such analysis was not provided, it is reasonable to assume such impacts were less than significant given the Approved Project’s
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on-site and off-site improvements supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks) would be designed and constructed in accordance with applicable City standards.
g) Rail, waterborne, or air traffic impacts?
The 2001 EIR noted rail, waterborne and air traffic movements would not be directly affected by the Approved Project. No waterways or air corridors were known to exist on, or in the project vicinity. Although an existing rail line is located north of Green River Road, the 2001 EIR concluded the Approved Project would not affect the rail line.
4.17.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Existing Vehicle Miles Traveled
For the purposes of CEQA traffic analysis of land use development and related projects, the most important background condition is existing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data applicable to the local jurisdiction. Through consultation with City Staff, it was determined the Riverside County Model (RIVCOM) was the appropriate tool for conducting VMT analysis for the proposed Modified Project RIVCOM and the model is consistent with the City’s VMT impact threshold listed by the City Guidelines. The calculation of VMT for land use projects is based on the total number of trips generated and the average trip length of each vehicle type, and therefore vehicle trips and average daily trip lengths for project-related vehicle trips were derived using RIVCOM. Based on the modeled data, the calculation of existing VMT in the City applicable to the proposed Project is 40.6 as shown in Table 4.17-1: Existing VMT.
Table 4.17-1: Existing VMT
Baseline
Service Population 249,403
VMT 10,120,351
VMT per Service Population 40.6
Existing Roadway Network
The City’s roadway system and classifications are grouped into functional classifications based on two general criteria; first, the extent to which the road prioritizes the through movement of traffic; and second, the level of access to adjacent properties. Aside from these generalized characteristics, roadways vary in terms of right-of-way, width, number of lanes, intersection and traffic signal spacing, speed, and other characteristics (such as the presence of sidewalks,
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bikeways, landscaping, and improvements outside the right-of-way). Functional class is identified in the General Plan Table CE-1 Corona Functional Roadway Classification.
Existing Transit Facilities
Public transportation expands mobility options to citizens that may not be able to afford or physically operate other means of travel, as well as providing a transportation option for those who choose not to drive. The City’s transit network includes intercity buses, local buses, demand-responsive service, and commuter rail; all of which help people move. City of Corona, Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) transit routes are shown on General Plan Figure CE-2 Transit Routes.
Corona Cruiser and Dial-A-Ride
The Corona Cruiser is a fixed route service operated by the City of Corona. The system travels along two routes in the City, which include the Red and Blue Lines connecting with RTA buses, North Main Metrolink commuter train station, and Park & Ride lots. The Dial-A-Ride program is an on-demand, shared-ride transit system. The service provides mobility to seniors and persons with disabilities.
Riverside Transit Agency
Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) is the largest public transportation provider in Corona. RTA provides four bus routes to the West Corona Metrolink Station, the City of Fullerton, the City of Murrieta, and the City of Lake Elsinore. RTA provides access to the Corona Park-N-Ride Lot, the West Corona Station on the Metrolink Commuter Rail system, and the commuter link express bus route (206) that travels the cities of Corona, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, and Temecula during the morning and evening peak hours.
MetroLink
Metrolink is a commuter rail program operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), providing service from outlying suburban communities to employment centers such as Burbank, Irvine, and downtown Los Angeles. The 91 Line and the Inland Empire/Orange County Line serve the Metrolink stations in West Corona and North Main Corona. The 91 Line provides access between Riverside and Los Angeles, while the Inland Empire/Orange County Line provides access between Irvine and Riverside.
Orange County Transportation Authority
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) route 794 provides employee serving transit service between Corona and Orange County at the Riverside/Corona to South Coast Metro Express via the SR-91 and SR-55 freeways. The bus route is an AM and PM peak hour bus service that connect passengers to South Coast Plaza, Harbor Gateway Business Center, and several universities.
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Paratransit
Paratransit vans, mini-buses, and taxis are typically used to provide conventional paratransit service. Paratransit services vary considerably on the degree of flexibility they provide their customers. At their simplest, they may consist of a taxi or small bus that will run along a more or less defined route and then stop to pick up or discharge passengers on request. At the other end of the spectrum (fully demand-responsive transport), the most flexible paratransit systems offer on-demand call-up door-to-door service from any origin to any destination in a service area such as Uber or Lyft.
Bicycle Facilities
The City’s Bicycle Master Plan calls for bicycle lanes on various streets in order to increase emphasis on active transportation. General Plan Figure CE-3 Bikeway Plan shows existing and planned bikeways in the City. The Bicycle Master Plan proposes bicycle facilities consisting of Class I to Class III throughout the City. The bicycle facility classifications currently in use in Corona are Class I Bikeways (Off-Street Bike Paths) that are completely separate facilities designated for the exclusive use of bicyclists and pedestrians with minimal vehicle crossings, Class II Bikeways (Bike Lanes) that are striped lanes designated for the use of bicycles on a street or highway, and Class III Bikeways (Bike Routes) that are only identified by signs or pavement markings.
4.17.4 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.17.5 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
There are no federal regulations related to population and housing that apply to the Modified Project.
STATE REGULATIONS
There are no State regulations related to traffic that apply to the Modified Project.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Community Strategy SCAG adopted the 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, “Connect SoCal,” in 2020 which builds upon and expands land use and transportation strategies established over several planning cycles to increase mobility options and achieve a more sustainable growth pattern. The long-range visioning plan balances future mobility and housing needs with goals for the environment, the regional economy, social equity and environmental justice, and public health.
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WRCOG Transportation Mitigation Uniform Fee
The County of Riverside has a Transportation Mitigation Uniform Fee (TUMF), which is administered by the Western Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG). Under the TUMF, WRCOG collects fees from new development with the purpose of funding transportation improvements such as roadway widening, new roadways, intersection improvements, traffic signalization, etc., for the purpose of mitigating future growth.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
City of Corona Development Impact Fees
The City’s capital improvement plans specify the types of improvements required to achieve circulation and other goals, and provides a schedule of activities needed to fund, construct, and rehabilitate such improvements. In addition to payment of TUMF fees to the WRCOG (see above), the City requires payment of Development Impact Fees (DIF) per residential unit or non-residential square footage for street and signal improvements to fund transportation improvements to achieve the City’s circulation goals.
City of Corona VMT Thresholds
The City’s adopted VMT thresholds include a first screening step, to identify projects that would result in a less than significant traffic impact. If not screened out, a project moves on to the next step requiring a detailed VMT study based on comparing estimated project VMT to the exiting VMT for the project area. A significant impact would occur if the project generates total daily VMT per service population above the existing total daily VMT per service population for the City.
4.17.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant housing and population impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Projectrelated component would:
Threshold TRA-1 Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities)?
Threshold TRA-2 Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Threshold TRA-3 Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
Threshold TRA-4 Result in inadequate emergency access?
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4.17.7 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:
TRA-1 Conflict with a
program, plan,
ordinance or policy
addressing the
circulation system,
including transit,
roadway, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities)?
TRA-2 Conflict or be
inconsistent with
CEQA Guidelines §
15064.3, subdivision
(b)?
TRA-3 Substantially increase
hazards due to a
geometric design
feature (e.g., sharp
curves or dangerous
intersections) or
incompatible uses
(e.g., farm
equipment)?
TRA-4 Result in inadequate
emergency access?
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IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact TRA-1: Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
The General Plan Circulation Element describes the circulation system within the City and contains policies mostly pertaining to the broader circulation system the Modified Project would not impact. Each increment of development associated with the Modified Project including the BPI Development would be required to comply with obligatory requirements of the Municipal Code that implement policies of the General Plan pertaining to all forms for circulation. Each phase of the Modified Project would be required to provide sidewalks on all driveways, adequate parking and parking stalls, and street and driveway sections that meet City design criteria and support all form of transportation.
Consistent with existing requirements of the Municipal Code and policies of the General Plan, the BPI Development component will construct several roadway improvements along the project frontages and nearby offsite locations. These improvements are summarized as follows. • Prior to issuance of first occupancy permits in PAs 1, 2, and 3, the Developer of PAs 1, 2, and 3 shall install: a traffic signal at Street A/Green River Road; construct an eastbound right turn lane on Green River Road at the intersection approach with a minimum of 100-feet of storage; a westbound left turn lane on Green River Road at the intersection approach with 175-feet of storage; and a northbound left turn lane on Green River Road at the intersection approach with 150-feet of storage. For PA 4, the Developer of PA 4 will modify the signal to accommodate a northern leg with an eastbound left turn approach lane with a minimum of 150-feet of storage. • Prior to issuance of first occupancy permits in PAs 1, 2, and 3, the Developer of PAs 1, 2, and 3 Construct Green River Road to its ultimate General Plan roadway crosssection as a Major Arterial along the Project frontage (right-of-way varies from 118- feet to as wide as 200-feet, ultimate width to be determined at the time of Precise Plan Implementation for the adjacent Planning Areas). The ultimate Green River Road improvement width is constrained near Fresno Road pursuant to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan to a width of 118-feet. Roadway, curb and gutter, sidewalk, and landscaping improvements on the south side of Green River Road to be installed by the developer of PAs 1, 2, and 3 and on the north side of Green River Road to be installed by the developer of PA 4 shall be made as required by the final Conditions of Approval for the Project and applicable Specific Plan and City of Corona standards.
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• Prior to issuance of first occupancy permits in PAs 1, 2, and 3, the Developer of PAs 1, 2, and 3 shall construct Street A as a private collector (89-foot right-of-way and 65- foot curb-to-curb width) consistent with the applicable Specific Plan and City of Corona standards or as required by the final Conditions of Approval for the Project.
However, Street A will narrow to have a minimum 64-foot right-of-way with a 44-foot curb-to-curb width (will not include a raised median) and a 10-foot parkway. The 10- foot parkway will include a 5-foot-wide (minimum) sidewalk on either side of the street.
Impacts associated with conflicts with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities would be 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 TRA-2: Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Based on the results of the VMT Study, the Modified Project’s retail component (GC uses in PA 4) meets the local serving screening criteria. However, the remaining BPI Development and ER components do not meet any available screening criteria and therefore the VMT Study included a detailed VMT analysis. The VMT analysis was conducted consistent with the City VMT Guidelines.
The Modified Project’s VMT per service population was calculated to be 62.0. With a baseline City threshold VMT per service population of 40.6, the Modified Project would exceed the City’s impact threshold by 52.7%. Consequently, the Modified Project would result in a significant impact requiring mitigation. CEQA requires that feasible mitigation measures be implemented to reduce a project’s level of impact.
The VMT study determined mitigation of the BPI Development and ER VMT impact should involve development and implementation of transportation demand management (TDM) strategies that are considered feasible and will contribute to reducing project generated VMT.
Features to promote the use of alternative transportation modes such as sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and bicycle racks would be included as part of the BPI Development. As part of the TDM Plan, property owner associations and/or building occupants would be required to implement a TDM Plan to discourage single-occupancy vehicle trips for employees and
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encourage alternative modes of transportation such as carpooling, transit, walking, and biking.
Mitigation Measure MM TRA-1 defined in section 4.17.10 would reduce VMT impacts associated with the BPI and ER components of the Modified Project. Sufficient TDM reduction strategies do not exist to reduce the project’s daily VMT per service population by 52.7% as required to fully mitigate the impact. Consequently, even with implementation of all feasible mitigation, VMT service population thresholds would not be met resulting in a significant and unavoidable transportation impact. As concluded in the 2001 EIR, the Approved Project would result in significant and unavoidable transportation impacts. 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. However, the Modified Project requires implementation of new Mitigation Measure MM TRA-1.
Mitigation Measure
The Modified Project introduces the following Mitigation Measure further described in detail Section 4.17.10.
• MM TRA-1
Impact TRA-3: Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Development of Modified Project would comply with existing development review procedures in accordance with the Municipal Code, Zoning Code, and the GRRSP that would reduce hazards (e.g., intersection design, roadway design, driveway design, etc.). The design of the Modified Project has been reviewed by the project traffic engineer and City’s engineering and fire departments for inconsistencies with design standards and hazardous conditions, and none have been identified. The Modified Project would not create hazardous conditions or incompatible land uses resulting in a less than significant impact 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 TRA-4: Result in inadequate emergency access?
Please see Section 4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Subsection 4.9.7 Impact HAZ-6, for a thorough discussion of the Modified Project’s impacts associated with interference with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
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4.17.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or No New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR.
As discussed previously, VMT traffic impacts associated with the Modified Project were determined to be significant and unavoidable even with implementation of all feasible mitigation. The VMT metric is inherently a cumulative analysis, because VMT baselines are directly related to the land use pattern of a given area. Also discussed previously, the Approved Project’s impacts associated with LOS impacts were determined to be significant and unavoidable with mitigation. Therefore, no new or substantially greater cumulative traffic impact would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
4.17.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures are required.
4.17.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT MM 4.17.1 Prior to the issuance of building permits for the BPI Development in PA 1, 2 and 3 and the Estate Residential uses in PA 5, separate Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plans shall be prepared to reduce project VMT. Applicable trip reduction strategies may include but are not limited to the following:
• Implement voluntary local hiring programs.
• Mark preferred parking spaces for vanpools and carpools. • Provide on-site secured bike parking facilities.
• Provide information on carpooling and vanpooling opportunities to employees. • Provide an on-site message board in each building or other comparable system to encourage and provide information about public transit, carpooling, and vanpooling, and carpool and vanpool ride-matching services.
The TDM Plan shall include an estimate of the vehicle trip reduction anticipated for each strategy proposed based on published research such as California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA), Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity (December 2021) (CAPCOA Handbook).
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4.18 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
4.18.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing tribal cultural resources within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential impacts to tribal cultural resources from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. No Scoping Meeting or NOP comments were received pertaining to this topic.
In accordance with AB 52 and SB 18 requirements, the City sent invitation letters to representatives of the Native American contacts provided by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), formally inviting tribes to consult with the City on the Modified Project.
The intent of the consultations is to provide an opportunity for interested Native American contacts to work together with the City during the Project planning process to identify and protect tribal cultural resources. Initial response letters were received from the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, Juaneno Band of Mission Indians – Acjachemen Nation, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, and Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians requesting additional information on the project or consultation. After corresponding with the interested tribes, the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians expressed no further concerns to the City, and three other tribes (Soboba, Pechanga, and Rincon) became nonresponsive to the City’s correspondences. Consultation occurred only between the City and Gabrieleno.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based on the Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment (CRA), prepared by Brian F. Smith Associates, Inc. (BFSA), dated August 7, 2020, revised January 10, 2024 (Appendix F) and a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search requested from the Native American Heritage Commission (Appendix N).
4.18.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 EIR did not specifically address tribal cultural resources, although Section 4.8 Cultural Resources addressed certain aspects of tribal cultural resources. The Approved Project impact analysis related to tribal cultural resources as presented in Section 4.8 Cultural Resources of the 2001 EIR as well as any mitigation measures identified to reduce significant impacts are summarized as follows.
b) Archeological resources?
d) Ethnic cultural values?
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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 Approved 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 and it has since been removed and replaced. The remainder of the Project area was undeveloped and no other 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.
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.
4.18.3 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 Modified Project site is largely undeveloped. 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.
Field Survey
A pedestrian survey was prepared as part of the Cultural Resources Study for the Modified Project on July 10, 2020. The survey was conducted in approximately 10-meter interval transects, when not hindered by steep terrain and dense vegetation. Visibility was moderate due to pockets of dense vegetation found throughout the property. The northern portion of the project consists of gently sloping to almost flat terrain. However, the southern portion of the project 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. The property historically has been utilized for ranching since at least 1946 that has impacted and disturbed much of the northern portions of the project.
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Sacred Lands File Search
A SLF search was also requested from the NAHC. The NAHC SLF search did not indicate the presence of any sacred sites or locations of religious or ceremonial importance within a onemile search radius (Appendix E-2).
Native American Cultural Setting
The CRA (SEIR Appendix E-1) prepared for the Modified Project provides a comprehensive summary of the Paleo Indian, Archaic Period Milling Stone Horizon, and the Late Prehistoric Takic groups which are the three general cultural periods represented in Riverside County. The summary references the San Dieguito Complex, Encinitas Tradition, Milling Stone Horizon, La Jolla Complex, Pauma Complex, and San Luis Rey Complex, since these culture sequences have been used to describe archaeological manifestations in the region. The Late Prehistoric component present in the Riverside County area was primarily represented by the Cahuilla, Gabrielino, and Luiseño Indians. An archaeological and ethnographic perspective summary of these three Native American peoples is presented as follows.
Luiseño: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Perspective When contacted by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, the Luiseño occupied a territory bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Peninsular Ranges mountains at San Jacinto (including Palomar Mountain to the south and Santiago Peak to the north), on the south by Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and on the north by Aliso Creek in present-day San Juan Capistrano. The Luiseño were a Takic-speaking people more closely related linguistically and ethnographically to the Cahuilla, Gabrielino, and Cupeño to the north and east rather than the Kumeyaay who occupied territory to the south. The Luiseño differed from their neighboring Takic speakers in having an extensive proliferation of social statuses, a system of ruling families that provided ethnic cohesion within the territory, a distinct worldview that stemmed from the use of datura (a hallucinogen), and an elaborate religion that included the creation of sacred sand paintings depicting the deity Chingichngish.
Subsistence and Settlement: The Luiseño occupied sedentary villages most often located in sheltered areas in valley bottoms, along streams, or along coastal strands near mountain ranges.
Villages were located near water sources to facilitate acorn leaching and in areas that offered thermal and defensive protection. Villages were composed of areas that were publicly and privately (by family) owned. Publicly owned areas included trails, temporary campsites, hunting areas, and quarry sites. Inland groups had fishing and gathering sites along the coast that were intensively used from January to March when inland food resources were scarce.
During October and November, most of the village would relocate to mountain oak groves to harvest acorns. The Luiseño remained at village sites for the remainder of the year, where food resources were within a day’s travel.
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Social Organization: Social groups within the Luiseño nation consisted of patrilinear families or clans, which were politically and economically autonomous. Several clans comprised a religious party, or nota, which was headed by a chief who organized ceremonies and controlled economics and warfare. The chief had assistants who specialized in particular aspects of ceremonial or environmental knowledge and who, with the chief, were part of a religion-based social group with special access to supernatural power, particularly that of Chingichngish. The positions of chief and assistants were hereditary, and the complexity and multiplicity of these specialists’ roles likely increased in A Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Green River Ranch III Project coastal and larger inland villages.
Marriages were arranged by the parents, often made to forge alliances between lineages. Useful alliances included those between groups of differing ecological niches and those that resulted in territorial expansion. Residence was patrilocal (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Women were primarily responsible for plant gathering and men principally hunted, although, at times, particularly during acorn and marine mollusk harvests, there was no division of labor.
Elderly women cared for children and elderly men participated in rituals, ceremonies, and political affairs. They were also responsible for manufacturing hunting and ritual implements.
Children were taught subsistence skills at the earliest age possible.
Material Culture: House structures were conical, partially subterranean, and thatched with reeds, brush, or bark. Ramadas were rectangular, protected workplaces for domestic chores such as cooking. Ceremonial sweathouses were important in purification rituals; these were round and partially subterranean thatched structures covered with a layer of mud. Another ceremonial structure was the wámkis (located in the center of the village, serving as the place of rituals), where sand paintings and other rituals associated with the Chingichngish religious group were performed.
Clothing was minimal; women wore a cedar-bark and netted twine double apron and men wore a waist cord. In cold weather, cloaks or robes of rabbit fur, deerskin, or sea otter fur were worn by both sexes. Footwear included deerskin moccasins and sandals fashioned from yucca fibers.
Adornments included bead necklaces and pendants made of bone, clay, stone, shell, bear claw, mica, deer hooves, and abalone shell. Men wore ear and nose piercings made from cane or bone, which were sometimes decorated with beads. Other adornments were commonly decorated with semiprecious stones including quartz, topaz, garnet, opal, opalite, agate, and jasper.
Hunting implements included the bow and arrow. Arrows were tipped with either a carved, fire-hardened wood tip or a lithic point, usually fashioned from locally available metavolcanic material or quartz. Throwing sticks fashioned from wood were used in hunting small game, while deer head decoys were used during deer hunts. Coastal groups fashioned dugout canoes for nearshore fishing and harvested fish with seines, nets, traps, and hooks made of bone or abalone shell.
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The Luiseño had a well-developed basket industry. Baskets were used in resource gathering, food preparation, storage, and food serving. Ceramic containers were shaped by paddle and anvil and fired in shallow, open pits to be used for food storage, cooking, and serving. Other utensils included wood implements, steatite bowls, and ground stone manos, metates, mortars, and pestles. Additional tools such as knives, scrapers, choppers, awls, and drills were also used.
Shamanistic items include soapstone or clay smoking pipes and crystals made of quartz or tourmaline.
Cahuilla: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Perspective At the time of Spanish contact in the sixteenth century, the Cahuilla occupied territory that included the San Bernardino Mountains, Orocopia Mountain, and the Chocolate Mountains to the west, Salton Sea and Borrego Springs to the south, Palomar Mountain and Lake Mathews to the west, and the Santa Ana River to the north. The Cahuilla are a Takic-speaking people closely related to their Gabrielino and Luiseño neighbors, although relations with the Gabrielino were more intense than with the Luiseño. They differ from the Luiseño and Gabrielino in that their religion is more similar to the Mohave tribes of the eastern deserts than the Chingichngish religious group of the Luiseño and Gabrielino. The following is a summary of ethnographic data regarding this group.
Subsistence and Settlement: Cahuilla villages were typically permanent and located on low terraces within canyons in proximity to water sources. These locations proved to be rich in food resources and also afforded protection from prevailing winds. Villages had areas that were publicly owned and areas that were privately owned by clans, families, or individuals. Each village was associated with a particular lineage and series of sacred sites that included unique petroglyphs and pictographs. Villages were occupied throughout the year; however, during a several-week period in the fall, most of the village members relocated to mountain oak groves to take part in acorn harvesting.
Social Organization: The Cahuilla was not a political nation, but rather a cultural nationality with a common language. Two non-political, non-territorial patrimoieties were recognized: the Wildcats (túktem) and the Coyotes. Lineage and kinship were memorized at a young age among the Cahuilla, providing a backdrop for political relationships. Clans were composed of three to 10 lineages; each lineage owned a village site and specific resource areas. Lineages within a clan cooperated in subsistence activities, defense, and rituals.
A system of ceremonial hierarchy operated within each lineage. The hierarchy included the lineage leader, who was responsible for leading subsistence activities, guarding the sacred bundle, and negotiating with other lineage leaders in matters concerning land use, boundary disputes, marriage arrangements, trade, warfare, and ceremonies. The ceremonial assistant to the lineage leader was responsible for organizing ceremonies. A ceremonial singer possessed and performed songs at rituals and trained assistant singers. The shaman cured illnesses
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through supernatural powers, controlled natural phenomena, and was the guardian of ceremonies, keeping evil spirits away. The diviner was responsible for finding lost objects, telling future events, and locating game and other food resources. Doctors were usually older women who cured various ailments and illnesses with their knowledge of medicinal herbs.
Finally, certain Cahuilla specialized as traders, who ranged as far west as Santa Catalina and as far east as the Gila River.
Marriages were arranged by parents from opposite moieties. When a child was born, an alliance formed between the families, which included frequent reciprocal exchanges. The Cahuilla kinship system extended to relatives within five generations. Important economic decisions, primarily the distribution of goods, operated within this kinship system.
Material Culture: Cahuilla houses were dome-shaped or rectangular, thatched structures. The home of the lineage leader was the largest, located near the ceremonial house with the best access to water. Other structures within the village included the men’s sweathouse and granaries.
Cahuilla clothing, like other groups in the area, was minimal. Men typically wore a loincloth and sandals; women wore skirts made from mesquite bark, animal skin, or tules. Babies wore mesquite bark diapers. Rabbit skin cloaks were worn in cold weather.
Hunting implements included the bow and arrow, throwing sticks, and clubs. Grinding tools used in food processing included manos, metates, and wood mortars. The Cahuilla were known to use long grinding implements made from wood to process mesquite beans; the mortar was typically a hollowed log buried in the ground. Other tools included steatite arrow shaft straighteners.
Baskets were made from rush, deer grass, and skunkbrush. Different species and leaves were chosen for different colors in the basket design. Coiled-ware baskets were either flat (for plates, trays, or winnowing), bowl-shaped (for food serving), deep, inverted, and cone-shaped (for transporting), or rounded and flat-bottomed for storing utensils and personal items.
Cahuilla pottery was made from a thin, red-colored ceramic ware that was often painted and incised. Four basic vessel types are known for the Cahuilla: small-mouthed jars, cooking pots, bowls, and dishes. Additionally, smoking pipes and flutes were fashioned from ceramic.
Gabrielino: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Perspective The territory of the Gabrielino at the time of Spanish contact covers much of present-day Los Angeles and Orange counties. The southern extent of this culture area is bounded by Aliso Creek, the eastern extent is located east of present-day San Bernardino along the Santa Ana River, the northern extent includes the San Fernando Valley, and the western extent includes portions of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Gabrielino also occupied several Channel Islands including Santa Barbara Island, Santa Catalina Island, San Nicholas Island, and San Clemente
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Island. Because of their access to certain resources, including a steatite source from Santa Catalina Island, this group was among the wealthiest and most populous aboriginal groups in all of southern California. Trade of materials and resources controlled by the Gabrielino extended as far north as the San Joaquin Valley, as far east as the Colorado River, and as far south as Baja California.
Subsistence and Settlement: The Gabrielino lived in permanent villages and occupied smaller resource-gathering camps at various times of the year depending upon the seasonality of the resource. Larger villages were comprised of several families or clans, while smaller, seasonal camps typically housed smaller family units. The coastal area between San Pedro and Topanga Canyon was the location of primary subsistence villages, while secondary sites were located near inland sage stands, oak groves, and pine forests. Permanent villages were located along rivers and streams and in sheltered areas along the coast. As previously mentioned, the Channel Islands were also the locations of relatively large settlements.
Social Organization: The social structure of the Gabrielino is little known; however, there appears to have been at least three social classes: 1) the elite, which included the rich, chiefs, and their immediate family; 2) a middle class, which included people of relatively high economic status or long-established lineages; and 3) a class of people that included most other individuals in the society. Villages were politically autonomous units comprised of several lineages. During times of the year when certain seasonal resources were available, the village would divide into lineage groups and move out to exploit them, returning to the village between forays.
Each lineage had its own leader, with the village chief coming from the dominant lineage.
Several villages might be allied under a paramount chief. Chiefly positions were of an ascribed status, most often passed to the eldest son. Chiefly duties included providing village cohesion, leading warfare and peace negotiations with other groups, collecting tribute from the village(s) under his jurisdiction, and arbitrating disputes within the village(s). The status of the chief was legitimized by his safekeeping of the sacred bundle, a representation of the link between the material and spiritual realms and the embodiment of power.
Shamans were leaders in the spirit realm. The duties of the shaman included conducting healing and curing ceremonies, guarding the sacred bundle, locating lost items, identifying and collecting poisons for arrows, and making rain.
Marriages were made between individuals of equal social status and, in the case of powerful lineages, marriages were arranged to establish political ties between the lineages.
Men conducted the majority of the heavy labor, hunting, fishing, and trading with other groups.
Women’s duties included gathering and preparing plant and animal resources, and making baskets, pots, and clothing.
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Material Culture: Gabrielino houses were domed, circular structures made of thatched vegetation. Houses varied in size and could house from one to several families. Sweathouses (semicircular, earth covered buildings) were public structures used in male social ceremonies.
Other structures included menstrual huts and a ceremonial structure called a yuvar, an openair structure built near the chief’s house.
Clothing was minimal; men and children most often went naked, while women wore deerskin or bark aprons. In cold weather, deerskin, rabbit fur, or bird skin (with feathers intact) cloaks were worn. Island and coastal groups used sea otter fur for cloaks. In areas of rough terrain, yucca fiber sandals were worn. Women often used red ochre on their faces and skin for adornment or protection from the sun. Adornment items included feathers, fur, shells, and beads.
Hunting implements included wood clubs, sinew-backed bows, slings, and throwing clubs.
Maritime implements included rafts, harpoons, spears, hook and line, and nets. A variety of other tools included deer scapulae saws, bone and shell needles, bone awls, scrapers, bone or shell flakers, wedges, stone knives and drills, metates, mullers, manos, shell spoons, bark platters, and wood paddles and bowls. Baskets were made from rush, deer grass, and skunkbush. Baskets were fashioned for hoppers, plates, trays, and winnowers for leaching, straining, and gathering. Baskets were also used for storing, preparing, and serving food, and for keeping personal and ceremonial items.
The Gabrielino had exclusive access to soapstone, or steatite, procured from Santa Catalina Island quarries. This highly prized material was used for making pipes, animal carvings, ritual objects, ornaments, and cooking utensils. The Gabrielino profited well from trading steatite since it was valued so much by groups throughout southern California.
Ethnohistoric Period (1769 to Present)
Traditionally, the history of the state of California can be referred to together as the Ethnohistoric Period from 1769 to the present. European exploration along the California coast began in 1542 with the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his men at San Diego Bay.
Over the ensuing years, early European voyages observed Native Americans living in villages along the coast but did not make any substantial, long-lasting impact. At the time of contact, the Luiseño population was estimated to have ranged from 4,000 to as many as 10,000 individuals. Later on in the late 1700s, Spanish colonization expeditions started exploring San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles Counties eventually establishing missions. Each mission gained power through the support of a large, subjugated Native American workforce.
Early colonization efforts were followed by the establishment of estancias. Throughout this period, the Native American populations were decimated by introduced diseases, a drastic shift in diet resulting in poor nutrition, and social conflicts due to the introduction of an entirely new social order. The treatment of Native Americans grew worse during the Mexican Rancho
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Period. Most of the Native Americans were forced off of their land or put to work on the now privately-owned ranchos, most often as slave labor. In light of the brutal ranchos, the degree to which Native Americans had become dependent upon the mission system is evident when, in 1838, a group of Native Americans from Mission San Luis Rey petitioned government officials in San Diego to relieve suffering at the hands of the rancheros:
We have suffered incalculable losses, for some of which we are in part to be blamed for because many of us have abandoned the Mission … We plead and beseech you … to grant us a Rev. Father for this place. We have been accustomed to the Rev. Fathers and to their manner of managing the duties. We labored under their intelligent directions, and we were obedient to the Fathers according to the regulations, because we considered it as good for us.
Native American culture had been disrupted to the point where they could no longer rely upon prehistoric subsistence and social patterns. Not only does this illustrate how dependent the Native Americans had become upon the missionaries, but it also indicates a marked contrast in the way the Spanish treated the Native Americans compared to the Mexican and United States ranchers. Spanish colonialism (missions) is based upon utilizing human resources while integrating them into their society. The Mexican and American ranchers did not accept Native Americans into their social order and used them specifically for the extraction of labor, resources, and profit. Rather than being incorporated, they were either subjugated or exterminated.
4.18.4 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.18.5 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
There are no federal regulations that apply to the Modified Project.
STATE REGULATIONS
California Public Resources Code
Archaeological resources are protected pursuant to a wide variety of state policies and regulations enumerated under the California Public Resources Code. In addition, cultural resources are recognized as a nonrenewable resource and therefore receive protection under the California Public Resources Code and CEQA.
California Public Resources Code 5097.9–5097.991 provides protection to Native American historical and cultural resources, and sacred sites and identifies the powers and duties of the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). It also requires notification of discoveries of
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Native American human remains, descendants and provides for treatment and disposition of human remains and associated grave goods.
California Health and Safety Code
The discovery of human remains is regulated by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, which states that:
In the event of discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, there shall be no further excavation…until the coroner…has determined…that the remains are not subject to…provisions of law concerning investigation of the circumstances, manner and cause of any death, and the recommendations concerning the treatment and disposition of the human remains have been made to the person responsible…. The coroner shall make his or her determination within two working days from the time the person responsible for the excavation, or his or her authorized representative, notifies the coroner of the discovery or recognition of the human remains. If the coroner determines that the remains are not subject to his or her authority and…has reason to believe that they are those of a Native American, he or she shall contact, by telephone within 24 hours, the Native American Heritage Commission.
California Senate Bill 18
Existing law provides limited protection for Native American prehistoric, archaeological, cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial places. These places may include sanctified cemeteries, religious, ceremonial sites, shrines, burial grounds, prehistoric ruins, archaeological or historic sites, Native American rock art inscriptions, or features of Native American historic, cultural, and sacred sites.
Senate Bill 18 was signed into law in September 2004 and went into effect on March 1, 2005.
It places new requirements upon local governments for developments within or near “traditional tribal cultural places” (TTCP). Per SB 18, the law requires local jurisdictions to provide opportunities for involvement of California Native Americans tribes in the land planning process for the purpose of preserving traditional tribal cultural places. The Final Tribal Guidelines recommends that the NAHC provide written information as soon as possible but no later than 30 days to inform the lead agency if the proposed project is determined to be in proximity to a TTCP and another 90 days for tribes to respond to a local government if they want to consult to determine whether the project would have an adverse impact on the TTCP.
There is no statutory limit on the consultation duration. Forty-five days before the action is publicly considered by the local government council, the local government refers action to agencies, following the CEQA public review time frame. The CEQA public distribution list may include tribes listed by the NAHC who have requested consultation or it may not. If the NAHC, the tribe, and interested parties agree upon the mitigation measures necessary for the
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proposed project, they would be included in the project’s EIR. If both the City of Corona and the tribe agree that adequate mitigation or preservation measures cannot be taken, neither party is obligated to take action.
Per SB 18, a city or county is required to consult with the NAHC and any appropriate Native American tribe prior to the adoption, revision, amendment, or update of a city’s or county’s general plan. Although SB 18 does not specifically mention consultation or notice requirements for adoption or amendment of specific plans, the Final Tribal Guidelines advises that SB 18 requirements extend to specific plans as well, because state planning law requires local governments to use the same process for amendment or adoption of specific plans as general plans (defined in Government Code § 65453). In addition, SB 18 provides a new definition of TTCP requiring a traditional association of the site with Native American traditional beliefs, cultural practices, or ceremonies or the site must be shown to actually have been used for activities related to traditional beliefs, cultural practices, or ceremonies. (Previously, the site was defined to require only an association with traditional beliefs, practices, lifeways, and ceremonial activities.) In addition, SB 18 law also amended Civil Code Section 815.3 and adds California Native American tribes to the list of entities that can acquire and hold conservation easements for the purpose of protecting their cultural places.
Assembly Bill 52
AB 52 took effect July 1, 2015, and requires inclusion of a new section in CEQA documents titled Tribal Cultural Resources (TCR), which includes heritage sites. Under AB 52, a tribal cultural resource is defined in a similar way to tribal cultural places under SB 18 sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural value to a California Native American tribe that are either included or eligible for inclusion in the California Register of Historic Resources or included in a local register of historical resources. Or the lead agency, supported by substantial evidence, chooses at its discretion to treat the resource as a tribal cultural resource.
Similar to SB 18, AB 52 requires consultation with tribes at an early stage to determine whether the project would have an adverse impact on the TCR and mitigation to protect them. Per AB 52, within 14 days of deciding to undertake a project or determining that a project application is complete, the lead agency must provide formal written notification to all tribes who have requested it. The tribe then has 30 days of receiving the notification to respond if it wishes to engage in consultation. The lead agency must initiate consultation within 30 days of receiving the request from the tribe. Consultation concluded when both parties have agreed on measures to mitigate, or avoid a significant effect to a tribal cultural resource, or a party, after a reasonable effort tin good faith, decides that mutual agreement cannot be reached. Regardless of the outcome of consultation, the CEQA document must disclose significant impacts on tribal cultural resources and discussfeasible alternatives or mitigation that avoid or lessen the impact.
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REGIONAL REGULATIONS
There are no regional regulations that apply to the Modified Project.
LOCAL REGULATIONS
General Plan Historic Resources Element
The following are relevant policies from the Historic Resources Element of the Corona General Plan, which may contribute to reduce potential tribal cultural resources impacts as a result of implementation of the proposed Modified Project.
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.
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
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§ 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.
4.18.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant agricultural and forest resources impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold TCR-1 Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
4.18.7 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 cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
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TCR-1 Listed or eligible for listing
in the California Register of
Historical Resources, or in a
local register of historical
resources as defined in
Public Resources Code
section 5020.1(k)?
TCR-2 A resource determined by
the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be
significant pursuant to
criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code § 5024.1.
In applying the criteria set
forth in subdivision (c) of
Public Resource Code §
5024.1, the lead agency
shall consider the
significance of the resource
to a California Native
American tribe?
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact TCR-1: Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k)?
Impact TCR-2: Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code § 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is a resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code § 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead agency
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shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe?
Change in Circumstance or New Information Requiring Major or Minor EIR Revisions.
As determined in Section 4.5 Cultural Resources, the Modified Project site includes a boardformed concrete water tank, a concrete-lined reservoir, and a front-gabled cinderblock garage, however, does not contain resources eligible for listing on a register of historical resources. In addition, the Cultural Resources Assessment (Appendix E) prepared for the Project included a records search for the Modified Project site and surrounding area was conducted through the Eastern Information Center at the University of California Riverside and did not identify any historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k) on the site.
However, as previsoulsy stated in Section 4.5, Cultural Resources, 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. As stated in Section 4.5.10, 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.
Furthermore, the SLF search (Appendix E-2) completed by the NAHC to determine if recorded Native American sacred sites or locations of religious or ceremonial importance are present within a one-mile radius of the Project site, yielded negative results. Given that there are no known tribal cultural resources on or adjacent to the Modified Project site, there is a limited potential for the Project to impact tribal cultural resources.
However, as part of the AB 52 and SB 18 consultation processes, the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation have indicated there is a high potential to impact TCRs during grading activities of the Modified Project due to the prehistoric activities that occurred within and around the GRRSP Planning Area. In consideration of the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, their suggested Mitigation Measures, MM TCR-1 thru TCR-3, would be included to reduce the potential impact to unknown Tribal Cultural Resource unearthed during grading construction activities. Thus, impacts to tribal cultural resources would be reduced to less than significant with implementation of MM CUL-1, MM TCR-1 thru TRC-3. 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 4.18.10.
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• MM TCR-1 thru TCR-3
• MM CUL-1 as previously defined in Section 4.5.10.
4.18.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less Than Significant Impact/ Change in Circumstance or New Information Requiring Major or Minor EIR Revisions.
The cumulative study area for tribal cultural resources includes the City of Corona region, which contains the same general tribal historic setting. Other projects throughout the City that would involve ground disturbances could reveal buried tribal cultural resources.
Cumulative impacts to tribal cultural resources would be reduced by compliance with applicable regulations and consultations required by SB 18. As described above, the GRRSP Planning Area is not known to contain tribal cultural resources; however, Mitigation Measures CUL-1, and TCR-1 thru TCR-3 would be implemented to ensure that impacts would not occur in the case of an inadvertent discovery of a potential tribal cultural resource.
These mitigation measures ensure that the Modified Project would not contribute to a cumulative loss of tribal cultural resources. Therefore, potential cumulative impacts would be 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.
4.18.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No prior mitigation measures were required as determined in the 2001 EIR.
4.18.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT MM TCR-1: Retain a Native American Monitor Prior to Commencement of GroundDisturbing Activities A. The Project applicant/lead agency shall retain a Native American Monitor from or approved by the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation. The monitor shall be retained prior to the commencement of any “ground-disturbing activity” for the subject project at all project locations(i.e., both on-site and any off-site locations that are included in the project description/definition and/or required in connection with the project, such as public improvement work). “Ground-disturbing activity” shall include, but is not limited to, demolition, pavement removal, potholing, auguring, grubbing, tree removal, boring, grading, excavation, drilling, and trenching.
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B. A copy of the executed monitoring agreement shall be submitted to the lead agency prior to the earlier of the commencement of any ground-disturbing activity, or the issuance of any permit necessary to commence a ground-disturbing activity.
C. The monitor will complete daily monitoring logs that will provide descriptions of the relevant ground-disturbing activities, the type of construction activities performed, locations of ground-disturbing activities, soil types, cultural-related materials, and any other facts, conditions, materials, or discoveries of significance to the Tribe. Monitor logs will identify and describe any discovered TCRs, including but not limited to, Native American cultural and historical artifacts, remains, places of significance, etc., (collectively, tribal cultural resources, or “TCR”), as well as any discovered Native American (ancestral) human remains and burial goods. Copies of monitor logs will be provided to the project applicant/lead agency upon written request to the Tribe.
D. On-site tribal monitoring shall conclude upon the latter of the following (1) written confirmation to the Kizh from a designated point of contact for the project applicant/lead agency that all ground-disturbing activities and phases that may involve ground-disturbing activities on the project site or in connection with the project are complete; or (2) a determination and written notification by the Kizh to the project applicant/lead agency that no future, planned construction activity and/or development/construction phase at the project site possesses the potential to impact Kizh TCRs.
E. Upon discovery of any TCRs, all construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall cease (i.e., not less than the surrounding 50 feet) and shall not resume until the discovered TCR has been fully assessed by the Kizh monitor and/or Kizh archaeologist.
The Kizh will recover and retain all discovered TCRs in the form and/or manner the Tribe deems appropriate, in the Tribe’s sole discretion, and for any purpose the Tribe deems appropriate, including for educational, cultural and/or historic purposes.
MM TCR-2: Unanticipated Discovery of Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects A. Native American human remains are defined in PRC 5097.98 (d)(1) as an inhumation or cremation, and in any state of decomposition or skeletal completeness. Funerary objects, called associated grave goods in Public Resources Code Section 5097.98, are also to be treated according to this statute.
B. If Native American human remains and/or grave goods discovered or recognized on the project site, then all construction activities shall immediately cease. Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 dictates that any discoveries of human skeletal material shall be immediately reported to the County Coroner and all ground-disturbing activities shall immediately halt and shall remain halted until the coroner has determined the nature of the remains. If the coroner recognizes the human remains to be those of a Native American or has reason to believe they are Native American, he or she shall contact, by telephone within 24 hours, the Native American Heritage Commission, and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 shall be followed.
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C. Human remains and grave/burial goods shall be treated alike per California Public Resources Code section 5097.98(d)(1) and (2).
D. Construction activities may resume in other parts of the project site at a minimum of 200 feet away from discovered human remains and/or burial goods, if the Kizh determines in its sole discretion that resuming construction activities at that distance is acceptable and provides the project manager express consent of that determination (along with any other mitigation measures the Kizh monitor and/or archaeologist deems necessary). (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(f).)
E. Preservation in place (i.e., avoidance) is the preferred manner of treatment for discovered human remains and/or burial goods. Any historic archaeological material that is not Native American in origin (non-TCR) shall be curated at a public, non-profit institution with a research interest in the materials, such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or the Fowler Museum, if such an institution agrees to accept the material. If no institution accepts the archaeological material, it shall be offered to a local school or historical society in the area for educational purposes.
F. Any discovery of human remains/burial goods shall be kept confidential to prevent further disturbance.
MM TCR-3: Procedures for Burials and Funerary Remains:
A. As the Most Likely Descendant (“MLD”), the Koo-nas-gna Burial Policy shall be implemented. To the Tribe, the term “human remains” encompasses more than human bones. In ancient as well as historic times, Tribal Traditions included, but were not limited to, the preparation of the soil for burial, the burial of funerary objects with the deceased, and the ceremonial burning of human remains.
B. If the discovery of human remains includes four or more burials, the discovery location shall be treated as a cemetery and a separate treatment plan shall be created.
C. The prepared soil and cremation soils are to be treated in the same manner as bone fragments that remain intact. Associated funerary objects are objects that, as part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains either at the time of death or later; other items made exclusively for burial purposes or to contain human remains can also be considered as associated funerary objects. Cremations will either be removed in bulk or by means as necessary to ensure complete recovery of all sacred materials.
D. In the case where discovered human remains cannot be fully documented and recovered on the same day, the remains will be covered with muslin cloth and a steel plate that can be moved by heavy equipment placed over the excavation opening to protect the remains.
If this type of steel plate is not available, a 24-hour guard should be posted outside of working hours. The Tribe will make every effort to recommend diverting the project and
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keeping the remains in situ and protected. If the project cannot be diverted, it may be determined that burials will be removed.
E. In the event preservation in place is not possible despite good faith efforts by the project applicant/developer and/or landowner, before ground-disturbing activities may resume on the project site, the landowner shall arrange a designated site location within the footprint of the project for the respectful reburial of the human remains and/or ceremonial objects.
F. Each occurrence of human remains and associated funerary objects will be stored using opaque cloth bags. All human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony will be removed to a secure container on site if possible. These items should be retained and reburied within six months of recovery. The site of reburial/repatriation shall be on the project site but at a location agreed upon between the Tribe and the landowner at a site to be protected in perpetuity. There shall be no publicity regarding any cultural materials recovered.
G. The Tribe will work closely with the project’s qualified archaeologist to ensure that the excavation is treated carefully, ethically and respectfully. If data recovery is approved by the Tribe, documentation shall be prepared and shall include (at a minimum) detailed descriptive notes and sketches. All data recovery data recovery-related forms of documentation shall be approved in advance by the Tribe. If any data recovery is performed, once complete, a final report shall be submitted to the Tribe and the NAHC.
The Tribe does NOT authorize any scientific study or the utilization of any invasive and/or destructive diagnostics on human remains.
MM CUL-1: as previously defined in Section 4.5.10.
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4.19 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
4.19.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides a summary of applicable impacts and mitigation measures from the 2001 EIR, an overview of existing utility and service systems within the GRRSP Planning Area and surrounding region, a summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential changes in impacts utility and service systems from implementation of the Modified Project in comparison to the Approved Project. Utilities and services systems include water supply and distribution systems; wastewater (sewage) conveyance and treatment; storm drainage systems; solid waste collection and disposal services; and other public utilities.
Mitigation measures are recommended as necessary to reduce significant air quality impacts.
No NOP comment letters were received pertaining to this topic. A Public Scoping Meeting comment was received from Francesca Da Sacco pertaining to this topic.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based on the Preliminary Wastewater Report Green River Rach Business Park, prepared by KWC Engineers, dated April 2022 (Appendix O-1), the Preliminary Water Report Green River Rach Business Park, prepared by KWC Engineers, dated November 2021(Appendix O-2), and the Water Supply Assessment for the Green River Ranch Business Park, prepared by Michael Baker International, dated June 2024 (Appendix O-3).
4.19.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The Approved Project impact analysis related to utilities and service systems as presented in the 2001 EIR as well as any mitigation measures identified to reduce significant impacts are summarized as follows:
a) Power or natural gas?
As determined in the 2001 EIR, impacts to power services provided by Southern California Edison (SCE), and natural gas services provided by the Southern California Gas Company (SGC) would be less than significant as the Approved Project would produce a small percentage of the electricity/natural gas utilized by consumers or provided by these utilities on a daily basis. The 2001 EIR stated prior to the issuance of building permits, the developer shall submit plans showing the incorporation of energy conservation measures into the project in accordance with Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, and prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy, the developer shall extend existing power and gas lines into the site in coordination with SCE and the Gas Company, and in accordance with Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulations. The 2001 determined upon compliance with these
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requirements, with implementation of the Approved Project no significant impacts would occur.
b) Communications systems?
As determined in the 2001 EIR, telephone service to the Approved Project area is provided by Pacific Bell and provides service on demand. As concluded in the 2001 EIR, coordination with Pacific Bell will ensure timely service, and with implementation of the Approved Project, no significant impact would occur.
c) Water treatment/distribution/supply?
As determined in the 2001 EIR, implementation of the Approved Project’s Conceptual Water Plan as prescribed in the Approved GRRSP will reduce impacts related to provision of water delivery infrastructure to less than significant. As stated in the 2001 EIR, although the existing water delivery infrastructure system will need to be expanded, the Conceptual Water Plan contained in the Approved GRRSP provides the necessary infrastructure to accommodate development in the Approved GRRSP Planning Area within the City’s water service zones 1 and 2. In addition, the Approved Project although will likely increase demand for water, the 2001 EIR conlcuded the City of Corona Water Utilities Department indicated that there are sufficient water supplies to serve the water demand for the Approved GRRSP Planning Area.
Consequently, the 2001 EIR determined the increase in water demand resulting from development of the Approved Project is considered to be less than significant. d) Sewer or septic tanks?
The 2001 EIR determined, although the Approved Project will likely increase wastewater effluent flows to the City’s wastewater treatment system, the City of Corona Water Utilities Department indicates that there is sufficient wastewater capacity to serve the wastewater generation estimated for the Specific Plan area. As such, the 2001 EIR determined the increase in wastewater resulting from development of the Specific Plan is considered to be less than significant.
e) Storm water drainage?
The 2001 EIR determined, the Approved Projectsite is not within any identified 100-year flood zone or dam inundation area, and modification of existing topography would change the rate, flow, and direction of stormwater and may produce localized flooding. Although storm flows resulting from implementation of the Approved Project will exceed the capacity of the existing culverts, as included in mitigation measures MM 4.11.2A and 4.11.2B the construction of three on-site detention basins will reduce the volume of storm flows to a level that the existing culverts can sufficiently accommodate. As determined in the 2001 EIR, adherence to the above stated mitigation measures would reduce potential impacts associated with any increase in the amount of surface runoff to less significant levels.
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f) Solid waste?
As determined in the 2001 EIR, development of the Approved Project would generate solid waste from use and occupancy of the on-site commercial, industrial and residential uses. As stated in the 2001 EIR, the amount of solid waste estimated to be generated by the Approved Project amounts to significantly less than 1 percent of this average daily volume. Based on this information, the 2001 EIR determined no significant impact related to solid waste issues is anticipated.
Cumulative Impacts?
As stated in the 2001 EIR, the Approved Project’s development associated with the GRRSP would increase water service demand to the City of Corona by approximately 236-acre feet per year (211,213gpd). However, the 2001 EIR determined the City of Corona Water Utilities department has stated existing water sources can accommodate the projected level of population and employment growth created by the Approved Project. In addition, the 2001 EIR stated this increase in demand of 236-acre feet associated with the Approved Project is an increase of less than 1 percent of current water sales (0.85 percent) and both imported surface water and local groundwater supplies are expected to be available to meet service area water demand in the future. In addition, the 2001 EIR determined the Water Utilities Department has anticipated increases in water demand and the associated infrastructure in its water facilities and supply planning efforts. Therefore, as determined in the 2001 EIR, the Approved Project’s contributions to potential cumulative water service impacts (an increase of 0.85 percent of the current total water demand) are considered to be less than significant.
In addition, the 2001 EIR determined new development associated with the Approved Project would increase wastewater generation, however existing wastewater treatment facilities can accommodate the projected level of population and employment growth created by the Approved Project. Furthermore, the 2001 concluded that existing and planned wastewater facilities are expected to be available to meet citywide wastewater generation in the future.
Therefore, the 2001 EIR determined contributions to potential cumulative wastewater service impacts are considered to be less than significant.
4.19.3 ENIVRIONMENTAL SETTING
Water Service
Water service to the GRRSP Planning Area will be provided by the City of Corona’s Utilities Department (CUP). The City’s domestic potable water supply is derived from the following sources: local wells, Colorado River, and State Water Project water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The local wells are located in the Temescal, Bedford, and Coldwater Basins. Water deliveries supplied from the State Water Project are conveyed directly to the City’s existing water filtration plant.
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Under existing conditions, An existing 10” waterline extends along Dominguez Ranch Road from the adjacent Sierra Del Oro community. The existing 16” water transmission line along Green River Road, which currently terminates at near the eastern edge of the project, will be extended to service the Specific Plan area to Fresno Road, and then extend south to the limits of Fresno Road. 12” lines will be extended onsite to service all of the nonresidential areas. 12” lines will be constructed to service the residential areas.
Storm Water Drainage
Within the Modified Project area, there are four major flowlines convey towards Green River Road. Two of the four major flowlines converge into single stream towards a headwall inlet structure then convey across Green River Road to the north. This runoff combines with the offsite drainage area from Green River Road, the runoff ultimately convey towards BNSF railroad and to an existing 72-inch CMP underneath 91 Freeway. South of Green River Roar, the additional two drainage areas flow northerly towards Green River Road and then convey across the street via existing storm drain facilities. Along with small offsite area, these runoff will continue flow via natural streambed towards BNSF railroad and eventually discharge under existing 54-inch CMP underneath 91 Freeway.
Sewer System
The City of Corona CUD is the primary provider of sewer and sanitation services to Corona.
The CUD, Wastewater Division services a population of approximately 168,000 people over
38.5 square miles. The City sewer system is comprised of 13 sewer lift stations and associated force mains, three water reclamation facilities, and a network of gravity sewer pipes of approximately 368 miles with sizes ranging from 6 inches to 42 inches in diameter.
Approximately 83 percent of City pipes are 8 inches in diameter. The El Cerrito area is currently on septic systems. The City also has capacity in the (Western Riverside County Wastewater Authority) WRCRWA Plant; the City has a capacity of 2.62 million gallons per day (WRCRWA 2019b).
The site is in Sewershed 10 and drains north towards Green River Road. Nearby developments utilize the Sierra Del Oro Lift Station (SDO LS) to convey wastewater easterly through a 12- inch sewer force main in Palisades Drive. Sewage then flows by gravity through the 21-inch Railroad Trunk Sewer to WRF No. 1. The current treatment capacity of WRF No. 1 is 11.5 MGD with an expected future reliable treatment capacity of 14.5 MGD with improvements. It is our understanding that the WRF No. 1 has available treatment capacity to serve the Project.
There is an existing 10-inch gravity sewer line in Green River Road that collects flows from Kraft Ranch and surrounding developments and conveys them easterly to the Sierra Del Oro Lift Station. The Green River Lift Station is located northwest of the Project and conveys flows in an 8-inch force main that runs along the north side of the project and discharges to the existing 10-inch gravity sewer line in Green River Road. The Prado Lift Station is located
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northeast of the Project and conveys flow through a 4-inch force main to the existing 10-inch gravity sewer line in Green River Road. Per the City 2005 Sewer Master Plan modeling results, the existing 10-inch gravity sewer line in Green River Road is flowing over full pipe capacity and needs to be replaced with a larger line.
The SDO LS was constructed in 1987 and is approaching the end of its useful life. The lift station has a total pumping capacity of 1,460 gallons per minute (gpm). The 2005 Sewer Master Plan estimates that the ultimate peak wet weather flow to the lift station will be 1950 gpm.
From Table 2-4, this study shows a PWWF of 0.255 cfs which equates to 114 gpm from the proposed BPI development and future commercial and estate residential development. The Modified Project will be required to participate in the relocation and upgrade of the SDO LS and surrounding improvements.
Solid Waste Services
The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources (RCDWR) is responsible for the efficient and effective landfill disposal of non-hazardous waste within the County, and operates six active landfills in addition to holding a contract agreement to dispose of waste at the private El Sobrante Landfill (Riverside County, 2015). Solid waste generated in the Project area is disposed of at either the El Sobrante Landfill, Lamb Canyon Landfill, or Badlands Landfill.
The El Sobrante Landfill is currently permitted to receive 16,054 tons per day (tpd), while the average daily tonnage in June 2022 was 11,003 tpd. The Lamb Canyon Landfill is permitted to receive 5,000 tpd, while data from June 2022 shows that the Lamb Canyon Landfill received a daily average of approximately 2,095.7 tpd. The Badlands Landfill is permitted to receive 4,800 tpd, while in May 2022 the Badlands Landfill received an average of 2,479 tpd. (RCDWR, 2022).
Under existing conditions, the City of Corona contracts with Waste Management Inc. (WMI) for trash and recycling services. In 2018, 256,311 tons of solid waste and 152 tons of alternative daily from the City were landfilled (CalRecycle, 2019a). It is anticipated that some industrial users may contract with private waste disposal companies. It is also anticipated future development of the GRRSP Planning Area, individual tenants and residents of the Modified Project will participate in recycling programs as offered by the City and other private organizations.
Other Service
The GRRSP Planning Area also is located in the service territories of the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) (natural gas) and Southern California Edison (electricity).
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4.19.4 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Clean Water Act and National Pollution Elimination Discharge System Wastewater treatment before effluent is discharged to Waters of the United States is required by the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, Title 33, Sections 1251 et seq.
Requirements for waste discharges from publicly owned treatment works to navigable waters are addressed in National Pollution Elimination Discharge System (NPDES) regulations under the Clean Water Act. NPDES permits for such discharges in the Project region are issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Safe Water Drinking Act
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulates the nation’s drinking water and gives the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set national drinking water standards and regulations. All public water systems that provide service to 25 or more individuals must meet these standards. Water purveyors must monitor for contaminants on fixed schedules and report to the EPA when a maximum contaminant level is exceeded. Contaminants include organic and inorganic chemicals, substances that are known to cause cancer, radionuclides, and microbial contaminants (e.g., coliform and E. coli). The California Department of Public Health is responsible for implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act in California.
United States Department of Energy/Federal Energy Regulatory Commission The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is the federal agency responsible for establishing policies regarding energy conservation, domestic energy production and infrastructure. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent federal agency, officially organized as part of the DOE which is responsible for regulating interstate transmission of natural gas, oil and electricity, reliability of the electric grid and approving of construction of interstate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 has also granted FERC with additional responsibilities of overseeing the reliability of the nation’s electricity transmission grid and supplementing state transmission siting efforts in national interest electric transmission corridors.
FERC has authority to oversee mandatory reliability standards governing the nation’s electricity grid. FERC has established rules on certification of an Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) which establishes, approves and enforces mandatory electricity reliability standards. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has been certified as the nation’s ERO by FERC to enforce reliability standards in all interconnected jurisdictions in North America. Although FERC regulates the bulk energy transmission and reliability throughout the United States, the areas outside of FERC’s jurisdictional responsibility include
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state level regulations and retail electricity and natural gas sales to consumers which falls under the jurisdiction of state regulatory agencies.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all new cellular tower construction to be approved by the state or local authority for the proposed site and comply with FCC rules involving environmental review. Additionally, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires construction of new cellular towers to comply with the local zoning authority. (FERC, n.d.)
STATE REGULATIONS
Water Conservation in Landscaping Act
The Water Conservation in Landscaping Act was established to ensure adequate water supplies are available for future uses. To promote the conservation and efficient use of water, the Act requires local agencies to adopt a water efficient landscape ordinance. When such an ordinance had not been adopted, a finding as to why (based on the climatic, geologic, or topographical conditions) such an ordinance is not necessary, must be adopted. In the absence of such an ordinance or findings, the policies and requirements contained in the “model” ordinance drafted by the State of California shall apply within the affected jurisdiction. (CA Legislative Info, n.d.)
Water Recycling in Landscaping Act
In 2000, SB 2095 (Water Recycling in Landscaping Act) was approved by Governor Davis requiring any local public or private entity that produces recycled water and determines that within 10 years it will provide recycled water within the boundaries of a local agency, to notify the local agency of that fact. In turn, local agencies are required to adopt and enforce within 180 days a specified recycled water ordinance, unless the local agency adopted a recycled water ordinance or other regulation requiring the use of recycled water in its jurisdiction prior to January 1, 2001. (CA Legislative Info, n.d.)
Urban Water Management Planning Act
The Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMP Act) was proposed and adopted to ensure that water planning is conducted at the local level, as the State of California recognized that two water agencies in the same region could have very different impacts from a drought.
The UWMP Act requires water agencies to develop UWMPs over a 20-year planning horizon, and further required UWMPs to be updated every five years. UWMPs are exempt from compliance with CEQA. (DWR, 2016, p. 1-2)
The UWMPs provide a framework for long term water planning and inform the public of a supplier’s plans for long-term resource planning that ensures adequate water supplies for existing and future demands. This part of the California Water Code (CWC) requires urban water suppliers to report, describe, and evaluate:
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• Water deliveries and uses;
• Water supply sources;
• Efficient water uses;
• Demand management measures; and
• Water shortage contingency planning. (DWR, 2016, p. 1-3) The UWMP Act has been modified over the years in response to the State’s water shortages, droughts, and other factors. A significant amendment was made in 2009, after the drought of 2007-2009 and as a result of the governor’s call for a statewide 20 percent reduction in urban water use by the year 2020. This was the Water Conservation Act of 2009, also known as SB X7-7. This Act required agencies to establish water use targets for 2015 and 2020 that would result in statewide savings of 20 percent by 2020. Beginning in 2016, retail water suppliers are required to comply with the water conservation requirements in SB X7-7 in order to be eligible for State water grants or loans. Retail water agencies are required to set targets and track progress toward decreasing daily per capita urban water use in their service area, which will assist the State in meeting its 20 percent reduction goal by 2020. (DWR, 2016, p. 1-2) Government Code § 66473.7(b)(2) (Senate Bill 221)
Under Senate Bill (SB) 221, approval by a city or county of certain residential subdivisions requires an affirmative written verification of sufficient water supply. SB 221 is intended as a ‘fail safe’ mechanism to ensure that collaboration on finding the needed water supplies to serve a new large subdivision occurs before construction begins. SB 221 requires the legislative body of a city or county or the advisory agency, to the extent that it is authorized by local ordinance to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a tentative map, must include as a condition in any tentative map that includes a subdivision a requirement that a sufficient water supply shall be available. Proof of the availability of a sufficient water supply must be requested by the subdivision applicant or local agency, at the discretion of the local agency, and id based on written verification from the applicable public water system within 90 days of a request. SB 221 does not apply to any residential project proposed for a site that is within an urbanized area and has been previously developed for urban uses, or where the immediate contiguous properties surrounding the residential project site are, or previously have been, developed for urban uses, or housing projects that are exclusively for very low and low-income households. (DWR, 2003; CA Legislative Info, n.d.)
California SB 610
The CWC §§ 10910 through 10915 were amended by the enactment of SB 610 in 2002. SB 610 requires an assessment of whether available water supplies are sufficient to serve the demand generated by a proposed project, as well as the reasonably foreseeable cumulative demand in the region over the next 20 years under average normal year, single dry year, and
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multiple dry year conditions. Under SB 610, water assessments must be furnished to local governments for inclusion in any environmental documentation for certain projects (as defined in CWC § 10912 [a]) subject to CEQA. (DWR, 2003; CA Legislative Info, n.d.) For the purposes of SB 610, “project” means any of the following:
1. (1) A proposed residential development of more than 500 dwelling units.
2. (2) A proposed shopping center or business establishment employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 500,000 square feet of floor space.
3. (3) A proposed commercial office building employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 250,000 square feet of floor space.
4. (4) A proposed hotel or motel, or both, having more than 500 rooms.
5. (5) A proposed industrial, manufacturing, or processing plant, or industrial park planned to house more than 1,000 persons, occupying more than 40 acres of land, or having more than 650,000 square feet of floor area.
6. (6) A mixed-use project that includes one or more of the projects specified in this subdivision.
7. (7) A project that would demand an amount of water equivalent to, or greater than, the amount of water required by a 500-dwelling unit project. (DWR, 2003; CA Legislative Info, n.d.)
California Water Code § 10610 et seq. (SB 901)
Signed into law on October 16, 1995, SB 901 required every urban water supplier to identify as part of its urban water management plan, the existing and planned sources of water available to the supplier over a prescribed 5-year period. The code requires the water service purveyor to assess the projected water demand associated with a proposed project under environmental review. Later provisions of SB 901 required compliance in the event that the proposed Project involved the adoption of a specific plan, amendment to, or revision of the land use element of a general plan or specific plan that would result in a net increase in the state population density.
Upon completion of the water assessment, cities and counties may agree or disagree with the conclusions of the water service purveyors, but cannot approve projects in the face of documented water shortfalls without first making certain findings. (CA Legislative Info, n.d.) Executive Order (EO) B-29-15 ordered the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to impose restrictions to achieve a 25-percent reduction in potable urban water usage through February 28, 2016; directed the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to lead a statewide initiative, in partnership with local agencies, to collectively replace 50 million square feet of lawns and ornamental turf with drought tolerant landscapes; and directed the California Energy Commission to implement a statewide appliance rebate program to provide monetary incentives for the replacement of inefficient household devices. (SWRCB, 2020)
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Executive Order B-37-16
Signed on May 9, 2016, EO B-37-16 established a new water use efficiency framework for California. The order bolstered the state’s drought resilience and preparedness by establishing longer-term water conservation measures that include permanent monthly water use reporting, new urban water use targets, reducing system leaks and eliminating clearly wasteful practices, strengthening urban drought contingency plans, and improving agricultural water management and drought plans. (SWRCB, 2020)
Executive Order B-40-17
Signed on April 7, 2017, EO B-40-17 ended the drought state of emergency in all California counties except Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Tuolumne, where emergency drinking water projects will continue to help address diminished groundwater supplies. It maintains water reporting requirements and prohibitions on wasteful practices. The order was built on actions taken in Executive Order B-37-16, which remains in effect. In a related action, state agencies, including the DWR, released a plan to continue making water conservation a way of life. (SWRCB, 2020)
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) established a new structure for managing California’s groundwater resources at a local level by local agencies. SGMA required, by June 30, 2017, the formation of locally-controlled groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) in the State’s high- and medium- priority groundwater basins and subbasins (basins). A GSA is responsible for developing and implementing a groundwater sustainability plan (GSP) to meet the sustainability goal of the basin to ensure that it is operated within its sustainable yield, without causing undesirable results. The GSP Emergency Regulations for evaluating GSPs, the implementation of GSPs, and coordination agreements were adopted by DWR and approved by the California Water Commission on May 18, 2016. (DWR, n.d.) SB 610
SB 610, codified in CWC §§ 10910-10915, specifies the requirements for water supply assessments (WSAs) and their role in the CEQA process, and defines the role UWMPs play in the WSA process. SB 610 requires that, for projects subject to CEQA that meet specific size criteria, the water supplier prepare WSAs that determine whether the water supplier has sufficient water resources to serve the projected water demands associated with the projects.
SB 610 provides specific guidance regarding how future supplies are to be calculated in the WSAs where an applicable UWMP has been prepared. Specifically, a WSA must identify existing water supply entitlements, water rights, or water service contracts held by the public water system, and prior years’ actual water deliveries received by the public water system. In addition, the WSA must address water supplies over a 20-year period and consider normal,
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single-dry, and multiple-dry year conditions. In accordance with SB 610, projects for which a WSA must be prepared are those subject to CEQA that meet any of the following criteria:
• Residential developments of more than 500 dwelling units; • Shopping centers or business establishments employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 500,000 square feet of floor space;
• Commercial office buildings employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 250,000 square feet of floor space;
• Hotels, motels, or both, having more than 500 rooms;
• Industrial, manufacturing, or processing plants, or industrial parks planned to house more than 1,000 persons, occupying more than 40 acres of land, or having more than 650,000 square feet of floor area
• Mixed-use projects that include one or more of the projects specified in this subdivision; or
• Projects that would demand an amount of water equivalent to or greater than the amount of water
required by a 500-dwelling-unit project. (CWC § 912, CEQA Guidelines § 15155(a).
The WSA must be approved by the public water supplier serving the project at a regular or special meeting and must be incorporated into the CEQA document. The lead agency must then make certain findings related to water supply based on the WSA.
In addition, under SB 610, a water supplier responsible for the preparation and periodic updating of an UWMP must describe the water supply projects and programs that may be undertaken to meet the total project water use of the service area. If groundwater is identified as a source of water available to the supplier, the following additional information must be included in the UWMP: (1) a groundwater management plan; (2) a description of the groundwater basin(s) to be used and the water use adjudication rights, if any; (3) a description and analysis of groundwater use in the past 5 years; and (4) a discussion of the sufficiency of the groundwater that is projected to be pumped by the supplier. (OPR, 2017c, p. 69 ) SB 606
SB 606 would require an urban retail water supplier to calculate an urban water use objective no later than November 1, 2023, and by November 1 every year thereafter, and its actual urban water use by those same dates. The bill would require an urban retail water supplier to submit a report to the department for these purposes by those dates. SB 606 would authorize the board to issue information orders, written notices, and conservation orders to an urban retail water supplier that does not meet its urban water use objective, as specified. The bill would authorize the board to waive these requirements for a period of up to 5 years, as specified. SB 606 would
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impose civil liability for a violation of an order or regulation issued pursuant to these provisions, as specified. The bill would also authorize the board to issue a regulation or informational order requiring a wholesale water supplier, urban retail water supplier, or distributor of a public water supply to provide a monthly report relating to water production, water use, or water conservation. (SWRCB, n.d.)
AB 1668
AB 1668 requires the SWRCB, in coordination with the Department of Water Resources, to adopt long-term standards for the efficient use of water, as provided, and performance measures for commercial, industrial, and institutional water use on or before June 30, 2022.
The bill, until January 1, 2025, establishes 55 gallons per capita daily as the standard for indoor residential water use. Beginning January 1, 2025, the bill establishes the greater of 52.5 gallons per capita daily or a standard recommended by the SWRCB and beginning January 1, 2030, the bill establishes the greater of 50 gallons per capita daily or a standard recommended by the SWRCB. AB 1668 imposes civil liability for a violation of an order or regulation issued pursuant to these provisions, as specified. (SWRCB, n.d.) California Plumbing Code
Title 24, Part 5 of the California Code of Regulations establishes the California Plumbing Code. The California Plumbing Code sets forth efficiency standards (i.e., maximum flow rates) for all new federally-regulated plumbing fittings and fixtures, including showerheads and lavatory faucets. The 2022 California Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, was published by the California Building Standards Commission on July 1, 2022 and will go into effect on January 1, 2023. (CBSC, 2022) California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 20 and 24
Title 20 includes state and federal minimum efficiency requirements for energy and water use in regulated appliances. These appliances include, but are not limited to, water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators, pumps, lamps and ballasts, computers, spray sprinkler bodies and showerheads. Manufacturers are responsible for certifying regulated appliances to the California Energy Commission’s Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System. This serves as the manufacturer’s claim that it has met all applicable requirements, including testing, and marking products. (CCR, n.d.)
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is a broad set of requirements for energy conservation, green design, construction and maintenance, fire and life safety, and accessibility that apply to the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a building. Title 24 was published by the California Building Standards Commission and applies to all buildings in California. Title 24 receives updates every three years with the latest revisions being in 2019.
Title 24 energy compliance requirements apply to new construction and any new installations
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or retrofits in existing buildings. Older buildings do not have to upgrade their systems, but if they choose to renovate, their new systems must meet Title 24 standards. (CBCS, 2022) California Water Plan
The California Water Plan is the State's strategic plan for sustainably managing and developing water resources for current and future generations. Required by CWC § 10005(a), it presents the status and trends of California’s water-dependent natural resources; water supplies; and agricultural, urban, and environmental water demands for a range of plausible future scenarios.
The plan is updated every five years; provides a way for various groups to collaborate on findings and recommendations and make informed decisions regarding California’s water future; can't mandate actions or authorize spending for specific actions; doesn't make projector site-specific recommendations nor include environmental review or documentation as would be required by CEQA; and requires policy- and law-makers to take definitive steps to authorize the specific actions proposed in the plan and appropriate funding needed for their implementation.
California Water Plan Update 2018 (Update 2018) provides recommended actions, funding scenarios, and an investment strategy to bolster efforts by water and resource managers, planners, and decision-makers to overcome California’s most pressing water resource challenges. It reaffirms State government’s unique role and commitment to sustainable, equitable, long-term water resource management; it also introduces implementation tools to inform sound decision-making. The plan’s broad and diverse portfolio of recommended actions address California’s critical, systemic, and institutional challenges. (DWR, 2018) California Water Action Plan
The California Water Action Plan is a roadmap for the State’s journey towards sustainable water management. The first California Water Action Plan was released in January 2014 under Governor Brown’s administration and updated in 2016. The California Water Action Plan discusses the challenges to water in California: uncertain water supplies, water scarcity/drought, declining groundwater supplies, poor water quality, declining native fish species and loss of wildlife habitat, floods, supply disruptions, and population growth and climate change further increasing the severity of these risks. (CDFW, n.d.) California Solid Waste Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939, 1989) The Integrated Waste Management Act (IWMA) established an integrated waste management hierarchy to guide the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and local agencies in implementation, in order of priority: (1) source reduction, (2) recycling and composting, and (3) environmentally safe transformation and land disposal (it should be noted that the CIWMB no longer exists, and its duties have been assumed by CalRecycle. The CIWMB was given a purpose to mandate the reduction of disposed waste. The IWMA also required, among other items, each county to prepare, adopt, and submit to the Board an
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Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) and each city or county plan to include an implementation schedule which shows diversion of 50 percent of all solid waste by January 1, 2000 through source reduction, recycling, and composting activities. (CalRecycle) Waste Reuse and Recycling Act (AB 1327)
The Waste Reuse and Recycling Act (WRRA) required the CIWMB to approve a model ordinance for adoption by any local government for the transfer, receipt, storage, and loading of recyclable materials in development projects by March 1, 1993. The WRRA also required local agencies to adopt a local ordinance by September 1, 1993 or allow the model ordinance to take effect. The WRRA requires all development projects that are commercial, industrial, institutional, or marina in nature and where solid waste is collected and loaded, to provide an adequate area for collecting and loading recyclable materials over the lifetime of the project.
The area is required to be provided before building permits are issued. (CalRecycle) Mandatory Commercial Recycling Program (Assembly Bill 341) Assembly Bill (AB) 341 (Chapter 476, Statutes of 2011 [Chesbro, AB 341]) directed CalRecycle to develop and adopt regulations for mandatory commercial recycling. CalRecycle initiated formal rulemaking with a 45-day comment period beginning Oct. 28, 2011. The final regulation was approved by the Office of Administrative Law on May 7, 2012. AB-341 was designed to help meet California’s recycling goal of 75% by the year 2020. AB 341 requires all commercial businesses and public entities that generate 4 cubic yards or more of waste per week to have a recycling program in place. In addition, multi-family apartments with five or more units are also required to form a recycling program. (CalRecycle, n.d.) California Green Building Standards Code (CAL Green; Part 11 of Title 24, California Code of Regulations)
The current edition of CALGreen became effective on January 1, 2023. CALGreen is applicable to the planning, design, operation, construction, use, and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure throughout the State of California (including residential structures and elementary schools). The purpose of the CALGreen Code is to “improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories: (1) Planning and design; (2) Energy efficiency; (3) Water efficiency and conservation; (4) Material conservation and resource efficiency; and (5) Environmental air quality.” The CALGreen Code is not intended to substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of any green building program that is not established and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC). § 5.408.3 of the CALGreen Code requires that 100 percent of trees, stumps, rocks, and associated vegetation and soils resulting from land clearing shall be reused or recycled.
For a phased project, such material may be stockpiled on-site until the storage site is developed.
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Unless otherwise noted in the regulation, all newly constructed buildings in California are subject of the requirements of the CALGreen Code (CBSC, 2022).
SB 1374
Signed in 2002, the Construction and Demolition Waste Materials Diversion Requirements (SB 1374) were codified in Public Resources Code Section 42919. SB 1374 requires that jurisdictions include in their annual AB 939 report a summary of the progress made in diverting construction and demolition waste. The legislation also required that CalRecycle adopt a model ordinance for diverting 50 to 75 percent of all construction and demolition waste from landfills.
The model ordinance was adopted by CalRecycle on March 16, 2004. (CA Legislative Info, n.d.)
AB 1826
AB 1826 requires jurisdictions to implement an organic waste recycling program for businesses, including outreach, education, and monitoring of affected businesses. Additionally, each jurisdiction is to identify a multitude of information, including barriers to siting organic waste recycling facilities, as well as closed or abandoned sites that might be available for new organic waste recycling facilities. AB 1826 defines “organic waste” as food waste, green waste, landscape and pruning waste, non-hazardous wood waste, and food-soiled paper waste that is mixed in with food waste. It also defines a “business” as a commercial or public entity, including, but not limited to, a firm, partnership, proprietorship, joint stock company, corporation, or association that is organized as a for-profit or nonprofit entity, or a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of five or more units. As of January 1, 2017, businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of organic waste per week are subject to this requirement.
Commencing January 1, 2019, businesses that generate 4 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week also are required to arrange for organic waste recycling services.
CalRecycle may reduce this triggering threshold for organics recycling to 2 cubic yards or more of commercial solid waste per week as of January 1, 2020. (CA Legislative Info, n.d.) Zero Waste California
Zero Waste California is a state program launched by CalRecycle in 2002 to promote a new vision for the management of solid waste by maximizing existing recycling and reuse efforts, while ensuring that products are designed for the environment and have the potential to be repaired, reused, or recycled. The Zero Waste California program promotes the goals of market development, recycled product procurement, and research and development of new and sustainable technologies. (CalRecycle, n.d.)
California Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (24 CA. Code Regs. 6)
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The Building Energy Efficiency Standards were first adopted in 1976 and have been updated periodically since then as directed by statute. In 1975 the Department of Housing and Community Development adopted rudimentary energy conservation standards under their State Housing Law authority that were a precursor to the first generation of the Standards.
However, the Warren-Alquist Act was passed one year earlier with explicit direction to the Energy Commission (formally titled the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission) to adopt and implement the Standards. The Energy Commission’s statute created separate authority and specific direction regarding what the Standards are to address, what criteria are to be met in developing the Standards, and what implementation tools, aids, and technical assistance are to be provided. (CBSC, 2022) The Standards contain energy and water efficiency requirements (and indoor air quality requirements) for newly constructed buildings, additions to existing buildings, and alterations to existing buildings. Public Resources Code (PRC) §§ 25402 subdivisions (a)-(b) and 25402.1 emphasize the importance of building design and construction flexibility by requiring the Energy Commission to establish performance standards, in the form of an “energy budget” in terms of the energy consumption per square foot of floor space. For this reason, the Standards include both a prescriptive option, allowing builders to comply by using methods known to be efficient, and a performance option, allowing builders complete freedom in their designs provided the building achieves the same overall efficiency as an equivalent building using the prescriptive option. Reference Appendices are adopted along with the Standards that contain data and other information that helps builders comply with the Standards. (CBSC, 2022) The 2022 update to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards focuses on several key areas to improve the energy efficiency of newly constructed buildings and additions and alterations to existing buildings. The most significant efficiency improvements to the residential Standards include the introduction of photovoltaic into the prescriptive package, improvements for attics, walls, water heating, and lighting. The most significant efficiency improvements to the nonresidential Standards include alignment with the ASHRAE 90.1 2017 national standards.
The 2022 Standards also include changes made throughout all of its sections to improve the clarity, consistency, and readability of the regulatory language. (CBSC, 2022) PRC § 25402.1 also requires the Energy Commission to support the performance standards with compliance tools for builders and building designers. The Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) Approval Manual adopted by regulation as an appendix of the Standards establishes requirements for input, output, and calculational uniformity in the computer programs used to demonstrate compliance with the Standards. From this, the Energy Commission develops and makes publicly available free, public domain building modeling software in order to enable compliance based on modeling of building efficiency and performance. The ACM Approval Manual also includes provisions for private firms seeking to develop compliance software for
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approval by the Energy Commission, which further encourages flexibility and innovation. (CBSC, 2022)
California Solar Rights and Solar Shade Control Acts
The Solar Rights Act sets parameters for establishing solar easements, prohibits ordinances and private covenants which restrict solar systems, and requires communities to consider passive solar and natural heating and cooling opportunities in new construction. This Act is applicable to all California cities and counties. California’s solar access laws appear in the state’s Civil, Government, Health and Safety, and PRCs. California PRC § 25980 sets forth the Solar Shade Control Act, which encourages the use of trees and other natural shading except in cases where the shading may interfere with the use of active and passive solar systems. (EPIC, 2014; EPIC, 2010)
Alternative Fuels Plan
On September 24, 2009, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted amendments to the “Pavley” regulations that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in new passenger vehicles from 2009 through 2016. These amendments are part of California’s commitment toward a nation-wide program to reduce new passenger vehicle GHGs from 2012 through 2016. CARB’s September amendments will cement California’s enforcement of the Pavley rule starting in 2009 while providing vehicle manufacturers with new compliance flexibility.
The amendments will also prepare California to harmonize its rules with the federal rules for passenger vehicles. (CARB, n.d.)
The U.S. EPA granted California the authority to implement GHG emission reduction standards for new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles On June 30, 2009.
The first California request to implement GHG standards for passenger vehicles, known as a waiver request, was made in December 2005, and was denied by the U.S. EPA in March 2008.
That decision was based on a finding that California’s request to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles did not meet the Clean Air Act requirement of showing that the waiver was needed to meet “compelling and extraordinary conditions.” (CARB, n.d.) The ARB’s Board originally approved regulations to reduce GHGs from passenger vehicles in September 2004, with the regulations to take effect in 2009. These regulations were authorized by the 2002 legislation AB 1493 (Pavley). (CARB, n.d.)
The regulations had been threatened by automaker lawsuits and were stalled by the U.S. EPA’s delay in reviewing and then initially denying California’s waiver request. The parties involved entered a May 19, 2009, agreement to resolve these issues. With the granting of the waiver on June 30, 2009, it is expected that the Pavley regulations will reduce GHG emissions from California passenger vehicles by about 22 percent in 2012 and about 30 percent in 2016, all while improving fuel efficiency and reducing motorists’ costs. (CARB, n.d.)
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The CARB has adopted a new approach to passenger vehicles – cars and light trucks – by combining the control of smog-causing pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions into a single coordinated package of standards. The new approach also includes efforts to support and accelerate the numbers of plug-in hybrids and zero-emission vehicles in California. (CARB, n.d.)
California Independent System Operator (ISO)
The California ISO is an independent public benefit corporation responsible for operating California’s long- distance electric transmission lines. The California ISO is led by a fivemember board appointment by the Governor and is also regulated by FERC. While transmission owners and private electric utilities own their lines, the California ISO operates the transmission system independently to ensure that electricity flows comply with federal operational standards. The California ISO analyzes current and future electrical demand and plans for any needed expansion or upgrade of the electric transmission system. (California ISO, n.d.)
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
The CPUC establishes policies and rules for electricity and natural gas rates provided by private utilities in California such as Southern California Edison (SCE) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). Public owned utilities such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) do not fall under the CPUCs jurisdiction. The Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (DIVCA) established the CPUC as the sole cable/video TV franchising authority in the State of California. DIVCA took effect January 1, 2007.
The CPUC is overseen by five commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The CPUC’s responsibilities include regulating electric power procurement and generation, infrastructure oversight for electric transmission lines and natural gas pipelines and permitting of electrical transmission and substation facilities. (CPUC, n.d.) California Energy Commission (CEC)
The CEC is a planning agency which provides guidance on setting the state’s energy policy.
Responsibilities include forecasting electricity and natural gas demand, promoting and setting energy efficiency standards throughout the state, developing renewable energy resources and permitting thermal power plants 50 megawatts and larger. The CEC also has regulatory specific regulatory authority over publicly owned utilities to certify, monitor and verify eligible renewable energy resources procured. (CEC, n.d.)
SB 1389
SB 1389 (PRC §§ 25300–25323), adopted in 2002, requires the development of an integrated plan for electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels. Under the bill, the CEC must adopt
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and transmit to the Governor and Legislature an Integrated Energy Policy Report every two years. In 2018, the CEC decided to write the Integrated Energy Policy Report in two volumes.
The Volume I, which was published on August 1, 2018, highlights the implementation of California’s innovative policies and the role they have played in moving toward a clean energy economy. Volume II, which was adopted in February 2019, identifies several key energy issues and actions to address these issues and ensure the reliability of energy resources. (CA Legislative Info, n.d.)
REGIONAL REGULATIONS
County of Riverside MS4 Permit, Drainage Area Management Plan (DAMP) and Local Implementation Plans (LIP) (NPDES Permit No. CAS618033).
LOCAL REGULATIONS
The City prepares and provides periodic updates to the water master plans that affect its water resources—the urban water management plan, groundwater recharge plans, and reclaimed water master plan.
City of Corona 2020 Urban Water Management Plan
The City has developed and regularly updates its comprehensive Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) to ensure strategic planning for addressing the water requirements of both the City and its Sphere of Influence (SOI). This plan is formulated to effectively manage the City’s water resources to surpass demand levels through 2040, based on an estimated population of 182,800 residents. By 2040, the City anticipates importing 21,110 acre-feet per year (afy) of water, having approximately 15,112 afy available in the Coldwater and Temescal basins, and possessing 10,000 afy of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes. The total projected water supply for 2040 is estimated to be 46,222 afy (Corona 2020).
The 20202 UWMP specifies that various stages of action can be taken by the urban water provider in response to shortages in water supply, including potential reductions of up to 50 percent in water supply. The 2020 UWMP lists five Water Conservation Stages; Stage 1 – Normal Water Supply, Stage 2 – Minimum Water Shortage, Stage 3 – Moderate Water Shortage, Stage 4 – Severe Water Shortage, and Stage 5 – Critical Water Shortage.
City of Corona Municipal Code
Chapter 8.20, Collection of Refuse and Recyclable Materials, provides requirements for collecting solid waste and recyclable materials.
City of Corona Municipal Code Chapter 13.16, Storm Drains City of Corona Municipal Code Chapter 13.27, Storm Water Management Discharge Controls
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Chapter 13.36, Water Conservation, of the City’s Municipal Code outlines the water shortage contingency measures identified in the UWMP.
City of Corona 2005 Water Master Plan
The City of Corona's 2005 Water Master Plan was crafted to outline the city's water distribution system, pinpoint any shortcomings within the system, and propose enhancements.
Recommendations for improvements were made to rectify these deficiencies and were subsequently included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for funding and implementation. The CIP assesses project priorities according to system requirements and phases, serving as a strategic long-term guide for facilitating the construction of suggested projects to accommodate the city's growth and evolving demands.
City of Corona 2018 Reclaimed Water Master Plan
In July 2018, the City finalized its Reclaimed Water Master Plan (RWMP). This plan is designed to assist the City in fulfilling both present and future objectives regarding reclaimed water utilization. Furthermore, the RWMP seeks to ensure the City's readiness for the decommissioning of WRF 3 and the integration of the new Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) treatment facility as an additional reclaimed water source.
The objectives outlined in the RWMP are in harmony with the goals and strategies outlined in the 2005 Water Master Plan. According to the 2018 RWMP, the current production of recycled water is estimated at 11.34 MGD, with an existing demand for reclaimed water at 2 MGD, primarily utilized for irrigation throughout the City (Fuscoe 2018).
City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan
Land Use Element
Policy LU-1.4 Accommodate the types, densities, and mix of land uses that can be adequately supported by transportation and utility infrastructure (water, sewer, etc.) and public services (schools, parks, libraries, etc.)
Policy LU-4.5 Manage the timing of development and allow development to occur only when public infrastructure and services needed to support that development are available, will be provided concurrently, or are committed to be provided within a reasonable time frame.
Policy LU-9.10 Require that new residential development pay its fair share of the cost of capital improvements, public facilities, and services needed to serve that development.
Ensure that funding mechanisms for landscape maintenance and improvement are required for each.
Policy LU-22.4 Require that infrastructure and service improvements for proposed annexation areas do not create an undue burden on existing City of Corona infrastructure and services.
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Policy LU-22.5 Encourage that, if an area annexes to the City of Corona, a community facilities district or similar financing district shall be established to fund the provision and maintenance of sewers, streets, and other public improvements and services.
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.
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.
Infrastructure Element
Policy IU-3.1 Review, evaluate, and update the City’s Sewer Master Plan and related capital improvement programs on a regular basis to plan for expansion and improvement of conveyance, storage, and treatment facilities.
Policy IU-3.2 Evaluate sewer infrastructure in areas where intensification of land use is anticipated to occur; coordinate capital improvements planning for service infrastructure with the direction, extent, and timing of growth.
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 flows and safe disposal of sludge.
Policy IU-3.5 As a condition of approval, require that all new development submit a sewer analysis to the satisfaction of the City of Corona prior to the issuance of building permits.
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.
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Policy IU-3.9 Continue to require all applicable industries/businesses to obtain sewer discharge permits from the City and to comply with the City's Waste Discharge Pretreatment and Source Control Program.
Policy IU-3.10 Continue to implement, as appropriate, the requirements of the NPDES and SCAQMD regulations, including requiring the use of Best Management Practices by businesses in the City.
Infrastructure Element
Policy IU-4.1 Review, evaluate, and regularly update the City’s Storm Drainage Master Plan and related capital improvement programs as a basis for the orderly planning, expansion, and improvement of facilities; implement improvements identified in the Drainage Master Plan.
Policy IU-4.2 Maintain and upgrade public storm drains and storage control facilities and construct or expand storm drain and flood control facilities to protect people and property from flooding and stormwater runoff. Implement improvements identified in the City’s Drainage Master Plan.
Policy IU-4.3 Designate, preserve, and acquire land, as necessary, for storm drainage and storage control facilities. As necessary, require the reservation of rights-of-way and easements for designated water related infrastructure facilities as a condition of project approval.
Policy IU-4.4 Evaluate the adequacy of stormwater conveyance and storage control facilities in areas where intensification of land use is anticipated to occur; coordinate capital improvements planning for infrastructure with the direction, extent, and timing of growth.
Policy IU-4.5 Review development proposals for projects within the City’s Sphere of Influence and encourage Riverside County to not approve any project that cannot be accommodated with an adequate drainage system.
Policy IU-4.6 Annually review the development charge, acquisition of service charge, and monthly service charges in order to ensure that adequate fees and charges are collected to fund the operation, maintenance, and repair of existing facilities and construction of new facilities.
Policy IU-4.7 Require adherence to City regulatory stormwater quality measures and, if needed, take necessary enforcement action(s) to eliminate illicit connections and discharges to/from the stormwater system.
Policy IU-5.1 Ensure that existing and new development does not directly degrade or indirectly contribute to the degradation of surface waters or the groundwater system.
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Policy IU-5.2 Reduce pollutant loading through passive treatment systems such as vegetated filter strips, grass swales, and infiltration/ sedimentation areas in suitable open space areas, overland flow channels, and landscaping adjacent to parking lots and streets.
Policy IU-5.3 In new developments, minimize the amount of impervious area that is directly connected to piped or channelized drainage systems.
Policy IU-5.4 Evaluate any existing environmental degradation or potential degradation from current or planned storm drain and storage control facilities in wetlands or other sensitive environments.
Policy IU-5.5 Require that development projects consider the appropriateness of the channelization of stormwater runoff to facilitate its possible capture and reuse for on-site irrigation and other purposes.
Policy IU-5.6 Implement environmentally and economically efficient stormwater treatment systems, whenever practical (such as artificial marshland treatment).
Policy IU-5.7 Require developers to obtain a NPDES permit prior to moving construction equipment onto a development site. The NPDES permit shall be retained at the construction site throughout the construction period, and a copy shall be filed with the City Engineer.
Policy IU-5.8 During construction projects, ensure compliance with all terms and conditions outlined in the NPDES permit, including the implementation of the latest best management practices and determination of need for any additional water quality management plans to reduce pollutants and urban runoff flows to the maximum extent practicable.
Policy IU-5.9 Require that new developments employ the most efficient drainage technology to control drainage and minimize damage to environmentally sensitive areas.
Policy IU-5.10 Require that individual project owners and operators handle, store, apply, and dispose of all pest control, herbicide, insecticide, and other similar substances according to all federal, state, and local regulations.
Policy IU-6.1 Provide an adequate and orderly system for collection and recycling or disposal of solid waste for new and existing development in the City and sphere of influence.
Policy IU-6.2 Monitor the adequacy of solid waste collection and recycling, including organic and electronic waste, for commercial, industrial, and residential developments for compliance with state law.
Policy IU-6.3 Coordinate with Riverside County to ensure the City’s continued use of the El Sobrante Landfill and adherence to county, state, and federal environmental regulations and local priorities.
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Policy IU-6.4 Encourage and support local, regional, and statewide efforts to reduce the solid waste stream; implement a waste reduction and recycling program within all City offices and facilities.
Policy IU-6.5 Continue to operate and expand source reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting efforts to continue to reduce waste generation citywide and achieve state-mandated waste diversion goals.
Policy IU-6.6 Continue and enhance public educational programs promoting reuse, recycling, composting, and the safe disposal of waste.
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.
4.19.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
No Project Design Features are proposed for the Modified Project.
4.19.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant utilities and service systems impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold UTL-1 Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Threshold UTL-2 Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonable foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
Threshold UTL-3 Result in a determination by wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
Threshold UTL-4 Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
Threshold UTL-5 Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
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METHODOLOGY
The following discussion analyzes potential impacts to utilities and service systems based on This will involve a baseline assessment to establish the existing capacity and limitations of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems in the Project area. Data will be gathered from relevant agencies and service providers, along with information from the City's 2020-2040 General Plan and other publicly available sources. In addition, this baseline data will be used to compare the anticipated Modified Project demands on these utilities. This will allow for a qualitative assessment of potential impacts, highlighting areas where the Project may cause strain on existing systems.
4.19.7 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:
UTL-1 Require or result in the
relocation or construction
of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment or
storm water drainage,
electric power, natural
gas, or
telecommunications
facilities, the construction
or relocation of which
could cause significant
environmental effects?
UTL-2 Have sufficient water
supplies available to serve
the project and reasonable
foreseeable future
development during
normal, dry and multiple
dry years?
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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:
UTL-3 Result in a determination
by wastewater treatment
provider which serves or
may serve the project that
it has adequate capacity to
serve the project’s
projected demand in
addition to the provider’s
existing commitments?
UTL-4 Generate solid waste in
excess of State or local
standards, or in excess of
the capacity of local
infrastructure, or
otherwise impair the
attainment of solid waste
reduction goals?
UTL-5 Comply with federal, state,
and local management and
reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid
waste?
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
IMPACT UTL-1 Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
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Water
As previously stated, water services including domestic water, irrigation, and fire suppression to the GRRSP Planning Area will be provided by the City of Corona CUD. A connection will be made to the existing underground water line located at the Project entrance on Green River Road. The tie-in would be designed and coordinated through CUD during the building permitting process to ensure the water distribution system meets peak flow rate and fire flow requirements. The new onsite water system would convey water supplies to the proposed development and landscaping through plumbing/landscaping fixtures that are compliant with the CalGreen Plumbing Code and the City’s Municipal Code Section 17.70.070, Landscaping, and Chapter 13.14, Water and Sewer Regulations and would be reviewed for compliance by the City during Project plan check. The construction activities related to the onsite water infrastructure that would be needed to serve the proposed structures is included as part of the Modified Project and would not result in any physical environmental effects beyond those identified throughout this DSEIR. For example, construction emissions for excavation and installation of the water infrastructure is included in Sections 4.3, Air Quality and 4.8, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and noise volumes from these activities are evaluated in Section
4.13, Noise. In addition, Project implementation would not require off-site improvements.
Therefore, the Project would not result in the construction of new or expanded off-site water facilities. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Wastewater Treatment
As stated in the Preliminary Wastewater Report, the City’s 2005 Sewer Master Plan determined the existing 10-inch gravity sewer lines in Green River Road and Palisades Drive west of the existing SDO LS are identified as being deficient under existing conditions.
Furthermore, the existing 10-inch gravity sewer lines in Green River Road and Palisades Drive west of the existing SDO LS are identified as being deficient under existing conditions.
In anticipation of the increased sewer flows associated with future developments throughout the City of Corona, the Preliminary Wastewater Report states the Department of Water and Power has proposed several Capital Improvement Projects to address current and future deficiencies in the existing sewer system. In addition, the City has plans to construct a new lift station at the intersection of Green River Road and Palisades Drive to replace and upgrade the existing SDO LS. The proposed lift station will accommodate flows from existing and future developments, which include the proposed sewer flows from the development of the Modified Project. The new lift station is included in the City’s Fiscal Year 2021 through Fiscal year 2025 Capital Improvement Program and also includes 2,600 linear feet of 12-inch gravity sewer and 1,500 lineal feet of 12-inch force main. Such improvements would be required to be analyzed under current CEQA guidelines.
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The Project would install 8-inch sewer lines within the BPI portion of the site that would connect to the existing sewer sub within an existing public utility easement. The construction activities related to installation of the onsite sewer infrastructure that would serve the Modified Project, is included as part of the Modified Project and would not result in any physical environmental effects beyond those identified throughout this Draft SEIR. For example, analysis of construction emissions for excavation and installation of the sewer infrastructure is included in Section 4.3, Air Quality and 4.8, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and noise volumes from these activities are evaluated in Section 4.13, Noise. As the Modified Project includes facilities to serve the proposed development, it would not result in the need for construction of other new wastewater facilities or expansions, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Storm Water Drainage
As discussed subsequently in Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality the Modified Project site would include development of approximately 36.65 acres of impermeable surfaces, which would be an increase from the existing undeveloped vacant impervious surface area. Project site existing drainages flow from the south to a low point within the northern portion of the site, ultimately conveyed into the existing drainage pipelines/culverts crossing Green River Road and to SR 91.
Use of the subsurface infiltration chamber would regulate the rate and velocity of stormwater flows and would control the amount of discharge into the off-site drainage system. As discussed above, the Modified Project would not result in significant impacts related to water quality. In addition, the drainage facilities proposed for the BPI development have been sized to adequately accommodate the stormwater flows from the proposed development and are consistent with the County drainage plans and MS4 permit requirements. The proposed oversized infiltration system would accommodate existing stormwater infrastructure capacity by holding the entire design capture volume in the chamber and allow high flows to discharge from the site at a reduced flowrate. The existing southerly drainage pattern is not maintained; however, times of concentration are preserved through the use of dual underground infiltration systems. With implementation of Modified Project, estimated stormwater flows will be adequately accommodated. Therefore, the Project would not result in the construction of new or expanded off-site storm water facilities. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Electric Power\
SCE would provide electrical service to the Modified Project. An on-site connection to the existing electrical supply and distribution network within the area surrounding the Project would be made during construction and operation. The existing electrical supply is underground and located at the south side of the Project entrance at Green River Road and tiePage 2763 of 4376
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in would be identified prior to construction with proper mark out. Compliance with the existing building code and SCE construction and design regulations would ensure the Modified Project’s connection to the existing electrical infrastructure is conducted safely and provides adequate service. Therefore, the Project would not result in the construction of new or expanded off-site electrical facilities. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required
Natural Gas
SoCalGas would provide natural gas services to the Project. Similar to the previous services mentioned, on-site connection to the existing nature gas infrastructure would be made during construction for operation. The existing gas line runs under Green River Road east to west and tie-in would be made at the Project entrance at Street A. Compliance with the existing building code and SoCalGas construction and design regulations would ensure the Modified Project’s connection to the existing natural gas infrastructure is conducted safely and provides adequate service. Therefore, the Project would not result in the construction of new or expanded off-site natural gas facilities. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications facilities within the Project area are not owned by the City but are owned and operated by multiple service providers including AT&T and Time Warner Cable. As with buildout of the Modified Project including the proposed BPI development, Project implementation would not result in a significant impact to telecommunications facilities, as each individual future developer would be required to contract with the respective telecommunications company and coordinate with the City to connect to such facilities, as required by applicable regulations and requirements. Therefore, Project implementation would not result in the need for construction of other new telecommunication facilities or expansions, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects.
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 UTL-2 Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonable foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
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According to the City of Corona 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), CUD receives water supplies from treated surface water, untreated surface water, and desalinated brackish groundwater. Further, through a combination of these resources, the UWMP indicates that the City has the ability to meet current and projected water demands through 2045 during normal, historic single-dry and historic multiple-dry year periods (UWMP 2020).
The UWMP applied SCAG future population projections to estimate overall water demand from 2020 to 2045 throughout the City for all land use types (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). However, according to the WSA prepared for the Modified Project, the water demand for the Modified Project was not explicitly accounted for in the 2020 UWMP. The UWMP only considered future demands associated with population growth and minor infill projects. For this reason, water demand for the Modified Project was calculated independently within the WSA.
According to the UWMP, projected normal 2025 water use in the City of Corona for Commercial/ Institutional uses was projected in the amount of 3,078 AF, Residential Single Family was 18,839 AF, and total water use was 37,555 AF (UWMP 2020). Furthermore, the projected normal 2045 total water use was 38,351, while the single dry year demand in 2025 was 39,358 and 40,192 in 2045. According to the UWMP, the total supply for water during normal and dry years is 46,222 AF.
As stated in the WSA, the Modified Project’s water demand during normal years would be 104 AF per year. Furthermore, the WSA determined Based on the finding that there is sufficient supply under normal year, single dry year and multiple dry year conditions through 2045 due to the availability of water resources. Furthermore, the Modified Project would also limit water use by inclusion of low-flow plumbing and irrigation fixtures, pursuant to the California Title 24 requirements and would comply with City permits and fees as necessary. As a result, the Modified Project would have sufficient water supplies available to serve the Project, and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years, and 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
IMPACT UTL-3 Result in a determination by wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
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Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
No septic systems are proposed as part of the Modified Project. As discussed under the analysis of Threshold UTL-1, the Modified Project would be provided sanitary sewer service by the CUD. Impacts associated with the Modified Project’s proposed sewer improvements are inherent to the Modified Project’s construction phase, and impacts have been evaluated throughout this SEIR under the appropriate subject headings (e.g., air quality, biological resources, etc.). Where significant direct or cumulative impacts are identified, mitigation measures have been imposed to reduce the Project’s impacts to the maximum feasible extent.
There are no environmental impacts that would occur specifically related to the Project’s proposed sewer improvements that have not already been addressed in pertinent sections of this SEIR. Additionally, the analysis of Impact UTL-1, demonstrates that the CUD would not need to expand any wastewater treatment facilities as a result of the proposed Project. As such, with the mitigation measures specified in this SEIR, Project impacts due to the proposed construction of sewer facilities 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
IMPACT UTL-4 Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Solid waste generated by the Modified Project would be disposed of at either the El Sobrante Landfill, Lamb Canyon Landfill, or Badlands Landfill. As previously indicated, the El Sobrante Landfill is currently permitted to receive 16,054 tpd, while the average daily tonnage in December 2022 was 9,291.25 tpd. The Lamb Canyon Landfill is permitted to receive 5,000 tpd, while data from December 2022 shows that the Lamb Canyon Landfill received a daily average of approximately 1,890.14 tpd. The Badlands Landfill is permitted to receive 4,800 tpd, while in January 2023 the Badlands Landfill received an average of 3,166.88 tpd. (RCDWR, 2022a RCDWR, 2022b; RCDWR, 2023)
As stated in the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan, in 2015, the latest year for which data was approved, the target disposal rates for Corona were 8.6 pounds per day (ppd) per resident, and
18.6 ppd per employee; actual disposal rates in 2015—6.7 ppd per resident and 15.5 ppd per employee—were below target rates and thus were consistent with AB 939 (CalRecycle 2019f).
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As stated in Section 4.14, Population and Housing, the Modified Project would result in approximately 113 residents and approximately 1,125 total employees. The Modified Project’s solid waste generation, buildout and occupancy of the Modified Project is estimated to produce approximately 10.92 tpd of solid waste, or approximately 3,986.3 tons per year (tpy).
Compliance with AB 939, which applies to the Modified Project and the City, up to 50% of its solid waste would need to be diverted from area landfills. In conformance with the City’s 2020- 2040 General Plan and AB 939, the Project Applicant is required to work with future contract refuse haulers to implement recycling and waste reduction programs for solid wastes.
Based on the average daily tonnage received at these landfills in June 2022, the Project’s daily generation of solid waste would represent 0.1% of the tpd permitted to receive at the El Sobrante Landfill. Because the Modified Project would generate a relatively small amount of solid waste per day as compared to the permitted daily capacities and average daily tonnage for the El Sobrante Landfill, it is anticipated that these regional landfill facilities would have sufficient daily capacity to accept solid waste generated by the Modified Project. As such, because regional solid waste facilities would have adequate capacity to handle solid waste generated by the Modified Project’s construction and operational phases, 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 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
IMPACT UTL-5 Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Federal, State, and local statutes and regulations regarding solid waste generation, transport, and disposal are intended to decrease solid waste generation through mandatory reductions in solid waste quantities (e.g., through recycling and composting of green waste) and the safe and efficient transport of solid waste. The Modified Project solid waste needs would be served by a contract waste hauler that complies with State standards. Additionally, new development projects approved by the City of Corona pursuant to the 2020-2045 General Plan would contain storage areas for recyclable materials in conformance with California Public Resources Code Sections 42900 et seq., and City of Corona Municipal Code Chapter 8.20, Collection of Refuse and Recyclable Materials. Furthermore, solid waste diversion programs in the City would continue operating and would have adequate capacity to accept all future wastes and recyclables to reduce landfilled waste including buildout of the Modified Project. With compliance to all applicable solid waste statutes and regulations, impacts related to solid waste statutes and regulations would be less than significant.
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Therefore, no new or substantially greater impacts would occur with implementation of the Modified Project when compared to those identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Mitigation Measure
No mitigation measures are required.
4.19.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less Than Significant Impact/No Changes or No New Information Requiring Preparation of an EIR.
The cumulative study area used for the analysis of water and wastewater includes areas within CUD’s service area for water and wastewater services, and is based on the buildout of the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan and the general plans of cities within CUD service area. The cumulative study area for solid waste comprises western Riverside County, as all areas of western Riverside County are served by WMIE, and is based on the buildout of the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan and the general plans of cities within western Riverside County. For the remaining issue areas, the cumulative impact analysis considers development of the Project in conjunction with other development projects and planned development in the vicinity of the GRRSP Planning Area.
As discussed under the analysis of Impact UTL-1, the Modified Project would require a number of improvements related to water, wastewater treatment, and storm drainage systems, although such improvements are inherent to the Modified Project’s construction phase as discussed in the 2001 EIR. Cumulatively-considerable impacts associated with Modified Project construction activities have been evaluated throughout this SEIR, and where necessary mitigation measures have been identified to reduce the Modified Project’s cumulativelyconsiderable effects to the maximum feasible extent. There are no components of the Modified Project’s proposed water, wastewater, or storm drainage systems that could result in impacts not already evaluated by other sections of this SEIR. Accordingly, impacts associated with the construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater drainage systems would be less than cumulatively considerable.
The analysis of Impact UTL-2. demonstrates that the CUD would have sufficient water supplies available to serve the Project as well as other reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. The City’s UWMP and the Modified Project’s WSA (Appendix Q) evaluate the water demands of both the Modified Project and other cumulative developments within CUD’s service area, and the Modified Project is well below the growth assumptions utilized in the CUD for the Project site. Because the UWMP demonstrates that the CUD has the capacity to serve future development within its service area, cumulatively-considerable impacts to water supply would be less than significant.
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As discussed under the analysis of Impact UTL-3. And UTL-4, the Modified Project would require a number of improvements to provide sewer service to the Project site, although impacts associated with such improvements are inherent to the Modified Project’s construction phase. Cumulatively-considerable impacts associated with Modified Project construction activities have been evaluated throughout this SEIR, and where necessary mitigation measures have been identified to reduce the Modified Project’s cumulatively-considerable effects to the maximum feasible extent. There are no components of the Modified Project’s proposed wastewater improvements that would result in impacts not already evaluated by other sections of this SEIR. Accordingly, impacts associated with the construction of new or expanded wastewater treatment conveyance facilities would be less-than-cumulatively considerable.
The Modified Project’s wastewater generation would not result in or require the expansion of the existing facilities. Although the Project and other cumulative developments ultimately would contribute to the need for expanded capacity, impacts associated with such expansion would be subject to CEQA once plans for such expansion have been prepared by the CUD. As no such plans are currently available, it would be speculative to evaluate potential cumulatively-considerable impacts associated with the proposed expansion (CEQA Guidelines § 15145). As such, Modified Project impacts due to wastewater capacity would be less-thancumulatively considerable.
As previously discussed in the analysis provided under Impact UTL-5, solid waste generated by construction and operation of the Modified Project would represent nominal proportions of the daily disposal capacity at the El Sobrante Landfill, Lamb Canyon Landfill, and/or Badlands Landfill. The landfills are currently projected to remain open until as far into the future as 2051 (El Sobrante Landfill) and have sufficient daily capacity to handle solid waste generated by the Modified Project and other cumulative developments both during construction and longterm operation. The Modified Project would not directly result in the need for expanded solid waste disposal facilities, as the El Sobrante Landfill, Lamb Canyon Landfill, and Badlands Landfill have sufficient existing capacity to handle solid waste generated by the Modified Project. Rather, the Modified Project’s incremental contribution to solid waste generation may contribute to an ultimate need for expanding the solid waste disposal facilities that would serve the Modified Project and/or the construction of additional solid waste disposal facilities.
Moreover, it is possible that as other developments in the region are proposed, the WMIE may opt to construct new solid waste disposal facilities to serve those developments, and such facilities may or may not receive solid waste generated by the Modified Project. Although the Modified Project has the potential to cumulatively contribute to the demand for new or expanded solid waste disposal facilities, the construction of which could significantly impact the environment, it is too speculative for evaluation in the absence of a proposed expansion or development plan (CEQA Guidelines, 14 CCR § 15145). Therefore, the Modified Project’s cumulatively-considerable impacts to solid waste disposal facilities are evaluated as less than significant.
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The Modified Project would adhere to regulations set forth by local and State regulations (including AB 341 and AB 939) during both construction and long-term operations. Other cumulative developments would also be required to comply with such regulations. As such, the Modified Project as well as other cumulative developments in the area would not result in cumulative impacts with respect to compliance with federal, State, and local statutes and regulations related to solid wastes. Impacts would be less-than-cumulatively considerable.
Cumulative impacts associated with the provision of facilities for electricity, natural gas, communications systems, stormwater drainage, street lighting, maintenance of facilities, construction of off-site sewer and water lines, and other governmental services are inherent to the Project’s construction phase and have been evaluated throughout the appropriate issue areas in this EIR. In all cases, where cumulatively-considerable impacts associated with any Project component are identified, mitigation measures have been imposed to reduce such impacts to the maximum feasible extent. Accordingly, cumulatively-considerable impacts associated with the provision of utility facilities to serve the proposed Project would be less than significant.
4.19.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
The following mitigation measures related to utilities and service systems, as defined in Section 4.10.9, were included in the certified 2001 EIR.
4.11.2.A: All proposed storm drain facilities and equipment shall be designed, installed and maintained in a manner to convey peak flows estimated for the project.
Drainage plans shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the issuance of grading permits.
4.11.2B: On-site detention basins shall be constructed to accommodate storm flows from the project site. Such facilities shall be designed, installed and maintained in a manner to reduce on-site runoff to a level that can be accommodated by the existing culverts beneath Green River Road. All required drainage structures shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with applicable City of Corona standards.
4.19.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT No new mitigation measures related to utilities and service systems are required.
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4.20 WILDFIRE
4.20.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the Draft SEIR assesses the potential impacts associated with wildfire from the implementation of the Proposed Project. The impact discussions for each specific impact topic include a comparison to the impacts evaluated for the Approved Project consistent with the conditions detailed in CEQA Guidelines 15162 regarding a Subsequent EIR. The discussion describes the regulatory framework and existing conditions, identifies criteria used to determine impact significance, provides an analysis of the potential impacts associated with wildfire, and identifies methods to mitigate any potentially significant impacts of the Proposed Project.
Mitigation measures are recommended as necessary to reduce significant wildfire impacts.
One NOP comment letter (Adam Ruiz) was received pertaining to this topic and two Public Scoping Meeting comments (Bruce Fields and Jeffrey Meissner) were received pertaining to this topic.
This section of the Draft SEIR is based on the Fire Protection Plan prepared for the Proposed Project dated June 24, 2020, revised April 7, 2023 (Appendix P).
4.20.2 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES FROM THE 2001 EIR
The 2001 certified EIR included an Initial Study used to screen or focus the 2001 EIR to include only those impacts needing further analysis or impacts for which the Initial Study identified readily available mitigation. For Wildfire, the Initial Study screened out further assessment of fire hazard impacts, and therefore a detailed analysis of Wildfire was not included in the 2001 EIR. The basis for screening out wildfire hazards from further analysis is because the GRRSP includes Development Regulations and Design Guidelines requiring preparation and implementation within the Planning Area.
The Project impact analysis related to wildfire are summarized as follows:
e) Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees? Abundant fuel in the form of native vegetation in the foothills was identified in close proximity to the Project, posing a significant wildfire hazard to the Project. Consequently, the certified EIR requires the Approved Project to prepare and implement a Fuel Modification Plan and Program to address and mitigate wildfire hazard potential in the vicinity of the Project. The requires The certified EIR requires implementation of the Fuel Modification Plan and Program prior to grading of any uses within the Specific Plan.
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4.20.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Modified Project site is located within the western portion of the City and in the response area of Corona Fire Department (CFD), Fire Station 5. According to CAL FIRE and the City’s Safety Element, the Modified Project area is within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Area (FHSZ).
The Modified Project area is located south of SR 91, southwest of Dominguez Ranch Road, and southeast of Fresno Road. Green River Road bisects a small portion of the GRRSP Planning Area in an east-west alignment. The Modified Project site is bounded by undeveloped land on the north, partially developed land to the east, the 91 Freeway to the west, and undeveloped land to the south. Further to the south, is the Cleveland National Forest. The Open Space and Estate Residential portions of the Project are located within the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The BPI portion of the Modified Project is located at the base of these foothills. Wildland fuels in the form of native vegetation in the foothills surround the Modified Project site.
4.20.4 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
FEDERAL
National Fire Protection Association Standards
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides are developed through a consensus standards development process approved by the American National Standards Institute. NFPA standards are recommended (advisory) guidelines in fire protection but are not laws or codes unless adopted or referenced as such by the California Fire Code or local fire agency. Specific standards applicable to wildland fire hazards include but are not limited to the following:
• NFPA 1141, Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Wildlands • NFPA 1142, Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting • NFPA 1143, Wildland Fire Management
• NFPA 1144, Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire • NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations
STATE
California Building Code
The California Building Code requires the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms in residential dwelling units as follows (Title 24, Part 2, Section 907.2.11.2, of the California Code of Regulations): “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
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used for sleeping purposes, and in each story within a dwelling unit. The smoke alarms shall be interconnected.”
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
CAL FIRE is dedicated to the fire protection and stewardship of over 31 million acres of California's wildlands. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is a regulatory body in CAL FIRE. It is responsible for developing the general forest policy of the state, for determining the guidance policies of the Department, and for representing the state’s interest in federal forestland in California. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection also promulgates regulations and reviews General Plan Safety Elements that are adopted by local government for compliance with statutes. Together, the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and CAL FIRE protect and enhance the forest resources of the wildland areas of California that are not under federal jurisdiction.
California Fire Code
The California Fire Code is a series of building, property, and lifeline codes in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Chapter 9. The California Fire Code contains fire safety-related building standards, such as construction standards, vehicular and emergency access, fire hydrants and fire flow, and sprinkler requirements. Specific chapters relevant to wildfire include Chapter 49, Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface, and Chapter 7A of the California Building Code, Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure.
California Government Code
The State of California maintains responsibility for the prevention and suppression of wildfires on land outside incorporated boundaries of a city. In 1991, the State Legislature adopted the Bates Bill (California Government Code, Sections 51175–51189) following the fires in the Oakland Hills. The bill requires CAL FIRE to identify and classify areas in local responsibility areas that have a “very high fire severity” hazard for wildfires. Local responsibility areas are areas where local governments have the primary responsibility for preventing and suppressing fires. A local agency is required to adopt CAL FIRE’s findings within 120 days of receiving recommendations from CAL FIRE, pursuant to California Government Code, Section 51178(b), or propose modifications in accordance with state law..
California Office of State Fire Marshal
The California Office of the State Fire Marshal supports the mission of CAL FIRE by focusing on fire prevention. Its fire safety responsibilities include regulating buildings in which people live, congregate, or are confined; by controlling substances and products which may, in and of themselves, or by their misuse, cause injuries, death, and destruction by fire; by providing statewide direction for fire prevention within wildland areas; by regulation hazardous liquid
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pipelines; by developing and reviewing regulations and building standards; and by providing training and education in fire protection methods and responsibilities. These achievements are accomplished through major programs including engineering, education, enforcement, and support from the State Board of Fire Services.
California Public Resources Code
The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). There are three FHSZs designated as Moderate, High and Very High. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection is authorized in the California Public Resources Code to adopt minimum fire safety standards for new construction in FHSZs in State Responsibility Areas. The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection publishes its fire safety regulations in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14. These standards may differ from those in Appendix D of the California Fire Code. Fire-safe regulations currently address the following:
• Article 1: Administration of ordinance and defensible space measures (Chapter 49) • Article 2: Emergency access and egress standards (roadways) (Appendix D) • Article 3: Standards for signs identifying streets, roads, and buildings (Chapter 5) • Article 4: Emergency water standards for fire use (Appendix B, BB) • Article 5: Fuel modification standards (Chapter 49)
Local ordinances adopted by local governments cannot be less restrictive than the provisions in state law. These regulations would be applied in state responsibility areas outside of the City’s boundaries, such as the sphere of influence and surrounding unincorporated lands.
REGIONAL
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, County of Riverside Unit Strategic Plan
CAL FIRE prepares a California Fire Strategic Plan to govern operations statewide. The California Strategic Plan is implemented through individual “unit plans” that are prepared for different regions of the state. CAL FIRE’s fire suppression operations are organized into 21 units that geographically follow county lines. CAL FIRE adopted a County of Riverside Unit Strategic Plan that covers the County with input from applicable federal, State, City, and County agencies. The plan sets forth the agency’s priorities for the prevention, protection, and suppression of wildfires. The overall goal of the plan is to reduce total costs and losses from wildland fire in the unit by protecting assets at risk through focused pre-fire management prescriptions, increasing initial attack success. The last plan was updated in 2023.
County of Riverside Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan The County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) identifies the County’s hazards, reviews and assesses past disaster occurrences, estimates the probability of
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future occurrences, and sets goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and human-made hazards. The LHMP contains mitigation strategies, from the Safety Element of the Riverside County General Plan (2015).
LOCAL
City of Corona 2020–2040 General Plan
Public Safety Element
Goal PS-9. Through fire prevention and educational efforts, promote participation, voluntary compliance and community awareness of fire safety issues in order to reduce the incidence and severity of fire and related emergencies and loss.
Policy PS-9.1. Continue to review and adopt the most recent edition of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), including local amendments, to ensure the use of the latest technology and building standards in the city.
Policy PS-9.4. Maintain safe and accessible evacuation routes throughout the community; take precautions and ensure backup or mitigations for routes crossing high hazard areas (e.g., flood, seismic, high fire, etc.).
Policy PS-9.5. Work cooperatively with city departments, community groups, and individual homeowners to ensure that vegetation management is being maintained in the designated fuel modification areas.
Goal PS-10. Reduce fire risk to life and property through effective land use planning and compliance with federal, state, local laws, ordinances, and standards.
Policy PS-10.1. Locate, when feasible, new essential public facilities outside of high fire risk areas; if not feasible, require construction and other methods to harden and minimize damage for existing/planned facilities in such areas.
Policy PS-10.2. Require all improved and new homes, structures, and facilities in the very high fire hazard severity zones to adhere to additional fire-safe design standards consistent with state law and local practice.
Policy PS-10.6. Require fuel modification plans and vegetation clearance standards for development in VHFHSZs to protect structures from wildfire, protect wildlands from structure fires, and provide safe access routes for the community and firefighters within the project boundary, which may be extended pursuant to required findings when in accordance with state law, local ordinance, rule or regulation and no feasible mitigation measures are possible.
City of Corona Municipal Code
The Corona Municipal Code covers a broad range of regulations that address building construction codes, roadway access and egress, building signage, and sprinkler requirements,
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among other aspects, including Chapter 15.16, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, and outlines the authority of the Fire Chief in determining VHFHSZs and creating a VHFHSZ Map in the City.
The CFD and City building department staff work together to regulate requirements for development in the high fire hazard severity zones.
Corona Emergency Operations Plan
The City 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 well-established 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 as follows (City of Corona 2020):
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 Fire Prevention Guidelines and Standards
The CFD prepares, adopts, and maintains fire prevention standards that apply to existing and proposed buildings, landscapes, and property. Many of these standards are the same requirements of the California Fire Code, with certain local standards being more restrictive than the state codes by adoption of local amendments to the Corona Municipal Code. Fire prevention standards include but are not limited to the following:
• Construction standards
• Guideline for Fire Flow And Hydrant Spacing
• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Plan review and inspection
• Hazardous material use and storage
• Fuel modification requirements
Corona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Corona is conducting a 5-year update to the 2017 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and has completed the Draft 2023 LHMP. The 2023 Draft LHMP identifies the City’s hazards, reviews and assesses past disaster occurrences, estimates the probability of future occurrences, and sets goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from natural and human-made hazards. Of the 23 hazards evaluated from the 2017 LHMP, no additional hazards were identified. Wildfire hazard is still rated as the second highest risk. Due to the increase in occurrence or severity of some of these hazards, emphasis on mitigation priority is greater than in previous years. As such, the goals and mitigation programs have been revised and are provided in the hazard mitigation plan to address each of the hazards (City of Corona 2023).
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4.20.5 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
PDF FIRE-1: Fire Protection Plan (FPP) - The proposed BPI development includes the following project design features (PDFs) defined in the FPP:
• A wildland fire hazard rating assessment and calculations of the expected fire behavior in the event a wildland fire should occur within the off-site native vegetation. • A long-term perimeter vegetative fuel modification treatment and maintenance plan to minimize any loss to residential structures within the planned development due to wildland fire.
• Additional construction features, where required, due to high fire hazard wildland fuels. • Landscaping criteria deployed around all planned structures. • Building construction and design criteria.
• A review of ignition resistant building features; community protection systems (e.g. water and access); and specifications to assure these plans, features and systems adequately protect life and property.
PDF FIRE-2: Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) - The proposed BPI development includes the following PDFs defined the FMZ:
• Irrigated Zone 1 (0-50 feet from buildings), a defensible space zone, requires complete clearance of combustible materials and most vegetation. It provides a fire break and allows firefighters safe access during wildfires. This zone encompasses level or graded areas around buildings, primarily used for parking. • Thinning Zone 2 (50-100 feet from buildings) focuses on fuel reduction. Half (50%) of the above-ground vegetation must be removed, prioritizing fire-prone species listed in the FPP. To prevent erosion, root systems should be left intact. This zone allows for limited landscaping with fire-resistant native plants and ornamental plants (up to 4 feet tall) and strategically limbed trees (branches removed at least 6 feet from the ground). • Roadside Fuel Treatment zones (within 30 feet of roads) prioritizes safe evacuation and emergency access during wildfires. All combustible vegetation must be cleared for a minimum of 30 feet on each side of roadways. This area can be landscaped with lowmaintenance, fire-resistant plants similar to Zone 1. Sidewalks and other noncombustible features can be added for further protection. • Manufactured Slopes in Common Areas zones are slopes, whether temporarily or permanently irrigated, to be planted with fire-resistant vegetation. The owner or manager is responsible for maintaining these slopes to meet Zone 2 fuel modification criteria in the long term.
• Open Space - to be maintained by the Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority upon acquisition.
• Zone Markers - All exterior boundaries on the east side of the proposed BPI development with Zone 2 abutting wildland fuels shall be permanently marked on the
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ground where it transitions for the purpose of guiding annual fuel treatment maintenance and inspection operations. The most reliable markers are steel fence posts with a baked on painted finish. The upper half of the above ground portion of the fence post shall be painted a bright “day glow” orange to improve visibility. These Fuel Modification Zone markers must be spaced so that the markers on each side of an installed marker can be seen from that marker.
4.20.6 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City, if located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as a Very High FHSZs, a significant impact related to wildfire would occur if the project would:
Threshold FIRE-1 Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Threshold FIRE-2 Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? Threshold FIRE-3 Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary ongoing impacts to the environment?
Threshold FIRE-4 Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
METHODOLOGY
The following analysis is based, in part, on information provided by the Fire Protection Plan prepared for the Proposed Project (Appendix X), City of Corona General Plan, Corona Emergency Operation Plan (EOP), Corona Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), CAL FIRE, and the City of Corona Fire Department Fire Strategic Plan (FSP). The information obtained from these sources and other relevant materials was reviewed to evaluate the potential presence of wildfire risks on the Project site.
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4.20.7 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?
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, a significant impact related to wildfire would occur if the project would; FIRE-1 Substantially impair an
adopted emergency
response plan or
emergency evacuation
plan?
FIRE-2 Due to slope,
prevailing winds, and
other factors,
exacerbate wildfire
risks, and thereby
expose project
occupants to pollutant
concentrations from a
wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of
a wildfire?
FIRE-3 Require the installation
or maintenance of
associated
infrastructure (such as
roads, fuel breaks,
emergency water
sources, power lines or
other utilities) that may
exacerbate fire risk or
that may result in
temporary ongoing
impacts to the
environment?
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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?
If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, a significant impact related to wildfire would occur if the project would; FIRE-4 Expose people or
structures to significant
risks, including
downslope or
downstream flooding
or landslides, as a
result of runoff, postfire slope instability, or
drainage changes?
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED PROJECT
Impact FIRE-1: Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
As previously stated, the City has prepared an EOP to ensure the most effective allocation of resources for the maximum benefit and protection of the civilian population in time of emergency. In addition, the City’s LHMP is designed to identify local hazards and provide mitigation measures to address these hazards. Although the proposed GRRSP Amendment includes adjustments to land use dedication and acreages, implementation of the Modified Project would not result in substantial changes to the circulation patterns or emergency access routes as previously analyzed in the 2001 EIR or as envisioned in the current EOP. As previously identified, the Project site is within the response area of Corona Fire Department, Fire Station 5, within a Local Responsibility Area designated as a Very High FHSZ.
Construction
Development of the Modified Project includes development of the proposed BPI development and off-site utilities and roadway improvements. Construction of the BPI development in PA’s 1, 2, and 3 includes five (5) light industrial buildings totaling 746,330 square feet. The off-site
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improvements to roadways and utilities would occur in public rights-of-way and along the Project frontage. During construction activities, temporary full or partial lane closures may be necessary, especially for Green River Road widening and utility and roadway improvements at the Palisades Drive and Green River Road connection. The full or partial lane closures could result in the redistribution of traffic along adjacent and surrounding roadways. As construction progresses, access for emergency vehicles could be impaired as result of reduced roadway widths (or capacity) and increased volumes of construction-related traffic or redistributed traffic. As a result, construction could impair or physically interfere with adopted Emergency Response Plans or Emergency Evacuation Plans.
As previously stated, the City has several policies regarding public safety related to emergencies, including those found in the General Plan Safety Element, the EOP and the LHMP. The Modified Project would be required to comply with all of these policies. In addition, current construction best practices as implemented by MM HAZ-1 in Section 4.9, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, would require the preparation and implementation of a Construction Traffic Control Plan that would allow for access for emergency vehicles to be maintained at all times. Furthermore, the plan would require that police, fire, and emergency services be notified of the timing, location, and duration of construction activities that could hinder or delay emergency access through the construction period. As a result, compliance of City plans, policies, and incorporation of Mitigation Measure MM HAZ-1, constructionrelated impacts would be reduced to less than significant in a similar manner as identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Operation
Once constructed, the proposed circulation improvements around and within the Project site would provide additional access for potential movement of emergency equipment.
Improvements such as widening of Green River Road and provision of emergency access locations would improve the ability of emergency personnel to access the site while the interior roadways constructed to CFD fire apparatus access standards would improve their ability to navigate within the site. In addition, these improvements would also aid in the evacuation of Project residents within the Estate Residential uses as well as adjacent residences. Due to the circulatory improvements associated with the Project, it can be determined that implementation of the Modified Project would improve emergency access to the Project site and nearby uses and would not impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required in a similar manner as identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
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Impact FIRE-2: Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
A wildfire will generally spread uphill due to preheating of the fuel and up-slope draft unless the prevailing wind is strong enough to overcome these two forces. The flames are closer to the fuel on the uphill side and they receive more radiant heat. This results in more preheating and faster igniting of the fuel. The heated air rises along the slope increasing the draft that further increases the rate of spread. As a result of winds blowing up-slope, more convective heat also reaches the fuel in front of the fire, and it is pre-heated more quickly to the ignition temperature. The opposite is true at night. When the slope becomes shaded, the surface generally loses heat rapidly and becomes cool. The air adjacent to the surface also cools and becomes denser thus heavier and it can begin to flow down-slope.
Historically, wildfires have occasionally burned into the City from the Cleveland National Forest often pushed by moderate west to southwest winds. Because a portion of the Modified Project site is located on the hillside of the Santa Ana Mountains impacted by these winds, and more importantly being located within a Very High FHSZ, the risk for the Modified Project site to exacerbate wildfire spreading is a potentially significant impact.
As identified in the 2001 EIR, future development resulting from the GRRSP would be required to prepare a Fuel Modification Program to be approved by the City prior to grading activities. As included in detail above in PDF FIRE-1, the FPP (Appendix X) addresses issues related to wildfire potential in the vicinity of the development of the BPI development in relation to the type of construction material and design, and landscaping and vegetation that would be allowed within the BPI Project area (GRRSP PAs 1, 2, and 3). Moreover, the purpose of the FPP is to implement Fuel Modification Zones (PDF FIRE-2) to ensure all proposed structures are safe from future wildland fires to the maximum extent feasible, as shown in Figure 4.20-1.
Overall, the Modified Project, would be constructed in compliance with the CFC and CBC, along with being compliant with CFD requirements as reflected in the Project’s FPP including the Fuel Modification Program. Additionally, with the implementation of standard conditions of approval PDF FIRE-1 and -2, the Project occupants would not be exposed to pollutant concentrations from wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire by exacerbating wildfire risks. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required in a similar manner as identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
PAGE: 4.20-13
FIGURE 4.20-1: FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES
SOURCE: KWC ENGINEERS, 2023.
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Impact FIRE-3: Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary ongoing impacts to the environment?
Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
As previously discussed in Threshold FIRE-2, the Modified Project site is in a Very High FHSZ and as a standard condition of approval for the Approved Project, future development would be required to prepare a Fuel Modification Program to be approved by the City prior to grading activities. As part of the development of the BPI Project design, improvements outlined in the FPP and Fuel Modification Program (PDF FIRE-1) would be approved by the City to reduce fire risk to the maximum extent feasible. In addition, the BPI development would incorporate the four main FMZs (PDF FIRE-2) as identified in the FMP, previously shown in Figure 4.20-1, which include the augmentation and long-term maintenance of surrounding vegetation to reduce risks from wildfires to life and property to the maximum extent feasible. The FPP also requires Zone Markers, bright orange markers on steel fence posts to clearly mark the boundary between Zone 2 and wildland areas for easier maintenance and inspection. Furthermore, the FPP identifies the Modified Project’s Open space areas within the Project area to be managed the Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority upon acquisition.
As a result, with implementation of the FPP and FMP as outlined in PDF FIRE-1 and -2, the proposed BPI development and balance of the Modified Project would not exacerbate fire risk or result in temporary ongoing impacts to the environment. Impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required in a similar manner as identified in the 2001 EIR for the Approved Project.
Impact FIRE-4: Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? Eliminated, Reduced, or No Changes to Impacts and No Changes to the Prior EIR are Required.
Vegetation is crucial in maintaining existing drainage patterns and the stability of soils on slopes and hillsides. Leaves, stems and branches capture and slow drainage, allowing it to more effectively percolate into the soil. Removal of surface vegetation reduces the ability of the soil surface to absorb rainwater and can allow for increased runoff that may include large amounts of debris or mud-flows. This risk is especially high under post-fire conditions as the rate of
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surface water runoff is increased as water percolation into the soil is reduced. This risk is especially high after wildfires, where fire-altered soil may repel water (become hydrophobic) and further reduce absorption. As shown in Figure 4.20-2, Wildfire History, since 1900 approximately one (1) to eight (8) fires have burned onto the Project site. The majority of the historic fires have burned on the undeveloped hillsides of the Santa Ana Mountains.
The Modified Project would be developed at the base of and on the hillsides of the Santa Ana Mountains. Under existing conditions, if a fire were to occur in the area, vegetation that stabilizes soils on the Project site could be burned and lead to increased erosion. As part of the Modified Project, a FPP would be drafted and approved by the City and CFD as required.
Moreover, as included as PDF FIRE-1, the BPI development would implement the FPP requirements including the installation of FMZs (PDF FIRE-2) that incorporate defensible space zones to reduce wildfire impacts and improve erosion control on slopes. In the unlikely event of a fire, the BPI development construction materials and design, landscaping and vegetation area would lower rates of erosion and siltation of the slopes compared to pre-project conditions.
Once developed, the BPI development would be graded to a flat surface with manufactured slopes. As discussed previously in Section 4.6 Geology and Soils, although the Project area is susceptible to earthquake induced landslides, no history of landslides were identified as part of the site-specific geotechnical analysis. While vegetation thinning associated with the FMZ would reduce some of the vegetation in the sloped area south of the BPI Project, not all vegetation would be removed. This will allow root systems to remain and stabilize the slope.
A fire burning through the area of thinned vegetation would burn at a lower intensity due to the reduced fuels available. This would result in a higher likelihood that root systems survive and continue to provide slope stabilization after the fire event. A fire burning through untreated fuels would burn at a higher intensity and possibly result in no vegetative matter remaining which would increase erosion potential. With the specific fire protection features designed for the BPI Project such as the water supply system, fire sprinklers, ignition resistant construction, fire access, and FMZ, it is unlikely that a fire would spread from the Project site to this vegetated area.
Soils on the Project would be stabilized during construction, including installation of infrastructure for diverting stormwater, and would include thinning of vegetation fuels on the most prominent slope which would reduce fire intensity, giving existing plants the best chance to survive and continue to provide slope stabilization. Due to those factors, the Project would not expose people or structures to downslope or downstream flooding or landslides as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
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FIGURE 4.20-2: WILDFIRE HISTORY
SOURCE: CITY OF CORONA, 2020.
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4.20.8 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MODIFIED
PROJECT
Less than Significant Impact. The Project will have a less than significant impact directly or indirectly to an emergency response or evacuation plan and mitigation is not required. The nearest Fire Station is less than a mile from the Project site and would adequately provide emergency services during construction and once in operation. As discussed in Threshold A (i), Section 3.2.4, Public Services, the Project’s incremental impacts on fire protection services would be less than significant due to the proposed Project’s approximate population increase of less than one-tenth of one percent of the City’s current population. The Project includes design features, such as a Fire Protection Plan and Fuel Modification Plan conditionally approved by the City and CFD. Those design features minimize the Project’s potential to exacerbate fire danger within the surrounding area, as well as post-fire flooding or landslides.
Although the surrounding area to the north and west is generally built out and was developed under different provisions of the CFC, CBC, and CFD all future cumulative projects within the Project area including nearby properties located in the VHFHSZ would be required to adhere to current provisions of the CFC, CBC and CFD to reduce impacts from wildfire. With implementation of the Project’s design features PDF FIRE-1 and -2 in combination with cumulative project compliance with the CFC, CBC, and CFD requirements, the Project would have a less than significant cumulative wildfire impact.
4.20.9 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN PRIOR EIR APPLICABLE TO
MODIFIED PROJECT
No mitigation measures related to wildfire were included in the 2001 EIR.
4.20.10 NEW MITIGATION MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MODIFIED PROJECT No new mitigation measures related to wildfire are required.
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5.0 RELOCATION OF PCL-1 PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT ANALYSIS
5.0.1 APPROACH TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED RELOCATION OF PCL-1
As detailed in Section 3.1.2 and 3.3, the proposed Relocation of Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 (PCL-1) requires the City to prepare environmental analysis and approval of the relocation based on superiority of the proposed alignment in comparison to the alignment of existing PCL-1 for use by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) to make this change to the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (WR-MSHCP). The City is preparing this SEIR as lead agency to be used by RCA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to approve the relocation in their role as Responsible and Trustee agencies. The existing and proposed locations for PCL-1 are shown in previously referenced Figure 3-3.
This section of the Draft EIR is based on the Criteria Refinement Analysis Relocation of Proposed Constrained Linkage 1, prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. dated December 12, 2023 (Appendix Q).
With this in mind, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provides that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) focus on a project’s significant effects on the environment, discussing the effects with emphasis in proportion to their severity and probability of occurrence.
The City has determined that the proposed Relocation of PCL-1 Project has the potential to result in new and/or substantially more severe significant environmental impacts. For the purposes of Section 5.0, references to the “proposed Project” or “Project” are defined as the proposed Relocation of PCL-1. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, this section addresses impacts associated with the proposed Project based on analysis of the following environmental resource topics:
5.1 Aesthetics 5.2 Land Use and Planning
5.3 Agricultural & Forest Resources 5.4 Minerals
5.5 Air Quality 5.6 Noise
5.7 Biological Resources 5.8 Population and Housing
5.9 Cultural Resources 5.10 Public Services
5.11 Energy 5.12 Recreation
5.13 Geology / Soils 5.14 Transportation
5.15 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 5.16 Tribal Cultural Resources
5.17 Hazards & Hazardous Materials 5.18 Utilities / Service Systems
5.19 Hydrology / Water Quality 5.20 Wildfire
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5.0.2 ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
The analysis relative to each environmental issue will include the following:
• A description of the existing setting relative to each environmental issue; • A summary of policies and regulations relevant to the specific environmental issue; • The identification of the significance thresholds against which the project’s impact will be measured;
• An evaluation of project-specific impacts and a determination of significance based on identified threshold;
• A description of proposed project design features and/or standard conditions that will help reduce the level of any potential impact;
• An identification of feasible measures to minimize any significant environmental effect; • A determination of the level of significance after mitigation measures are implemented; and
• An evaluation of cumulative impacts and determination of significance.
Mitigation Measures are the requirements imposed on the proposed Project to reduce the significance of identified impacts. Mitigation Measures have been identified for those significant impacts. Mitigation Measures will be required during implementation of the proposed Project.
The environmental analysis provided hereafter in Sections 5.1 through 5.20 focuses on changes in the existing physical environment and identifies the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts associated with the development of the proposed Project.
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5.1 AESTHETICS
5.1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The proposed Project’s alignment, approximately 711.28 acres, is outside of the City’s limits but within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) within Riverside County. The alignment runs south to north from the Cleveland National Forest to SR-91. The Relocation of PCL-1 is located on property known as B Canyon and is approximately 711.28 acres, and consists of the parcels that would be added to the WR-MSHCP as Additional Reserve Lands.
Elevations of the proposed Project range from approximately 525 feet AMSL at SR-91(west of Fresno Road) in the north to approximately 2,100 AMSL in the south. The northern portion of the Project is topographically oriented north to south along ridgelines and canyons, while the southern portion crosses a series of steep east-west canyons and ridgelines.
The proposed Project alignment is comprised of undeveloped lands with dirt access roads, and heavily vegetated with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, non-native grasslands, coast live oak woodland, and riparian forest, including access roads and canyon routes. The existing zoning for the proposed Project alignment overlays Residential Rural (R-R) (Riverside County) and Rural Mountainous (SOI) land uses.
The Project alignment is largely surrounded by undeveloped lands, however light emitting sources (i.e., street lighting, building illumination, security lighting, and landscape lighting) are from the northernly SR-91, residential uses to the east, and Star Ranch to west.
5.1.2 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES Refer to the federal, State, regional, and local regulations previously referenced within Section
4.1.4 Aesthetics prepared for the Modified Project.
5.1.3 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
The proposed Project does not include PDFs.
5.1.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant visual quality impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold AES-1 Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Threshold AES-2 Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway?
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Threshold AES-3 In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). In an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
Threshold AES-4 Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area?
5.1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED PROJECT Impact AES-1: Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Impact AES-2: Substantially damage scenic resources, including, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? Impact AES-3: In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). In an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? Impact AES-4: Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
No Impact.
According to the WR-MSHCP, a Constrained Linkage is a constricted connection expected to provide for movement of identified Planning Species between Core Areas, where options for assembly of the connection are limited due to existing patterns of development and land use. As summarized in Section 3.0, Project Description, the WR-MSHCP designated a wildlife corridor named PCL-1 to provide a constrained connection between the wildlife habitats located in Core Area A to the north (Prado Basin/Santa Ana River) and Core Area B to the south (Cleveland National Forest). There have been discussions about relocating PCL-1 to alternative and superior yet still constrained locations for the past 20 years, including the most recent proposal in 2016 that wasn't approved due to various limitations. However, there is agreement among relevant authorities that a new alignment in B Canyon as envisioned by the proposed Relocation of PCL-1 would be more beneficial for wildlife movement.
Consequently, the proposed realignment would not result in and does not require any new development or any temporary construction activities. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not result in any impacts to a scenic vista, scenic highway, nor would it degrade the existing visual character or create glare. No mitigation measures are required.
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5.1.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Less Than Significant.
The cumulative aesthetics study area for the Project is the viewshed from public areas that can view the Project alignment and locations that can be viewed from the Project alignment. As previously determined, the proposed realignment does not require any new development or any temporary construction activities, therefore implementation of the proposed Project would not result in any impacts to a scenic vista, scenic highway, nor would it degrade the existing visual character or create glare. In addition, there are no cumulative projects identified within the vicinity of proposed Project as identified in Section 2.0 that would contribute to development that is consistent with planned uses in the Project area. The Project would result in no impact associated with scenic vistas, scenic resources, visual character, and lighting. Consequently, the proposed Project would result in no impacts associated with aesthetics and no mitigation is required.
5.1.7 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES
No Mitigation Measures are required.
5.1.8 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
No significant environmental impacts occur with the proposed Project.
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5.2 AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
5.2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The proposed Project’s alignment, approximately 701.04 acres, is outside of the City’s limits but within the City’s SOI within Riverside County. The alignment runs north to south from the Cleveland National Forest to SR-91. The Relocation of PCL-1 is located on property known as B Canyon and is approximately 711.28 acres, and consists of the parcels that would be added to the WR-MSHCP as Additional Reserve Lands.
Elevations of the proposed Project range from approximately 525 feet AMSL at SR-91(west of Fresno Road) in the north to approximately 2,100 AMSL in the south. The northern portion of the Project is topographically oriented north to south along ridgelines and canyons, while the southern portion crosses a series of steep east-west canyons and ridgelines.
The proposed Project alignment is comprised of undeveloped lands with dirt access roads, and heavily vegetated with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, non-native grasslands, coast live oak woodland, and riparian forest, including access roads and canyon routes. The existing zoning for the proposed Project alignment overlays Residential Rural (R-R) (Riverside County) and Rural Mountainous (SOI) land uses.
The current Farmland Monitoring and Mapping Program (FMMP) map identifies the Project site, which consists of the approximately 711.28-acre Project alignment as having the following designations:
• Grazing Land: Existing vegetation is suited to the grazing of livestock. • Other Land: land not included in any other mapping category. Examples include low density rural developments.
The Project site does not contain any land defined as prime or farmland of statewide importance, forest land (as defined by Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or land zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)).
5.2.2 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES Refer to the federal, State, regional, and local regulations previously referenced within Section
4.2.4 Agricultural and Forestry Resources prepared for the Modified Project.
5.2.3 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
The proposed Project does not include PDFs.
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5.2.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City, significant agricultural and forest resources impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold AGF-1 Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
Threshold AGF-2 Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract?
Threshold AGF-3 Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? Threshold AGF-4 Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Threshold AGF-5 Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
5.2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED PROJECT Impact AG-1: Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
No Impact.
As previously stated, the proposed Project would relocate the PCL-1 alignment to improve connectivity between designated wildlife habitats within the WR-MSHCP. It can be anticipated that all of the realignment would be used for wildlife movement and not to support existing farmland, Prime Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. In addition, the proposed realignment does not require any new development or any temporary construction activities that would otherwise impact farmland.
According to the current FMMP map, the approximately 711.28-acre Project alignment consists of Grazing Land and Other Land designations. Consequently, there are no Prime and Unique Farmland within the Project alignment. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland),
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to non-agricultural use. As a result, no impact would occur, and no mitigation measures are required.
Impact AG-2: Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract?
No Impact.
As stated in the City’s General Plan EIR, there are no Williamson Act contracts in the City.
Therefore, no conflicts with Williamson Act contract lands would occur. As a result, no impacts would occur, and no mitigation measures are required.
Impact AG-3: Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
Impact AG-4: Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to nonforest use? Impact AG-5: Involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact.
As stated in the Criteria Refinement Analysis (Appendix Q), the Project alignment is heavily vegetated with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, non-native grasslands, coast live oak woodland, and riparian forest located within the Santa Ana Mountains of the Cleveland National Forest.
According to CALFIRE, there are no current or planned fixed commercial timber operations subject to a Timber Harvesting Plan in southwest Riverside County. As stated in the City’s General Plan EIR, there are no timber production or agricultural zones in the City or its SOI. Moreover, the proposed Project does not require any new development or any temporary construction activities, nor would the Project include any new the land use designations. Consequently, implementation of the proposed Project would not result in loss or conversion of timberland to non-forest uses, or the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use. In addition, the implementation of the proposed Project will not result in the conversion of any land to municipal or agricultural uses. As such, there would be no changes in the existing environment which could result in the conversion of farmland or forest land to non‐agricultural or non‐forest use. As a result, no impacts would occur, and no mitigation measures are required.
5.2.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Agricultural Resources
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The cumulative study area for agricultural resources is the City and the County of Riverside as these resources are regularly assessed on the countywide level as part of the state’s FMMP.
Throughout the County, numerous development projects exist that would result in the additional conversion of agricultural land, including Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance, to nonagricultural uses. There are no agricultural uses, Williamson Act contracts, or agricultural zones within the immediate vicinity of the Project alignment and within the peripheries of the City.
As previously discussed, implementation of the proposed Project would not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), to non-agricultural use. Therefore, the Project would not cumulatively contribute to agricultural resource impacts.
Thus, cumulative impacts related to agricultural resources would not occur.
Forest Resources
The cumulative study area for forestry resources is the City and the County of Riverside. There are no forest resources or woodland vegetation within the immediate vicinity of the Project site and limited lowland woodlands within the peripheries of the City. As discussed above, Project implementation would not directly impact forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. Therefore, the Project would not cumulatively contribute to forest resource impacts.
5.2.7 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES
No Mitigation Measures are required.
5.2.8 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
No significant environmental impacts occur with the proposed Project.
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5.3 AIR QUALITY
5.3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
As previously discussed in Section 4.3.3 prepared for the Modified Project, the proposed Project alignment is within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB). Air quality in the basin is measured by comparing pollutant levels in air samples to set standards. The US EPA sets National Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six key pollutants, while the California Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are even stricter. Areas that fail to meet NAAQS must develop a plan to reduce emissions. The Project alignment is located within the Corona/Norco Area Source Receptor Areas (SRA) 22.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) uses significance thresholds to determine if a project's emissions would significantly worsen air quality. Projects that meet these thresholds and are consistent with the growth projections in the AQMP (Air Quality Management Plan) are considered compliant with air quality regulations. The AQMP outlines strategies to bring the region into attainment with air quality standards.
SCAQMD defines sensitive receptor locations as residential or other locations where sensitive populations may be located. Other sensitive receptor locations include schools, hospitals, convalescent homes, day care centers, and other locations where children, chronically ill individuals, or other sensitive persons could be exposed.
5.3.2 EXISTING REGULATIONS, PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES Refer to the federal, State, regional, and local regulations previously referenced within Section
4.3.4 Air Quality prepared for the Modified Project.
5.3.3 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES (PDF)
The proposed Project does not include PDFs.
5.3.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the relevant CEQA Guidelines as currently implemented by the City of Corona, significant air quality impacts would occur if the proposed Project or any Project-related component would:
Threshold AQ-1 Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Threshold AQ-2 Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard?
Threshold AQ-3 Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
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Threshold AQ-4 Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
5.3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED PROJECT Impact AQ-1: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
Impact AQ-2: Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Impact AQ-3: Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Impact AQ-4: Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
No Impact.
Land use development projects must conform with the AQMP and other regulations under the SCAQMD. As previously stated, the proposed Project would relocate the PCL-1 alignment to improve connectivity between designated wildlife habitats within the WR-MSHCP and no new development is proposed. Consequently, no construction or operational emissions would occur.
Therefore, the proposed Project would not obstruct implementation of any air quality plan, nor result in any increase of a criteria pollutant, expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, or result in other emissions. As a result, no impacts would occur, and no mitigation measures are required.
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No Impact.
The SCAQMD 2022 AQMP evaluates regional conditions within the Basin and sets regional emission significance thresholds for both construction and operation of development projects that apply to project-specific impacts and cumulatively-considerable impacts. Therefore, per SCAQMD’s methodology, if an individual project would result in air emissions of criteria pollutants that exceeds the SCAQMD’s thresholds for project-specific impacts, then it would also result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of these criteria pollutants.
As described above, no new development is proposed by the Project, therefore no construction or operational emissions will occur. Construction and operational emissions would not be generated by the Project and therefore impacts would not be cumulatively considerable.
In addition, the Project would not result in human health or cancer risk to adjacent land uses because no construction or operational emissions would be generated. Therefore, impacts on human health risks would not be cumulatively considerable.
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Furthermore, the Project would not expose surrounding uses to objectionable odors. Thus, there is no potential for odors from the Project to combine with odors from surrounding development Projects and expose nearby sensitive receptors to offensive odors. Therefore, the Project would not result in significant cumulative impacts related to odors.
5.3.6 SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES
No Mitigation Measures are required.
5.3.7 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
No significant environmental impacts occur with the proposed Project.
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5.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
In accordance with the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), a Criteria Refinement Analysis (CRA) was prepared by Glenn Lukos Associates dated December 12, 2023 (Appendix Q) to address the proposed relocation the alignment of Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 (PCL-1) to an alternate location. Due to several constraints associated with the existing alignment of PCL-1, the conceptual relocation of the linkage has been discussed multiple times over the past 15 years including most recently a prior analysis in 2016. Although a Criteria Refinement was not approved in 2016, the underlying need for the refinement has been generally acknowledged by the City, Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
5.4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The MSHCP identifies seven Criteria Cells (1702, 1704, 1811, 1812, 1896, and 1898) within the Temescal Area Plan (Subunit 1 – Santa Ana River to Santa Ana Mountains) where conservation lands are described for the assembly of PCL-1. The current PCL-1 alignment is located within the northwestern portion of Riverside County near the San Bernardino and Orange County lines, south of State Route 91 (SR-91) in the northwest portion of the MSHCP Plan Area. PCL-1 is intended to connect Existing Core A (Prado Basin/Santa Ana River) with Existing Core B (Cleveland National Forest) to the south. Existing urban development constrains the linkage at its northern terminus, including State Route (SR) 91, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad line and Green River Road, although the linkage is unconstrained in the south. Despite these constraints, the MSHCP recognizes that PCL-1 likely provides for movement of mountain lion (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus) from the Santa Ana Mountains to the Chino Hills area beyond the Plan Area. Maintenance of contiguous habitat blocks with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brush piles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles in this proposed linkage. Additional PCL-1 planning species include the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi).
As described above, a number of existing land uses constrain PCL-1 at its northern terminus including SR-91, the BNSF railroad line and Green River Road. Prior biological studies have identified and evaluated an alternative and less constrained linkage area west of the existing PCL1 alignment that is not currently identified for conservation by the MSHCP. Analysis of the effectiveness of the existing PCL-1 compared to the effectiveness of the alternative PCL-1 in meeting the stated MSHCP goals for PCL-1 was studied, including the potential to connect with the Prado Basin and the Chino Hills. In addition, a wildlife movement study was performed in 2006 and 2007 for the property that contains existing PCL-1 and alternate PCL-1, referred to at that time as the “Corona 850” property.