Agenda — Indian Wells City Council, February 13, 2025 (part 4 of 12)

Council Agenda- February 13, 2025

4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Young alluvial valley deposits are composed of unconsolidated to slightly consolidated, clay to gravel along stream valleys and alluvial flats of larger rivers. These deposits are found in the northwest corner of the Project, and in an isolated location within the San Jacinto Mountains to the south.

Young alluvial fan deposits (Qyf) (late Pleistocene to Holocene) Young alluvial fan deposits are composed of unconsolidated to slightly consolidated, silt to boulders issued from confined valleys or canyons. In the Project area, these are commonly isolated deposits within the Chino Canyon Fan. As stated above, these deposits are found in the foothills of the highlands in the southwestern portion of the City.

Eolian and dune deposits (Qe (late Holocene)
Eolian and dune deposits are composed of unconsolidated, well -sorted wind-blown sand, occasionally forming dunes or sheet sands. These deposits are found in one location in the northeast portion of the City.

Alluvial wash deposits (Qw) (late Holocene)
Alluvial wash deposits are composed of unconsolidated silt, sand, and gravel deposited in recent active streams and rivers, and cover a significant portion of the western and northern areas of the City.

Alluvial fan deposits (Qf) (late Holocene)
Alluvial fan deposits are composed of unconsolidated silt to boulders deposited as a fan -shaped cone at the end of a canyon or valley. These deposits are found in the southwestern corner of the City.

Undifferentiated surficial de
aosits (Qsu) (late Holocene)
These deposits include various Iithologies (colluvium, slope wash, talus deposits, etc.) resulting from recent sedimentary processes. These deposits are found in isolated locations in the San Jacinto Mountains in the southern portion of the City.

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Figure 4.7-2
Geologic Units
Source: Cultural and Paleontological
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Update, City of Indian Wells, Riverside
County, DUKE Cultural Resources
Management, January 2021
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age„ o 61

Council Agenda- February 13, 2025

4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Paleontological Sensitivity and Geologic Activity
Continued uplift and slip along the San Jacinto Fault Zone (SJFZ) in the Holocene Epoch has resulted in erosion and sedimentation in the valley floor of the Salton Trough, combined with contributions from the southeast -flowing Whitewater River. As a result, the sediment underlying the lower -lying areas of the Project are dominated by the various late Pleistocene to Holocene units described above. Units from the late Holocene (Qe, Qw, Qf) are too young to have accumulated or preserved significant amounts of biologic material and are assigned a low sensitivity at the surface. The upper deposits of units from the late Pleistocene to Holocene (Qye, Qya, Qyf) are similarly too young to contain fossils, but transition with depth to older, higher -sensitivity deposits. As a result, these units are assigned a high sensitivity at depth.

The depth of this transition varies across the Planning Area. The high sensitivity of the older, deeper deposits is particularly important due to the proximity to prehistoric Lake Cahuilla., The San Jacinto Mountains in the southeastern portion of the City are predominantly composed of granitic and other intrusive rocks of all ages (gr). Due to the igneous nature of these rocks, they have no potential to contain paleontological resources and are assigned no paleontological sensitivity.

No fossil localities are documented within the City; however, during recent development in the neighboring City to the east (the City of La Quinta), paleontological resources connected to the prehistoric Lake Cahuilla were found (snails, clams, algae, ostracods).

Due to fossil material being previously discovered in deposits from the Pleistocene Epoch in vicinity of the Project, old alluvial valley deposits (Qoa) and old alluvial fan deposits (Qof) are assigned a high paleontological sensitivity at the surface, and young eolian and dune deposits (Qye), young alluvial valley deposits (Qya), young alluvial fan deposits (Qyf) are assigned a high paleontological sensitivity at depth.

Table 4.7-1, Geologic Units Existing in the City and their Paleontological Potential, further explains the paleontological sensitivity found in the geologic units existing in the City.

Table 4.7-1 Geologic Units Existing in the City and their Paleontological Potential Age
Geologic Unit
Fossils Present
Paleontological
Sensitivity
Holocene
Eolian and dune deposits (Qe), Alluvial wash
deposits (Qw), Alluvial fan deposits (Qf),
Undifferentiated surficial deposits (Qsu)
Snails, clams,
algae, and
ostracods
Low Sensitivity
Young eolian and dune deposits (Qye), Young
alluvial valley deposits (Qya), Young alluvial fan
deposits (Qyf)
High Sensitivity
at Depth
Pleistocene
Old alluvial valley deposits (Qoa), Old alluvial fan
deposits (Qof)
None
High Sensitivity
at the Surface
Mesozoic and
older
Granitic and other intrusive rocks of all ages (gr)
None
No Sensitivity
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Seismic Hazards
Seismicity and Faulting
Faulting
Faults are classified as Historic, Holocene, Late Quaternary, Quaternary, and Pre -Quaternary according to the age of most recent movement. These classifications are described as follows:
- Historic: Faults on which surface displacement has occurred within the past 200 years; - Holocene: shows evidence of fault displacement within the past 11,000 years, but without historic record;
- Late Quaternary: shows evidence of fault displacement within the past 700,000 years, but may be younger due to a lack of overlying deposits that enable more accurate age estimates; - Quaternary: shows evidence of displacement sometime during the past 1.6 million years; - Pre -Quaternary: without recognized displacement during the past 1.6 million years.

Faults are further distinguished as active, potentially active, or inactive:
- Active: An active fault is a Historic or Holocene fault that has had surface displacement within the last 11,000 years;
- Potentially Active: A potentially active fault is a pre -Holocene Quaternary fault that has evidence of surface displacement between about 1.6 million years and 11,000 years ago; and - Inactive: An inactive fault is a pre -Quaternary fault that does not have evidence of surface displacement within the past 1.6 million years. The probability of fault rupture is considered low; however, this classification does not mean that inactive faults cannot, or will not, rupture.

There are no active faults mapped within the City boundaries, and the site is not located within a fault - rupture hazard zone as defined by Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Act. As shown in Figure 4-7.3, Geologic Faults, the closest seismically active faults are the San Andreas Fault located approximately 5.0 miles to the northeast of City boundaries. Meanwhile, the San Jacinto Fault is located approximately 13 miles southwest of City boundaries.

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Alquist-Prido Faults
Alquist Prido Fault Zones
Sources: Qty of Indian Walls,
Fil1` California Department of Conservation
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
There are other regionally active, more distant faults that could produce ground shaking at the site, which include the Elsinore Fault and Brawley Seismic Zone, among others. Below is a brief summary of the two closest faults to the City:
- San Andreas Fault: The San Andreas Fault zone trends east-southeast about 5 miles northeast of Indian Wells. This fault is widely recognized as the longest and most active fault in the state. The San Andreas Fault is categorized as a strike -slip fault: a fracture in the Earth's crust where two blocks of rock slide past each other horizontally, parallel to the strike of the fault. Strike -slip faults are caused by shearing stress, which forces the blocks of rock to move in opposite directions.

The San Andreas Fault has been mapped from Cape Mendocino in northern California to an area near the Mexican border, approximately 500 miles. Abundant evidence of historic earthquakes indicates that the fault is active, including those that have caused extensive surface rupture and displacement of recent sediments. A maximum probable earthquake of M 8.3 (magnitude of 8.3 on the Richter Scale) has been assigned to the San Andres in Southern California. - San Jacinto Fault: This active fault is similar to the San Andreas in that it is a large strike -slip fault that has been active for several million years. It has been the principal focus of historical release of strain in Southern California between the North American continental plate and Pacific Ocean plate. Surface rupture has been associated with several historic earthquakes on the fault. A maximum probable earthquake for the San Jacinto of M 7.2 is based upon historic seismicity and rupture length. The San Jacinto Fault Zone trends southeast about 13 miles southwest of Indian Wells. The fault contains active segments (CBC Seismic Source Type A) that would cause severe seismic shaking in the City.

Seismicity
An active earthquake fault, per California's Alquist-Priolo Act, is one that has raptured within the Holocene Epoch, or the last 11,000 years. Based on this criterion, the California Geological Survey identifies Earthquake Fault Zones. These Earthquake Fault Zones are identified in Special Publication 42 (SP42), which is updated as new fault data become available. The SP42 lists all counties and cities within California that are affected by designated Earthquake Fault Zones. The Fault Zones are delineated on maps within SP42 (Earthquake Fault Zone Maps).

Southern California is subject to seismic hazards of varying degrees depending on the proximity, degree of activity, and capability of nearby faults. These hazards can be primary (i.e., directly related to the energy release of an earthquake such as surface rupture and ground shaking) or secondary (i.e., related to the effect of earthquake energy on the physical world, which can cause phenomena such as liquefaction and ground lurching). Since there are no active faults at the site, the potential for primary ground rupture is considered very low. The primary seismic hazard for the site is ground shaking.

Rupture
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Surface rupture occurs when movement on a fault breaks through to the surface. Fault rupture typically follows preexisting fault lines since they are zones of weakness. Rupture may occur suddenly during an earthquake or slowly in the form of fault creep. Sudden displacements are more damaging to structures because they are accompanied by shaking. However, not all earthquakes result in surface rupture.

Liquefaction
Liquefaction occurs when strong seismic shaking of saturated sand or silt causes intergranular fluid (pore -water) pressures to increase to levels where grain -to -grain contact is lost, and material temporarily behaves as a viscous fluid. Liquefaction can cause settlement of the ground surface, loss of bearing, settlement and tilting of structures, flotation and buoyancy of buried structures and fissuring of the ground surface. A common surface manifestation of liquefaction is the formation of sand boils — short- lived fountains of soil and water that emerge from fissures or vents and leave freshly deposited, usually conical mounds of sand or silt on the ground surface. Action PS -4b of the General Plan Update requires professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard.

Figure 4-7.4, Potential Liquefaction Areas, depicts susceptibility of an area for liquefaction to occur, in terms of moderate or very low susceptibility.

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INDIAN WELLS

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Note: Liquefaction susceptibility is not detenrined for blank (uncolored) areas of the Qty.

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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Landslides
As a result of seismic ground shaking, secondary effects such as slope failures, rockfalls and landslides may occur in the City, especially throughout elevated areas. Failed slopes also pose risks for potential landslides and other associated hazards, such as compressible soils. Action PS -4a requires the assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards or are located in or adjacent to hillsides. The Action also requires development adjacent to hillside areas to minimize the potential hazard of falling rocks through project design.

Figure 4-7.5, Landslide Susceptibility, depicts what areas of the City have potential for landslides, categorized by rock strength and slope class.

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Figure 4.7-5
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INDIAN WELLS

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Council Agenda- February 13, 2025

4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Erosion
Climate, topography, soil and rock types, and vegetation are all factors that influence erosion, runoff, and sedimentation. Soil erosion typically results from concentrated runoff on unprotected slopes and from wind erosion occurring in flat, bare areas, dry sandy soils or anywhere sand is loose and finely granulated.

Ground Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface with little or no horizontal movement. It is caused by both human activities (i.e., groundwater extraction) and natural activities (i.e., earthquakes) and can cause regional damage. According to the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan, the City sits above the Indio Subbasin of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin The subbasin is managed by Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), Desert Water Agency (DWA), Coachella Water Authority (CWA), and Indio Water Authority (IWA). These districts are collectively a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) over their respective service areas. CVWD has been designated an "exclusive" GSA over its service area by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in the Indio Subbasin. The four agencies are working collaboratively to implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in the Indio Subbasin.

Proper groundwater management should minimize subsidence throughout the City; however, more frequent drought conditions could lead to heavier reliance on groundwater which would increase the probability of ground subsidence.

Below, Figure 4-7.6, Subsidence Potential of Soils, shows what areas of the City have either experienced subsidence or are susceptible to subsidence.

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INDIAN WELLS

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Legend
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Susceptible Azeds
Areas with Documented Subsidence
Sources: City of Indian Wells,
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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Expansive Soils
Expansive soils, also referred as swelling soils, are soils that tend to increase in volume with an increase in the moisture content. These soils swell when water is added to them and shrink when they dry out.

Foundations with swelling soils will heave and can cause lifting of a building or structure when the moisture content rises. This can ultimately lead to the failure of foundations and structures.

Collapse
Soil collapse, also referred to as hydrocompaction, typically occurs in recently deposited sediments that accumulate in an arid or semi -arid environment. Sediments prone to collapse are commonly associated with alluvial fan and debris flow sediments deposited during flash floods. These deposits are typically dry and contain minute pores and voids. The soil particles may be partially supported by clay, silt, or carbonate bonds. When saturated, collapsible soils undergo a rearrangement of their grains and a loss of cementation, resulting in substantial and rapid settlement under relatively light loads. An increase in surface water infiltration, such as from irrigation or a rise in the groundwater table, combined with the weight of a building or structure, can initiate rapid settlement and cause foundations and walls to crack.

Typically, differential settlement of structures occurs when landscaping is heavily irrigated near the structure's foundation.

Seiche and Tsunami
A seiche is defined as "an occasional and sudden oscillation of the closed water body (enclosed water body, lake, bay, estuary, etc.) producing fluctuations in the water level." There are many causes of seiches, for example, wind, earthquakes, and changes in barometric pressure. The seiche hazard in the valley includes above -ground water reservoirs, golf course lakes and other impoundments. Domestic water reservoirs in the valley have been constructed to resist the effects of ground shaking that could compromise the integrity of these structures.

4.7.3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act
In October 1977, the U.S. Congress passed the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act to reduce the risks to life and property from future earthquakes in the United States. To accomplish this, the act established the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). The mission of NEHRP includes improved understanding, characterization, and prediction of hazards and vulnerabilities; improved building codes and land use practices; risk reduction through post -earthquake investigations and education; development and improvement of design and construction techniques; improved mitigation capacity; Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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and accelerated application of research results. The NEHRP designates the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the lead agency of the program and assigns several planning, coordinating, and reporting responsibilities.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was created in 1972 in the Clean Water Act to address water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. The regulations provide that discharges of storm water to waters of the United States from construction projects that encompass five or more acres of soil disturbance are effectively prohibited unless the discharge is in compliance with an NPDES Permit. Regulations (Phase II Rule) that became final on December 8, 1999, lowered the permitting threshold from five acres to one acre.

The NPDES Program has been delegated to the State of California for implementation through the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and its Regional Water Quality Control Boards. The SWRCB administers the NPDES permit program regulating storm water for construction activities, known as the General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities, also known as the Construction General Permit. The main compliance requirement of NPDES permits is the development and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for construction projects, addressing on -site pollutants and establishing appropriate storm water best management practices (BMPs) during grading and construction as well as post -construction BMPs (please see Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality).

State
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act was enacted in 1972 to prohibit the location of developments and structures for human occupancy across the trace of active faults. To assist with this, the State Geologist delineates appropriately wide earthquake fault zones (Alquist-Priolo Zones) to encompass potentially and recently active traces, which are submitted to city and county agencies to be incorporated into their land use planning and construction policies. A trace is a line on the earth's surface defining a fault, and an active fault is defined as one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. The minimum distance a structure for human occupancy can be placed from an active fault is generally fifty feet.

Seismic Hazard Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (SHMA) of 1990 directs the Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey to identify and map areas prone to earthquake hazards of liquefaction, earthquake - induced landslides and amplified ground shaking. The purpose of the SHMA is to reduce the threat to Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
public safety and to minimize the loss of life and property by identifying and mitigating these seismic hazards.

The SHMA requires the State Geologist to establish regulatory zones (Zones of Required Investigation) and to issue appropriate maps (Seismic Hazard Zone maps). These maps are distributed to all affected cities, counties, and state agencies for their use in planning and controlling construction and development.

California Code of Regulations, Title 24 (Cahfomia Building Standard Code) The California Building Standards Law states that every local agency enforcing building regulations must adopt the provisions of the California Building Code (CBC) within 180 days of its publication; however, each jurisdiction can require more stringent regulations issued as amendments to the CBC. The publication date of the CBC is established by the California Building Standards Commission, and the code is known as Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. In the past, the CBC was modeled on the Uniform Building Code; however, beginning with the 2007 version, the CBC is now modeled after the International Building Code. Building codes provide minimum requirements to prevent major structural failure and loss of life related to floods, fires, and earthquakes. Policy PS -4.4 of the General Plan Update states that the City adopts and maintains high standards for seismic performance of buildings through prompt adoption and careful enforcement of the most current seismic standards of the Uniform Building Code.

Regional and Local
South Coast Air Quality Management District
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for Orange County and portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, including the Coachella Valley. SCAQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution, including grading and construction sites. The main source of pollution from grading and construction activities is fugitive dust, which is particulate matter that is suspended in the air by direct or indirect human activities. Two South Coast AQMD rules were adopted with the purpose of reducing the amount of fugitive dust entrained as a result of human activities. Rule 403 applies to any activity capable of generating fugitive dust. Rule 403.1 is supplemental to Rule 403 and applies only to fugitive dust sources in Coachella Valley.

Rule 403 — Fugitive Dust
Rule 403 requires the implementation of best available dust control measures (BACM) during active operations capable of generating fugitive dust. This rule also requires activities defined as "large operations" to notify the South Coast AQMD by submitting specific forms. A large operation is defined Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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as any active operation on property containing 50 or more acres of disturbed surface area; or any earth moving operation with a daily earth -moving or throughput volume of 5,000 cubic yards, three times during the most recent 365 -day period.

Rule 403.1— Supplemental Fugitive Dust Control Requirements for Coachella Valley Sources Rule 403.1 is a supplemental rule to Rule 403 and is applicable to man-made sources of fugitive dust in the Coachella Valley. The purpose of this rule is to reduce fugitive dust and resulting particulate matter (PM10) emissions from man-made sources. Rule 403.1 requires a Fugitive Dust Control Plan approved by South Coast AQMD or an authorized local government agency prior to initiating any construction/ earth -moving activity. These requirements are applicable to construction projects with 5,000 or more square feet of surface area disturbance.

City of Indian Wells Municipal Code
The Indian Wells Municipal Code (IWMC) acts as a regulatory guideline, compliant with state and federal laws, for the City of Indian Wells. The IWMC regulates businesses, zoning, animals, vehicles and traffic, peace and morals, health and safety, and more.

Title 16 - Buildings and Construction
Should building, construction, and grading activities occur within the City, future development projects would be subject to Title 16 of the Indian Wells Municipal Code, which governs the conditions, construction, and maintenance of all property, buildings, and structures within the City. Title 16 is based on the most current CBC, which sets minimum design and standards for construction of buildings and structures that must also meet minimum seismic design standards.

4.7.4 Impact Analysis
Thresholds of Significance
According to the CEQA Guidelines' Appendix G Environmental Checklist, to determine whether impacts to geology and soils are significant environmental effects, the following thresholds are analyzed and evaluated. Would the implementation of the GPU:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction? Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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4.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
iv. Landslides?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code, creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Project Impacts
According to the CEQA Guidelines' Appendix G Environmental Checklist, to determine whether impacts to geology and soils are significant environmental effects, the following thresholds are analyzed and evaluated. Would the GPU:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i. Rupture of a known fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault
Due to the City's distance from faults, rupture in the City is not anticipated to occur. The closest fault, the San Andres Fault, is approximately 5 miles northeast of the City boundaries. Therefore, no impact is expected.
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking
While no active faults exist within Indian Wells, the region faces seismic hazards primarily from the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults, located 5 to 15 miles from City boundaries respectively. These faults, including others in the area, pose the risk of seismic ground shaking. Development within the City may thus expose structures and inhabitants to the adverse effects of earthquakes, including ground shaking and related ground failure. Factors influencing ground motion effects and structural damage include earthquake intensity, distance from the epicenter, soil composition, and building design. While accurate earthquake predictions remain elusive, statistical risk analyses estimate the probability of magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes along the San Andreas fault. The Southern Segment of the San Andreas fault, with a characteristic earthquake estimated at magnitude 7.7, poses a notable risk due to its past ruptures. The San Jacinto fault, also active, adds to the seismic risk.

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The GPU contains policies and actions that address strong seismic ground shaking that could occur. Policy PS -4.1 requires that projects within the City use the most up to date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting standards. Policy PS4.2 discourages the development of new sensitive uses and the construction of critical facilities, high -occupancy buildings, and essential services buildings, in areas with high seismic or geologic hazards. Policy PS -4.4 requires the use of the most current seismic hazards of the Uniform Building Code. Action PS -4a requires the assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards or are located in or adjacent to hillsides. It also requires development adjacent to hillside areas to minimize the potential hazard of falling rocks through project design. Action PS -4b requires professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard. Additionally, Action PS -4c requires projects to be compliant with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq (Earthquake Protection Law), current federal, State, and local building standards. It also requires surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate.

The City policies and actions also include Policy PS -4.3 which states that the City will maintain the City's geologic and seismic hazards map in concert with updates from the California Geologic Survey and local surveys and update as appropriate. In addition, Action PS -4d states that the City will update building, zoning, and grading codes as needed to ensure adopted standards mitigate potential seismic hazards and comply with the Alquist-Priolo Act. Action PS -4e states that the City will develop a structural hazards reduction program (per Section 8875 of the Government Code) for the upgrading of seismically hazardous buildings. Implementation of all the GPU applicable policies and actions discussed above and described below would ensure the structural integrity during seismic events, thus reducing seismic impact for new developments in the City to less than significant levels.

General Plan Policies and Actions
Policies
PS -4.1 Geologic Hazard Reduction. Reduce the risk of impacts from geologic and seismic hazards by applying proper and up to date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting requirements.

PS -4.2 Sensitive Site Location. Discourage the development of new sensitive uses and the construction of critical facilities, high -occupancy buildings, and essential services buildings, in areas with high seismic or geologic hazards. Rather, encourage landscaped open space uses for areas within these areas.

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PS -4.3 Map Maintenance. Maintain the City's geologic and seismic hazards map in concert with updates from the California Geologic Survey and local surveys and update as appropriate.

PS -4.4 Building Codes. Maintain high standards for seismic performance of buildings through prompt adoption and careful enforcement of the most current seismic standards of the Uniform Building Code.

Actions
PS -4a
Require assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards or are located in or adjacent to hillsides. Require development adjacent to hillside areas to minimize the potential hazard of falling rocks through project design.

PS -4b Require professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard.

PS -4d Update building, zoning, and grading codes as needed to ensure adopted standards mitigate potential seismic hazards and comply with the Alquist-Priolo Act.

PS -4e Develop a structural hazards reduction program (per Section 8875 of the Government Code) for the upgrading of seismically hazardous buildings. iii. Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction Liquefaction
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As discussed above under "Seismic Hazards", liquefaction involves sudden loss of strength in a saturated, cohesionless soil (typically sand) which is the result of shock or strain, such as in an earthquake. This shock causes the soil to behave like a liquid. If the liquefied soils are near the surface, buildings may substantially sink or tilt. Lightweight structures may float upwards to the ground surface and foundations may displace laterally, causing structural failures. If the liquefied soils are located in the subsurface, this may provide a sliding surface for material above the liquefied layer. Liquefaction is most likely to occur where groundwater is less than 30 feet from the surface. According to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Data Viewer application, State Well Number 05S06E24G001S in the City, east and south of Miles Avenue, north of Highway 111, and west of Washington Street has a recorded depth to groundwater at approximately 162 feet as of March 2024.

In order to ensure that future development in the City is not at risk of liquefaction, development would be required to follow City policies and actions. Policy PS -4.1 strives to reduce the risk of impacts from geologic and seismic hazards by applying proper and up-to-date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting requirements. Policy PS -4.2 discourages the development of new sensitive uses and the construction of critical facilities, high -occupancy buildings, and essential services buildings, in areas with high seismic or geologic hazards. Policy PS -4.4 enforces the most current seismic standards of the Uniform Building Code. Action PS -4a requires assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards. Action PS -4b requires professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard. Additionally, Action PS -4c states that during review of discretionary development and redevelopment proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. When potential geologic impacts are identified, require project applicants to mitigate the impacts per the recommendations contained within the geologic survey. Through the implementation of these City policies and actions, potential impacts from liquefaction would be reduced to less than significant.

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PS -4.4 Building Codes. Maintain high standards for seismic performance of buildings through prompt adoption and careful enforcement of the most current seismic standards of the Uniform Building Code.

PS -4c
iv. Landslides
Review development proposals to ensure compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq. (Earthquake Protection Law), which requires that buildings be designed to resist stresses produced by natural forces such as earthquakes and wind. Before approval, review development proposals to ensure compliance with the current federal, State, and local building standards. During review of discretionary development and redevelopment proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. When potential geologic impacts are identified, require project applicants to mitigate the impacts per the recommendations contained within the geologic survey.

Landslides and rockfall can occur when unstable slope conditions are worsened by strong ground motion caused by seismic events. Conditions that lead to landslide vulnerability include high seismic potential; rapid uplift and erosion that creates steep slopes and deeply incised canyons; folded and highly fractured rock; and rock with silt or clay layers that are inherently weak. Landslides are not likely to occur within the region, since the areas of steep slopes, located in the southern part of the City, are primarily composed of strong bedrock. Additionally, according to the USGS U.S. Landslide Inventory and Interactive Map, there are no records of landslides within or near the City. Nevertheless, rockfall hazards can occur in the mountains and foothills during a strong earthquake. Policy PS -4.1 requires that projects within the City use the most up to date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting standards. Policy PS -4.2 discourages the development of new sensitive uses and the construction of critical facilities, high -occupancy buildings, and essential services buildings, in areas with Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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high seismic or geologic hazards. Policy PS -4.4 requires the use of the most current seismic hazards of the Uniform Building Code. Action PS -4a requires the assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards or are located in or adjacent to hillsides. Require development adjacent to hillside areas to minimize the potential hazard of falling rocks through project design. Action PS -4b requires professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard. Additionally, Action PS -4c requires projects to be compliant with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq (Earthquake Protection Law), current federal, State, and local building standards. It also requires surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. Implementation of the General Plan Update applicable policies and actions would ensure no impacts would occur to new developments from landslides.

Therefore, impacts to the City and its future development due to potential landslides and rock fall will be reduced to less than significant.

PS -4b Require professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard.

In order to reduce the effect of windborne erosion at construction locations, projects shall be required to implement the Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (SIP)requirement for a Fugitive Dust Control Plan. A Fugitive Dust Control Plan is required in Indian Wells Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 for any area of more than five thousand square feet. The Fugitive Dust Control Plan requires the implementation of best available control measures (BACMs) including but not limited to the use of perimeter fencing, applying adhesive dust suppressant, and watering the project site. The project property shall implement the BACMs for on- and off -site improvements detailed within the project - specific Fugitive Dust Control Plan during construction of the project site. Therefore, the implementation of a Fugitive Dust Control Plan for a development site in the City would reduce soil erosion or the loss of topsoil during construction resulting from wind to less than significant levels. Refer to Section 4-3, Air Quality, of this environmental document for further information on the Fugitive Dust Control Plan.

Waterborne Erosion
Erosion from rainfall and runoff at the development site during grubbing, grading and construction activities would have adverse effects if not addressed. Therefore, in conjunction with the requirements for water protection detailed in Section 4-10, Hydrology and Water Resources, and prior to site disturbance, the project contractor would be required to apply to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for coverage under the Construction General Permit (Order No. 99-08-DWQ) (CAS000002). This requirement applies best management practices (BMPs) to remove eroded soils from Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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stormwater discharges during clearing, grading, and excavation. The Construction General Permit requires an applicant to prepare and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP includes a list of the BMPs that would be implemented to prevent soil erosion that could contaminate nearby water resources. The SWPPP for a proposed project and offsite construction relating to the project would be prepared in conjunction with the final grading permit, and would require a range of BMPs, including but not limited to:
• Temporary Soil Stabilization: hydraulic mulch, soil polymers and geotextiles; • Temporary Sediment Control: sandbag barriers, straw bale barriers, sediment traps, and fiber rolls.
• Wind Erosion Control: wind fencing, water of the construction site, straw mulch; • Tracking Control: staging/storage area, track -out plates and street sweeping; • Non-stormwater Management: clear water diversion and dewatering; and • Waste Management and Materials Pollution Control: vehicle and equipment cleaning, concrete waste management, and contaminated soils management.

Therefore, the implementation of a SWPPP for a development site in the project area would reduce soil erosion or the loss of topsoil during construction resulting from stormwater to less than significant levels.

This issue is discussed further in Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality, of this Draft EIR.

Landscaped areas would include ground coverings, trees, and/or shrubs that would stabilize the ground surface. Any irrigation systems (i.e., sprinklers or drip irrigation) would also be maintained according to City standards during project operation to ensure that overwatering of plants (which leads to waterborne erosion) does not occur. Any drainage and retention facilities would be maintained according to City standards during project operation to ensure their intended function. The required routine maintenance of onsite drainage and retention facilities and associated infrastructure would reduce the likelihood of flooding on a developed property. Additionally, development could introduce impervious, paved areas.

The impervious surfaces would reduce the potential for erosion during operation by stabilizing the ground surface and minimizing the amount of exposed soil. These features would establish stabilized surfaces and onsite maintenance at a development site, thereby decreasing the likelihood of onsite windborne and waterborne erosion during operation. The implementation of the Fugitive Dust Control Plan (Section

4.3, Air Quality) and the SWPPP (Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality), as well as any mitigation measures detailed in a project -specific survey of soil and geologic conditions (Action PS -4c) would ensure that impacts from erosion created from the site and any offsite construction relating to the development would be less than significant.

General Plan Actions
Actions
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PS -4c
Review development proposals to ensure compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq. (Earthquake Protection Law), which requires that buildings be designed to resist stresses produced by natural forces such as earthquakes and wind. Before approval, review development proposals to ensure compliance with the current federal, State, and local building standards. During review of discretionary development and redevelopment proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. When potential geologic impacts are identified, require project applicants to mitigate the impacts per the recommendations contained within the geologic survey.
c. Located on geologic unit that is unstable, or become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse
Development allowed under the General Plan Update could result in the exposure of people and structures to conditions that have the potential for adverse effects associated with ground instability or failure. Soils and geologic conditions in the Indian Wells Planning Area could have the potential for landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. Each are below:

Landslides and Rockfalls
Landslides and rockfall can occur when unstable slope conditions are worsened by strong ground motion caused by seismic events. Conditions that lead to landslide vulnerability include high seismic potential; rapid uplift and erosion that creates steep slopes and deeply incised canyons; folded and highly fractured rock; and rock with silt or clay layers that are inherently weak. Landslides are not likely to occur within the region, since the areas of steep slopes, located in the southern part of the City, are primarily composed of strong bedrock. Additionally, according to the USGS U.S. Landslide Inventory and Interactive Map, there are no records of landslides within or near the City. Nevertheless, rockfall hazards can occur in the mountains and foothills during a strong earthquake. Policy PS -4.1 requires that projects within the City use the most up to date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting standards. Policy PS -4.2 discourages the development of new sensitive uses and the construction of critical facilities, high -occupancy buildings, and essential services buildings, in area with high seismic or geologic hazards. Policy PS -4.4 requires the use of the most current seismic hazards of the Uniform Building Code. Action PS -4a requires the assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards or are located in or adjacent to hillsides. Require development adjacent to hillside areas to minimize the potential hazard of falling rocks through project design. Action PS -4b requires professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard. Additionally, Action PS -4c requires projects to be compliant with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq (Earthquake Protection Law), current federal, State, and local building standards. It also requires surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. Implementation of the General Plan Update applicable policies and actions would ensure no impacts would occur to new developments from landslides.

Therefore, impacts to the City and its future development due to potential landslides and rock fall will be reduced to less than significant.

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compliance with the current federal, State, and local building standards. During review of discretionary development and redevelopment proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. When potential geologic impacts are identified, require project applicants to mitigate the impacts per the recommendations contained within the geologic survey.

Lateral Spreading
Lateral spreading generally is a phenomenon where blocks of intact, non -liquefied soil move down slope on a liquefied substrate of large areal extent. The potential for lateral spreading is present where open banks and unsupported cut slopes provide a free face (unsupported vertical slope face). Ground shaking, especially when inducing liquefaction, may cause lateral spreading toward unsupported slopes.

Policy PS -4.1 requires that projects within the City use the most up to date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting standards. Policy PS -4.4 requires the use of the most current seismic hazards of the Uniform Building Code. Action PS -4a requires the assessment and mitigation of hazards related to geologic hazards for new development projects or City improvement projects that are identified by the City as susceptible to potential seismic hazards or are located in or adjacent to hillsides. Require development adjacent to hillside areas to minimize the potential hazard of falling rocks through project design. Action PS -4b requires professional inspection of geotechnical aspects, such as excavation earthwork, during site development construction on sites that have been specified in geotechnical studies as being prone to moderate or greater levels of seismic or geologic hazard. Additionally, Action PS -4c requires projects to be compliant with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq (Earthquake Protection Law), current federal, State, and local building standards. It also requires surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate.

The applicable City policies and actions would ensure that impacts relating to lateral spreading would be mitigated, and less than significant impacts could occur to future projects in the City.

General Plan Policies that Mitigate Potential Impacts
Policies
PS -4.1 Geologic Hazard Reduction. Reduce the risk of impacts from geologic and seismic hazards by applying proper and up to date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting requirements.

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buildings, in areas with high seismic or geologic hazards. Rather, encourage landscaped open space uses for areas within these areas.

PS -4c
Subsidence
Review development proposals to ensure compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq. (Earthquake Protection Law), which requires that buildings be designed to resist stresses produced by natural forces such as earthquakes and wind. Before approval, review development proposals to ensure compliance with the current federal, State, and local building standards. During review of discretionary development and redevelopment proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. When potential geologic impacts are identified, require project applicants to mitigate the impacts per the recommendations contained within the geologic survey.

Groundwater is an important water supply source in the Coachella Valley. The demand for water has exceeded the deliveries of imported surface water in the past, and groundwater levels have historically declined as a result of increased pumping.

Based on a review of the Riverside County Land Information System website, the City is situated in an area susceptible to ground subsidence due to the withdrawal of groundwater. The United Stated Geological Survey (USGS), with Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), completed subsidence monitoring reports for the Coachella Valley in 2001 and 2007 showing subsidence rates in the Coachella Valley had been increasing rapidly.

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According to the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP), CVWD and DWA jointly operate groundwater replenishment programs (GRPs) in the West Whitewater River Subbasin and Mission Creek Subbasin management areas, and CVWD operates a replenishment program in the East Whitewater River Subbasin area of benefit (AOB). These programs have had a significant beneficial effect on overdraft. To recover the cost of the GRP, a Replenishment Assessment Charge (RAC) is applied to all non -exempted groundwater production. These RACs are calculated and managed separately by each agency for each of the AOBs. In 2002, CVWD adopted the Coachella Valley Water Management Plan (CVWMP) to address groundwater overdraft and is working collaboratively with other agencies to implement that plan.

Additional programs focusing on conversion of groundwater pumpers to recycled and imported Coachella Canal water over the next ten years are intended to prevent future overdraft. During extended drought periods when State Water Project (SWP) Exchange water deliveries for replenishment are reduced, continued groundwater pumping could result in short-term overdraft. Reduced replenishment could result in lower groundwater levels, which are expected to recover when normal supply conditions resume. Short-term reductions in replenishment due to droughts are not expected to affect long-term supply reliability.

Therefore, valley -wide effort from water agencies to manage groundwater levels would ensure that ground subsidence would be at less than significant levels for future developments in the City.

Liquefaction
As discussed previously, in section a) iii., liquefaction occurs when ground shaking of relatively long duration and intensity causes loose, unconsolidated soils to act like a liquid and lose strength Liquefaction involves sudden loss of strength in a saturated, cohesionless soil (typically sand) which is the result of shock or strain, such as in an earthquake, causing the soil to behave like a liquid. Generally, liquefaction can occur if all of the following conditions apply: liquefaction -susceptible soil, groundwater within a depth of 50 feet or less, and strong seismic shaking.

The Riverside County seismic -geologic map identifies no areas of potential liquefaction in the City of Indian Wells. The nearest areas of potential liquefaction encompass the eastern portions of La Quinta and Indio to the east of the Planning Area. Additionally, development would be required to have surveys of soil and geologic conditions (Action PS -4c) conducted where project specific liquefaction potential can be addressed and mitigated.

Action PS -4c requires projects to be compliant with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq (Earthquake Protection Law), current federal, State, and local building standards. It also requires surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. Implementation of the General Plan Update applicable policies and actions (discussed in Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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further detail above in section a) iii. and listed below) would ensure impacts related to liquefaction would be less than significant.

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Collapse
Soil collapse occurs in recently deposited sediments that accumulated in an arid or semi -arid environment. Young alluvial and wind -deposited sediments in the City may be locally susceptible to soil collapse due to their low density, rapid deposition in the desert environment, and the generally dry condition of the upper soils. As previously stated, the soils at the project site includes interbedded Lacustrine and Alluvial Deposits (QI/Qa), per the Geotechnical Investigation.

AS discussed throughout this impact section, future projects in the City would be required to follow City policies and actions. The City of Indian Wells has established a comprehensive set of policies and actions to mitigate the risks associated with geologic and seismic hazards. Policy PS -4.1 emphasizes the importance of applying up-to-date land use planning, development engineering, building construction, and retrofitting requirements to reduce geologic hazard impacts. Policy PS -4.2 discourages the development of sensitive uses, such as critical facilities and high -occupancy buildings, in high seismic risk areas, promoting instead the use of these areas for landscaped open spaces. Additionally, Policy PS -4.4 ensures the maintenance of high seismic performance standards by adopting and enforcing the latest seismic standards in the Uniform Building Code.

To implement these policies, the City requires thorough hazard assessments and mitigation measures for new development projects and city improvements in geologically susceptible areas (Action PS -4a).

This includes specific design considerations to minimize hazards such as falling rocks in hillside areas.

Action PS -4b mandates professional inspections of geotechnical aspects during site development for sites prone to significant seismic hazards. Furthermore, Action PS -4c ensures compliance with the California Health and Safety Code's earthquake protection provisions and other relevant building standards. This includes requiring surveys of soil and geologic conditions by licensed professionals and mandating mitigation measures for identified geologic impacts before project approval. These measures collectively aim to safeguard public safety and infrastructure integrity against the risks of collapse due to geologic hazards. Less than significant impacts are expected.

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Flooding, Tsunami, and Seiche
As noted in the Water Erosion section above, the City is protected from upstream flooding by the Deep Canyon Stormwater Channel and the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel. Future projects within the City of Indian Wells will design flood control infrastructure that will safely convey flooding away from future and existing development.

Indian Wells is located far inland and not near any ocean body of water that would be susceptible to a tsunami. Therefore, the City will not be impacted by tsunamis. However, aboveground water tanks are located at the southeastern City boundary. The reservoirs are owned and operated by the CVWD. To ensure impacts of seismic events, and their secondary effects (including seiches), do not result in the failure of an aboveground water reservoir, construction requirements are established for the safe development and maintenance of the storage tanks. Structural requirements include the implementation of appropriate building materials, foundational standards, and loading factors. Further discussion is Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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provided in Section 4.10, Hydrology and Water Quality. Impacts related to flooding, tsunami, and seiches in the City would be less than significant.
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property Varying amounts of fine-grained silts and clays within soils may shrink or swell as moisture content changes as described in the Environmental Setting section above. Indian Wells consists of mostly Quaternary alluvium, lake, dune sand, and Pleistocene nonmarine deposits, with Mesozoic granitic rocks along the Santa Rosa Mountains, which encompass the southern portion of the project area. The City is situated primarily upon soils that are characterized as gravelly sand. Therefore, expansive soils are not anticipated.

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PS -4c
Review development proposals to ensure compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 19100 et seq. (Earthquake Protection Law), which requires that buildings be designed to resist stresses produced by natural forces such as earthquakes and wind. Before approval, review development proposals to ensure compliance with the current federal, State, and local building standards. During review of discretionary development and redevelopment proposals, require surveys of soil and geologic conditions by State licensed Engineering Geologists and Civil Engineers where appropriate. When potential geologic impacts are identified, require project applicants to mitigate the impacts per the recommendations contained within the geologic survey.
e. General Plan implementation does not have the potential to have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater Any new development within the City would not be serviced by septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Therefore, there would be no impact. See PDEIR Section 4.17, Utilities and Service Systems.
f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature
According to the cultural and paleontological resources study conducted by Duke CRM in June 2021, no paleontological resources have been documented within the City; however, geologic formations present in the City are known to contain paleontological localities with rare, well-preserved fossil materials that Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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offer important information about the plant or animals and/or its evolutionary history. Five formations (Qoa, Qof, Qye, Qya, and Qyf) have been determined to be highly sensitive for paleontological resources.

These important resources are most often destroyed because of construction, such as excavation, trenching, and tunneling. Impacts can be mitigated through pre -construction and construction mitigation programs.

The report also discussed that the northeastern portion of the City, below an elevation of 200 feet, has an undetermined potential for containing paleontological resources and that studies should be undertaken to determine the possibility of resources in these elevations. With the implementation of a project -specific paleontological study for new development, impacts associated with paleontological resources are considered less than significant. This is implemented by GPU Policy RM-4.1, which requires the protection of paleontological resources, and Actions RM-4a and RM-4d. Action RM-4a requires that the City continue to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive paleontological resources pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City shall require an assessment of the potential for development proposals to significantly impact paleontological resources pursuant to the CEQA. If the project involves earthworks, the City may require a study conducted by a professional paleontologist to determine if paleontological assets are present, and if the project will significantly impact the resources. If significant impacts are identified, the City may require the project to be modified to avoid impacting the paleontological materials, require monitoring of rock units with high potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources, or require mitigation measures to mitigate the impacts, such as recovering the paleontological resources for preservation. This is implemented by Action RM-4d.

General Plan Policies and Actions
Policies
RM-4.1 Preservation. Protect areas containing significant historic, archaeological, paleontological and tribal cultural resources, as defined by the California Public Resources Code.

Actions
RM-4a Continue to assess development proposals for potential impacts to sensitive historic, archaeological, and paleontological resources pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

RM-4d
The City shall require an assessment of the potential for development proposals to significantly impact paleontological resources pursuant to the CEQA. If the project involves earthworks, the City may require a study conducted by a professional paleontologist to determine if paleontological assets are present, and if the project will significantly impact the resources. If significant impacts are Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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identified, the City may require the project to be modified to avoid impacting the paleontological materials, require monitoring of rock units with high potential to contain significant nonrenewable paleontologic resources, or require mitigation measures to mitigate the impacts, such as recovering the paleontological resources for preservation.

4.7.5 Cumulative Impacts
The City could be adversely impacted by geotechnical hazards. To address seismic ground shaking, ground failure, liquefaction, subsidence, loss of topsoil, and expansive or corrosive soils, any project would be required to follow the City's policies and actions that address using the most current federal, State, and local building standards and requiring surveys of soil and geologic conditions. This is required by Policies PS -4.1 through PS -4.4 and Actions PS -4a through PS -4e. Additionally, the implementation of project specific SWPPPs and WQMPs would further reduce development within the Indian Wells Plan Area will not cause or contribute to any cumulative impacts associated with geology and soils and are thus considered to be less than significant. Moreover, implementation of Policy RM-4.1 and Actions RM-4a and RM-4d would ensure the cumulative impacts to paleontological resources are less than significant.

4.7.6 Mitigation Measures
To the extent the GPU will result in direct, reasonably foreseeable, significant environmental impacts, the policies and actions listed throughout this section, as proposed by the GPU, will serve as mitigation or to the extent the impacts will be less than significant, as improvement measures as it relates to geology and soils. Moreover, Moreover, State requirements and local regulations will also ensure that buildout of the GPU would result in (or continue to result in) less than significant impacts. Therefore, no additional Mitigation or Improvement Measures are required.

4.7.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation
Not applicable.

4.7.8 References

1. Cultural and Paleontological Resource Study for the General Plan Update, City of Indian Wells, Riverside County, DUKE Cultural Resources Management, January 2021

2. City of Indian Wells General Plan 2018, Seismic Hazards Section and Paleontological Resources Section of the Public Safety Section (Chapter 4), 2018. https://staticl.squarespace.com/static/5f639a7de05d1e43d92ad6a5/t/5f7f8f3d8ecd9933dd0a40 57/1602195361668/_General+Plan+Updated+2018.pdf
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3. County of Riverside Environmental Impact Report No. 521, Cultural and Paleontological Resources (Section 4.9), 2015.

4. Jennings, C.W., Strand, R.G., and Rogers, T.H., 1977, Geologic Map of California: California Division of Mines and Geology, scale 1:750,000.

5. California Department of Conservation EQ Zapp: California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application.

6. California Department of Conservation, Fault Activity Map of California, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/fam/app/

7. California Department of Conservation, Landslide Inventory, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Isi/app/

8. USGS Areas of Land Subsidence in California,
https://ca.water.usgs.gov/land subsidence/california-subsidence-areas.html

9. USGS U.S. Landslide Inventory and Interactive Map,
https://usgs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ae120962f459434b8c904b456 c82669d

10. USGS US Topo 7.5 -minute map for La Quinta, CA 2015,

11. USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey, https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

12. 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan, Water Systems Consulting, Inc., 2021, https://www.cvwd.org/DocumentCenter/View/5482/Coachella-Valley-RUWMP Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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PROGAMMATIC DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Indian Wells General Plan Update

4.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

4.8.1 Introduction
This section of the PDEIR describes the existing greenhouse gas (GHG) conditions in the Coachella Valley and analyzes the potential impacts, in terms of GHG emissions, resulting from construction and operation of future projects within the City from the implementation of the GPU. The GHG principles, descriptions and supporting analysis rely on the relevant background research and information made available in various public regulatory and reference documents cited throughout this section.

Reference documentation include sections of the federal Clean Air Act (CWA); Final 2022 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), adopted by SCAQMD on December 2, 2022 and approved by California Air Resources Board (CARB) Board of Directors on January 26, 2023; 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), by SCAQMD, March 2017; Final2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (CVSIP), by SCAQMD, August 2003; Analysis of the Coachella Valley PM10 Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan, by the CARB, February 2010; sections of the SCAQMD Rule Book; and California Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2000 to 2017, Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators, 2019 Edition, by the CARB; Release No. 18-37 & 19-35, California Air Resources Board Press Release, July 2018 and August 2019.

The findings also rely on the project -specific quantitative results from the California Emissions Estimator ModeITM (CaIEEMod), Version 2022.1. CaIEEMod is a statewide land use emissions computer model developed for the California Air Pollution Officers Association (CAPCOA) in collaboration with the California Air Districts, to provide a uniform platform for quantifying potential criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with both construction and operations from a variety of land use projects. To determine the findings of significance, project -specific emissions quantities are compared against SCAQMD's pertinent significance thresholds. The supporting air emissions modeling results referenced herein are provided in the Appendices of this PDEIR (Appendix B).

4.8.2 Existing Conditions
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), greenhouse gases (GHG) are a group of gases that trap solar energy in the Earth's atmosphere and are steadily increasing global land and ocean temperatures. Greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O3), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Carbon dioxide is the most abundant GHG while other GHGs are more potent pound for pound. Human activities (such as burning carbon -based fossil fuels) also generate water vapor and CO2 as byproducts, thereby increasing the level of atmospheric warming.

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Carbon dioxide -equivalence (CO2e) is a metric used to compare emissions and associated warming of various greenhouse gases. It is the mass of carbon dioxide that would produce the same estimated warming as a given mass of another greenhouse gas.

Global Climate Change is defined as the change in average meteorological conditions on the earth with respect to temperature, precipitation, and storms.

GHGs are the result of both natural and human activities, including motor vehicle travel, air travel, consumption of fossil fuels for power generation, industrial processes, heating and cooling, landfills, and agriculture. Wildfires, both natural and human -caused, are also a major source of GHG emissions. The significant adverse effects of increasing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere have resulted in the adoption of governmental policies and regulations on federal, state and local levels that are intended to reduce GHG emissions by development projects, transportation and other activities.

4.8.3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
Clean Air Act
The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. Among other things, this law authorizes EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and public welfare and to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants. The CAA has served as the primary basis for federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through CAA section 111, which covers emissions regulation for stationary facility sources. Under Section 111(b) of the CAA, the EPA is authorized to set New Source Performance Standards for GHG emissions from new, modified, and reconstructed fossil fuel -fired power plants.

State
California Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32)
In September 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which required that statewide GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by the year 2020.

This reduction was to be accomplished through an enforceable statewide cap on GHG emissions beginning in 2012. To implement the cap, AB 32 directs California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and implement regulations to reduce statewide GHG emissions from stationary sources. In November 2007, CARB completed its estimates of 1990 GHG levels and established 427 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) as the total statewide aggregated greenhouse gas 1990 emissions level and the 2020 emissions limit or target. The California GHG Emissions Inventory and Trends Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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discussion provided below summarizes the State's progress in reducing GHGs based on information collected through various AB 32 programs.

Senate Bill 32 (SB 32)
Senate Bill 32 (2016) adds Section 38566 to the Health and Safety Code and requires that CARB ensure statewide GHG emissions meet the 40 percent reduction target no later than December 31, 2030.

CARB Scoping Plan
2022 CARB Scoping Plan
On December 15, 2022, CARB adopted the 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality (2022 Scoping Plan). The 2022 Scoping Plan builds on the 2017 Scoping Plan as well as the requirements set forth by AB 1279, which directs the state to become carbon neutral no later than 2045. To achieve this statutory objective, the 2022 Scoping Plan lays out how California can reduce GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality. The 2022 Scoping Plan sets one of the most aggressive approaches to reach carbon neutrality in the world.

The key elements of the 2022 CARB Scoping Plan focus on transportation - the regulations that will impact this sector are adopted and enforced by CARB on vehicle manufacturers and outside the jurisdiction and control of local governments. Under the 2022 Scoping Plan, the State will lead efforts to meet the 2045 carbon neutrality goal through implementation of a number of objectives (provided in Appendix H of the Plan).

The 2022 Scoping Plan lays out the framework to achieve the AB 1279 target of 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045 and identifies a need to accelerate the 2030 target to 48 percent below 1990 levels.

Senate Bill 375 (Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act) SB 375, signed into law in September 2008, aligns regional transportation planning efforts, regional GHG reduction targets, and land use and housing allocations. The act requires metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), such as SCAG, to adopt a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) or Alternative Planning Strategy (APS) that prescribes land use allocation in that MPO's regional transportation plan (RTP). CARB, in consultation with MPOs, provided regional reduction targets for GHGs for the years 2020 and 2035.

SB 100
The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018, otherwise known as Senate Bill 100 (SB 100, De Leon), set a 2045 goal of powering all retail electricity sold in California and state agency electricity needs with renewable and zero -carbon resources, such as solar and wind energy that do not emit climate -altering greenhouse gases. SB 100 also updated the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard to ensure that by 2030 Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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at least 60 percent of California's electricity is renewable and required the Energy Commission, Public Utilities Commission and Air Resources Board to use programs under existing laws to achieve 100 percent clean electricity and issue a joint policy report on SB 100 by 2021 and every four years thereafter.

AB 1493
California AB 1493, enacted on July 22, 2002, required CARB to develop and adopt regulations that reduce GHGs emitted by passenger vehicles and light duty trucks. Implementation of the regulation was delayed by lawsuits filed by automakers and by the EPA's denial of an implementation waiver. The EPA subsequently granted the requested waiver in 2009, which was upheld by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2011. The standards were projected to result in about a 22 percent reduction compared with the 2002 fleet, and the mid-term (2013-2016) standards will result in about a 30 percent reduction. The updated regulations are projected to reduce GHGs from new cars by 34 percent from 2016 levels by 2025.

AB 1279
AB 1279 or the "California Climate Crisis Act, declared the policy of the state both to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter, and to ensure that by 2045, statewide anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to at least 85 percent below the 1990 levels. The law required the California Air Resources Board to work with relevant state agencies to ensure that updates to the scoping plan identify and recommend measures to achieve these policy goals and to identify and implement a variety of policies and strategies that enable carbon dioxide removal solutions and carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies in California.

S-3-05
In 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-3-05 establishing various GHG reduction targets for the State of California, including GHG emissions to 2000 levels by 2010, GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

B-30-15
In 2015, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-30-15 to establish a new interim statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 in order to ensure California meets its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. All state agencies with jurisdiction over sources of greenhouse gas emissions were required to implement measures, pursuant to statutory authority, to achieve reductions of greenhouse gas emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets.

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N-79-20
In 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-79-20, setting new statewide goals for phasing out gasoline -powered cars and trucks in California, including a zero -emission requirement for all in -state sales of new passenger cars and trucks by 2035. Similarly, under this Order, 100 percent of in -state sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses are to be zero -emission by 2045, where feasible; and 100 percent of off -road vehicles and equipment sales are to be zero -emission by 2035, where feasible.

Regional and Local
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for air quality planning and regulation in the South Coast Air Basin. When it comes to projects requiring an SCAQMD permit, the agency addresses their climate change impacts. SCAQMD serves as the lead agency if it is the only one with discretionary approval for the project. If a land use agency also needs to approve discretionary permits, SCAQMD acts as a responsible agency. The SCAQMD acts as an expert commenting agency for impacts to air quality. This expertise carries over to GHG emissions, so the agency helps local land use agencies through the development of models and emission thresholds that can be used to address GHG emissions.

In 2008, SCAQMD formed a Working Group to identify GHG emissions thresholds for land use projects that could be used by local lead agencies in the SCAB. The Working Group developed several different options that are contained in the SCAQMD Draft Guidance Document — Interim CEQA GHG Significance Threshold, which could be applied by lead agencies. The working group has not provided additional guidance since the release of the interim guidance in 2008. The SCAQMD Board has not approved the thresholds; however, the Guidance Document provides substantial evidence supporting the approaches to significance of GHG emissions that can be considered by the lead agency in adopting its own threshold.

The current interim thresholds consist of the following tiered approach:
• Tier 1 consists of evaluating whether or not the project qualifies for any applicable exemption under CEQA.
• Tier 2 consists of determining whether the project is consistent with a GHG reduction plan. If a project is consistent with a qualifying local GHG reduction plan, it does not have significant GHG emissions.
• Tier 3 consists of screening values, which the lead agency can choose, but must be consistent with all projects within its jurisdiction. A project's construction emissions are averaged over 30 years and are added to the project's operational emissions. If a project's emissions are below one of the following screening thresholds, then the project is less than significant:
o Residential and commercial land use: 3,000 MTCO2e/yr
o Industrial land use: 10,000 MTCO2e/yr
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o Based on land use type: residential: 3,500 MTCO2e/yr; commercial: 1,400 MTCO2e/yr; or mixed use: 3,000 MTCO2e/yr
• Tier 4 has the following options:
o Option 1: Reduce Business -as -Usual (BAU) emissions by a certain percentage; this percentage is currently undefined.
o Option 2: Early implementation of applicable AB 32 Scoping Plan measures o Option 3: 2020 target for service populations (SP), which includes residents and employees: 4.8 MTCO2e per SP per year for projects and 6.6 MTCO2e per SP per year for plans;
o Option 3, 2035 target: 3.0 MTCO2e per SP per year for projects and 4.1 MTCO2e per SP per year for plans
• Tier 5 involves mitigation offsets to achieve target significance threshold.

The SCAQMD's interim thresholds used the Executive Order S -3 -05 -year 2050 goal as the basis for the Tier 3 screening level. Achieving the Executive Order's objective would contribute to worldwide efforts to cap CO2 concentrations at 450 ppm, thus stabilizing global climate.

SCAQMD only has authority over GHG emissions from development projects that include air quality permits. At this time, it is unknown if the project would include stationary sources of emissions subject to SCAQMD permits. Notwithstanding, if the project requires a stationary permit, it would be subject to the applicable SCAQMD regulations.

SCAQMD Regulation XXVII, adopted in 2009 includes the following rules:
• Rule 2700 defines terms and post global warming potentials. • Rule 2701, SoCal Climate Solutions Exchange, establishes a voluntary program to encourage, quantify, and certify voluntary, high quality certified GHG emission reductions in the SCAQMD. • Rule 2702, GHG Reduction Program created a program to produce GHG emission reductions within the SCAQMD. The SCAQMD would fund projects through contracts in response to requests for proposals or purchase reductions from other parties. • Rule 201 (Permit to Construct). A person shall not build, erect, install, alter or replace any equipment or agricultural permit unit, the use of which may cause the issuance of air contaminants or the use of which may eliminate, reduce or control the issuance of air contaminants without first obtaining written authorization for such construction from the Executive Officer. A permit to construct shall remain in effect until the permit to operate the equipment or agricultural permit unit for which the application was filed is granted or denied, or the application is canceled.
• Rule 203 (Permit to Operate). A person shall not operate or use any equipment or agricultural permit unit, the use of which may cause the issuance of air contaminants, or the use of which may reduce or control the issuance of air contaminants, without first obtaining a written permit Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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to operate from the Executive Officer or except as provided in Rule 202. The equipment or agricultural permit unit shall not be operated contrary to the conditions specified in the permit to operate.
• Form 400-A. This is the basic permit application providing information about the equipment that will be constructed and operated and the company that will own the equipment, among other details. This form is required for all Rule 201 and Rule 203 applications.

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

Indian Wells Climate Action Plan (CAP)
The City of Indian Wells adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2013 consistent with both Assembly Bill (AB) 32, known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, and Senate Bill (SB) 32. The Climate Action Plan is a framework for the development and implementation of policies and programs that will reduce the City's emissions. It addresses the major sources of emissions in seven spheres of daily life: (1) residential, (2) business, (3) building, (4) transportation, (5) municipal, (6) hospitality/recreation, and (7) education. For each sphere, the Plan suggests a number of programs or policies that can be implemented by Indian Wells to meet its goals. See Section 4.6, Energy Resources, for a list of the CAP measures.

County of Riverside CAP
The County of Riverside Climate Action Plan (CAP) was designed under the premise that the County of Riverside, and the community it represents, is uniquely capable of addressing emissions associated with sources under the County of Riverside jurisdiction, and that the County of Riverside emission reduction efforts should coordinate with the state strategies of reducing emissions in order to accomplish these reductions in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

The CAP Update (November 2019) establishes GHG emission reduction programs and regulations that correlate with and support evolving State GHG emissions reduction goals and strategies. The CAP Update includes reduction targets for the year 2030 and year 2050. These reduction targets require the County of Riverside to reduce emissions by at least 525,511 MT CO2e below the adjusted business -as -usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 and at least 2,982,948 MT CO2e below the adjusted BAU scenario by 2050.

To evaluate consistency with the CAP Update, the County of Riverside has implemented CAP Update Screening Tables to aid in measuring the reduction of GHG emissions attributable to certain design and construction measures incorporated in development projects. To this end, the Screening Tables establish Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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categories of GHG Implementation Measures. Under each Implementation Measure category, mitigation or project design features (collectively "features") are assigned point values that correspond to the minimum GHG emissions reduction that would result from each feature.

Relative to new commercial and industrial development, the GHG emissions reductions offered by each measure were assigned a point value calculated in the CAP methodology at 0.0322 MTCO2e per point, per 1,000 square feet of gross building area.

Projects that yield at least 100 points are considered to be consistent with the GHG emissions reduction quantities anticipated in the County of Riverside GHG Technical Report and support the GHG emissions reduction targets established under the CAP Update.

The potential for such projects to generate direct or indirect GHG emissions that would result in a significant impact on the environment; or conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases would be considered less -than significant.

4.8.4 Project Impact Analysis
Thresholds of Significance
According to the CEQA Guidelines' Appendix G Environmental Checklist, to determine whether impacts from the implementation of the GPU would have a significant effect on greenhouse gas emissions. The significance determination is based on the recommended criteria set forth in Section 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment; or
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Methodology
Like the Air Quality section of this document, this GHG analysis relies on the quantitative results of running the most current version of the California Emissions Estimator Model (CaIEEMod, Version 2022.1), which serves as a statewide platform to calculate criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from construction and operation aspects of land development projects. CaIEEMod utilizes widely accepted methodologies for estimating emissions, including but not limited to, the U.S. EPA AP - 42 emission factors, CARB vehicle emission models, and studies commissioned by California agencies such as the California Energy Commission (CEC) and California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). In addition, some local air districts provided customized values for their default data and existing regulation methodologies for use for projects located in their jurisdictions. As Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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subsequently explained, the analysis relies on SCAMQD's interim tiered threshold GHG guidance, particularly Tier 3, which establishes a threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e for non -industrial projects.

Project Impact Analysis
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment
Project implementation would result in construction and operational GHG emissions. Construction - related GHG emissions will be short-term, while operational emissions will occur throughout the life of the project. At buildout, five emission source categories will contribute either directly or indirectly to operational GHG emissions: energy/electricity usage, water usage, solid waste disposal, area emissions (pavement and architectural coating off -gassing), and mobile sources.

Construction GHG Emissions
The California Emissions Estimator Model (CaIEEMod), version 2022.1, was used to calculate project - related GHG emissions during the construction phase, and annual operational emissions. The results are summarized in Tables 4.8-1 and 4.8-2 and explained below.

Construction of the proposed project is anticipated to occur in 2025 through 2029, as a conservative estimate based on the most feasible and shortest time frame for buildout of the remaining developable areas in the City. For analysis purposes, all project components have been analyzed concurrently over a single period, as this buildout scenario represents the worst -case scenario conditions compared to a phased implementation. This is also conservative because it assumes buildout would occur by 2029, sixteen years before the buildout year for the General Plan Update of 2045, since construction vehicles would become more efficient over time. As shown in Table 4.8-1, proposed project construction would result in a total of approximately 2,455 MTCO2e. To determine if construction emissions will result in a significant impact, build out GHG emissions were amortized over a 30 -year period and added to annual operational emissions to be compared to applicable GHG thresholds (Table 4.8-2). Standard emission control requirements were applied to construction.

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Table 4.8-1 Summary of Construction Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Year
Emissions (MT/yr)
NBCO2
CO2T
CH4
N2O
R
Total CO2e
2025
448.6
448.6
0 0

0.1 451.4
2026
699.1
699.1
0 0

0.6 711.2
2027
690.4
690.4
0 0

0.5 702.0
2028
570.2
570.2
0 0

0.4 579.3
2029

11.2 11.2
0 0
0 11.3
Total Construction
Emissions
2,419.6
2,419.6

0.1 0.1

1.5 2,455.2
Construction emissions
amortized over 30 years

80.7 80.7
0 0

0.1 81.8
Sources: Cal EFNbd Version 2022.1. Refer to Appendix B of this DEI R for detailed tables.

Operational GHG Emissions
Operational emissions are attributed to five sources: energy/electricity usage, water usage, solid waste disposal, area emissions (pavement and architectural coating off -gassing), and mobile sources.

On December 5, 2008, the SCAQMD formally adopted a greenhouse gas significance threshold of 10,000 MTCO2e/yr that applies to stationary source projects (industrial uses) for which SCAQMD is the lead agency (SCAQMD Resolution No. 08-35). This threshold was adopted based upon an October 2008 staff report and draft interim guidance document that also recommended a threshold for all projects using a tiered approach. It was recommended by SCAQMD staff that a project's greenhouse gas emissions would be considered significant if it could not comply with at least one of the following "tiered" tests:

Tier 1:

Tier 2:

Tier 3:

Does the project qualify for any applicable statutory or categorical exemption under CEQA? If yes, no further action is required, and climate change impacts would be less than significant.

Is the project consistent with a GHG reduction plan? (The project must be consistent with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15064(h)(3), 15125(d), or 15152(s).) If yes, there is a presumption of less than significant impacts with respect to climate change.

Is the project's incremental increase in GHG emissions below or mitigated to less than the significance screening level (10,000 MTCO2e per year for industrial projects; 3,000 MTCO2e for residential projects/commercial projects; 3,500 MTCO2e for mixed use projects)? If yes, there is a presumption of less than significant impacts with respect to climate change.

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Tier 4: Does the project meet one of the following standards? 1: Reduce Business -as -Usual (BAU) emissions by a certain percentage; this percentage is currently undefined;
2: Early implementation of applicable AB 32 Scoping Plan measures 3: 2020 target for service populations (SP), which includes residents and employees:

4.8 MTCO2e/SP per year for projects and 6.6 MTCO2e per SP per year for plans; Option 3, 2035 target: 3.0 MTCO2e/SP per year for projects and 4.1 MTCO2e per service population per year for plans
If yes, there is a presumption of less than significant impacts with respect to climate change.

Tier 5:

Projects should obtain GHG emission offsets to reduce significant impacts. Offsets in combination with any mitigation measures should achieve the target thresholds for any of the above Tiers. Otherwise, project impacts would remain significant.

Under the tiered threshold approach, Tier 3 is the first threshold that can be met by the project and therefore serves as the basis of determining significance.

Table 4.8-2 Summary of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Emission Source
Emissions (MT/yr)
CO2T
CH4
N2O
Total CO2e
Annual construction -related
emissions amortized over 30 years

80.7 0
0 81.8
Mobile
10,670

0.3 0.5
10,824
Area

4.8 0
0 4.8
Energy
1,125.6
01 0
1,130.6
Water

17.1 0.6
0 37.6
Waste
167.8

16.8 0
587.2
Total CO2e (AII Sources)
12,666
SCAQMD Threshold for Non-
Industrial Projects
3,000
Threshold Exceeded?
Yes
Sources: Cal EEMod Version 2022.1. Refer to Appendix B of this DEIRfor detailed tables.

As shown in Table 4.8-2 resulting from the CaIEEMod calculations, the proposed Project is expected to generate approximately 12,666 MTCO2e per year from construction, area, energy, mobile sources, waste, and water usage sources. As such, the project GHG emissions would be above with the threshold of significance set at 3,000 MTCO2e per year (i.e. Tier 3 of the SCAQMD's greenhouse gas significance Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR 4.8-11
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thresholds). However, the proposed project would be consistent with Tier 4 of the SCAQMD's greenhouse gas significance thresholds, since the proposed Project would generate approximately 6,217 jobs; therefore, the MT CO2e per employee would be approximately 2.04, which is below the SCAQMD Tier 4 threshold of 6.6 MTCO2e per SP.1
As indicated by the GHG emissions inventory and trends highlighted in CARB's press release no. 18-37, the regional and statewide strategies are helping California reduce greenhouse gas pollution, which has fallen below 1990 levels, an achievement roughly equal to taking 12 million cars off the road or saving 6 billion gallons of gasoline a year. Having been evaluated against the regionally accepted tiered GHG threshold and found to be consistent, the proposed project will not generate greenhouse gas emissions, directly or indirectly, that have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, project impacts related to direct or indirect GHG emissions are considered less than significant.

General Plan Policies
The General Plan Update establishes various policies and actions designed to support the statewide efforts toward GHG emissions reductions and the associated benefits in climate change. GHG and climate change benefits are supported and influenced, directly and indirectly, by a wide range of policies and actions, including those stemming from the Community Development, Mobility, and Resource Management elements of the General Plan.

The Community Development Element will include policies and actions designed to promote efficient land use allocations and compatible development, thus contributing to transportation efficiency and associated GHG reductions. The relevant policies are CD -1.1 (Land Use Pattern), and CD -1.8 (Prohibited Development Types). These policies and actions are further discussed in Section 4.11, Land Use and Planning, of this PDEIR.

The Mobility Element will include various policies and actions designed to promote transportation efficiency across multiple modes, thus helping reduce the associated GHG reductions. The relevant policies are M-1.1 (Development -Related Traffic Impacts), M-1.2 (LOS Standards), M-1.3 (Traffic Distribution), M-1.4 (Efficient Circulation), M-1.5 (Transportation Management System), M-1.6 (Intersection Configurations), M-1.7 (Minimize Environmental Impacts), M-1.8 (Local and Regional Collaboration), M-1.9 (Safe Routes to School), M-1.10 (Residential Streets Traffic Calming), M-1.11 (ADA Accessibility), M-1.12 (Truck Routes), M-2.1 (Multi -Modal Streets), M-2.2 (Alternative Modes), M-2.3 (Connectivity), M-2.4 (New Development), M-2.5 (Citywide Bicycle Plan), M-2.6 (Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety), M-2.7 (CV Link Users), M-2.8 (Bus Stops), M-2.9 (Rail and Air Travel), M-2.10 (The Living Desert).

The relevant actions are M -la through M -1g. These policies and actions are further discussed in Section

4.16, Transportation, of this PDEIR.
1 It should be noted that no new residences would be generated by the proposed Project. Therefore, only employees constitute 'service population' for the purposes of this analysis.

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The policies and actions contained in the Resource Management Element that are most applicable to greenhouse gas reduction are provided below:

Policies
CD -1.1
Land Use Pattern. Promote an appropriate land use plan that fosters and enhances community livability and public health; sustains economic vitality; relates to the City's resort industry; promotes efficient development and multiple transportation options; reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the expenditure of energy and other resources; and ensures compatibility between uses consistent with the land use designations identified in this Element and Land Use Map.

CD -1.8 Prohibited Development Types. Prohibit undesirable development types, including linear or strip commercial development, heavy polluting industry, and billboards.

M-1.1 Development -Related Traffic Impacts. Require all new development and expansion of existing development to offset their adverse effects on the circulation system and mitigate Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) impacts.

M-1.2 LOS Standards. Strive to maintain a minimum Level of Service (LOS) "D" at intersections during the weekday peak hours.

M-1.3 Traffic Distribution. Maintain a street system that helps to facilitate the distribution of traffic throughout the City and minimizes congestion, including during special events.

M-1.4 Efficient Circulation. Support traffic control measures which reduce noise and air quality impacts and are consistent with traffic engineering guidelines; such measures could include continue to support traffic signal coordination programs, adding left - turn lanes at intersections, incorporating right -turn only access at selected locations, and continue to maintain streets surfaces in good operating condition.

M-1.5 Transportation Management System. Make use of effective transportation system management techniques such as signal coordination. Any new development is required to join the City's existing Transportation Management System.

M-1.6 Intersection Configurations. Consider the use of non-traditional intersections such as roundabouts and traffic circles, where appropriate, safe, and feasible.

M-1.7 Minimize Environmental Impacts. Manage the circulation system to minimize congestion and improve flow and air quality.

M-1.8 Local and Regional Collaboration. Coordinate with other government entities in implementation of the City's Circulation Plan and Coachella Valley -wide circulation improvements. Entities include Caltrans, Coachella Valley Association of Governments Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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(CVAG), LAFCO, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), Riverside County and adjacent communities.

M-1.9 Safe Routes to School. Work with schools and school districts within the city to encourage parents and children to walk or bike to school through programs such as Safe Routes to School.

M-1.10 Residential Streets Traffic Calming. Continue implementing traffic calming measures to discourage speeding and cut -through traffic on residential streets, where appropriate.

M-1.11 ADA Accessibility. Ensure the City's transportation network is safe, accessible, and consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to allow mobility -impaired users, such as disabled persons and seniors, to safely travel within and beyond the city.

M-1.12 Truck Routes. Maintain a network of truck routes to facilitate goods movement to regional roads and to discourage the use of residential roads.

M-2.1 Multi -Modal Streets. Apply context -sensitive complete streets principles to roadway improvement projects to serve all modes of travel and users of all ages and abilities.

M-2.2 Alternative Modes. Encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation including public transit, ride sharing, biking, low speed vehicles, and walking that serve the City's residents, workers and visitors to local and regional destinations.

M-2.3 Connectivity. Improve pedestrian, bicycle, and low speed vehicle connections from residential neighborhoods to retail centers, hotels, and schools.

M-2.4 New Development. Encourage new developments to develop internal shared use paths where desirable and feasible, with additional amenities such as secure bicycle parking, pedestrian -scale lighting, street furniture, landscaping. Developments must connect any internal walking or biking paths to the City-wide path system with frequent and safe access points and safe for people walking and biking to use.

M-2.5 Citywide Bicycle Plan. Implement construction of the bike network system by requiring new development to provide bike lanes on public roads and update the plan as needed.

M-2.6 Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety. Develop safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian facilities and crossings that reduce conflicts with other modes.

M-2.7 CV Link Users. Provide safe and efficient travel options through the City for CV Link users coming from neighboring cities.

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M-2.8 Bus Stops. Work with SunLine and other providers to improve bus stop amenities.

M-2.9 Rail and Air Travel. Participate with regional agencies and cities to promote rail and air service capacities that meet the needs of residents, workers, and visitors.

M-2.10 The Living Desert. Coordinate with The Living Desert to ensure Indian Wells residents have access to the reserve's nature walks and hiking trails.

RM-9.1 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Consider and adopt new local policies and programs that provide energy efficient alternatives to fossil fuel use to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

RM-9.2 Zero -Emission and Low -Emission Vehicle Use. Encourage the use of zero -emission vehicles, low -emission vehicles, bicycles and other non -motorized vehicles, and car - sharing programs by providing sufficient and convenient infrastructure and parking facilities to accommodate these vehicles.

RM-9.3 Sensitive Receptors. Buffer and protect residential areas and other sensitive receptors, such as schools and care facilities, from areas of heightened air quality pollution.

RM-9.4 Regional Air Quality. Participate in air quality improvement efforts in the Riverside County area, including those organized through SCAQMD, ICAPCD, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), and the California Air Resource Board (CARB).

Actions
M -la
Require new development and expansion of existing development to provide necessary street improvements and address operational deficiencies for which its traffic causes off -site intersections to perform beyond acceptable LOS standards.

Improvements shall include as conditions of approval, but not be limited to, the following:
• On -site transportation facilities: streets, curbs, traffic control devices; • Access improvements: street extensions, widening, turn lanes, signals, etc.; • Street widening for streets fronting the development property as shown on the Circulation Plan map;
• Right-of-way landscaping; and
• Off -site roadway and intersection improvements.

M -lb Require vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analysis for land use application projects and transportation projects for the purposes of environmental review under the Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Adopt City -specific VMT thresholds and consider publishing Transportation Study Guidelines to establish methodologies and standards to evaluate transportation impacts from land development and transportation projects. The City shall continue to maintain LOS standards for the purposes of planning and designing street improvements.

M -lc Coordinate with other government entities in implementation of the City's Circulation Plan and Coachella Valley -wide circulation improvements. Entities include Caltrans, Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), LAFCO, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), Riverside County and adjacent communities.

M -1d Evaluate opportunities to implement roundabouts as traffic control, considering safety, traffic calming, cost and maintenance.

M -le Encourage new development to provide safe pedestrian facilities for internal circulation and access to adjacent uses as part of their design.

M -1f Consider streetscape improvements such as landscaping, , sidewalks, paths, lighting, and other pedestrian -oriented features in the City.

M -1g Implement the arterial highway system in a manner consistent with Federal, State, and local environmental quality standards and regulations, and consistent with the City's charm and unique appeal.

RM-9a Consider giving preference to contractors and service providers who use reduced emission equipment for City construction projects and service contracts.

RM-9b Evaluate the purchase of low -emission vehicles for the City's fleet and the use of available clean fuel sources for trucks and heavy equipment for the provision of City services based on operating requirements and financial feasibility.

RM-9c
RM-9d
As applicable, review development projects during the CEQA process for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors. Ensure that mitigation measures and best management practices (BMPs) are implemented to reduce significant emissions of criteria pollutants.

Review development, infrastructure, and planning projects for consistency with SCAQMD and ICAPCD requirements during the CEQA review process. Require project applicants to prepare air quality analyses to address SCAQMD, ICAPCD, and General Plan requirements, as appropriate, which include analysis and identification of:

1. Air pollutant emissions associated with the project during construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.

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2. Potential exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants.

3. Significant air quality impacts associated with the project for construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.

4. Mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts to less than significant or the maximum extent feasible where impacts cannot be mitigated to less than significant.

RM-9e
RM-9f
Future development projects will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD and ICAPCD construction emission thresholds. Where construction emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD and ICAPCD thresholds, the following actions should be incorporated as necessary to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures as determined by a project specific Air Quality Assessment. • Require all off -road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) to meet USEPA Tier 4 final off -road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board Certified Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. The DPF reduces diesel particulate matter and NOx emissions during construction activities. • Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling.
• Require building materials to contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. • Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products. If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs.

Future development projects will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD and ICAPCD operational emission thresholds. For projects where operational emissions exceed regulatory thresholds, the following measures may be used to reduce impacts. Note the following measures are not all inclusive and developers have the option to add or substitute measures that are equally or more appropriate for the scope of the project.
• Provide onsite solar/renewable energy in excess of regulatory requirements.

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• Require that owners/tenants of non-residential or multi -family residential developments use architectural coatings that are 10 grams per liter or less when repainting/repairing properties.
• Require dripless irrigation and irrigation sensor units that prevent watering during rainstorms.

RM-9i Require all new development and redevelopment projects, including construction operations, to conform with the City's PM10 Ordinance as a condition of issuance of grading permits. Evaluate the need for permanent control devices in particularly windy areas to be installed prior to project grading.

RM-9j Require construction sites, and trucks hauling dirt to and from the sites, to comply with the City's PM10 standards.

RM-9k Schedule regular maintenance for the City fleet vehicles to reduce fuel consumption resulting in less air pollution and decrease fuel purchases. b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases
As previously mentioned, under Assembly Bill 32 passed in 2006, California must reduce its emissions to 1990 levels (431 million metric tons) by 2020. Senate Bill 32, signed in 2016, requires the state to go even further than AB 32 and cut emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. More recently, Assembly Bill 1279 declared the policy of the state both to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions thereafter, and to ensure that by 2045, statewide anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to at least 85 percent below the 1990 levels. The 2022 Scoping Plan lays out the framework to achieve the AB 1279 target of 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045 and identifies a need to accelerate the 2030 target to 48 percent below 1990 levels.

California's primary programs for reducing greenhouse gases are the Renewables Portfolio Standard, the Advanced Clean Cars Program, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the Cap -and -Trade Program.

Additional programs address a variety of greenhouse gas sources. These include the Short -Lived Climate Pollutants Strategy, the Sustainable Communities Strategy and the Sustainable Freight Action Plan. The 2022 Scoping Plan, adopted by CARB, lays out how these initiatives work together to reduce greenhouse gases to achieve California's 2030 target of 260 million metric tons and also to reduce smog -causing pollutants. This target will require California to more than double the rate at which it has been cutting climate -changing gases. Future reductions will occur against a backdrop of natural sources of GHGs Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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which are increasingly variable because of the climate change California is already witnessing.2 The SCAQMD adopted the interim GHG significance threshold for stationary/industrial sources on December 5, 2008 which applies to projects where the SCAQMD is the lead agency.

CARB's statewide GHG emission inventory has tracked California's progress in reducing GHG emissions.

On July 11, 2018, CARB announced that greenhouse gas pollution in California had fallen below 1990 levels for the first time since emissions peaked in 2004, an achievement roughly equal to taking 12 million cars off the road or saving 6 billion gallons of gasoline a year. Moreover, the agency findings also indicated a declining GHG emissions trend between 2007 and 2017. In 2017, emissions from GHG emitting activities statewide were 424 million MTCO2e, 5 million MTCO2e lower than 2016 levels and 7 million MTCO2e below the 2020 GHG Limit of 431 million MTCO2e. The largest reductions are attributed to the electricity sector, which continues to see decreases as a result of the State's climate policies. The transportation sector remains the largest source of GHG emissions in the state, but saw a 1 percent increase in emissions in 2017, the lowest growth rate over the past 4 years. The transportation sector, the state's largest source of greenhouse gases, saw a 2 percent increase in emissions in 2016 because of increased fuel consumption. The state has also documented the increased use of biofuels as a result of the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard. These low -carbon alternative fuels, consisting mostly of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and ethanol, reduced emissions by 14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, when compared to what would have been generated if conventional fossil fuels had been used.

More recently, CARB's Statewide GHG emission inventory tracked year 2023 data. GHG emissions for 2023 totaled approximately 381 million MTCO2e, 43 million MTCO2e below the year 2017 levels. The transportation sector remained the largest GHG sector, with 39 percent of total emissions, followed by the Industrial sector with 22 percent, Electricity at 16 percent, Agriculture & Forestry at 8 percent, Residential at 8 percent, and Commercial at 6 percent.

In summary, project implementation is expected to comply with SCAQMD regulations and statewide GHG reduction targets, and would be consistent with all applicable plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purposes of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including the 2022 CARB Scoping Plan.

Therefore, the project would not generate significant levels of GHG emissions, and will not conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions.

General Plan Policies
Previously discussed, the General Plan Update establishes various policies and actions designed to support the statewide efforts toward GHG emissions reductions and the associated benefits in climate change. GHG and climate change benefits are supported and influenced, directly and indirectly, by a 2 Additionally, it should be noted that CARB's latest Scoping Plan accounts for more recent State GHG-related legislation, including AB 1279.

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wide range of policies and actions, including those stemming from the Community Development, Mobility, and Resource Management elements of the General Plan.

The relevant actions are M -la through M -1g. These policies and actions are further discussed in Section

4.16, Transportation, of this PDEIR.

The policies and actions contained in the Resource Management Element that are most applicable to air quality plan implementation are summarized below:

Policies
RM-9.1 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Consider and adopt new local policies and programs that provide energy efficient alternatives to fossil fuel use to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

RM-9.3 Sensitive Receptors. Buffer and protect residential areas and other sensitive receptors, such as schools and care facilities, from areas of heightened air quality pollution.

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Actions
RM-9a Consider giving preference to contractors and service providers who use reduced emission equipment for City construction projects and service contracts.

RM-9c
RM-9d
RM-9e
As applicable, review development projects during the CEQA process for potential air quality impacts to residences and other sensitive receptors. Ensure that mitigation measures and best management practices (BM Ps) are implemented to reduce significant emissions of criteria pollutants.

1. Air pollutant emissions associated with the project during construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.

2. Potential exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants.

3. Significant air quality impacts associated with the project for construction, project operation, and cumulative conditions.

4. Mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts to less than significant or the maximum extent feasible where impacts cannot be mitigated to less than significant.

Future development projects will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD and ICAPCD construction emission thresholds. Where construction emissions from individual projects exceed SCAQMD and ICAPCD thresholds, the following actions should be incorporated as necessary to minimize impacts. These measures do not exclude the use of other, equally effective mitigation measures as determined by a project specific Air Quality Assessment. • Require all off -road diesel equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) to meet USEPA Tier 4 final off -road emission standards or equivalent. Such equipment shall be outfitted with Best Available Control Technology (BACT) devices including a California Air Resources Board Certified Level 3 Diesel Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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Particulate Filter (DPF) or equivalent. The DPF reduces diesel particulate matter and NOx emissions during construction activities. • Require a minimum of 50 percent of construction debris be diverted for recycling.
• Require building materials to contain a minimum 10 percent recycled content. • Require materials such as paints, primers, sealants, coatings, and glues to have a low volatile organic compound concentration compared to conventional products. If low VOC materials are not available, architectural coating phasing should be extended sufficiently to reduce the daily emissions of VOCs.

RM-9f
Future development projects will be required to demonstrate consistency with SCAQMD and ICAPCD operational emission thresholds. For projects where operational emissions exceed regulatory thresholds, the following measures may be used to reduce impacts. Note the following measures are not all inclusive and developers have the option to add or substitute measures that are equally or more appropriate for the scope of the project.
• Provide onsite solar/renewable energy in excess of regulatory requirements. • Require that owners/tenants of non-residential or multi -family residential developments use architectural coatings that are 10 grams per liter or less when repainting/repairing properties.
• Require dripless irrigation and irrigation sensor units that prevent watering during rainstorms.

RM-9j Require construction sites, and trucks hauling dirt to and from the sites, to comply with the City's PM10 standards.

RM-9k Schedule regular maintenance for the City fleet vehicles to reduce fuel consumption resulting in less air pollution and decrease fuel purchases.

4.8.5 Cumulative Impacts
Amortized construction and operational emissions of the proposed project would not exceed established SCAQMD thresholds for GHG emissions, therefore, potential cumulative impacts are considered less than significant.

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4.8.6 Mitigation Measures
To the extent the GPU will result in direct, reasonably foreseeable, significant environmental impacts, the policies and actions listed throughout this section, as proposed by the GPU, will serve as mitigation or to the extent the impacts will be less than significant, as improvement measures as it relates to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, State, regional and local regulations will also ensure that buildout of the GPU would result in (or continue to result in) less than significant impacts. Therefore, no additional Mitigation or Improvement Measures are required.

4.8.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation
The project does not exceed GHG thresholds, therefore no mitigation measures are required.

4.8.8 Resources

1. Analysis of the Coachella Valley PM10 Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan, by the California Air Resources Board, February 2010;

2. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2000 to 2017, Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators, 2019 Edition, California Air Resources Board; Release No. 18-37 & 19-35, California Air Resources Board Press Release, July 2018 and August 2019.

3. Federal Clean Air Act (CWA);

4. 2022 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Adopted December 2, 2022.

5. Final 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (CVSIP), by SCAQMD, August 2003; and sections of the SCAQMD Rule Book;
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PROGRAMMATIC DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Indian Wells General Plan Update

4.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials

4.9.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing setting and proposed improvements to the City of Indian Wells that could result in the use, transport, or disposal of hazardous materials from on -site or off -site activities.

Hazards include man-made or natural materials or natural conditions that may pose a threat to human health, life, property, or the environment. This section analyzes impacts associated with the GPU that may potentially affect public health and safety or degrade the environment. The analysis is based on the information contained in the Indian Wells General Plan Update regarding proposed land use, as well as public resources provided by the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Additional federal, State, and local programs and regulations related to hazards and the use of hazardous materials are referenced in this section.

4.9.2 Existing Conditions
Hazardous Materials
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Title 40, Part 261) defines hazardous materials based on ignitability, reactivity, corrosivity, and/or toxicity properties. The State of California defines hazardous materials as substances that are toxic, ignitable or flammable, reactive and/or corrosive, which have the capacity of causing harm or a health hazard during normal exposure or an accidental release. As a result, the use and management of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances is regulated under existing federal, state, and local laws.

Hazardous Waste
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) simply defines hazardous waste as a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment. Hazardous waste is generated from sources ranging from industrial manufacturing process wastes to batteries and may come in many forms, including liquids, solids, gases, and sludges.

These can include everyday commercial products, such as pesticides, cleaning fluids, and household sprays, as well as byproducts of manufacturing processes. The EPA has classified hazardous waste into four categories:
• Listed wastes — wastes from common manufacturing and industrial processes, waste from specific industries such as petroleum refining or pesticide manufacturing, and discarded commercial products;
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• Characteristic wastes — non -listed wastes that exhibit ignitability, corrosively, reactivity, and toxicity;
• Universal wastes — batteries, mercury -containing equipment, and fluorescent lamps and bulbs; and
• Mixed wastes — radioactive and hazardous waste components.

A hazardous material may become hazardous waste upon its accidental release into the environment.

All hazardous wastes must be discharged into a Class I landfill. No Class I landfill is currently operated within Riverside County. Hazardous Waste generated within Riverside County and disposed of off - site, transported to Kern County or Santa Barbra County, where active Class I landfills are located.

Some waste is also transported out of the State.

The Riverside County Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch is the sole overseeing agency for hazardous waste generation throughout the County. The purpose of the hazardous waste program is to protect both people and the environment by ensuring that hazardous wastes will be properly disposed of and managed.

Hazardous wastes require special handling and disposal methods to reduce their potential to damage public health and the environment. Manufacturer's specifications dictate the proper use, handling, and disposal methods for the specific substances. All hazardous waste poses a threat to humans and the environment, and therefore is regulated by federal, State and local programs. In most cases, it is a violation of federal or State law to improperly store, apply, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials and waste.

Transportation of Hazardous Materials
The transportation of hazardous materials within California is subject to various federal, State, and local regulations. It is illegal to transport explosives or inhalation hazards on any public highway not designated for that purpose, unless the use of the highway is required to permit delivery, or the loading of such materials (California Vehicle Code Section 31602(b), 32104(a)). The California Highway Patrol (CHP) designates through routes to be used for the transportation of hazardous materials.

Transportation of hazardous materials is restricted to these routes expect in cases where additional travel is required from that route to deliver or receive hazardous materials to and from users.

Within the City of Indian Wells, Highway 111 traverses the City in an east -west direction and provides primary access to and through the City. Primary access to the region is by Interstate 10 ("I-10"), located approximately 1.60 miles north of the City. I-10 is a major transportation corridor that traverses the United States in an east -west fashion, connecting California to Florida. State Route 74, located approximately 1.7 miles west of the City, also provides access to the City and Coachella Valley region.

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Hazardous Materials Generators
Hazardous materials and waste generators can consist of large industrial operations, to small business operations, to household use of cleaning products. Small businesses such as dry cleaners, auto repair shops, medical facilities or hospitals, photo processing centers, and metal plating shops are usually generators of small quantities of hazardous wastes. Generators of large quantities of hazardous waste include chemical manufacturers, large electroplating facilities, and petroleum refineries. All significant spills, releases or threatened releases of hazardous materials must be immediately reported.

Hazardous Waste Disposal
Since July 2010, Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services provides free at-home collection of Household Hazardous Wastes to the residents of Indian Wells. The hazardous wastes to be collected includes paint, oils, pesticides, cleaners, solvents, medication, sharps, fluorescent light bulbs/tubes, household batteries, auto batteries, chemicals, toner cartridges, and similar products.

Development activities have the potential to encounter previously unknown hazardous materials contamination from historical use of a property. Such contamination can be mediated by existing federal, State, and local policies and procedures implemented by the designated local enforcement agency.

Free residential services provided to the City of Indian Wells from Burrtec includes the pick-up of bulky items (i.e., furniture, bundled wood, white goods, sporting equipment, barbeques and patio furniture), electronic waste (i.e., televisions, phones computers, printers, monitors, small appliances, radios/music players, DVDs, power tools), household hazardous waste (HHW), and used motor oil.

HHW consist of antifreeze, paint, oils, pesticides, cleaners, solvents, medications, sharps, fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, batteries, pool chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, fertilizers, and toner cartridges. Household hazardous waste require special handling at disposal facilities and cannot be placed in residential or commercial containers. Pick-up of the items listed above is not an automatic service and the resident must coordinate with Burrtec prior to pick-up.

GeoTracker
GeoTracker is the California Water Resources Control Board's data management system for managing sites that impact groundwater, especially those that require groundwater cleanup (Underground Storage Tanks, Department of Defense, Site Cleanup Program) as well as permitted facilities such as operating USTs and land disposal sites.

There are three locations within Indian Wells that are listed in the GeoTracker database. The registered sites are classified as a leaking underground storage tank (LUST); however, all cases are complete. The table below lists the locations of the sites listed within the GeoTracker database.

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Table 4.9-1 Indian Wells GeoTracker Database Sites
Site
Location
Type
File Location / Potential
Contaminants of Concern
Cleanup Status
Indian Wells
Country Club
46000 Club
Dr.

LUST
Cleanup Site
Local Agency Warehouse;
Diesel
Completed — Case
Closed 7/10/1992
City of Indian Wells
Maintenance
44900
Eldorado Dr.

LUST
Cleanup Site
Local Agency Warehouse,
Gasoline
Completed — Case
Closed 4/21/1997
Indian Wells Civic
Center
44950
Eldorado Dr.

LUST
Cleanup Site
Local Agency; Diesel
Completed — Case
Closed 12/10/2007
EnviroStor Data Management System
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) maintains the EnviroStor Data Management System, which provides information on hazardous waste facilities (both permitted and corrective action) as well as any available site cleanup information. This site cleanup information includes Federal Superfund Sites (NPL), State Response Sites, Voluntary Cleanup Sites, School Cleanup Sites, Corrective Action Sites, Tiered Permit Sites, and Evaluation/Investigation Sites. The hazardous waste facilities include Permitted -Operating, Post -Closure Permitted, and Historical Non -Operating.

There is one location with an Indian Wells address that is listed in the EnviroStor database. The site is listed as a school investigation site with no further action required. The table below lists the location and status of the school investigation site.

Table 4.9-2 Indian Wells EnviroStor Database Sites
Site
Location
Type
Cleanup Status
Gerald R. Ford
Elementary School
44210 Warner Trail
School Investigation -
Site Cleanup Program
No Contaminants Found No
Action Required as of 2/20/2020
ECHO
The Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) is the EPA's national database that focuses on inspection, violation, and enforcement data for the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and also includes Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data.

There are 27 locations with an Indian Wells address that is listed in the ECHO database. The table below lists the location and status of the registered sites.

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Table 4.9-3 Indian Wells ECHO Database Sites
Site
Location
Industry
Status/Universe
Identification
Status
Ralphs
Grocery #179
74895
Highway 111
Food/ Beverage
Retailers
RCRA Active
LQG*
FRS 110055673481
RCRA CAR000244673
No Violation
Identified
Value
Cleaners
74903
Highway 111
Personal / Laundry
Service
RCRA
Active/Inactive
Other
FRS 110005994861
RCRA CAD981639958
RCRA CAD98 1638828
No Violation
Identified
Hyatt Grand
Champions
44600 Indian
Wells
N/A
RCRA Active SQG
FRS 110012184484
RCRA CAR000081752
No Violation
Identified
Indian Wells
Golf Resort
77075 Fred
Waring Dr.

Amusement,
Gambling, Recreation
Industries
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070443011
RCRA CAL000033572
No Violation
Identified
Indian Wells
Golf Resort
77075 Fred
Waring Dr.

N/A
RCRA Active SQG
FRS 110006480361
RCRA CAD982507030
No Violation
Identified
Stanley
Silverman
76273
Fairway Dr.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070441712
RCRA CAC002988038
No Violation
Identified
Charles A.

Hibbeler
78180 Cortez
Ln.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070579039
RCRA CAC003014507
No Violation
Identified
City of Indian
Wells — City
Managers
Department
44950
Eldorado Dr.

Executive, Legislative,
Other General
Government Support
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070409283
RCRA CAH 111001228
No Violation
Identified
CVS Pharmacy
No. 9779
74955 US
Highway 111
Health and Personal
Care Stores
RCRA Active LQG
FRS 110055439547
RCRA CAR000238659
No Violation
Identified
Desert
Horizons
Country Club
44900 Desert
Horizons Dr.

Amusement,
Gambling, Recreation
Industries
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070443066
RCRA CAL000059502
No Violation
Identified
El Dorado LLC
- SFR
46645 E. El
Dorado Dr.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070573447
RCRA CAC003008112
No Violation
Identified
Eldorado
Country Club
46000
Fairway Dr.

Amusement,
Gambling, Recreation
Industries
RCRA
Active/Inactive
Other
FRS 110070442889
RCRA CAC003115223
RCRA CAL000099191
No Violation
Identified
Travis Erwin
45525
Navajo Dr.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070402879
RCRA CAC002975000
No Violation
Identified
Fuji Photo
Film USA, Inc.
4400 Indian
Wells Ln.

N/A
RCRA Active SQG
FRS 110012188729
RCRA CAR000106625
No Violation
Identified
Fuji Photo
Film USA, Inc.

Renaissance
Esmeralda
Toulon
N/A
RCRA Active SQG
FRS 110070799992
RCRA CAP000096792
No Violation
Identified
Garden of
Champions,
LLC
78200 Miles
Ave.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070408513
RCRA CAC002989028
No Violation
Identified
Indian Wells
Country Club
46000 Club
Dr.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070446007
RCRA CAL000037664
No Violation
Identified
Indian Wells
Tennis Garden
78200 Miles
Ave.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070404817
RCRA CAC002983583
No Violation
Identified
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Site
Location
Industry
Status/Universe
Identification
Status
Jessica
Ledbetter
76805
Roadrunner
Dr.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070585154
RCRA CAC003024850
RCRA CAC003021487
No Violation
Identified
Jim Greenlee
78180 Cortez
Ln.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070579043
RCRA CAC003014511
No Violation
Identified
John Sund
74855
Chateau
Circle
Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070398714
RCRA CAC002965277
No Violation
Identified
Michael
Naughton
45065
Camino
Dorado
Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA
Active/Inactive
Other
FRS 110070575290
RCRA CAC003010200
RCRA CACOO3133233
No Violation
Identified
Ralphs #0179-
703
74895
Highway 111
Food/ Beverage
Retailers
RCRA Active LQG
FRS 110062924563
RCRA CAD981580673
No Violation
Identified
Renaissance
Esmeralda
Resort
44400 Indian
Wells Ln.

Accommodation
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070475679
RCRA CAL000365368
No Violation
Identified
The City of
Indian Wells
44950
Eldorado Dr.

Executive, Legislative,
Other General
Government Support
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070450744
RCRA CAL000257798
No Violation
Identified
Tom Sager —
SFR
75691
Camino De
Plata S
Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070586949
RCRA CAC003023582
No Violation
Identified
Travis Erwin
45525
Navajo Dr.

Waste Management/
Remediation Services
RCRA Active
Other
FRS 110070403000
RCRA CAC002975421
No Violation
Identified
* LQG: Large Quantity Generators; SQG: Small Quantity Generators.

Cortese List
The Hazardous Waste and Substance Sites (Cortese) list is a planning document used by the State, local agencies, and developers to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act requirements in providing information about the location of hazardous materials release sites. Government Code Section 65962.5 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency to develop at least annually updated Cortese List. DTSC is responsible for a portion of the information contained in the Cortese List. Other State and local government agencies are required to provide additional hazardous material release information for the Cortese List. There are no hazardous materials release sites located in the Planning Area.

Local Schools
One school is located within the boundaries of Indian Wells. The school, Gerald R. Ford Elementary School, located at the southeast corner of Fred Waring Drive and Warner Trail, at 44120 Warner Trail.

The Elementary School lies within Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) and teaches Kindergarten to fifth grade.

Public Airports/Private Airstrips
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The Bermuda Dunes Airport, located at 79880 Avenue 42 in Bermuda Dunes, is the closest airport to the City of Indian Wells. This airport is situated approximately 2.20 miles northeast of the City. Due to the Airport's distance from the City of Indian Wells, the City is not located within the Bermuda Dunes Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP).

The second closest airport to the City is the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, located at 56850 Higgins Drive, in Thermal. This Airport is approximately 9.0 miles southeast of the City of Indian Wells.

The Palm Springs International Airport, located at 3400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs, is the third closest airport to the City, situated approximately 10.70 miles northwest of the City boundaries. The project site is outside the Airport Land Use Compatibility Zone.

Urban/Wildland Interface
The City of Indian Wells is located adjacent to both undeveloped natural mountain slopes and developed urban residential and commercial uses. The natural open space area to the south is associated with the Santa Rosa Mountains and is designated as a Conservation Area of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). Disturbance within the Conservation Area are not proposed.

4.9.3 Regulatory Setting
I<ey federal, State, and local laws, regulations and policies that are relevant to hazards and hazardous materials are summarized below. The regulatory setting establishes a framework for addressing all aspects of hazards and hazardous materials that would be affected by construction and operations of the proposed General Plan Update.

Federal Programs
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a national organization with the mission to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that:
• Americans have clean air, land and water;
• National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information;
• Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended;
• Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy; Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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• All parts of society — communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments — have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
• Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up by potentially responsible parties and revitalized; and
• Chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.

The EPA accomplishes their mission by developing and enforcing regulations, providing grants, studying environmental issues, sponsoring partnerships, publishing information, and educating people about the environment.

According to the EPA, hazardous wastes are characterized as wastes that exhibit any one or more of the following characteristic properties: ignitability, corrosivity, toxicity, or reactivity. The EPA also contains a list of hazardous materials and procedures when dealing with hazardous waste and materials. Various rules regulate the use, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials.

A waste is determined to be a hazardous waste if it is specifically listed on one of four lists (the F, K, P and U lists) found in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in Section 261 and discussed in further detail below:
• The F -list identifies wastes from common manufacturing and industrial processes as hazardous from non-specific sources (40 CFR Section 261.31). They can be divided into seven groups depending on the type of manufacturing or industrial operation that creates them.

These groups include spent solvent wastes, electroplating and other metal finishing wastes, dioxin -bearing wastes, chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons production, wood preserving wastes, petroleum refinery wastewater treatment sludges, and multisource leachate. • The K -list identifies hazardous wastes from specific sectors of industry and manufacturing and are considered source -specific wastes. To qualify as a K -listed hazardous waste, a waste must fit into one of the following industries: wood preservation, organic chemicals manufacturing, pesticides manufacturing, petroleum refining, Veterinary pharmaceuticals manufacturing, inorganic pigment manufacturing, inorganic chemical manufacturing, explosives manufacturing, iron and steel production, primary aluminum production, secondary lead processing, ink formulation, and coking (processing of coal to produce coke). • The P and U lists designate as hazardous waste pure and commercial grade formulations of certain unused chemicals that are being disposed. For a waste to be considered a P- or U -listed waste it must meet the following three criteria: (1) the waste must contain one of the chemicals listed on the P or U list; (2) the chemical in the waste must be unused; and (3) the chemical in the waste must be in the form of a commercial chemical product. The P -list identifies acute hazardous wastes from discarded commercial chemical products, while the U - list identifies hazardous wastes from discarded commercial chemical products.

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More recent EPA efforts and responsibilities for managing hazardous waste includes the management of wastes from homeland security incidents. The Waste Management for Homeland Security Incidents Act requires EPA to provide technical support to federal, State, local, and tribal authorities on waste management and cleanup efforts resulting from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, major accidents, and disease outbreaks. EPA's main responsibility is to promote pre -planning efforts to deal with hazardous waste disasters and encourage various stakeholders to prepare for natural and man- made disasters. EPA is also required to review emergency response plans for federal agencies, and participate in exercises with federal, State, local and tribal emergency responders.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The EPA has the authority and responsibility to regulate hazardous waste by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). Through RCRA, EPA is responsible for monitoring the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Amendments to RCRA, including the 1984 Federal Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments, and those established in 1986, forced EPA to increase enforcement of underground storage tanks for petroleum and other hazardous substances, focus on waste minimization programs, such as phasing out hazardous wastes from landfills, and finally mandating corrective measures regarding the release of hazardous waste.

More recent EPA efforts and responsibilities for managing hazardous waste include management of wastes from homeland security incidents. The Waste Management for Homeland Security Incidents Act requires EPA to provide technical support to federal, State, local, and tribal authorities on waste management and cleanup efforts resulting from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, major accidents, and disease outbreaks. EPA's main responsibility is to promote pre -planning efforts to deal with hazardous waste disasters and encourage various stakeholders to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. EPA is also required to review emergency response plans for federal agencies, and participate in exercises with federal, State, local and tribal emergency responders.

Hazardous Materials Transport Regulations
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) was established on October 15, 1996 by Congress. The U.S. DOT's purpose is to ensure the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system is provided to improve the quality of life of people and communities and increase the productivity and competitiveness of workers and businesses in the nation.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety is a component of the U.S. DOT that carries out a national safety program, including security matters, to protect against the risks to life and property inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce by all transportation modes. This is accomplished by developing, proposing and implementing regulatory policy initiatives and regulations governing the safe and secure transportation of hazardous materials. The PHMSA conducts safety inspections and investigations to Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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ensure transportation safety and security by conducting compliance inspectors and incident and accident response and investigations.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, otherwise known as CERCLA or Superfund, was established to provide a Federal "Superfund" to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous -waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment. Through CERCLA, the EPA was given power to seek out those parties responsible for any release and assure their cooperation in the cleanup.

The EPA cleans up orphan sites when potentially responsible parties cannot be identified or located, or when they fail to act. Through various enforcement tools, the EPA obtains private party cleanup through orders, consent decrees, and other small party settlements. The EPA also recovers costs from financially viable individuals and companies once a response action has been completed. Superfund site identification, monitoring, and response activities in states are coordinated through state environmental protection or waste management agencies.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) or 1986 reauthorized CERCLA to continue cleanup activities around the country. Several site -specific amendments, definitions clarifications, and technical requirements were added to the legislation, including additional enforcement authorities.

Emergency Planning and Community Right -To -Know Act
The Emergency Planning and Community Right -To -Know Act (EPCRA) was enacted in 1986 by Congress as national legislation on community safety. This law is designed to help local communities protect public health, safety, and the environment from chemical hazards. Congress requires each state to appoint a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) as a part of EPCRA. The SERCs are required to divide their states into Emergency Planning Districts and to name a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for each district. The EPCRA requires industry to report on the storage, use and releases of hazardous substances to federal, state, and local governments.

Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) was established in 1972 as the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

Under the CWA, the EPA has implemented pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industries. The EPA has also developed national water quality criteria recommendations for pollutants in surface waters.

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It is unlawful under the CWA to discharge any pollutant from a point source, which is a discrete conveyance such as pipes or man-made ditches, into navigable waters unless a permit was obtained.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls discharges.

Industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. Compliance monitoring under the NPDES Program encompasses a range of techniques in order to address the most significant problems and to promote compliance among the regulated community.

EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online
EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) is a national database that focuses on inspection, violation, and enforcement data for the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and also includes Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data. ECHO can be used to search for facilities, investigate pollution sources, search for EPA enforcement cases, examine and create enforcement -related maps, and analyze trends in compliance and enforcement data.

State Programs
Hazardous Waste Control Law
The Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL) is the primary hazardous waste management system in the State of California. The HWCL specifies that generators have the primary duty to determine whether their wastes are hazardous and to ensure their proper management. The HWCL also establishes criteria for the reuse and recycling of hazardous wastes used or reused as raw materials.

The HWCL exceeds federal requirements by mandating source reduction planning, and as much broader requirement for permitting facilities that treat hazardous waste. It also regulates a number of types of waste management activities that are not covered by federal law with the RCRA.

Tanner Act
Although there are numerous State policies dealing with hazardous waste materials, the most comprehensive is the Tanner Act (AB 2948) that was adopted in 1986. The Tanner Act governs the preparation of hazardous waste management plans and the siting of hazardous waste facilities in the State of California. The act also mandates that each county adopt a Hazardous Waste Management Plan. To be in compliance with the Tanner Act, local or regional hazardous management plans need to include provisions that define (1) the planning process for waste management, (2) the permit process for new and expanded facilities, and (3) the appeal process to State available for certain local decisions.

California Environmental Protection Agency
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As a branch under the EPA, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CaIEPA) has broad jurisdiction over hazardous materials management in the State of California. CaIEPA's mission to restore, protect and enhance the environment, to ensure public health, environmental quality and economic vitality is achieved by developing, implementing and enforcing environmental laws. These laws regulate air, water, and soil quality, pesticide use, and waste recycling and reduction. CaIEPA oversees and coordinates with the Air Resources Board (ARB), Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to improve California's environment.

Department of Toxic Substance Control
DTSC is responsible for protecting public health and the environment from hazardous waste generated in California. It regulates under the authority of the federal RCRA of 1976 and the California Health and Safety Code. DTSC operates a variety of programs including the following:
• Overseeing cleanups at improperly managed waste sites. • Ensuring those who generate, handle, transport, store and dispose of hazardous waste do so properly.
• Enforcement actions against those who fail to manage hazardous waste appropriately. • Exploring and promoting pollution prevention and encouraging reuse and recycling. • Evaluating soil, water and air samples at sites and developing new analytical methods. • Practicing other environmental sciences, including toxicology, risk assessment, and technology development.
• Involving the public in DTSC's decision -making.

Within CaIEPA, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has primary regulatory responsibility for hazardous waste management and cleanup to protect California and Californians from exposures to hazardous wastes. The DTSC achieves this by regulating hazardous waste and discovering ways to reduce the hazardous waste produced in California. Enforcement of regulations for the generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials are delegated to local jurisdictions, in agreements with the DTSC. The DTSC regulates hazardous waste in California primarily under the authority of the federal RCRA of 1976 and the California Health and Safety Code.

DTSC is required to compile and update each year, or as appropriate, a list of hazardous waste sites pursuant to the Cortese Lists under Government Code Section 65962.5(a). DTSC has created the EnviroStor database of properties throughout California that may be contaminated.

En viroStor
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EnviroStor is a database maintained by the State of California DTSC. The EnviroStor database identifies sites with known contamination or sites for which there may be reasons to investigate further. It includes the identification of formerly contaminated properties that have been released for reuse; properties where environmental deed restrictions have been recorded to prevent inappropriate land uses; and risk characterization information that is used to assess potential impacts to public health and the environment at contaminated sites.

Government Code Section 65962.5 (Cortese List)
The provisions of Government Code Section 65962.5 are commonly referred to as the Cortese List.

The Cortese List is a planning document used by State and local agencies to provide information about hazardous materials release sites. Government Code Section 65962.5 requires CaIEPA to develop an updated Cortese List annually, at minimum. The DTSC is responsible for a portion of the information contained in the Cortese List. Other State and local government agencies are required to provide additional hazardous material release information for the Cortese List.

State Water Resources Control Board
SWRCB is responsible for regulating wastewater discharges to surface waters and groundwater. This includes discharges from all construction, industrial, municipal, and agricultural activities. The SWRCB delegates these responsibilities to various regional water quality control boards throughout California.

GeoTracker
GeoTracker is a database maintained by the State of California Water Resources Control Board that provides online access to environmental data. It serves as the management system for tracking regulatory data on sites that can potentially impact groundwater, particularly those requiring groundwater cleanup and permitted facilities, such as operating underground storage tanks and land disposal sites.

Hazardous Material Management Plans
In January 1996, CaIEPA adopted regulations implementing a Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program (Unified Program). The six program elements of the Unified Program are hazardous waste generators and hazardous waste on -site treatment, underground storage tanks, above -ground storage tanks, hazardous material release response plans and inventories. The program is implemented at the local level by a local agency, the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). The CUPA is responsible for consolidating the administration of the six program elements within its jurisdiction.

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State and federal laws require detailed planning to ensure that hazardous materials are properly handled, used, stored and disposed of, and, in the event that such materials are accidentally released, to prevent or to mitigate injury to health or the environment.

California Hazardous Material Release Response Plan and Inventory Law Chapter 6.95 of the Health and Safety Code (HSC) requires that in order to protect the public health and safety and the environment, it is necessary to establish business and area plans relating to the handling and release or threatened release of hazardous materials (Article 1), as well as implement regulations regarding hazardous material management (Article 2), emergency planning and Community Right -to -Know Act of 1986 (Article 3) and the California Toxic Release Inventory Program Act of 2007 (Article 4).

California Emergency Response Plan
California has developed an emergency response plan to coordinate emergency services provided by federal, State, and local governments and private agencies. Response to hazardous materials incidents is one part of this plan. The plan is managed by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, which coordinates the responses of other agencies, including CaIEPA, California Highway Patrol (CHP), RWQCB, and the Riverside County Emergency Management Department.

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), better known as Cal/OSHA, protects workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California through its research, standards, enforcement, and consultation programs. Cal/OSHA enforces complaint and accident investigations, targeted and programmed inspections, citations, special orders and orders to take special action, orders prohibiting use, as well as permits, certifications, licenses, approvals, and classification.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) protects over 31 million acres of California's privately -owned wildlands and provides varied emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties via contracts with local governments. The Department's Fire Protection Program consists of multiple activities including wildland pre -fire engineering, vegetation management, fire planning, education, and law enforcement. Typical fire prevention projects include brush clearance, prescribed fire, defensible space inspections, emergency evacuation planning, fire prevention education, fire hazard severity mapping, and fire -related law enforcement activities. CAL FIRE provides Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps for State Responsibility Area lands and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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for Local Responsibility Area lands for each county in California. These maps allow state and local agencies to identify areas susceptible to wildfire hazards.

California Certified Unified Program Agencies
The California Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPA) is a collection of State and regional agencies in charge of regulating hazardous waste. They are responsible for the administration, permits, inspection and enforcement of various environmental and emergency management programs, including the Underground Storage Tank Program, the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Program, Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans, and Hazardous Waste Generator and Onsite Hazardous Waste Treatment Programs. The California Environmental Protection Agency (CaIEPA) is responsible for administrating and certifying the CUPA's. Two State agencies that are also heavily involved with CUPA activities include the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB).

Regional and Local Programs
Regional Water Quality Control Board
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is responsible for regulating wastewater discharges to surface waters and groundwater. This includes discharges from all construction, industrial, municipal, and agricultural activities. The SWRCB delegates these responsibilities to various Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) throughout California. The RWQCB acts under Cal EPA and is responsible for implementing regulations pertaining to management of soil and groundwater investigation and cleanup. RWQCB regulations are contained in Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Additional State regulations applicable to hazardous materials are contained in Title 22 of the CCR. Title 26 of the CCR is a compilation of those hazardous material, waste, and toxic -related regulations contained in CCR Titles 3, 8, 13, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, and 27 that are applicable to hazardous materials.

The City of Indian Wells falls under the jurisdiction of the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Colorado River Basin RWQCB is responsible for overseeing corrective actions associated with leaks and improper disposal from underground storage tanks, such as gas station tanks, and provides assistance to County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health on underground storage leaks.

Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) provides programs and services related to protecting public health, safety, and the environment. Within the DEH are two divisions, District Environmental Service, and Environmental Protection and Oversight. The Environmental Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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Protection and Oversight Division (EPO) is responsible for handling and regulating hazardous materials, land use, water systems, underground storage tanks, solid waste and business emergency plans and is responsible for managing a list of all hazardous waste generators in the County. In the City of Indian Wells such generators of hazardous waste include golf courses, gas stations, dry cleaners, grocery stores, and the City's maintenance facility yard.

Riverside County Hazardous Materials Management Division The Riverside County DEH's Hazardous Materials Management Division was designated as the Riverside County Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). As CUPA for Riverside County, the Division manages the following elements of the Unified Program:
• Hazardous Waste Generators
• Hazardous Materials Business Plan Program (HMBP) and the Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory Program
• Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team
• Risk Management Prevention Program
• Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program
• Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) Program
Riverside County Multi -Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) The Riverside County Multi -Jurisdictional LHMP identifies the County's hazards, review and assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences and set goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and man- made hazards. The Riverside County LHMP was prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 to achieve eligibility and potentially secure mitigation funding through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistants, Pre -Disaster Mitigation and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs.

Riverside County General Plan
According to the Safety Element of the Riverside County General Plan, hazardous materials include the entire spectrum of such substances from pre -product materials to waste. Laws and regulations that govern hazardous materials, and how they are stored, transported, and handled distinguish between hazardous materials and hazardous waste. For regulatory purposes, "hazardous materials" are defined as manufactured hazardous items and materials, as well as the pre -product hazardous substances used to create them. These materials, both pre- and post -production, are subject to extensive management for safety requirements. The waste generated by, or resulting from, the production that process becomes "hazardous waste," which must be safely disposed of in an appropriate manner.

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The Riverside County General Plan emphasizes the County's susceptibility to natural hazards such as fires, in particular, the hillside terrain of Riverside County. Fire potential for Riverside County is typically greatest in the months of August, September, and October, when dry vegetation is paired with the dry Santa Ana winds. To minimize the potential for disastrous loss of structures and life (human and wildlife), a coordinated program to manage development in the hazardous areas has been identified in the Safety Element of the County General Plan.

Indian Wells Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Indian Wells' latest Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) was adopted in 2017. The purpose of the LHMP is to identify the County's hazards, review and assess past disaster occurrences, estimate the probability of future occurrences, and set goals to mitigate potential risks to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural and man-made hazards.

The City of Indian Wells is conducting a 5 -year update to our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to help reduce or remove long-term risk and protect people and property from the effects of events like earthquake, fire, flood, terrorism, etc. A 2023 draft of the LHMP is currently under review. Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390), State, Local and Tribal governments are required to develop a hazard mitigation plan to be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance, Pre -Disaster Mitigation, and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. The goal of the is to develop and maintain an all- inclusive plan to include all jurisdictions, special districts, businesses and community organizations to promote consistency, continuity and unification. According to the LHMP, floods, earthquakes, severe weather, drought, and urban fires are the top five hazards anticipated in the City.

Indian Wells Emergency Operations Center
The City of Indian Wells Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a centralized location for decision making about the jurisdiction's emergency response. The EOC is where the City's emergency response actions can be managed and resource allocations and responses can be tracked and coordinated with the field, operational area, and Office of Emergency Services (OES) region.

The City of Indian Wells EOC is staffed by City employees who are organized around the five Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) functions. EOC staff are asked to refer to our Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) manual for position descriptions and checklists.

The City EOC is activated when field response agencies need support, a citywide perspective is needed, or multiple departments with a role to play in response and recovery need to coordinate.

The EOC may be partially or fully staffed to meet the demands of the situation and various liaisons may be invited into the EOC including representatives from the Sheriff and Fire Departments, American Red Cross, utility providers, etc.

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Communication and coordination occur between the Incident Commander(s) and the EOC. Indian Wells EOC staff also communicate and coordinate with the Riverside County Operational Area EOC and other EOCs within Riverside County. EOC staff facilitate decisions for overall local government level emergency response activities use multi -agency or inter -agency coordination. If mutual aid is required, the City of Indian Wells will request it through the Riverside County Operational Area EOC.

City of Indian Wells Municipal Code
The City of Indian Wells Municipal Code Titles 8, Health and Sanitation, 16, Building and Construction, and 21, Zoning Code, establish City personnel responsibilities, standards, and regulations that address the handling and management of hazardous materials and wastes.

4.9.4 Project Impact Analysis
Thresholds of Significance
The following standards and criteria for establishing significance of potential impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials were derived from the CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G. Development of the proposed project would have a significant effect to if it is determined that the project would:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
g. Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires?
Methodology
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Available data to determine the potential for impacts associated with hazards and hazardous materials was assessed based upon the consideration of the General Plan Update. Whether there is a potential for cumulative impacts associated with hazards and hazardous materials were assessed, based upon the consideration of the City, the City location, and related projects.

Project Impacts
a&b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment due to routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials; or create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment
The General Plan Update would result in the future development of vacant areas and infrastructure improvements throughout the City. Future development and improvements could result in the transportation, use, and/or disposal of hazardous materials during construction or operation of future projects. Future activities may involve equipment or construction activities that use hazardous materials (e.g., coatings, solvents and fuels, and diesel -fueled equipment), cleanup of sites with known hazardous materials, the transportation of excavated soil and/or groundwater containing contaminants from areas that are identified as being contaminated, or disposal of contaminated materials at an approval disposal site. While hazardous materials may be associated with industrial activities, hazardous materials may also be associated with the regular cleaning and maintenance of residential and other less intense uses. Accidental release of hazardous materials that are used in the construction or operation of a project may occur. There is also the potential for accidental release of pre-existing hazardous materials, associated with previous activities on a site within the City limits.

The use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials are regulated and monitored by local and regional fire departments, Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs), Cal OSHA and the DTSC consistent with the requirements of federal, State, and local regulations and policies. Hazardous materials are utilized during short-term construction activities, or during long-term operation of a project. This is discussed subsequently.

Construction
The various phases of construction within the GPU planning area (grading, trenching, construction, architectural coating, street paving, etc.) are expected to involve the temporary management and use of oils, fuels and other potentially flammable substances. The nature and quantities of these products would be limited to what is necessary to carry out construction of a project. Some of these materials would be transported to the site periodically by vehicle and would be stored in designated controlled areas on a short-term basis. When handled properly by trained individuals and consistent with the Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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manufacturer's instructions and industry standards, the risk involved with handling these materials is considerably reduced.

Furthermore, to prevent a threat to the environment during construction, the management of potentially hazardous materials and other potential pollutant sources may be regulated, in part, through the implementation of measures in the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), if required by code at a project site. The implementation of a SWPPP requires a list of potential pollutant sources and the identification of construction areas where additional control measures are necessary to prevent pollutants from being released on -site or into the surroundings. Best management practices (BMPs) are necessary for proper material delivery and storage; material use; and spill prevention and control. As required by the SWPPP, the contractor will be required to identify a controlled staging area within the project limits for storing materials and equipment. These temporary measures outline the required physical improvements and procedures to prevent impacts of pollutants and hazardous materials to workers and the environment during construction. For example, all construction materials, including paints, solvents, and petroleum products, must be stored in controlled areas and according to the manufacturer's specifications. In addition, perimeter controls (fencing with wind screen), linear sediment barriers (gravel bags, fiber rolls, or silt fencing), and access restrictions (gates) would help prevent temporary impacts. Nonetheless, all hazardous materials would be stored, handled, and disposed of in accordance with local ordinances and State and federal regulatory requirements to reduce the risk of an accidental spill. Lastly, and upon project completion of construction, all hazardous materials would be removed from the project site. With such standard measures in place, less than significant impacts are anticipated during construction of future development.

Additionally, future construction activities would be conducted under the emergency response plan requirements set forth by the County of Riverside and the City of Indian Wells Municipal Code.

Therefore, construction related impacts to the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials would be reduced to less than significant levels.

Operation
As discussed throughout this DEIR, the City of Indian Wells is largely developed, with approximately 187 remaining developable acres. Development throughout the City includes residential communities, golf communities, resorts, offices and professional buildings, restaurants, and sport complexes. The nature of these uses does not typically involve, as a primary activity, the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials in quantities or a manner that would pose a threat to the project and its surroundings or create a significant hazard through a foreseeable accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. The handling, application, and storage of cleaning agents, building maintenance products, paints, solvents and other related substances is expected to occur with the operation of resort, residential, commercial, Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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and offices and professional buildings in order to carry out the necessary operations in each facility or use. However, these materials would not be expected to be present in sufficient quantities to pose a significant hazard to public health and safety, or the environment.

Throughout the City, landscape maintenance activities, including golf course maintenance, typically utilize products that may be hazardous in large quantities. However, these products are stored in compliance with manufacturer's standards. Onsite storage and maintenance areas may include hazardous materials associated with landscape maintenance (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides), as well as the maintenance of golf carts and other equipment used for golf facilities. For facilities that store and use hazardous materials, the business owner/operator shall submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) to the Riverside County Fire Department that identifies the hazardous materials to be used and stored on site, the location of the storage area, an emergency contingency plan showing how spills would be cleaned up, and any other information required in an HMBP. Or the owner/operator may provide evidence that the activities that will occur within this facility would not rise to the level that an HMBP is required.

According to Riverside County Municipal Code Chapter 8.64, Disclosure of Hazardous Materials and Formulation of Business Emergency Plans, the County established a system for permitting businesses that handle hazardous materials in order to enforce minimum standards respecting such materials.

Under the administration of the County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health (DEH), and in compliance with the Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law, Chapter 6.95 of the California Health and Safety Code (HSC), any business handling and/or storing a hazardous material shall obtain a permit from the DEH and electronically submit a business plan in the Statewide Informational Management System. Should any component of a development, such as maintenance areas, require the storage or handling of hazardous materials, as defined in Chapter 8.64 of the Riverside County Municipal Code, it shall be required to follow the procedures established in the Municipal Code and Chapter 6.95 of the HSC. Maintenance areas may contain storage of petroleum products, landscaping fertilizers, and other products required for onsite maintenance of the property.

Compliance of these procedures will ensure that potential impacts from the use, transport and disposal of hazardous materials would be less than significant during operation of facilities throughout the City.

Future development proposed within the City will be required to comply with Policies PS -5.1 through PS -5.6, listed below. The policies outlined within the GPU will reduce the GPU's likelihood to create a significant hazard to the public or an accidental release of hazardous materials by regulating the use, transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances enforced by existing Federal, State, and local ordinances (PS -5.1 and PS -5.5); utilize the Riverside Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan to ensure that local regulation and practices are consistent with the policy direction and action programs that the County recommends and provide free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) pick-up program for residents (PS -5.2 and PS -5.6); work with RCFD and other responding agencies to ensure Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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that emergency personnel respond safely and effectively to a hazardous materials incident in the City (PS -5.3); and require that developers coordinate with the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) to confirm that hazardous waste cleanup sites located within the City are remediated by the property owner in a manner that keeps the public safe (PS -5.4).

As stated in Action PS -5a (below), as part of the development review process, the City and future applicants shall determine the potential for the production, use, storage, transport, and/or disposal of hazardous materials and provide for reasonable controls and mitigation measures on such hazardous materials as to protect both the residents and the environment, and to mitigate the risks to an acceptable level. Additionally, the City shall review development proposals in proximity to sensitive uses (i.e., schools, residential neighborhoods, etc.) (Action PS -5b), and require the submittal of information regarding hazardous materials manufacturing, storage, use, transport, and/or disposal by existing and proposed businesses and developments to RCFD (Action PS -5c). The City shall also implement a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program to control the disposal of certain household wastes (Action PS -5d) and require a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) at sites listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 (Action PS -5e). Future projects proposed within the City will be required to comply with Policies PS -5.1 through PS -5.6 and the associated actions to ensure that the future developments would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment due to routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials; or create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

General Plan Policies and Actions
Goal PS -5 Hazardous materials are properly maintained to reduce potential public threats to the greatest extent possible.

Policies
PS -5.1 Hazardous Ordinances. Enforce existing Federal, State, and local ordinances regulating the use, manufacture, sale, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.

PS -5.2 Regional Consistency. Utilize the Riverside Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan to ensure that local regulation and practices are consistent with the policy direction and action programs that the County recommends.

PS -5.3 Multi -Jurisdictional Coordination. Work with RCFD and other responding agencies to ensure that emergency personnel respond safely and effectively to a hazardous materials incident in the City.

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PS -5.4 Public -Private Coordination. Require that developers coordinate with the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health to confirm that hazardous waste cleanup sites located within the City are remediated by the property owner in a manner that keeps the public safe.

PS -5.5 Hazardous Waste. Promote the proper disposal of hazardous waste, including paint, tires, medications, medical sharps, infectious waste, asbestos waste, construction waste, and electronic waste, through education, monitoring, and enforcement of proper use, storage, handling, and disposal.

PS -5.6 Household Hazardous Waste Disposal. Support the sitting waste and recycling service provider to continue the free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) pick-up program for residents. Coordinate with the City's waste service provider and the County of Riverside to increase public awareness about proper disposal related to household hazardous waste; inform the Indian Wells community regarding relevant services and programs to address issues related to hazardous waste and materials; and discourage household storage of hazardous materials.

PS -5 Actions
PS -5a
As part of the development review process, determine the potential for the production, use, storage, transport, and/or disposal of hazardous materials and provide for reasonable controls and mitigation measures on such hazardous materials as to protect both the residents and the environment, and to mitigate the risks to an acceptable level.

PS -5b Review development proposals to ensure the proximity between users and transporters of substantial hazardous materials and sensitive uses, such as schools and residential neighborhoods, remains at or above safe and acceptable levels, regardless of growth and new development.

PS -5c Require the submittal of information regarding hazardous materials manufacturing, storage, use, transport, and/or disposal by existing and proposed businesses and developments to RCFD.

PS -5d
Advertise the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, established by the City's waste service provider. Provide informational materials at public locations and links on the City's website about the City's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, the County's Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil, and Paint (ABOP) program, collection facilities, drop-off centers, and the 24 -hour Household Hazardous Waste hotline.

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PS -5e
Amend the Municipal Code to require that, prior to issuance of any grading or building permit (whichever occurs first) for a project on a site identified on any list of hazardous materials compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, a formal Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) shall be prepared in accordance with ASTM Standard Practice E 1527-05 or the Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) and submitted to the City's Community Development Department. The Phase I ESA shall identify specific Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), which may require further sampling/remedial activities by a qualified Hazardous Materials Specialist with Phase II/site characterization experience prior to demolition, and/or construction. The Hazardous Materials Specialist shall identify proper remedial activities appropriate to the hazardous material(s) found (e.g., removal and disposal; bio-remediation; pump and treat; soil vapor extraction, and in situ oxidation), as necessary.
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school
The City of Indian Wells is served by the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD). The only school within the City of Indian Wells is Gerald R. Ford Elementary School, at 44210 Warner Trail. The table below provides a summary of the schools serving the DSUSD population.

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Table 4.9-4 Public Schools Serving Indian Wells
School
Address
Grades
Served
Enrollment (2021-
2022 school year)
Average
Class Size
Elementary Schools
Abraham Lincoln
74100 Rutledge Way, Palm Desert
K-5
577

18.6 Amelia Earhart
45250 Dunes Palms Rd, Indio
K-5
805

19.6 Andrew Jackson
82850 Kenner St, Indio
K-5
675

21.8 Benjamin Franklin
77800 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
K-5
567

16.7 Carrillo Rancho
43775 Madison St, Indio
K-5
501

14.7 Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreon Jr.

Academy
47368 Monroe St, Indio
K-5
587

16.3 George Washington Charter
45768 Portola Ave, Palm Desert
K-5
741

21.8 Gerald Ford
44210 Warner Tr, Indian Wells
K-5
624

18.4 Harry S. Truman
78870 Avenue 50, La Quinta
K-5
663

15.8 Herbert Hoover
44300 Monroe St, Indio
K-5
355

12.7 James E. Carter
74251 E Hovley Ln, Palm Desert
K-5
528

15.1 James Madison
80845 Avenue 46, Indio
K-5
356

14.8 James Monroe
42100 Yucca Ln, Bermuda Dunes
K-5
586

17.2 John F. Kennedy
45100 Clinton St, Indio
K-5
436

15.1 Lyndon B. Johnson
44640 Clinton St, Indio
K-5
525
15 Martin Van Buren
47733 Van Buren St, Indio
K-5
537

16.8 Richard R. Oliphant
41633 Gore St, Indio
K-5
614

23.6 Ronald Regan
38900 Liberty Dr, Palm Desert
K-5
801
20 Theodore Roosevelt
83200 Dr. Carreon Blvd, Indio
K-5
460

14.8 Middle School
Colonel Mitchell Paige
43495 Palm Royale Dr, La Quinta
6-8
520

11.3 Desert Ridge Academy
79767 Avenue 39, Indio
6-8
998

20.4 Indio
79655 Miles Ave, Indio
6-8
763

19.1 John Glenn
79655 Miles Ave, Indio
6-8
1,092
21 La Quinta
78900 Avenue 50, La Quinta
6-8
719

22.5 Palm Desert Charter
74200 Rutledge Way, Palm Desert
6-8
1,298

28.2 Thomas Jefferson
83089 Highway 111, Indio
6-8
501

12.2 High School
Amistad
83501 Dillon Ave, Indio
9-12
255

12.8 Indio
81750 Avenue 46, Indio
9-12
2,016
24 La Quinta
79255 Blackhawk Way, La Quinta
9-12
2,582

24.4 Palm Desert
74910 Aztec Rd, Palm Desert
9-12
2,122

28.3 Shadow Hills
39225 Jefferson St, Indio
9-12
1,952

26.4 Horizon School & Summit
43330 Palm Royale Dr, La Quinta
--
939

49.4 Source: 2022 Long Range Facilities Master Plan, Desert Sands Unified School District.

Construction access to and activities on future development within the City could result in the exposure of hazardous materials near the existing school, Gerald Ford Elementary School. However, as stated in the previous discussion, construction materials would be properly stored in an approved location. As stated in the previous discussions, implementation of the Storm Water Pollution Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR 4.9-25
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Prevention Plan (SWPPP) during construction activities, and if required by code, will ensure that hazardous materials and waste are handled per manufacturer's instruction so that they are not released into the environment in a manner that results in impacts to the surrounding uses.

The GPU Land Use Element includes land use designations, but does not propose actual development or proposed businesses. As such, it is not possible to determine if a specific use will result in hazardous emissions or require handling of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances or waste. The land use designations with the highest possibility of having businesses that result in hazardous emissions or require handling of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste would be commercial, and light industrial uses. The GPU does not propose industrial or light industrial uses within the City. However, commercial uses are proposed in the vacant areas north of Highway 111 and north and south (east and west where applicable) of Miles Avenue. Developable land north of Miles Avenue could introduce commercial uses within at least 750 feet of an existing school.

Commercial uses may use a variety of hazardous materials commonly found in urban areas including paints, cleaners, and cleaning solvents. If handled per standards established by the manufacturer, these materials do not pose a significant risk. The commercial and resort uses generally provide for a variety of retail, professional office, medical, and service -oriented business activities that are compatible with the urban environment.

The GPU is not anticipated to directly lead to the establishment of new businesses that would emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste because the GPU does not approve any specific development project. However, given the unknown nature of future business establishments within the commercial use areas, the potential for hazardous materials is present. This is considered a potentially significant impact, which would be mitigated to a less than significant level through the implementation of the policies and actions listed below. In addition to the policies and actions, all businesses dealing with hazardous materials would be required to be handled in accordance with federal, State, and County requirements, which would limit the potential for a project to expose nearby uses, including schools, to hazardous emissions or an accidental release. Hazardous emissions are monitored by the SCAQMD, RWQCB, DTSC, and the local CUPA. In the event of a hazardous materials spill or release, notification and cleanup operations would be performed in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and policies, including hazardous mitigation plans. As part of the development review process, the City's proposed GPU also requires projects that may result in significant risks associated with hazardous materials to include measures to address and reduce the risks to an acceptable level such that surrounding uses are not exposed to hazardous materials in excess of adopted State and Federal standards, and also requires the submittal of information regarding hazardous materials manufacturing, storage, use, transport, and/or disposal by existing and proposed businesses and developments to the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Compliance with all existing regulations as well Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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as GPU policies and actions related to land use compatibility and hazardous materials would ensure that the impact is less than significant.

As stated in Action PS -5b, below, the City shall review development proposals in proximity to sensitive uses (i.e., schools, residential neighborhoods, etc.) (Action PS -5b). Future projects proposed within the City will be required to comply with Policies PS -5.1 through PS -5.6 and the associated actions to ensure that the future developments would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school.

General Plan Policies and Actions
Policies
See Policies PS -5.1 through PS -5.6, above.

Actions
PS -5b
Review development proposals to ensure the proximity between users and transporters of substantial hazardous materials and sensitive uses, such as schools and residential neighborhoods, remains at or above safe and acceptable levels, regardless of growth and new development. d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment The Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites (Cortese) List is a planning document used by the State, local agencies and developers to comply with CEQA requirements to provide information about the location of hazardous materials release sites. Government Code section 65962.5 requires that a list of these sites be maintained and updated least annually. The State's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is responsible for a portion of the information contained in the Cortese List.

The resources consulted included GeoTracker, Envirostor and the EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO), in March 2024.

Three facilities were identified in the GeoTracker database; however, all sites were designated as completed, case closed (see Table 4.9-1, above). The Envirostor database identified one site within the City. The site was a school investigation site, however, no contaminants were found and no action is required (see Table 4.9-2, above). Finally, the ECHO databased listed 27 locations within the City of Indian Wells. All 27 sites list on ECHO had a status of "No Violation Identified" within the three-year reporting period (see Table 4.9-3, above).

Development allowed by the General Plan Update could create a hazard to the public or the environment through a disturbance or release of contaminated sites without appropriate measures Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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to contain or mitigate potential contamination. This is considered a potentially significant impact, however, the implementation of the policies and actions listed below.

As stated in discussions a and b, above, federal and State regulations ensure that existing hazards, including those associated with known hazardous materials sites, are addressed prior to development. After the search of the three databases, it can be concluded that the sites listed are not anticipated to affect the City due to their distance to the site and their status as "Completed -Case Closed" or no violations.

Additionally, future projects proposed within the City will be required to comply with Policies PS -5.1 through PS -5.6. Specifically, Policy PS -5.4 requires that developers coordinate with the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) to confirm that hazardous waste cleanup sites located within the City are remediated by the property owner in a manner that keeps the public safe.

As stated in Action PS -5e, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) shall be conducted at sites identified on any list of hazardous materials complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5.

The Phase I ESA would identify specific Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), which may require further sampling/remedial activities by a qualified Hazardous Materials Specialist with Phase II/site characterization experience prior to demolition, and/or construction. Impacts of the GPU will be less than significant.

General Plan Policies and Actions
Policies
PS -5.4 Public -Private Coordination. Require that developers coordinate with the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health to confirm that hazardous waste cleanup sites located within the City are remediated by the property owner in a manner that keeps the public safe.

Actions
PS -5e
Prior to issuance of any grading or building permit (whichever occurs first) for a project on a site identified on any list of hazardous materials compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, a formal Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) shall be prepared in accordance with ASTM Standard Practice E 1527-05 or the Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) and submitted to the City's Community Development Department. The Phase I ESA shall identify specific Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), which may require further sampling/remedial activities by a qualified Hazardous Materials Specialist with Phase II/site characterization experience prior to demolition, and/or construction. The Hazardous Materials Specialist shall identify proper remedial activities appropriate to the hazardous Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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material(s) found (e.g., removal and disposal; bio-remediation; pump and treat; soil vapor extraction, and in situ oxidation), as necessary. e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area
The City of Indian Wells is located approximately 2 miles southwest of the closest airport, the Bermuda Dunes Airport. The City is not located within the Bermuda Dunes Land Use Compatibility Plan. Therefore, the PDEIR will not analyze the project's potential to result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the City associated with an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. No impacts are expected. See Chapter 6.0, Effects Found to have No Impact, of this PDEIR.
f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan
The Community Safety Element of the City's GPU identifies safety hazards relevant to the City of Indian Wells, and emergency preparedness in the City. The City also adopted a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is continually updated, addresses the planned response to extraordinary emergency situations associated with natural or human caused disasters. Based on these resources, the main evacuation routes in the City include Highway 111, Washington Street, Fred Waring Drive, and Cook Street.

Adoption of the GPU would allow a variety of new developments, including residential, commercial, resort, and public projects. Road and infrastructure improvements would occur to accommodate new growth. Given that the type, location, and size of future development and infrastructure projects are not known at this time, there is the potential that the City could receive a development proposal that could potentially interfere with an established emergency evacuation route or plan. Therefore, future development proposed within the GPU area would be required to be reviewed and approved by the fire and police departments prior to issuance of building permits to ensure appropriate access. The City's and future project's coordination with fire and police departments would ensure that future projects would not interfere with emergency response or evacuation plans. g. Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires
The City of Indian Wells is located within a desert environment with sparse vegetation. The mountainous areas in the southern part of the City consist primarily of rock outcroppings, with very Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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little vegetative fuel to feed a wildfire. The County of Riverside publishes a "hazardous high fire areas map," which is updated periodically. The map delineates areas susceptible to wildland fires. According to the map, the unincorporated areas southwest of the City's boundaries are designated as Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within State Responsibility Areas. Areas within the City are not designated as Moderate, High, or Very High FHSZs because of the lack of vegetative fuel in the mountainous areas within the City, as stated above. Urban fires are more of a concern in Indian Wells, however, compliance with State building and fire codes, which are also included in the Indian Wells Municipal Code in Chapters 16.12 and 16.32, respectively.

Development under the GPU would place people and structures in currently developed and urbanized areas along the valley floor of Indian Wells, i.e., areas not considered wildland urban interface (WUI).

WUI areas are more likely to have a risk of wildland fires due to the sloped features and vegetative covert. The valley floor of Indian Wells contains landscaped features that are regularly watered.

Development is not proposed along the slopes or wildland areas that make up the southern portion of the City. Future development would occur in the urban areas of the City, primarily north of Highway 111 and north and south (and east and west) of Miles Avenue. All future projects allowed under the General Plan would be required to comply with the provisions of Federal, State, and local requirements related to building and fire codes.

Per, Chapter 16.32 of the Indian Wells Municipal Code, provisions and appendices of the California Fire Code has been adopted by the City of Indian Wells. Chapter 16.32 also outlines amendments to the code, including applicability (Section 102.5 of the California Fire Code) regarding application of residential code; and required fire -flow for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings.

Chapter 16.32 also adds Section 104.7, Liability, where any liability against Riverside County and City of Indian Wells or any officer or employee for damages resulting from the discharge of their duties shall be as provided by law; 104.1.1, Authority of the Fire Chief and Fire Department, where the Fire Chief is authorized and directed to enforce all applicable State fire laws and provisions of this ordinance and to perform such duties as directed by the City Council; and C103.1, Hydrant Spacing, where fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 of the International Fire Code shall be provided with one or more fire hydrants, as determined by Section C102.1. Future projects will be required to comply with the standards in Title 16, Building and Construction, specifically, Chapter 16.32, California Fire Code.

Moreover, as future development and infrastructure projects are considered by the City, each project would be evaluated for potential impacts, specific to the project, associated with wildland fire hazards as required under CEQA.
1 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/what-is-the-wui.html and https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/fuels Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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Future projects within the City would be required to comply with California Building and Fire Codes and reduce the use of fire -prone building materials (Policy PS -2.1 and PS -2.4 and Action PS -2c); work with CALFIRE/RCFD to maintain an ongoing fire inspection program, and identify changes in regional fire severity zones (Policy PS -2.2 and PS -2.3 and Action PS -2a); educate residents on fire hazard risks and safety measures, and uphold local and regional fire protection plans (Policy PS -2.5 and PS -2.6 and PS -2b). Additionally, future development would be required to pay its pro -rata share of costs for fire services and upgrade older water mains to meet adequate water pressure for firefighting (Action PS - 2d and PS -2e). Implementation of the GPU and the policies and actions listed below would result in less than significant wildfire impacts.

General Plan Policies and Action
Goal PS -2: A City that is safe and adequately prepared for fire emergencies.

Policies
PS -2.1 Building Fire Codes. Require that all buildings and facilities comply with local, state, and federal regulatory standards such as the California Building and Fire Codes as well as other applicable fire safety standards.

PS -2.2 Urban Fire Risks. Work with CAL FIRE/RCFD to maintain an ongoing fire inspection program to reduce fire hazards associated with multifamily development, critical facilities, public assembly facilities, industrial buildings, and nonresidential buildings.

PS -2.3 Fire Hazard Identification. Coordinate with CAL FIRE/RCFD to identify any changes in regional fire hazard severity zones to further reduce fire hazards in the community the community.

PS -2.4 Fire -Prone Building Materials. Restrict, after appropriate public hearings, the use of fire -prone building materials in areas defined by the Fire Department as presenting high -conflagration risk.

PS -2.5 Public Education. Work with RCFD to disseminate educational programs for residents on fire hazard risks and fire safety measures, including evacuation routes, with a special focus on at -risk populations such as seniors.

PS -2.6 Fire Protection Plans. Uphold locally and regionally adopted fire protection plans, including the City of Indian Wells Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and regularly renew such plans as new information becomes available.

Actions
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PS -2a
PS -2b
PS -2c
PS -2d
Mitigate, as feasible, existing non -conforming development to contemporary fire safe standards where feasible, including road standards and vegetative hazards.

Review and revise the City LHMP at least every 5 years to reflect current community needs, and to ensure the City continues to receive federal FEMA mitigation assistance.

Require that all new habitable structures be designed in accordance with the most recent California Building and Fire Code with local amendments adopted by the City, including the use of fire sprinklers.

Work with Riverside County to develop a comprehensive fire plan which forecasts future personnel and equipment needs and require new development to pay its pro -rata share of costs for fire services.

PS -2e Upgrade older water mains in the City as needed to ensure adequate water pressure for firefighting.

4.9.5 Cumulative Impacts
Typically, the release of hazardous materials is site -specific and would not result in City-wide cumulative impacts. Thus, implementation of the proposed General Plan Update would not have the potential to make a cumulatively considerable impact, in combination with impacts from past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects and would be considered less than significant. As discussed above, future development in accordance with the GPU could result in the transport, use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials or the accidental release of hazardous materials, and would be required to comply with federal, State and local regulations, and GPU policies. Federal, State, and local regulations include the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, California Health and Safety Code, and Riverside County Department of Environmental Health. The GPU's contribution to hazardous materials impacts would not be cumulatively considerable.

As stated above, the GPU would not result in significant impacts to emergency response or an evacuation plan with the implementation of the General Plan policies. Additionally, future projects would be required to be reviewed and approved by the fire and police departments prior to issuance of building permits to ensure appropriate access. Thus, impacts would be less than significant and due to the localized nature of emergency response, no cumulative impacts would result from growth in the GPU area.

Finally, although the southern portion of the City is defined by steep slopes which are conducive to wildfires, the slopes do not provide dense vegetation. Therefore, wildfires are not anticipated in the City. Moreover, future development is not proposed in the sloped areas of the City. Future projects would be required to comply with all applicable code and ordinance requirements of the Riverside Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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County Fire Department for access, water mains, fire flows, fire sprinkler systems, and fire hydrants.

Therefore, cumulative impacts would be less than significant.

4.9.6 Mitigation
To the extent the GPU will result in direct, reasonably foreseeable, significant environmental impacts, the policies and actions listed throughout this section, as proposed by the GPU, will serve as mitigation or to the extent the impacts will be less than significant, as improvement measures as it relates to hazards and hazardous materials. Moreover, federal, State, regional and local regulations will also ensure that buildout of the GPU would result in (or continue to result in) less than significant impacts. Therefore, no additional Mitigation or Improvement Measures are required.

4.9.7 Level of Significance After Mitigation
Implementation of the General Plan policies identified above, along with the federal, State, and local regulations, the GPU's potential impacts associated with hazards and hazardous materials would be less than significant.

4.9.8 References

1. GeoTracker, State Water Resources Control Board, https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/

2. EnviroStor, Department of Toxic Substance Control,
https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/

3. Enforcement and Compliance History, EPA, https://echo.epa.gov/facilities/facility- search/results

4. Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List (Cortese), Department of Toxic Substance Control, https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/search?cmd=search&reporttype=CORTESE&site ty pe=CSITES,FUDS&status=ACT,BKLG,COM&reporttitle=HAZARDOUS+WASTE+AND+SUBSTANCE S+SITE+LIST+%28CORTESE%29

5. Indian Wells 2023 Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, December 2022, https://www.cityofindianwel Is.org/home/showpublisheddocument/8010/6380904513599700 00 6. 2022 Long Range Facilities Master Plan, Desert Sands Unified School District, Ruhnau Clarke Architects,
https://www.dsusd.us/common/pages/DownloadFileByUrl.aspx?key=xv4tCcttbRn%2badjBJsX 86hso7d5xRf7sLLdOE%2fcn9SeKBYuGHEnobaraXQN%2bN2wpXHhJ1SxRTXaQKfxwAFV8czdy01 TTI6032s%2bT8rbR66gaNfyskNW7eex4i63M4NYIOeAOnRb4g5IyECC8FPLu%2btFida0%2b2UHe Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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HCZy2UuyQIg1Deao096Fvt2M51tt3PRne5Hrco8R6CelM03baThWm1A9ThhoH43DpZV.cFJJBw knmAo
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PROGRAMMATIC DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Indian Wells General Plan Update

4.10 Hydrology and Water Quality

4.10.1 Introduction
This section of the Indian Wells General Plan Update ("GPU") Programmatic Draft Environmental Impact Report ("PDEIR") provides a background discussion of the regional hydrology, flooding, water quality, water purveyors, and water sources in Indian Wells. This section is organized with an existing setting, regulatory setting, and impact analysis. The subject principles, descriptions and supporting analysis are based on multiple regulatory and reference documents cited throughout this section, as these provide relevant background information.

This assessment considers that hydrology, surface water quality, groundwater resources, and related compliance matters are actively regulated at various levels (federal, state, regional, city, project - specific), such that City actions at the level of a General Plan typically do not entail distinct impacts or new measures, but rather work toward maintaining the City's compliance with the governing framework.

Moreover, this analysis assumes that future projects and related development will be subject to the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) programs and regulations, as applicable to the project -level activity.

4.10.2 Existing Conditions
Relevant Principles in Hydrology and Stormwater Management Hydrology refers to the occurrence, distribution, and movement of surface water, including water found in rivers and stormwater drainage systems. Stormwater refers to the surface runoff and drainage resulting from rain events. Stormwater runoff and surface drainage patterns are determined by the topography and associated gradients of the land. Surface water quality refers to selected physical, chemical, or biological characteristics found in stormwater in relation to an established standard.

Groundwater is the water found underground in the voids in soil, sand, and rock. It is stored in and moves slowly through aquifers. Groundwater supplies are replenished, or recharged, by precipitation that seeps into the land's surface. In the Coachella Valley, groundwater is also recharged by imported Colorado River Water.

This section in part analyzes how the principles of hydrology and urban stormwater runoff management will be implemented as part of any future projects to address the relevant thresholds of significance pertaining to hydrology and water quality.

The traditional process of urbanization and land development generally results in the conversion of a natural ground surface cover (pervious pre -development condition) into a setting with higher impervious characteristics, occurring through the introduction of buildings, hardscape, and pavement (post - development condition). Such development process typically results in a lower capacity to infiltrate Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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stormwater runoff. Therefore, land development that is not regulated by hydrology and stormwater controls can potentially result in a post -development condition in which 1) total stormwater runoff volume increases, 2) the runoff conveyance occurs more rapidly, and 3) the peak discharge is greater.

The increase in runoff volume results from the decrease in infiltration and storage. The shortened runoff conveyance time results from the greater flow velocities along impervious surfaces and drainage systems compared to a natural surface. The increase in peak discharge is the effect of larger runoff volume occurring over a shorter time compared to the pre -development condition. These effects, without engineering controls have the potential to result in degradation or modification to surface drainage, soil erosion and siltation, and water quality impairments.

The effects of unregulated land development typically have the potential to result in degradation to surface drainage, soil erosion and siltation, and water quality impairments. However, as this section explains, the robust mandates established at the federal, State, regional, and local level are designed to prevent individual land development activities from incurring or causing such hydrologic or water quality impacts. Stormwater management and adherence to surface water quality standards are achieved through mandated measures rather than voluntary actions, such that physical disturbance, vegetation clearing, earth movement, grading, and construction activities are not permitted without demonstrating compliance with the local, regional, and State permitting authorities. The proposed GPU does not involve the approval of new land development that would be subject to separate permitting and would not preclude individual projects from carrying out the respective compliance measures as applicable to that activity.

Regional Hydrologic Conditions
The City of Indian Wells encompasses approximately 14.6 square miles in the Coachella Valley, in the County of Riverside. The City is located in the Whitewater River Watershed, which is an arid desert region encompassing approximately 1,645 square miles. Within this watershed, a sub -area of approximately 367 square miles (22 percent) encompassing most of the existing development in the region, is regulated under the established Whitewater River Region Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4 Permit). Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFC&WCD), Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and the incorporated Coachella Valley cities, including Indian Wells, have joint permittee responsibility for coordinating the regional MS4 Permit compliance programs and other activities aimed at reducing potential pollutants in urban runoff from land development construction, municipal, commercial, and industrial areas to the maximum extent possible.

Based on the Whitewater River Region MS4 Permit, precipitation in the Whitewater River Region averages 3.6 inches per year, which is 65% to 75% Tess annual precipitation than western portions of Riverside County and the coastal counties in Southern California. The Whitewater River Watershed has no defined rainy (wet) season, considering that convective rainfall events (summer thunderstorms) make up a large portion of Whitewater River Region annual rainfall, in contrast to the general winter Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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precipitation that dominates rainfall events in western Riverside County and the coastal plains. When storms occur, they tend to be discrete convective cells, and feature short but intense rainfall, typical of monsoonal thunderstorms; individual storm events typically are localized and rarely affect the entire drainage network.

The Whitewater River Region is drained primarily by the Whitewater River that carries flows to the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (CVSC), which outlets to the Salton Sea. It is worth noting that the Salton Sea body of water is not deemed part of the Whitewater River Watershed regulation, as it is separately managed and also receives inflow from Alamo River and New River in a separate watershed in Imperial County. Therefore, the Whitewater River Region includes the Coachella Valley surface drainage up to, but not including, the Salton Sea.

Due to soil type and lack of interflow contributions, time and volume of flow in receiving waters after storm events are minimal. According to the referenced MS4 Permit, Whitewater River flow in the Coachella Valley floor is so infrequent that several sections of the channel have been integrated into golf courses as a regular practice. Drainage integration into golf course settings is a common practice in the Coachella Valley, as it allows for proper stormwater controls under conditions that are actively maintained by public and private operators.

In the subsequent hydrology discussions, references to stormwater runoff, volumes, drainage, retention, and related dynamics, will pertain directly to the prevailing temporary ephemeral conditions occurring after precipitation events, in contrast to perennial drainage, which occurs more permanently throughout the year, but is not applicable to the regional or local hydrologic setting.

Storm Event Criteria
Portions of this analysis involve references to the one -hundred -year (100 -year) storm event magnitude, primarily when denoting the requirements and basis for sizing the project's storm drain design and stormwater retention capacity. Based on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) literature, the 100 -year storm is a rainfall event, the intensity and duration of which has a reoccurrence interval (or probability of return) of 100 years, which is equivalent to a one -percent chance of being equaled or exceeded during any given year. The 100 -year, or 1 -percent storm event also determines the base flood conditions for purposes of FEMA flood zone designations, including those deemed to be at higher risk, like Special Flood Hazard Areas (SPHA). For hydrology purposes, the "controlling" 100 -year storm event is one with the intensity and duration capable of generating the maximum stormwater volume or being the worst -case scenario as a basis for properly sizing the storm drain facilities, including inlets, pipes, outlets, and retention basins.

Chapter 16.52 (Storm Water Management and Discharge Controls) of the City's Municipal Code states that the City may require, in its discretion, a new development or redevelopment project to control the volume and rate of storm water runoff from the project so as to prevent any deterioration of water Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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quality which would impair the subsequent or competing uses of the water. The City's Director may establish standards and guidelines implementing BMPs designed to control the rate and volume of storm water runoff from new developments and redevelopments as may be appropriate to minimize the discharge and transport of pollutants.

Based on the City's Municipal Code, acceptable methods and standards for controlling storm water runoff volumes, rates, and pollutant load may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Avoid placing impervious surfaces in highly porous soil areas; incorporate landscaping and open space into the project design, use porous materials for or near driveways and walkways, incorporate detention ponds and infiltration pits into the project's design; avoid placing pavement and other impervious surfaces in low lying areas. • Direct storm water runoff away from impermeable areas to swales, berms, green strip filters, gravel beds, and trench drains.
• Use retention structures, subsurface areas, cisterns, or other structures to store storm water runoff for reuse or slow release.

Local Hydrologic Conditions and Existing Infrastructure The southern portion of the City of Indian Wells is met by hillside terrain corresponding to the Santa Rosa Mountains, while the remainder of the City consists of relatively flat terrain. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) La Quinta 7.5 -minute Quadrangle Topographic Map records the existing elevations within the City referencing the North American Vertical Datum of 1988. The elevations vary from a high of 2,200 feet within the mountains in the southern portion of the City, to a low of 120 feet near the center of the City, along the Whitewater River.

In addition, the City is composed of several residential and commercial uses, along with large areas designated as open space throughout the City. There exist two large flood control infrastructures that work to direct flows away from the development within the City: the Deep Canyon Stormwater Channel and the Whitewater Channel. The Deep Canyon Stormwater Channel runs roughly alongside the northern toe of slope of the Santa Rosa Mountains, ultimately directing flows towards the Whitewater Channel. The Whitewater Channel is a 50 -mile storm channel that runs from the Whitewater area north of Palm Springs to the Salton Sea, crossing through the City's northeastern portion along the way.

In addition to the drainage courses, the City is equipped with several forms of storm drain facilities throughout, effectively capturing and directing stormwater runoff to designated areas. Chapter 16.36 (Floodplain Management) of the City's Municipal Code specifies construction standards for all areas of special flood hazard. All new construction and improvements are required to be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage and provide adequate drainage.

Water Supply
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The City is located within the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) service area. CVWD encompasses approximately 640,000 acres, mostly within Riverside County, but also extending into northern Imperial and northeastern San Diego Counties. CVWD is one of the six urban water suppliers in the Coachella Valley, including Mission Springs Water District (MSWD), Coachella Water Authority (CWA), Desert Water Agency (DWA), Indio Water Authority (IWA), and Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company. These suppliers collaborate on the planning and implementation of water resource management, conservation, and contingency programs.

Groundwater Resources
California's Groundwater Update 2020 (Bulletin 118), completed in November of 2021 by the California Department of Water Resources, is the State's most current compendium of Statewide data and information on groundwater resources and management. According to the Department's Basin Boundaries Data Viewer, the City is underlain by the Indio Subbasin (Basin No. 7-021.01). The Indio Subbasin encompasses approximately 400 square miles and underlies the cities of Indian Wells, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella, and the unincorporated communities of Thousand Palms, Thermal, Bermuda Dunes, Oasis, and Mecca.

The Indio Subbasin is divided for management into the West Valley and the East Valley. Generally, the West Valley, which includes the cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Rancho Mirage has a predominately resort/recreation-based economy that relies on groundwater as its principal water source. In the West Valley portion of the Indio Subbasin, underlying sediment profiles consist of coarse sand and gravel with minor amounts of clay. The aquifer in this area is unconfined, allowing water that is applied on the ground surface to percolate directly into the underlying aquifer system, making recharge simple and efficient.

The Indio Subbasin as well as the Mission Creek, Desert Hot Springs, and San Gorgonio subbasins make up the greater Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin as the groundwater source for the region. Based on a 1964 estimate by Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin has an approximate storage capacity of 39.2 million acre-feet (AF) of water within the upper 1,000 feet. In 1964, DWR estimated that the Indio Subbasin contained approximately 29.8 million AF of water in the first 1,000 feet below the ground surface, or approximately 76 percent of the total groundwater in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin.

Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) works with other local water agencies and Coachella Valley stakeholders to implement water conservation, water reuse, and groundwater recharge strategies to ensure water availability and system capacity to meet the growing needs of the Coachella Valley cities, including Indian Wells.

Hydrologic Unit
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The City lies within the Whitewater River Watershed in the Colorado River Region (Region 7). Within the Whitewater River Watershed are multiple drainage areas. Based on the Watershed Boundary Dataset (WBD) that forms part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), the City of Indian Wells is located within three different 10 -digit hydrologic units (watershed level), identified as the Upper Whitewater River (10 -Digit Hydrologic Unit Code 1810020106), Deep Canyon (10 -Digit Hydrologic Unit Code (1810020105), and Middle Whitewater River (10 -Digit Hydrologic Unit Code 1810020107).

Upper Whitewater River (10 -Digit Hydrologic Unit Code 1810020106):

This drainage area occupies approximately 2,928 acres of the northern part of the City. It comprises a combination of residential communities, public facilities, and commercial structures north and south of Highway 111 that drain to the Whitewater River and CVSC.

Deep Canyon (10 -Digit Hydrologic Unit Code 1810020105):

The Lower Deep Canyon drainage area occupies approximately 5,100 acres of the City of Indian Wells.

This drainage area is delineated by the peak of the Santa Rosa Mountains (at the border of the Bear Creek drainage area) and drains to the north and west. Similar to Bear Creek drainage area, the Santa Rosa Mountains largely define the drainage courses within the Lower Deep Canyon drainage area. The slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains are undeveloped; however, various residential communities are located at the base of the mountainous areas. The Deep Canyon Channel is located within this drainage area. Stormwater runoff produced within the Lower Deep Canyon drainage area travels to the Deep Canyon Channel via outlets and surface runoff, which eventually confluences with the Whitewater River.

Middle Whitewater River (10 -Digit Hydrologic Unit Code 1810020107):

The Middle Whitewater River drainage area lies in the southeastern portion of the site, occupying approximately 1,304 acres of the City. In the City of Indian Wells, this drainage area is delineated by the peak of the Santa Rosa Mountains and drains southeast, towards the City of La Quinta. This area is largely defined by slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains. No development in the City occurs in this drainage area.

4.10.3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
Federal Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 was enacted to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters by regulating the discharge of pollutants to waters of the U.S. from point sources. As part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, subsequent amendments to the CWA established a framework for regulating non -point source Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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discharges from urban land runoff and other diffuse sources that were also found to contribute to runoff pollution. Under the CWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegated the NPDES permit program to various state, tribal, and territorial governments, enabling them to perform many of the permitting, administrative, and enforcement aspects of the program. California is a delegated NPDES State and has authority to administer the NPDES program within its limits. The pertinent sections of the CWA regulatory structure are summarized below:

Section 102 requires the planning agency of each State to prepare a basin plan to set forth regulatory requirements for protection of surface water quality, including designated beneficial uses for surface waterbodies, and specified water quality objectives to protect those uses.

Section 303(d) requires each State to provide a list of impaired surface waters that do not meet or are expected not to meet state water quality standards as defined by that section.

Section 402 requires that all point -source discharges, including, but not limited to, construction -related runoff discharges to surface waters and some post -development dischargers, be regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Project sponsors must obtain an NPDES permit from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

National Flood Insurance Program
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) serve as the basis for identifying potential hazards and determining the need for and availability of federal flood insurance. As mandated by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide subsidized federal flood insurance to residents of communities where future floodplain development is regulated.

FEMA has developed FIRMS to determine the need for and availability of federal flood insurance. FIRM maps rely on a variety of flood risk information based on historic, meteorological, hydrologic and hydraulic data, as well as existing development, open space and topographic conditions within an area.

FEMA mapping also incorporates the results of engineering studies to delineate Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), which are considered at higher risk of inundation and flood -related hazards.

State and Local
Porter -Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The Porter -Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code section 13000 et seq.) is the principal law governing water quality regulation for surface waters in California, thus effectuating the delegated provisions of the federal CWA and its NPDES program. It has set forth a comprehensive program to protect water quality and the beneficial uses applicable to surface waters, wetlands, and ground water and to point and nonpoint sources of pollution. The Porter -Cologne Act establishes that, as a matter of policy, all the waters of the State shall be protected; all activities and factors affecting the Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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quality of water shall be regulated to attain the highest water quality within reason; and that the State must be prepared to exercise its full power and jurisdiction to protect the quality of water in the State from degradation.

To regulate and protect water quality pursuant to NPDES and to exercise rulemaking and regulatory activities, the Porter -Cologne Act established the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and nine California Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs). In this context, the City and Coachella Valley are located within Region 7, Colorado River Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Another mechanism of the Porter -Cologne Act is the requirement to adopt water quality control plans containing the guiding policies of water pollution management in the state. Under this framework, the Colorado River Basin Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) serves as the applicable document prepared, adopted, and maintained to identify the existing and potential beneficial uses of waters of the State and establish water quality objectives to protect these uses. The Basin Plan is the guiding document that outlines the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board's plan for preserving and enhancing water quality in the region for the protection of beneficial uses for present and future generations.

NPDES Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities Under the federal CWA, discharges of stormwater from construction sites must comply with the conditions of a NPDES permit. The SWRCB has adopted the Construction General Permit that applies to projects resulting in 1 or more acres of soil disturbance. These requirements occur under the state's most current Construction General Permit (CGP), Stormwater General Permit Order WQ 2022-0057- DWQ (2022 CGP), effective September 1, 2023. Compliance with the CGP involves the development and implementation of a project -specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for projects exceeding one acre of disturbance, designed to prevent potential adverse impacts to surface water quality, including erosion and siltation, during the period of construction. As applicable, the SWPPP is required to provide limits of temporary disturbance and will indicate the specific locations where storm water Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented. Storm water BMPs refer to a schedule of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the pollution of receiving waters. BMPs are standardized in a handbook made available by the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA).

Whitewater River Watershed Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) In 1987, Congress amended the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) to require public agencies which serve urbanized areas with a population greater than 100,000 to obtain permits to discharge urban stormwater runoff from municipally owned drainage facilities including streets, highways, storm drains and flood control channels. In November 1990, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) promulgated enforceable regulations establishing Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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(MS4) Permit requirements under its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program.

In California, USEPA has delegated its NPDES permitting authority to the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSWRCB), which issues and enforces NPDES MS4 Permits through its nine designated regions.

The Whitewater River Region MS4 Permit applies to an area of approximately 367 square miles, which generally corresponds to the urbanized portions of the watershed and Coachella Valley. The MS4 Permit compliance programs are administered by Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFC&WCD), CVWD, and the incorporated Coachella Valley cities, including Indian Wells. The objective of the MS4 regulations is in part to reduce potential pollutants in urban runoff from land development construction, municipal, commercial, and industrial areas to the maximum extent possible.

City of Indian Wells Municipal Code
Chapter 21.46 — Watercourse Zone Development Standards
The intent of this chapter is to protect and enhance the water quality of city watercourses, water bodies, and groundwater in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the federal Clean Water Act. This intent is achieved through the regulation of non-stormwater discharges to the municipal separate storm drain; control of the discharge to municipal separate storm drains from spills, dumping or disposal of materials other than stormwater; and reduction pollutants in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable.

Chapter 16.52 — Storm Water Management and Discharge Controls The intent of this chapter is to describe what can be implemented by the City to reduce risks and prevent any deterioration of water quality which would impair the subsequent or competing uses of the water.

In order to accomplish proper prevention of deterioration of water quality, the City's Director may establish standards and guidelines implementing BMPs designed to control the rate and volume of storm water runoff from new developments and redevelopments as may be appropriate to minimize the discharge and transport of pollutants. Acceptable methods and standards for controlling storm water runoff volumes, rates, and pollutant load may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Avoid placing impervious surfaces in highly porous soil areas; incorporate landscaping and open space into the project design, use porous materials for or near driveways and walkways, incorporate detention ponds and infiltration pits into the project's design; avoid placing pavement and other impervious surfaces in low lying areas. • Direct storm water runoff away from impermeable areas to swales, berms, green strip filters, gravel beds, and trench drains.
• Use retention structures, subsurface areas, cisterns, or other structures to store storm water runoff for reuse or slow release.

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Chapter 21.70 Water Efficient Landscaping
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish effective water efficient landscape requirements for newly installed and rehabilitated landscapes. The chapter implements the requirements of the California Code of Regulations Title 23, Waters Division 2, Department of Water Resources Chapter 2.7, Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), and State of California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act.

It is further the intent of the City Council to promote water conservation through climate -appropriate plant material and efficient irrigation systems, and to create a water efficient City landscape theme through enhancing and improving the physical and natural environment.

Chapter 21.70.050, Section G, Stormwater Management, states that stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality.

Implementing stormwater best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on -site retention and infiltration are encouraged.

Project applicants shall refer to the District, the City, and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any applicable stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans. Rain gardens and other landscape features that increase rainwater capture and infiltration are recommended.

4.10.4 Project Impact Analysis
Thresholds of Significance
The following standards and criteria have been drawn from Appendix G: Environmental Checklist Form of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the proposed Indian Wells General Plan Update would have a significant effect on hydrology and water quality if it is determined that the project would:
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality?
b. Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i. Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site; ii. Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off -site;
iii. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or
iv. impede or redirect flood flows?
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d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
Methodology
The relevant findings throughout this section rely in part on the City of Indian Wells' hydrology and stormwater management conditions represented in the resources used to identify them, such as the Coachella Valley Water District and the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. This purpose was to analyze the effects the General Plan Update would have on potential future development, and to ensure compliance with the local hydrologic requirements.

It is also worth noting that in subsequent discussions, references to stormwater runoff, volumes, drainage, retention, and associated dynamics, will pertain to the temporary ephemeral conditions occurring after precipitation events, rather than the long-term or perennial drainage conditions that do not occur in the local setting. Moreover, this assessment at the General Plan level does not entail individual project approvals, as such are subject to their respective requirements under the federal, state, and regional regulations under the CWA and NPDES programs.

Project Impacts
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality?
Construction -Related Water Quality Impacts
Grading, excavation, removal of vegetation cover, and loading activities associated with future construction activities could temporarily increase runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. Construction activities also could result in soil compaction and wind erosion impacts that could adversely affect soils and reduce the revegetation potential at construction sites and staging areas.

As required by the Clean Water Act, each subsequent development project or improvement project that exceeds one acre of disturbed surface area will require an approved Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that includes best management practices for grading and preservation of topsoil. A SWPPP is not required if the project will disturb less than one acre. SWPPPs are designed to control storm water quality degradation to the extent practicable using best management practices during and after construction.

Future development project applicants must submit the SWPPP with a Notice of Intent to the SWRCB to obtain a General Permit. The SWRCB is an agency responsible for reviewing the SWPPP with the Notice of Intent, prior to issuance of a General Permit for the discharge of storm water during construction activities. The SWRCB accepts General Permit applications (with the SWPPP and Notice of Intent) after Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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specific projects have been approved by the lead agency. The lead agency for each specific project that is larger than one acre is required to obtain a General Permit for discharge of storm water during construction activities prior to commencing construction (per the Clean Water Act).

The General Plan sets policies and actions for build -out of the City, but it does not envision or authorize any specific development project. Because of this, the site -specific details of potential future development projects are currently unknown and analysis of potential impacts of such projects is not feasible and would be speculative. However, each future project must include detailed project specific drainage plans that control storm water runoff and erosion, both during and after construction. The Regional Water Quality Control Board will require a project specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to be prepared for each future project that disturbs an area one acre or larger. The SWPPPs will include project specific best management measures that are designed to control drainage and erosion.

New Development -Related Water Quality Impacts
New development and infrastructure improvement projects under the proposed GPU could introduce constituents into the storm water system that are typically associated with urban runoff. These constituents include sediments, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and copper. These pollutants tend to build up during the dry months of the year.

Precipitation during the early portion of the wet season (generally from November to April) washes away most of these pollutants, resulting in high pollutant concentrations in the initial wet weather runoff. This initial runoff is referred to as the "first flush" of storm events. Subsequent periods of rain would result in less concentrated pollutant levels in the runoff.

The majority of development allowed under the GPU would be within areas currently developed with urban uses (as described in the Land Use and Design Element and associated General Plan Existing Conditions Report), and the amount and type of runoff generated by various future development and infrastructure projects would be similar to existing conditions. However, new development and infrastructure projects have the potential to result in increases in the amount of impervious surfaces throughout Indian Wells. Future increases in impervious surfaces would result in increased urban runoff, pollutants, and first flush roadway contaminants, as well as an increase in nutrients and other chemicals from landscape areas. These constituents could result in water quality impacts to onsite and offsite drainage flows to area waterways.

Waters that are listed under Section 303(d) of the CWA are known as "impaired." CWA Section 303(d) does not list any water bodies within the City of Indian Wells, however, one water body is directly adjacent to the City (beginning in the City of La Quinta at the terminus of the Whitewater River): the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (CVSC). The CVSC is listed as impaired from the following pollutants: Nitrogen Ammonia (2005), and Toxicity (2005). The portion of the CVSC that runs through the City is not considered to be "impaired" by the CWA.

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Storm water runoff may play a role in the water quality impairments described above. Runoff that occurs as overland flow across yards, driveways, and public streets is intercepted by the storm water drainage system and conveyed to local drainages before eventually being routed to the Pacific. This storm water can carry pollutants that can enter the local waterways and result in the types of water quality impairments described above. Common sources of storm water pollution in the City include litter, trash, pet waste, paint residue, organic material (yard waste), fertilizers, pesticides, sediments, construction debris, metals from automobile brake pad dust, air pollutants that settle on the ground or attach to rainwater, cooking grease, illegally dumped motor oil, and other harmful fluids.

Due to future development and infrastructure projects, the overall volume of runoff in Indian Wells could be increased compared to existing conditions. If the City's drainage system is not adequately designed, General Plan buildout could result in localized higher peak flow rates. Localized increases in flow would be significant if increases exceed system capacity or contributed to bank erosion. This is considered a potentially significant impact, which would be mitigated to a less than significant level through the implementation of the policies and actions listed below, as well as the City's adopted Municipal Code requirements.

The GPU sets policies and actions for build -out of the City, but it does not envision or authorize any specific development project. Because of this, the site -specific details of potential future development projects are currently unknown and analysis of potential impacts of such projects is not feasible and would be speculative. However, each future development and infrastructure project is required to prepare a detailed project specific drainage plan, Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), and a SWPPP that will control storm water runoff and erosion, both during and after construction. If future development projects involve the discharge into surface waters the project proponent will need to acquire certain regulatory permits including but not limited to an NPDES permit, and Waste Discharge permit from the RWQCB and comply with all storm water sewer system (MS4) requirements.

For new development, water quality standards and waste discharge requirements are also met through implementation of a project -specific Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) in compliance with the NPDES permit program for post -construction conditions.

New development proposals meeting the MS4's criteria of Priority Development Project are required to develop a project -specific WQMP to address post -construction stormwater runoff quantity and quality requirements by implementing proposed storm drain and retention facilities with a mandated operation and maintenance program to meet the Low Impact Development (LID) Site Design criteria. Retention facilities typically consist of surface basins or underground systems designed to capture and infiltrate urban runoff from the design storm event applicable to the development. The overall maintenance of the private storm drain and retention systems is covered by the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) section of the Final WQMP and subject to a site -specific Stormwater Management/BMP Facilities Agreement (WQMP Agreement) with the City of Indian Wells. The O&M section of the WQMP requires the implementation, inspection, maintenance and frequency guidelines for measures which could Indian Wells General Plan Update PDEIR

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include education for property owners and operators; activity restrictions; common area landscape management and efficient landscape design; common area litter control; contractor/employee training; common area catch basin inspection; street sweeping of private streets and parking lots; storm drain system stenciling and signage; trash and waste storage areas to reduce pollutant introduction. The WQMP Agreement establishes the owner or operator's responsibility to maintain the said facilities in accordance with the approved WQMP, also allowing for City entry for inspection and enforcement as necessary. The WQMP Agreement is signed by the owner/operator and City representatives before recordation against the property.

As described above, under the Regulatory Setting, the City is required to implement a range of measures and procedures when reviewing new development and infrastructure projects.

Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board The Water Quality Control Plan for the Colorado River Basin Region (Basin Plan) is designed to preserve and enhance water quality in the Region and to protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters for the benefit of present and future generations. The Basin Plan contains the Region's beneficial uses for ground and surface waters, water quality objectives to protect beneficial uses, and implementation programs to achieve water quality objectives. The Basin Plan fulfills state and federal statutory requirements for water quality planning, thereby preserving and protecting ground and surface waters of the Colorado River Basin Region.

Local Implementation Plans
The City of Indian Wells enforces several strategic planning policies in order to anticipate the future, envision what the organization must become in order to operate effectively within that future, and make plans for moving the organization from what it is to what it needs to become to be successful. The City enforces codes and regulations outlined in the Indian Wells Municipal Code to ensure proper land development and compliance with the federal, State, and local regulations.

General Plan Policies
The General Plan Update establishes policies and actions designed to support various efforts relevant to surface water and groundwater quality. The policies and actions contained in the Resource Management Element that are most applicable to this matter are summarized below:

Policies
RM-6.1 Regional Cooperation. Actively participate in regional activities to assure (a) the effective management of water resources, and (b) the development of water policies at the County, State and Federal level that are favorable to the Coachella Valley.

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