TASK ORDER NO. 1
Technical Reports and Environmental Impact Report
Parkway Village Specific Plan
Environmental Services
EXHIBIT “A” – SCOPE OF WORK
Aspen Environmental Group – March 22, 2024
March 22, 2024 A-1
In 2020 under a previous task order, A spen began preparing six technical reports and an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Parkway Village Specific Plan proposed by the City of Lancaster. The project was placed on hold in 2020. In February 2024, the City re -initiated the project with the release of the Notice of Preparation of a Draft EIR. Aspen’s current task order includes updating previous information that was compiled for the existing setting and completing the impacts analysis in the technical reports and EIR. As with the previous task order, we have included two of our team subcontractors: Garland and Associates will prepare the Traffic Analysis Technical Report and the Transportation/Traffic EIR section for this project; and Earth Systems will provide support with the hazardous materials records search and with preparation of the Geology and Soils section of the EIR.
Project Summary. The City of Lancaster is proposing to develop the Parkway Village Specific Plan, which would provide direction for development within the plan area over a 20-year period. This plan seeks to provide a mixed -use, walkable community with a variety of commercial, residential, medical, and open space/public uses. The residential uses would include traditional single -family residences, single family residences on smaller lots, townhomes, condominiums and apartment complexes. The project site would be divided into multiple planning areas dedicated to different types of uses. The maximum development allowed by the Parkway Village Specific Plan will be analyzed in the EIR to provide a conservative estimate of the potential impacts from the project.
A portion of the study area was previously reviewed in the EIR prepared for the Amargosa Creek Specific Plan. Aspen has reviewed the Amargosa Creek Specific Plan EIR. The previously certified EIR addressed approximately 150 acres of the proposed approximately 435-acre site. The discussion below presents our approach to preparing the technical reports and program-level EIR.
Task 1 – Project Description
Aspen will review available information provided by the City and the urban design firm to update the Project Description that was previously prepared for the EIR under Aspen’s previous task order. Aspen will work closely with the City to prepare and finalize the Project Description , which is the basis of the EIR analyses. The Project Description will be as comprehensive as possible addressing the overall design concept, potential land uses, design standards, and environmental considerations such as anticipated source of water, utilities, roadway improvements, etc . Another critical component of this task will be to identify different project phases or timelines to c apture in the analysis interim and full build out of the Specific Plan.
The preparation of the Project Description includes one (1) in-person meeting with the City and design team to discuss the plan concept and to discuss the information needed in the Project Description for the CEQA analysis. This meeting will be different than the site visit meeting presented in Task 6 as it will include a more detailed discussion of the project based on Aspen’s review of any additional information provided by the City and the urban design team. Aspen has allowed time for t wo (2) conference call meetings with the design team and City to identify and discuss project-related details. This scope includes the submittal of two data requests to update the Project Description. This scope also includes two (2) revisions of the Project Description based on comments received from the City/urban design team.
Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
A-2 March 22, 2024
Task 2 – Technical Reports
Aspen technical staff will continue preparing six (6) technical reports described below, as well as one (1) additional technical report for a total of seven (7) reports, to support the preparation of the EIR. Under the previous task order, existing setting information was compiled, which can be used to complete the technical reports. For some reports, h owever, existing setting data will need to be re- collected and updated, including additional site visits, noise measurements, and records searches . These additional efforts are described in more detail below.
Draft versions of the technical reports will be submitted to the City for review and comment. The technical reports will be submitted via email or placed on OneDrive for download by the City. Our scope includes one (1) revision of the technical reports based on comments from the City.
Each technical author has reviewed the existing 2007 EIR that was prepared for a portion of the plan area and used previous studies (cultural resources report) to develop the approach for each of the technical reports described below.
Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Technical Report. Under the previous task order, Aspen did not initiate this report before the project was placed on hold; therefore, the scope below is consistent with the scope in the previous task order.
Aspen will prepare a standalone air quality technical study, that includes a comprehensive regulatory setting and existing conditions description for air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, along with air pollutant (criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants) and GHG emissions calculations.
The regulatory setting for air quality and greenhouse gas emissions will be described. The regulatory setting will include a listing of the applicable regulations , summarize the applicable ambient air quality standards, and provide the current attainment status. The affected environment wi ll also be described, including a summary of the existing air quality conditions surrounding the p lan area that will include the most recent representative ambient air quality monitoring data. A dditionally, the plan area’s existing baseline conditions related to air quality will be described.
Air quality emissions, consisting of criteria pollutants, air toxics, and GHG emissions will be calculated based on the Specific Plan’s project design and construction phasing developed in the Project Description.
Additionally, the current baseline emissions for the plan area will be calculated. Anticipated construction and operation emissions will be calculated using appropriate state, federal, or local em issions factors or emissions models; such as
California Air Resources EMFAC2017 or EMFAC2021 and OFFROAD models California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) model, USEPA’s Compilation of Air Emissions Factors (AP-42), Direct GHG emissions factors from The Climate Registry, and indirect GHG emissions factors from defendable agency references as appropriate (water use, electricity use, etc.).
Activity estimates for project construction (schedule, off -road equipment, vehi cle trips, and material import and waste export quantities), project operation (traffic trips numbers and types, energy use, fuel use, existing and new stationary sources, etc.), and existing baseline conditions (existing traffic, energy use, stationary so urce use estimates) will be determined in consultation with City staff. The emissions estimates, including plan implementation and calculation methodology assumptions, will be provided in both a compiled acrobat document format and the CalEEMod input file and/or spreadsheet file formats.
Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
A-3 March 22, 2024
Aquatic Resources Delineation Report (ARDR). An ARDR is a new technical study under this task order.
Aspen will conduct field studies to map aquatic resources and streambeds on the site. During the site visit, Aspen biologists will map all potentially jurisdictional resources and will collect representative site photos.
A formal jurisdictional delineation, including the excavation of soil pits and vegetation samples will be conducted according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer s (USACE) guidance documents (USACE, 1987 and 2008). Prior to visiting the project site, Aspen biologists will review current and historical aerial imagery of the area and will review other desktop sources such as stream flow data, existing vegetation maps , topographic maps, soil maps, etc.
Following the site visit, Aspen biologists will prepare an ARDR that provides a discussion of jurisdictional features on the project site, presents figures showing the locations of these features, provides representative photos, and summarizes the field indicators observed as well as background regulatory information. The report will also include all field logs, datasheets, and will discuss any difficulties encountered in the field. The report will also include a summary of the area likely to be jurisdictional under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 U.S.C. 403), or Department of Fish and Wildlife jurisdictional waters of the State (as outlined in Section 1600 - 1616 of the California Fish and Game Code). This information will be presented in an appendix to the EIR and the results summarized in the biological resources section of the EIR.
Biological Resources Technical Report (BRTR). Under the previous task order, Aspen completed field studies to document current site conditions; however, given the time that has passed, Aspen recommends additional field studies to update baseline conditions. Aspen will conduct updated field studies consistent with the previous work that was done for the Parkway Village Specific Plan in 2020 and for the Amargosa Specific Plan, to update the description of baseline biological resources both within the previously studied area and within the new portions o f the site. Field studies will be conducted by experienced biologists with expertise in the resources found in the Antelope Valley. Surveys will encompass the entire 435-acre site and will include the following:
General Reconnaissance Survey and Habitat As sessments. Aspen biologists will conduct a reconnaissance survey and habitat assessment for special-status species known to occur in the region, including desert tortoise, burrowing owl, and Mohave ground squirrel. Focused Spring Botanical Survey. A survey will be conducted to identify listed and other special-status plants on site, following the protocols identified in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities (March 2018) and other applicable agency guidance. Western Joshua Tree Inventory. An inventory of western Joshua trees will be completed to ensure compliance with the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA). The inventory will cover the entire site and data will be completed according to the methods required by the WJTCA. The results of this inventory will be presented in the BRTR.
Vegetation Mapping. Aspen will u pdate the vegetation mapping done by previous consultants and will map the vegetation in the new portions of the site that have not been previously mapped. Focused Burrowing Owl and Desert Tortoise Surveys. All areas identified as potential habitat will b e surveyed for desert tortoise and burrowing owl by walking 10 - to 15 -meter transects to identify individuals or their sign.
Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
A-4 March 22, 2024
Aspen will prepare a BRTR that will present the detailed methodology and results for each field study. The report will describe the regional and local biological setting, identify sensitive resources present or with potential to occur on site, the applicable regulatory setting, an assessment of impacts to biological resources, and avoidance and minimization recommendations. The BRT R will provide the basis for the analysis of biological resources in the EIR.
Cultural Resources Assessment Report. Under the previous task order, Aspen conducted some of the baseline research; however, given the time that has passed, Aspen recommends addi tional field surveys and records searches. Aspen will prepare a Cultural Resources Assessment Report (CRAR) for the proposed Parkway Village Specific Plan. The report will include:
Records Search. Aspen will consult the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California State University, Fullerton to conduct a records search for cultural resources. The search will cover the approximately 435-acre plan area and a one-quarter mile radius from the plan area boundary. Also, Aspen will contact the Vertebrate Paleontology section of the Western Science Center to complete a records search and access the online database of the University of California, Museum of Paleontology to determine the paleontological sensitivity of the plan area. Field Survey. Aspen archeologists will conduct a pedestrian survey of the proposed Specific Plan properties and will conduct the survey at a maximum survey transect interval of 30 meters, as site conditions permit. Another field survey is necessary because the previous 2007 survey was completed more than 12 years ago and only covered a portion (30%) of the plan area.
Aspen will prepare a C RAR that will include an environmental, cultural, and historic setting section, a description of the results of the literature and rec ord search for both cultural and paleontological resources, a summary the results of the Senate Bill (SB) 18 or Assembly Bill (AB) 52 consultations (assumed to be conducted by the City), results of the archaeological survey, conclusions, recommendations, a nd rationale for further study, if necessary. When the report has been finalized, Aspen will provide an electronic copy of the report to the SCCIC, as required.
Our scope does not include support with SB 18 or AB 52 because on other City projects we have completed the City handled consultation with the tribes and did not request any support. However, Aspen archeologists have experience with tribal consultation and can provide support if needed and added to the scope and cost. Our scope also anticipate s finding resources and therefore does include costs for preparing up to three sets of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms. If the survey does find more than three resources, then we will need to amend the scope and cost for preparing archeologic al site records and assessing site for historical significance. Aspen assumes that no built environment resources will be identified.
Hazardous Materials Records Search. Under the previous task order, w ith support from Earth Systems, the Aspen Team conducted a review of available information and databases in April 2020 . Given the amount of time that has passed since the previous records search, Aspen recommends conducting an updated records search. Under this current task order, a new records search will be conducted. The records search will include an environmental database report as well as a summary of the results of the report. This information will be presented in an appendix to the EIR and the results summarized in the Hazards and Hazardous Materials section of the EIR.
Noise Technical Report. Under the previous task order, Aspen did not initiate this report before the project was placed on hold; therefore, the scope below is consistent with the scope in the previous task order.
Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
A-5 March 22, 2024
The Noise Technical Report will be designed to provide information necessary to complete the Noise and Vibration EIR section for the Specific Plan . The purpose of this study is to provide necessary complex details and quantifications within the study, allowing for the CEQA doc ument to present its findings in more simplified terms for public review. The technical report will include the following specific subjects and analysis:
Environmental Setting
- Description of existing sensitive receptors along the Specific Plan boundary and key roadways accessing the boundary (Sierra Highway, 10th Street West, West Avenue L, West Avenue K-8, West Avenue K-4, West Avenue K).
- Aspen did not complete any noise measurements under the previous task order. Therefore, noise measurements will be required at the project site under this current task order. Baseline daytime noise data will be collected (between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) for 15 minutes at five (5) locations, assumed to be the nearest noise- sensitive property lines along the Sp ecific Plan boundary and key roadways accessing the boundary, as well as one (1) measurement within the Specific Plan boundary. Based on the revised CEQA Appendix G checklist questions (as amended December 2018 ), 24 -hour ambient noise measurements are not considered necessary as compliance with applicable plans and policies is now the core requirement. An analysis of project increase over ambient noise levels is no longer included within CEQA Appendix G checklist questions.
Regulatory Setting
- A description of the applicable City of Lancaster Municipal Code (Title 8, Health and Safety, Chapter 8.24, Noise Regulations) will be presented, as well as including all applicable policies from the City of Lancaster 2030 General Plan (Plan for Public Health and Safety, Noise). This will include applicable thresholds for existing and proposed land use designations of the Specific Plan area. - A list of potentially relevant CEQA significance thresholds. Construction Noise Analysis
- A description of the expected noise levels generated by construction equipment use at 50 feet from the source.
- An analysis of anticipated construction noise and compliance with applicable City of Lancaster Municipal Code Chapter 8.24 (Noise Regulations) and General Plan policies at affected receptors. - An analysis of anticipated temporary construction noise and assessment of whether this potential noise would be excessive.
- Draft mitigation measures and/or best management practices, as necessary, to reduce temporary construction noise and vibration.
Operation Noise Analysis
- A description of the expected noise levels generated by land use type, including the new transportation network within the Specific Plan boundary. - Utilizing the California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans) Traffic Noise Mod el, estimate traffic noise under existing conditions and “with -project” conditions for key roadways accessing the boundary (Sierra Highway, 10th Street West, West Avenue L, West Avenue K-8, West Avenue K-4, West Avenue K).
- An analysis of anticipated operation noise (land use and traffic) and compliance with applicable City of Lancaster Municipal Code Chapter 8.24 (Noise Regulations) and General Plan policies at affected receptors.
- Draft mitigation measures necessary to reduce excessive noise.
Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
A-6 March 22, 2024
Traffic Analysis Technical Report. Garland and Associates collected traffic data under the previous task order; however, given the amount of time that has passed, Aspen recommends collecting current traffic counts at the project site. In addition, the previous sco pe did not include vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analysis, since that was not required in 2019/2020 when the previous scope was prepared. This current scope has been updated to comply with the most recent traffic analysis requirements under CEQA.
An analysis will be conducted to evaluate the traffic/circulation impacts of the proposed S pecific Plan development on traffic conditions in the vicinity of the project site. The analysis will focus on the transportation issue areas of the CEQA environmental checklist, which includes an evaluation of the project’s impacts on 1) the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities, 2) VMT, 3) safety hazards, and 4) emergency access.
The proposed project would result in an increase in traffic volumes on the roadways in the project vicinity because of site-generated vehicular traffic. The traffic analysis will evaluate the potential impacts of the project generated traffic during AM and PM peak hours to evaluate the ability of the roadway network to accommodate the projected traffic volumes and identify any required roadway improvements.
Garland and Associates will prepare a traffic report that addresses the following:
The roadways that provide access to the plan area will be inventoried with regard to such physical conditions as number of lanes, types of traffic control devices, sidewalk/shoulder locations, and driveway locations. Garland will evaluate nine roadways and study 12 intersections in the report. The report will present quantitative information on baseline traffic conditions on the roadways in the study area.
Traffic volumes will be identified from the Trip Generation Manual and the anticipated interaction and internal trips between the plan’s on-site land uses. Traffic volumes will be obtained from the City of Lancaster, County of Los Angeles, and Caltrans (where available) and supplemented with new traffic counts where necessary.
Existing traffic conditions and the traffic conditions for the anticipated year of project buildout will be evaluated. Future baseline traffic volumes will be forecasted by considering area-wide growth and the cumulative volumes of traffic that would be generated by other proposed projects in the plan area.
The impact analysis will include a before-and-after analysis of traffic conditions on the roadways and intersections in the site vicinity (i.e., traffic conditions with and without plan implementation). Potential measures will be identified to mitigate the potential significant traffic impacts and to ensure that the roadway network could accommodate the projected traffic volumes.
Task 3 – Screencheck Draft EIR
Under the previous task order, Aspen had begun preparing an EIR template and including information on the environmental and regulatory setting in the template; for this current task order, Aspen will update that template to include the most current CEQA issue areas, as well as revisit the environmental and regulatory setting to ensure that this information is the most current.
This task will include the preparation of two Screencheck Draft EIRs for review and comment by the City.
Aspen will prepare the S creencheck Draft EIR consistent with the approved outline discussed with the City. Aspen will prepare a concise but comprehensive, accurate, and objective environmental document that fully complies with CEQA requirements and that addresses all mandatory sections. The methodology Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
A-7 March 22, 2024
and criteria used for determining impacts will be clearly described in eac h technical section of the EIR, including any assumptions, models, or modeling techniques used in the analysis.
Project Description
The Project Description (or Specific Plan Description) will be developed in Task 1. It is identified here because it is a key component of the environmental analysis. The Project Description will be developed to discuss all phases of the plan implementation including proposed design and performance standards for future development and related discretionary approvals in the EIR (to address the “whole of the action,” as required in CEQA). The Specific Plan description should include:
Details regarding plan implementation including anticipated development phases, any plan area improvements that will be made by the City, desired design features, desired future land uses, and proposed development standards;
Specific Plan objectives;
A listing of all plan area parcels including the Assessor’s Parcel Numbers, location, size, and current land use; and
Maps and tables to concisely convey plan details.
Alternatives
This task was not initiated under the previous task order before the project was placed on hold. Aspen will work with the City and design team (as applicable and at direction of the City) to identify a range of reasonable and feasible alternatives early in the EIR process, including any alternatives identified during scoping. The alternatives will be evaluated regarding their ability to meet the objectives identified in the Project Description, and those that meet CEQA requirements for feasibility and ability to meet Specific Plan objectives will be carried forward for analysis under each issue area.
Issue-Area Analysis
Aspen will prepare an analysis of potential environmental impacts from implementation of the Specific Plan. The following issue areas will be addressed in the EIR:
• Aesthetics
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Biological Resources
• Cultural, Paleontological and Tribal
Resources
• Energy
• Geology and Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Land Use and Planning
• Noise
• Population and Housing
• Public Services and Recreation
• Transportation
• Utilities and Service Systems
The analysis will include the following content for each issue area:
Environmental Setting to identify key characteristics of the plan area for the specific issue area. Regulatory Setting to identify applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures to identify potential impacts that could result from plan implementation and recommend measures to reduce these potential impacts that would be Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE PROJECT
A-8 March 22, 2024
applied to future physical developments. The issue-specific thresholds of significance will be identified and discussed in this section.
Cumulative Impact Analysis to address potential “cumulative” environmental impacts that could result from plan implementation in combination with other proposed projects or plans. Level of Significance after Mitigation to address any remaining residual impact, if any, and make a determination of significance for each issue based on the thresholds of significance.
Aspen will clearly describe the methodology and criteria used to determine impacts in each technical section of the EIR, including any as sumptions, models, or modeling techniques used in the analysis. For the issue areas where a technical report was prepared, the information in the technical reports will form the basis of the analyses. For those issues without a technical report, Aspen will conduct literature searches of resource-specific issues and review of available documents for other projects or plans near the plan area to gather baseline information. Some of baseline information will also come from the site visits conducted at the start of this task order and information gained during preparation of the technical reports. All site visits and references will be documented and identified in the EIR.
For e ach significant impact identified in our analysis, the impacts and mitigation measure s will be numbered for easy reference. The effectiveness and feasibility of mitigation measures will be discussed, and the level of significance after mitigation will be identified. The impact assessment will consider direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts based on the agreed-upon significance criteria. Cumulative impacts will take into consideration foreseeable development within a 1- to 2-mile radius of the plan area depending on the specific issue area.
Aspen will prepare the First Screencheck Draft EIR and submit to the City for review and comment. Aspen will submit one (1) electronic copy with appendices. Based on comments received from the City, Aspen will revise the First Screencheck Draft EIR. The Second Screencheck Draft EIR will be submitted to the City for review and comment. Aspen will revise this version of the document consis tent with the comments received from the City. Aspen will submit one (1) electronic copy (Word and Adobe) and one (1) hard copy.
Aspen will only submit the appendices with this Second Screencheck Draft EIR if they have changed. The costs assume that only minimal changes will be needed to the appendices.
Task 4 – Draft EIR
This task was not initiated under the previous task order before the project was placed on hold. Task 4 includes the publication of the Draft EIR once approved by the City for publication. Based on the review and approval of the Second Screencheck Draft EIR by the City and the approval to move forward with publication of the draft document, Aspen will publish the Draft EIR and provide two (2) hard copies of the draft with the appendices on CD to the City. The City will distribute the documents and release the Notice of Completion on this task order.
Task 5 – Final EIR
This task was not initiated under the previous task order before the project was placed on hold. Aspen will prepare a Screencheck Final EIR or Response Document that includes the Response to Comments and identifies any changes to the Draft EIR consistent with the format used in previous EIRs prepared for the City. Aspen will submit the Screencheck Final for review and comment by the City. Aspen will revise the Screencheck Final EIR based on comments received. Aspen will work closely with the Ci ty in responding to comments and may need to work with the City on finalizing responses to specific questions. Aspen will provide two (2) hard copies of the Final EIR with the appendices on CD to the City Exhibit “A” Scope of Work - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE PROJECT
A-9 March 22, 2024
Task 6 – Meetings and Hearings
Kick-off Meeting. Although a kick-off meeting was held under the previous task order, Aspen anticipates that an additional kick-off meeting will be required under this current task order to discuss the updated Project Description. Aspen will schedule a kick-off meeting with City Staff to discuss Specific Plan details, communication protocols, schedule, and overall expectations. The kick -off m eeting will be scheduled within the first 2 weeks of receiving the notice to proceed. Aspen will document the results of this meeting in brief notes provided by email to the City.
Site Visit. Although a site visit was conducted under the previous task order, because of the time that has passed, Aspen recommends conducting an additional site visit to document any changes in the environmental setting. Under this current task order, Aspen will conduct a site visit following the kick-off meeting. The site visit will provide Aspen an opportunity to gather site -specific information in the field such as sensitive receptor and existing land uses for the Project Description . Our scope includes the participation of two (2) team members at the site visit.
In-person and Conference Call Meetings. This current task order includes additional in -person and conference call meetings throughout the duration of the project. This task includes participation in one (1) in-person meeting with the City and the design team to discuss the Specific Plan. These meetings will be used to discuss plan-related issues and will be planned with a specific agenda prior to scheduling th is meeting. In addition, the scope includes 6 hours of time (or 12 30 -minute calls) for conference call meetings with the City regarding the Specific Plan EIR and during the active periods of the EIR preparation.
Public Hearings. The Aspen Project Manager will participate in one (1) Planning Commission hearing and one (1) Board of Supervisors hearing. The Aspen Project Manager can present fin dings of the EIR and respond to questions from decisionmakers or the public at both hearings.
Tasks and Products
TASK PRODUCT QUANTITY AND DESCRIPTION
Task 1 – Project Description Project Description Electronic copy by email Task 2 – Technical Reports Air Quality/GHG
Aquatic Resources Delineation
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Hazardous Materials Record Search
Noise
Transportation/Traffic
Electronic copy by email
Depending on file size, may provide via
OneDrive folder for downloading
Task 3 – Screencheck Draft EIR
First Screencheck Draft EIR 1 electronic copy (Word and Adobe) and 1 hard copy (including appendices)
Second Screencheck Draft EIR 1 electronic copy (Word and Adobe) and 1 hard copy (appendices only if changed)
Task 4 – Draft EIR Public Review Draft EIR 2 hard copies (appendices on CD)
Task 5 – Final EIR
Screencheck Final EIR
(Response Document)
1 electronic copy (Word and Adobe)
includes responses to comments and
mitigation monitoring program
Final EIR 2 hard copies (appendices on CD)
TASK ORDER NO. 1
Technical Studies and Environmental Impact Report
Parkway Village Specific Plan
Environmental Services
EXHIBIT “C” – FEE SCHEDULE
Aspen Environmental Group – March 22, 2024
March 22, 2024 C-1
The table below presents our cost estimate for preparation of eight technical reports and the Parkway Village Specific Plan EIR. The cost is based the contract hourly rates and staff identified in our authorized contract. Our estimate to complete the technical studies and EIR is $256,767.
The table below includes the task breakdown for the Exhibit “A” Scope of Work.
Scope and Cost Assumptions
Based on recent City project, Aspen has not included distribution of the Specific Plan EIR. However, Aspen has completed distribution for other projects and can do so here if desired by the City. Consistent with previous project s, Aspen has not included t he distribution or publication of CEQA notices. However, Aspen can add preparation and distribution of CEQA notices to scope/cost if desired by the City. Our scope assumes:
− City will prepare and distribute Notice of Preparation (NOP), Notice of Completion (NOC) form and NOP to State Clearinghouse, and post notices with the County Clerk’s office. − City will prepare and distribute Notice of Availability of Draft EIR (NOA) , NOC to State Clearinghouse with EIR, and post notices with the County Clerk’s office. − City will prepare and file Notice of Determination with the State Clearinghouse and post notice with the County Clerk’s office.
Consistent with prior project, scope and cost do not include payment of filing fee to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW: $4,051.25).
Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Task 6
Aspen Environmental Group Labor $9,520 $110,875 $54,640 $9,540 $10,220 $15,380 $210,175 Aspen Non-Labor Costs $303 $8,202 $495 $495 $495 $1,238 $11,227 Subtotal Aspen Cost $9,823 $119,077 $55,135 $10,035 $10,715 $16,618 $221,402 Subcontractors
Earth Systems $1,734 $6,470 $1,001 $1,300 $10,505
Garland & Associates $19,800 $2,420 $2,640 $24,860
Subtotal Subcontractor Cost $21,534 $8,890 $1,001 $3,940 $35,365 TOTAL Cost $9,823 $140,610 $64,025 $11,036 $14,655 $16,618 $256,767 Labor Hours by Task
Aspen Environmental Group 58 756 350 60 60 90 1,374
Earth Systems 8 34 6 6 54
Garland & Associates 140 20 16 176
TOTAL LABOR HOURS 58 904 404 66 82 90 1,604
Screencheck
Draft
Technical
Reports
Project
DescriptionCOST BY TASK
Cost of Services
Total
Tasks 1-6
Kick-Off &
MeetingsFinal EIRDraft EIR
Exhibit “C” Fee Schedule - City of Lancaster Planning Department
TECHNICAL STUDIES AND EIR FOR PARKWAY VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN
C-2 March 22, 2024
Aesthetics
The City’s design team will provide elevations and/or site drawings showing proposed elevations of anticipated structures and design features or elements for use in the visual resources/aesthetics analysis of the EIR.
Aquatic Resources
The results of the field delineation will be compiled into one comprehensive Aquatic Resources Delineation Report. The report will address potential jurisdictional resources on the site, which is expected to include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The field delineation survey described under aquatic resources would be completed by a senior biologist during one (1) 8-hour field day.
Biological Resources
The results of the field stu dies will be compiled into one Biological Technical Report, and standalone reports for each type of survey will not be prepared.
Mohave ground squirrel (MGS) trapping was conducted in 2005 in areas of suitable habitat in the Amargosa Specific Plan area with negative results. This scope of work includes a habitat assessment for MGS. Protocol-level trapping surveys may be recommended depending on the results on the habitat assessment and would require coordination with CDFW. Protocol surveys are not included in this scope of work, but Aspen has an MGS -permitted biologist on staff who can complete these surveys under a separate authorization, if required.
The focused biological field surveys described under the Biological Resources Technical Report would be completed by a team of three (3) biologists over three (3) 10-hour field days. The western Joshua tree inventory would be completed by a team of two (2) biologists over two (2) 10- hour field days.
Field surveys are recommended to be completed in or around May 2024 to adhere to applicable survey protocols established by resources agencies (i.e. CDFW).
Cultural Resources
Scope assumes that up to three (3) DPR 523 forms will be prepared.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Consistent with other projects completed for the City, our scope assumes that the City will handle all consultation with the Native American Tribes (SB 18 and AB 52). Aspen has in-house archeologists that can support the City with this effort if desired by the City and with a scope and cost amendment. City will provide information on the notices and the results of the Native American consultation to include in the Tribal Resources section of the EIR.
Hydrology/Water Quality
It is assumed that drainage engineering information for the pr oposed development, including the disposition of Amargosa Creek flows, will be provided by the City of Lancaster.