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In 1975, Congress enacted the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which established the first fuel economy standards for on -road motor vehicles in the United States. Pursuant to the act, U. S. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) are responsible for establishing additional vehicle standards. In August 2012, standards were adopted for model years 2017 through 2025 for passenger cars and light -duty trucks. According to U. S. EPA, a model year 2025 vehicle would emit half the GHG emissions of a model year 2010 vehicle USEPA, 2012). Notably, the State of California harmonized its vehicle efficiency standards through 2025 with the federal standards at this time ( see Advanced Clean Cars Program below).
In August 2018, U. S. EPA and the NHTSA proposed maintaining the 2020 corporate average fuel econoiny ( CAFE) and CO2 standards for model years 2021 through 2026. The estimated CAFE and CO,? standards for model year 2020 are 43. 7 miles per gallon ( mpg) and 204 grams of CO2 per mile for passenger cars and 31. 3 mpg and 284 grams Of CO2 per mile for light trucks, projecting an overall industry average of 37 mpg, as compared to 46. 7 mpg under the standards issued in 2012. In September 2019, U. S. EPA finalized the Safer Affordable Fuel -Efficient Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program and announced its decision to withdraw the Clean Air Act preemption waiver granted to the State of California in 2013 ( USEPA & NHTSA, 2019). However, on March 9, 2022, U.S. EPA reinstated California' s authority under the Clean Air Act to implement its own GHG emission standards and zero emission vehicle ( ZEV) sales mandate ( USEPA, 2022).
The California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC) is a state agency created by a constitutional amendment to regulate privately owned utilities providing telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation services, and in -state moving companies. The CPUC is responsible for assuring that California utility customers have safe, reliable utility services at reasonable rates, while protecting utility customers from fraud. The CPUC regulates the planning and approval for the physical construction of electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, and the local distribution pipelines for natural gas.
The CEC is the primary energy policy and planning agency in California. Created by the California Legislature in 1974, the CEC has five major responsibilities: ( 1) forecast future energy needs and keep historical energy data; ( 2) license thermal power plants 50 MW or larger; ( 3) promote energy efficiency through appliance and building standards; ( 4) develop energy technologies and support renewable energy; and ( 5) plan for and direct the state response to energy emergencies.
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Senate bill (Sb) 1389 ( PRC Sections 25300 25323) requires the CEC to prepare a biennial integrated energy policy report that assesses major energy trends and issues facing the electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuel sectors in California, and to provide policy recommendations City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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to conserve resources; protect the environment; ensure reliable, secure, and diverse energy supplies; enhance the state economy; and protect public health and safety ( PRC Section 25301 ( a)).
The 2019 Integrated Energy Policy Report provides the results of CEC assessments on a variety of energy issues facing California:
Energy efficiency;
Strategies related to data for improved decisions in the Existing Buildings Energy Efficiency Action Plan;
Building energy efftclency standards;
The impact of drought on California' s energy system;
Achieving 50 percent renewables by 2030;
The California Energy Demand Forecast;
The Natural Gas Outlook;
The Transportation Energy Demand Forecast;
Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program benefits updates; An update on electricity infrastructure in Southern California; An update on trends in California sources of crude oil; An update on California nuclear plants; and
Other energy issues.
California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
In 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 ( codified in the California Health and Safety Code, Division 25. 5), which focused on reducing GHG emissions in California to 1990 levels by 2020.
Under Health and Safety Code Division 25. 5, the California Air Resources Board ( CARB) has the primary responsibility for reducing GHG emissions in California; however, AB 32 also tasked the CEC and CPUC with providing information, analysis, and recommendations to CARB regarding strategies to reduce GHG emissions in the energy sector.
In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 32 and its companion bill, AB 197. SB 32 and AB 197 amended Health and Safety Code Division 25. 5 and established a new climate pollution reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, with provisions to ensure that the benefits of state climate policies reach into disadvantaged communities. Refer to Section 4. 8, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, for additional details regarding these statutes.
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I
The State of California adopted standards to increase the percentage of electricity that retail sellers, including investor -owned utilities and community choice aggregators, must provide from renewable resources. The standards are referred to as the Renewables Portfolio Standard ( RPS).
The reduces use of non- renewable energy sources, thereby reducing GHG emissions and other negative impacts that are associated with use of non-renewable, finite energy sources. The legislation requires utilities to increase the percentage of electricity obtained from renewable sources to 33 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2030.
On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown signed SB 100, which further increased the California RPS and requires retail sellers and local publicly owned electric utilities to procure eligible renewable electricity for 44 percent of retail sales by December 31, 2024; 52 percent by December 31, 2027; and 60 percent by December 31, 2030. SB 100 also specifies that GARB should plan for 100 percent eligible renewable energy resources and zero -carbon resources by December 31, 2045.
CPUC and the CEC jointly implement the RPS program. The responsibilities of the CPUC are to:
1) determine annual procurement targets and enforce compliance; ( 2) review and approve the renewable energy procurement plan of each investor -owned utility; (3) review contracts for RPSeligible energy; and ( 4) establish the standard terms and conditions used in contracts for eligible renewable energy ( CPUC, 2022).
In 2002, the State of California passed AB 117, enabling public agencies and joint power authorities to form a Community Choice Aggregation ( CCA). SB 790 strengthened it by creating a " code of conduct" that the incumbent utilities must adhere to in their activities relative to CCAs.
CCAs allow a city, county, or group of cities and counties to pool electricity demand and purchase/ generate power on behalf of customers within their jurisdictions in order to provide local choice. CCAs work with PG& E to deliver power to its service area. The CCA is responsible for the electric generation (procure or develop power) while PG& E is responsible for electric delivery, power line maintenance, and monthly billing.
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The California Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings ( California Code of Regulations [ CCR] Title 24, Part 6) were adopted to ensure that building construction and system design and installation achieve energy efficiency and preserve outdoor and indoor environmental quality. The current California Building Energy Efficiency Standards ( Title 24 standards) are the 2019 Title 24 standards, which became effective on January 1, 2020. These standards include requirements for solar photovoltaic systems in all new homes, requirements for newly constructed healthcare facilities that were previously not included, the encouragement of demand response and light -emitting diode ( LED) technology for both residential and nonresidential buildings, and the use of more efficient air filters to trap hazardous particulates ( CEC, 2018a).
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The current ( 2019) version of the California Green Building Standards Code ( CCR Title 24, Part 11) is commonly referred to as the CALGreen Code. The 2019 CALGreen Code includes mandatory measures for non-residential development related to site development, energy efficiency, water efficiency and conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality (California Buildings Standards Commission, 2019). The 2019 Energy Code includes provisions for smart residential photovoltaic systems, updated thermal envelope standards ( preventing heat transfer from the interior to exterior and vice versa), residential and nonresidential ventilation requirements, and nonresidential lighting requirements. The 2019 Energy Code aims to reduce energy use in new homes by requiring that all new homes include individual or community solar photovoltaic systems or community shared battery storage systems that achieve equivalent time dependent value energy use reduction.
On August 11, 2021, the CEC adopted the 2022 Energy Code, In December, it was approved by the California Building Standards Commission for inclusion into the California Building Standards Code. The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric -ready requirements for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, strengthens ventilation standards, and more. Buildings whose permit applications are applied for or after January 1, 2023, must comply with the 2022 Energy Code.
Assembly Bill 1493
In 2019, the transportation sector accounted for approximately 40 percent of carbon dioxide equivalent ( CO2e) emissions in California ( CARB, 2021a). AB 1493 ( commonly referred to as the Pavley regulations), enacted on July 22, 2002, requires CARB to set GHG emissions standards for new passenger vehicles, light -duty trucks, and other vehicles manufactured in and after 2009 whose primary use is non- commercial personal transportation. Phase I of the legislation established standards for model years 2009- 2016 and Phase 11 established standards for model years 2017- 2025 ( CARB, 2013; USEPA, 2012). Refer to Section 4. 7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, for additional details regarding this regulation.
Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel -Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle idling
In 2004, GARB adopted the Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel - Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling to reduce public exposure to diesel particulate matter emissions ( 13 CCR Section 2485). The measure applies to diesel -fueled commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings greater than 10, 000 pounds that are licensed to operate on highways, regardless of where they are registered. This measure prohibits diesel -fueled commercial vehicles from idling for more than 5 minutes at any given location. While the goal of this measure is primarily to reduce public health impacts from diesel emissions, compliance with the regulation also results in energy savings in the form of reduced fuel consumption from unnecessary idling.
In 2004, CARB didupted do Altbollne Toxic; Control Measure to reduce public exposure to emissions of diesel particulate matter and criteria pollutants from stationary diesel -fueled compression ignition engines ( 17 CCR Section 93115). The measure applies to any person who City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 8 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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owns or operates a stationary compression ignition engine in California with a rated brake horsepower greater than 50, or to anyone who either sells, offers for sale, leases, or purchases a stationary compression ignition engine. This measure outlines fuel and fuel additive requirements; emissions standards; recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring requirements; and compliance schedules for compression ignition engines.
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In addition to limiting exhaust from idling trucks, in 2008 CARB approved the Truck and Bus Regulation to reduce the emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter from existing diesel vehicles operating in California ( 13 CCR Section 2025). The phased regulation aims to reduce emissions by requiring Installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the liethenient, replacement, or retrofit of older engines with newer emission -controlled models. ' Phis regulation will be. implemented in phases, with full implementation by 2023.
CARB also promulgated emissions standards for off -road diesel construction equipment of greater than 25 horsepower such as bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, and forklifts, as well as many other selfpropelled off -road diesel vehicles. The In -Use Off -Road Diesel -Fueled Fleets regulation adopted by CARB on July 26, 2007, aims to reduce emissions by installing diesel soot filters and encouraging the retirement, replacement, or repowering of older, dirtier engines with newer emissions -controlled models ( 13 CCR Section 2449). The compliance schedule requires full implementation by 2023 in all equipment for large and medium fleets and by 2028 for small fleets.
On June 25, 2020, CARB adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which requires truck manufacturers to transition from diesel vehicles to electric zero -emission vehicles beginning in 2024, with the goal of reaching 100 percent zero -emission vehicles by 2045. The goal of the legislation is to help California meet its climate targets of a 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions and a 50 percent reduction in petroleum use by 2030, and an 80 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2050,
Truck manufacturers will be required to sell zero -emission vehicles as an increasing percentage of their annual sales from 2024 through 2035. Companies with large distribution fleets ( 50 or more trucks) will be required to report information about their existing fleet operations in an effort to identify future strategies for increasing zero -emission fleets statewide ( CARB, 2021b).
Zero -emission vehicles are two to five times more energy efficient than diesel vehicles, and the Advanced Clean Trucks rule will reduce GHG emissions with the co -benefit of reducing dependence on petroleum fuels.
The Advanced Clean Cars emissions - control program, approved by CARB in 2012, is closely associated with the Pavloy regulations ( CARB, 2013). The program requires a greater number of zero -emissions vehicle models for years 2015 through 2025, to control smog, soot, and GHG emissions. This program includes the Low -Emissions Vehicle regulations to reduce emissions of criteria air pollutants and GHGs from light- and medium -duty vehicles; and the Zero -Emissions City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 9 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Vehicle regulations, which require manufacturers to produce an increasing number of pure zero - emissions vehicles (battery and fuel cell electric vehicles) and include the provision to produce plug- in hybrid electric vehicles between 2018 and 2025. The increase in low- and zero -emissions vehicles will result in a decrease in the consumption of non- renewable fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Under CEQA (PRC Section 21100( b)( 3)), EIRs are required to discuss the potential significant energy impacts of proposed projects, with particular emphasis on avoiding or reducing inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of energy. If the analysis of a proposed project shows that the pill-je(A Indy IeSIAIL in SignifiW111 envillunineindl effects due to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary use of energy, or wasteful use of energy resources, then the EIR must identify mitigation measures to address that energy use. This analysis should include ille plujucl' s energy use for all project phases and components, including transportation -related energy, during construction and operation. In addition to building code compliance, other relevant considerations may include project size, location, orientation, equipment use, and any renewable energy features that could be incorporated into the project ( CEQA Guidelines Section 15126. 2( b)).
CEQA Guidelines Appendix F lists the energy -related topics that should be analyzed in the EIR, and more specifically identifies the following topics for consideration in the evaluation of energy impacts in an EIR, to the extent the topics are applicable or relevant to the proposed project:
The project' s energy requirements and its energy use efficiencies by amount and fuel type for each stage of the project, including construction, operation, maintenance, and/ or removal. If appropriate, the energy intensiveness of materials may be discussed.
The effects of the project on local and regional energy supplies and on requirements for additional capacity.
The effects of the project on peak and base -period demands for electricity and other forms of energy.
The degree to which the project complies with existing energy standards.
The effects of the project on energy resources.
The project' s projected transportation energy use requirements and its overall use of efficient transportation alternatives.)
The effects of the project relevant to each of these issues are addressed in this section.
Local
Mountain View 2030 General Plan
The Mountain View 2030 General Plan is the guiding document for the City' s physical development and preservation. It includes goals, policies and graphics that convey a long- term vision and guide local decision -making to achieve that vision. The Infrastructure and 1 CEQA Guidelines Appendix F( II) (Q.
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Conservation Element of the General Plan includes the following policies related to energy ( City of Mountain View, 2021).
Goal INC- 13: Increase energy efficiency and conservation throughout the city.
Policy [ IVC- 73, 1 - Fnergy Ffficiency and Generation Increase energy efficiency and conservation in public buildings and infrastructure.
Policy INC-13. 2: Alternatives to gasoline. Promote and increase the use of new technologies as alternatives and supplements to gasoline in vehicles throughout the community.
Policy INC-13.3: Coordinating efforts. Support regional and local effoi is dud plogidins to reduce energy use.
Policy ING114: Education. Educate the public about energy conservation and efficiency best practices.
Policy INC-13. 5: Smart utility meters. Encourage utility meter technologies that provide feedback about energy usage to customers.
Goal INC- 14: Sufficient renewable sources of energy to meet current and future demand.
Policy INC- 14. 1: Renewable energy. Promote the deployment of renewable energy technologies throughout the city.
Policy INC- 14. 2: Solar energy. Encourage active and passive solar energy use.
Policy INC- 14.3: Regional renewable energy. Participate in regional initiatives to encourage and develop renewable energy sources.
Policy INC-14.4: Renewable energy advocacy. Support legislation to facilitate and increase renewable energy choices for community residents such as green utility power options or distributed generation.
On November 12, 2019, the City Council adopted the Mountain View Green Building Code MVGBC; City of Mountain View, 2019) amendments, which include the Reach Code efforts. The MVGBC amends the State -mandated California Green Building Code ( CALGreen) to include local green building standards and requirements for private development. The MVGBC applies green building requirements per building type and threshold to new construction, residential additions and commercial/ industrial tenant improvements and includes energy efficiency standards that exceed the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
All new structures in the City of Mountain View must comply with the mandatory measures of the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code as adopted by the state in addition to local amendments included in this code. This includes all residential new construction projects regardless of height or number of stories.
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Section 8. 20. 9 of the MVGBC amends Subsection 101. 10. 1. 1. 3 of the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code as follows:
All multifamily residential new construction with three units or more must comply with the following:
a. The mandatory measures of the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code and any Mountain View amendments;
b. Demonstrate energy compliance to meet or exceed Title 24, Part 6; c. 15 percent of the parking spaces shall be equipped with EV2 chargers installed and one Level 3/ DC Fast Charger .shall be provided for (,very 100 spaces' d. InsLallallon of' pliotovoltalc (PV) pauels on 50 percent 01' 100fdled (d project may submit for an exception by providing documentation that the required percentage of PV installation will over -generate the kWh required to operate the proposed structure on an annual basis);
e. Space -conditioning equipment shall be electric, not be fueled by natural gas; f. Water -heating systems and equipment shall be electric or solar, not be fueled by natural gas;
g. Clothes dryers shall be electric, not be fueled by natural gas; and h. Cooking appliances and fireplaces shall be electric, not fueled by natural gas.
Mountain View Standard Conditions ofApproval
As part of discretionary review, the City has standard conditions for different types of approvals updated as of October 25, 2021). The City has standard conditions relating to energy, as summarized below.
Green Building — Residential New Construction
The project is required to meet the mandatory measures of the California Green Building Standards Code and meet the intent of the applicable GreenPoint Rated points. All mandatory prerequisite points and minimum point totals per category to attain GreenPoint Rated status must be achieved, unless specific point substitutions or exceptions are approved by the Community Development Department. Formal project registration and certification through Build It Green is not required for compliance with the Mountain View Green Building Code ( MVGBC). The project is also required to comply with Title 24, Part 6.
Transportation Demand Management ( TDM) Program
The property owner, property manager( s), and homeowners association ( HOA) or their representative ( s) ( collectively, " the owners") are required to maintain a TDM program which provides commute and transportation alternatives to employees/ residents of the project for the life of the project. The TDM program measures shall be formally accepted by the property owners prior to building permit issuance through a legal agreement or recorded document, as determined by the City Attorney, with contents to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator. The mandatory TDM measures for the project include:
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a. Join and maintain ongoing membership in the MVTMA for the life of the project. b. Provide and maintain maximum vehicle parking and minimum bike parking as approved in the project. Also must provide and/ or maintain access to shared bicycles for residents/ employees, if a bike -share service is not nearby. c. PiovIde convenlently located ilde-share drop- off dnd wdltlng weds on -site. d. Provide and maintain shared, common, collaborative workspaces with WiFi for residents and their guests. This amenity can be offered in partnership with nearby residents and businesses. e. Provide monetary incentives for alternative mode of travel, such as subsidized transit passes or bike -share for resident-, and/ or unbundled parking L PiovldC and indIntaInaccessible and secure stoidge spaces f6i package dellveiy on-sli. e. g.
Provide local transportation information to all residents through a website, leasing office, and/ or initial sale information. 11.
Support Safe Routes to Schools programs, including facilitating parent gatherings and coordination of walking, school buses, and/ or bike trains. j.
Other TDM measures as directed by the Planning Department. 4.
5. 4 Significance Criteril The
thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to energy are based on Appendix Gof the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation ofthe Project could have asignificant impact on the environment ifit would: Result
inpotentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation. Conflict withor obstruct astate orlocal plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. This analysis considers the State CEQA Guidelines Appendix Gthresholds, as described above, in determining whether the HEU' simplementation would result inthe inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary useof energy. The evaluation is based on a review of regulations and determining their applicability tothe HEU. As discussed earlier, there are several plans and policies atthe federal, state and local levels toincrease energy conservation andthe use of renewable energy. Consistency ofthe HEU with these regulations would also ensure that the HEU would not result in the inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary useof energy. City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5-13 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Impact ENE- 1: Implementation of the HEU would not result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation or conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. (Less than Kgniflcant) The project consists of updating the City' s HEU, and no actual development is proposed at this point that would produce environmental impacts. Implementation of the HEU would result in the development of housing required to meet the City' s RHNA allocation. Construction and operation of the housing facilitated by the IIEU' s implementation and the rezoning of parcels to allow f0i greater densities than ( AIII( Altly allowed would increase energy cunsuinpl.lon within [ lie City. Future development facilitated by the IIEU would be subject to project level environmental review and approval of permits prior to construction and operation of new housing.
Development of housing proposed under the HEU would consume energy during both construction and operation. Operational energy use would primarily include building energy use and transportation use, with a smaller contribution from area sources.
Construction Equipment and Vehicles
Energy use during future housing construction would primarily occur in association with fuel use in construction equipment and vehicles. Energy use would vary throughout the construction period of projects based on the construction activities being performed and would cease upon completion of construction. Fuels used for construction would typically include diesel and gasoline; use of natural gas and electricity would be minimal.
Heavy- duty equipment associated with construction during development allowed for by the HEU would rely on diesel fuel, as would vendor trucks involved in delivery of materials to the individual construction sites and haul trucks exporting demolition material or other materials off site. Construction workers would travel to and from each of the parcels within the rezoning program throughout the duration of construction. Construction worker trips in light -duty vehicles would primarily be gasoline -powered.
All development proposed under the HEU would be subject to CARB' s In -Use Off -Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation that applies to certain off -road diesel engines, vehicles, or equipment greater than 25 horsepower. The regulation ( 1) imposes limits on idling, requires a written idling policy, and requires a disclosure when selling vehicles; ( 2) requires all vehicles to be reported to CARE using the Diesel Off -Road Online Reporting System) and labeled; ( 3) restricts the adding of older vehicles into fleets starting on January 1, 2014; and ( 4) requires fleets to reduce their emissions by retiring, replacing, or repowering older engines or installing Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies ( i.e., exhaust retrofits). The fleet must either show that its fleet average index was less than or equal to the calculated fleet average target rate, or that the fleet has met the Best Achievable Control Technology requirements.
Construction activities would use fuel -efficient equipment consistent with federal and state regulations, such as fuel efficiency regulations in CARB' s Pavley Phase 11 standards; the anti - City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 14 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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idling regulation in 13 CCR Section 2485; and fuel requirements for stationary equipment in 17 CCR Section 93115 ( concerning the Airborne Toxic Control Measures), In accordance with 13 CCR Sections 2485 and 2449, idling by commercial vehicles over 10, 000 pounds and off -road equipment over 25 horsepower would be limited to a maximum of five minutes. The intent of these regulations is to reduce construction emissions; however, compliance with the anti -idling and emission reduction regulations discussed above would also result in fuel savings from the more efficient use of equipment.
The diesel and gasoline use for construction activities would be temporary and constitute a small fraction of the regional usage; therefore, the construction energy demand of the HEU would be within the supply and infrastructure service capabilities of PG& E and SVCE arid Would not require additional local or regional capacity.
Overall, construction activities that would be required as part of implementation of the HEU would not be unusual as compared to overall local and regional demand for energy resources and would not involve characteristics that require equipment that would be less energy - efficient than at comparable construction sites in the region or state. Therefore, the HEU would not result in the inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary consumption of energy during construction. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Operational Building Efficiency
Future housing development would require electricity for building operation ( e. g., appliances, lighting, air conditioning, space and water heating). Consistent with the City' s Reach Codes, all development under the HEU would be required to be all -electric with no natural gas infrastructure, which eliminates natural gas usage onsite. While this would increase the electricity use associated with the development as compared to development with both electricity and natural gas usage, the increasing percentage of electricity from renewable sources provided by PG& E and SVCE in response to RPS standards would result in a transition from the use of nonrenewable energy to cleaner, renewable energy sources ( see RPS program described above in Section 4. 5. 3, Regulatory Setting). Provision of EV charging infrastructure as required by the City' s Reach Codes and Mitigation Measure GHG- I would also increase electricity use. The Reach Codes also include onsite photovoltaic requirements for residential developments which would offset part of this increase, encourage use of renewable solar energy and reduce reliance on the grid.
Prior to development at individual parcel sites, applicants would be required to ensure that proposed development would meet Title 24 requirements applicable at that time, as required by state regulations through their plan review process. Title 24 reduces energy use in residential and commercial buildings through progressive updates to both the Green Building Standards Code Title 24, Part 11) and the Energy Efficiency Standards ( Title 24, Part 6). Title 24 standards are updated periodically (every 3 years). Provisions added to Title 24 over the years include consideration and incorporation of now energy efficiency technologies and methods for building features such as space conditioning, water heating, and lighting, as well as construction waste diversion goals. Additionally, some standards focus on larger energy -saving concepts such as City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 15 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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reducing loads at peak periods and seasons, improving the quality of energy -saving installations, and performing energy system inspections.
Past updates to the Title 24 standards have proven very effective in reducing building energy use; the 2013 update to the energy efficiency standards was estimated to reduce energy consumption in residential buildings by 25 percent relative to the 2008 standards ( CEC, 2012). The current 2019 Title 24 standards further reduce energy use compared to the 2016 standards, with single-family residential savings of 79 percent for electricity and 9 percent for natural gas. For low- rise multifamily buildings, savings are 79 percent for electricity and 5 percent for natural gas by requiring photovoltaic ( PV) systems for new low- rise residential buildings under three stories ( CEC, 0 1 8b)
Implementation of housing proposed under the HEU would occur between 2023 and 2040. Thus, further energy use reductions beyond the current 2019 standards can be anticipated from future Title 24 code revision cycles, as building permits are issued at future dates corresponding to those code updates. Goals and policies encouraged by the City, including those set forth in the City' s General Plan also support increased energy conservation in new development, such as that which would occur under the HEU. These requirements would decrease the amount of energy required for building operation and ensure that building energy use related to development facilitated by the HEU would not be inefficient or wasteful.
In addition, as part of the RPS program detailed earlier, electric utilities including investor -owned utilities and community choice aggregators are required to increase the percentage of electricity provided from renewable resources. Though the RPS program does not necessarily increase energy efficiency, implementation of this program reduces use of non- renewable energy sources.
The legislation requires utilities to increase the percentage of electricity obtained from renewable sources to 33 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2030. SB 100 furthered these standards to require electric utilities to procure eligible renewable electricity for 44 percent of retail sales by 2024, 52 percent by 2027, and 60 percent by December 2030. SB 100 also specifies that CARB should plan for 100 percent eligible renewable energy resources and zero -carbon resources by December 31, 2045. CPUC and the CEC jointly implement the RPS program and PG& E and SVCE, electric utility providers to Mountain View are required to adhere to these standards and deadlines. Therefore, housing developed as part of the HEU would be consistent with these regulations.
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Vehicle trips generated by housing developed pursuant to the HEU would increase use of transportation fuels, primarily gasoline and diesel. Enhanced fuel economies realized pursuant to federal and state regulatory actions such as increasingly stringent CAFE/Pavley standards for vehicle fuel efficiency, and transition of vehicles to alternative energy sources ( e. g., electricity, natural gas, biofuels, hydrogen cells) would decrease future gasoline fuel demands per VMT.
Additionally, the l( Rdti011 Or the parcels identified for development by the, HFIJ within priority development areas proximate to existing development served by urban services reduces VMT within the region, acting to also reduce regional vehicle energy demands. Furthermore, approval of the HEU itself, as a policy document update, would not change these regulations and would City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 16 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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not provide any goals, policies, or programs that would result in transportation energy consumption. Therefore, transportation energy consumption would not be considered inefficient, wasteful, or otherwise unnecessary and the HEU would be consistent with regulations to reduce transportation energy use.
Considering these requirements, energy use associated with the construction and operation of housing facilitated by the HEU would not be considered unnecessary and wasteful and would be consistent with all applicable plans, policies and regulations developed to encourage energy conservation and renewable energy use. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
In addilion, Mitigation Measure AIR -lb, presented In Section 4. 2, 1lir• Quality, of Llils EIR requires the use of clednei construction equipment meeting the U. S. ETA' s Tier 4 Final standards if subsequent projects proposed as part of the HFJ J are found to generate construction emissions in excess of the BAAQMD' s project -level construction thresholds. Newer equipment meeting the Tier 4 Final standards would also be energy efficient when compared to older equipment, which would further reduce energy use during construction.
Mitigation: None required.
This section presents an analysis of the cumulative effects of the HEU in combination with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could cause cumulatively considerable impacts. Significant cumulative impacts related to energy could occur ifthe incremental impacts of the HEU combined with the incremental impacts of one or more cumulative projects.
Cumulative impacts of the HEU related to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy during construction and operation and the potential to conflict with or obstruct adopted energy conservation plans or violate energy efficiency standards would be the same as discussed under Impact ENE- 1. Energy consumption effects related to individual projects are localized and would not combine with similar effects in other locations. However, continued growth in the City of Mountain View and throughout PG& E and SVCE' s service areas could contribute to ongoing increases in demand for electricity and natural gas.
Impact ENE- LCU: Implementation of the HEU would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources during project construction and operation or conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
Less than Significant)
The HEU, in conjunction with cumulative development in the City, would increase housing in an already developed area and result in increased energy consumption. Potential impacts to energy resources from future housing development that is facilitated by the HEU would be site -specific and would require applications for development permits that would be evaluated on a case -by - case basis. Each cumulative project would require separate discretionary approval and evaluation City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 17 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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4. 5 Energy
under CEQA, which would address potential energy consumption impacts, if any, and identify necessary mitigation measures, where appropriate. Additionally, any future housing development facilitated by the HEU would be subject to compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements for energy efficiency, including the California Energy Code Building Energy Efficiency Standards ( CCR Title 24, Part 6), the CALGreen Code ( CCR Title 24, Part 11), and SB 743. Consequently, future housing development facilitated by the HEU would not result in significant environmental impacts from the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources during construction or operation; and would not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. Therefore, the HEU' s contribution to the cumulative energy impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation. None requited.
4. 5. 7 Summary of Energy Impacts
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact ENE- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of
energyy resources, during project construction
or operation or conflict with or obstruct a state
or local plan for renewable energy or energy
efficiency.
Impact ENE- 1. 1311- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy resources
during project construction and operation or
conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency.
California Air Resources Board ( CARB), 2013. Clean Car Standards - Pavley, Assembly Bill 1493, last reviewed on May 6, 2013. Available at: https:// www. gsweventcenter. com/ GSW- RTC- References/ 2015- 0915- C1eanAirStandards- Pavley. pdf. Accessed June 2022.
CARB, 202 Ia. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2000 to 2019 - Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators, July 28, 2021, Available at: https:// ww2.arb. ca.gov/sites/ default/ files/ classic/ cc/ ca- ghg- inventory- trends- 2000- 2019. pdf. Accessed June 2022.
CARB, 202 lb. Advanced Clean Trucks Fact Sheet - Accelerating Zero -Emissions Truck Markets, last updated August 20, 2021. Available at: https:// ww2. ai-b. ca. gov/ sites/ default/files/2021- 08/ 200625factsheet- ADA.pdf. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 18 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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California Department of Tax and Fee Administration ( CDTFA), 2022a. MVF 10 Year Report.
Available at: https:// www. cdtfa. ca. gov/taxes- and- fees/ spftrpts. htm. Accessed on January 27, 2022.
CDTFA, 2022b. Taxable Diesel Gallons 10 Year Report. Available at:
li( Lps: Hwww. cd[ f,t.(,. i.gov/ Ldxes- and- fees/ spftrpts. litjii. Accessed on January 27, 2022.
California Energy Commission ( CEC), 2012. Energy Commission Approves More Efficient Buildings for California' s Future, Available at: https:// planning. lacity. org/ eir/ CrossroadsHwd/ deir/files/references/C17.pdf. Accessed June 2022.
CEC, 2018a. 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings. Available at: https:// www. energy. ca. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2021- 06/ CEC- 400- 2018- 020- CMF- 0. pdf. Accessed June 2022.
CEC, 2018b. 2019 Title 24 Impact Analysis, Update to the California Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Non -Residential Buildings, June 29, 2018. Available at:
https-// s3- tis- we.st
l.amazonaws. com/ waterfrontballparkdistrict. com/ 13 - ReferencesintheDraftEIR- Section4- 5Energy/ 2018- 06- 29- cec- 2019title24impactanalysis. pdf. Accessed June 2022.
CEC, 2020. 2020 California Annual Retail Fuel Outlet Report Results ( CEC- A15), August 31, 2020. Available at: https:// www. energy. ca.gov/ media/ 3874. Accessed June 2022.
CEC, 2022a, 2020 Total System Electric Generation. Available at:
https:// www.energy, ca.gov/data-reports/ energy- almanac/ california- electricity- data/ 2020- total- system- electric- generation. Accessed on May 2022.
CEC, 2022b. California Energy Consumption Database. Available at:
https:// ecdms. energy. ca. gov/. Accessed May 2022.
California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC), 2022. RPS Program Overview. Available at:
https:// www. cpuc. ca.gov/ RPS_ Overview/#:-: text=The% 20CPUC' s% 20responsibilities% 20 include% 3A,contracts% 20for% 20RPS% 2Dcligible% 20oncrgy. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View, 2019, Mountain View Green Building Code, 2019. Available online:
https:// www. mountainview. gov/ depts/ comdev/ building/ construction/ 2019- mountain- view green- building. and- reach- Codes. asp. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View, 2021. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended through April 13, 2021. Available at:
https://www.mountainview.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=10702. Accessed June 2022.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company ( PG& E), 2022a. Company Profile. Available at:
https:// www.pge. com/ en- US/ about- pge/ company- information/ profile/ profile.page.
Accessed June 2022.
PG& E, 2022b. PG& E 2020 Power Content label. Available at:
https:// www.energy.ca.gov/ filebrowser/ download/ 3882. Accessed on June 2022.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 5- 19 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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United States Energy Information Administration ( USEPA), 2022. California State Profile and Energy Estimates - Profile Analysis, last updated March 17, 2022. Available at:
https:// www. eia. gov/ state/ analysis. php?sid= CA. Accessed June 2022.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA), 2012. EPA and NHTSA Set Standards to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Improve Fuel Economy, for Afodel Years 2017-2025 Cars and Light Trucks. August 2012. Available at:
https:// nepis. epa. gov/ Exe/ ZyPDF. cgi/ PIOOEZ7C. PDF? Dockey= PlOOEZ7C. PDF. Accessed May 2022.
USEPA, 2022. EPA Restores California' s Authority to Enforce Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for Cars and Light Trucks, March 9, 2022. Available. httpF,:// www. epa. gov/ n(-wFreleases/ opa- restores- californias- authority- enforce- greenhousegas- eiiiissloii- sLaiidaids- cats- aiid. Accessed June 2022.
USEPA and National I fighway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA), 2019. One National Program Rule on Federal Preemption of State Fuel Economy Standards. Available at:
https: Hnepis. epa. gov/ Exe/ ZyPDF. cgi?Dockcy= PI00X14W. pdf. Accessed January 27, 2022.
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4. 6 Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
This section assesses the potential for the Project to result in significant adverse impacts on geology, soils, and paleontological resources. This section first Includes a description of (lie existing environmental setting as it relates to geology, soils, and paleontological resources, and provides a regulatory framework that discusses applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
This section also includes an evaluation of potential significant impacts of the Project on geology, soil, and paleontological resources.
The Notice of Preparation ( NOP) for the FIR was circulated on February 4, 20?? and a scoping meeting was held on February 24, 2022. The NOP and the comments received during the public comment period can be found in Appendix A of this EIR. No comments relating to geology, soils, or paleontological resources were received during the NOP comment period.
4. 6. 2 Environmental Setting
Regional and Local Geology
Geologic mapping by Dibblee and Minch (2007) indicates that the geologic deposits that occur within the City of Mountain View ( City) are entirely various types of Holocene - age alluvial deposits ( Dibblee & Minch, 2007).
Soils
Expansive Soil
Expansive soils are soils that possess a " shrink -swell" characteristic, also referred to as linear extensibility. Shrink -swell is the cyclic change in volume ( expansion and contraction) that occurs in fine- grained clay sediments from the process of wetting and drying; the volume change is reported as a percent change for the whole soil. Changes in soil moisture can result from rainfall, landscape irrigation, utility leakage, roof drainage, and/ or perched groundwater. 1 This cyclical change in soil volume is measured using the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) (NRCS, 2017). The Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS) relies on linear extensibility measurements to determine the shrink -swell potential of soils. Ifthe linear extensibility percent is more than 3 percent ( COLE= 0. 03), shrinking and swelling may cause damage to building, roads, and other structures ( NRCS, 2017). Structural damage may occur incrementally over a long period of time, usually as a result of inadequate soil and foundation engineering or the placement of structures directly on expansive soils.
Soil expansion generally occurs in fine- grained clayey sediments, which could be present within the City. The NRCS Web Soil Survey data is generally useful at a large scale ( meaning when evaluating an area in more detail). As such, Web Soil Survey expansive soil data is not available at a regional scale. The varying geology of the area is indicative of varying soil conditions across Perched groundwater is a local saturated zone above the water table that typically exists above an impervious layer such as clay) of limited extent.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 1 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 6 Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
the City. As discussed above, expansive soils generally occur in fine-grained clayey sediments, which could be present throughout the City. Although, according to geologic mapping, the North Bayshore neighborhood area is very likely to contained these types of sediments ( Dibblee & Minch, 2007).
Geologic Hazards
Faulting
There are there are no Holocene- active2 faults within the City of Mountain View ( City). There are four pre -I lolocene 3 faults that occur within the City: the Cascade, Palo Alto, Sari Jose, and Stanford faults. While there are no Holocene -active faults wlthlii the City, the Monte Vista - Shannon and the San Andreas fault zones are in proximity to the City... approximately I mile and 5 miles southeast of the City, respectively. The Monte Vista -Shannon and San Andreas fault zones have had recent movement and are likely sources of future ground shaking.
The State Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act ( Alquist- Priolo Act) prohibits the development of structures for human occupancy across active fault traces. Under this Act, the California Geological Survey ( CGS) has established " Zones of Required Investigation" on either side of an active fault that delimits areas susceptible to surface fault rupture. The zones are referred to as Earthquake Fault Zones ( EFZs) and are shown on official maps published by the CGS. Surface rupture occurs when the ground surface is broken due to a fault movement during an earthquake; typically, these types of hazards occur within 50 feet of an active fault.
As discussed above, there are no Holocene -active faults within the City, and therefore, there are no EFZs within the City ( CGS, 2022).
03= 2
a
Ground shaking occurs due to a seismic event and can cause extensive damage to life and property and may affect areas hundreds of miles away from the earthquake' s epicenter. The extent of the damage varies by event and is determined by several factors, including ( but not limited to) magnitude and depth of the earthquake, distance from epicenter, duration and intensity of the shaking, underlying soil and rock types, and integrity of structures.
The entire San Francisco Bay Area, including the City, could be subject to strong groundshaking during earthquakes. The 2014 Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities ( WGCEP)4 concluded that there is a 72 percent probability that a magnitude ( Mw) 6. 7 earthquake or higher could occur in the San Francisco Bay Area over the next 30 years ( WGCEP, 2015). 2 Holocene -active faults show evidence of displacement within the Holocene Epoch, or the last 11, 700 years are considered active ( CGS 2008).
3 Pre -Holocene faults have not shown evidence of displacement in the last 11, 700 years ( CGS 2008). 4 Also referred to as WGCEP 2014, this is a working group comprised of seismologists from the U. S. Geological Survey ( USGS), California Geological Survey ( CGS), Southern California Earthquake Center ( SCEC), and California Earthquake Authority ( CEA).
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 2 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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HUM=
Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which unconsolidated, water saturated sediments become unstable due to the effects of strong seismic shaking. During an earthquake, these sediments can behave like a liquid, potentially causing severe damage to overlying structures. Lateral spreading is a variety of minor landslide that occurs when unconsolidated liquefiable material broaks, and spreads due to the effects of gravity, usually down gentle slopes. Liquefaction - induced lateral spreading is defined as the finite, lateral displacement of gently sloping ground as a result of pore -pressure buildup or liquefaction in a shallow underlying deposit during an earthquake. The occurrence of this phenomenon is dependent on many complex factors, including the intensity and duration of ground shaking, particle -size distribution, and density of the soil.
The potential damaging effects of liquefaction Include loss of ground support for foundations, ground cracking, heaving and cracking of structure stabs due to sand boiling, and buckling of deep foundations due to ground settlement. Dynamic settlement i.e., pronounced consolidation and settlement from seismic shaking) may also occur in loose, dry sands above the water [ able, resulting in settlement of and possible damage to overlying structures.
In general, a relatively high potential for liquefaction exists in loose, sandy soils that are within 50 feet of the ground surface and are saturated ( below the groundwater table). Lateral spreading can move blocks of soil, placing strain on buried pipelines that can lead to leaks or pipe failure.
According to the EQ Zapp, the City is almost entirely within an established liquefaction zone CGS, 2022).
Landslides are one of the various types of downslope movements in which rock, soil, and other debris are displaced due to the effects of gravity. The potential for material to detach and move down slope depends on multiple factors including the type of material, water content, and steepness of terrain. Generally, earthquake -induced landslides occur within deposits of a moderate to high landslide potential when ground shaking triggers slope failures during or as a result of a nearby earthquake.
The urbanized, developed areas of the City have a very low landslide potential due to the relatively flat topography and lack of slopes and hills. According to the EQ Zapp, the City is not within any established earthquake -induced landslide zones ( CGS, 2022). Additionally, there are no historic landslides mapped within the City ( Dibblee & Minch, 2007).
Paleontological resources are the mineralized (fossilized) remains of prehistoric plants and animals, including body fossils, such as bones, bark or wood, and shell, as well as trace fossils, such as shell, leaf, skin, or feather impressions, footprints, burrows, or other evidence of an organism' s life or activity. These resources are located within sedimentary rocks or alluvium and are considered to be nonrenewable.
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) has established standard guidelines that outline professional protocols and practices for conducting paleontological resource assessments and City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 3 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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4. 6 Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
surveys; monitoring and mitigation; data and fossil recovery; sampling procedures; and specimen preparation, identification, analysis, and curation (SVP, 2010). Most practicing professional vertebrate paleontologists adhere closely to the SVP' s assessment, mitigation, and monitoring requirements as provided in its standard guidelines.
The SVP ( SVP, 2010: 11) defines a significant fossil resource as:
fossils and fossiliferous deposits, here defined as consisting of identifiable vertebrate fossils, large or small, uncommon invertebrate, plant, and trace fossils, and other data that provide taphonomic, taxonomic, phylogenetic, paleciecologic, stratigraphic, and/ or biochronologic information. Paleontological resources are considered to be older than recorded human history and/ or older than middle Holocene ( i.e., older than about 5, 000 radiocarbon years).
Based on the significance definitions of SVP ( 2010), all identifiable vertebrate fossils are considered to have significant scientific value. This position is adhered to because vertebrate fossils are relatively uncommon, and only rarely would a fossil locality yield a statistically significant number of specimens of the same genus. Therefore, every vertebrate fossil found has the potential to provide significant new information on the taxon it represents, its palecienvironment, 5 and/or its distribution. Furthermore, all geologic units in which vertebrate fossils have previously been found are considered to have high sensitivity. Identifiable plant and invertebrate fossils are considered significant if found in association with vertebrate fossils or if defined as significant by project paleontologists, specialists, or local government agencies.
Paleontological sensitivity is defined as the potential for a geologic formation to produce scientifically significant fossils. This is determined by rock type, past history of the geologic unit in producing significant fossils, and fossil localities recorded from that unit. Paleontological sensitivity is derived from the known fossil data collected from the entire geologic unit, not just from a specific survey. In its StandardProcedures for the Assessment and Mitigation ofAdverse Impacts to Non- renewable Paleontologic Resources, the SVP ( 2010: 1- 2) defines four categories of paleontological sensitivity ( potential) for rock units: high, low, undetermined, and no potential:
High Potential: Rock units from which vertebrate or significant invertebrate, plant, or trace fossils have been recovered are considered to have a high potential for containing additional significant paleontological resources.
Low Potential: Rock units that are poorly represented by fossil specimens in institutional collections, or based on general scientific consensus only preserve fossils in rare circumstances and the presence of fossils is the exception not the rule.
Undetermined Potential: Rock units for which little information is available concerning their paleontological content, geologic age, and depositional environment.
No Potential: Rock units like high- grade metamorphic rocks ( such as gneisses and schists) and plutonic igneous rocks ( such as granites and diorites) that will not preserve fossil resources.
5 A paleoenvironment is the past environment of an area during a given time period in the past.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 4 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
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4. 6 Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
As indicated by geologic mapping, the surficial geology within the planning area is composed of Holocene - age alluvial deposits ( Dibblee & Minch, 2007) As discussed, in general, Holocene -age alluvial deposits are considered to have a low potential to contain significant paleontological resources, based on the relatively recent age of the deposits SVP, 2010); the youngest Holocene -age deposits ( i.e., younger than 5, 000 radiocarbon years) have a particularly low potential. Deposits that date to the middle Holocene ( i.e., older than 5, 000 radiocarbon years) have a potential that increases as the depth into the deposits increases.
A record search of the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) online fossil locality database indicates that there have been no previously recorded vertebrate fossil localities within I lolocene- age sediments ( UCMP, 2022). There are records of 5 localities from Holocene - age deposits from Santa Clara County; there are 2 invertebrate localities, one locality with plant fossils and tnicrofossils, and 2 others [ fiat are unlabeled ( UCMP, 2022).
In summary, the surficial Holocene -age alluvial deposits are considered to have a low potential to contain significant paleontological resources, with the potential increasing to high within the deeper layers of the unit. The more urban areas of the City are underlain by highly disturbed fill; the surficial materials would have a very low potential for paleontological resources. woul0R10i'memE2ZE-2M
27-7111 =-.
Clean Water Act
The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and subsequent amendments, under the enforcement authority of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA), was enacted " to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation' s waters." The purpose of the CWA is to protect and maintain the quality and integrity of the nation' s waters by requiring states to develop and implement state water plans and policies. The CWA gave the USEPA the authority to implement pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry. In California, implementation and enforcement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) program is conducted through the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards RWQCBs) . The CWA also sets water quality standards for surface waters and established the NPDES program to protect water quality through various sections of the CWA, including Sections 401 through 404 and 303( d) that are implemented and regulated by the SWRCB and the nine RWQCBs. Section 402 of the CWA would apply to the Project because construction at the housing sites would be required to control discharges of pollutants from point sources, as discussed below.
Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act was passed in 1972 to protect structures for human occupancy from the hazard of surface faulting. In accordance with the act, the State City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Geologist has established regulatory zones — called earthquake fault zones — around the surface traces of active faults and has published maps showing these zones. Buildings for human occupancy cannot be constructed across surface traces of faults that are determined to be active.
Because many active faults are complex and consist of more than one branch that may experience ground surface rupture, earthquake fault zones extend approximately 200 to 500 feet on either side of the mapped fault trace.
III
The California Building Code ( CBC), which is codified in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Part 2, was promulgated to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum standards related to structural strength, means of egress to facilities entering and exiting), and general stability of buildings. The purpose or the CBC is to regulate and control the design, construction, quality of materials, use/ occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures within its jurisdiction. Title 24 is administered by the California Building Standards Commission, which, by law, is responsible for coordinating all building standards. Under State law, all building standards must be centralized in Title 24 or they are not enforceable. The provisions of the CBC apply to the construction, alteration, movement, replacement, location, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout California.
The 2019 edition of the CBC is based on the 2018 International Building Code ( IBC) published by the International Code Council, which replaced the Uniform Building Code ( UBC). The code is updated triennially, and the 2019 edition of the CBC was published by the California Building Standards Commission on July 1, 2019, and took effect starting January 1, 2020. The 2019 CBC contains California amendments based on the American Society of Civil Engineers ( ASCE) Minimum Design Standard ASCE/ SEI 7- 16, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, provides requirements for general structural design and includes means for determining earthquake loads as well as other loads ( such as wind loads) for inclusion into building codes. Seismic design provisions of the building code generally prescribe minimum lateral forces applied statically to the structure, combined with the gravity forces of the dead and live loads of the structure, which the structure then must be designed to withstand. The prescribed lateral forces are generally smaller than the actual peak forces that would be associated with a major earthquake. Consequently, structures should be able to ( 1) resist minor earthquakes without damage; ( 2) resist moderate earthquakes without structural damage but with some nonstructural damage; and ( 3) resist major earthquakes without collapse, but with some structural as well as nonstructural damage. Conformance to the current building code recommendations does not constitute any kind of guarantee that significant structural damage would not occur in the event of a maximum magnitude earthquake; however, it is reasonable to expect that a structure designed in accordance with the seismic requirements of the CBC should not collapse in a major earthquake.
The earthquake design requirements take into account the occupancy category of the structure, site class, soil classifications, and various seismic coefficients, all of which are used to determine a seismic design category (SDC) for a project. The SDC is a classification system that combines the occupancy categories with the level of expected ground motions at the site; SDC ranges from A (very small seismic vulnerability) to E/ F ( very high seismic vulnerability and near a major City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 6 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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fault), Seismic design specifications are determined according to the SDC in accordance with CBC Chapter 16. CBC Chapter 18 covers the requirements of geotechnical investigations Section 1803), excavation, grading, and fills (Section 1804), load -bearing of soils (Section 1806), as well as foundations ( Section 1808), shallow foundations ( Section 1809), and deep foundations ( Section 1810). For Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F, Chapter 18 requires analysis of slope instability, liquefaction, and surface rupture attributable to faulting or lateral spreading, plus an evaluation of lateral pressures on basement and retaining walls, liquefaction and soil strength loss, and lateral movement or reduction in foundation soil -bearing capacity. It also addresses measures to be considered in structural design, which may include ground stabilization, selecting appropriate foundation type and depths, selecting appropriate structural systems to accommodate anticipated displacements, or any combination of these measures. The potential for liquefaction and soil strength loss must he evaluated for site -specific peak ground acceleration magnitudes and source characteristics consistent with the design earthquake ground motions.
Requirements for geotechnical investigations are included in Appendix J, CBC Section J 104, Engineered Grading Requirements. As outlined in Section J 104, applications for a grading permit are required to be accompanied by plans, specifications, and supporting data consisting of a soils engineering report and engineering geology report. Additional requirements for subdivisions requiring tentative and final maps and for other specified types of structures are in California Health and Safety Code Sections 17953 to 17955 and in 2013 CBC Section 1802. Testing of samples from subsurface investigations is required, such as from borings or test pits. Studies must be done as needed to evaluate slope stability, soil strength, position and adequacy of load -bearing soils, the effect of moisture variation on load -bearing capacity, compressibility, liquefaction, differential settlement, and expansiveness.
The design of the proposed homes and associated infrastructure would be required to comply with CBC requirements, which would make the Project consistent with the CBC.
As discussed, the Clean Water Act mandates controls on discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems ( MS4s). Acting under the Federal mandate and the California Water Code, California Water Boards require cities, towns, and counties to regulate activities that may result in pollutants entering storm drains. All municipalities prohibit non- stormwater discharges to storm drains and require residents and businesses to use BMPs to minimize the amount of pollutants in runoff. To enforce prohibitions and to promote the use of BMPs, the municipalities inspect businesses and construction sites, conduct public education and outreach, sweep streets, and clean storm drains. In addition, municipalities actively support projects to assess, monitor, and restore local creeks and wetlands.
113MM—M)7= 1 J V17 =02—
General Permit
Construction associated with the Project would disturb more than one acre of land surface affecting the quality of stormwater discharges into waters of the U. S. The Project would, therefore, be subject to the NPDES General Permitfor Stormwater Discharges Associated with City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 7 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Construction and Land Disturbance Activities ( Order 2009- 0009- DWQ, NPDES No.
CAS000002; as amended by Orders 2010- 0014- DWQ and 2012- 006- DWQ). The Construction General Permit regulates discharges of pollutants in stormwater associated with construction activity to waters of the U. S. from construction sites that disturb one acre or more of land surface, or that are part of a common plan of development or sale that disturbs more than one acre of land surface. The permit regulates stormwater discharges associated with construction or demolition activities, such as clearing and excavation; construction of buildings; and linear underground projects, including installation of water pipelines and other utility lines.
The Construction General Permit requires that construction sites be assigned a Risk Level of 1 ( low), 2 ( medium), or 3 ( high), based both on the sediment transport risk at the site and the receiving waters risk during periods of soil exposure ( e. g., grading and site stablIlzatlon). The sediment risk level iefleas the relative amount of sediment that could potentially be discharged to receiving water bodies and is based on the nature of the construction activities and the location of the site relative to receiving water bodies. The receiving waters risk level reflects the risk to the receiving waters from the sediment discharge. Depending on the risk level, the construction projects could be subject to the following requirements:
Effluent standards;
Good site management " housekeeping;"
Non- stormwater management;
Erosion and sediment controls;
Run- on and runoff controls:
Inspection, maintenance, and repair; or
Monitoring and reporting requirements.
The Construction General Permit requires the development and implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan ( SWPPP) that includes specific best management practices ( BMPs) designed to prevent sediment and pollutants from contacting stormwater moving off site into receiving waters. The BMPs fall into several categories, including erosion control, sediment control, waste management and good housekeeping, and are intended to protect surface water quality by preventing the off -site migration of eroded soil and construction -related pollutants from the construction area. Routine inspection of all BMPs is required under the provisions of the Construction General Permit. In addition, the SWPPP is required to contain a visual monitoring program, a chemical monitoring program for non -visible pollutants, and a sediment monitoring plan if the site discharges directly to a water body listed on the 303( d) list for sediment.
The SWPPP must be prepared before the construction begins. The SWPPP must contain a site map( s) that delineates the construction work area, existing and proposed buildings, parcel boundaries, roadways, stormwater collection and discharge points, general topography both before and after construction, and drainage patterns across the project area. The SWPPP must list BMPs and the placement of those BMPs that the applicant would use to protect stormwater runoff. Additionally, the SWPPP must contain a visual monitoring program; a chemical City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 8 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures 4, 6 Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
monitoring program for " non -visible" pollutants to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs; and a sediment monitoring plan if the site discharges directly to a water body listed on the 303( d) list for sediment. Examples of typical construction BMPs include scheduling or limiting certain activities to dry periods, installing sediment barriers such as silt fence and fiber rolls, and maintaining equipment and vehicles used for construction Non- stormwater management measures include installing specific discharge controls during certain activities, such as paving operations, vehicle and equipment washing and fueling. The Construction General Permit also sets post -construction standards ( i.e., implementation of BMPs to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges from the site following construction).
In the Project area, the Construction General Permit Is Implemented ' Ind entfoiced by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, which administers the stormwater permitting program. Dischargers must electronically submit a notice of intent and peindt registration documents to obtain coverage under this Construction General Permit. Dischargers are to notify the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board of violations or incidents of non compliance, and submit annual reports identifying deficiencies in the BMPs and explaining how the deficiencies were corrected. The risk assessment and SWPPP must be prepared by a State Qualified SWPPP Developer, and implementation of the SWPPP must be overseen by a State Qualified SWPPP Practitioner. A legally responsible person, who is legally authorized to sign and certify permit registration documents, is responsible for obtaining coverage under the permit.
State requirements for management of paleontological resources are included in Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 5097. 5 and Section 30244. These statutes prohibit the removal of any paleontological site or feature from public lands without permission of the jurisdictional agency, define the removal of paleontological sites or features as a misdemeanor, and require reasonable mitigation of adverse impacts on paleontological resources from developments on public (state, county, city, district) lands.
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act was passed in 1990 following the Loma Prieta earthquake to reduce threats to public health and safety and to minimize property damage caused by earthquakes. This act requires the State Geologist to delineate various seismic hazard zones, and cities, counties, and other local permitting agencies to regulate certain development projects within these zones. For projects that would locate structures for human occupancy within designated Zones of Required Investigation, the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act requires project applicants to perform a site -specific geotechnical investigation to identify the potential site - specific seismic hazards and corrective measures, as appropriate, prior to receiving building permits. The CGS Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards ( Special Publication 117A) provides guidance for evaluating and mitigating seismic hazards ( CGS 2008).
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MOM
The Mountain View 2030 General Plan is the guiding document for the City' s physical development and preservation. It includes goals, policies and graphics that convey a long-term vision and guide local decision making to achieve that vision. The Land Use and Design and Public Safety Elements of the General Plan includes the following policies related to geology, soils, and paleontological resources ( City of Mountain View, 2021).
Goal LUD- 11: Preserved and protected and important historic and cultural resources.
Polies LUD- 11. 5. Archeological and paleontological site ptutection. Requite all new development to meet state codes regarding the identification and protection of archeological arid paleontological sites.
Goal PSA- 5: The Protection of life and property from seismic hazards.
Policy PSA- 5. 1: New development. Ensure new development addresses seismically induced geologic hazards.
Policy PSA- 5.2: Alquist-Priolo zones. Development shall comply with the Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.
Policy PSA- 5. 4: Utility Design. Ensure new underground utilities, particularly water and natural gas lines, are designed to meet current seismic standards.
Chapter 8 of the City Code of Ordinances requires adherence to the CBC, 2019 edition, which incorporates, by adoption, the 2015 edition of the IBC of the International Code Council, with California amendments. This code specifies designs for structural integrity, including in a seismically active area.
As part of discretionary review, the City has standard conditions for different types of approvals as of October 25, 2021). For all construction activities, the City has standard conditions relating to geology, soils, and paleontological resources, as summarized below.
A " Notice of Intent" ( NOI) and " Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan" ( SWPPP) shall be prepared for construction projects disturbing one ( 1) acre or more of land. Proof of coverage under the State General Construction Activity Stormwater Permit shall be attached to the building plans.
ITIIR707
The applicant shall submit a written plan acceptable to the City which shows controls that will be used at the site to minimize sediment runoff and erosion during storm events. The plan should include installation of the following items where appropriate: ( a) silt fences around the site perimeter; ( b) gravel bags surrounding catch basins; ( c) filter fabric over catch basins; ( d) covering of exposed stockpiles; ( e) concrete washout areas; ( 0 stabilized rock/gravel driveways at City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 10 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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points of egress from the site; and ( 9) vegetation, hydroseeding, or other soil stabilization methods for high -erosion areas. The plan should also include routine street sweeping and storm drain catch basin cleaning.
0 11
The applicant shall have a design -level geotechnical investigation prepared which includes recommendations to address and mitigate geologic hazards in accordance with the specifications of California Geological Survey ( CGS) Special Publication 117, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards, and the requirements of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act. The report will be submitted to the City during building plan check, and the recommendations made in the geoLecht dcal report will be iniplen lei aed as part of the project and included in building permit drawings and civil drawings as needed. Recommendations may include considerations for design of permanent below grade walls to resist static lateral earth pressures, lateral pressures causes by seismic activity, and traffic loads; method for backdratining walls to prevent the build- up of hydrostatic pressure; considerations for design of excavation shoring system; excavation monitoring; and seismic design.
iilr_111
In the event that a fossil is discovered during construction of the project, excavations within 50' of the find shall be temporarily halted or delayed until the discovery is examined by a qualified paleontologist, in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards. The City shall include a standard inadvertent discovery clause in every construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement. If the find is determined to be significant and if avoidance is not feasible, the paleontologist shall design and carry out a data recovery plan consistent with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards.
Soils Report
As required by the State Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, a project site -specific geotechnical investigation shall be conducted by a registered soils/ geologist identifying any seismic hazards and recommending mitigation measures to be taken by the project. The applicant, through the applicant' s registered soils engineer/ geologist, shall certify the project complies with the requirements of the State Seismic Hazards Mapping Act. Indicate the location ( page number) within the geotechnical report of where this certification is located, or provide a separate letter stating such. 0-19-M -aF.-
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to geology, soil, and paleontological resources are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
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. Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42;
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ii) Strong seismic ground shaking;
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction; or iv) Landslides.
Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
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.
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.
Have soils, incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water.
Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature.
This environmental analysis of the potential impacts related to geology, soils, and paleontological and mineral resources is based on a review of the results of the review of literature and database research ( geologic, seismic, and soils, and paleontological resources reports and maps), and the Mountain View 2030 General Plan,
The Project would be regulated by the various laws, regulations, and policies summarized above in Section 4. 7. 3, Regulatory Setting. Compliance by the Project with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations is assumed in this analysis and local and state agencies would be expected to continue to enforce applicable requirements to the extent that they do so now. Note that compliance with many of the regulations is a condition of permit approval.
After considering the implementation of the Project described in Chapter 3, Project Description, and compliance with the required regulatory requirements, the environmental analysis below identifies if the defined significance thresholds are exceeded and, therefore, a significant impact would occur. For those impacts considered to be significant, mitigation measures are proposed to the extent feasible to reduce the identified impacts.
The structural elements of the Project would undergo appropriate design -level geotechnical evaluations prior to final design and construction. Implementing the regulatory requirements in the CBC and City ordinances and ensuring that all buildings and structures constructed in compliance with the law is the responsibility of the Project engineers and building officials. The geotechnical engineer, as a registered professional with the State of California, is required to comply with the CBC and local codes while applying standard engineering practice and the appropriate standard of care for the particular region in California, which, in the case of the City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.6- 12 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Project, is Santa Clara County.6 The California Professional Engineers Act (Building and Professions Code Sections 6700- 6799), and the Codes of Professional Conduct, as administered by the California Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, provides the basis for regulating and enforcing engineering practice in California. The local Building Officials are typically with the local jurisdiction and are responsible for inspections and ensuring CBC compliance prior to approval of the building permit.
M 11111111111Y.1101110M=
The Project would have no impact to the following topics based on the Project characteristics, its geographical location, and underlying site, conditions. Therefore, these topics are not addressed further in this document for the following reasons:
0 Location on an actirefindt. As discussed in Section 4. 7. 2, F'aulting, none of the proposed housing sites are located on an active fault. Therefore, this significance criterion is not applicable to the project and is not discussed further.
Septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems. As discussed in Section 3. 5. 2, Housing Sites Inventory, all sites must have access to existing or planned water, sewer, and other dry utilities with sufficient capacity available to support housing development.
Therefore, this significance criterion is not applicable to the project and is not discussed further.
4. 6. 5 Impacts of the Project
Impact GE®- 1: Implementation ofthe HEU would not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault or strong seismic ground shaking. (Less than Significant) There are no Holocene -active faults within the City; however, there are three pre -Holocene faults within the City. Additionally, the Holocene -active Monte Vista -Shannon and San Andreas fault zones are in proximity to the City, and are likely sources for strong seismic ground shaking in the event of an earthquake from either of these fault zones. Due to the proximity to the Monte Vista - Shannon and Sari Andreas fault zones, new developments proposed under the I IEU would be subject to strong seismic ground shaking in the event of an earthquake originating from one of the previously mentioned fault zones. The intensity of such an event would depend on the causative fault and the distance to the epicenter, the magnitude, the duration of shaking, and the nature of the geologic materials on which the Project components would be constructed. Intense groundshaking and high ground accelerations would affect the entire City, including the proposed houses, foundations, and associated utilities. The primary and secondary effects of groundshaking and seismically induced ground failures such as landslides could damage structural foundations, distort or break pipelines, and place people at risk of injury or death. Strong seismic ground shaking has historically caused damage, injury, and loss of life; these hazards could potentially result in damage to new developments, resulting in loss, injury, or death. 6 A geotechnical engineer ( GE) specializes in structural behavior of soil and rocks. GlEs conduct soil investigations, determine soil and rock characteristics, provide input to structural engineers, and provide recommendations to address problematic soils.
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As required by California law and the City' s Standard Condition of Approval for a Geotechnical Report, any new developments would be subject to the seismic design criteria of the California Building Code ( CBC) , which require that all improvements be constructed to withstand anticipated ground shaking from regional fault sources. Each new development would be required to obtain a site -specific geotechnical report prior to the issuance of individual grading permits; each new development would be required to retain a licensed geotechnical engineer to design new structures to withstand probable seismically induced ground shaking. The CBC standards and City codes require all new developments to be designed consistent with a site -specific, design - level geotechnical report, which would be fully compliant with the seismic recommendations of a California -registered professional geotechnical engineer. Adherence to Standard Condition of Approval ( Geotechnical Report) the applicable CBC requirement,,; and City codes would ensure that the, proposed Project would not directly or indirectly cause substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving strong seismic ground shaking. The Impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact GEO- 2: Implementation of the HEU would not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic - related ground failure, including liquefaction. ( Less than Signiji-cant) Based on the available data ( i.e., geologic mapping and liquefaction susceptibility mapping), any new development under the HEU could be subject to moderate soil liquefaction, depending on the soil conditions at the particular site. New developments under the proposed Project could be subjected to the damaging effects of liquefaction in the event of an earthquake in the region.
As required by California law and the Standard Conditions of Approval for a Geotechnical Report and a Soils Report, any new developments would be subject to the seismic design criteria of the CBC and City building codes, which require that all improvements be constructed to withstand any anticipated seismic -related ground failures, including liquefaction and lateral spreading, due to ground shaking from an earthquake. Each new development would be required to obtain a site - specific geotechnical report prior to the issuance of individual grading permits; each new development would be required to retain a licensed geotechnical engineer to investigate and evaluate each new development site and design new structures to withstand probable seismic - related ground failures, such as liquefaction and lateral spreading. The CBC standards and City codes require all new developments to be designed consistent with a site -specific, design -level geotechnical report, which would be fully compliant with the seismic recommendations of a California - registered professional geotechnical engineer. Liquefaction hazards can generally be addressed through site preparation measures or foundation design measures such as removal and replacement of liquefiable soils, densification of these soils, or specific foundation design recommendations. Implementation of these measures in accordance with building code requirements can effectively reduce the hazard to minimize any potential for substantive damage.
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Compliance with Standard Condition of Approval ( Geotechnical Report) and Standard Condition of Approval (Soils Report), and all applicable CBC and City Code requirements would ensure that the proposed Project would not directly or indirectly cause substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact CEO 3: Implementation ofthe HEU would not directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides.
Less than Significant)
As discussed, the City is mostly urbanized and developed, the area is relatively flat with minimal slopes and hillsides. While the landslide potential is low, Standard Condition of Approval Geotechnical Report) and Standard Condition of Approval ( Soils Report) would still be required.
Each specific final, design -level geotechnical report would include specific design requirements that would inform the structural and geotechnical engineering as it related to slope stability, as required by the CBC and City codes. Implementation of these geotechnical design requirements can effectively reduce any potential hazard associated with earthquake - induced landslides.
Compliance with Standard Condition of Approval ( Geotechnical Report) and Standard Condition of Approval ( Soils Report), the CBC, and City code requirements, including implementation of recommendations provided in site -specific geotechnical reports would reduce or avoid impacts related to landslides. Project construction would not directly or indirectly result in adverse effects related to landslides, and the impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact GEO- 4: Implementation of the HEU would not result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. ( Less than Significant)
New developments under the HEU would include ground disturbance activities, such as grading, grubbing, or mass excavation that could contribute to substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. Any new development that would require the disturbance of one or more acres during construction would be subject to the requirements of the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharge Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities ( Construction General Permit), discussed in Section 4. 7. 3, Regulatory Setting, Construction General Permit, The Construction General Permit requires the preparation and implementation of a SWPPP, which would include BMPs designed to control and reduce soil erosion. The BMPs may include dewatering procedures, storm water runoff quality control measures, watering for dust control, and the construction of silt fences, as needed. Additionally, Standard Conditions of Approval for the State of California Construction General Stormwater Permit and Construction Sediment and Erosion Control Plan would also be required. These standard conditions of approval would City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 15 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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include specific measures to reduce the amount of soil erosion as a result of construction activities.
Once constructed and as discussed above in Section 4. 7. 3, Regulatory Setting, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems ( MS4s), the MS4 permit and City codes would require that the design of Projects include recommendations for managing runoff from completed projects to reduce the potential for erosion that could result in ground failures.
Compliance with applicable City standard conditions of approval and the independently enforceable existing requirement to control runoff would ensure that impacts related to erosion and soil loss would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact CEO- 5: Implementation of the HFU would not be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result ofthe project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse.
Less than Significant)
As discussed above, areas within the City could be subject to the potential effects of unstable soils. Any new developments that are proposed in areas determined to be susceptible to unstable geologic or soil conditions would be subject to the damaging effects of these hazards.
As previously discussed above in Impacts GEO- 1, GEO- 2, and GEO- 3, all new developments would be subject to the requirements of applicable City standard conditions of approval, the CBC, and City building codes, which would include conducting geotechnical investigations to analyze potential unstable soil conditions at a site. If unstable soil conditions are determined to be present at a given site, the geotechnical report specific to that site would include site -specific design requirements to implement to reduce or avoid adverse effects associated with unstable soils.
Compliance with applicable City standard conditions of approval, the CBC, and City code requirements, including implementation of recommendations provided in site -specific geotechnical reports would reduce or avoid impacts related to unstable soils to less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact GEO- 6: Implementation of the HEU would not be located on expansive soil, creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property. (Less than Significant) As discussed, soil expansion generally occurs in fine-grained clayey sediments, which could be present in the City —particularly in the North Bayshore neighborhood area. Analysis of expansive soils is standard during geotechnical investigations, as the CBC outlines specific soil engineering City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.6- 16 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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parameters to identify and mitigate for expansive soils. If expansive soils are detected during the geotechnical investigation, further laboratory testing would be required to determine the nature and extent of the affected soils, followed by recommendations to remove, or treat the expansive soils.
Compliance with Standard Condition of Approval ( Gooteclinical Report) and Standard Condition of Approval ( Soils Report), the CBC, and City codes requirement to determine the potential for expansive soils for each individual new development under the proposed Project would ensure that all problematic soils are identified, and soil engineering requirements are implemented. Soil engineering is used to adjust the existing problematic properties of certain soils so that they are suitable for new developments Adherence to the requirements of the. applicable City standard conditions of approval, the CBC, and City codes, and geotechnical Investigation would avoid impacts resulting from potentially expansive soils. Compliance with CBC and City code requirements, including implementation of recommendations provided in site -specific geotechnical reports would reduce or avoid impacts related to expansive soils and impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact GEO-7: Implementation of the HEU would not directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
Geologic mapping indicates that the surficial deposits within the City are composed of Holocene - age alluvial deposits. The Holocene - age alluvium has a low potential to contain significant paleontological resources near the surface, but the potential increases in the deeper, older layers of these deposits. A review of the UCMP online fossil localities database indicates that there are no recorded vertebrate fossil localities within Holocene -age sediments from Santa Clara County.
Although, there are records of invertebrates, plant, and microfossils from Santa Clara County.
The addition of new developments under the HEU would require grading and excavation during the construction phases of housing projects. While Holocene -age alluvial deposits are considered to have a low potential to contain significant paleontological resources near the surface, paleontological resources may be encountered in deeper excavations ( generally, approximately 6 or more feet bgs, depending on site -specific information) into previously undisturbed Holocene - age alluvium. If significant paleontological resources are encountered and inadvertently destroyed during construction of new developments, that would constitute a potentially significant impact.
To ensure potential impacts to significant paleontological resources are less than significant, the Standard Condition of Approval for Discovery of Paleontological Resources would be required in the event of a fossil discovery during construction to ensure that construction is halted, and a qualified paleontologist assesses the find to determine its significance. Implementation of this Standard Condition of Approval ( Discovery of Paleontological Resources) would reduce the City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.6- 17 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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potential impacts to significant planetological resources if they are encountered during construction. The impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
This section presents an analysis of the cumulative effects of the HEU in combination with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could cause cumulatively considerable impacts. Significant cumulative Impacts related to geology, soils, and paleontological resources could occur if the incremental impacts of the. HF1 J combined with the hicteniental inipacts of one or more cumulative projects.
The geographic scope for cumulative effects on geology, soils, and paleontological resources is Citywide.
Impact GEO- I.CU: Implementation of the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not contribute considerably to cumulative impacts on geology, soils, or paleontological resources. ( Less than Significant) Seismically induced groundshaking, liquefaction and lateral spreading, and expansive soils could cause structural damage or pipeline leaks or ruptures. Inadequate design of stormwater control features could result in erosion.
Standard Conditions of Approval for the State of California Construction General Stormwater Permit and Construction Sediment and Erosion Control Plan would be required. The state Construction General Permit would require each project to prepare and implement a SWPPP. The SWPPPs would describe BMPs to control runoff and prevent erosion for each project. Through compliance with this requirement, the potential for erosion impacts would be reduced. The Construction General Permit has been developed to address cumulative conditions arising from construction throughout the state, and is intended to maintain cumulative effects of projects subject to this requirement below levels that would be considered significant. For example, two adjacent construction sites would be required to implement BMPs to reduce and control the release of sediment and/ or other pollutants in any runoff leaving their respective sites. The runoff water from both sites would be required to achieve the same action levels, measured as a maximum amount of sediment or pollutant allowed per unit volume of runoff water. Thus, even if the runoff waters were to combine after leaving the sites, the sediments and/ or pollutants in the combined runoff would still be at concentrations ( amount of sediment or pollutants per volume of runoff water) below action levels and would not be cumulatively considerable ( less than significant).
Standard Conditions ol' Approval Geotechnical Report and Soils Report would be required. State and local building regulations and standards, described in the Section 4. 7. 3, Regulatory Setting, have been established to address seismic and unstable geologic unit and soils conditions. The Project and cumulative projects would be required to comply with applicable provisions of the City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 6- 18 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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CBC and City codes. Through compliance with these requirements, the potential for impacts would be reduced. As explained in the Regulatory Framework, the purpose of the CBC and City codes is to regulate and control the design, construction, quality of materials, use/ occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures within its jurisdiction; by design, it is intended to reduce the cumulative risks from buildings and structures Therefore, based on compliance with these requirements, the incremental impacts of the Project combined with impacts of other projects in the area would not cause a significant cumulative impact related to seismically induced groundshaking, liquefaction and lateral spreading, expansive soils, or erosion, and the Project' s contribution to cumulative effects would not be cumulatively considerable and this impact would be less than significant.
Standard Condition of Approval Discovery of Paleontological Resources Would be required.
Addltlonally, as other cumulative project would also undergo it CEQA it would be determined at the time of analysis if an area has the potential to contain significant paleontological resources. As such, other cumulative projects would be subject to the same SCA as the Project and/ or project -specific mitigation measures. As the HEU and other projects happening simultaneously would be subject to project -specific mitigation measures designed to protect significant paleontological resources, the Project would not cause or contribute to a cumulative considerable impact and would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
4.6. 7 Summary of Geology, Soils, and Paleontological
Impacts
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact GEO- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a
known earthquake fault or strong seismic
ground shaking,
Impact GEO- 2: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving seismic -related
ground failure, including liquefaction.
Impact GEO- 3: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of
loss, injury, or death involving landslides.
Impact GEO- 4: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not result in substantial soil erosion or
the loss of topsoil.
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Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact GEO- 5: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not 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.
Impact GEO- 6: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not be located on expansive soil,
creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life
or property.
Impact 1531170- 7: Implementation of the HFU Less than Significant None required would not directly or Indirectly desbuy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature.
Impact GEO 1. CU; Implementation of the Less than Significant None required HEU, when combined with other past, present,
or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
contribute considerably to cumulative impacts
on geology, soils, or paleontological resources.
California Geological Survey ( CGS), 2008. Special Publication I I 7A - Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California.
City of Mountain View, 2 02 1. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended through April 13, 2021.
Natural Resources Conservation Service ( MRCS), 2017. Title - National Soil Survey Handbook.
Part 618 — Soil Properties and Qualities. Section 618. 41, Linear Extensibility Percent.
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology ( SVP), 2010. Society of Vertebrate Paleontology ( SVP), 2010. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation ofAdverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources. Prepared by: SVP Impact Mitigation Guidelines Revision Committee.
University of California Museum of Paleontology ( UCMP), 2022a. UC Museum of Paleontology Localities database. Fossil localities within Santa Clara County.
Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities (WGCEP), 2015a. UCERR3: A new earthquake forecast far California' s complex fault system: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2015- 3009, March
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4. 7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
4. 7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
j,.7. 1 litroduction
This section assesses the potential for the Project to result in significant adverse impacts on greenhouse gases ( GHGs). This section first includes a description of the existing environmental setting as it relates to GHGs and climate change, and provides a regulatory framework that discusses applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This section also includes an evaluation of potential significant impacts of the Project' s GHG emissions on the environment.
The Notice of Pliepdidtion ( NOP) for the EIR WdS circulated on February 4, 2022 and a scoping meeting was held on February 24, 2022, The NOP and the comments received during the, public comment period can be found In Appendix A of this EIR. No comments, tel'iting to GHG emissions were received during the NOP comment period.
4t. 7. 2 Environmental Settinig
Climate Science
Global warming" and " climate change" are common terms used to describe the increase in the average temperature of the earth' s near -surface air and oceans since the mid- 20th century. Natural processes and human actions have been identified as affecting the climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC) has concluded that variations in natural phenomena such as solar radiation and volcanoes produced most of the warming from pre -industrial times to 1950 and had a small cooling effect afterward.
However, increasing GHG concentrations resulting from human activity since the 19th century, such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and other activities, are believed to be a major factor in climate change. GHGs in the atmosphere naturally trap heat by impeding the exit of solar radiation that has hit the earth and is reflected back into space —a phenomenon referred to as the " greenhouse effect." Some GHGs occur naturally and are necessary for keeping the Earth' s surface habitable. However, increases in the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere during the last 100 years have trapped solar radiation and decreased the amount that is reflected into space, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect, and resulting in the increase of global average temperature.
Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are the principal GHGs. When concentrations of these gases exceed historical concentrations in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect is intensified. CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide occur naturally and are also generated through human activity. Emissions Of CO2 are largely by-products of fossil fuel combustion, whereas methane results from off -gassing, natural gas leaks from pipelines and industrial processes, and incomplete combustion associated with agricultural practices, landfills, energy providers, and other industrial facilities. Nitrous oxide emissions are also largely attributable to agricultural practices and soil management. CO2 sinks include vegetation and the ocean, which absorb CO2 through sequestration and dissolution, and are two of the largest reservoirs Of CO2 sequestration. Other human -generated GHGs include fluorinated gases such as City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 1 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, which have much higher heat - absorption potential than CO2 and are byproducts of certain industrial processes.
CO2 is the reference gas for climate change, as it is the GHG emitted in the highest volume. The effect that each of the GHGs have on global warming is the product of the mass of their emissions and their global warming potential ( GWP). GWP indicates how much a gas is predicted to contribute to global warming relative to how much warming would be predicted to be caused by the same mass Of CO2• For example, methane and nitrous oxide are substantially more potent GHGs than CO2, with GWPs of 25 and 298 times that Of CO2 respectively, which has a GWP of 1 ( CARB, 2022).
In emissions niven(oiies, GIIG emissions are Lyplt- dlly iepoiled as inettIc tons of CO2 equlvdleiiL MTCO,,e) CO2c is calculated aF, the product of the mass emitted of a given GHG and its specific GWP. While methane and nitrous oxide have much higher GWPs than CO2, CO2 is emitted in higher quantities and it accounts for the majority of GHG emissions in CO2e, both from commercial developments and human activity in general.
The scientific community' s understanding of the fundamental processes responsible for global climate change has improved over the past decade, and its predictive capabilities are advancing.
However, there remain scientific uncertainties in, for example, predictions of local effects of climate change, occurrence, frequency, and magnitude of extreme weather events, effects of aerosols, changes in clouds, shifts in the intensity and distribution of precipitation, and changes in oceanic circulation. Due to the complexity of and inability to accurately model the Earth' s climate system, the uncertainty surrounding climate change may never be eliminated completely.
Nonetheless, the IPCC' s AR5 states that it is extremely likely that the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century is the anthropogenic increase in GHG concentrations ( IPCC, 2014). The National Academies of Science from 80 countries have issued statements endorsing the consensus position that humans are the dominant cause for global warming since the mid- 20th century ( Cook et al., 2016).
The Fourth California Climate Change Assessment ( Fourth Assessment), published in 2018, found that the potential impacts in California due to global climate change include: loss in snow pack; sea -level rise; more extreme heat days per year; more high ozone days; more extreme forest fires; more severe droughts punctuated by extreme precipitation events; increased erosion of California' s coastlines and sea water intrusion into the Sacramento and San Joaquin Deltas and associated levee systems; and increased pest infestation ( California Office of Planning and Research [ OPR], California Energy Commission [ CEC] & California Natural Resources Agency CNRA], 2018). The Fourth Assessment' s findings are consistent with climate change studies published by the CNRA since 2009, starting with the California Climate Adaptation Strategy CNRA, 2009) as a response to the Governor' s Executive Order S- 13- 2008. In 2014, the CNRA rebranded the first update of the 2009 adaptation strategy as the Safeguarding California Plan CNRA, 2014). The 2018 update to Safeguarding California Plan identifies hundreds of ongoing actions and next steps state agencies are taking to safeguard Californians from climate impacts within a framework of 81 policy principles and recommendations ( CNRA, 2018).
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In 2016, the CNRA released Safeguarding California: Implementation Action Plans in accordance with Executive Order B- 30- 15, identifying a lead agency to lead adaptation efforts in each sector ( CNRA, 2016). In accordance with the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy, the CEC was directed to develop a website on climate change scenarios and impacts that would be beneficial for local decision makers. The website, known as Cal -Adapt, became operational in 2011. The information provided on the Cal -Adapt website represents a projection of potential future climate scenarios comprised of local average values for temperature, sea -level rise, snowpack and other data representative of a variety of models and scenarios, including potential social and economic factors. Below is a summary of some of the potential effects that could be experienced in California as a result of global warming and climate change.
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The primary effect of adding GHGs to the atmosphere has been a rise In the average global temperature. The impact of human activities on global temperature is readily apparent in the observational record. Since 1895, the contiguous US has observed an average temperature increase of 1. 5° F per century (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association [ NOAA], 2019).
The 5- year period from 2014- 2018 was the warmest on record for the contiguous U. S. ( NOAA, 2019); of the top 10 hottest years on record in the U.S., seven have occurred since the year 2000, with the top six years all occurring since 2012 ( Climate Central, 2022). The Fourth Assessment indicates that average temperatures in California cold rise 5. 6° F to 8. 8° F by the end of the century, depending on the global trajectory of GHG emissions ( OPR, CEC & CNRA, 2018). According to the Cal -Adapt website, the portion of the state in which the City of Mountain View is located could experience an increase in annual average maximum temperature of approximately 4. 4' to
7. I' F by 2070- 2090, compared to the baseline period of 1961- 1990 ( Cal Adapt, 2022).
With climate change, extreme heat conditions and heat waves are predicted to impact larger areas, last longer, and have higher temperatures. Heat waves, defined as three or more days with temperatures above 90° F, are projected to occur more frequently by the end of the century.
Extreme heat days and heat waves can negatively impact human health. Heat -related illnesses include a spectrum of illnesses ranging from heat cramps to severe heat exhaustion and life - threatening heat stroke ( Red Cross Red Climate Crescent Center [ RCCC], 2019).
The hotter and dryer conditions expected with climate change will make forests more susceptible to extreme wildfires. The Fourth Assessment found that if GHG emissions continue to rise, the frequency of extreme wildfires burning over approximately 25, 000 acres would increase by nearly 50 percent, and the average area burned statewide each year would increase by 77 percent, by the year 2100. In the areas that have the highest fire risk, wildfire insurance is estimated to see costs rise by 18 percent by 2055 and the fraction of property insured would decrease ( Westerling, 2018). 03MM2
Higher temperatures, conducive to air pollution formation, could worsen air quality in California and make it more difficult for the state to achieve air quality standards. Climate change may increase the concentration of ground -level ozone, which can cause breathing problems, aggravate City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.7- 3 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but the magnitude of the effect, and therefore, its indirect effects, are uncertain. Emissions from wildfires can lead to excessive levels of particulate matter, ozone, and volatile organic compounds ( NOAA, 2022). Additionally, severe heat accompanied by drier conditions and poor air quality could increase the number of heat -related deaths, illnesses, and asthma attacks throughout the state ( RCCC, 2019).
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There is a high degree of uncertainty with respect to the overall impact of global climate change on future water supplies in California. Studies indicate considerable variability in predicting precise impacts of climate change on California' s hydrology and water resources. Increasing uncertainty In the timing and intensity of precipitation will challenge the operational flexibility of C'alifornia' s water management systems. Warmer and wetter winters would increase tile amount of runoff available for groundwater recharge; however, this additional runoff would occur at a time when some basins are either being recharged at their maximum capacity or are already full.
Conversely, reductions in spring runoff and higher evapotranspiration because of higher temperatures could reduce the amount of water available for recharge ( CNRA, 2018).
Hydrology and Sea -Level Rise
As discussed above, climate changes could potentially affect: the amount of snowfall, rainfall and snowpack; the intensity and frequency of storms; flood hydrographs ( flash floods, rain or snow events, coincidental high tide and high runoff events); sea -level rise and coastal flooding; coastal erosion; and the potential for saltwater intrusion. Sea -level rise can be a product of global warming through two main processes: expansion of seawater as the oceans warm and melting of ice over land. A rise in sea levels could result in coastal flooding and erosion and could jeopardize California' s water supply. Sea level has risen eight to nine inches ( 21- 24 centimeters) since 1880. In 2020, global sea level set a new record high of 91. 3 min ( 3. 6 inches) above 1993 levels. The rate of sea level rise is accelerating; it has more than doubled from 0. 06 inches ( 1. 4 millimeters) per year throughout most of the twentieth century to 0. 14 inches ( 3. 6 millimeters) per year from 2006- 2015. In many locations along the U.S. coastline, high -tide flooding is now 300 percent to more than 900 percent more frequent than it was 50 years ago. Sea level could rise as much as 8. 2 feet ( 2. 5 meters) above 2000 levels by 2 100 ( NOAA, 2021). Rising seas could impact transportation infrastructure, utilities, and regional industries. The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the top hotspots for sea -level rise in the nation. According to the Shoreline Sea Level Rise Study, the San Francisco Bay could rise between 8 and 31 inches by 2067, potentially flooding a large portion of northern Mountain View (City of Mountain View, 2013).
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California has a massive agricultural industry that represents over 13 percent of total U. S. agricultural revenue ( California Department of Food and Agriculture [ CDFA], 2020). Higher CO2 level-, can stimulate plant production and increase plant water -use efficiency. However, a changing climate presents significant risks to agriculture due to changes in maximum and minimum temperatures, reduction of winter chill hours, extreme heat leading to additional costs City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 4 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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for livestock cooling and losses in production, and declines in water quality, groundwater security, soil health, and pollinator species, and increased pest pressures (CNRA, 2018). 5 Increases in global temperatures and the potential resulting changes in weather patterns could have ecological effects on a global and local scale. Increased concentrations of GHGs are likely to accelerate the rate of climate change. As stated in the Safeguarding California Plan, " species and ecosystems in California are valued both for their intrinsic worth and for the services they provide to society. Air purification, water filtration, flood attenuation, food provision, recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife, viewing, and more are all services provided by ecosystems. These services can only be maintained If ecosystems are healthy and robust, and continue to function properly under the impacts of climate change. A recent study examined the vulnerability of all vegetation communities statewide in California and found that 16 of 29 were highly or nearly highly vulnerable to climate change, including Western North American freshwater marsh, Rocky Mountain subalpine and high montane conifer forest, North American Pacific coastal salt marsh, and more." Soil moisture is likely to decline in many regions, and intense rainstorms are likely to become more frequent. With climate change, ecosystems and wildlife will be challenged by the spread of invasive species, barriers to species migration or movement in response to changing climatic conditions, direct impacts to species health, and mismatches in timing between seasonal life -cycle events such as species migration and food availability (CNRA, 2018).
In 2019, the United States emitted about 6, 558 million metric tons of CO2e ( MMTCO2e), with 76 percent of those emissions coming from fossil fuel combustion for electricity, heat and transportation. Of the major sectors nationwide, transportation accounts for the highest volume of GHG emissions ( approximately 29 percent), followed by electricity ( 25 percent), industry 23 percent), commercial and residential ( 13 percent), and agriculture ( 10 percent). Between 1990 and 2019, total U. S. GHG emissions have increased by 1. 8 percent, but emissions have generally decreased since peaking in 2007 ( U. S. EPA, 2021).
The California Air Resources Board ( CARB) compiles GHG inventories for the state. Based on the 2019 GHG inventory data ( i.e., the latest year for which data are available from CARB), emissions from GHG emitting activities statewide were 418. 1 MMTCO2e ( CARB, 2021a).
Between 1990 and 2021, the population of California grew by approximately 10 million from 29. 6 to 39. 5 million ( California Department of Finance [ CDF], 2022a). This represents an increase of approximately 34 percent from 1990 population levels. In addition, the California economy, measured as gross state product, grew from $ 773 billion in 1990 to $ 3. 14 trillion in 2019, representing an increase of approximately 306 percent (more than three times the 1990 gross state product) in today' s dollars ( CDF, 2022b).
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Despite the population and economic growth, CARB' s 2019 statewide inventory indicated that California' s net GHG emissions in 2019 were 13 MMTCO2e below 1990 levels, which is the 2020 GHG reduction target codified in California Health and Safety Code Division 25. 5, also known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 ( Assembly Bill [ AB] 32). Table 4. 7- 1 identifies and quantifies statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions and sinks ( e.g., carbon sequestration due to forest growth) in 1990 and 2019. As shown in the table, the transportation sector is the largest contributor to statewide GHG emissions at approximately 39. 7 percent in 2019.
TABLE 4. 7- 1
STATE OF CALIFORNIA GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Category
I otal * 1990 Emissions
using IPCC SAR
MMTCO2e)
Percent of Total
1990 EmissioiibP
SARIAR4
Total 2019 Emisslons
ush iy IPCC AR4
MMTCO2e)
Percotil. Or
Total 2019
Emissions
Transportation 1503 35%/ 3b% 166. 1 39. 1%
Electric Power 110. 6 26%/ 26% 58. 8 14. 1%
Commercial & Residential
Fuel Use
44. 1 10%/ 10% 43. 8 10. 5%
Industrial 103. 0 24%/ 24% 88. 2 21. 1%
Recycling and Wastea 8. 9 2. 1%
High GWP/ Non- Specifiedb 1. 3
216
20. 6 4. 9%
Agriculture/ Forestry 6%/ 5% 31. 8 7. 6%
Forestry Sinks 6. 7
c
Net Total (IPCC SAR) 426. 6 1000/ 0,
Net Total ( IPCC AR4)d 431 100% 418. 2 100%
NOTES: IPCC = Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; SAR = Second Assessment Report; AR4 = Fourth Assessment Report. a Included in other categories for the 1990 emissions inventory. b High global warming potential ( GWP) gases are not specifically called out in the 1990 emissions inventory. c Revised methodology under development ( not reported for 2019). d CARB revised the State' s 1990 level GHG emissions using GWPs from the IPCC AR4. e Values may not total to 100% due to rounding
SOURCES: CARB, 2007; CARB, 2021 a.
Based on 2015 data, in the nine -county San Francisco Bay Area, GHG emissions from the transportation sector represented the largest source of GHG emissions at 41 percent, followed by the stationary industrial sources at 26 percent, electricity generation and co -generation at 14 percent, and fuel use ( primarily natural gas) by buildings at 10 percent. The remaining 8 percent of emissions is composed of fluorinated gas emissions and emissions from solid waste and agriculture. According to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), of the total transportation emissions in 2015, on -road sources accounted for approximately 87 percent, while off -road sources accounted for the remainder ( BAAQMD, 2017a).
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The City conducts a GHG inventory to measure GHG emissions generated community -wide and by municipal operations. While emissions from municipal operations make up less than two percent of all emissions generated community -wide, the City strives to provide services to the City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 6 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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public more efficiently and reduce its environmental impact. The City reduced emissions from municipal operations by 51 percent between 2005 and 2018. On the other hand, community - wide emissions which are not under the direct control of the City reduced by 14 percent between 2005 and 2019. As of 2019, community -wide GHG emissions totaled 606, 614 MTCO2e ( Table 4. 7- 2).
TABLE 4. 7- 2
2005 Emissions 2018 Emissions 2019 Emissions
Category I ( MTCO2e) ( MTCO2e) I ( MTCO2e) I
Percent of
Energy
Residential - Electricity 36, 307 801 175 0 I
Residential - Natural Gas 64, 065 57, 449 57, 610 9. 5
Null - Residential - Ele0tkity 138, 110 42, 833 37,312 6. 2 Non - Residential - Natural Gas 57, 071 57, 098 58, 182 9. 6 Energy Subtotal 295, 562 158, 181 153, 780 25. 4
Transigortation
Passenger/ Lig ht- Duty 309, 162 341, 939 307, 891 50. 8 Medium/ Heavy- Duty 64, 915 53, 737 84, 597 13. 9
Transportation Subtotal 374, 077 395, 676 392, 488 64. 7 Waste
Solid Waste 12, 248 17, 093 18, 932 3. 1
Alternate Daily Cover 77 0. 5 0 0. 1
Waste Subtotal 12, 325 17,094 18, 932 3. 1
Water
Water Demand 4, 384 84 2 0. 1
Wastewater Treatment 11, 144 2, 957 1, 302 0. 2
Water Subtotal 15, 528 3, 040 1, 304 0. 2
Off -Road Mobile
Construction 4, 793 3, 786 9, 871 1. 6
Lawn/Garden 1, 767
Commercial Equipment 10, 943 11, 071 1. 8
Industrial Equipment 18, 994 19, 169 3, 2
Off -Road Mobile Subtotal 6, 560 333, 727 40, 111 66
Total 1 704, 052 607, 718 606, 614 100
NOTES: MTCO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a Values may not total to 100% due to rounding
SOURCE: City of Mountain View, 2022.
In 1975, Congress enacted the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which established the first fuel economy standards for on -road motor vehicles in the United States. Pursuant to the act, U.S. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are responsible for City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.7- 7 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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establishing additional vehicle standards. In August 2012, standards were adopted for model years 2017 through 2025 for passenger cars and light -duty trucks. According to EPA, a model year 2025 vehicle would emit half the GHG emissions of a model year 2010 vehicle ( USEPA and NHTSA, 2010). Notably, the State of California harmonized its vehicle efficiency standards through 2025 with the federal standards at this time ( see Advanced Clean Cars Program below).
In August 2018, EPA and the NHTSA proposed maintaining the 2020 corporate average fuel economy ( CAFE) and CO2 standards for model years 2021 through 2026. The estimated CAFE and CO2 standards for model year 2020 are 43. 7 miles per gallon (mpg) and 204 grams Of CO2 per mile for passenger cars and 31. 3 mpg and 284 grams Of CO2 per mile for light trucks, projecting an overall industry average of 37 ryipg, as compared to 46. 7 inog under the standards issued in 2012. In September 2019, EPA finalized the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program and announced its decision to withdraw the Clean Air Act preemption waiver granted to the State of California in 2013 ( USEPA & NH I'SA, 2019).
State
California has promulgated a series of executive orders, laws, and regulations aimed at reducing both the level of GHGs in the atmosphere and emissions of GHGs within the State. The major components of California' s climate protection initiative are reviewed below.
CARB is the agency with regulatory authority over air quality issues in California. CARB adopts regulations designed to reduce criteria pollutants, toxic air contaminants, and GHG emissions; and establishes vehicle emission standards. As discussed earlier, CARB is responsible for preparing, adopting, and updating California' s GHG inventory. Additional responsibilities of CARB with respect to specific State mandates are discussed below.
CEQA Guidelines
The CEQA Guidelines are embodied in the California Code of Regulations ( CCR), Title 14, beginning with Section 15000. The current CEQA Guidelines Section 15064. 4 states that " a lead agency shall make a good -faith effort, based to the extent possible on scientific and factual data, to describe, calculate, or estimate the amount of GHG emissions resulting from a project." Section 15064. 4 further states:
A lead agency should consider the following factors, when determining the significance of impacts from greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.- 1) The extent to which the project may increase or reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting,,
2) Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project,
3) The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions ( see e.g., section 15183.5(b)).
The CEQA Guidelines also state that a project' s incremental contribution to a cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable if the project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program ( including plans or regulations for the reduction of GHG City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 8 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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emissions) that provides specific requirements that will avoid or substantially lessen the cumulative problem within the geographic area in which the project is located ( CEQA Guidelines Section 15064 ( h) (3)).
The CEQA Guidelines do not require or recommend a specific analytical method or provide quantitative criteria for determining the significance of GHG emissions, nor do they set a numerical threshold of significance for GHG emissions. Section 15064. 7( c) clarifies that " when adopting or using thresholds of significance, a lead agency may consider thresholds of significance previously adopted or recommended by other public agencies or recommended by experts, provided the decision of the lead agency to adopt such thresholds is supported by substantial evidence." When GHG emissions are found to be signifiii- ant, CEQA Guidelines Section 15126A( c) includes the following direction on measures to mitigate GIIG emissions:
Consistent with Section 15126. 4(a), lead agencies shall consider feasible means, supported by substantial evidence and subject to monitoring or reporting, ofmitigating the significant effects olgreenhousegas emission-,;. Measures to mitigate the significant effects of green -house gas emissions may include, among others.,
1) Measures in an existing plan or mitigation program for the reduction of emissions that are required as part ofthe lead agency's decision. 2) Reductions in emissions resultingfrom a project through implementation ofprojectfeatures, project design, or other measures. 3)
Off - site measures, including offsets that are not otherwise required, to mitigate aproject' s emissions. 4)
Measures that sequester greenhouse gases. 5)
In the case ofthe adoption ofaplan, such as ageneral plan, long range development plan, or plans forthe reduction ofgreenhouse gas emissions, mitigation may include the identification of specific measures that may beimplemented onaproject -by project basis. Mitigation may also include the incorporation of specific measures or policies foundinan adopted ordinance orregulation that reduces thecumulative effect of emissions. In
March 2012, then - Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order establishing agoal of 1. 5 million zero -emission vehicles (ZEVs) on California roads by 2025. In addition tothe ZEV goal, Executive Order B-16- 12 stipulated that by 2015 all major cities in California will have adequate infrastructure and be "zero - emission vehicle ready"; that by 2020 the state will have established adequate infrastructure tosupport I million ZEVs-, that by 2050, virtually all personal transportation inthe state will be based on ZEVs; and that GHG emissions from the transportation sector will be reduced by 80 percent below 1990 levels. City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7-9 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Executive Order B- 30- 15
Governor Brown signed Executive Order B- 30- 15 on April 29, 2015, which:
Established a new interim statewide reduction target to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030;
Ordered all state agencies with jurisdiction over sources of GHG emissions to implement measures to achieve reductions of GHG emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 reduction targets; and
Directed CARB to update the Climate Change Scoping Plan ( Scoping Plan) to express the 7,030 target In terms of MMTCO2e
Executive Order B- 48- 18
On January 26, 2018, Governor Brown Issued an executive order establishing a goal of 5 million ZEVs on California roads by 2030.
On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown signed Executive Order B- 55- 18, committing California to total, economy - wide carbon neutrality by 2045. Executive Order B- 55- 18 directs CARB to work with relevant state agencies to develop a framework to implement and accounting to track progress toward this goal.
On September 23, 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N- 79- 20, which sets new statewide goals for phasing out gasoline -powered cars and trucks in California. ECI N- 79- 20 requires that 100 percent of in -state sales of new passenger cars and trucks are to be zero - emission by 2035; 100 percent of in -state sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and busses 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.
Assembly Bill 117 •, Senate Bill 790
In 2002, the State of California passed AB 117, enabling public agencies and joint power authorities to form a Community Choice Aggregation ( CCA). SB 790 strengthened it by creating a " code of conduct" that the incumbent utilities must adhere to in their activities relative to CCAs.
CCAs allow a city, county, or group of cities and counties to pool electricity demand and purchase/ generate power on behalf of customers within their jurisdictions in order to provide local choice. CCAs work with PG& E to deliver power to its service area. The CCA is responsible for the electric generation (procure or develop power) while PG& E is responsible for electric delivery, power line maintenance, and monthly billing.
SB 1078 ( Chapter 516, Statutes of 2002) required retail sellers of electricity, including investor - owned utilities and community choice aggregators, to provide at least 20 percent of their supply City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 10 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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from renewable sources by 2017. SB 107 ( Chapter 464, Statutes of 2006) changed the target date to 2010.
As discussed in the DTPP Final EIR, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 AB 32) required that statewide GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. This reduction was to be accomplished by enforcing a statewide cap on GHG emissions that would be phased in starting in 2012.
In 2016, SB 32 and its companion bill AB 197 amended Health and Safety Code Division 25. 5, establishing a new climate pollution reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and included provisions to ensure that the benefits of stale climate policies reach disadvantaged communities.
A specific requirement of AB 32 was to prepare a Climate Change Scoping Plan for achieving the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG emission reduction by 2020. CARB developed and approved the initial scoping plan in 2008, outlining the regulations, market -based approaches, voluntary measures, policies, and other emission reduction programs that would be needed to meet the 2020 statewide GHG emission limit and initiate the transformations needed to achieve the state' s long- range climate objectives ( CARB, 2008).
CARB approved the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan Update ( 2017 Scoping Plan Update) in December 2017. The 2017 Scoping Plan Update outlines the proposed framework of action for achieving the 2030 GHG target of 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions relative to 1990 levels CARB, 2017). Through a combination of data synthesis and modeling, CARB determined that the target statewide 2030 emissions limit is 260 MMTCO2e, and that further commitments will need to be made to achieve an additional reduction of 50 MMTCO2e beyond current policies and programs. The cornerstone of the 2017 Scoping Plan Update is an expansion of the cap -and -trade program to meet the aggressive 2030 GHG emissions goal and ensure achievement of the 2030 limit set forth by Executive Order B- 30- 15.
In the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, CARB recommends statewide targets of no more than 6 MTCO2e per capita by 2030 and no more than 2 MTCO2e per capita by 2050. CARB acknowledges that because the statewide per -capita targets are based on the statewide GHC emissions inventory that includes all emissions sectors in the state, it is appropriate for local jurisdictions to derive evidence - based local per -capita goals based on local emissions sectors and growth projections.
To demonstrate how a local jurisdiction can achieve its long-term GHG goals at the community plan level, CARB recommends developing a geographically specific GHG reduction plan (i.e., climate action plan) consistent with the requirements of CEQA Section 15183. 5( b). A so- called CEQA-qualified" GHG reduction plan, once adopted, can provide local governments with a streamlining tool for project -level environmental review of GHG emissions, provided there are adequate performance metrics for determining project consistency with the plan. Absent conformity with such a plan, CARB recommends " that projects incorporate design features and City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 11 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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GHG reduction measures, to the degree feasible, to minimize GHG emissions. Achieving no net additional increase in GHG emissions, resulting in no contribution to GHG impacts, is an appropriate overall objective for new development." While acknowledging that recent land use development projects in California have demonstrated the feasibility to achieve zero net additional GHG emissions ((, g , Newhall Ranch Resource Management and Development Plan), the 2017 Scoping Plan Update states that:
Achieving net zero increases in GHG emissions, resulting in no contribution to GHG impacts, may not be feasible or appropriate for every project however, and the inability of a project to mitigate its GJIG emissions to net zero does not imply the project results in a substantial contribution to the cumulativelysignificant environmental impact of climate, change tinder (, Y-,'() A. Lead agencies have the discretion to develop evidence - based numeric thresholds (mass emissions, per capita, or per service population) consistent with this S( oping Plan, theState 'slong- term GHG goals, and climate change Science... 1b the degree aproject relies on GHG mitigation measures, CARB recommends that lead agencies prioritize on -site design features that reduce emissions, especially fromVMT vehicle miles traveled], and direct investments in GHG reductions within the projectsregion that contribute potentialair quality, health, and economic co -benefits locally. Initially authorized by AB 32 and extended through the year 2030 with the passage of AB 398 2017), the California Cap -and -Trade Program isa core strategy thatthe state is using to meet its GHG reduction targets for 2020 and 2030, and ultimately achieve an80 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2050. CARB designed and adopted the California Cap -and -Trade Program toreduce GHG emissions from "covered entities" I (e. g., electricity generation, petroleum refining, cement production, and large industrial facilities that emit more than 25,000 MTCO2e per year), setting afirm cap on statewide GHG emissions and employing market mechanisms toachieve reductions. 2 Under the Cap -and -Trade Program, an overall limit is established for GHG emissions from capped sectors.
The statewide cap for GHG emissions from the capped sectors commenced in2013. The cap declines over time. Facilities subject tothe cap can trade offsets and allowances toemit GHGs.3 Mr .
Signed
into law on October 1, 2008, SB 375 supplements GHG reductions from new vehicle technology and fuel standards with reductions from more efficient land use patterns and improved transportation.
Under thelaw, CARB approved GHG reduction targets in February 2011 for California' s18 federally designated regional planning bodies, known as Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
The target reductions forthe Bay Area are a regional reduction of per -capita GHG emissions from cars and light -duty trucks by 7 percent by 2020 and by 15 percent by 2035, compared to a 2005 baseline. 1 "
Covered entity" means an entity in California that has one or more of the processes or operations and has a compliance obligation asspecified in Sub article 7of the Cap -and -Trade Regulation; and that has emitted, produced, imported, manufactured, or delivered in2008 or any subsequent year more than the applicable threshold level 17 specified insection 95812 (a) of the Regulation. 2
CCR 95800- 96023. 3
See generally 17 CCR 95811 and 95812. City
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The Metropolitan Transportation Commission ( MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments ABAG) address these goals in Plan Bay Area 2040, which identifies Priority Development Areas PDAs) near transit options to reduce the use of on -road vehicles. By focusing and incentivizing future growth in PDAs, Plan Bay Area 2040 demonstrates how the nine -county Bay Area can reduce per -capita CO? emissions by 16 percent by 2035 ( MTC & ABAG, 2017) . In a March 2018 hearing, CARS approved revised targets: to reduce per -capita emissions 10 percent by 2020 and 19 percent by 2035 ( GARB, 2018a). MTC and ABAG adopted Plan Bay Area 2050 in October 2021, but CARB has not made a determination yet on whether the plan achieves the required targets. As such, the currently applicable plan is still Plan Bay Area 2040.
V "% F
Senate Bills 1078 and 107
SB 1078 ( Chapter 516, Statutes of 2002) required retail sellers of electricity, including investor - owned utilities and community choice aggregators, to provide at least 20 percent of their supply from renewable sources by 2017. SB 107 ( Chapter 464, Statutes of 2006) changed the target date to 2010.
SB X 1- 2, signed by Governor Brown in April 2011, enacted the California Renewable Energy Resources Act. The law obligated all California electricity providers, including investor -owned and publicly owned utilities, to obtain at least 33 percent of their energy from renewable resources by the year 2020.
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SB 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 ( Chapter 547, Statutes of 2015), was approved by Governor Brown on October 7, 2015. SB 350 increased the standards of the California RPS program by requiring that the amount of electricity generated and sold to retail customers per year from eligible renewable energy resources be increased from 33 percent to 50 percent by December 31, 2030. The act requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to establish annual targets for statewide energy efficiency savings and demand reduction that will achieve a cumulative doubling of statewide energy efficiency savings in existing electricity and natural gas final end uses of retail customers by January 1, 2030.
On September 10, 2018, Governor Brown signed SB 100, establishing that 100 percent of all electricity in California must be obtained from renewable and zero -carbon energy resources by December 31, 2045. SB 100 also creates new standards for the RPS goals that were established by SB 350 in 2015. Specifically, the law increases the percentage of energy that both investor - owned utilities and publicly owned utilities must obtain from renewable sources from 50 percent to 60 percent by 2030. Incrementally, these energy providers must also have a renewable energy supply of 33 percent by 2020, 44 percent by 2024, and 52 percent by 2027. The updated RPS goals are considered achievable, because many California energy providers are aheady meeting or exceeding the RPS goals established by SB 350,
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In January 2012, pursuant to Recommended Measures T- 1 and T- 4 of the Scoping Plan, CARB approved the Advanced Clean Cars Program, a new emissions -control program for model years 2017 through 2025. The program combines the control of smog, soot, and GHGs with requirements for greater numbers of ZEVs. By 2025, when the rules will be fully implemented, the new automobiles will emit 34 percent fewer global warming gases and 75 percent fewer smog -forming emissions.
In response to a midterm review of the standards in March 2017, CARB directed staff to begin working on post- 2025 model year vehicle regulations (Advanced Clean Cars 11) to research additional measures to reduce air pollution from light duty and medium duty vehicles.
Additionally, as described earlier, in September 2020, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N- 79- 20 that established a goal that 100 percent of California sales of new passenger car and trucks be zero -emission by 2035 and directed CARB to develop and propose regulations toward this goal. The primary mechanism for achieving these targets for passenger cars and light trucks is the Advanced Clean Cars 11 Program.
In May 2016, CARB released the updated Mobile Source Strategy that demonstrates how the state can simultaneously meet air quality standards, achieve GHG emission reduction targets, decrease health risk from transportation emissions, and reduce petroleum consumption over the next 15 years. The strategy promotes a transition to zero -emission and low -emission vehicles, cleaner transit systems and reduction of VMT. The Mobile Source Strategy calls for 1. 5 million ZEVs (including plug-in hybrid electric, battery -electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) by 2025 and 4. 2 million ZEVs by 2030. The strategy also calls for more -stringent GHG requirements for light -duty vehicles beyond 2025 as well as GHG reductions from medium -duty and heavy-duty vehicles and increased deployment of zero emission trucks primarily for class 3- 7 " last mile" delivery trucks in California. Statewide, the Mobile Source Strategy would result in a 45 percent reduction in GHG emissions from mobile sources and a 50 percent reduction in the consumption of petroleum -based fuels ( CARB, 2016).
Similar to the 2016 Mobile Source Strategy, the 2020 Strategy is a framework that identifies the levels of cleaner technologies necessary to meet the many goals and high- level regulatory concepts that would allow the State to achieve the levels of cleaner technology. The 2020 Strategy will inform the development of other planning efforts including the State Implementation Plan (SIP) which will translate the concepts included into concrete measures and commitments for specific levels of emissions reductions, the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan ( 2022 Seeping Plan Update), and Community Emissions Reduction Plans ( CERPs) required for communities selected as a part of CARB' s Community Air Protection Program. Central to all of these planning efforts, and CARB actions on mobile sources going forward, will be environmental justice as CARB strives to address longstanding environmental and health inequities from elevated levels of toxics, criteria pollutants, and secondary impacts of climate change ( CARB, 202 lb). The 2020 Mobile Source Strategy illustrates that an aggressive deployment of ZEVs will be needed for the State to meet federal air quality requirements and the State' s climate change targets.
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Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel -Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling
In 2004, CARB adopted the Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel -Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling to reduce public exposure to diesel particulate matter emissions ( 13 CCR Section 2485). The measure applies to diesel -fueled commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings greater than 10, 000 pounds that are licensed to operate on highways, regardless of where they are registered. This measure prohibits diesel -fueled commercial vehicles from idling for more than 5 minutes at any given location. While the goal of this measure is primarily to reduce public health impacts from diesel emissions, compliance with the regulation also results in GHG reduction and energy savings in the form of reduced fuel consumption from unnecessary idling.
Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines In 2004, CARB adopted an Airborne Toxic Control Measure to reduce public exposure to emissions of diesel particulate matter and criteria pollutants from stationary diesel -fueled compression ignition engines ( 17 CCR Section 93115). The measure applies to any person who owns or operates a stationary compression ignition engine in California with a rated brake horsepower greater than 50, or to anyone who either sells, offers for sale, leases, or purchases a stationary compression ignition engine. This measure outlines fuel and fuel additive requirements; emissions standards; recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring requirements; and compliance schedules for compression ignition engines.
In addition to limiting exhaust from idling trucks, in 2008 CARB approved the Truck and Bus Regulation to reduce the emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter from existing diesel vehicles operating in California ( 13 CCR Section 2025). The phased regulation aims to reduce emissions by requiring installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the retirement, replacement, or retrofit of older engines with newer emission - controlled models. This regulation will be implemented in phases, with full implementation by 2023.
CARB also promulgated emissions standards for off -road diesel construction equipment of greater than 25 horsepower such as bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, and forklifts, as well as many other selfpropelled off -road diesel vehicles. The In -Use Off -Road Diesel -Fueled Fleets regulation adopted by CARB on July 26, 2007, aims to reduce emissions by installing diesel soot filters and encouraging the retirement, replacement, or repowering of older, dirtier engines with newer emissions -controlled models ( 13 CCR Section 2449). The compliance schedule requires full implementation by 2023 in all equipment for large and medium fleets and by 2028 for small fleets.
Advanced Clean Trucks Program
On June 25, 2020, CARB adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which requires truck manufacturers to transition from diesel vehicles to electric ZEVs beginning in 2024, with the goal of reaching 100 percent ZEVs by 2045. The goal of the legislation is to help California meet its climate targets of a 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions and a 50 percent reduction in petroleum use by 2030, and an 80 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2050.
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Truck manufacturers will be required to sell ZEVs as an increasing percentage of their annual sales from 2024 through 2035. Companies with large distribution fleets ( 50 or more trucks) will be required to report information about their existing fleet operations in an effort to identify future strategies for increasing zero -emission fleets statewide ( CARB, 2021b).
ZEVs are two to five times more energy efficient than diesel vehicles, and the Advanced Clean Trucks rule will reduce GHG emissions with the co -benefit of reducing dependence on petroleum fuels.
6101TOMMIDEN
In 2013, Governor Brown signed SB / 43, which added Public Resources Code,' S'ection ? 1099 to CEQA. SB 743 changed the we y that Licinspoilfflon lutpeiuls the analyzed under CEQA, bullet aligning local environmental review with statewide objectives to reduce GHG emissions, encourage infill mixed - use development in designated priority development areas, reduce regional sprawl development, and reduce VMT in California.
As required under SB 743, OPR developed potential metrics to measure transportation impacts that may include, but are not limited to, VMT, VMT per capita, automobile trip generation rates, or automobile trips generated. The new VMT metric is intended to replace the use of automobile delay and level of service as the metric to analyze transportation impacts under CEQA.
In its 2018 Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, OPR recommends different thresholds of significance for projects depending on land use types ( OPR, 2018).
Senate Bill 1383 ( Short - Lived Climate Pollutants)
SB 1383, enacted in 2016, requires statewide reductions in short- lived climate pollutants across various industry sectors. The climate pollutants covered under SB 1383 include methane, fluorinated gases, and black carbon —all GHGs with a much higher warming impact than CO2 and with the potential to have detrimental effects on human health. SB 1383 requires CARB to adopt a strategy to reduce methane by 40 percent, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40 percent, and anthropogenic black carbon by 50 percent below 2013 levels by 2030. The methane emissions reduction goals include a 75 percent reduction in the level of statewide disposal of organic waste from 2014 levels by 2025.
Assembly Bill 341
AB 341, which became law in 2011, established a new statewide goal of 75 percent recycling through source reduction, recycling, and composting by 2020. The new law changed the way that the state measures progress toward the 75 percent recycling goal, focusing on source reduction, recycling, and composting. AB 341 also requires all businesses and public entities that generate 4 cubic yards or more of waste per week and multifamily residential dwellings with five units or more to have a recycling program in place ( California Legislative Information, 2011). The purpose of the law is to reduce GHG emissions by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts and expand the opportunity for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California.
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AB 1826, known as the Commercial Organic Waste Recycling Law, became effective on January 1, 2016, and requires businesses and multi -family complexes ( with five units or more) that generate specified amounts of organic waste ( compost) to arrange for organics collection services. The law phases in the requirements on businesses with full implementation realized in 2019:
First Tier: Commenced in April 2016, the first tier of affected businesses included those that generate 8 or more cubic yards of organic materials per week.
Second Tier: In January 2017, the affected businesses expanded to include those that generate 4 or more cubic yards of organic materials per week.
Third Tier- In January 2019, the affected hu-dnpsses expanded further to include those that generate 4 or more cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week.
State of California Building Codes
California Building and Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) The CEC first adopted Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings CCR Title 24, Part 6) in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce energy consumption in the state. Although the standards were not originally intended to reduce GHG emissions, increased energy efficiency and reduced consumption of electricity, natural gas, and other fuels would result in fewer GHG emissions from residential and non- residential buildings subject to the standard. The standards are updated periodically ( typically every three years) to allow for the consideration and inclusion of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. The current Title 24, Part 6 standards ( 2019 standards; CEC, 2018) were made effective on January 1, 2020.
On August 11, 2021, the CEC adopted the 2022 Energy Code and was approved by the California Building Standards Commission for inclusion into the California Building Standards Code ( CEC, 2021). The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric -ready requirements for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, strengthens ventilation standards, and more. Buildings whose permit applications are applied for or after January 1, 2023, must comply with the 2022 Energy Code. The 2022 Update includes measures that will reduce energy use in single family, multifamily, and nonresidential buildings. These measures will affect newly constructed buildings and:
Add new prescriptive and performance standards for electric heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating, as appropriate for the various climate zones in California; Require photovoltaic and battery storage systems for newly constructed multifamily and selected nonresidential buildings:
Establish efficiency measures for lighting, building envelope, HVAC, and ventilation for indoor air quality; and
Make improvements to reduce the energy loads of certain equipment covered by (i e , Subject to the requirements of) the Energy Code that perform a commercial process that is not related to the occupant needs in the building ( such as refrigeration equipment in refrigerated warehouses, or air conditioning for computer equipment in data processing centers).
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Part 11 of the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards is referred to as the California Green Building Standards Code ( CALGreen Code). The CALGreen Code is intended to encourage more sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices, require low -pollution -emitting substances that cause less harm to the environment, conserve natural resources, and promote the use of energy -efficient materials and equipment. CALGreen covers a number of fields, with regulations encompassing energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable building materials, site design, and air quality.
Since 2011, the CALGreen Code has been mandatory for all new residential and non- residential buildings constructed in the state Such mandatory measures include energy efficiency, water conservation, material conservation, planning and design, and overall environmental quality. ' flue CALGi eej I Code is reviewed and updated on a three- year cycle.
The CALGreen Code was most recently updated in 2019 to include new mandatory measures for residential and non- residential uses; the new measures took effect on January 1, 2020 ( California Building Standards Commission [ CBSC], 2019). The 2019 standards prescribe EV charging requirements for residential and non- residential buildings.
The 2022 CALGreen update simplifies the code and its application in several ways. It offers new voluntary prerequisites for builders to choose from, such as battery storage system controls and heat pump space, and water heating, to encourage building electrification. While the 2019 CALGreen Code only requires provision of EV Capable spaces with no requirement for chargers to be installed at multifamily dwellings, the 2022 CALGreen code mandates chargers ( California Housing and Community Development, n. d).
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The BAAQMD is the regional government agency that regulates stationary sources of air pollution in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. BAAQMD regulates GHG emissions through the following plans, programs, and guidelines.
BAAQMD and other air districts prepare clean air plans in accordance with the federal and state Clean Air Acts. On April 19, 2017, the BAAQMD Board of Directors adopted the 2017 Clean Air Plan., Spare the Air, Cool the Climate, an update to the 2010 Clean Air Plan (BAAQMD, 2017a). The 2017 Clean Air Plan is a comprehensive plan that focuses on the closely related goals of protecting public health and protecting the climate. Consistent with the State' s GHG reduction targets, the plan lays the groundwork for a long- term effort to reduce Bay Area GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
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BAAQMD established a climate protection program ( Program) to reduce pollutants that contribute to global climate change and affect air quality in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin. The Program is focused on meeting the 2050 target, as the 2017 Clean Air Plan discussed City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 18 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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above is focused on the interim 2030 target. The Program includes measures that promote energy efficiency, reduce VMT, and develop alternative sources of energy, all of which assist in reducing GHG emissions and reducing air pollutants that affect the health of residents. BAAQMD also seeks to support other climate protection programs in the region and to stimulate additional efforts through public education and outreach, technical assistance to local governments and other interested parties, and promotion of collaborative efforts among stakeholders.
The BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines were prepared to assist in the evaluation of air quality impacts of projects and plans proposed in the Bay Area, The guidelines also include recommended assessinent inediodologies for air toxics, odors, and UltU emissions. In June 2010, BAAQMD' s Board of Directors adopted CFQA thresholds of significance and an update of the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, which Included significance thresholds for GHG emissions based on the emission reduction goals for 2020 articulated by the California Legislature in AB 32. The first threshold, 1, 100 MTCO2e per year, is a numeric emissions level below which a project' s contribution to global climate change would be less than cumulatively considerable. For larger and mixed -use projects, the guidelines state that emissions would be less than cumulatively significant if the project as a whole would result in an efficiency of 4. 6 MTCO2e per service population or better. Because these thresholds are based on a 2020 GHG target they are no longer relevant for current and future projects. Under the current BAAQMD Air Quality Guidelines, a local government may prepare a qualified GHG reduction strategy that is consistent with AB 32 goals. If a project is consistent with an adopted qualified GHG reduction strategy and general plan that addresses the project's GHG emissions, it can be presumed that the project will not have significant GHG emissions under CEQA (BAAQMD, 2017b).
In February, 2022, in response to SB 32 and 2017 Scoping Plan Update targets for 2030 and EO B- 15 target for carbon neutrality no later than 2045, the BAAQMD adopted updated CEQA significance thresholds for GHGs in its Justification Report ( BAAQMD, 2022).
The MTC is the federally recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization for the nine -county Bay Area, which includes Santa Clara County and the city of Mountain View. On July 18, 2013, Plan Bay Area was jointly approved by ABAG' s Executive Board and the MTC. The plan includes the region' s Sustainable Communities Strategy, as required under SB 375, and the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan. The Sustainable Communities Strategy lays out how the region will meet GHG reduction targets set by CARB. CARB' s current targets call for the region to reduce per -capita vehicular GHG emissions 10 percent by 2020 and 19 percent by 2035 from a 2005 baseline ( CARB, 2018b).
A central GHG reduction strategy of Plan Bay Area is the concentration of future growth in PDAs and Transit Priority Areas ( TPAs). To be eligible for PDA designation, an area must be within an existing community, near existing or planned fixed transit or served by comparable bus service and planned for more housing. A TPA is an area within 0. 5 miles of an existing or planned major transit stop such as a rail transit station, a ferry terminal served by transit, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes ( MTC, 2013),
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On July 26, 2017, MTC adopted Plan Bay Area 2040, a focused update that builds upon the growth pattern and strategies developed in the original Plan Bay Area but with updated planning assumptions that incorporate key economic, demographic, and financial trends since the original plan was adopted ( MTC & ABAG, 2017).
On October 21, 2021, the MTC and the Executive Board of the ABAG jointly adopted Plan Bay Area 2050 and its related supplemental reports. Plan Bay Area 2050 connects the elements of housing, the economy, transportation and the environment through 35 strategies that will make the Bay Area more equitable for all residents and more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. In the short-term, the plan' s Implementation Plan identifies more than 80 specific actions f6i MTC, ABAG and partner orgaiiii,ations to take, over the next five years to make headway on each of the3S strategies ( M It & ABAU, 2021). Many of the HEU sites are located within d PDA and/ or d TPA. It will be several years before the regional transportation model and county transportation models are updated to reflect Plan Bay Area 2050 (the models currently incorporate data from Plan Bay Area 2040).
The Mountain View 2030 General Plan is the guiding document for the City's physical development and preservation. It includes goals, policies and graphics that convey a long- term vision and guide local decision -making to achieve that vision. The Infrastructure and Conservation Element of the General Plan includes the following policies related to Climate Change ( City of Mountain View, 2021a).
Goal INC- 12: Environmental stewardship that recognizes the importance of addressing climate change and community commitment to sustainability.
Policy INC-12. 1: Emissions reduction target. Maintain a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.
Policy INC- 12. 2: Emissions reduction strategies. Develop cost- effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy INC-12.3: Adaptation strategies, Develop strategies for adapting to climate change in partnership with local and regional agencies.
In addition, the following goals and policies that address water conservation, recycled water, solid waste and recycling, energy production and consumption, and green building would also help reduce GHGs.
Water Conservation Water conservation policies focus on City -led programs and outreach and reducing per capita water use.
Goal INC- 5: Effective and comprehensive programs utilizing water use efficiency, water conservation and alternative water supplies to reduce per capita potable water use.
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Policy INC-5.]: Community awareness. Raise community awareness about water use efficiency and water conservation.
Policy INC-5.2: Citywide water conservation. Reduce water waste and implement water conservation and efficiency measures throughout the city.
Policy INC-5.3: Water reuse. Remove barriers and provide guidance for the use of rainwater and graywaLer as alternative water supplies.
Policy INC-5.4: Smart water meters. Encourage water meter technologies that provide water usage feedback to customers.
Policy ING5. 5: Landscape efficiency. Promote water efficient landscaping including drought -tolerant and native plants, along with efficient irrigation techniques.
Policy INC- 5.6: Indoor efficiency. Promote the use of water -efficient fixtures and appliances.
Policy -INC-5. 7: Leadership in City facilities. Provide leadership by promoting water use efficiency, water conservation and the use of recycled water at City -owned facilities.
Recycled water policies guide the expansion and continued use of recycled water throughout Mountain View, contributing to the City' s water conservation and environmental sustainability efforts.
Goal INC-7: A reliable, safe and extensive recycled water infrastructure system.
Policy INC- 7. 1: Citywide recycled water use. Promote, require or offer incentives for using recycled water as an alternative to potable water.
Policy INC- 7.2: Recycled water system. Expand the use and availability of recycled water throughout the city.
Policy INC-7.3: Recycled water in parks. Promote the use of recycled water at City parks and open spaces or where available.
Policy INC- 74: Recycled water and trees. Promote appropriate tree and landscape species irrigated by recycled water.
Policy INC- 7.5: Rights -of -way and infrastructure. Design public rights -of -way to accommodate recycled water infrastructure.
Solid waste and recycling policies encourage efficient use of natural resources and continue the City' s leadership in environmental sustainability, with a focus on supply -chain management and advocacy as well as high -quality services and programs.
Goal INC- 10: Reduced waste through supply -chain management, advocacy and outreach to reduce waste.
Policy INC-] 0. 1: Zero waste. Pursue a citywide goal of zero waste.
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Policy INC10.2: Producer responsibility. Support extended producer responsibility to reduce waste and toxicity at the manufacturing level.
Policy INC- 10.3: Source reduction. Encourage and promote source reduction behavior such as utilizing reusable, returnable and repairable goods.
Policy INC-] 0. 4: Construction waste reuse. Encourage building deconstruction and reuse and construction waste recycling.
Policy ING 10. 5: Reuse. Encourage product reuse through venues such as garage sales, lending libraries and Internet -based sharing and reuse forums.
Policy INC 10. 6: Recovered materials. Encourage uses for recovered materials that save energy, avoid releasing toxic substances and extend the useful life of recovered materials.
Policy INC- 10. 7: Recycled material demand. Promote increased demand for recycled materials.
Policy INC- 10. 9: Preferential purchasing. Give preference in City purchasing to products that minimize packaging, can be reused and are non -toxic.
Policy INC-] 0. 10: Single -use products. Discourage the use of single -use products.
Goal INC- 11: Services and programs that continue to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility.
Policy INC-1 1. 1: Waste diversion and reduction. Meet or exceed all federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning solid waste diversion and implementation of recycling and source reduction programs.
Policy INC-11.2: Recycling. Maintain and expand recycling programs.
Policy INC- 11. 3: Composting. Provide productive reuse or composting services or both for all discarded organic materials in the city, including all food and green waste.
Policy INC-] 1. 4: Solid waste, Ensure all municipal solid waste generated within the city is collected, transported and disposed of in a manner that protects public health and safety.
Policy ING] 1. 5: Hazardous waste. Provide convenient household hazardous waste and e- waste disposal services.
Policy INC-] 1. 6: Regional collaboration. Consider opportunities to provide more cost effective solid waste management by collaborating with surrounding cities and agencies.
Energy policies reduce the negative environmental impacts of energy use, focusing on sustainable consumption through efficiency, conservation and sustainable production through increased use of renewable energy.
Goal INC- 13: Increased energy efficiency and conservation throughout the city.
Policy INC- 13. 1: Energy efficiency and conservation. Increase energy efficiency and conservation in public buildings and infrastructure.
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Policy INC-13.2: Alternatives to gasoline. Promote and increase the use of new technologies as alternatives and supplements to gasoline in vehicles throughout the community.
Policy INC-13.3: Coordinating efforts. Support regional and local efforts and programs to reduce energy use,
Policy INC-13.4: Education. Educate the public about energy conservation and efficiency best practices.
Policy INC-13.5: Smart utility meters. Encourage utility meter technologies that provide feedback about energy usage to customers.
Coul INC 14. Sufficient tenewable soutc, es of unuigy to meet Luiientatid future demand.
Policy,INC-14.1: Renewable energy. Promote the deployment of renewable energy technologies throughout the city.
Policy IATC, 14. 2: Solar energy. Encourage active and passive solar energy use.
Policy INC-14.3: Regional renewable energy. Participate in regional initiatives to encourage and develop renewable energy sources.
Policy INC-14.4: Renewable energy advocacy. Support legislation to facilitate and increase renewable energy choices for community residents such as green utility power options or distributed generation.
Green Building Green building policies encourage green building approaches to reduce negative environmental impacts and improve human health.
Goal INC- 15: A built environment that supports ecological and human health.
Policy INC-15. 1: Green building program. Administer a forward -looking green building program that promotes best practices for green building in new and existing buildings.
Policy INC-] 5.2: Green building education. Raise community awareness regarding green building methods, incentives and benefits.
Policy INC-] 5.3: Citywide green building. Support green building technologies and innovations throughout the city.
Climate Action Planning in Mountain View
In November 2009, the City Council adopted the following voluntary, absolute community -wide GHG emission reduction targets:
0 5 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2012
10 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2015
0 15- 20 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2020
80 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2050.
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These absolute targets called for a reduction in total community - wide greenhouse gas emission levels, and do not allow for increased emissions due to population growth.
In 2012, the City adopted a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan ( GGRP; City of Mountain View, 2012) to implement the 2030 General Plan policies relating to climate change and mitigate GHG emissions associated with development allowed in the 2030 Mountain View General Plan. At the time, BAAQMD guidelines required qualified GHG reduction plans to contain a target for 2020 and provide substantial evidence that the plan' s reduction actions would achieve the selected target. The BAAQMD guidelines allowed cities to use either an absolute or an efficiency -based target. During development of the GGRP, it became evident that it would he difficult to achieve the adopted community -wide 2020 emission reduction target and the City chose to use a BAAQMD- approved omissions efficiency target ( i.e., a per -capita target) within the GGRP that would result in a community ernissions efficiency of below 6. 0 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per service population. 4 While the GGRP defines actions that will improve community GHG efficiency in 2020 and 2030, it does not contain actions strong enough to achieve the City' s adopted absolute targets.
Climate Protection Roadmap ( CPR)
To address the inconsistency of the efficiency targets used within the GGRP with its previously adopted absolute targets, the City initiated the Climate Protection Roadmap ( CPR; City of Mountain View, 2015) project to evaluate the feasibility of achieving the adopted targets.
Community - wide GHG emissions in Mountain View are anticipated to increase to 68 percent above 2005 levels by 2050. The CPR evaluates mechanisms through which the community could achieve the emission reduction target to reduce community emissions 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050 and identifies various roles the City might play in facilitating such reductions. The CPR evaluates a variety of technological, behavioral, and/ or other system transitions that could reduce emissions within the community, identifies the most important transitions and actions referred to as implementation mechanisms) within the City' s authority that could contribute to these transitions. The CPR is not a plan in and of itself, but an analysis that may be used by City officials to evaluate the potential for long-term communitywide emission reduction initiatives moving forward. Due to the high-level nature of the analysis, the CPR does not explicitly direct implementation of any specific city actions. However, it outlines viable options for future city programs, policies, and actions that could be pursued following additional feasibility analysis.
Moving toward achieving the community emission reduction targets, the CPR identifies interim community emission reduction targets for every five-year period between 2020 and 2050 to help keep the City on track to achieve its long-term 2050 reduction target. The CPR recommends the following interim targets:
26 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2025
a 37 percent below ? 005 baseline levels by 2030
48 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2035
4 Service population is defined as residents and employees.
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0 58 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2040
69 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2045.
On December 3, ? 019, the City Council approved a proposal to change the existing community emission reduction targets, which declined along a relatively linear path, to decline based on a constant annual percentage. This change was consistent with the recommendations in the Special Report released by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC) in late 2018, which emphasized the necessity of significant, near -term reductions by 2030 to avoid catastrophic climate change impacts. Following are the current communitV emission reduction targets:
0 33 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2025
0 47 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2030
0 59 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2035
0 68 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2040
0 75 percent below 2005 baseline levels by 2045.
Environmental Sustainability Action Plans (ESAPs)
To focus its sustainability efforts, the City has developed four, 3- year tactical Environmental Sustainability Action Plans ( ESAPs) that specify policies, programs, and projects to implement across all sustainability areas within the community and municipal operations. Each ESAP is developed through an extensive stakeholder engagement process with the City Council, city staff, and the public. The City adopted its current Sustainability Action Plan 4 ( 2019- 2022; City of Mountain View, 2019a) in October 2019, which identifies 27 goals across seven sectors transportation, buildings and energy, land use, zero waste, water, park and eco systems, core sustainability programs and governance) and 81 new actions in addition to 79 actions that were already underway at the time ofthe plan' s adoption.
I : I 11 1 11 111 111 Mmw.
On November 12, 2019, the City Council adopted the Mountain View Green Building Code MVGBC; City of Mountain View, 2019b) amendments, which include the Reach Code efforts. The MVGBC amends the State -mandated California Green Building Code ( CalGreen) to include local green building standards and requirements for private development. The MVGBC applies green building requirements per building type and threshold to new construction, residential additions and commercial/ industrial tenant improvements and includes energy efficiency standards that exceed the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
All new structures in the City of Mountain View must comply with the mandatory measures of the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code as adopted by the state in addition to local amendments included in this code. This includes all residential new construction projects regardless of height or number of stories.
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Section 8. 20. 9 of the MVGBC amends Subsection 101. 10. 1. 1. 3 of the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code as follows:
All multifamily residential new construction with three units or more must comply with the following:
a. The mandatory measures of the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code and any Mountain View amendments;
b. Demonstrate energy compliance to meet or exceed Title 24, Part 6; c. 15 percent of the parking spaces shall be equipped with EV2 chargers installed and one Level 3/ DC Fast Charger shall be provided for every 100 spaces' d. Installation of photovoltaic ( PV) panels on 50 percent of roof area ( a project may submit for an exception by providing documentation that the required percentage of PV installation will over -generate the kWh required to operate the proposed structure on an annual basis); e. Space -conditioning equipment shall be electric, not be fueled by natural gas; f. Water -heating systems and equipment shall be electric or solar, not be fueled by natural gas; g. Clothes dryers shall be electric, not be fueled by natural gas; and h. Cooking appliances and fireplaces shall be electric, not fueled by natural gas.
Neutrality Resolution
In April 2020, the City Council passed a resolution for Mountain View to become a carbon neutral city by 2045. This means that in addition to achieving the adopted 2045 GHG reduction target of 75 percent below 2005 levels, Mountain View has committed to balancing any remaining GHG emissions with carbon sequestration projects ( such as planting trees or restoring wetlands) and/ or carbon offsets. In June 2022, the Council Sustainability Committee signaled support for investigating accelerating the carbon neutral target year from 2045 to 2035.
Electric Vehicle Action Plan
Finalized in December 2021, the Electric Vehicle Action Plan (EVAP; City of Mountain View, 2021b) is a high- level plan identifying strategies, policies, and programs to support electric vehicle adoption and deployment of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Through a combination of policies, programs, and infrastructure, the EVAP aims to create a decarbonized system that supports equitable access to the benefits of clean transportation. The actions recommended within the EVAP will be integrated into future planning, programming, and outreach.
In June 2020, the City Council approved a new green building policy for City facilities. This policy requires a minimum of LEEDO Gold certification for new facilities, as well as a consideration of the incremental cost and benefits for achieving LEEDO Platinum certification during the design phase. For existing facilities, the policy requires City staff to analyze opportunities for electrification when major building systems are upgraded or equipment is replaced. Additionally, it requires new City facilities to incorporate on -site renewable energy systems to the extent feasible, with consideration of energy storage opportunities.
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As discussed above, the MVGBC amends the State -mandated California Green Building Code CALGreen) to include local green building standards and requirements for private development. The MVGBC is regularly updated to meet adopted CALGreen requirements as part of the tri-annual California Building Code updates.
3= 82=
In 2008, the City adopted the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy ( EPPP) that encourages City departments to purchase the most environmentally responsible products and services that meet performance needs, are competitively priced, and are readily available.
In June 2018, the City Council adopted a Zero Waste Policy establishing a goal to divert 90 percent of waste from the landfill by 2030. In October 2019, the City Council approved a Zero Waste Plan in support of the Policy. This Zero Waste Plan 2019 ( City of Mountain View, 2019c) describes actions the City can undertake to meet the goals adopted by the City to increase diversion of materials from landfill from the 2019 diversion rate of 78 percent to 80 percent by 2020 and 90 percent by 2030,
City of Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval
As part of discretionary review, the City has standard conditions for different types of approvals updated as of October 25, 2021). The City has standard conditions relating to GHG emissions, as summarized below.
zo r; alirr
The project is required to meet the mandatory measures of the California Green Building Standards Code and meet the intent of the applicable GreenPoint Rated points. All mandatory prerequisite points and minimum point totals per category to attain GreenPoint Rated status must be achieved, unless specific point substitutions or exceptions are approved by the Community Development Department. Formal project registration and certification through Build It Green is not required for compliance with the Mountain View Green Building Code ( MVGBC). The project is also required to comply with Title 24, Part 6.
The property owner, property manager( s), and homeowners association ( HOA) or their representative ( s) ( collectively, " the owners") are required to maintain a TDM program which provides commute and transportation alternatives to employees/residents of the project for the life of the project. The TDM program measures shall be formally accepted by the property owners prior to building permit issuance through a legal agreement or recorded document, as determined by the City Attorney, with contents to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator. The mandatory TDM measures for the project include:
a. Join and maintain ongoing membership in the MVTMA for the life of the project. b. Provide and maintain maximum vehicle parking and minimum bike parking as approved in the project. Also must provide and/or maintain access to shared bicycles for residents/ employees, if a bike -share service is not nearby. c. Provide conveniently located ride -share drop- off and waiting areas on -site.
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d. Provide and maintain shared, common, collaborative workspaces; with WiFi for residents and their guests. This amenity can be offered in partnership with nearby residents and businesses. e. Provide monetary incentives for alternative mode of travel, such as subsidized transit passes or bike -share for residents and/ or unbundled parking. f. Provide and maintain accessible and secure storage spaces for package delivery on -site g. Provide local transportation information to all residents through a website, leasing office, and/ or initial sale information.
h. Support Safe Routes to Schools programs, including facilitating parent gatherings and coordination of walking, school buses, and/ or bike gains.
J. Other TDM measures as directed by the Planning Department.
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to GHGs are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment.
Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.
GHG emissions and global climate change represent cumulative impacts from human activities and development projects locally, regionally, statewide, nationally, and worldwide. GHG emissions from all of these sources cumulatively contribute to the significant adverse environmental impacts of global climate change. No single project could generate enough GHG emissions to noticeably change the global average temperature; instead, the combination of GHG emissions from past, present, and future projects around the world have contributed and will continue to contribute to global climate change and its associated environmental impacts. There are currently no established thresholds for assessing whether the GHG emissions of a project, would be considered a cumulatively considerable contribution to global climate change; however, all reasonable efforts should be made to minimize a project' s contribution to global climate change. In addition, while GHG impacts are recognized exclusively as cumulative impacts (CAPCOA, 2008), GHG emissions impacts must also be evaluated on a project -level under CEQA. The method for evaluating GHG impacts in this EIR uses a qualitative consistency determination of the proposed ITEU with the BAAQMD' s recommended project -level GHG thresholds as discussed below. This evaluation is considered in a cumulative context, and because the analysis of GHG emissions is only relevant in a cumulative context, a project -specific impact assessment is not required.
The CEQA Cuidelines do not prescribe specific methods for performing an assessment, do not establish specific thresholds of significance, and do not mandate specific mitigation measures.
Rather, the CEQA Guidelines emphasize the lead agency' s discretion to determine the appropriate methods and thresholds of significance consistent with various factors prescribed by City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 28 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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CEQA Guideline 15064. 4. The State of California has not adopted emission -based thresholds for GHG emissions under CEQA. The Governor' s Office of Planning and Research' s Technical Advisory, titled Discussion Draft CEQA and Climate Change Advisory (OPR, 2018), states that:
N] either the CEQA statute nor the CEQA Guidelines prescribe thresholds of significance or particular methodologies for perming an impact analysis. This Is left to lead agencyjudgment and discretion, based upon factual data and guidance from regulatory agencies and other sources where available and applicable. Even in the absence of clearly defined thresholds for GHG emissions, such emissions must be disclosed and mitigated to the extent feasible whenever the lead agency determines that the project contributes to a significant, cumulative climate change impact.
Furthermore, the advisory document indicates that " in the absence of regulatory standards for GHG emissions or other scientific data to clearly define what constitutes a ' significant Impact,' Individual lead agencies may undertake a project -by -project analysis, consistent with available guidance and current CEQA practice." Section 15064. 7( c) of the CEQA Guidelines specifies that " when adopting thresholds of significance, a lead agency may consider thresholds of significance previously adopted or recommended by other public agencies, or recommended by experts, provided the decision of the lead agency to adopt such thresholds is supported by substantial evidence." GHG Emissions
The City, as the lead agency, has discretion to choose thresholds of significance, including P thresholds adopted or recommended by other agencies or recommended by experts, such as those recommended by the BAAQMD, provided the lead agency' s decision to use such thresholds is supported by substantial evidence (OPR, 2018). As discussed earlier, in April 2022, the BAAQMD adopted the following new significance thresholds that address the State' s SB 32 GHG reduction goals and carbon neutrality goal for 2045, as stipulated in Executive Order B55- 18. BAAQMD also published a Justification Report that provides the substantial evidence that lead agencies will need to support their use of these thresholds ( BAAQMD, 2022).
The recommended plan -level GHG thresholds proposed by the BAAQMD are as follows:
A. Meet State' s goals to achieve emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2045; OR
B. Be consistent with a local GHG Reduction Strategy that meets the criteria under CEQA Guidelines section 15183. 5( b).
The recommended project -level GHG thresholds proposed by the BAAQMD are as follows:
A. Projects must include, at a minimum, the following project design elements:
1. Buildings
a. The project will not include natural gas appliances or natural gas plumbing ( in both residential and non- residential development.)
b. The project will not result in any wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary electrical usage as determined by the analysis required under CEQA Section 21100 (b) (3) and Section 15126. 2( b) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
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2. Transportation
a. Achieve compliance with EV requirements in the most recently adopted version of CALGreen Tier 2
b, Achieve a reduction in project -generated VMT below the regional average consistent with the current version of the California Climate Change Scoping Plan ( currently 15 percent)
OR
Meet a locally adopted Senate Bill 743 VMT target, reflecting the recommendations provided in the Governor' s Office of Planning and Research' s Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CFQA1. ResidentialpiqJects. 15 percent below the existing VMT per capita ii. Office projects: 15 percent below the existing VMT per employee iii. Retail projects: no net increase in existing VMT
W
B. Be consistent with a local GHG Reduction Strategy that meets the criteria under the CEQA Guidelines section 15183. 5 (b),
The BAAQMD has developed these thresholds of significance based on typical residential and commercial land use projects and typical long- term communitywide planning documents such as general plans and similar long- range development plans and would be applicable to future projects proposed under the HEU.
The BAAQMD' s plan -level recommended thresholds consider planning documents to have a less -than -significant climate impact if they demonstrate that CHIC emissions from the jurisdiction will decline in accordance with California' s GHG reduction targets of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045 with the full implementation of the plan. However, this threshold merely reiterates the GHG reduction and carbon neutrality goals adopted by the State and does not provide a mechanism or metrics for plans to evaluate consistency with these goals. The City of Mountain View does not have a qualified GHG reduction plan that meets the criteria under CEQA Guidelines section 15183. 5( b) and addresses SB 32 GHG reduction goals. For these reasons, to ensure consistency with State goals, project - level thresholds have been used in this analysis. Specifically, option ( A) of the proposed project - level thresholds is used as the significance threshold in this EIR. Applying the BAAQMD' s recommended project -level thresholds to the HEU in this analysis evaluates the capacity for all future projects proposed for development under the HEU to contribute their fair share GHG emission reductions to achieving the State' s goals to achieve emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045, as stipulated in BAAQMD' s recommended plan - level threshold (A). This is the same logic that the BAAQMD is employing to determine the significance of project -level GHG emissions. In other words, if all future projects proposed for development under the HEU consume no natural gas ( 1) ( a), avoid wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary electrical usage ( 1) ( b), comply with EV requirements in CALGreen Tier 2 ( 2) ( a), and achieve the SB 743 target of 15 percent reduction in VMT per capita below the regional City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.7- 30 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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L
average ( 2) ( b), then collectively all projects would a have less -than -significant impact on climate change and would be consistent with the statewide targets for 2030 and 2045. The BAAQMD has provided the required substantial evidence for this argument in their justification report ( BAAQMD, 2022). To summarize,
Ifa project is designed and built to incorporate these design elements, then it will contribute its portion of what is necessary to achieve California' s long- term climate goals —its "fair share "—and an agency reviewing the project under CEQA can conclude that the project will not make a cumulatively considerable contribution to global climate change. Ifthe project does not incorporate these design elements, then it should be found to make a signilicant climate impact because it will hinder Calilornias efforts to address climate cbange.
Thus, the HEU itself would a have less -than - significant impact on climate change.
In summary, for purposes of this analysis, a significant GHG impact would be identified if development allowed by the HEU does not incorporate the following performance standards proposed by the BAAQMD:
No natural gas to all projects proposed for development within the planning area; 0 Avoid wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary electrical usage as determined by the analysis required under CEQA Section 21100 ( b) (3) and Section 15126. 2 (b) of the State CEQA Guidelines;
Compliance with EV requirements in the most recently adopted version of CALGreen Tier 2; and
0 Consistency with the SB 743 target of at least 15 percent reduction in VMT per capita below regional average. This amounts to 11. 46 miles per resident, which is 85 percent of the 2020 Bay Area regional average of 13. 49 miles per resident.
Further, the analysis also evaluates consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064. 4( b) (2) by considering whether the HEU would conflict with plan, policies and regulations adopted at the state, regional and local levels, adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions, including but not limited to, the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, SB 37 and E- 3- 05, Plan Bay Area 2040, the City of Mountain View General Plan, City of Mountain View ESAP 4, and the CALGreen Code and City' s Green Building Codes.
4. 7. 5 Impacts of the Project
Impact GHG- 1: Implementation of the HEU would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
GHG emissions from development proposed as part of the HEU would result in both direct and indirect emissions from construction and operational activities. Direct GHG emissions would be generated during construction would include emissions from the combustion of fuel (e. g., City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 31 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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gasoline and diesel) in construction equipment and vehicles. Upon completion of construction, development projects would generate direct GHG emissions from area sources ( such as landscaping equipment) and on -road motor vehicle trips. No direct GHG emissions would be generated from energy use in buildings for space and water heating because the City' s Reach Code requires all new construction to be all -electric buildings with no natural gas infrastructure. Indirect operational GHG emissions would be generated from the increase in electricity use associated with building energy use along with water and wastewater treatment and conveyance.
For the evaluation of GHG impacts, the BAAQMD' s recommended GHG thresholds address the two main direct sources of CHI(; emissions in land use development projects: building energy use and motor vehicle trips.
As detailed in the Regulatory Setting, the City of Mountain View has adopted Reach Codes that amend articles I through XIV, Chapter 8 of the Mountain View City Code, relating to the adoption of the 2019 California Building Codes. Reach Codes are amendments to the Energy and Green Building Standards Codes to reduce GHG emissions and include requirements beyond those required by the current Energy Code. Section 8. 20. 9, which amends Subsection 101. 10. 1. 1. 3 includes a requirement for all multi -family new construction to all -electric buildings with no natural gas infrastructure for space conditioning, water heating, cooking or other appliances. This goes beyond the requirements in the 2022 Update to the Title 24 standards that will go into effect on January 1, 2023 and establish electric -ready requirements in new homes, but do not explicitly prohibit natural gas. The City' s Reach Codes do not allow any exceptions to new residential structures. Therefore, development under the HEU would be required to meet the no natural gas requirement imposed by the City' s Reach Codes and the Project would comply with BAAQMD GHG threshold A( l) (a).
As discussed under Impact ENE- 1 in Section 4. 5, Energy, development proposed as part of the HEU would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary use of electricity. Compliance with the all -electric requirement in the City' s Reach Codes and Tier 2 EV requirements in CALGreen discussed below would result in an increase in electricity use; however, as these requirements are in place to ensure that development proposed as part of the HEU and the region I
s compliance
with the State' s GHG reduction goals, the increase would not be considered wasteful, inefficient or unnecessary. In addition, the Reach Codes also include requirements for onsite photovoltaic systems, which would offset part of this increase. Compliance with Title 24 energy efficiency standards and the inherent location of the HEU sites in close proximity to transit facilities would also ensure that electricity usage associated with development under the HEU would not be wasteful, inefficient or unnecessary.
Future development proposed as part of the HEU would be served by SVCE, a CCA that provides electricity with at least 50 percent and up to 100 percent from renewable resources. Although using a CCA does riot affect the amount of electricity used, the purpose of this requirement is to City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 32 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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reduce electricity -related GHG emissions, which a CCA would lessen or avoid independent of the amount of electricity consumed.
The 2019 California Green Building Standards Code (" CALGreen", Title 24, Part 11) requires that new construction and major alterations include " EV Capable" parking spaces which have electrical panel capacity, a dedicated branch circuit, and a raceway to the EV parking spot to support future installation of charging stations. All new construction and qualifying additions or alterations must comply with mandatory 2019 CALGreen requirements, Mandatory 2019 CALGreen requirements applicable to residential uses are as follows:
All new residential ( single- family, townhomes & duplexes) construction must be EV capable.
Each dvvelling unit must have d listed iacII to di- contniodate a dedicated 208/ 40 volt branch circuit.
Multifamily dwellings must provide at least 10 percent of the total parking spaces to be EV Capable.
Accessory dwelling units without additional parking do not need to comply with EV charging requirements for new construction ( e. g., guest houses).
If guest parking is available, at least one " EV Capable" space must be for guest parking.
In addition to the mandatory requirements, the 2019 CALGreen Code encourages local jurisdictions to raise the sustainable goals by publishing two " voluntary" tiers of additional requirements, referred to as Tier I and Tier 2. Tier 1 adds additional requirements beyond the mandatory measures. Tier 2 further increases the requirements. The CALGreen tiers are only mandatory where local ordinances have specifically adopted them. Tier 2 EV requirements for residential uses include the provision of at least 20 percent of the total parking spaces as " EV Capable. " 5
In October 2021, the CEC approved the 2022 CALGreen Building Standards Code which added to the 2019 CALGreen mandatory requirements. The 2022 CALGreen Code does not change the EV Capable percentages required for voluntary Tier 2 from the 2019 standards, but adds the requirement for chargers to be installed. For example, for multifamily buildings with 20 or more units, the 2022 CALGreen Code Tier 2 requires 15 percent of total parking spaces to have Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ( EVCS) ( California Housing and Community Development, rI
As part of the Reach Codes, the City has adopted requirements beyond mandatory 2019 CALGreen requirements. Multifamily residential buildings with more than three dwelling units are required to have at least 15 percent of the parking spaces to be installed with Level 2 EV chargers and a Level 3/ DV Fast charger for every 100 spaces. The remaining parking spaces are required to be EV Ready. These requirements in the City' s Reach Codes exceed the requirements set forth in the 2019 CALGreenTier 2standards which require the provision of at least 20 TV Capable" refers to a parking space that is linked toa listed electrical panel with sufficient capacity toprovide at least 110/ 120 volts and 20 amperes to the parking space. City of Mountain ViewHousing Element Update 4. 7- 33 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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percent of the total parking spaces as " EV Capable." The City' s EV charging infrastructure requirements in its Reach Codes also meet the 2022 CALGreen Tier 2 requirements which requires 15 percent of total parking spaces in multifamily residential developments to have EVCS.
However, it cannot be ascertained that the City' s Reach Codes would ensure consistency with Tier 2 requirements in future CALGreen updates beyond 2022, According to the BAAQMD' s recommended GHG thresholds, subsequent projects in the HEU area would be required to show compliance with EV requirements in the version of CALGreen Tier 2 adopted at the time of project review. As discussed earlier, the CALGreen standards will continue to be updated on a triennial basis with evolving requirements for EV charging. Therefore, current compliance with requirements in the City' s Reach Codes would not ensure compliance with Tier 2 CALGreen requirements in futute updates.
Consistency with SB 743 VMT Reduction Target of 15 percent below the regional average
As detailed earlier, with the adoption of SB 743, the State of California changed the method of traffic analysis required through CEQA for publicly- and privately -initiated projects. SB 743 requires project reviews under CEQA to evaluate the transportation impacts of new developments in terms of VMT, rather than on -road congestion and automobile delay. As described in Chapter 4. 14, Transportation, and illustrated in Figure 4. 14- 4, most of the City and sites identified in the HEU housing sites inventory are located in low VMT areas, where the VMT per resident is 15 percent below the regional VMT per resident. Portions of the City and some housing inventory sites6 are located within areas where the VMT per resident is below the regional average, but greater than 15 percent below the average. Mitigation Measure TRA- 1, Implement VMT Reduction Measures, along with implementation of Transportation Demand Management ( TDM) Standards in the North Bayshore Precise Plan and East Whisman Precise Plan for projects located within those precise plan areas would ensure that VMT per resident would meet the 15 percent VMT reduction requirement stipulated in the BAAQMD' s recommended GHG thresholds.
Because compliance with the City' s Reach Codes does not ensure compliance with future updates to the CALGreen Tier 2 EV requirements, the proposed HEU would not comply with BAAQMD' s recommended GHG threshold A (2) ( a), and thus would result in a potentially significant impact, requiring mitigation.
Mitigation Measure GHG- l: Require Compliance with EV Requirements in CALGreen Tier 2.
Subsequent development projects proposed as part of the HEU shall comply with EV requirements in the most recently adopted version of CALGreen Tier 2 at the time that a building permit application is filed.
Mitigation Measure TRA- 1: Implement VMT Reduction Measures. ( See Impact TRA- 2 in Chapter 4. 14, Transportation)
6 These sites are primarily located within the North Bayshore and East Whisman Precise Plan areas, south of US- 101 in the vicinity of Rengstorff Avenue, and in a portion of Downtown Mountain View.
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Significance after Mitigation: With the implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1 and TRA- 1, all future projects proposed for development pursuant to the HEU would be consistent with the BAAQMD' s recommended GHG significance thresholds.
Compliance with these thresholds would mean that these projects would not generate GHG emissions either directly or indirectly, that would have a significant impact on the environment. Therefore, ails Impact would be considelied less titan significant with mitigation.
Impact GHG- 2: Implementation of the HEU would not conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Less than Signfflicant with Mitigation)
The 2017 Scoping Plan Update adopted by CARB establishes the framework for achieving the 2030 statewide GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels. The 2017 Scoping Plan Update includes local actions that land use development projects and municipalities can implement to support the statewide goal. The 2017 Scoping Plan Update also illustrates in Figure 5 that achieving the 2030 target is consistent with progress toward achieving the 2050 level included in EO 5- 3- 05 and that depending on the success in achieving the 2030 target, it may be possible to achieve the 2050 target earlier than EO S- 3- 05 ( CARB, 2017). The BAAQMD' s draft recommended project - level GHG CEQA thresholds are designed to demonstrate consistency with CARB' s 2017 Scoping Plan Update and the statewide goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 pursuant to EO B- 55- 13 for new projects and plans. As described under Impact GHG- 1, with the implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1, the proposed HEU would be consistent with all four design elements included in BAAQMD' s draft proposed GHG thresholds. Therefore, implementation of the HEU would also be consistent with the statewide emissions reduction goal for 2030 required by SB 32 and achieved through the 2017 Scoping Plan Update.
The 2017 Scoping Plan Update incorporates a broad array of regulations, policies, and state plans designed to reduce GHG emissions. GHG reduction actions could be implemented by local governments and that are applicable to the construction and operation of development proposed under the HEU are listed in Table 4. 7- 3. Actions, plans, and programs that are not under the control or influence of local jurisdictions, such as the Cap -and -Trade program, are not included in the table.
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TABLE 4. 7- 3
Q_1§AN%WzF-11
Sector I Source Category / Description Consistency Analysis Energy and Water
California
Renewables Portfolio
Standard ( RPS) and
SB 100
California
Renewables Portfolio
Standard and SB 350
California Building
Efficiency Standards
CCR, Title 24, Part 6)
California Green
Building Standards
Code ( CCR, Title 24,
Part 11 - CALGreen)
Senate Bill X7- 7
Advanced Clean Cars
Program ( ACC) and
Mobile Source
Strategy ( MSS)
SB 100 requires that the proportion of
electricity from renewable sources be
60 percent renewable power by 2030 and
100 percent renewable power by 2045.
SB 350 requires that the proportion of
electricity trom renewable sources be
50 percent renewable power by 2030
superseded by SB 100). it also requires the
state to double the energy efficiency savings
in existing final end Uses of electricity and
natural gas by retail customers through
energy efficiency and conservation.
Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential
and Nonresidential Buildings
California' s Green Building Standards
CALGreen) Code includes energy and
water efficiency requirements, as well as
waste management and other design
regulations that apply to residential and
nonresidential buildings.
The Water Conservation Act of 2009 sets an
overall goal of reducing per capita urban
water use by 20 percent by December 31,
2020. Each urban retail water supplier shall
develop water use targets to meet this goal.
In 2012, CARE adopted the ACC program to
reduce criteria pollutants and GHG
emissions for model year vehicles 2015
through 2025. ACC requires the reduction of
criteria pollutants and GHG emissions from
light- and medium - duty vehicles. ACC also
includes the ZEV regulation, which requires
manufacturers to produce an increasing
number of pure ZEVs ( meaning battery
electric and fuel cell electric vehicles), with
provisions to also produce plug- in hybrid
electric vehicles ( PHEV) in the 2018 through
2025 model years. The Mobile Source
Strategy ( 2016) calls for 1. 5 million ZEVs
including plug- in hybrid electric, battery -
electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) on
the road by 2025, and 4. 2 million ZEVs by
2030.
Consistent. Electricity supplied to development
proposed under the HEU would be provided by
Pacific Gas and Electric ( PG& E) and Silicon
Valley Clean Energy ( SVCE). PG& E and SVCE
are required to comply with SB 100 and the
RPS.
Consistent. Electricity to development proposed
as pail or the HEU would be PIOVIded 011011911
PG& E and SVCE. PG& E and SVCE are
required to comply with both the RPS and
Sb ibO and will meet these standards.
Consistent. Buildings constructed under the
proposed FIELI Would be designed to comply
with the most recent version of Title 24 Building
Energy Efficiency Standards at the time of
individual project review.
Consistent. Buildings constructed as part of the
HEU would comply with mandatory CALGreen
measures. In addition, Mitigation Measure GHG1 would go beyond mandatory CALGreen measures to require voluntary Tier 2 EV
charging requirements for all development
allowed under the HEU.
Consistent. Water to development as part of
the HEU would be supplied by the City' s Public
Services Division, which is required to comply
with SB X7- 7 standards.
Consistent. These standards would apply to all
vehicles used by future residents of
development within the HEU, and to
construction workers traveling to and from the
construction sites as required by CALGreen. In
addition, Mitigation Measure GHG- 1 would go
beyond mandatory CALGreen regulatory
requirements for EV charging infrastructure to
require voluntary Tier 2 requirements for all
development allowed under the HEU and would
therefore accommodate future EV charging
stations.
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TABLE 4. 7- 3 ( CONTINUED)
III
Sector / Source I Category / Description I Consistency Analysis Mobile Sources
SB 375 SB 375 establishes mechanisms for the
development of regional targets for reducing
passenger vehicle GHG on-ficcions. Under
SB 375, CARB is required, in consultation
with the state' s Metropolitan Planning
Organizations, to set regional GHG
reduction targets for the passenger vehicle
and light -duty truck sector for 2020 and
2035. CARB' s current targets call for the Bay
Area to reduce per -capita vehicular GHG
emissions 10 percent by 2020 and
19 percent by ? 035 from a 2005 baseline.
Solid Waste
Consistent. Development Linder the proposed
HEU would be consistent with MTC and ABAG
Plan Bay Area 20, 10 goals and objectives under
SB 375 to implement " smart growth," The HEU
identifies housing sites in infill locations with
access to public transportation which would
reduce reliance on automobiles, thereby
reducing VMT and associated GHG emissions,
I he VM I generated per capita with the HF H is
projected to be less than 85 percent of the Bay
Area regional average. The 2020 Bay Area
region wide. average is estimated to be 13. 49
miles per resident. Based on the transportation
analysis for the HEU, development proposed
under the HEU would result in 9. 37 miles per
resident. This would be less than 11. 46 miles
per resident, which is 85 percent of the Bay Area
regional average.
California Integrated IWMA requires all California cities to divert Consistent. Recology Mountain View provides Waste Management 50-percent of all solid waste from landfill I solid waste and residential recycling services to Act ( IWMA) of 1989 disposal through source reduction, recycling, the city of Mountain View and is responsible for and AB 341 and composting activities. AB 341 directs recycling and solid waste management in the CalRecycle to develop and adopt regulations City. Recology' s services yield waste diversion for mandatory commercial recycling and sets results consistent with citywide recycling targets. a statewide goal for 75 percent disposal These services would be available to all future reduction by the year 2020. development under the HEU.
As shown above, the HEU would implement all applicable actions identified in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update to reduce energy use, conserve water, reduce waste generation, promote EV use, and reduce vehicle travel consistent with statewide strategies and regulations. In addition, as detailed under Impact GHG- 1, the HEU would be consistent with the BAAQMD' s updated GHG significance thresholds which in turn mean that the proposed HEU would be consistent with and contribute its fair share to the BAAQMD' s GHG reductions required to meet the statewide GHG reduction goal for 2030 pursuant to SB 32 and the 2017 Scoping Plan Update.
Although the HEU would not meet the EO B-55- 13 target of carbon neutrality by 2045, carbon neutrality is not a significance threshold for the purposes of this SEIR because carbon neutrality is not an adopted plan, policy, or regulation of the State that is applicable to the City. In fact, the 2017 Scoping Plan Update explicitly acknowledges and states that the inability to achieve carbon neutrality or net zero GHG emissions does not imply that a project contributes to a significant impact under CEQA ( GARB, 2017):
Achieving net zero increases in GHG emissions, resulting in no contribution to GHG impacts, may not be feasible or appropriate for every project, however, and the inability of a project to mitigate its GHC emissions to net zero does not imply the project results in a substantial contribution to the cumulatively significant environmental impact ofclimate change under CEQA.
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As illustrated above in Table 4. 7- 3, the development proposed under the HEU would align with the 2017 Scoping Plan Update and would not conflict with achieving the SB 32 target or with making progress toward achieving the 2050 reductions included in EO 5- 3- 05. The HEU makes progress towards carbon neutrality; however, its inability to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 does not conflict with the 2017 Scoping Plan, and thus does not render the impact significant under CEQA.
Pursuant to SB 375, ABAG and the MTC adopted Plan Bay Area 2040 to establish targets and strategies for meeting the region' s needs for housing at all income levels, while reducing GHG enlis'siol I' S by III ivato pctssengm cars, and light duty truck traffic. The core strategy of flan Bay.
Area 2040 is to encourage growth in existing communities along the existing transportation neLvvork, focusing new development in PDAs and TPAs In urbanized centers where more public transit and other mobility options are available to reduce the use of cars and light trucks.
In addition to encouraging focused growth through significant transit and roadway performance investments, Plan Bay Area 2040 directs funding to neighborhood active -transportation and complete -streets projects, climate initiatives, lifeline transportation and access initiatives, pedestrian and bicycle safety programs, and PDA planning.
The HEU would locate high density, transit -oriented housing in infill locations thereby reducing the number of vehicle trips and VMT. Many of the HEU housing sites are also located in a Priority Development Area and/ or a Transit Priority Area. As discussed under Impact GHG- 1, development in the HEU planning area would generate fewer miles per capita when compared to the regional average. The proposed HEU is therefore consistent with Plan Bay Area 2040 City of Mountain View Climate Action Planning
As discussed under the Regulatory Setting, the City' s Climate Protection Roadmap is not a plan in and of itself, but an analysis that may be used by City officials to evaluate the potential for longterm communitywide emission reduction initiatives moving forward. Due to the high- level nature of the analysis, the CPR does not explicitly direct implementation of any specific city actions.
The City' s current Sustainability Action Plan ( SAP- 4) is a 3- year plan to ensure the City' s progress towards its ultimate goal of reducing the City' s GHG emissions by 80 percent from 2005 levels by 2050. SAP- 4 prioritizes actions in two major sectors: transportation and natural gas use, to achieve both immediate GHG reductions and also enable future reductions. Transportation is the largest source of GHG emissions in Mountain View and the SAP- 4 includes actions that reduce vehicle miles traveled and promote EVs and EV charging infrastructure. The HEU would be consistent with these actions as it would generate VMT per capita 15 percent less than the Bay Area regional average as discussed under Impact GHG- 1. The HEU would also exceed requirements for EV charging infrastructure in the both the current ( 2019) CALGreen codes and the City' s Reach Codes. With implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1, all future development would be required to meet the CALGreen Tier 2 requirements in future updates to the code. In response to SAPA the City adopted the Reach Code requiring building electrification to reduce GHG emissions from natural gas combustion in buildings. Consistent with the Reach Code, all future development under the HEU would be required to be all -electric City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 38 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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and therefore be consistent with actions related to natural gas identified in the SAP- 4. Therefore, the HEU would be consistent with actions identified in the current SAP- 4.
Development proposed under the HEU would be required to comply with the most recent update to the CALGreen Code. All projects would also be required to comply with [ lie City' s Reach Codes that aim to achieve energy savings and GHG reductions beyond the state' s minimum requirements. In addition, Mitigation Measure GHG- 1 would require projects to comply with Tier 2 EV charging requirements in the CALGreen code applicable at the time of project review.
As described above, with adoption of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1, the HEU would not conflict with the GI IG reduction targets established by Executive Order S 3 05, and SB 32, or the reduction measures identified in CARB' s 2017 Scoping Plan. In addition, the HEU would not conflict with Plan Bay Area or the Mountain View Climate Protection Roadmap, and would be subject to measures in the CALGreen Code and the City' s Reach Codes.
Mitigation Measure GHG- 1: Require Compliance with EV Requirements in CALGreen Tier 2. ( See Impact GHG- I above)
Mitigation Measure TRA- 1: Implement VMT Reduction Measures. ( See Impact TRA- 2 in Chapter 4. 14, Transportation)
Significance after Mitigation: Implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1 would ensure the HEU' s consistency with BAAQMD GHG threshold A( 2) ( a) by requiring future development under the HEU to comply with the EV charging infrastructure requirements in the version of CALGreen standards in place at the time of individual project review. The HEU would be consistent with the other three GHG thresholds recommended by the BAAQMD. With implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1, the HEU would be consistent with the updated GHG thresholds recommended by the BAAQMD to meet the state' s GHG reduction and carbon neutrality goals in SB 32, EO B- 55- 13 and the 2017 Scoping Plan Update. Therefore, this impact would be less than significant with mitigation.
This section presents an analysis of the cumulative effects of the HEU in combination with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that could cause cumulatively considerable impacts. Significant cumulative impacts related to GHG could occur if the incremental impacts of the HEU combined with the incremental impacts of one or more cumulative projects.
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Impact GHG- I.CU: Implementation of the HEU, in combination with past, present, existing, approved, pending, and reasonably foreseeable future projects, would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to GHG emissions that may have a significant impact on the environment or conflict with applicable plans, policies or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. (Less than Significant with Mitigation) Global GHG emissions and global climate change are inherently a cumulative concern that is understood for CEQA purposes to be an existing significant and adverse condition. Accordingly, the significance of GHG emissions in this analysis is determined based on whether such emissions would have a cumulatively considerable impact on global climate change. Because the geographic scope of cumulative impacts related to GHG emissions ( i.e., global climate change) is global, this analysis evaluates the HEU' s direct and indirect generation ot GHG emissions which contribute to this cumulative impact, The California Air Pollution Control nfficers' Association CAPCOA) considers GHG impacts to be exclusively cumulative Impacts, In that no single project could, by itself, result in a substantial change in climate. Therefore, the evaluation of cumulative GHG impacts presented in this section considers whether the HEU would make a considerable contribution to cumulative emissions of GHG. As discussed Linder Impacts GIIG- 1 and GHG- 2, implementation of the HEU would result in less than significant impacts with implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1 by ensuring consistency with all four GHG thresholds recommended by the BAAQMD which would in turn ensure consistency with the state' s GHG reduction and carbon neutrality goals for 2030 and beyond. Therefore, the HEU would also be consistent with the 2017 Scoping Plan Update that was adopted by CARB to meet the state' s GHG reduction and carbon neutrality goals, Further, development proposed under the HEU would also be consistent with the development assumptions of Plan Bay Area 2040 which is the Bay Area regional plan to meet the region' s needs for housing, while reducing GHG emissions from transportation sources. Given that GHG emission impacts are cumulative in nature, the ITEU' s incremental contribution to significant cumulative GHG emissions would therefore not be cumulatively considerable, and the cumulative impact of GHG emissions generated by the HEU would be less than significant with mitigation.
Mitigation Measure GHG- 1: Require Compliance with EV Requirements in CALGreen Tier 2. ( See Impact GHG- 1 above)
Mitigation Measure TRA- 1: Implement VMT Reduction Measures. (See Impact TRA- 2 in Chapter 4. 14, Transportation)
Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant.
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MENEM=
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact GHG- 1: Implementation of the HEU Potentially Mitigation Measure Less than would not generate greenhouse gas emissions, Significant GHG- 1: Require Significant either directly or indirectly, that may have a Compliance with EV significant impact on the environment. Requirements in
CALGreen Tier 2
Mitigation Measure
TRA- 1: Implement
VMT Reduction
Measures
Impa(A GHG-2. ImplementatiluH of the I ICU Potentially Mitigation Measure Less than would I lot (. oi ifli(; L wills at I applicable plan, 81gillficant Ul IU-' I: Require Significant puliGy ( it regulabuit adopted foil Lhe purpose of Curilpliall(' 0 with EV reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Requirements in CALGreen Tier 2
Mitigation Measure
TRA- 1: Implement
VMT Reduction
Measures
Impact GHG- 1. CU: Implementation of the Potentially Mitigation Measure Less than HEU, in combination with past, present, Significant GHG- 1: Require Significant existing, approved, pending, and reasonably Compliance with EV foreseeable future projects, would result in a Requirements in cumulatively considerable contribution to GHG CALGreen Tier 2 emissions that may have a significant impact Mitigation Measure on the environment or conflict with applicable TRA- 1: Implement plans, policies or regulations adopted for the VMT Reduction purpose of reducing the emissions of Measures
greenhouse gases.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District ( BAAQMD). 2017a. 2017 Final Clean Air Plan, k" April 19, 2017. Available online: https:// www. baaqmd. gov/—/medialfiles/ planning- andresearch/ plans/ 2017- clean- air- plan/ attachment- a-- proposed- final- cap- vol- l- pdf.pdf?la= en.
Accessed May 2022.
BAAQMD. 2017b. California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines, May 2017.
Available online: https:// www. baaqmd. gov/—/media/ files/ planning- and- research/ ceqal ceqa. guidelines—may20l7-pdf.pdf?la=en. Accessed May 2022.
BAAQMD. 2022. Justification Report: CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Change Impacts from Land Use Projects and Plans, April 2022. Available online:
https:// www. baaqmd. gov/—/media/files/ planning- and- research/ ceqa/ ceqa-thresholds2022/justification- report- pdf.pdPla=en. Accessed May 2022.
Cal Adapt. 2022. Annual Average. Available online: https:// cal- adapt. org/ tools/ anntial- averages.
Accessed May 2022.
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California Air Pollution Control Officers Association ( CAPCOA). 2008. CEQA & Climate Change, January 2008. Available online: http:// www.capcoa.org/wp- content/uploads/ 2012/ 03/ CAPCOA- White- Paper. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
California Air Resources Board ( CARB). 2007. California Greenhouse Gas Inventory - By IPCC Category, last updated November 19, 2007. Available online: https:// ww2. arb. ca. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ classic/ cc/ ghg- inventory- ipcc- all- 90- 04- AR4. pdt'. Accessed May 2022.
CARB. 2008. Climate Change Scoping Plan: A Framework for Change, December 2008.
Available online: https:// ww3. arb. ca. gov/ cc/ scopingplan/ document/ adopted- scopingplan.pdL Accessed May 2022.
CARB, 2016, Mobile Source Strategy, May ? 016 Available online- https-// ww3. arh. ca. gov/ planning/ sip/ 2016sip/ 2016mobsrc. p(If. Accessed May 2022.
CARB. 2017. California' s 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan: The Strategy for Achieving California' s 2030 Greenhouse Gas Target, November 2017. Available online:
https:// ww3. arb. ca. gov/ cc/ scopingplan/ scopitig- plari- 2017. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CARB. 2018a. Resolution 18- 12: Proposed Update to Senate Bill 375 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets, March 22, 2018. Available online: https:// ww3.arb. ca.gov/board/ res/ 2018/resl8- 12. pdf. Accessed May 2020.
CARB. 2018b. SB 375 Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets. March 2018.
Available online: https:// www. arb. ca. gov/ cc/ sb375/ finaltargets2Ol8. pdf, Accessed May 2022.
CARB. 2021a. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2000- 2019 - Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators, July 28, 2021. Available online: https: Hww2. arb. ca. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ classic/ cc/ ca- ghg- inventory--jrends- 2000- 2019.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CARB. 2021b. 2020 Mobile Source Strategy, October 28, 2021. Available online:
https:// ww2.arb. ca.gov/sites/default/files/2021- 12/ 2020- Mobile- Source- Strategy.pdf, Accessed on May 2022.
CARB. 2022. GHG Global Warming Potentials. Available online: https:// ww2. arb. ca.gov/ ghggwps. Accessed May 2022.
California Building Standards Commission ( CBSC). 2019. 2019 California Green Building Standards Code. July 2019. Available online: https:// calgreenenergyservices. com/wp/wpcontent/ uploads/ 2019- california- green- Code. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
California Department of Finance ( CDF). 2022a. E- 4 Historical Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, 2022. Available online: https:// www.dof.ca. gov/Forecasting/ Demographics/ Estimates/. Accessed May 2022.
CDF. 2022b. Gross State Product, 2022. Available online: https:// www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/ Economics/Indicators/Gross- SLaLe- Product/. Accessed May 2022.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 7- 42 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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California Department of Food and Agriculture ( CDFA). 2020. California Agricultural Statistics Review, 2020. Available online: https:// www. cdfa. ca.gov/ Statistics/ PDFs/ 2020_ Ag_ Stats- Review.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CEC. 201& 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings, December 2018. Available online: https:// www. energy. ca. gov/ sites/ default/files/ 2021- 06/ CEC- 400- 2018- 020- CMF- O, pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CEC. 2021. 2022 Energy Code Update Rulemaking, November 22, 2021. Available online:
https:// www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and- topics/programs/building-energy-efficiencystaridards/ 2022- building- energy- efficiency. Accessed May 2022.
California Housing and Community Development. n.d. 2022 CALGreen, no date. Available online: https:// catc. ca. gov/-/ iiiedia/ ctc- niedia/ documents/ ctc- nicetings/ 2021/ 2021 04/ tab 2 hcd- pres- al ly.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
California Legislative Information, 2011. Assembly Bill No. 341 - Chapter 476, October 6, 2011.
Available online:
https:// Ieginfo.legislature. ca.gov/faces/ bilINavClient. xhtml?bill- id=201120120AB341 Accessed June 2022.
California Natural Resources Agency ( CNRA), 2009. 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy - A Report to the Governor of the State of California in Response to Executive Order 5- 13- 2008, 2009. Available online: https:Hresources.ca.gov/CNRALegacyFiles/ docs/ climate/Statewide- Adaptation- Strategy.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CNRA. 2014. Safeguarding California: Reducing Climate Risk, an Update to the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy, July 2014. Available online: https:Hresources.ca.gov/CNRA LegacyFiles/ docs/ climate/ Final- Safeguarding- CA- Planjuly- 31- 2014. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CNRA. 2016. Safeguarding California., Implementation Action Plans, March 2016. Available online: https:// resources. ca. gov/ CNRALegacyFiles/ docs/ climate/ safeguarding/ Safeguarding% 20California- Implementation% 2OAction% 20PIans.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
CNRA. 2018. Safeguarding California Plan: 2018 Update, January 2018. Available online:
https:// resources.ca.gov/CNRALegacyFiles/ docs/ climate/safeguarding/update20l8/ safeguar ding-california-plan- 2018- update.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
City of Mountain View. 2012. Mountain View Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, August 2012. Available online:
https://www.mountainview.gov/civicax/filebanldblobdload.aspx?blobid= 10700. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View. 2013. Shoreline Sea Level Rise Study, February 5, 2013. Available online: https:// www.mountainview.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BloblD= 19818.
Accessed May 2022.
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City of Mountain View. 2015. City of Mountain View Climate Protection Roadmap, September 2015. Available online:
https:// www. mountainview. gov/ civicax/ filebank/ blobdload. aspx? BloblD= 19516. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View. 2019a. Sustainability Action Plan 4, October 22, 2019. Available online:
https:// collaborate. mountainview. gov/ sustainability- action- plan- 4- sap- 4. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View. 2019b. Mountain View Green Building Code, 2019. Available online:
https:// www. mountainview. gov/ depts/ comdev/ building/ construction/ 2019—mountain—view green—buildin2—and—reacli—codes. asp. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View ?, 0 19c, City of Mountain View Zero Waste Plan, October 2019.
Available online:
Iittl)s:// www.Irlout1Lail1vlew. gov/ clvlcax/fllebaiikJL)1(.) I.)(.1toa(l. asl) x?Blol)lD=30(;81. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View. 202 Ia. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended through April 13, 2021.
City of Mountain View. 202 tb. Electric Vehicle Action Plan, December 2021. Available online:
https:// www. mountainview. gov/ civicax/ filebank/ blobdload. aspx? BloblD= 36813. Accessed June 2022.
City of Mountain View. 2022. Final 2019 and Preliminary ? 020 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories, Council Report, April 12, 2022.
Climate Central. 2022. U.S. Temperatures and Billion -Dollar Disasters, January 10, 2022.
Available online: https:Hmedialibrary. climatecentral. orR/ resources/ us-temps- blllion- dollardisasters. Accessed May 2022.
Cook et al. 2016. Consensus on consensus: a synthesis of consensus estimates on human -caused global warming, Environmental Research Letters Vol. 11 No. 4, DOI: 10, 1088/ 1748- 9326/ 11/ 4/ 048002, April 13, 2016, Available online: https: Hiopscience. iop. org/ article/
10. 1088/ 1748- 9326/ 11/ 4/ 048002/ pdf. Accessed May 2022.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC). 2014. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report, Contribution of Working Groups 1, 11 and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Core Writing Team, R.K. Pachauri and L.A.
Meyer ( eds.), Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC, 151 pp, 2014. Available online:
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/ assets/ uploads/ 2018/ 02/ SYR—AR5—FINAL—fUll.Ddf. Accessed May 2022.
Metropolitan Transportation Commission ( MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments ABAG). 2013. Bay Area Plan — Strategy for A Sustainable Region, July 13, 2013.
Available online: http:// files. mtc. ca. gov/ pdf/Plan—Bay—Area—FINAL/ Plan—Bay—Area. pdf.
Accessed on May 2022.
MTC & ABAG. 2017. Plan Bay Area 2040. Adopted July 26, 2017. Available online:
https:// mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/Final—Plan—Bay. Area- 2040.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
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MTC & ABAG. 2021, Plan Bay Area 2050, Adopted October 21, 2021. Available online:
https:// planbayarea. org/ sites/ default/ files/ documents/ Plan- Bay. Area- 2050- October- 202 1. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association ( NOAA). 2019. Assessing the US Climate in 2018, published February 6, 2019. Available online: https:// www. ncei. noaa. gov/ news/ national- climate- 201812. Accessed May 2022.
NOAA, 2021. Climate Change: Global Sea Level, Last updated December 21, 2021. Available online: https:// www. climate. gov/ news- features/ understanding- climate/ climate- changeglobal-sea-level. Accessed May 2022.
NOAA. 2022. NOAA Wildfires/ FIRER Fact Sheet - The Impact of Wildfires on Climate and Air Quality, no date. Available online: https:// csl.rioaa. gov/factslieets/ csdWildfli-es FIREX.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
Office of Planning and Research ( OPR). 2018. Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, December 2018. Available online: litLp:// opr. ca. gov/ docs/ 20190122- 743- Technical- Advisory. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
OPR, California Energy Commission ( CEC), California Natural Resources Agency ( CNRA). 2018. California' s Fourth Climate Change Assessment: Statewide Summary Report, August 2018. Available online: https:// www. energy. ca. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2019- 11 /Statewide - Reports- SUM- CCCA4- 2018- 013- Statewide- Summary- Report- ADA. pdf.
Accessed May 2022.
Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre ( RCCC). 2019. Heatwave Guide for Cities, July 2019.
Available online: https:// www, climatecentre. org/ downloads/ files/ IFRCGeneva/ RCCC`/` 20 Heatwave% 20Guide% 202019% 20A4% 20RR% 200NLINE% 20copy. pdf. Accessed May 2022.
United States Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA). 2021. Inventory of U. S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990- 2019, April 14, 2021. Available online:
https:// www.epa. gov/sites/default/files/2021- 04/ documents/us- ghg-invetitory- 202 1 - maintext.pdf?Versionld= uuA7i8WoMDBOcOM4ln8WVXMgnlGkujvD. Accessed May 2022.
USEPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 2010. Light -Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards; Final Rule, May 7, 2010. Available online: https:// www.govinfo. gov/ content/ pkg/FR- 2010-05- 07/pdf/2010- 8159.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
USEPA and NHTSA. 2019. One National Program Rule on Federal Preemption of State Fuel Economy Standards. Available online: https:Hnepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey= P10OX14W, pdf. Accessed May 2022.
Westerling, Anthony LeRoy. 2018. Wildfire Simulations for the Fourth California Climate Assessment: Projecting Changes in Extreme Wildfire Events with a Warming Climate, Publication no. CCCA4- CEC- 2018- 014, August 2018. Available online:
https:// www. energy. ca. gov/ sites/ default/ files/ 2019- 1 I/ Projections- CCCA4- CEC- 2018- 014- ADA.pdf. Accessed May 2022.
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4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
1L. 8. 1 1- iitroduction
This section assesses the potential for the Project to result in significant adverse impacts relative to hazards and hazardous materials. This section first includes a description of the existing environmental setting as it relates to hazards and hazardous materials, and provides a regulatory framework that discusses applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This section also includes an evaluation of potential significant impacts of the Project relative to hazards and hazardous materials The locations of each of the proposed HF1 J housing sites are shown on Figure 3- 3.
The Notice ol' Preparation (NOP) for Life EIR was circulated oil February 4, 2022, and a scoping meeting was held on February 24, 2022. The NOP and the comments received during the public comment period can be found in Appendix A of this EIR. Comments relating to hazards and hazardous materials received during the NOP comment period include concerns related to existing hazardous materials sites that have had releases and to any housing sites near a closed landfill north of Highway 101.
4. 8.2 Environmental Setting
Hazardous Materials Sites
GeoTracker and EnviroStor Hazardous Materials Sites
Active and closed hazardous materials sites that have reported spills or releases are tracked on the State Water Resources Control Board ( SWRCB) GeoTracker and Department of Toxic Substances Control ( DTSC) EnviroStor websites, which can be viewed simultaneously. The types of GeoTracker cleanup sites include leaking underground storage tank ( LUST) sites ( i.e., nonmilitary UST sites that have had an unauthorized release [ i.e. leak or spill] of a hazardous substance, usually gasoline, diesel, and/ or motor oil), cleanup program sites ( i.e., pesticide and fertilizer facilities, railyards, ports, equipment supply facilities, metals facilities, industrial manufacturing and maintenance sites, dry cleaners, bulk transfer facilities, refineries, mine sites, landfills, RCRA/CERCLA cleanups, and some brownfields), military cleanup sites ( i. e., all cleanup sites located on existing or to -be -transferred military bases). The sites listed on the EnviroStor website are more focused on hazardous waste facilities and sites with known contamination, typically mostly focused on soil and soil vapor contamination. DTSC also typically regulates cleanups at leaking dry cleaner sites.
Figure 4. 8- 1, Hazardous Materials Cleanup Sites, overlays the cleanup sites as of April 27, 2022, on the proposed HEU housing site areas. Cleanup sites with an " x" through the symbol are sites that have been cleaned up and their case closed by the overseeing regulatory agency ( i.e., the DTSC, or Regional Water Quality Control Board [ RWQCB], or the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health [ SCDEH]). Case closure means that the regulatory agency has concluded that the particular cleanup site has been cleaned up to a level that no longer poses a risk to people or the environment. This also means that residual levels of contamination below regulatory action levels may remain at the given cleanup site.
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4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
As shown, almost all ofthe areas identified for housing as part of the HEU have one or more cleanup sites within or near the housing site footprint. The sites identified as open sites are undergoing investigation and cleanup as of April 27, 2022. As discussed in Section 3. 0, Project Description, the timing of the construction of specific housing sites is unknown at this time.
Consequently, cleanup at the currently listed active cleanup sites may be completed by the time a particular HEU housing site is constructed. Alternately, new hazardous materials spill sites may be identified in the future that are at or near a proposed HEU housing site.
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In the 1960s and 1970s, several industrial companies involved in the semiconductor, electronics, and other manufacturing and research in the Mountain View and Moffett Field area used volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily trichloroethene (TICE), as cleaning solvents (USEPA 2019). Leakage from storage containers and piping resulted in the contamination of groundwater with TCE and its degradation byproducts of cis- 1, 2- dichloroethene ( cis- 1, 2- DCE), trans- 1, 2- DCE, and vinyl chloride.
The affected area is referred to as the Middlefield-Ellis-Whisman ( MEW) Superfund Study Area.
The MEW Superfund Study Area is named for the three streets that generally bound the source areas of this contamination: Middlefield Road, Ellis Street, and Whisman Road. It includes three separate Superfund sites: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation; Raytheon Company; and Intel Corporation; and portions of the former Naval Air Station (NAS) Moffett Field Superfund Property. The companies responsible for the soil and groundwater contamination are investigating and cleaning up the MEW Superfund Site but no longer own or operate their former facilities. Figure 4. 8- 1 includes the footprints of two areas under investigation and cleanup that are located in Mountain View. These areas have TCE and other VOCs contamination in the shallowest aquifer. VOCs are volatilizing out of the groundwater in the aquifer into a gaseous state, which has resulted in potential vapor intrusion into breathing spaces of overlying structures. Portions of the areas identified for housing as part of the HEU sites would overlie the MEW Site Vapor Intrusion Study Area, shown in pink and the Operational Unit 3 ( OU3) Vapor Intrusion Evaluation Area, shown in blue.
For the HEU areas that overlie the MEW Superfund site, the depth to groundwater in the shallowest aquifer is 18 to 24 feet below the ground surface ( bgs). The cleanup level for TCE in groundwater is 5 micrograms per liter (µg/Q. The concentration of TCE in groundwater is as high as 6,000 Itg/L.
The cleanup level for TCE in soil gas is 5 micrograms per cubic meter ( µg/m 3) for commercial land uses and I [ Lg/ m3 for residential land uses. In soil gas samples, the maximum concentration of TCE in soil gas is as high as 110,000 ([ tg/M3 ) and maximum TCE soil gas concentrations at 410,000 lJLg/ 1,u3 have been detected. Further discussion regarding cleanup levels is provided below in Section 4, 8. 3, Regulatory Setting, MEW Vapor Intrusion Study Area Requirements.
For buildings overlying shallow groundwater contamination, the vapor intrusion study area shown on Figure 4. 8- 1 was designated by the USEPA in 2010 to prevent site contamination from vapor intrusion into buildings, The USEPA determined that vapor intrusion response actions were necessary to protect the health of building occupants in the vapor intrusion study area from actual or threatened releases of hazardous substances into the environment via the subsurface vapor intrusion pathway. The associated clean-up actions, which supplement already ongoing soil and groundwater clean- up work at MEW, represent one of the largest Superfund vapor intrusion clean- ups to date.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 2 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
r
Q City of Mountain View
Precise Plan
Superfund Site Plumes
MEW Vapor Intrusion Study Area
OU3 Vapor Intrusion Study Area
Cleanup Sites
Lust Cleanup Site
Cleanup Program Site
Military Cleanup Site
Military UST Site
A DTSC Cleanup Site
x Completed
SOURCE: XXX
ESA
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City of Mountain View
Figure 4. 8- 1
Hazardous Materials Cleanup Sites
Resolution No. 18755
a
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The USEPA' s selected remedy to address vapor intrusion and protect the health of building occupants in the vapor intrusion study area consists of the following:
0 For Existing Buildings - The appropriate response action is determined by indoor air sampling and other lines of evidence for each building. If necessary, installation, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of an appropriate sub- slab/ sub- membrane ventilation system.
Alternative for Existing Commercial By - Use of building' s Indoor air mechanical ventilation system ifthe property/building owner agrees to use, operate, and monitor the system to meet remedy performance criteria and the remedial action objectives. 0 For Future Mew Construction) Buildings - Installation of a vapor barrier and passive subslab ventilation system ( with the ability to be made active). 0 Implementation of institutional controls TICS) and monitoring to ensure the long- term effectiveness of the remedy.
While some of the sites identified in the housing sites inventory are vacant, some locations may require the removal of existing structures. Older structures in the areas identified for housing as part of the HEU, if constructed prior to 1978, may include asbestos -containing materials ( ACMs) in building materials such as roofs, tiling, and insulation. ACMs are of concern because exposure to ACMs has been linked to cancer.
Lead was widely used as a major ingredient in most interior and exterior oil -based paints prior to 1950 ( lead -based paint [ LBP]). In 1972, the Consumer Products Safety Commission limited lead content in new paint to 0. 5 percent, and to 0. 06 percent in 1978. Similar to ACMs in buildings, lead may be present in older buildings within the areas identified for housing as part of the HEU and exposure to LBP has been linked to cancer.
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Pesticides containing metals such as arsenic, mercury, copper, and lead were utilized in agriculture prior to 1950. Then, DDT ( dichloro- diphenyl- trichloroethane) and chlordane pesticides were used from 1950 to the mid- 1970' s. Many areas in the City were primarily agricultural from 1939 to 1968. Soils in the areas identified for housing as part of the HEU may contain residual pesticide contamination from previous agricultural activities. 12MMnM2EE=
The following public schools are located in Mountain View:
Stevenson Elementary School at 750 San Pierre Way
Theuerkaulf Elementary School at 1625 San Luis Avenue
Waldorf School of the Peninsula at 180 North Rengstorff Avenue Landels Elementary School at 115 West Dana Street
Mariano Castro Elementary School at 500 Toft Street
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 5 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
St. Joseph Mountain View at 1120 Miramonte Avenue
Monta Loma Elementary at 460 Thompson Avenue
Springer Elementary School at 1120 Rose Avenue
Benjamin Bubb Elementary School at 525 Hans Avenue
Amy Imai Elementary School ( previously Huff) at 253 Martens Avenue Moffett Federal Airfield is located just east of the HEU housing area in the North Bayshore neighborhood and north of the HF1 J housing areas in the Morfett/ Whisman Road neighborhood Windus 2016b). The Moffett Airport Protection Zone extends 2, 500 feet South of the southern end of the airport but does not extend over arty HEU housing area. However, Federal Regulation Title 14 Part 77 ( FAR Part 77) establishes standards and notification requirements for objects affecting navigable airspace, including the height of structures within the navigable airspace. The FAR Part 77 Surface for Moffett Federal Airfield ranges from 182 feet to 382 feet over all of the HEU housing areas, except for some of the HEU housing areas west of Shoreline Boulevard, as shown on Figure 4. 8- 2, FAR Part 77 Surface. No buildings would be allowed in HEU housing areas higher than 182 to 382 feet above mean sea level without FAA approval.
The Airport Influence Area ( AIA), also shown on Figure 4. 8- 2, is a composite of the areas surrounding the airport that are affected by noise, height, and safety considerations. Within the AIA, actions, regulations, and permits must be evaluated by local agencies to determine how Comprehensive Land Use Plan ( CLUP) policies may impact the proposed development, including HEU housing.
The Palo Alto Airport is located about 1. 8 miles northwest of the North Bayshore neighborhood Windus 2016a). The Airport Protection Zone extends 1, 000 feet southeast of the southeast end of the airport and does not extend over the any of the HEU housing areas. The FAR Part 77 Surface and AIA also do not extend to over any of the HEU housing areas. w-Teawrimm" s "s am
The County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services ( OES) adopted an Emergency Operations Plan ( EOP) in 2017 ( County of Santa Clara 2017). The plan aligns with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the California Standardized Emergency Management System ( SEMS). It facilitates multi -agency and multi jurisdictional coordination during emergency operations, public information functions, and resource management.
The plan provides Emergency Operations Center (EOC) responders with procedures, documentation, and checklists to effectively manage emergencies, and it also provides detailed information of supplemental requirements such as public information, damage assessment, and recovery operations, The FOP does not identify specific emergency response or evacuation routes; the routes depend on the location and nature of the emergency.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 6 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
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City of Mountain View Housing Element Update
Figure 4.8- 2
FAR Part 77 Surface
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
In the City, the Mountain View Fire Department and OES are responsible for responding to disasters or other large-scale emergencies. The OES Emergency Plan includes emergency response protocols and procedures within Mountain View. In the areas identified for housing as part of the HEU, the commuter train ( VTA Light Rail), US 101, and State Route 237 could be used as evacuation routes,
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The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( Calfire) maps areas of significant fire hazard based on fuels, terrain, weather and other relevant factors. These zones, referred to as Fire Hazard Severity Zones, then determine the requirements for special building codes designed to reduce the ignition potential of buildings, The City of Mountain View is not located within a I ligh Fire Hazard Severity Zone ( Calfire, 2007, 2008).
The primary federal agencies with responsibility for hazardous materials management include the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA), U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( Fed/ OSHA), and the U. S. Department of Transportation ( USDOT).
Federal laws, regulations, and responsible agencies are summarized in Table 4. 8- 1.
TABLE 4. 8- 1
i AhCr.1, TF.1AX
Law or Responsible
Classification Federal Agency Description
Community Right -to -Know Act of Imposes requirements to ensure that hazardous materials Hazardous Materials 1986 ( also known as Title Ili of are properly handled, used, stored, and disposed of and to Management the Superfund Amendments and prevent or mitigate injury to human health or the environment in the event that such materials are Reauthorization Act ( SARA))
accidentally released.
Resource Conservation and
Under RCRA, the USEPA regulates the generation,
Recovery Act of 1976 ( RCRA)
transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of
hazardous waste from cradle to grave,"
Hazardous Waste
Amended RCRA in 1984, affirming and extending the Handling Hazardous and Solid Waste Act cradle to grave" system of regulating hazardous wastes.
The amendments specifically prohibit the use of certain techniques for the disposal of some hazardous wastes.
USDOT has the regulatory responsibility for the safe
USDOT
transportation of hazardous materials. The USDOT
Hazardous Materials regulations govern all means of transportation except Transportation packages shipped by mail ( 49 CFR).
U. S. Postal Service ( LISPS) LISPS regulations govern the transportation of hazardous materials shipped by mail.
Occupational Safety and Health
Fed/ OSHA sets standards for safe workplaces and work
Occupational Safety Act of 1970
practices, including the reporting of accidents and
occupational injuries (29 CFR 1910).
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 8 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
TABLE 4. 8- 1 ( CONTINUED)
FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS RELATED To HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Law or Responsible
Classification Federal Agency Description
The Uniform Fire Code establishes standards for fire
department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler
systems, fire alarm systems, fire and explosion hazards Fire Code
2000 Uniform Fire Code and safety, wine caves, hazardous materials storage and use, Standards provisions intended to protect and assist first responders, industrial processes, and many other general and
specialized fire -safety elements for new and existing
buildings and premises.
Restrictions on the height of buildings, antermar., trees, and other objents near Moffett Federal Airfield and the Palo Alto Airport are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA), Federal Aviation Regulations ( FAR) Part 77 The
FAR Part 77 map is used by the FAA and the Santa Clara
County Airport Land Use Commission ( ALUC) to identify
Airports
Federal Aviation Administration potential obstructions and hazards to aviation traffic. A FAA) Comprehensive Land Use Plan ( CLOP) has been prepared by the Santa Clara County Airport Land Use Commission
ALUC). The CLUP seeks to protect the public from the
adverse effects of aircraft noise, to ensure that people and facilities are not concentrated in areas susceptible to aircraft accidents, and to ensure that no structures or activities adversely affect navigable airspace.
State and local agencies often have either parallel or more stringent rules than federal agencies. In most cases, state law mirrors or overlaps federal law and enforcement of these laws is the responsibility of the state or of a local agency to which enforcement powers are delegated. For these reasons, the requirements of the law and its enforcement are discussed under either the State or local agency section.
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The primary State agencies with responsibility for hazardous materials management in the region include the DTSC and the RWQCB within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA), California Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( Cal/ OSHA), California Department of Health Services ( CDHS), California Highway Patrol ( CHP), and the California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans). State laws, regulations, and responsible agencies are summarized in Table 4. 8- 2.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 9 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
TABLE 4. 8- 2
STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS RELATED To HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Law or Responsible
Classification State Agency Description
Hazardous Materials Unified Hazardous Waste In January 1996, Cal EPA adopted regulations, which implemented Management and Hazardous Materials a Unified Program at the local level. The agency responsible for Management Regulatory implementation of the Unified Program is called the Certified Unified Program ( Unified Program Agency ( cur, A), which for Santa Clara County Is the Program); CUPA ( Health Santa Clara County Hazardous Materials Compliance Division and Safety Code Sections HMCD),
25404 at seq)
California Fire Code, Title The California Fire Code regulates the storage and handling of 24, Chapt@r 9 of the hazardous materials, including the requirement for secondary California Code of containment, separation of incompatible materials, and preparation Regulations of spill response procedures.
Hazardous Waste California Hazardous The California Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Handling Materials Release Inventory Law of 1985 ( Business Plan Act) requires that businesses Response Plan and that store hazardous materials onsite prepare a Hazardous Inventory Law of 1985; Materials Business Plan ( HMBP) and Submit it to the local CUPA, CUPA which in this case is the HMCD.
California Hazardous Under the California Hazardous Waste Control Act, California Waste Control Act; DTSC Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6. 5, Article 2, Section 25100, et seq., DTSC regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste in California.
The hazardous waste regulations establish criteria for identifying, packaging, and labeling hazardous wastes; dictate the
management of hazardous waste; establish permit requirements for hazardous waste treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation; and identify hazardous wastes that cannot be disposed of in landfills. DTSC is also the administering agency for the California Hazardous Substance Account Act. California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6. 8, Sections 25300 at seq., also known as the State Superfund law, providing for the investigation and remediation of hazardous substances pursuant to State law.
Hazardous Materials Titles 13, 22, and 26 of the Regulates the transportation of hazardous waste originating in and Transportation California Code of passing through the state, including requirements for shipping, Regulations containers, and labeling.
CHP and Caltrans These two state agencies are primary responsibility for enforcing federal and state regulations and responding to hazardous materials transportation emergencies.
Occupational Safety Cal/ OSHA Cal/ OSHA has primary responsibility for developing and enforcing workplace safety regulations in California. Because California has a federally approved OSHA program, it is required to adopt regulations that are at least as stringent as those found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Cal/OSHA standards are generally more stringent than federal regulations.
Cal/ OSHA regulations Concerning the use of hazardous materials in the workplace require Title 8 CCR) employee safety training, safety equipment, accident and illness prevention programs, hazardous substance exposure warnings, and emergency action and fire prevention plan preparation.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 10 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755
4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
TABLE 4. 8- 2 ( CONTINUED)
STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS RELATED To HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT Law or Responsible
Classification State Agency Description
Construction Storm RWQCB Dischargers whose project disturbs one or more acres of soil or Water General where projoctc disturb loss than ono acro but aro part of a larger Permit ( Construction common plan of development that in total disturbs one of more acres, General Permit; are required to obtain coverage under the NPDES General Permit for Order 2009- 0009- Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land DWQ, NPDES No. Disturbance Activities ( Construction General Permit; Order 2009- CAS000002; as 0009- DWQ, NPDES No, CAS000002; as amended by Orders 2010- amended by Orders 0014- DWQ and 2012- 006- DWQ). Construction activity subject to this 010- 0014- I1Wn permit includes olearina, oradino, grubbing, and other disturbances to and 2012- 006-DWQ) tho ground 4,uch as excavation and 6tockpiling, but does not includo regular maintenance activities performed to restoro the original line, grade, or capacity of a facility. The Construction General Permit rv.qtfire,i the development nod implonnontntion of a F, tormvintor Pollution Prevention Plan ( SWPPP) that includes specific Best Management Practices ( BMPs) designed to prevent sediment and pollutants from contacting stormwater from moving offsite into receiving waters. The BMPs fall into several categories, including erosion control, sediment control, waste management and good housekeeping, and are intended to protect surface water quality by preventing the off -site migration of eroded soil and construction - related pollutants from the construction area
Municipal Separate RWQCB The MS4 permit requires permittees of the San Francisco Bay Region Storm Sewer Municipal Regional Permit, including Mountain View, to reduce System ( MS4) pollutants and runoff flows from new development and redevelopment Permit NPDES No. using BMPs to the maximum extent practical. The MS4 permittee CAS612008 and also has its own development standards, also known as Low Impact Order No. R2- 2022- Development ( LID)/ post- construction standards that include a 0018 hydromodification element. The MS4 permit requires specific design concepts for LID/ post- construction BMPs in the early stages of a project during the entitlement and CEQA process and the development plan review process.
Underground California Code of Section 4216- 4216. 9 " Protection of Underground Infrastructure" Infrastructure Regulations Section 42116- requires an excavator to contact a regional notification center ( e. g., 4216. 9 Underground Services Alert or Dig Alert) at least two days prior to excavation of any subsurface installations. Any utility provider seeking to begin a project that could damage underground infrastructure can call Underground Service Alert, the regional notification center for southern California. Underground Service Alert will notify the utilities that may have buried lines within 1, 000 feet of the project.
Representatives of the utilities are then notified and are required to mark the specific location of their facilities within the work area prior to the start of project activities in the area,
iummary of Federal and State Hazardous Building Materials Regulations
As discussed in Section 4. 8.2, Environmental Setting, existing structures that are removed as part of HEU housing projects may contain hazardous building materials. The above -listed federal and state regulations in Tables 4. 8- 1 and 4. 8- 2 list the overall regulations that regulate hazardous materials.
Within those regulations are the specific hazardous materials regulations cited below that are relevant to the demolition of structures that have hazardous buildIng nlateildIs as pail of theit St[ LI( Attle's. 0 ACM: CCR Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Article 4, Sections 1529 and 5208; BAAQMD Regulation 11, Rule 2
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 11 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
Resolution No. 18755