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LBP: CCR Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Article 4, Section 1532. 1 PCBs: RCRA: 40 CFR 761; TSCA: 15 USC 2695; California: CCR Title 22, Division 4. 5, Chapter 11, Article 3, Section 66261. 24
Mercury and/or PCBs in light tubes and switches: CCR Title 22, Division 4. 5, Chapter 12, Article 1, Sections 66262. 1 1; 66273 et sec; and CCR Title 22, Division 4. 5, Chapter 42, SeLtions67426. 1 11111- IL1811674281
Freon ( chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerants): California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6. 5, Section 25143. 2 and 25143. 9 Regiunal
Unified Hazardot s Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program
The Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program Unified Program), codified in California Health and Safety Code Sections 25404 et seq., requires the administrative consolidation of six hazardous materials and waste programs under one agency, a Certified Unified Program Agency ( CUPA). The following programs are consolidated under the unified program:
Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans, and Inventory ( also referred to as Hazardous Materials Business Plans)
California Accidental Release Program
Underground Storage Tanks
Aboveground Petroleum Storage Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Hazardous Waste Generation and Onsite Treatment
Uniform Fire Code Plans and Inventory Requirements
The State Secretary for Environmental Protection designated the Santa Clara County Hazardous Materials Compliance Division ( HMCD) as the local CUPA. The CUPA is charged with the responsibility of conducting compliance inspections of over hazardous materials facilities in Santa Clara County. These facilities and businesses handle hazardous materials, generate or treat a hazardous waste, and/ or operate underground storage tanks. The CUPA uses education and enforcement to minimize the risk of chemical exposure to human health and the environment.
The CUPA forwards important facility information to local fire prevention agencies that enables them to take appropriate protective action in the event of an emergency at regulated facilities. In order to legally store and use hazardous materials above the trigger quantities, users must apply for permits and demonstrate satisfactory compliance with regulations. The quantities that trigger disclosure are based on the maximum quantity on site at any time:
55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet for 30 days or more at any time over one year Any amount of hazardous waste
Category I or 11 pesticides
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Explosives
Extremely hazardous substances above the threshold planning quantity National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Waste Discharge Regulations Discharges of stormwater runoff from municipal separate storm sewer systems ( MS4s) are regulated by the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES permit, under Order No. R2- 2022- 0018; NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board ( RWQCB, 2022). An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances that:
Is owned by a state, city, town, village, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the United States,
Is designed of used to collect or convey stormwater ( e. g., storm drains, pipes, ditches); Is not a combined sewer; and
Is not part of a sewage treatment plant or publicly owned treatment works.
Under CWA Section 402( p), stormwater permits are required for discharges from MS4s, that serve populations of 100, 000 or more. The Municipal Regional Permit ( MRP) manages the Phase I Permit Program ( serving municipalities of more than 100, 000 people), the Phase 11 Permit Program ( for municipalities of fewer than 100, 000 people), and the Statewide Storm Water Permit for the California Department of Transportation.
The State Water Board and the individual water boards implement and enforce the MRP.
L Multiple municipalities, including the City of Mountain View, along with Santa Clara County County), are co- permittees. These entities formed the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program ( SCVURPPP) to collectively address waste discharge requirements ( WDRs) and manage stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions. The mission of the SCVURPPP is " to assist in the protection of beneficial uses of receiving waters by preventing pollutants generated from activities in urban service areas from entering runoff to the maximum extent practicable." Member agencies implement pollution prevention, source control, monitoring, and outreach to reduce stormwater pollution in waterways and protect the water quality and beneficial uses of San Francisco Bay and Santa Clara County creeks and rivers SCVURPPP 2022). The SCVURPPP produced the Santa Clara Basin Stormwater Resource Plan, which notes the presence of legacy pollutants of concern in the basin, specifically mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs) that pose a risk to water resources through urban runoff SCVURPPP 2019).
Under Provision C. 3 of the MRP, new and redevelopment projects that create or replace 5, 000 square feet or more of impervious surface area are required to implement site design, source control, and Low Impact Development —based stormwater treatment controls to treat post -construction stormwater runoff. Low Impact Development based treatment controls are intended to maintain or restore the site' s natural hydrologic functions, maximizing opportunities for infiltration and evapotranspiration, and for using stormwater as a resource ( e. g., rainwater City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 13 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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harvesting for non -potable uses). The MRP also requires that stormwater treatment measures be properly installed, operated, and maintained.
In addition, the MRP requires new development and redevelopment projects that create or replace I acre or more of impervious surface to manage development -related increases in peak runoff flow, volume, and duration, where such hydromodification is likely to cause increased erosion, generate silt pollutants, or cause other impacts on local rivers, streams, and creeks. Projects may be deemed exempt from these requirements ifthey do not meet the minimum size threshold, drain into tidally influenced areas or directly into San Francisco Bay, or drain into hardened channels, or if they are infill projects in subwatersheds or catchment areas that are at least 65 percent impel vious.
The County maintains an Emergency Operation Plan ( EOP) that provides a framework for performing emergency functions before, during, and after an emergency event, natural disaster, or technological incident, and it supports the National Incident Management System ( NIMS) and the Standardized Emergency Management System ( SEMS) ( County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services 2017). The County works together with State, Federal, and local agencies to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents regardless of cause, size, or complexity effectively and efficiently. The EOP supports the overall mission of County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Services ( OES).
At properties within the MEW Study Area, the USEPA' s Record ofDecision (ROD) Amendment for the Vapor Intrusion Pathway, MEW Superfund Study Area ( EPA 20 10) and the Statement of Work Remedial Design and Remedial Action to Address the Vapor Intrusion Pathway, MEW Superfund Study Area ( EPA 2011) specify the selected vapor intrusion remedy for future new buildings constructed within the MEW Superfund Vapor Intrusion Study Area, cited as follows:
The selected remedy for all future buildings is Passive Sub -slab Ventilation with Vapor Barrier ( and Ability to Convert to Active), Monitoring, and ICs institutional controls]. Although Active Subslab/ Sub- membrane Ventilation is considered to have a better long- term effectiveness than Passive Sub -slab Ventilation systems, areas with lower groundwater VOC concentrations are considered to have a lower potential for vapor intrusion at levels exceeding the Site indoor air cleanup levels, and therefore the passive option is more costeffective in meeting the indoor air cleanup levels. Because areas overlying higher TICE groundwater concentrations are considered to have a greater potential for vapor intrusion at levels exceeding indoor air cleanup levels, implementing an active sub- slab/ sub- membrane ventilation system is acceptable because of its high rating in long- term effectiveness.
For future building construction in the MEW Area, ICs will be implemented through the City of Mountain View' s planning and permitting procedures which will ensure that the appropriate remedy is applied to particular building construction. Where the property already has a recorded agreement in place with regard to future construction, these governmental controls will be layered with City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 14 ESA 7202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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the proprietary controls. Similarly in the Moffett Field Area, ICs will be implemented through NASA' s land use planning documents and it' s Environmental Issues Management Plan. Specifically, the land use planning documents should require the operation and maintenance of remedial measures and incorporation of the remedy into new construction." The indoor air regulatory action levels are as listed below in Table 4.8- 3:
TABLE 4. 8- 3
MEW SITE - RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Indoor Air Cleanup Level
MEW Site Chemical of Concern ( iniorogram per cubic motor [ pg1r111]) I richlorootheno ( I UE) 1
Tetrachloroethene ( PCE) 0. 4
cis- 1, 2-dichloroethene ( 1, 2- DCE) 60
trans 1, 2 DCE 60
Vinyl Chloride 0. 2
1, 1- dichlorethane ( 1, 1- DCA) 2
1, 1- dichloroethene ( 1, 1- DCE) 210
SOURCE: US EPA 2011
The City of Mountain View Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) is the central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the principles of emergency preparedness and emergency management, or disaster management functions at a strategic level in an emergency situation and ensuring the continuity of operation of the city. During a disaster the EOC is responsible for the strategic overview, or " big picture", of the disaster, and does not normally directly control field assets, instead it functions as making operational decisions and leaving tactical decisions to lower commands. The common functions of the EOC is to collect, gather and analyze data; make decisions that protect life and property, maintain continuity of the organization, within the scope of applicable laws; and disseminate those decisions to all concerned departments, residents, and agencies.
Under an agreement with the County, the MVED implements several hazardous materials programs for the City as a Participating Agency within the Unified Program. The MVFD also enforces storage, handling, and dispensing requirements for hazardous materials and other regulated materials, according to the City Hazardous Materials Permit Code Ordinance and Toxic Gases Ordinance.
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The MVFD requires any facility storing aggregate quantities of any hazardous materials equal to or greater than 10 gallons of liquids, 50 pounds of solids, or 200 cubic feet of gases to report their chemical inventories to the MVFD by preparing a HMBP. An HMBP must include measures for safe storage, transportation, use, and handling of hazardous materials. The HMBP must also include a contingency plan that describes the facility' s response procedures in the event of a hazardous materials release, The HMBP informs the community on chemical use, storage, handling, and disposal practices. It is also intended to provide essential information to firefighters, health officials, planners, elected officials, workers, and their representatives so that they can plan for and respond to potential exposures to hazardous materials.
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 Public Safety, and Infrastructure and Conservation Elements of the General Plan includes the following policies related to hazards and hazardous materials ( City of Mountain View, 2021).
Goal PSA- 3: A community protected from fire, hazardous materials and environmental contamination.
Policy PSA 3. 1: Minimized losses. Minimize property damage, injuries and loss of life from fire.
Policy PSA 3.2 Protection from hazardous materials. Prevent injuries and environmental contamination due to the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials through prevention and enforcement of fire and life safety codes.
Policy PSA 3.3 Development review. Carry out development review procedures that encourage effective identification and remediation of contamination and protection of public and environmental health and safety.
Policy PSA 3. 4 Oversight agencies. Work with local, state and federal oversight agencies to encourage remediation of contamination and protection of public and environmental health and safety.
Goal INC- 18: Prevention and remediation of contamination in groundwater, surface water, soil and from soil vapor and vapor intrusion.
Policy INC 18. 1 Contamination prevention. Protect human and environmental health from environmental contamination.
Policy INC 18.2 Contamination clean-up. Cooperate with local, state and federal agencies that oversee environmental contamination and clean- up.
Policy LLID 2. 5 Moffett Federal Airfield. Encourage compatible land uses within the Airport Influence Area for Moffett Federal Airfield as part of Santa Clara County' s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
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Policy LUD 3.10 Zoning standards for sensitive uses. Allow sensitive uses such as childcare in the North Bayshore and East Whisman Change Areas with measures to protect those uses from hazardous materials used by surrounding businesses. @22
For construction work that will affect traffic on public streets, City of Mountain View will require the Project Applicant to apply for an Encroachment Permit ( Section 27, 17) or an Excavation Permit ( 27. 31), depending on the nature of the activity. Included within these permits is the requirement to prepare and implement a Traffic Control Plan for all work that impacts traffic on an existing street. For proposed utility lines crossing a signalized intersection, the work must be completed in phases Traffic• control plans shall show Ilie existing lane sti tping, traffic flow pattern with directional arrows, medians, delineators ( cones), signs, and other warning devices for each phase of the work.
Mountain View Standard Conditions for Approval
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 hazards and hazardous materials, as summarized below.
Toxic Assessment
A toxic assessment report shall be prepared and submitted as part of the building permit submittal. The applicant must demonstrate that hazardous materials do not exist on the site or that construction activities and the proposed use of this site are approved by: the City' Fire Department ( Fire and Environmental Protection Division); the State Department of Health Services; the Regional Water Quality Control Board; and any Federal agency with jurisdiction.
No building permits will be issued until each agency and/ or department withjurisdiction has released the site as clean or a site toxics mitigation plan has been approved.
Hazardous Materials Contamination
To reduce the potential for construction workers and adjacent uses to encounter hazardous materials contamination from asbestos - containing materials ( ACM) and lead -based paint, the following measures are to be included in the project:
a. In conformance with local, State, and Federal laws, an asbestos building survey and a lead - based paint survey shall be completed by a qualified professional to determine the presence of ACMs and/ or lead -based paint on the structures proposed for demolition. The surveys shall be completed prior to demolition work beginning on the structures. b. A registered asbestos abatement contractor shall be retained to remove and dispose of all potentially friable ACMs, in accordance with the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) guidelines, prior to building demolition that may disturb the materials. All construction activities shall be undertaken in accordance with Cal/ OSHA standards, contained in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations ( CCR), Section 1529, to ptoteo workers from exposure to asbestos. Materials containing more than 1% asbestos are also subject to Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) regulations.
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c. During demolition activities, all building materials containing lead -based paint shall be removed in accordance with Cal/ OSHA Lead in Construction Standard, Title 8, CCR 1532. 1, including employee training, employee air monitoring, and dust control. Any debris or soil containing lead -based paint or coatings shall be disposed of at landfills that meet acceptance criteria for the waste being disposed.
If contaminated soils are discovered, the applicant will ensure the contractor employs engineering controls and Best Management Practices ( BMPs) to minimize human exposure to potential contaminants. Engineering controls and construction BMPs will include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) contractor employees working on site will be certified in OSHA' s 40 hour Hazardous Waste Operations and kmergency Response ( HAZWOPER) training; ( b) the conuactoi will stockpile soil dulling iedevel0pillent d(- tlVltleS 10 allow f0t PlOpel C11, 41, 1CtellLdI1011 dud eV(ilL1, 1( i0H Of (ILS1,108cil 01) 00115; ( c) the contractor will monitor area around construction site for fugitive vapor emissions with appropriate field screening instrumentation; ( d) the contractor will water/ mist soil as it is being excavated and loaded onto transportation trucks; ( e) the contractor will place any stockpiled soil in areas shielded from prevailing winds; and ( 1) the contractor will cover the bottom of excavated areas with sheeting when work is not being performed.
Building Demolition PCB Control
Non -wood frame buildings constructed before 1981 that will be completely demolished are required to conduct representative sampling of priority building materials that may contain polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs). If sample results of one or more priority building materials show PCBs concentrations %50 ppm, the applicant is required to follow applicable Federal and State notification and abatement requirements prior to demolition of the building. Submit a completed " Polychlorinated Biphenyls ( PCBs) Screening Assessment Applicant Package" with the building demolition plans for the project. A demolition permit will not be issued until the completed " PCBs Screening Assessment Applicant Package" is submitted and approved by the City Fire and Environmental Protection Division ( FEPD). Applicants are required to comply with applicable Federal and State regulations regarding notification and abatement of PCBs -containing materials. Contact the City' s FEPD at 650- 903- 6378 to obtain a copy of the " PCBs Screening Assessment Applicant Package" and related guidance and information.
If hazardous materials will be stored or used on -site ( including paints, thinners, compressed gases, propane, diesel, gasoline, etc.), complete an Environmental Compliance Plan ( ECP) application. Attach a copy of the completed ECP to your building plan submittal.
Upon submittal of the initial building permit and all subsequent building permit submittals, the applicant shall provide a construction traffic and parking management plan with the building City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 18 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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plans. The plan must be approved prior to the issuance of a building permit, including demolition.
The plan must show the following:
1. Truck Route: Truck route (to and from project site) for construction and delivery trucks pursuant to City Code Sections 19. 58 and 19. 59 and which does not include neighborhood residential streets;
Construction Phasin- _ Equipment, Storage, and Show and identify construction vehicle and equipment parking area, material storage and lay -down area, sanitation facilities, and construction trailer location for each phase of construction. All construction vehicles, equipment, and trailer shall be located on -site or at a site nearby ( not on a public street or public parking) arranged by the permittee/ contractor. Construction equipment, materials, or vehicles shall not be stored or parked on public streets or public parking lots, unless approved by the Public Works Director due to special conditions. Construction contractors/ workers are required to park on -site or at a private property arranged by the pern flttee/ contractor and shall not be allowed to use neighboring streets for parking/ storage; and
3. Sidewalks: Sidewalk closure or narrowing is not allowed during any on -site construction activities.
Traffic Control and Detour Plans: Traffic control plans, including detour plans, shall be submitted to the Public Works Department for review and approval and included with building permit plans to the Building Inspection Division for any on -site improvements and/ or work related to any phase of the construction management plan that requires temporary roadway closure, lane closure, shoulder closure, and/ or bike lane closure.
Pedestrian detour plans shall be provided when necessary. Traffic control plans shall be prepared in accordance with the latest edition of the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices ( CA MUTCD). A completed Traffic Control Checklist shall be included with each traffic control plan submittal. A separate Excavation Permit from the Public Works Department may be required prior to issuance of the building permit.
4. 8. 4 Significance Criteria
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
0 Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. 0 Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code § 65962. 5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment.
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For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area.
Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires.
Approach to Analysis
TIils env if oitirtental analysis of the potential impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials is based on a review of literature and database research, and the Mountain View planning documents referenced above.
Development in the City, including development allowed by the HEU is regulated by the various laws, regulations, and policies summarized above in Section 4. 8. 3, Regulatory Setting.
Compliance 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.
A significant impact would occur if, after considering the features described in the Project Description and the required compliance with regulatory requirements, future development allowed by the HEU would create a significant hazard or meet other criteria listed above. For those impacts considered to be significant, mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the identified impacts.
The Project would have no impact to the following topic based on the Project characteristics, its geographical location, and underlying site conditions. Therefore, this topic is not addressed further in this document for the following reason:
0 Location within wildland fire area. As discussed in Section 4. 8. 2, Environmental Setting, Wildland Fires, none the proposed HEU housing site areas are located within an area designated by Calfire as a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Therefore, this significance criterion is not applicable to the Project and is not discussed further. a 0 -
Impact HAZ- 1: Implementation of the HEU would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, disposal, or accidental release of hazardous materials. ( Less than Significant)
During the demolition of existing structures, if any, to enable the construction of new housing, the existing structures may contain hazardous building materials such as ACM, LBP, and other hazardous materials. Demolition activities may encounter hazardous building materials with City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 20 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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concentrations of hazardous materials above regulatory action levels, which could adversely affect construction workers, the public, and the environment.
The Project may involve the demolition and removal of existing structures, if any. As previously discussed, some structures may predate the 1970s bans on the use of ACM, LBP, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in building materials, and hazardous building materials are anticipated to be present in the structures. As discussed in Section 4. 8. 3, Regulatory Setting, Summary ofFederal and State Hazardous Building Materials Regulations, and Mountain View Standard Condition of Approval ( Hazardous Materials Contamination) and ( Building Demolition PCB Control), numerous existing regulations require that demolition and removal activities that may disturb or require the removal of hazardous building materials must be inspected and tested for Ihe presence of hazardous materials. If present, ( lie hazaidous building ina(ei gals must be managed and disposed of in accordance with applicahle laws and regulations. The removal of ACM and LBP would require the oversight and approval of the Bay Area Air Quality Management ' District.
The required compliance with the numerous laws and regulations discussed above that govern the testing, handling, removal, and disposal of hazardous building materials would limit the potential for creation of hazardous conditions due to the use or accidental release of hazardous materials, and would render this impact less than significant.
During the construction of new housing allowed under the Project, construction equipment and materials would include fuels, oils and lubricants, solvents and cleaners, cements and adhesives, paints and thinners, degreasers, cement and concrete, and asphalt mixtures, which are all commonly used in construction. The routine use or an accidental spill of hazardous materials could result in inadvertent releases, which could adversely affect construction workers, the public, and the environment.
Construction activities would be required to comply with numerous hazardous materials regulations designed to ensure that hazardous materials are transported, used, stored, and disposed of in a safe manner to protect worker safety, and to reduce the potential for a release of construction - related fuels or other hazardous materials into the environment, including stormwater and downstream receiving water bodies. Contractors would be required to prepare and implement Hazardous Materials Business Plans ( HMBPs) that would require that hazardous materials used for construction would be used properly and stored in appropriate containers with secondary containment to contain a potential release. Mountain View Standard Condition of Approval (Hazardous Materials) would require the proper storage and containment of hazardous materials. The California Fire Code would also require measures for the safe storage and handling of hazardous materials.
As discussed in Section 4. 9, Hydrology and Water Quality, construction contractors would be required to prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for construction activities according to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) General Construction Permit requirements. The SWPPP would list the hazardous materials ( including City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 21 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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petroleum products) proposed for use during construction; describe spill prevention measures, equipment inspections, equipment and fuel storage; protocols for responding immediately to spills; and describe BMPs for controlling site runoff. Contaminated groundwater encountered during construction activities is prohibited from being discharged to the sanitary sewer system without permitting and approval of the City Fire & Environmental Protection Division. Discharge of treated, contaminated groundwater to the storm system must be permitted by the RWQCB.
In addition, the transportation of hazardous materials would be regulated by the USDOT Caltrans, and the CHP. Together, federal and state agencies determine driver -training requirements, load labeling procedures, and container specifications designed to minimize the risk of accidental release.
Finally, in the event of a spill that releases hazardous materials at a construction site, a coordinated response would occur at the federal, state, and local levels, including the County or local fire departments, which would be the local hazardous materials response team. In the event of a hazardous materials spill, the fire and law enforcement departments would be simultaneously notified and sent to the scene to respond and assess the situation.
The required compliance with the numerous laws and regulations discussed above that govern the transportation, use, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials would limit the potential for creation of hazardous conditions due to the use or accidental release of hazardous materials, and would render this impact less than significant.
NM.=
Once constructed, residences developed as a result of the Project would use and store small quantities of chemicals typical in residences, such as household cleaning solutions, paints and thinners, and motor fuel ( e. g., for vehicles and lawn mowers). Few of the chemicals would be considered hazardous materials ( e. g., bleach) and the anticipated volumes would be small ( i. e., less than 5 gallons). Given that the quantities would be small, the routine use or an accidental spill of hazardous materials would render this impact less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HAZ-2: Implementation of the HEU would not Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. ( Less than Significant) As discussed in Section 4. 8. 2, Environmental Setting, Proximity to Schools, there are ten schools located within Mountain View. The accidental release or spill of hazardous materials transported through the vicinity near schools could expose school children and staff to hazardous materials.
Demolition and Construction
As discussed above in Impact HAZ- 1, there are numerous regulations covering the transportation, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials during construction activities. The required compliance with these regulations would ensure that the nearby school would not be exposed to City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 22 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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hazardous materials. In addition, any work that would encroach on public streets would require project applicants to apply to the Mountain View Public Works Department for an encroachment and excavation permit. These permits would require the preparation and implementation of a Traffic Control Plan to manage the movement of vehicles, including those transporting hazardous materials on roads adjacent to or near schools, as required by Mountain View Standard Condition of Approval ( Construction Management Plan). Mountain View Standard Condition of Approval Hazardous Materials) would require the proper storage and containment of hazardous materials.
With the implementation of the required Traffic Control Plan, the impact relative to hazardous materials, substances, or waste in proximity to schools would be less than significant.
Operatlons
As discussed in Impact HAZ- 1, once constructed, residences allowed by the Project would use and store small quantities of chemicals typical in residences, such as household cleaning solutions, paints and thinners, and motor fuel ( e. g., cars and lawn mowers). Few of the chemicals would be considered hazardous materials ( e. g., bleach) and the anticipated volumes would be small ( i.e., less than 5 gallons). Given that few of the routinely used chemicals would be considered hazardous and that the quantities would be small, the routine use or an accidental spill of hazardous materials near a school would render this impact less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HAZ- 3: Implementation of the HEU would not be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code § 65962. 5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment. (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
As discussed in Section 4. 8. 2, Environmental Setting, Hazardous Materials Sites, some existing and some closed hazardous materials release sites are located within or adjacent to some areas proposed for housing as part of the HEU, meaning they are listed on the Cortese List (i.e., Government Code Section 65962. 5 5) due to the release of hazardous materials. Construction on active or closed hazardous materials sites could expose construction workers, the public or the environment to hazardous materials.
As described in Section 4. 8. 3, Regulatory Setting, MEW Vapor Intrusion Study Area Requirements, projects constructed with the known vapor intrusion areas shown on Figure 4. 8- 1 would be required to construct vapor intrusion systems to prevent VOCs above the listed regulatory action levels from entering the breathing space of residences. The systems would consist of passive sub -slab ventilation with vapor barrier system with the ability to convert to active ( i.e., mechanical pumping of sub -slab vapors). The systems would require routine vapor monitoring to quantify the concentrations of VOCs. In the event that Indoor Air Cleanup Levels are exceeded, the vapor intrusion system would be required to be converted to an active pumping system. Projects that overlie the Vapor Intrusion Study Area would also require establishing institutional controls to verify that the vapor intrusion systems are maintained. With compliance City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 23 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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with the existing regulations for development within the MEW Vapor Intrusion Study Areas, impacts that would be less than significant.
However, as discussed in Section 4. 8. 2, Environmental Setting, Hazardous Materials Sites, GeoTrac, ker and EnviroStor Hazardous Materials Sites, and as shown on Figure 4. 8- 1, there are other hazardous materials sites in addition to the vapor intrusion areas. These other hazardous materials sites may contain contaminated soil and/or groundwater as a result of previous land uses. During construction, there is the potential to encounter previously unknown contaminated soil, and, if dewatering is needed, groundwater. Construction workers, the public, and the environment could be exposed to hazardous materials and the impact could be potentially significant.
As discussed in Impact HAZ- 1, there are numerous regulations covering [ fie transportation, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials during construction activities. The required compliance with these regulations would reduce the exposure to hazardous materials. To further ensure that contaminated materials are properly handled, the project applicant would be required to implement Mitigation Measures HAZ- 1, Phase I Assessment, as described below, which would reduce the impact to less than significant.
Mitigation Measure HAZ- 1: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
Prior to the initiation of any construction requiring ground -disturbing activities on listed active hazardous materials cleanup sites, the project applicant shall complete a Phase I environmental site assessment for that property in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E1527 for those active hazardous materials sites to ascertain their current status. Any recommended follow up sampling ( i.e., Phase 11 activities) set forth in the Phase I assessment shall be implemented prior to construction.
The results of Phase 11 studies, if necessary, shall be submitted to the local overseeing agency and any required remediation or further delineation of identified contamination shall be completed prior to commencement of construction.
Prior to final project design of any individual project that includes any earth -disturbing activities, the project applicant shall conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Phase I assessment). The Phase I assessment shall be prepared in general accordance with ASTM Standard E1527- 21, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessment:
Phase IEnvironmental Site Assessment Process (or most current edition that is in force at the time of final project design), which is the current industry standard. The Phase I assessment shall include a records review of appropriate federal, State, and local databases within ASTM- listed search distances regarding hazardous materials use, storage, or disposal at the given site, a review of historical topographic maps and aerial photographs, a site reconnaissance, interviews with persons knowledgeable about the sites historical uses, and review of other relevant existing information that could identify the potential existence of Recognized Environmental Conditions, including hazardous materials, or contaminated soil or groundwater. If no Recognized Environmental Conditions are identified, then no further action would be required.
If Recognized Environmental Conditions are identified and the Phase I assessment recommends further action, the project applicant shall conduct the appropriate follow-up actions, which may include further records review, sampling of potentially hazardous City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 24 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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materials, and possibly site cleanup. In the event that site cleanup is required, the project shall not proceed until the site has been cleaned up to the satisfaction of the appropriate regulatory agency ( e. g., DTSC, RWQCB, or SCCEHD) such that the regulatory agency issues a No Further Action letter or equivalent.
Significance after Mitigation: Mitigation Measure HAZ- 1 would ensure that site assessment and, if needed, site cleanup, would occur prior to any earth -disturbing activities within a given project site. This would reduce the potential for an unanticipated discovery during project construction, and reduce the potential effects on construction workers, the public, and the environment. With the implementation ofthis mitigation measure, this impact would be reduced to less than significant.
Impact HAZ-4: Implementation ofthe HEU would not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area related to a public airport or public use airport. (Less than Significant)
Impacts relative to noise are analyzed in Section 4. 11, Noise.
As described in Section 4. 8. 2, Environmental Setting, Proximity to Airports, some of the sites identified for housing as part of the HEU would be located within the Moffett Federal Airfield FAR Part 77 Surface that restricts the height of structures within the AIA. Structures that exceed the height restrictions could adversely affect navigable airspace and potentially cause aircraft accidents.
As described in Section 4. 8. 3, Regulatory Setting, Federal, Airports, restrictions on the height of buildings, antennas, trees, and other objects near Moffett Federal Airfield are regulated by the FAA, specifically, FAR Part 77. The FAR Part 77 map is used by the FAA and the Santa Clara County ALUC to identify potential obstructions and hazards to aviation traffic. The project applicant would be required to comply with the height restrictions. In the event that a project would extend into the FAR 77 surface, the project applicant would be required to apply for a variance with the FAA and the Santa Clara County ALUC. With compliance with these existing regulations on building heights, the impact relative to airports would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HAZ-5: Implementation of the HEU would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. (Less than Significant)
Met
During construction of residences planned for in the HEU, construction workers would access the proposed housing sites, and equipment and materials would be delivered for construction. While most construction activities would occur within the proposed housing sites and off public roads, the construction activities may require some temporary road closures or restrictions for the delivery of materials and/ or utility improvements that extend into streets. The road closures or restrictions could interfere with emergency response or evacuation.
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As discussed above in Impact HAZ- 2, any work that would encroach on public streets would require project applicants to apply to the Mountain View Public Works Department for an encroachment and/ excavation permit. These permits would require the preparation and implementation of a Traffic Control Plan to manage the movement of vehicles as required by Mountain View Standard Condition of Approval ( Construction Management Plan), The Traffic Control Plan would manage demolition and construction traffic such that emergency vehicles that need to travel by the sites would not be affected. With the implementation of the required Traffic Control Plan, the impact relative to adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan would be less than significant.
Opel dtiUll IS
Generally, the proposed HFU housing sites would not alter the overall land use patterns or land use designations to such an extent that would conflict Willi County or City ellielg(11( y leSpOnSe and/ or evacuation plans. In addition, the County and City have established response plans for significant hazards ( e. g., floods, earthquakes, wildland fires, terrorism, and technological hazards) that include goals, programs, objectives, and action items to ensure effective emergency response to significant hazards. The number of additional residents is not anticipated to add a significant amount of vehicle trips and is not anticipated to result in significant impacts to for emergency response. The impact relative to emergency access 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 hazards and hazardous materials could occur if the incremental impacts of the HEU combined with the incremental impacts of one or more cumulative projects identified in Section 4. 0. 3, Cumulative Impacts, would be significant and if the HEU' s contribution is considerable.
The geographic area affected by the proposed housing sites and their potential to contribute to cumulative impacts varies based on the environmental resource under consideration. The geographic scope of analysis for cumulative hazardous materials impacts encompasses and is limited to the proposed housing sites and their immediately adjacent area. This is because impacts relative to hazardous materials are generally site -specific and depend on the nature and extent of the hazardous materials release, and existing and future soil and groundwater conditions. For example, hazardous materials incidents tend to be limited to a smaller and more localized area surrounding the immediate spill location and extent of the release, and could only be cumulative iftwo or more hazardous materials releases spatially overlapped.
The timeframe during which the project could contribute to cumulative hazards and hazardous materials effects includes the construction and operations phases. For the proposed housing sites, the operations phase is permanent. However, similar to the geographic limitations discussed City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 8- 26 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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above, it should be noted that impacts relative to hazardous materials are generally time -specific.
Hazardous materials events could only be cumulative if two or more hazardous materials releases occurred at the same time, as well as overlapping at the same location.
Impact HAZ- 1. CU: Implementation of the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not contribute considerably to cumulative impacts relative to hazards and hazardous materials. ( Less than Significant) Significant cumulative impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials could occur if the incremental impacts of the proposed housing sites combined with the incremental impacts of cumulative development discussed above would substantially increase risk that people or the envitonineia would be exposed to liaLardous materials.
The construction activities for all cumulative development would be subject to the same regulatory requirements discussed for the proposed HEU housing sites for compliance with existing hazardous materials regulations, including spill response. Construction projects that have spills of hazardous materials would be required to remediate their respective sites to the same established regulatory standards as the proposed housing sites. This would be the case regardless of the number, frequency, or size of the release( s). The responsible party associated with each spill would be required to remediate site conditions to the same established regulatory standards.
The residual less -than -significant effects of the proposed housing sites that would remain after mitigation would not combine with the potential residual effects of cumulative projects to cause a potential significant cumulative impact because residual impacts would be highly site -specific and would be below regulatory standards. Accordingly, no significant cumulative impact with respect to the use of hazardous materials would result. For the above reasons, the Project would not cause or contribute to a cumulatively considerable impact with respect to the use of hazardous materials, and impacts would be less than significant.
Construction for two or more projects that occur at the same time and use the same roads could cause interference with emergency access. Similar to the HEU projects, for construction work that will affect traffic on public streets, the City of Mountain View will require project applicants to apply for an Encroachment and/ or Excavation Permit that would include the requirement to prepare and implement a Traffic Control Plan for all work that would encroach within the public right- of-way. The encroachment permit would include traffic control measures to manage the movement of vehicles, including ensuring that emergency vehicles ( e. g., police, fire, ambulances, and other vehicles traveling under emergency conditions) are able to pass through or by construction sites. Applicants are required to coordinate construction activities if traffic control/ construction overlaps between two or more projects. With the implementation of the encroachment permit and its traffic control measures, the impact relative to emergency response or emergency evacuation would not cause or contribute to a cumulatively considerable impact, and impacts would be would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
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Significant cumulative impacts related to operational hazards could occur if the incremental impacts of the proposed housing sites combined with those of one or more of the above -listed projects to cause a substantial increase in risk that people or the environment would be exposed to hazardous materials used or encountered during the operations phase.
Once constructed, the residences would use and store small quantities of chemicals typical in residences, such as household cleaning solutions, paints and thinners, and motor fuel (e.g., cars and lawn mowers). Few of the chemicals would be considered hazardous materials ( e. g., bleach) and the anticipated volumes would be small ( i.e., less than 5 gallons). Given that the quantities would be small, [ lie proposed I ILU houshig sites would not cause or contribute to a cumulatively significant impact with respect to the use of hazardous materials, and impacts would be less than significant.
For the cumulative projects that include the use of reportable quantities of hazardous materials, the cumulative project components involving the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials would be required to prepare and implement an HMBP and comply with applicable regulations, including those governing containment, site layout, and emergency response and notification procedures in the event of a spill or release. Transportation and disposal of wastes, such as spent cleaning solutions, would also be subject to regulations for the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of chemicals and wastes. As noted previously, such regulations include standards to which parties responsible for hazardous materials releases must return spill sites, regardless of location, frequency, or size of release, or existing background contaminant concentrations to their original conditions. Therefore, compliance with existing regulations regarding hazardous materials transport would reduce the risk of environmental or human exposure to such materials. The combined effects of the proposed housing sites and cumulative projects would not be cumulatively considerable result in a significant cumulative impact, and impacts would be less than significant.
Similar to the HEU project, cumulative projects that are located within the Moffett Federal Airfield FAR Part 77 surface area would also be required to comply with the height restrictions identified in the CLUP. In the event that a cumulative project would extend into the FAR 77 surface, the project applicant would be required to apply for a variance with the FAA and the Santa Clara County ALUC. With compliance with these existing regulations on building heights, the combined effects of the proposed HEU housing sites and cumulative projects would not be cumulatively considerable result in a significant cumulative impact, and impacts would be less than significant.
Generally, the proposed HEU housing sites would not alter the overall land use patterns or land use designations to such an extent that would conflict with County or City emergency response and/ or evacuation plans. It is assumed that cumulative projects would also be designed to not would conflict with County or City emergency response and/ or evacuation plans. In addition, the County and City have established response plans for significant hazards ( e. g., floods, earthquakes, wildland fires, terrorism, and technological hazards) that include goals, programs, objectives, and action items to ensure effective emergency response to significant hazards. The number of additional residents is not anticipated to add a significant amount of vehicle trips and is City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4.8- 28 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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not anticipated to result in significant impacts to for emergency response. The combined effects of the proposed housing sites and cumulative projects would not be cumulatively considerable result in a significant cumulative impact, and impacts would be less than significant.
4. 8. 7 Summary of Hazards and Hazardous Materials Impacts Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact HA7-' I: Implementation of the HEU Less than SkItillicant None requited would not create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through the routine
transport, Use, disposal, or accidental release.
of hazardous materials
Impact HAZ- 2: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of
an existing or proposed school.
Impact HAZ-3: Implementation of the HEU Potentially Mitigation Measure Less than would not be located on a site which is included Significant HAZ- 1: Phase I Significant on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled Environmental Site pursuant to Government Code § 65962. 5 and, Assessment
as a result, would it create a significant hazard
to the public or the environment.
Impact HAZ- 4: Iniplenterilation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not result in a safety hazard or excessive
noise for people residing or working in the
project area related to a public airport or public
use airport.
Impact HAZ- 5: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not impair implementation of or
physically interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
Impact HAZ- 1. CU: Implementation of the HEU, Less than Significant None required when combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
contribute considerably to cumulative impacts
relative to hazards and hazardous materials.
0 City of Mountain View, 2021. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended through April 13, 2021.
County of Santa Clara, 2017. County ofSanta Clara Emergency Operations Plan. January.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Regional Water Quality Control Board San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit, Order No. R2-2022-0018, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, May 11, 2022. Available at https:// www.waterboards. ca.gov/ sanfranciscobay/ board—decisions/ adopted—orders/ 2022/ R2 2022- 0018.pdf. Accessed July 11, 2022.
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Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program, 2022. About SCVURPPP.
Available at https:// scvurppp. org/ about- scvurppp/. Accessed April 30, 2020.
Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program, Santa Clara Basin Stormwater Resource Plan, August 2019. Available at https:// scvurppp. org/ wp- content/ uploads/ 2019/ 08/ SCB—SWRP—FTNAL- 8- 20- 19. pdf.
Record of Decision ( ROD) Amendment for the Vapor Intrusion Pathway, MEW Superfund Study Area ( EPA 2010) and the Statement of Work Remedial Design and Remedial Action to Address the Vapor Intrusion Pathway, MEW Superfund Study Area ( EPA 2011).
State Water Resources Control Board ( SWRCB) and Department of Toxic Substances Colitiol DTSQ, 2022. Geotracker and EnviroStor combined website. Available• littps:// geotracker. waterboards. ca.gov/ map/? CMD= runreport& myaddress= mountain+ view+ ca, Accessed April ? 7, ? 0??,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( US EPA), 2010. Record ofDecision ( ROD) Amendment for the Vapor Intrusion Pathway, MEW Superfund Study Area. August 16.
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ( US EPA), 2011. Statement of Work Remedial Design and Remedial Action to Address the Vapor Intrusion Pathway, MEW Superfund Study Area.
September 16.
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ( US EPA), 2019. Fourth Five- Year Review Report for Middlefield- Ellis- Whisman ( MEW) Superfund Study Area, Mountain View And Moffett Field, Santa Clara County, California. September.
Windus, Walter B., 2016a. Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Santa Clara County, Palo Alto Airport. Amended November 16.
Windus, Walter B., 2016b. Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Santa Clara County, Moffett Federal Airfield. Amended November 18.
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14WITF. =- cmUM
I
This section assesses the potential for the Project to result in significant adverse impacts on hydrology and water quality. This section first includes a description of the existing environmental setting as it relates to surface and groundwater, flooding, water quality, and other hydrological considerations, and provides a regulatory framework that discusses applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This section also includes an evaluation of potential significant impacts ofthe Project on hydrology and water quality.
The Notice of Preparation ( NOP) for the FIR was circulated on February 4, 2022 and a scoping meeting was held on February 24, ? 02? The. NOP and the comments received during the public comment period can be found in Appendix A of this EIR. No comments relating to hydrology and water quality were received during the NOP comment period.
4.9.2 Environmental Setting
Study Area
The City of Mountain View is located in northern Santa Clara County and is bordered by the San Francisco Bay to the North, the City of Palo Alto to the West, the City of Los altos to the South and Southwest, and Moffett Federal Airfield and the City of Sunnyvale to the East ( see Figure. 3- 1 in Chapter 3 of this EIR, Project Description). The City of Mountain View is situated at an elevation of roughly 105 feet above mean sea level.
WMF._rMVAM=
Surface waters in the study area include ephemeral waterways such as Stevens Creek and Permanente Creek as well as the tributary Hale Creek that flows into it. Adobe Creek also runs through a small portion of the East side of Mountain View.
Stevens Creek is listed on the Clean Water Act ( CWA) 303( d) lists condition category 52 as impaired for diazinon (Pesticides), temperature, toxicity (total toxics), and trash with a TMDL being implemented for toxicity. None of the sources are known for the Stevens Creek Pollutants.
Permanente Creek is also listed on the CWA 303( d) list condition category 5 as impaired for diazinon (Pesticides), selenium (metals), toxicity (total toxics), and trash with a TMDL being implemented for selenium. Pathways for pollutants to enter the creek are myriad. Trash may enter the creeks and streams from being wind -blow, illegally dumped, or potentially from the storm drainage system. Diazinon comes from urban runoff/storm sewers, and available data suggests that discharges from Lehigh Permanente Quarry located in the upper watershed contributes most The term 303( d) list is short for the state' s list of impaired and threatened waters ( e. g., stream/ river segments, lakes). The state identifies the pollutant causing the impairment, when known. 2 Category 5 condition refers to a water segment where standards are not met and a TMDL is required, but not yet completed, for at least one of the pollutants being listed for the segment.
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of the selenium in Permarrente Creek ( RWCB, 2022a). Adobe Creek is not listed as an impaired area on the CWA 303( d) list (SWRCB, 2018).
The California Department of Water resources ( DWR) defines state groundwater basins based on geologic and hydrogeologic conditions. The DWR considers the Santa Clara Subbasin (DWR Groundwater Basin No. 2- 009. 02) an important and beneficial groundwater basin underlying the Santa Clara Valley. The Santa Clara subbasin occupies a structural trough parallel to the northwest trending Coast Ranges. The Diablo Range bounds it on the west and the Santa Cruz Mountains form the basin boundary on the east. It extends from the northern border of Santa Clara County to the groundwater divide near the town of Morgan Hill (DWR, 2004). The Santa Clara Bashi is divided Into two subbdsins. the Sinta Cldrd dud Lligds subbdsuls, Much (-Over a combined surface area of approximately 385 square miles. Due to different land use and management characteristics, the Santa Clara Subbasin is further divided into two management areas: the Santa Clara Plain and the Coyote Valley. The dominant geohydrologic feature is the Santa Clara Valley, which drains northward to the San Francisco Bay by tributaries such as Coyote Creek, the Guadalupe River, and Los Gatos Creek. The two drainages running through Mountain View' s City boundaries include Stevens Creek and Permanente Creek, which flow from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Bay ( City of Mountain View, 2021a). i a A 0
Potable water supply for the City of Mountain is provided from three sources — the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission ( SFPUC), Santa Clara Valley Water District ( SCVWD), and local groundwater wells. The City obtains approximately 87 percent of its drinking water from the SFPUC Regional Water System, most of which originate from the Sierra Nevada snowmelt that flows into the Tuolumne River and is stored in the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park, A smaller portion of the water SFPUC water supply includes rainwater runoff collected in watersheds in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties (City of Mountain View, 2021b).
The SCVWD, now known as Valley Water, supplies approximately I I percent of the City' s potable water supply. Surface water is imported mainly from the South Bay Aqueduct, Dryer Reservoir, Lake Del Valle, and San Luis Reservoir, which all draw water from the Sacramento — San Joaquin River Delta watershed. The remaining supply comes from local rainfall which is captured in the Valley Water' s ten local reservoirs. Local water sources include Anderson and Calero reservoirs, however Anderson Reservoir is currently offline for dam rehabilitation ( City of Mountain View, 2021b). Valley Water releases this water into local creeks and percolation ponds to replenish local groundwater aquifers and to manage environmental needs ( City of Mountain View, 2022).
The City owns and operates groundwater wells that provide two percent of the potable water supply. Groundwater beneath Mountain View is present in two aquifers within the Santa Clara groundwater subbasin separated by natural clay formations. City wells are drilled deep into the lower aquifer where the clay formations and geology help protect the City' s groundwater supply from contamination. Groundwater is blended with SFPUC water for distribution to City water City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 2 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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customers. The City' s wells also serve as a backup water supply during emergencies ( City of Mountain View, 2021b).
In 2020, The City' s overall water supply production was 84 percent SFPUC, 10 percent Valley Water, 2 percent groundwater, and 4 percent recycled water (City of Mountain View, 2021a).
Mountain View uses recycled water from the Palo Alto Regional WaLet Quality Control P1, 111t fol irrigation and toilet flushing in the North Bayshore Area. There are currently 58 active customer connections to the City' s recycled water system, including Shoreline golf course regional park, Shoreline Amphitheatre, Charleston Park, and various business and roadway landscaping ( City of Mountain View, ' ?0' ? I a) .
The City of Mountain View' s Water Shortage Contingency Plan was developed to serve as a flexible framework of planned response measures to mitigate water supply shortages. The City' s Water Shortage Plan was prepared in accordance with the following guiding principles: shared contribution, meet basic health and safety needs, prioritize reducing nonessential water uses, minimize economic impacts to businesses, and communication at every stage. The current Water Shortage Plan identifies four stages of action in response to a water supply shortage ( stages I through 4) ( City of Mountain View, 202 la).
Flooding and Drainage
Flooding is inundation of normally dry land as a result of a rise in surface water levels or rapid accumulation of stormwater runoff during storm events. The Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA), through its Flood Insurance Rate Mapping ( FIRM) program, designates areas where urban flooding could occur during 100- year and 500- year flood events. A 100- year flood event has a one -percent probability of occurring in a single year. 100- year floods can occur in consecutive years or periodically throughout a decade. A 500- year flood event has a 0. 2 percent probability of occurring in a single year. The City of Mountain View has areas that lie within the 1 00- year floodplain, mainly concentrated in the North Bayshore area. There are also some areas in the southern portion of the City located in 100- year floodplain areas ( MTC and ABAG, 2020), P.T. 7TWO 0
Tsunamis are a series of waves generated by vertical movement of the sea floor, normally associated with earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. There is a small portion of Mountain View located in a tsunami evacuation zone ( MTC and ABAG, 2020). This area is in the very northern portion of the North Bayshore Area of the City, and none of the proposed housing sites identified as part of the HEU are located within a tsunami evacuation zones. The housing sites located outside of the North Bayshore area are located inland from coastal areas and would not be subject to tsunamis.
Seiches are oscillations of enclosed or semi -enclosed bodies of water that result from seismic events, wind stress, volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, and local basin reflections of tsunamis. The key requirement for the formation of a seiche is that a body of water be at least partially bounded, allowing for a standing wave to form. There is no body of water in the City of City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 3 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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sufficient size to produce a seiche. None of the housing sites are close to enclosed or semi - enclosed bodies of water.
b= 6
Federal
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 (' W A is to protect and maintain the quality and integrity of the, nation' s waters by requiring states to develop and Implement stale vvdei plans dud policies. The CWA gave the USEPA [ lie 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 the Project would be required to control discharges of pollutants from point sources, as discussed below. 4= 47• ,
The 1972 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act established the NPDES permit program to control discharges of pollutants from point sources (Section 402). The 1987 amendments to the CWA created a new section of the CWA devoted to stormwater permitting Section 402[ p]). The USEPA has granted the SWRCB primacy in administering and enforcing the provisions of CWA and NPDES through the local RWQCBs. NPDES is the primary federal program that regulates point -source and non -point -source discharges to waters of the United States.
The SWRCB issues both general and individual permits for discharges to surface waters, including for both point -source and non -point -source discharges. In response to the 1987 amendments, the US EPA developed the Phase I NPDES Storm Water Program for cities with populations larger than 100, 000, and Phase 11 for smaller cities. In California, the SWRCB has drafted the General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems ( MS4 General Permit). Development permitted by the HEU would be subject to the Phase 11 MS4 permit, discussed further below.
The NPDES permit system was established in the CWA to regulate municipal and industrial point discharges to surface waters of the U. S. Each NPDES permit for point discharges contains limits on allowable concentrations of pollutants contained in discharges. Section 402 of the CWA contain general requirements regarding NPDES permits.
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The CWA was amended in 1987 to require NPDES permits for non -point source (i.e., stormwater) pollutants in discharges. Stormwater sources are diffuse and originate over a wide area rather than from a definable point. The goal of NPDES stormwater regulations is to improve the quality of stormwater discharged to receiving waters to the " maximum extent practicable" through the use of structural and non- structural Best Management Practices ( BMPs). BMPs can include the development and implementation of various practices including educational measures ( workshops informing public of what impacts results when household chemicals are dumped into storm drains), regulatory measures ( local authority of drainage facility design), public policy measures, and structural measures ( filter strips, grass swales and detention ponds). The NPDES permits that apply to activities in the City are described under State and local regulations.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Under Executive Order 11988, the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA) Is responsible for management of floodplain areas defined as the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland and coastal waters subject to a I percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year ( the 100- year floodplain). FFMA is a federal agency whose overall mission IF, to support citizens and first responders to ensure that the United States builds, sustains, and improves capabilities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. With regard to flooding, the FEMA provides information, guidance, and regulation associated with flood prevention, mitigation, and response. Under Executive Order 11988, FEMA requires that local governments covered by the federal flood insurance program pass and enforce a floodplain management ordinance that specifies iiiiiiiniurn requirements for any construction within the 100- year floodplain. Through its Flood Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program, which includes flood insurance, floodplain management, and flood hazard mapping functions. FEMA determines flood elevations and floodplain boundaries and distributes the flood insurance rate maps used in the National Flood Insurance Program. These maps identify the locations of special flood hazard areas, including I 00-year floodplains (i.e., areas that would have a I percent annual chance of flooding).
Federal regulations governing development in a floodplain are set forth in Title 44, Part 60 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Those regulations enable FEMA to require municipalities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to adopt certain flood hazard reduction standards for construction and development in 100- year floodplains.
The Porter -Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 of the Water Code Sections 13000, et sec.) is the primary water quality control law in California. Porter -Cologne established the State Water Resources Control Board and divided the state into nine regional basins, each overseen by a RWQCB. The nine RWQCBs have the primary responsibility for the coordination and control of water quality within their respealvejurisdictional b01, 111111, 11 ics. The Porter - Cologne Act requires the RWQCBs to establish water quality objectives while acknowledging that water quality may be changed to some degree without unreasonably affecting beneficial uses. Water quality objectives are limits or levels of water quality constituents or characteristics established City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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for the purpose of protecting beneficial uses. Designated beneficial uses, together with the corresponding water quality objectives, also constitute water quality standards under the federal CWA. Therefore, the water quality objectives form the regulatory references for meeting state and federal requirements for water quality control. Designated beneficial uses for water bodies in the study area are described in the regional regulatory section ( tinder Basin Plan discussion).
Construction of multifamily housing allowed by the HEU would disturb more than one acre of land surface affecting the quality of stormwater discharges into waters of the U. S. These developments would, therefore, be subject to the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater vith (' owr tlylctiotl an(I ran(I 1) isturhatii(- O Activities ({ order 2009 0009- DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000002; as amended by Orders 2010- 0014- L) WQ 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 I ( 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 stabilization). The sediment risk level reflects 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;
o Erosion and sediment controls;
Run- on and runoff controls;
o 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 from 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 City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 6 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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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 ifthe 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, [ lie SWPPP HILBt contdirt a visual monitoring program: to chemical monitoring program for " non -visible" pollutants to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs; and it sodilllvill[ t1tollitoting 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).
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act ( SGMA) of 2014, effective January 1, 2015, authorizes local agencies to manage groundwater in a sustainable manner and allows limited state intervention when necessary to protect groundwater resources. SGMA defined " sustainable groundwater management," established a framework for local agencies to develop plans, and implement strategies to sustainably manage groundwater resources, established basin prioritization (ranked from very low to high priority), and set a 20- year timeline for implementation. Basins are prioritized under the SIGMA by the California Department of Water Resources ( DWR). The HEU would apply to areas that are within the Santa Clara Subbasin and areas not located within a DWR- designated groundwater basin. The largest groundwater basin in Mountain View is the Santa Clara a subbasin, identified by DWR as a high -priority basin, though not one in condition of critical overdraft ( DWR, 2022).
Valley Water updated its Groundwater Management Plan ( GWMP) for the Santa Clara and Llagas subbasins in 2021, describing its comprehensive groundwater management framework including objectives and strategies, programs and activities to support those objectives, and outcome measures to gauge performance. The GWMP is the guiding document for how Valley Water will ensure groundwater basins within its jurisdiction are managed sustainably. The Santa Clara subbasin has not been identified as a groundwater basin in a state of overdraft (Valley Water, 2021).
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Regional
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The Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin ( Basin Plan) is the master water quality control planning document used to designate beneficial uses and surface and ground water quality objectives. The Project site is located within the water quality control jurisdiction of Region 2, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board ( RWQCB). Region 2 is tasked with implementing the adopted Basin Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin through planning, permitting, and enforcement of established water quality objectives. In accordance with State Policy for Water Quality Control, Region 2 employs a range of beneficial use designations for surface waters ( including creeks, streams, lakes and reservoirs), groundwaters, marshes, and mudflats that serve as the basis for establishing water quality objectives, discharge conditions, and prohibitions. The Basin Plan, as updated with amendments adopted through NnN, Pmh(' r 5, 2019, has identified existing and potential beneficial uses supported by the key surface water drainages throughout its jurisdictional planning area ( RWQCB, 2019). Designated beneficial uses for water bodies in the study area are provided in Table 4.9- 1.
TABLE 4. 9- 1
DESIGNATED BENEFICIAL USES FOR WATER BODIES IN THE STUDY AREA Water Body Designated Beneficial Uses
Adobe Creek COLD, WARM, WILD, REC- 1, REC- 2
Permanente Creek GWR, COLD, RARE, SPWN, WARM, WILD, REC- 1, REC- 2 Hale Creek COLD, WARM, WILD, REC- 1, REC- 2
Stevens Creek FRSH, GWR, COLD, MIGR, RARE, SPWN, WARM, WILD, REC- 1, REC-2 Existing and Potential Beneficial Uses Key:
COLD ( Cold Freshwater Habitat), FRESH ( Freshwater Replenishment), GWR ( Groundwater Recharge), MIGIR ( Fish Migration), RARE Preservation of Rare and Endangered Species), REC- 1 ( Water Contact Recreation), REC- 2 ( Noncontact Water Recreation), SPWN Fish Spawning), WARM ( Warm Freshwater Habitat), WILD ( Wildlife Habitat).
SOURCE: RWQCB, 2019
The Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) supports member agencies in implementing stormwater quality activities in compliance with state and Federal water quality mandates. Mountain View along with all other incorporated cities and unincorporated areas in Santa Clara County participate in the SCVURPPP as permittees.
Members of this program are regulated waste dischargers under an NPDES permit program Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit ( Order No. R2- 2015- 0049) issued by the San Francisco Bay RWQCB, responsible for municipal storm drain systems and water courses that they own and operate. Municipal Storm Sewer Systems ( MS4S) carry stormwater runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs and pavement directly to creeks, wetlands and the Bay/ Delta.
Under the MRP, stormwater pollution prevention includes limiting trash and other pollutants from entering the stormdrain. Some examples of MRP mandated local activities include implementing BMI' s when washing or renovating paved areas, practicing good housekeeping measures to limit City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 8 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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pollution, requiring land development projects (public and private) to incorporate low impact development features and facilities to reduce runoff pollution over the life of a project.
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The federal Clean Water Act ( CWA) was amended in 1987 to address urban stormwater runoff POIIU1iOI1 Of the adtiOn' S waters. In 1990, US EPA promulgated rules establishing Phase I of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) stormwater program. The Phase I program for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System ( MS4s) requires operators that serve populations of 100,000 or greater to implement a stormwater management program as a means to control polluted discharges from these MS4s.
The Water Board issued county -wide municipal stoiniwi,ttet petinits, in the early 1990s to operators of MS4s serving populations, over 100, 000 ( Phase 1). On November 19, 20151 the, Water Board re -issued these county -wide municipal stormwater permits as one Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit ( Order No. R2- 2022- 0018) to regulate stormwater discharges from municipalities and local agencies in Santa Clara County and numerous other counties in the San Francisco Bay Area ( RWQCB, 2022).
The Urban Water Management Plan ( UWMP) provides an analysis of the City of Mountain View' s available water supply, during normal and dry -year scenarios, compared to current and projected water demand. The UWMP is a link between land use planning and water supply planning, developed to evaluate if sufficient water is available to meet the needs of Mountain View' s existing and future water customers. This UWMP update also includes an update to the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Mountain View' s municipal water system serves the majority of businesses and residents within the City limits. A small number of customers are served by the California Water Service Company. The City' s service population is currently 79, 772, with an employment base of 98, 270 ( City of Mountain View, 202 la).
The City of Mountain View' s Waster Shortage Contingency Plan was updated in May 2015 in response to the drought and was implemented between 2014 and 2017 to address mandates from the State Water Board and Governor. The City' s Water Shortage Contingency Plan was developed to serve as a flexible framework of planned response measures to mitigate water supply shortages ( City of Mountain View, 2021a).
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 and Parks, Open Space, and Community Facilities Elements of the General Plan includes the following policies related to hydrology and water quality (City of Mountain View, 2021).
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Goal INC- 3: Functional, safe and well -maintained public rights -of -way that promote environmental sustainability.
Policy INC-3.3: Street Designfor Stormwater. Encourage street designs that reduce stormwater flows and accomplish other City stormwater goals.
Policy INC 3. 7. Recycled Water Separation. Ensure that expansion of recycled water infrastructure in the public right- of-way with other utilities adheres to separation criteria provided by the California Department of Public Health.
Goal INC- 4: A sustainable water supply with sufficient supply and appropriate demand management.
Policy INC-4. 1: Water Supply. Maintain a reliable water supply.
Policy INC-4.2: Participating in Regional Organizations. Participate in regional water supply organizations, support their efforts to maintain and improve the water supply and monitor statewide and regional water supplies.
Policy INC- 4.4: Expanding Water Service Area. Provide water service to areas outside the City service area if it is mutually beneficial for the City and prospective new users.
Goal INC- 5: Effective and comprehensive programs utilizing water use efficiency, water conservation and alternative water supplies to reduce per capita potable water use.
Policy [ AIC-5. 1: 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 graywater as alternative water supplies.
Policy INC-5.4: Smart Water Meters. Encourage water meter technologies that provide water usage feedback to customers.
Policy INC-5. 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.
Goal INC- 6: A coordinated wastewater collection system that protects the community' s health and safety.
Policy [ NC-6. 1: Citywide Wastewater. Ensure high -quality wastewater collection services and a well -maintained wastewater system.
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Policy INC-6.2: Pollution Source Control. Implement an effective and comprehensive industrial pretreatment program and industrial, commercial and residential pollution source control programs.
Policy INC-6.3: Wastewater Treatment Partnership. Partner with the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant to ensure high -quality water treatment.
Policy INC 6. 4: Discharge Regulations. Coordinate with partners and other local agencies to monitor changing rules and regulations regarding wastewater discharge from the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant
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 7.4: Recycled Water and Trees. Promote appropriate tree and landscape species irrigated by recycled water.
Policy INC-7. 5: Rights -of -way andInfrastructure. Design public right-of-way to accommodate recycled water infrastructure.
Goal INC-8: An effective and innovative stormwater drainage system that protects properties from flooding and minimizes adverse environmental impacts from stormwater runoff.
Policy INC-8. 1: Citywide Stormwater System. Maintain the stormwater system in good condition.
Policy INC8.2: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. Comply with requirements in the Municipal Regional Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit ( MRP).
Policy INC-83: Cost-effective Strategies. Encourage stormwater strategies that minimize additional City administrative and maintenance costs.
Policy INC- 8. 4: Runoff Pollution Prevention. Reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and stormwater pollution entering creeks, water channels and the San Francisco Bay through participation in the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program.
Policy INC8.5: Site -specific Stormwater Treatment. Require post -construction stormwater treatment controls consistent with MRP requirements for both new development and redevelopment projects.
Policy INC- 8. 6 Green Streets. Seek opportunities to develop green Streets and sustainable streetscapes that minimize stormwater runoff, using techniques such as on - street bio- swales, bio- retention, permeable pavement or other innovative approaches.
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Policy INC-8. 7.- Stormwater Quality. Improve the water quality of stormwater and reduce flow quantities.
Policy INC-8.8: Stormwater Infrastructure Funding. Develop permanent and ad hoc sources of funding to implement stormwater best practices in the city.
Goal INC- 16: Rich and biologically diverse ecological resources which are protected and enhanced.
Policy INC-] 6.5: Wetland Habitat. Collaborate with and support regional efforts to restore and protect wetlands, creeks, tidal marshes and open -water habitats adjacent to San Francisco Bay.
Goal INC- 17: A healthy and well -managed watershed that contributes to improved water quality and natural resource protection.
Policy INC-] 7. 1: Flood Prevention. Provide and maintain City infrastructure to reduce localized flooding and protect community health and safety.
Policy INC-] 7.2: Natural Hydrology in Watersheds. Promote an ecologically sensitive approach to flood protection, encouraging natural hydrology and preserving habitat and ecology within watercourses.
Policy INC- 17.3: Floodway Preservation. Preserve floodways as a natural flood control mechanism.
Policy INC-] 7.4: National Flood Insurance Program. Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
Goal INC- 18: Prevention and remediation of contamination in groundwater, surface water, soil and from soil vapor and vapor intrusion.
Policy INC- 18. 1: Contamination Prevention. Protect human and environmental health from environmental contamination.
Policy INC-18. 2: Contamination Clean -Up. Cooperate with local, state and federal agencies that oversee environmental contamination and clean- up.
Goal POS- 12: A healthy urban forest and sustainable landscaping throughout the city.
Policy POS- 12. 4: Drought -tolerant Landscaping. Increase water -efficient, drought - tolerant and native landscaping where appropriate on public and private property.
Policy POS- 12. 5: Salt -tolerant Vegetation. Promote the use of salt -tolerant vegetation that can use recycled water.
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Section 35. 34 - Permanent stormwater pollution prevention measures required.
The City w(luitesstottimater pollution prevention measures for development and redevelopment projects in order to reduce water quality impacts of stormwater runoff from the site for the life of the project The types of development and redevelopment projects required to install permanent stormwater pollution prevention measures are listed City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 12 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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in the city's NPDES permit for stormwater, and the city's guidelines. Permanent stormwater quality pollution prevention measures shall be selected and designed to the satisfaction of the city in accordance with the guidelines contained in the most recent versions of the following documents:
1. City of Mountain View Storm Water Quality Guidelines for Development Projects; and
2. NPDES municipal stormwater discharge permit issued to the city by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region.
Applicable development projects shall submit a stormwater management plan in accordance with the city' s guidelines.
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I, illillillill" I ; 11111 1111 ill r 11111FIEN[ MI "Milif 171mgraffff, illo mmmmm A flood development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Sec. 8. 162. 2.
Application for a flood development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the building official and may include, but not be limited to plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:
Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor ( including basement) of all structures; in zone AO, the elevation of highest adjacent grade and the proposed elevation of lowest floor of all structures; or Proposed elevation in relation to mean sea level ( Bench Mark No. U- 180) to which any structure will be floodproofed, if required in Sec. 8. 164. I. c. 3; and All appropriate certifications listed in Sec. 8. 163. 3. d of this article; and Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
1 41 As tiiLIA111i• a
As part of discretionary review, the City has standard conditions for different types of approvals updated as of October 25, 2021). The standard conditions of approval related to hydrology and water quality include the following:
State Of California Construction General Stormwater Permit 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.
Construction Best Management Practices
All construction projects shall be conducted in a manner which prevents the release of hazardous materials, hazardous waste, polluted water, and sediments to the storm drain system.
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Construction Sediment and Erosion Control Plan
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; ( f) stabilized rock/ gravel driveways at points of egress from the site; and ( g) vegetation, hydroseeding, or other soil stabilization methods for high -erosion.
Landscape Design
Landscape design shall minimize runoff and promote surface filtration. Examples include: ( a) no steep slopes exceeding 10%; ( h) using mulches in planter areas without ground cover to avoid sedimentation runoff; ( c) installing plants with low water requirements; and ( d) installing appropriate plants for the location in accordance with appropriate climate zones. Identify which practices will be used in the building plan submittal.
Efficient Irrigation
Common areas shall employ efficient irrigation to avoid excess irrigation runoff. Examples include: ( a) setting irrigation timers to avoid runoff by splitting irrigations into several short cycles; ( b) employing multi -programmable irrigation controllers; ( c) employing rain shutoff devices to prevent irrigation after significant precipitation; ( d) use of drip irrigation for all planter areas which have a shrub density that will cause excessive spray interference of an overhead system; and ( e) use of flow reducers to mitigate broken heads next to sidewalks.
Parking Garages
For multiple -level parking garages, interior levels shall be connected to an approved wastewater treatment system discharging to the sanitary sewer.
Outdoor Storage Areas (Including Garbage Enclosures)
Outdoor storage areas ( for storage of equipment or materials which could decompose, disintegrate, leak, or otherwise contaminate stormwater runoff), including garbage enclosures, shall be designed to prevent the run- on of stormwater and runoff of spills by all of the following:
a) paving the area with concrete or other nonpermeable surface; ( b) covering the area; and ( c) sloping the area inward ( negative slope) or installing a berm or curb around its perimeter. There shall be no storm drains in the outdoor storage area.
Stormwater Treatment ( C. 3)
This project will create or replace more than ten thousand ( 10, 000) square feet of impervious surface; therefore, stormwater runoff shall be directed to approved permanent treatment controls as described in the City' s guidance document entitled, " Stormwater Quality Guidelines for Development Projects." The City' s guidelines also describe the requirement to select Low -Impact Development ( LID) types of stormwater treatment controls; the types of projects that are exempt from this requirement; and the Infeasibility and Special Projects exemptions from the LID requirement.
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The " Stormwater Quality Guidelines for Development Projects" document requires applicants to F submit a Stormwater Management Plan, including information such as the type, location, and sizing calculations of the treatment controls that will be installed. Include three stamped and signed copies of the Final Stormwater Management Plan with the building plan submittal. The Stormwater Management Plan must include a stamped and signed certification by a qualified Engineer, stating that the Stormwater Management Plan complies with the City' s guidelines and the State NP.DFS Permit Stormwater treatment controls required under this condition may be required to enter into a formal recorded Maintenance Agreement with the City.
Hydromodification Management
PoslcutistruUiutt stottnvvater tuttoff shall drain to approved permanent Iydromodification Management ( HM) controls to mitigate increases in peak runoff flow and increased runoff volume. Projects that will decrease Impervious surface area in comparison to die pteptujeU condition are not subject to the HM requirement. Information related to this requirement, including the exemption criteria, is included in the City' s document entitled, "Hydromodification Management Plan Guidelines for Development Projects," and the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program' s manual entitled, " C. 3 Stormwater Handbook: Guidance for Implementing Stormwater Requirements for New and Redevelopment Projects." The City' s " Hydromodification Management Plan Guidelines for Development Projects" manual requires applicants to submit a Stormwater Management Plan, including information such as the type, location, and sizing requirements of the controls that will be installed. Include the Stormwater Management Plan with the building plan submittal. Property owners of projects that include stormwater controls constructed in accordance with this condition are required to enter into a formal recorded self -inspection and maintenance agreement with the City.
Stormwater Management Plan —Third -Party Engineer' s Certification The Final Stormwater Management Plan must be certified by a qualified third -party engineer that the proposed stormwater treatment controls comply with the City' s Guidelines and Provision C. 3 of the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit ( MRP) . A list of qualified engineers is available at the following link: http://www.scvurppp-w2k.com/consultants_list.shtml.
Full Trash Capture
Projects located in " moderate," " high," or " very high" trash generating areas as outlined in the City' s Long -Term Trash Load Reduction Plan that are undergoing site improvements shall install full trash capture protection within the existing storm drain system. Examples of full trash capture systems include large trash capture devices, such as hydrodynamic separators or media filtration systems, or small trash capture devices, such as storm drain catch basin connector pipe screens.
Once installed, the property owner or property manager shall be responsible for maintaining the trash capture device. Maintenance shall be completed in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommended frequency, but at a minimum of one time per year. Indicate the type of full trash capture device that will be installed to remove trash from runoff for the entire project site, and include details for the installation of the trash capture system( s) in the building plans for the project.
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Full Trash Capture ( Off -Site Improvement)
Projects located in " moderate," " high," or " very high" trash generating areas as outlined in the City' s Long -Term Trash Load Reduction Plan that will construct off -site improvements to the public storm drain system shall install full trash capture protection within the newly constructed public storm drain system. Examples of full trash capture systems include large trash capture devices, such as hydrodynamic separators or media filtration systems, or small trash capture devices, such as storm drain catch basin connector pipe screens. Once installed, the property owner or property manager shall be responsible for maintaining the trash capture device.
Maintenance shall be completed in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommended frequency, but at a minimum of one time per year. Indicate the type of full trash capture device that will be installed to rontove trash from runoff for the entire project site, and include details for the installation of the trash capture system( s) in the building plans for the project.
AO Flood Zone
The site is located within Special Flood Hazard Zone AO, depth 1, and must comply with the drainage and flood control requirements of the City Code. The elevation of the lowest floor of the building must be at least 1' above the highest adjacent grade and must be above elevation 12. 75 NAVD 88). The highest adjacent grade is defined as the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of the structure. The applicant shall obtain a Flood Development Permit from the Public Works Department prior to issuance of a building permit, including foundation work. It is recommended this permit be obtained before the design of the building plans is complete in order to avoid potential redesign of the building.
Grading Requirements
For sites located within a special flood hazard zone, the grading or site plan must show the elevation of the finished pad, lowest floor, highest adjacent grade for Flood Zone AO, and base flood elevation for Flood Zone AE. All elevations must be referenced to a City elevation benchmark. The benchmark number, description, elevation, and datum year shall be noted on the grading plan.
4. 9. 4 Significance Criteria
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to hydrology and water quality are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality.
Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin.
Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) result in a substantial erosion or siltation on- or offsite; City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 16 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite;
iii) create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or
iv) impede or redirect flood flows.
In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation.
Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan.
Approach to Analysis
General
This environmental analysis of the potential impacts related to hydrology and water quality is based on a review of the results of a review of literature and database research and the City of Mountain View General Plan.
The Project would be regulated by the various laws, regulations, and policies summarized above in Section 4. 9. 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 HEU as described in Chapter 3, Project Description, and assuming compliance with the required regulatory requirements, the environmental analysis below identifies if significance thresholds would be 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. This analysis assumes that projects proposed under the HEU would be subject to Mountain View development standards and requirements with respect to stormwater and flooding, as applicable.
Topics Considered and No Impact Determined
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:
Tsunamis and Seiches. Implementation of the HEU would not risk release of contaminants due to tsunami. Despite being located next to the San Francisco Bay, the portion of Mountain View at risk to tsunamis is contained to the northern most portion of the City ( along the shoreline). However, the HEU housing sites are located inland and/ or outside tsunami evacuation zones. As such, they are not at risk to a tsunami. Implementation of the HEU would not risk release of contaminants due to Seiches because the HEU housing sites are not located close enough to an enclosed or semi -enclosed water body. Therefore, there would be no impact with respect to tsunamis or Seiches.
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4. 9. 5 Impacts of the Project
Impact HYD- 1: Implementation ofthe HEU would not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality. ( Less than Significant)
Development projects proposed under the City of Mountain View HEU would have a significant impact if such development would violate water quality standards or waste discharge requirements ( WDR) Order No. R2 2015.0049, pursuant to NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, issued to Santa Clara County and in effect in the City of Mountain View. A violation could occur ifthe development would substantially increase pollutant loading levels in the sanitary sewer sygtr rl, (.411wt ihtough the dlcect luttoduction of cOntantindttts generated by hidusttlal loud uses, or indirectly through stormwater pollution.
Construction
Construction of the housing units that could derive from the HEU' s implementation would involve ground disturbing activities such as trenching and excavation, removal of trees and other vegetation, and grading. As soil disturbing activities occur across a landscape, the potential for erosion and sedimentation increases. Disturbed soils are typically more susceptible to erosion from rain and wind, which in the absence of preventative measures, can lead to mobilization of sediments and silt through runoff. Erosion can escalate under storm events where slopes are steep.
To accomplish such construction, heavy equipment such as bulldozers, graders, earth movers, heavy trucks, trenching equipment and other machinery is likely to be used. Such machinery could contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff in the form of sediment and other pollutants such as fuels, oil, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, or other contaminants. Additionally, site work could result in conditions of runoff. Sediment, silt, and construction debris, if mobilized during construction could be transported to receiving waters such as Stevens Creek, Permanente Creek, or its tributaries. Degradation of water quality could occur and affect beneficial uses of these water bodies ( see Table 4. 9- 1). In the absence of runoff controls, exceedances of water quality standards could result.
However, as described in Section 4. 9. 3, Regulatory Setting, construction projects that disturb one or more acres of ground disturbance, or less than one acre but would be part of a larger plan of development or sale, would be required to obtain coverage under the NPDES Construction General Permit. Preparation of a SWPPP, along with its implementation during construction, is required to comply with the NDPES Construction General Permit. Moreover, development projects implemented under the HEU would be subject to controls and requirements described in Section 35. 34 of the Mountain View Municipal Code which establishes permanent stormwater pollution prevention measures for development and redevelopment projects. This code specifies that a stormwater management plan be prepared for such projects, subject to the City' s guidelines.
Consistent with General Plan Policies INC- 8. 2, INC- 8. 4, and INC- 8. 4, these standards are needed to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff and protect watercourses.
With adherence to regulatory standards and NPDES Construction General Permit requirements along with associated measures and best management practices described in the SWPPP, City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 18 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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construction activities would not generate water quality violations. The impact associated with construction activities would therefore be less than significant.
Operation and Maintenance
Once constructed, development proposed under the HEU would be subject to municipal stormwater requirements ( Order No. R2- 2015- 0049) which regulates stormwater discharges from the City of Mountain View. The City of Mountain View Storm Water Quality Guidelines for Development Projects as well as Provision C. 3 of the Municipal Regional Stormwater NDPES Permit contains post -construction stormwater control requirements that would be applicable to the HEU sites to ensure that ongoing stormwater exceedances do not occur. Compliance with the regulations cited would ensure that operational water quality impacts associated with the HEII' s implementation would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HYD- 2: Implementation of the HEU would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin. ( Less than Significant) The consideration of groundwater sustainability impacts includes both the project' s groundwater demand and its alteration of the recharge capability of the basins. If, for example, development of HEU projects were to require substantial quantities of groundwater during construction or operation, or ifthe development were to include placement ofimpervious surfaces to the extent that there would be an appreciable reduction in the overall recharge area for the groundwater basin, such activities could be considered potentially significant.
Construction
Projects proposed under the HEU would require water for their construction to suppress fugitive dust or for other construction purposes. As the projects have not been formally proposed, the estimated water demand associated with this construction is not currently known. However, it is likely that given the regional availability of recycled water, at least some portion of this demand could be met using recycled water. Moreover, based on the regulatory constraints outlined in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, using potable water for construction is prohibited when recycled water is available. Therefore, construction would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies. Impacts associated with construction would be less than significant.
Operation
The City of Mountain View has a diverse portfolio of water supplies, including the SFPUC Regional Water System, Valley Water, City wells, and recycled water. The main water source for Mountain View is the SFPUC which supplies 84 percent of the City' s water supply. The Regional System supplies approximately 85 percent of its water from the Tuolumne River, collected in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park. A smaller portion of the City' s water supply is provided by Valley Water, which is responsible for approximately 10 percent. Valley Water is responsible for the groundwater management in Santa Clara County including the Santa Clara City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 19 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Valley Basin. The Santa Clara Valley Basin is not currently in condition of critical overdraft and is a high priority groundwater basin, subject to the provisions of SGMA. However, only 2 percent of the City of Mountain View' s water supply production comes from groundwater (City of Mountain View, 2021a).
The projects constructed under the HEU would be in a defined groundwater basin, the Santa Clara Valley Basin. However, given that the City is not dependent on groundwater as its rnain water supply, which makes up approximately 2 percent of the water supply, this change would not substantially interfere with sustainable management of groundwater resources. Although the City depends on groundwater for dry year supplies, Valley Water' s GWMP for the Santa Clara and Llagas subbaslns establishes iec;hdige facilities, recycled water systems, and conservation strategies in order to proactively manage groundwater resources. Impacts would be less than significant with no mitigation required.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HYD- 3: Implementation of the HEU would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition ofimpervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site; ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite; iii) create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or iv) impede or redirect flood flows. ( Less than Significant) As discussed under Impact HYD- 1, construction of the residential developments that could derive from the HEU' s implementation project would entail the use of heavy equipment and would include greater than one -acre of ground disturbing activities for the development. Therefore, a Construction General Permit would be required under either scenario. Construction would entail alteration of the landscape and placement of impervious surfaces. In the absence of measures to capture runoff, impacts associated with erosion and siltation of local waterways could occur.
Similarly, runoff could enter city stormdrains and result in capacity exceedances.
In addition to the Construction General Permit and its associated NPDES requirements, the projects constructed under the HEU would be subject to the stormwater regulations of the City of Mountain View. This analysis assumes that the projects considered under the HEU would be subject to and would implement projects in a manner consistent with Mountain View municipal code requirements.
In addition to the Construction General Permit and its associated NPDES requirements, the projects constructed under the HEU would be subject to the stormwater regulations of the MRP as the City of Mountain View and Santa Clara County are permitees of the MRP. As part of the review process for municipal development which creates or replaces 5, 000 square feet of impervious surface area, a stormwater control plan would be required to be prepared. Compliance with provision C. 3 of the MRP must be demonstrated at the time of application for a development City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 20 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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project including rezoning, tentative map, parcel map, conditional use permit, variance, site development review, design review, development agreement or building permit (SCVURPPP, 2016). Source control of pollution, site design, and stormwater treatment measures are required for new and redevelopment. In addition to providing treatment and source control, projects recreating or replacing an acre or more of impervious area ( unless exempted) must also provide flow controls ( or hydromodification management measures) so that post project runoff does not exceed estimated pre -project rates and durations. Regulated projects for which building or grading permits are issued ( after January 1, 2016) must include Low Impact Development ( LID) design measures ( such as pervious paving or bioretention areas) for stormwater capture and pretreatment.
Mountain View Municipal Code Division 4 contains additional regulatory requirements for stormwater treatment at new and redevelopment projects. Project development proposed under the HEU would be required to demonstrate that stormwater capacity exceedances would not occur by completing and implementing a stormwater control plan for the projects. The types of development and redevelopment projects required to install permanent stormwater pollution prevention measures are listed in the City' s NPDES permit for stormwater, and the city's guidelines. Applicable development projects will also be required to submit a stormwater management plan in accordance with the City' s guidelines. Implementation of these regulatory requirements would effectively decrease the level of runoff and ensure that stormwater capacity exceedances associated with the projects would not occur.
As identified in Section 4. 9. 2, Environmental Setting, some of Mountain View is located within a special flood zone hazard. Consistent with Mountain View Municipal Code Section 8. 163. 1, a flood development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 8. 162. 2. Adherence to permit conditions would ensure that flood flows are not redirected.
Adherence with the regulatory requirements and all associated BMPS would be sufficient to control impacts under this criterion. Based upon each of the considerations outlined above, the impact of the HEU' s implementation on stormwater runoff, erosion, and storm drainage and flooding would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HYD-4: Implementation ofthe HEU would not risk release of pollutants due to project inundation due to being located in a flood hazard zone. (Less than Significant) Portions of the City are within the 100- year flood zones as determined by FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. There are pipeline projects in the HEU sites inventory that are located in the 100- year flood zone, near US- 101 and El Camino Real' s crossing of Permanente Creek. In addition there is one opportunity site in the HEU sites inventory in the flood zone near El Camino Real and Miramonte Avenue. To reduce the potential impacts from the 100- year flood to new development, the projects developed as a result of the HEU within these zones would be required City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 9- 21 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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to obtain a flood development permit as described in Section 8. 163 and 8. 164 of the City' s Municipal Code, and implement flood -proofing measures as required by the City' s Flood Hazard Ordinance. Implementation of the HEU would place structures within a 100- year flood hazard area, but conformance with the City' s standard conditions of approval would ensure that these flooding impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact HYD- 5: Implementation of the HEU would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water duality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. ("Less than Significant)
As discussed under HYD- 1, the City of Mountain View has well defined policies and regulatory controls which would be implemented to protect water quality during construction and operation of the projects under the IIEU. Mountain View is a co- permittee to the Phase II Small MS4 General Permit, which requires municipalities to implement controls to limit contamination of municipal stormwater. Consistent with this general permit, a stormwater control plan is required for development projects that meets the SCVURPPP Post Construction Manual standards. As described in the Mountain View municipal code, the project applicant shall implement conditions of approval that reduce stormwater pollutant discharges through the construction, operation and maintenance of source control measures, low impact development design, site design measures, stormwater treatment measures and hydromodification management measures.
With adherence to these regulatory standards including the conditions stipulated in the Stevens Creek and Permanente Creek TMDL, pollution prevention and good housekeeping measures, the projects proposed under the HEU would not conflict with either of the Basin Plans in effect in for lands within Mountain View.
Groundwater sustainability depends on multiple factors including water demand, maintenance of a diverse portfolio of water supply ( surface water, imported water, recycled water) conservation, conditions for groundwater recharge, as well as the climate. In response to the current drought a Water Shortage Contingency Plan was developed by the City of Mountain View to respond to current drought conditions and alleviate its effects into the future.
As discussed in HYD- 2, the City of Mountain View does not rely primarily on groundwater for its water supply. Therefore, the HEU would not conflict with Valley Water' s GWMP. Impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
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4.9. 6 Cumulative Impacts
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 hydrology and water quality could occur if the incremental impacts of the HEU combined with the incremental impacts of one or more cumulative projects.
The geographic scope for cumulative effects on hydrology and water quality is defined as the Mountain View city limits.
Impact IIYD- I.CU: Implementation of the LIEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable prgjects, would not contribute considerably to cumulative impacts on hydrology and water quality. (Less than Significant) As described in Section 4. 0, there are numerous other housing developments recently constructed, proposed to be constructed, or under design review approval consideration with the City.
Construction and operation of such develupmenl. could reasonably combine with the effects of development allowed by the Mountain View HEU to increase the severity of impacts with respect to water resources.
Cumulative Impacts during Project Construction
Significant cumulative impacts related to hydrology and water quality could occur ifthe incremental impacts of the proposed housing sites combined with the incremental impacts of 3 cumulative development would adversely affect water quality or water supply. The construction activities for all cumulative development would be subject to the same regulatory requirements discussed for the proposed housing sites, ensuring compliance with existing hydrology and water quality regulations, including preparation and implementation of SWPPPs in compliance with the state Construction General Permit and local erosion control regulations. With compliance with existing regulations, the Project would not cause or contribute to a cumulatively considerable impact with respect to the use of erosion or water quality and impacts would be less than significant.
Cumulative Impacts during Project Operations
Projects involving the creation or replacement of 5, 000 SF of impervious surface area would be subject to MS4 requirements, including hydromodification management controls and LID design standards and would be required to demonstrate in their stormwater control plans that run off from such disturbance is adequately controlled to prevent erosion or impacts to water quality.
With compliance with existing regulations, the Project would not cause or contribute to a cumulatively considerable impact with respect to the use of erosion or water quality, and impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
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4. 9. 7 Summary of Hydrology and Water Quality Impacts
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact HYD- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not violate any water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements or otherwise
substantially degrade surface or ground water
quality.
Impact HYD-2: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that the project
may Impede sustali Miele gi out ldwatut
management of the basin.
Impact HYD- 3: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area, including
tl twuyl t the allel atiut t of ll to cuuise of a sUeam or river or through the addition of impervious
surfaeea, in A rnnnner which would- i) ronult in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site;
ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result
in flooding on- or offsite; iii) create or contribute
runoff water which would exceed the capacity
of existing or planned stormwater drainage
systems or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff; or iv) impede or
redirect flood flows.
Impact HYD- 4: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not risk release of pollutants due to
project inundation due to being located in a
flood hazard zone.
Impact HYD- 5: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not conflict with or obstruct
implementation of a water quality control plan
or sustainable groundwater management plan.
Impact HYD- 1. 1131JI: Implementation of the HEU, Less than Significant None required when combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
contribute considerably to cumulative impacts
on hydrology and water quality.
4.9. 8 References
California Department of Water Resources ( DWR), 2004. California' s Groundwater.- Bulletin 118, Santa Clara Valley Groundwater Basin, Santa Clara Subbasin, last updated February 27, 2004. Available at: https:// water.ca.gov/-/ media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/ Programs/ Groundwater- Management/ Bulletin- 118/ Files/ 2003- Basin- Descriptions/ 2_ 009_ 02_ Santa C1araSubbasin. pdf. Accessed April 27, 2022.
California Department of Water Resources ( DWR), 2022. Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Basin Prioritization Dashboard Available: https:Hgis.water.ca.gov/ app/bpdashboard/ final/. Accessed April 27, 2022.
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California Regional Water Quality Control Board ( RWQCB), 2019. San Francisco Bay Basin Water Quality Control Plan, November 5, 2019. Available:
https:// www. waterboards. ca. gov/ sanfranciscobay/ water_ issues/ programs/ planningtmdls/ basinplan/ web/ docs/ADA_compliant/ BP_all_chapters. pdf. Accessed April 27, 2022.
California State Water Resources Control Board ( SWRCB), 2018. 2018 California Integrated Report ( Clean Water Act Section 303( d) List and 305(b) Report). Available:
https:// www.waterboards. ca.gov/ water_ issues/ programs/ water_ quality_ assessment/ 2018_ integrated_ report. html. Accessed April 27, 2022.
City of Mountain View, 2021. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended throtigh April 13, ? 021
City of Mountain View, 2021a. CityofMountain 11iew2020 Urftan WaterManaBementPlan, June 8, 2021. Available: https://www.mountainview.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx? blobID= 35844. Accessed April 27, 2022.
City of Mountain View, 202lb. Water Quality 2020 Consumer- Confidence Report, June 2021.
Available: littps://www. itiouiitaitiview. gov/civicax/filebarik/blobdload.aspx? B1obID= 35804. Accessed April 27, 2022.
City of Mountain View, 2022. Our Water Sources. Available: https:// www. mountainview. gov/ depts/ pw/ services/ water/ sources. asp. Accessed April 27, 2022.
Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments ( MTC and ABAG), 2022. Hazard Viewer Map. Available: https: Hmtc.maps. arcgis. com/ apps/ webappviewer/ index. html? id= 4a6f3fl259df42eab29b35dfcd086fc8. Accessed April 27, 2022.
RWQCB, 2022a. Lehigh Index. Available:
https:// www. waterboards. ca. gov/ sanfranciscobay/ water_ issues/ hot_topics/ Lehigh/.
Accessed July 11, 2022.
RWQCB, 2022b. California Regional Water Quality Control Board San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit, May 11, 2022. Available:
https:// www. waterboards. ca. gov/ sanfranciscobay/ board_ decisions/ adopted_ Orders/ 2022/ R2 2022- 0018.pdf. Accessed July 11, 2022.
Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program ( SCVURPPP, 2016). C.3 Stormwater Handbook, Guidance for Implementing Stormwater Requirements for New Development and Redevelopment Projects, June 2016. Available:
https://cleanwater. sccgov.org/sites/g/files/exjcpb461/ files/SCVURPPP_C.pdf. Accessed April 28, 2022.
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), 2021. 2021 Groundwater Management Plan for the Santa Clara and Llagas Subbasins. Available: https:Hs3. us-west2. amazonaws. com/ assets. valleywater. org/ 2021_ GWMP_ web_version. pdf. Accessed July 11, 2021.
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4. 10 Land Use and Planning
4. 10. 1 Introduction
As presented in Chapter 3, Project Description, the project analyzed in this EIR would include adoption of a General Plan amendment to add or modify goals, objectives, policies, and Implementation programs related to housing in [lie Housing Element of die City' s General Plan.
The Housing Element itself would contain an updated housing needs assessment; updated goals, policies, and programs that address the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing and that affirmatively further fair housing; and a housing inventory that meets the requirements of State law and provides a buffer of additional housing development capacity The Project would also include modifications to provisions in the C' ity' s ( General Plan Land Use map, zoning ordinance, zoning map, and adopted Precise Plans, as needed, to reflect the housing sites. These proposed actions are collectively referred to as the Housing Element Update ( HEU) or " the Project."
This section evaluates the potential for the Project to result in substantial adverse effects related to land use and planning. The Environmental Setting portion of this section includes descriptions of existing conditions relevant to land use and planning. Existing plans and policies relevant to land use and planning associated with implementation of the Project are provided in the Regulatory Setting section. Finally, the impact discussion evaluates potential effects related to land use and planning that could result from implementation of the Project in the context of existing conditions.
While an EIR may provide information regarding land use and planning issues, CEQA does not consider inconsistency with land use plans and policies to be a physical effect on the environment unless the plan or policy was adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating a significant environmental effect. Adverse physical effects on the environment that could result from implementation of the Project, including the changes to land use addressed in this section, are evaluated and disclosed in the appropriate technical sections of this EIR.
The Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the EIR was 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. Comments related to land use and planning received during the NOP comment period included concerns related to exposure to hazards, vehicle miles traveled ( VMT), and greenhouse gas emissions associated with new housing that could be developed with implementation of the Project. While these topics are related to land use and planning, potential physical effects associated with these topics are addressed, where applicable, in the appropriate technical sections ofthis EIR, including section
4. 7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, section 4. 8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, and section
4. 14, Transportation.
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4. 10. 2 Environmental Setting
City of Mountain View
The City of Mountain View is located south of San Francisco at the southern end of the San Francisco Peninsula, where the Peninsula joins the Santa Clara Valley in northwestern Santa Clara County as shown in Figure 3- 1 in Chapter 3, Project Description. The City of Mountain View is bordered by the cities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Sunnyvale, and also by the NASAAmes/Moffett Federal Airfield complex to the east and the San Francisco Bay and tidal marshes to the north. Highways 101, 237, 82, and 85 run through the city. 1'lie proposed Piujr cl would update the Cliy of Muutttaitt View' s lluuslttg Eleineitl, which is a policy document that addresses housing issues and applies citywide. The housing sites inventory component ofthe housing element primarily identifies sites for development of multifamily housing that are principally located within the boundaries of adopted Precise Plans ( discussed in the Regulatory Settingbelow) and along commercial corridors, though housing sites in other parts of the City are also included.
4. 10. 3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
No federal plans, policies, regulations, or laws related to land use and planning are applicable to the proposed implementation of the Project.
State
Housing Element Requirements
State law requires that housing elements be updated every eight years ( California Government Code Section 65588). The housing element must identify residential sites adequate to accommodate a variety of housing types for all income levels and to meet the needs of special population groups, such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, large families, farmworkers, families with female heads of households, and families and persons in the need for emergency shelter ( California Government Code Section 65583). State law mandates that all cities and counties zone land appropriately to accommodate the increasing needs of regional population growth. Regional housing needs are determined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) .
The City' s Housing Element was last updated in 2014, and covers the " 5th Cycle" housing element planning period from 2014 through 2022. Because this period is drawing to a close, State law [California Government Code Section 65588] requires the City to update its Housing Element by the deadline of January 31, 2023. In accordance with State law, the planning period for the updated Housing Element is from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2031 and is referred to as the " 6th cycle."
There have been substantial changes to state laws regarding housing in the recent years, including changes to housing element requirements ( for example requiring that housing elements City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 10- 2 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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affirmatively further fair housing) , changes to facilitate production of Accessory Dwelling Units F" ( ADUs) and other forms of housing, and changes that limit local agencies' ability to condition or deny applications for affordable housing. These changes are codified in the California Government Code, including in Chapter 3, Article 10. 6, Housing Elements ( Section 65580 et seq.) and elsewhere.
Regional
Association of Bay Area Governments Area Governments and RHNA The Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) is the comprehensive regional planning agency and council of governments for the nine -county San Francisco Bay Area Region Its members include the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Mani, Napa, San Francisco, Swi Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties and 101 cities and towns of the San Francisco Bay Region.
ABAG determines the distribution of affordable housing in the region through its Regional Housing Needs Allocation ( RHNA) process. As discussed in Chapter 3, Project Description, for the period from 2023 to 2031, HCD has identified a regional housing need of 441, 176 housing units in the Bay Area, which ABAG was responsible for distributing to local jurisdictions via adoption of its final RHNA Plan in December 2021. 1 Each jurisdiction' s RHNA includes requirements for very low income, low income, moderate income, and above moderate households.
Plan Bay Area 2050
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission ( MTC) is the federally recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization for the nine -county Bay Area and is the government agency responsible for regional transportation planning and financing. Plan Bay Area 2050, prepared by the ABAG and MTC, is the official regional long- range plan to improve housing, the economy, transportation, and the environment across the San Francisco Bay Area Region, and includes the region' s Sustainable Communities Strategy as required under SB 375, and the Regional Transportation Plan.
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 for MTC, ABAG and partner organizations to take over the next five years to make headway on each of the 35 strategies.
Between 2015 and 2050, Plan Bay Area 2050 estimates the Bay Area will add 1. 4 million new jobs, for a total of 5. 4 million bay area workers. Household growth is anticipated to follow pace, adding slightly fewer than 1. 4 million new households for a total of 4 million households by 2050. This growth would bring the Bay Area' s population to an estimated 10. 3 million residents 1 Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG), 2021. Final Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Plan:
San Francisco Bay Area, 2023-2031. Available https:// abag.ca.gov/sites/ default/files/documents/ 2021- 12/ Final_ RHNA_Allocation_Report_ 2023- 2031- approved_ O. pdf. December 2021. Accessed on April 14, 2022.
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by 2050, up from around 7. 8 million in 2021. Plan Bay Area 2050 estimates the region would need to build another 1. 4 million new homes by 2050 to meet forecasted future demand. 2 Because it will be several years before these growth projections are understood on a jurisdictional level and incorporated into regional and local transportation models, growth projections contained in Plan Bay Area 2040 represent the best available information for use in this EIR. 3 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. Included in the 2030 General Plan are land use designations and a land use map. Land use designations define the type, intensity and density of development within the City, and include five general groups: Residential; Commercial; Office/ Industrial; Mixed -Use; and Public/ Institutional. Multifamily residential uses are allowed under the Residential and Mixed -Use land use designations at varying densities ranging from 7 to 80 dwelling units per acre in residential designations or 1. 05 to 3. 0 FAR in mixed -use designations.
The Land Use and Design Element of the General Plan includes the following policies that are relevant to the land use and planning evaluation for the Project.
Goal LUD- 3: A diverse, balanced and flexible mix of land uses that supports a strong economy, complete neighborhoods, transit use and community health.
Policy LUD 3.1: Land use and transportation. Focus higher land use intensities and densities within a half -mile of public transit service, and along major commute corridors.
Policy L UD 3.2: Mix ofland uses. Encourage a mix of land uses, housing types, retail and public amenities and public neighborhood open spaces accessible to the community.
Policy LUD 3.3: Health. Promote community health through land use and design.
Policy LUD 3.4: Land use conflicts. Minimize conflicts between different land uses.
Policy LUD 3. 5: Diversity. Encourage residential developments serving a range of diverse households and incomes.
Goal LUD-6: Distinctive neighborhoods that preserve and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Policy LUD 6.1: Neighborhood character. Ensure that new development in or near residential neighborhoods is compatible with neighborhood character. 2 Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission ( MTC), 2021. Plan Bay Area 2050 Final. Released October 1, 2021. Available: https:// www. planbayarea. org/finalplan2O5O. Accessed April 14, 2022.
3 Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission ( MTC), July 2017.
Plan Bayk-ea 2040; Plrojecdons 2040. Available online http:// projections.planbayarea.org/. Accessed April 21, 2022.
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Goal LUD- 7: A vibrant Downtown that serves as the center for Mountain View social and civic life.
Policy LUD 7.5: Compatible uses and design. Ensure compatible uses and building design Downtown along the boundaries between residential and commercial areas.
Goal LUD- 9: Buildings that enhance the public realm and integrate with the surrounding neighborhood.
Policy L UD 9.1: Height and setback transitions. Ensure that new development includes sensitive height and setback transitions to adjacent structures and surrounding neighborhoods.
Policy L UD 9. 2: Compatible transit -oriented development. Encourage. transit -oriented development that is compatible with surrounding uses and accessible to transit stations.
Precise Plans
To address site -specific development needs, the City has developed 25 Precise Plans covering various locations within the City. Precise Plans are a tool for coordinating future public and private improvements on specific properties where special conditions of size, shape, land ownership, or existing or desired development require particular attention. The Precise Plans provide detailed specifications for land uses, relationship to surrounding areas, use intensity, circulation, design, procedures for development review, and special conditions for development occurring within each Precise Plan area. The City' s Precise Plan areas are shown in Figure 3- 2 in Chapter 3, Project Description. In the City, Precise Plans range from a small 3- acre development to large neighborhoods. The Precise Plans covering the largest areas and with the highest development potential as relevant to the Project are described below.
East Whisman Precise Plan
The East Whisman Precise Plan ( adopted November 5, 2019, as amended through October 13, 2020) advances a sustainable, transit - oriented area with complete mixed - use neighborhoods and enhanced area mobility in an approximately 412- acre area on the eastern border of the City. It includes land use and development regulations for up to 2 million square feet of net new office uses, 100, 000 square feet of retail uses, 200 hotel rooms, and 5, 000 multi -family residential units with goal of making 20 percent of the total residential units affordable).
North Bayshore Precise Plan
The North Bayshore Precise Plan ( adopted November 25, 2014, as amended through December 7, 2021) supports transition of an approximately 650- acre area in the northern portion of the City into an innovative, sustainable, and complete mixed -use district that protects and stewards biological habitat and open space, and continues its role as a major high-technology employment center. The original North Bayshore Precise Plan did not include residential uses, but updates to the development standards and design guidelines of the plan adopted in December 2017 added residential uses in the areas designated for mixed -use development. The North Bayshore Precise Plan provides guiding principles, development standards, and design guidelines for up to 9, 850 new multi -family residential units and 3. 6 million square feet of office and commercial City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 10- 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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development. The North Bayshore Precise Plan has a target of approximately 20 percent of residential units to be affordable.
El Camino Real Precise Plan
The El Camino Real Precise Plan ( adopted November 17, 2014, as amended through April 13, 2021) provides planning priorities, development regulations, and an implementation strategy for the 3. 9- mile stretch of the El Camino Real that runs through Mountain View. The El Camino Real Precise Plan contains direction for potential street improvements and implementation actions, standards, and guidelines for new residential densities and focused commercial areas.
Sari Atituniu Pievise Flan
The San Antonio Procise Plan ( adoptod December 2, 2014, as amondod through Novombor 17, 2020) guides the transformation of the existing regional commercial area into a mixed -use core within a broader existing residential neighborhood, taking into account the area' s proximity to transit services and location along two of the most heavily traveled corridors in the City:
El Camino Real and San Antonio Road. The San Antonio Precise Plan identifies planning principles and policies, development regulations, mobility improvements and an implementation strategy for approximately 123 acres of land, including and surrounding the San Antonio Center shopping area. It also includes new allowances for higher densities of housing, and an office cap of 600, 000 square feet.
City of Mountain View Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance serves as an implementing tool for the General Plan by establishing detailed, parcel -specific development regulations and standards in each area of the City. Although the two are distinct documents, the Mountain View General Plan and Zoning Ordinance are closely related, and State law mandates that zoning regulations be consistent with the General Plan maps and policies.
Development standards identified in the Zoning Ordinance include setbacks, lot area, lot width, density, floor area ratio, site coverage, landscaping and open area requirements, height limits, storage, and parking. The Zoning Ordinance organizes zoning districts into four broad categories:
residential; commercial/ professional; industrial; and special purpose. Multifamily residential units are permitted uses under the R3 ( Residential — Multiple -Family) , R4 ( Residential — High -Density Multiple -Family), and Planned community ( P) districts.
4. 10. 4 Significance Criteria
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to land use and planning are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Physically divide an established community.
Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.
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Approach to Analysis
The analysis of potential impacts related to land use and planning evaluates the potential for the Project to result in substantial adverse effects related to land use and planning, including physical division of an established community and the potential for implementation of the Project to conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.
As detailed in Chapter 3, Project Description, the Project would include adoption of a General Plan amendment to add or modify goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs related to housing in the Housing Element of the City' s General Plan. The Project would also include dnmendrnents to Miter elements of the Geneidl Pldrr In order to inahitaln hrtemal consistency between the General Plan, the zoning ordinance, and adopted Precise Plans. The Project would ASS include modifications to provisions in the City' s General Plan Land Use map, zoning ordinance, zoning map, and adopted Precise Plans, as needed, to reflect the housing sites inventory.
Because these zoning and policy changes are part of the Project, by definition the Project would not conflict with them, and the analysis does not consider inconsistency with existing plan policies or codes to necessarily be indicative of significant environmental impacts. As previously discussed, consistent with CEQA, the analysis does not consider inconsistency with land use plans and policies to be a physical effect on the environment unless the plan or policy was adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating a significant environmental effect. Adverse physical effects on the environment that could result from implementation of the Project, including the changes to land use addressed in this section, are evaluated and disclosed in the appropriate technical sections of this EIR.
4. 10. 5 Impacts of the Project
Impact LUP- 1: Implementation ofthe HEU would not physically divide an established community. ( Less than Significant)
As presented in Chapter 3, Project Description, the Project would include adoption of a General Plan amendment to add or modify goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs related to housing in the Housing Element ofthe City' s General Plan. The Housing Element itself would contain an updated housing needs assessment; updated goals, policies, and programs that address the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing and that affirmatively further fair housing; and a housing inventory that meets the City' s RHNA and provides a buffer of additional housing development capacity. The Project would also include amendments to other elements of the General Plan in order to maintain internal consistency between the General Plan, the zoning ordinance, and adopted Precise Plans. The Project would also include modifications to provisions in the City' s General Plan Land Use map, zoning ordinance, zoning map, and adopted Precise Plans, as needed, to reflect the housing sites inventory.
As detailed in Section 3. 4. 1, Housing Sites inventory' in Chapter 3, Project Description, the Project would include a number of strategies as provided for in State law and HCD guidance to address the requirements for a housing inventory and meet the City' s 6th Cycle RHNA plus a City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 10- 7 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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buffer. While strategies and sites included in the Project will be refined based on community input and analysis as the EIR is being prepared, this EIR analyzes the impacts associated with the possible increase in housing production assuming use of the aforementioned strategies to plan for up to approximately 15, 000 units, to the year 2031 focused primarily along the commercial corridors and in areas that currently accommodate commercial/ industrial uses, mixed uses, and/ or multifamily housing. Of the total units it is assumed that approximately 1, 400 units would be enabled by changes in development capacity via rezoning. The balance of 13, 600 units represents development that is already permitted under the City' s adopted General Plan, zoning, and Precise Plans. Future development on identified sites would continue to be at the discretion of individual property owners and will be largely dependent on market forces and, in the case of affordable housing„ avallahle funding and/ or tither Incentive% Nonetheless, the analysis in flits Flk conservatively assumes build -out of the sites inventory. In addition, the analysis in this EIR also considers approximately 2, 700 units beyond 2031 that would be enabled by changes in development capacity via rezoning.
While implementation of [lie HEU would result in the development of new housing and housing at higher densities than currently exist in some areas, as well as related amendments to other elements of the City' s General Plan, zoning ordinance, and Precise Plans, these changes would not alter the physical layout of the City such that movement within or across the housing sites or the City would be obstructed. The HEU also does not propose any roadways, such as freeways, that would divide the City or isolate individual neighborhoods within it. Consequently, implementation of the HEU would have a less -than -significant impact related to the division of an established community.
Mitigation: None required.
Impact LUP- 2: Implementation of the HEU would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. (Less than Significant) As previously discussed, while an EIR may provide information regarding land use and planning issues, CEQA does not consider inconsistency with land use plans and policies to be a physical effect on the environment unless the plan or policy was adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating a significant environmental effect. Adverse physical effects on the environment that could result from implementation of the HEU, including the changes to land use addressed in this section, are evaluated and disclosed in the appropriate technical sections of this EIR.
As presented in Chapter 3, Project Description, and as discussed above in Impact LUP- 1, the Project would include adoption of a General Plan amendment to add or modify goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs related to housing in the Housing Element of the City' s General Plan.
The Project would also include amendments to other elements of the General Plan in order to maintain internal consistency between the General Plan and zoning/ Precise Plans. The Project would also include modifications to provisions in the City' s General Plan Land Use map, zoning ordinance, zoning map, and adopted Precise Plans, as needed, to reflect the housing sites inventory.
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Implementation of the HEU would result in the development of new housing and housing at higher densities than currently exist in some areas. However, as part of the approval of the Project, existing policies and zoning would be amended to reflect the new conditions. In addition, the HEU would explain the City' s RHNA requirements and include policies necessary to advance the City' s housing program notwithstanding potentially competing policies in the currently adopted General Plan or Precise Plans. Consequently, the Project would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect, and the impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation, None required.
4. 10. 6 Cumulative Impacts
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 land use and planning could occur if the incremental impacts of the Project combined with the impacts of cumulative development identified in Section 4. 0. 3, Cumulative Impacts.
Impact LUP- LCU: Implementation of the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not physically divide an established community.
Less than Significant)
As noted in Section 4. 0. 3, Cumulative Impacts, the proposed HEU is a plan which provides the potential for increased residential development in specific locations across a broad geography, and Project -related growth in housing would combine with other, cumulative growth and development projects in the City. However, it is reasonable to assume that this growth would occur within the existing framework formed by roads and infrastructure. Also, as discussed above in Impact LUP- 1, while implementation of the HEU would result in the development of new housing and housing at higher densities than currently exist in some areas, as well as related amendments to other elements of the City' s General Plan, zoning ordinance, and Precise Plans, these changes would not alter the physical layout of the City such that movement within or across the housing sites or the City would be obstructed. The Project also does not propose any roadways, such as freeways, that would divide the City or isolate individual neighborhoods within it. Consequently, cumulative impacts related to division of an established community would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
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Impact LUP- 2. CU: Implementation ofthe HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. (Less than Significant) As discussed under Impact LUP- 2, implementation of the HEU would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. Other jurisdictions in the Bay Area are also updating their housing elements in response to meet RHNA requirements, and those jurisdictions would also update and amend their general plans and zoning codes, as applicable, to ensure planned and orderly growth that would not cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect. Consequently, cumulative impacts related to conflict with a land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
4. 10. 7 Summary of Land Use and Planning Impacts
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact LUP- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not physically divide an established
community.
Impact LUP-2: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not cause a significant environmental
impact due to a conflict with any land use plan,
policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of
avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.
Impact LUP- 1. C1U: Implementation of the HEU, Less than Significant None required when combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
physically divide an established community.
Impact LUP- 2. CU: Implementation of the HEU, Less than Significant None required when combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
cause a significant environmental impact due to
a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding
or mitigating an environmental effect.
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4. 10. 8 References
Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission MTC), July 2017. Plan Bay Area 2040; Projections 2040. Available:
http:// projections. planbayarea. org. Accessed on April 21, 2022.
City of Mountain View, 2021. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2.012., as amended through April 13, 2021. Available: https:// www.mountainview. gov/ civicax/ filebank/ blobdload.aspx?blobid= 10702. Accessed May 1, 2022.
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4. 11 Noise and Vibration
4. 11. 1 Introduction
This section assesses the potential for the Housing Element Update ( HEU) to result in significant adverse impacts from noise. This section first includes a description of the existing environmental setting as it relates to noise and vibration, 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 HEU from noise and vibration.
The Notice of PiepwdLlon ( NOP) fur Qte EIR wds chculttled on Febivaty 4, 2022 and d scuphtg 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 noise or vibration were received during the NOP comment period.
4. 11. 2 Environmental Setting
Existing Noise -Sensitive Land Uses
Human response to noise varies considerably from one individual to another. Effects of noise at various levels can include interference with sleep, concentration, and communication, and can cause physiological and psychological stress and hearing loss. Given these effects, some land uses are considered more sensitive to noise levels than others due to the duration and nature of time people spend at these uses. In general, residences are considered most sensitive to noise as people spend extended periods of time in them, including the nighttime hours. Therefore, noise impacts to rest and relaxation, sleep, and communication are highest at residential uses. Schools, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and recreational uses are also considered to be more sensitive to noise as activities at these land uses involve rest and recovery, relaxation and concentration, and increased noise levels tend to disrupt such activities. Places such as churches, libraries, and cemeteries, where people tend to pray, study, and/ or contemplate, are also sensitive to noise but due to the limited time people spend at these uses, impacts are usually tolerable. Commercial and industrial uses are considered the least noise -sensitive.
Existing Noise Environment
The noise environment in and around the city is influenced by vehicular traffic, such as along Interstate 280 ( 1- 280) U. S. Highway 101, State Highway ( SR) 85, SR 237 and SR 82 ( El Camino Real as well as local roadways such as Central Expressway. Other noise sources in the vicinity include the Valley Transportation A light rail and Caltrain rail operations, including warning bells and required horn blasts at at -grade crossings. Aircraft operations from Palo Alto Airport and Moffett Field also contribute to the noise environment of Mountain View. Noise -monitoring results conducted for the 2030 General Plan show that existing noise levels throughout the city ranged from 51. 2 to 72. 1 dBA Leq. The calculated Ldn at the long-term 24- hour noise monitoring location is 65 dBA Ldn. This range of noise level is typical of an urbanized setting that is not located near busy streets. In addition to roadway traffic, aircraft flights, landscaping maintenance City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 1 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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equipment, construction, loading and unloading, commercial activities and everyday neighborhood activities contribute to the ambient noise environment.
4. 11. 3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
Noise Control Act
In 1972, the Noise Control Act was established to address the concerns of noise as a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation' s population, particularly in urban areas. In 1974, in response to the Noise Control Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) published Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. I Table 4. 11 1 summarizes U. S. EPA findings for residential land uses.
TABLE 4. 11- 1
SOUND LEVELS THAT PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH ( DBA)
Indoor Outdoor
Measure To Protect To Protect
of Activity Hearing Against Activity Hearing Against
Category Exposure Interference Loss Both Effects Interference Loss Both Effects Residential with
Ld 45 70 45 55 70 55
Outside Space
Residential with
Ld 45 70 45
No Outside Space
NOTES:
Sound levels are yearly average equivalent in decibels; the exposure period which results in hearing loss at the identified level is a period of forty years.
SOURCE: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Information of Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an adequate Margin of Safety, 1974.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA) aims to ensure worker safety and health in the United States by working with employers and employees to create better working environments. With regard to noise exposure and workers, OSHA regulations set forth accepted criteria to protect the hearing of workers exposed to occupational noise. Noise exposure regulations are listed in 29 Code of Federal Regulations ( CFR) Section 1910. 95. Section 1910. 95 (c) ( 1) states that an employer shall administer a hearing conservation program whenever noise exposure levels equal or exceed an 8- hour time -weighted average sound level of 85 dBA.
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) has published guidelines for land use compatibility in 14 CFR Part 150. For aviation noise analyses, the FAA has determined that the 24- hour i
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency ( U. S. EPA), 1974. Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an adequate margin of Safety. March 1974.
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cumulative exposure of individuals to noise resulting from aviation activities must be established in terms of Ld„ as FAA' s primary metric. However, the FAA recognizes CNEL as an alternative metric for assessing aircraft ( e. g., helicopters) noise exposure in California.
Based on FAA standards, a significant noise impact would occur if analysis shows that the project would cause noise sensitive areas to experience an increase in the aircraft noise level of 1. 5 dB CNEL or more when aircraft levels are 65 dBA CNEL or higher. In addition, a significant noise impact would occur if noise sensitive land uses would be newly exposed to levels of 65 dBA CNEL or higher as a result of a project. For example, a 1. 5 dB increase at an aircraft noise level of 63. 5 dBA CNEL that brings the aircraft noise level to 65 dBA CNEL would be considered a significant impact.
According to Chapter 65 of Title 42 of the United States Code, and Articles 3 and 3. 5 of Chapter 4 of Division 9 of the Public Utilities Code of the State of California, local enforcement of noise regulations and land use regulations related to noise control of airports ( e. g., helistops) are preempted by the FAA.
State -
Title 24
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations codifies Sound Transmission Control requirements, which establishes uniform minimum noise insulation performance standards for new hotels, motels, dormitories, apartment houses, and dwellings other than detached singlefamily dwellings. Specifically, Title 24 states that interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources shall not exceed 45 dBA CNEL in any habitable room of new dwellings.
Department of Industrial Relations
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health ( DOSH) protect workers and the public from safety hazards through its California Divisions of Occupational Safety and Health ( Cal/ OSHA) program. The Cal/OSHA Program is responsible for enforcing California laws and regulations pertaining to workplace safety and health and for providing assistance to employers and workers about workplace safety and health issues. DOSH enforces noise standards in the workplace in conjunction with OSHA through the CAL/ OSHA program.
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 Noise Element of the General Plan includes the following policies related to noise ( City of Mountain View, 2012).
Goal N0I-1: Noise levels that support a high quality of life in Mountain View.
Policy NOI 1. 1: Land use compatibility. Use the Outdoor Noise Environment Guidelines as a guide for planning and development decisions ( Table 7. 1, illustrated below).
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Policy NOI 1. 2: Noise -sensitive land uses. Require new development of noise -sensitive land uses to incorporate measures into the project design to reduce interior and exterior noise levels to the following acceptable levels:
New single- family developments shall maintain a standard of 65 dBA Ldn for exterior noise in private outdoor active use areas.
New multi family residential developments shall maintain a standard of 65 dBA Ldn for private and community outdoor recreation use areas. Noise standards do not apply to private decks and balconies in multi -family residential developments.
Interior noise levels shall not exceed 45 dBA Ldn in all new single-family and multi - Family liesideintial units.
Where new single family and multi family residential units would be exposed to intermittent noise from major transportation sources such as train or airport operations, new construction shall achieve an interior noise level of 65 dBA through measures such as site design or special construction materials. This standard shall apply to areas exposed to four or more major transportation noise events such as passing trains or aircraft flyovers per day.
Policy NOI 1.3: Exceeding acceptable noise thresholds. If noise levels in the area of a proposed project would exceed normally acceptable thresholds, the City shall require a detailed analysis of proposed noise reduction measures to determine whether the proposed use is compatible. As needed, noise insulation features shall be included in the design of such projects to reduce exterior noise levels to meet acceptable thresholds, or for uses with no active outdoor use areas, to ensure acceptable interior noise levels.
Policy NOI 1. 4: Site planning. Use site planning and project design strategies to achieve the noise level standards in NOI 1. 1 ( Land use compatibility) and in NOI 1. 2 ( Noise - sensitive land uses) . The use of noise barriers shall be considered after all practical design -related noise measures have been integrated into the project design.
Policy NOI 1. 5: Major roadways. Reduce the noise impacts from major arterials and freeways.
Policy NOI 1. 6: Minimize noise impacts on noise -sensitive land uses, such as residential uses, schools, hospitals and child- care facilities.
Policy NOI 1. 7: Stationary sources. Restrict noise levels from stationary sources through enforcement of the Noise Ordinance.
Policy NOI 1. 8: Moffett Federal Airfield. Support efforts to minimize noise impacts from Moffett Federal Airfield in coordination with Santa Clara County' s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Policy NOI 1. 9: Rail. Reduce the effects of noise and vibration impacts from rail corridors.
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Outdoor
t7e mmmllY l/oitle Exp* re In de" nis (CHEL)
Land Use Category Dmye Rohe Level In Dedbek 1Ldn) Sac
Sol 65 70 75 & 0 65 ResidemtialSingfe ,Familt. Duplex, Matwe Homes ResidmitialMulti-Family Transtent
Lougm¢-,idlers. I
lotels Sctwols,
Libraeit.. Chtachies, I
Ittgpitalw Fiurstng lktatxt Auditonums.
Concert Hails. Amphitheaters.
Sports Arenas, Outdoor
Spectator Sports Playgnounds.
Neighborhood Parks
Goff
Courses, Ridmg Stables, Water
Recreation, Ce+netenes Office
Buitfsings, Business Commereiat
and Profesrinnia moustnai,
Manufacturing, Utilities.
Agmutture i
I
IL NGRhKUV ,
ACCEPTABLE SpecAled
laird u5. L rs saurtaclore. cased upo.r the
aSS. Wiptleii that a" bullafts, involved are d+
normal oonventiorai construrtlon, wxinmi atrly stiec,
w owse nrrsulatxoi reoearev cents. CtNIIINTiC
OLLYACCEPTABLE Kew
coo6 rwaidn or devwfiwwnent s/Wuld be under taken
onty aver a detailed awhsis at me nose eedUCWn
redwremettis Is made and needed nolse nsutatWm
lectures included inetye deagn. surcr: Stare of Cawamo Gev erar P{v- iiwmories. XV1 Mountain View Municipal Code NOM
AALLY UNACCEPTABLE New
constiucoon or development should be dtaoarx- Wtl.
it sew aonstcuctwin or fJeveloproe mdoer. afoceeil,
adetailed ana"Is of the noise telA,C[lor- reryireroents must be made and needed "F* Insauation
feawres Included to the des - on. CLEARLY
UNACCEPTABLE New
corwtuctwn or devetopment ClParrty should not be
undertaken. The
City of Mountain View addresses noise regulations tohelp protect the community from exposure toexcessive noise and also specify how noise is measured andregulated. The City'scodes address noise issues and protect the community from exposure to excessive noise from sources such as construction activity, animals, amplified sound and stationary equipment. These codes specify how noise is measured andregulated. The City's Zoning Ordinance alsoincludes noise regulations and standards for uses such as drive- in and drive -through sales, commercial, and industrial land uses and sensitive uses, such as child- care centers. In addition, noise is City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 5 ESA/ 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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regulated through project conditions of approval. The Mountain View Police Department and the City Attorney' s office enforce noise violations.
Section 8. 70. 1 of the City' s Municipal Code restricts the hours of construction activity to 7: 00 a. m. to 6: 00 p.m., Monday through Friday. No construction activity is permitted on Saturday, Sunday, or holidays without written approval from the City. Authorized land uses and construction activity established through the discretionary land use permit process may be subject to specific noise conditions of approval that may be more restrictive. Construction activities are defined to include any physical activity on the construction site or in the project' s staging area, including the delivery of materials.
Section 21. 26 of the City' s Municipal Code establishes quantitative noise level limits on noise from stationary equipment ( such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning mechanical systems, and air compressors). The maximum allowable noise level is 55 dBA during the day and 50 dBA at night ( 10: 00 p.m. to 7: 00 a. m.) at a residential receiving property, unless it has been demonstrated that such operation will not be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort or general welfare of the residents subjected to such noise, and the use has been granted a permit by the Zoning Administrator.
Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval
As part of discretionary review, the City has standard conditions for different types of approvals 7 ( updated as of October 25, 2021). The City has standard conditions relating to noise and vibration, as summarized below.
Vibration and Settlement Plan for Projects Adjacent to Historic Structures or Zero -Lot - Line Structures
At building permit submittal, the applicant shall prepare a Vibration and Settlement Plan which specifies monitoring and mitigation measures to avoid damage to the adjacent building(s) as a result of project construction. Approved monitoring protocols shall be in place prior to issuance of any building permits for the project.
Rooftop Equipment Screen
All rooftop equipment must be concealed behind opaque ( solid) screening designed to complement the building design such that rooftop equipment is not visible from any elevation.
Details ofthe rooftop equipment and roof screens shall be included in the building permit drawings and approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Mechanical Equipment - Ground Screening
All mechanical equipment, such as air condenser ( AC) units or generators, shall be concealed behind opaque screening. No mechanical equipment is permitted on front porches or balconies but may be located in the fenced yard area or building rooftops.
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4. 11 Noise and Vibration
Mechanical Equipment — Noise
The noise emitted by any mechanical equipment shall not exceed a level of 55 dB( A) during the day or 50 dB(A) during the night, 10: 00 p. m. to 7: 00 a.m., when measured at any location on the adjoining residentially used property.
Interior Noise Levels
Construction drawings must confirm that measures have been taken to achieve an interior noise level of 45 dB(A)Ldn that shall be reviewed and approved by a qualified acoustical consultant prior to building permit submittal.
Construction Noise Reduction Measures
The following noise reduction measures shall be incorporated into construction plans and contractor specifications to reduce the impact of temporary construction -related noise on nearby properties: ( a) comply with manufacturer' s muffler requirements on all construction equipment engines; ( b) turn off construction equipment when not in use, where applicable; ( c) locate stationary equipment as far as practical from receiving properties; ( d) use temporary sound barriers or sound curtains around loud stationary equipment if the other noise reduction methods are not effective or possible; and ( e) shroud or shield impact tools and use electric -powered rather than diesel -powered construction equipment.
Work Hours/ Construction Site Signage
No work shall commence on the job site prior to 7: 00 a. m. nor continue later than 6: 00 p. m., Monday through Friday, nor shall any work be permitted on Saturday or Sunday or any holiday unless prior approval is granted by the Chief Building Official. The general contractor, applicant, developer, or property owner shall erect a sign at all construction site entrances/ exits to advise subcontractors and material suppliers of the working hours and contact information, including an after- hours contact. Violation of this condition of approval may be subject to the penalties outlined in Section 8. 6 of the City Code and/or suspension of building permits.
Construction Parking
The applicant shall prepare a construction parking management plan to address parking demands and impacts during the construction phase of the project by contractors or other continued operations on -site. The plan shall also include a monitoring and enforcement measure which specifies on -street parking is prohibited and will be monitored by the owner/ operator of the property ( or primary contractor), and penalties will be enforced by the owner/ operator of the property (or primary contractor) for violations of on -street parking restrictions. Violations of this provision may result in a stop -work notice being issued by the City for development project. The construction parking management plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator prior to the issuance of building permits.
Notice of Construction
The applicant shall notify neighbors within at least 300' of the project site of the construction schedule in writing, prior to construction. For multi -phased construction, separate notices may be required for each phase of construction. A copy of the notice and the mailing list shall be submitted for review prior to issuance of building permits.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 7 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Disturbance Coordinator
The applicant shall designate a " disturbance coordinator" who will be responsible for responding to any local complaints regarding construction noise. The coordinator ( who may be an employee of the general contractor) will determine the cause of the complaint and will require that reasonable measures warranted to correct the problem be implemented. A telephone number of the noise disturbance cuurdhiator shall be conspicuously posted at the construction site fence and on the notification sent to neighbors adjacent to the site. The sign must also list an emergency after- hours contact number for emergency personnel.
Vibration Best Management Practices Construction Measures Avoid impact pile driving and drill piles instead where possible. Drilled piles cause lower Obratttrtt levels Where geologic ill txtttdttlo ns ltettntt tltett use, Avoid using vibration rollers and tampers near sensitive areas.
In areas where project construction is anticipated to include vibration generating activities, vibration studies shall be conducted to determine the areas of impact and to present appropriate mitigation measures that may include the following:
Identification of sites that would be exposed to project vibration compaction activities and could result in vibration impacts to structures;
Develop a vibration monitoring and contingency plan;
Construction contingency plan; and
Conduct post -survey on structures where either monitoring has indicated high levels or complaints of damage have been made.
4. 11. 4 Significance Criteria
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to noise and vibration are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the HEU could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Generate a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies.
Generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.
For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.
Approach to Analysis
Topics Considered and No Impact Determined
The HEU would have no impact to the following topics based on the HEU characteristics, its geographical location, and underlying site conditions. Therefore, these topics are not addressed further in this document for the following reasons:
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 8 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Expose people or structures to or generate excessive groundborne noise levels. The second criterion above relates to groundborne vibration and groundborne noise levels, but only the issue of groundborne vibration is relevant to the HEU. Groundborne noise occurs when vibrations transmitted through the ground result in secondary radiation of noise. Groundborne noise is generally associated with underground railway operations and with construction activities such as blasting, neither of which are likely to result from implementation of the proposed HFl J. Future, planned development within the City would not involve equipment that would produce groundborne vibration; therefore, no impacts related to the exposure of people or structures to, or the generation of, excessive groundborne noise levels would occur in connection with project operations. The potential for construction activities to result in groundborne vibration is addressed below in Impact NOI- 3.
Projects located within the vicinity of a private air strip or an airport laud use plan. The HEU planning area is not within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan area. The nearest airport to the City of Mountain View is Moffet Federal Airfield, approximately . 50 miles to the nearest residential property. The 65 dBA noise contours for airport operations are contained within the area bounded by the intersections of Mary Ave and West Maude Ave, Mathilda Ave and Evelyn Ave, Evelyn Ave and Sunnyvale Ave, and the Highway 101/ Highway 237 interchange ( SCC, 2012). Therefore, the subsequent lease, development, and improvement projects ( subsequent projects) that could occur under the Housing Element would not result in the long- term exposure of people residing or working in the area to excessive airport -related noise levels.
Additionally, the California Supreme Court' s California Building and Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (CBIA v. BAAQMD) decision2 has indicated that the impact of existing environmental conditions on a project' s future users or residents are generally not required to be considered in a CEQA evaluation, except when the project may exacerbate existing hazards or existing conditions. CEQA analysis is therefore concerned with a project' s impact on the environment, rather than with the environment' s impact on a project and its users or residents. Thus, with respect to existing traffic noise and existing rail noise and vibration on proposed sensitive land uses, the city is not required under CEQA to consider the effects of locating new receptors into an area where such noise and vibration levels already exist. Therefore, traffic and railroad noise exposure and rail vibration on future sensitive receptors within the city are not assessed in this Draft EIR. It should be noted, however, that CBIA v. BAAQMD decision does not preclude jurisdictions like the city from considering these types of impacts during its own planning and development review processes.
4. 11. 5 Impacts of the Project
Impact NOI- 1: Implementation of the HEU would not generate a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. ( Less than Significant)
Under the HEU, the primary source of temporary noise within the City would be from demolition and construction. Construction activities within the City would involve both off -road construction equipment ( e. g., excavators, dozers, cranes, etc.) and transport of workers and equipment to and 2 California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District, S213478. ( A135335, A136212; 218 Cal. AppAth 1171; Alameda County Superior Court; RG10548693. Filed December 17, 2015.) City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 9 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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from construction sites. Table 4. 11- 2 shows typical noise levels produced by the types of off -road equipment that would likely be used during future construction areas within the City.
TABLE 4. 11- 2
REFERENCE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NOISE LEVELS ( 50 FEET FROM SOURCE) Type of Equipment Lmax, dBA Hourly Lp,, dBA/ Percent Use' Backhoe 80 76/ 40
Jackhammer 85 78/ 20
Roller 85 78/ 20
Compactor no 73/ 20
a
Pavor 85 82/ 50
Crane 85 77/ 16
Grader 85 81/ 40
Concrete Mixer Truck 85 81/ 40
Luadet 80 76/ 40
Air Compressor 80 76/ 40
Excavator 85 81/ 40
NOTES:
a Percent used during the given time period ( usually an hour— hourly Leq) were obtained from the FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User' s Guide.
SOURCE: FHWA, 2006.
Construction noise is a major source of temporary noise within the City and would continue to be so regardless of whether or not the HEU is adopted. Noise levels near individual construction .sites under the proposed HEU would not be substantially different from what they would be under the existing Housing Element. Since specific future projects within the City are unknown at this time, it is conservatively assumed that the construction areas associated with these future projects could be located within 50 feet of sensitive land uses. To quantify construction - related noise exposure at the nearest sensitive land uses, it is assumed that the two loudest pieces of construction equipment would operate within 50 feet of a sensitive receptor.
Under the HEU, sensitive receptors located within 50 feet of an excavator or other construction equipment producing similar levels of noise could be exposed to a noise level of 82 dBA Leq.
However, Section 8. 70 Construction noise ( a) Hours of construction specifically states no construction activity shall commence prior to 7: 00 a. m. nor continue later than 6: 00 p. m., Monday through Friday, nor shall any work be permitted on Saturday or Sunday or holidays unless prior written approval is granted by the chief building official. In addition, the following City of Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval ( Construction Noise Reduction Measures), ( Work Hours/ Construction Site Signage), ( Construction Parking), ( Notice of Construction), and ( Disturbance Coordinator) would be required of development under the HEU which would further reduce construction noise levels.
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Therefore, with required implementation of these construction best management practices and adherence to the City' s allowed hours of construction, impacts associated with future construction activities under the HEU with respect to conflicting with local noise standards would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Impact NOI- 2: Stationary noise sources from development within the HEU area would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. ( Less than Significant) Unlike industrial uses and some commercial land uses, residential uses are not typically associated with excessive noise generation. Characteristics of residential uses that are noise - producing include stationary source noises such as air conditioning equipment and pool equipment which generally do not generate substantial noise levels. At the present tune, the type, size, and the location of any air handling equipment that may be associated with housing developed under the HEU is unknown. However, Section 21. 26 of the City' s Municipal Code establishes quantitative noise level limits on noise from stationary equipment ( such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning mechanical systems, and air compressors). The maximum allowable noise level is 55 dBA during the day and 50 dBA at night ( 10: 00 p.m. to 7: 00 a.m.) at a residential receiving property.
In addition, the following City of Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval ( Rooftop Equipment Screen), ( Mechanical Equipment - Ground Screening), and ( Mechanical Equipment - Noise) would be required of development under the HEU which would further reduce operational stationary source noise levels. Based on these requirements, which are enforced by the City, the potential impact of stationary noise sources from development under the proposed HEU would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Impact NOI-3: Implementation ofthe HEU would not generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. ( Less than Significant) Future construction activities could occur under the proposed HEU which could have the potential to generate groundborne vibration within the City. Construction activities would occur in a variety of locations throughout the City under the HEU, which may require activities or use of off -road equipment known to generate some degree of vibration. Activities that would potentially generate excessive vibration, such as blasting or impact pile driving would not be expected to occur from housing development under the HEU, as such activities would typically be associated with highrise development that is not envisioned.
Receptors sensitive to vibration include structures (especially older masonry structures), land uses where people would normally be expected to sleep ( sleep disturbance), and equipment ( e. g., City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 11 ESA/ 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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magnetic resonance imaging equipment, high resolution lithographic, optical and electron microscopes). Such vibration -sensitive equipment typically is installed with vibration isolation systems to ensure operational quality control.
Regarding the potential effects of groundborne vibration to people, except for long- term occupational exposure, vibration levels rarely affect human health and because the City' s noise ordinance restricts construction activities to daytime hours, the potential for impacts related to sleep disturbance would be less than significant.
Since specific future projects within the City are unknown at this time, it is conservatively assumed that the construction areas associated with these future projects could be located within 50 feet of sensitive land uses. The primary vibration - generating activities associated with the proposed project would occur during grading, placement of underground utilities, and construction of foundations. shows the typical vibration levels produced by construction equipment at various distances. The most substantial source of groundborne vibrations associated with housing development construction would be the use of drill rigs for foundation peers, if required.
According to the Caltrans' Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, the building damage threshold for historic and some older buildings is 0. 25 PPV ( in/ sec). 3 As indicated in Table 4. 11- 3 construction activities at distances of 25 feet or further from the nearest existing buildings would be well below the threshold of 0. 25 PPV to avoid structural damage to historic and older buildings.
TABLE 4. 11- 3
VIBRATION LEVELS FOR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Equipment
PPV ( in/ sec) a
At 25 Feet ( Reference) At 50 feet
Large Bulldozer 0. 089 0. 35
Auger Drill Rig 0. 089 0. 35
Loaded Trucks 0, 076 0. 30
Jackhammer 0. 035 0. 14
NOTES:
a Vibration amplitudes for construction equipment assume normal propagation conditions and were calculated using the following formula: PPV ( equip) = PPV ( ref) x (25/ D) 1. 1 where:
PPV ( equip) = the peak particle velocity in in/ sec of the equipment adjusted for the distance PPV ( ref) = the reference vibration level in in/ sec from pp. 31- 33 and Table 18 of the Caltrans Vibration Guidance Manual, as well as Table 12- 2 of the FTA' s Noise and Vibration Guidance Manual D = the distance from the equipment to the receiver
SOURCES: Caltrans, Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, April 2020, pp. 29- 34, http://www. dot.ca. gov/hq/ env/noise/ publications. htm, accessed on December 21, 2021; FTA, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, September 2018, https:// www. transit. dot. gov/ sites/ fta. dot. gov/ files/ does/ research- innovation/ 118131/ transit- noiseand- vibration- impact- assessment- manual- fta- report- no- 0123—O. pdf, accessed December21, 2021. 3 California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans), 2020. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance manual April 2020.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 12
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In addition, the following City of Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval (Vibration and Settlement Plan for Projects Adjecent to Historic Structures and Zero -Lot -Line Structures) and Vibration Best Management Practices Construction Measures) would be required of development under the HEU which would further reduce construction -related vibration.
For these reasons, project -related construction and operational groundborne vibration impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Impact NOI 4: Transportation increases along roadways under the HEU would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above baseline levels without the project. ( Less than Significant) Vehicular traffic noise increases associated with the proposed HEU were estimated using algorithms found in the FHWA' s Traffic Noise Model Technical Manual and the estimated traffic volumes provided by the Transportation consultant for this Draft EIR' s traffic analysis for the HEU. The results of the vehicular traffic noise modeling effort for the HEU Table 4. 11- 4 and are compared to year 2040 baseline conditions without the HEU.
The City has not adopted a specific, quantitative threshold for what constitutes a significant permanent increase in ambient noise levels. The smallest increase in loudness perceptible by the human ear is 3 dBA and increases of 5 dBA or greater are clearly perceptible. ( Caltrans, 2013) Therefore, in the absence of quantitative ambient noise level increase thresholds adopted by the city with respect to transportation sources, a substantial increase in ambient noise levels would be defined as either: a 5 dB increase, if after the increase the ambient noise level remains in the range of what would be " normally acceptable" at the sensitive land use where the noise is being received; or a 3 dB increase, if after the increase the ambient noise level exceeds the range of what would be " normally acceptable" at a noise -sensitive land use where the noise is being received. Regardless, as can be seen from the increases in roadside noise presented in Table 4. 11- 4, the increase in roadside noise levels along all roadways analyzed was less than 1 dBA.
Therefore, adoption of the HEU update would have a less than significant impact with respect to operational roadway noise.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 13 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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TABLE 4. 11- 4
BASELINE AND PROJECTED PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS ALONG STREETS
HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Roadway Segment
O
N
c
N C
CDCC
W
w
7 Q c
V 1 C
roUC
N
d C
c c
0 y
a` oU
P•
c
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m
E 0 N
LM U d
V) =}
Ellis Street from U. S. 101 to Middlefield Road 68. 9 69. 0 0. 1 No North Whicmnn Rond from I I F, 101 to Middlnfeld Rend 66 5 66 6 01 No North Whisman Road from to Middlefield Road to Central Expressway 65. 0 65. 1 0. 1 No Middlefield Road from Rengstorlf Avenue to North Shoreline Boulevard 69. 0 69. 1 0. 1 No Middlefield Road from North Shoreline Boulevard to Moffett Boulevard 69. 9 69. 9 0. 0 No Middlefield Road from Moffett Boulevard to North Whisman Road 69. 7 69. 8 0. 1 No Middlefield Road from North Whisman Road to SR 237 70.0 70. 1 0. 1 No Moffett Boulevard from Middlefield Road to Central Expressway 69. 4 69. 5 0. 1 No El Camino Real from Showers Drive to Rengstorff Avenue 73. 2 73. 2 0. 0 No El Camino Real from Rengstorff Avenue to South Shoreline Boulevard 70. 7 73. 7 0. 0 No El Camino Real from South Shoreline Boulevard to Grant Road 74. 1 74. 2 0. 1 No El Camino Real from Grant Road to SR 85 73. 0 73. 0 0. 0 No Rengstorff Avenue from El Camino Real to California Street 68. 8 68. 9 0. 1 No Grant Road from SR 237 to El Camino Real 74. 0 74. 0 0. 0 No Grant Road from El Camino Real to Cuesta Drive 71. 9 72. 0 0. 1 No Miramonte Avenue from El Camino Real to Cuesta Drive 66. 9 67. 1 0. 2 No Miramonte Avenue from Cuesta Drive to Covington Road 64. 7 64. 9 0. 2 No Cuesta Drive from Miramonte Avenue to Grant Road 70. 7 70. 8 0. 1 No North Shoreline Boulevard from Charleston Road to U. S. 101 73. 1 73. 2 0. 1 No North Shoreline Boulevard from U. S. 101 to Middlefield Road 69. 1 69. 2 0. 1 No North Shoreline Boulevard from Middlefield Road to El Camino Real 67. 5 67. 6 0. 1 No NOTES:
a Noise levels were determine using methodology described in FHWA' s Traffic Noise Model Technical Manual.
SOURCE: ESA, 2022 ( Appendix D)
Mitigation Measure: None required.
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Impact NOI-5: Implementation ofthe HEU would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels due to being located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public airport or public use airport. (Less than Significant)
Based on a review and comparison ofthe setting circumstances and housing sites potentially developed as a result of the HEU, it can be concluded that no impacts would result with respect to noise impacts from airport operations. Based on the 2022 noise contours for Moffett Field contained in the City' s General Plan and illustrated in Figure 4. 11- 1 below, while some of the housing sites of the HEU would be located within the airport influence area, all of the housing sites would be located outside the 60 dRA CNFL noise contour ( City of Mountain View, ?01?) The Project site is uut in the vicinity of a pt ivate aiistt ili. Thetefuie, the Ptoject would not expose people residing or working in the Project area to excessive noise levels from aircraft operations and the impact is less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4. 11. 6 Cumulative Impacts
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 noise and vibration could occur if the incremental impacts of the HEU combined with the incremental impacts of one or more of the cumulative projects or cumulative development projections for 2040 included in the project description and described in Section 4. 0. 3, Cumulative Impacts.
The geographic scope of analysis for cumulative noise and vibration construction impacts encompasses sensitive receptors within approximately 1, 000 feet of the project site. 4 Beyond 1, 000 feet, the contributions of noise from other projects would be greatly attenuated by both distance and intervening structures, and their contribution would be expected to be minimal. The geographic scope of analysis for cumulative noise operational impacts is the roadway network system analyzed for the transportation analysis.
This screening threshold distance was developed based on equations for stationary -source noise attenuation California Department of Transportation, Technical Noise Supplement, September 2013). The analysis also used the combined noise level generated by the typical construction phases for a given project ( assuming multiple pieces of equipment) at a distance of 50 feet. Using the attenuation equations, the maximum noise level of 89 dBA for both excavation and finishing would diminish to below 65 dBA at 1, 000 feet. A receptor experiencing noise levels of 89 dBA from two adjacent construction sites would experience a cumulative noise level of 91 dBA ( the acoustical sum of 89 dBA plus 89 dBA), which would still diminish to below 65 dBA at 1, 000 feet. Hence, 1, 000 feet is used as the geographic scope.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 1 1- 1 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Moffett Federal Airfield
Palo
Alto
1 i
l
Mountain
Vi[„iN w
1 u
Los `-
i
Altos
Suit
Jose
1 Sunnyvale
i
11 r
FNi'RAL EXPY
Santa
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Clara
CNEL ( dBs) 2022 Aircraft Noise Contours Feet N
With AIA 0 3, 000 6,000
O65 Q 70 Q 75 ,.... ya.. mow„ ,...,,„` r.
Figure 5
SOURCE: City of Mountain View, 2012 City of Mountain View Housing Element Update Figure 4. 11- 1
2022 Noise Contours for Moffett Federal Airfield
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 16 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Impact NOI-I.CU: Construction activities associated with implementation of the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not result in generation of a substantial temporary increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. ( Less than Significant) Development that could occur with implementation of the HEU and the cumulative projects listed in Table 4. 0- 2, if constructed contemporaneously, could result in construction noise levels higher than those of development of the HEU alone at some receptor locations.
As discussed in Impact 4. 11- 1, above, sensitive receptors located within 50 feet of an excavator or other construction equipment producing similar levels of noise could be exposed to a noise level of 82 dBA 4,1. The City of Mountain View Noise ordinance exempts construction activities between the hours of 7: 00 a. m. and 6: 00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Additionally, the City of Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval would be required of development under the HEU which include Standard Conditions of Approval detailed above in Impact NOI- 1. These Standard Conditions of Approval would further reduce construction noise levels from development under the HEU as well as from cumulative projects.
Therefore, while the potential exists for construction projects under the HEU and other foreseeable development to occur simultaneously and in proximity to one another, construction equipment operations would operate within the constraints of the Municipal Code and Standard Conditions of Approval and impacts associated with future construction activities conflicting with local noise standards would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Impact NOI- 2. CU: Stationary noise sources from development within the HEU area, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity ofthe project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. ( Less than Significant)
Development that could occur with implementation of the HEU and the cumulative development described in Section 4. 0 of this EIR, could result in stationary source noise levels higher than those of development of the HEU alone at some receptor locations.
At the present time, the type, size, and the location of any air handling equipment may be associated with housing developed under the HEU is unknown. As discussed in Impact NOI-2, Section 21. 26 of the City' s Municipal Code establishes maximum noise levels. In addition, the City of Mountain View Standard Conditions of Approval would be required of development under the HEU and cumulative development projects which would further reduce operational noise levels from stationary sources. Standard Conditions of Approval, detailed above in Impact NOI- 2 would all apply. Because these requirements would apply to all past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects as well as from development with the proposed HEU, the City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 17 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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4. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
4. 11 Noise and Vibration
cumulative impact with respect to stationary noise sources potentially resulting in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Impact NOI- 3. CU: Construction activities associated with implementation of the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground borne vibration levels.
Less than Significant)
Development that could occur with implementation of the HEU and the cumulative development described in Section 4. 0 of this SEIR could be constructed contemporaneously.
With regard to the potential for a cumulative vibration -related damage impact to occur, because vibration impacts are based on instantaneous PPV levels, worst -case groundborne vibration levels from construction are generally determined by whichever individual piece of equipment generates the highest vibration levels. Unlike the analysis for average noise levels, in which noise levels of multiple pieces of equipment can be combined to generate a maximum combined noise level, instantaneous peak vibration levels do not combine in this way. Vibration from multiple construction sites, even if they are located close to one another, would not combine to raise the maximum PPV. For this reason, the cumulative impact of construction vibration from multiple construction projects located near one another would generally not combine to further increase vibration levels. In essence, vibration effects are highly localized. In addition, the Standard Conditions of Approval, detailed above in Impact NOI-3, would be required of development under the HEU as well as cumulative development projects which would further reduce construction - related vibration.
Vibration impacts resulting from construction of subsequent projects under the HEU would not combine with vibration effects from cumulative projects in the vicinity. Therefore, cumulative groundborne vibration impacts related to potential damage effects and interference with vibration -sensitive equipment would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Impact NOI- 4. CU: Transportation activities under the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above baseline levels without the project and cumulative development. (Less than Significant) Development that could occur with implementation of the HEU and the cumulative development described in Section 4. 0 of this SEIR, could result in increased roadside noise levels generated by an increase in roadway traffic.
City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 18 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Vehicular traffic noise increases associated with the proposed HEU inclusive of projected development in the cumulative year 2040 scenario were estimated using algorithms found in the FHWA' s Traffic Noise Model Technical Manual and the estimated 2040 traffic volumes provided in this Draft SEIR' s traffic analysis for the HEU. The results of the vehicular traffic noise modeling effort for the HEU were presented in Table 4. 11- 4, above.
As can be seen from the increases in roadside noise presented in Table 4. 11- 4, the cumulative increase in roadside noise levels compared to baseline 2021 conditions along all roadways analyzed was less than 1 dBA. Therefore, the cumulative increase in roadside noise levels would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4. 11. 7 Summery of Noise and Vibration Impacts
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact NOI- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not generate a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
the vicinity of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies.
Impact NOI- 2: Stationary noise sources from Less than Significant None required development within the HEU area would not
result in a substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project
in excess of standards established in the local
general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies.
Impact NOI- 3: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not generate excessive groundbome
vibration or groundborne noise levels.
Impact NOI- 4: Transportation increases along Less than Significant None required roadways under the HEU would not result in a
substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above
baseline levels without the project.
Impact NOI- 5: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not expose people residing or working in
the project area to excessive noise levels due
to being located within the vicinity of a private
airstrip or an airport land use plan or within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport.
Impact NOI. 1. CU: Construction activities Less than Significant None required associated with implementation of the HEU,
when combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
result in generation of a substantial temporary
increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity
of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies.
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Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact N0I- 2. CU: Stationary noise sources Less than Significant None required from development within the HEU area, when
combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
result in a substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project
in excess of standards established in the local
general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies.
Impact N01- 3. CU: Construction activities Less than Significant None required associated with implementation of the HEU,
when combined with other past, Present, or
rmsonably ror€- ec- able projects, witild not
result in exposure of persons to or generation
of excessive ground borne vibration levels.
Impact N0I- 4. CU: Transportation activities Less than Significant None required under the HEU, when combined with other
past, present, or reasonably foreseeable
projects, would not result in a substantial
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
the project vicinity above baseline levels
without the project and cumulative
development.
4. 11. 8 References
Caltrans, Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, April 2020, Table 19, p. 38, https:// dot.ca. gov/-/ media/ dot-media/ programs/ environmental- analysis/ documents/ env/tcvgm-apr202O- al ly.pdf, accessed January 20, 2022.
City of Mountain View, 2012. Mountain View 2030 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended through April 13, 2021.
City of Mountain View. Mountain View, California — Code of Ordinances. 2021. Available online:
https: Hlibrary. municode. com/ ca/ mountain_ view/ codes/ code_ of ordinances? nodeld= PTIIT HCO—CH8BU_ ARTVICONO. Accessed April 8, 2021.
Federal Highway Administration ( FHWA), 2006. Roadway Construction Noise Model User Guide, 2006.
Federal Transit Administration. Transit Noise and Vibration impact Assessment Manual. FTA Report No. 0123. September 2018. Available online: https:// www. transit. dot. gov/ sites/ fta.dot. gov/files/ dots/ research- innovation/ l 18131/ transit- noise- and- vibration- impactassessment- manual- fta-report- no- 0123—O. pdf. Accessed January 31, 2022.
Governor' s Office of Planning and Research, State of California 2017 General Plan Guidelines, 2017, p. 136, http:// www. opr. ca.gov/dots/ OPR_ COMPLETE_ 7. 31. 17. pdf, accessed January 20, 2022.
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Santa Clara County ( SCC) Airport Land Use Commission. 2016, Moffet Federal Airfield Comprehensive Land Use Plan, November 2, 2012. Available online at:
https:// plandev. sccgov. org/ sites/ g/files/ exjcpb941/ files/ ALUC_ NUQ_ CLUP. pdf. Accessed April 1, 2022.
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, September 2018, https:// www. transit. dot. gov/ sites/ fta. dot. gov/ files/ docs/ research- innovation/ 118131 /transit- noise- and- vibration- impact- assessment- manual- ftareport- no-0123_ O. pdf, accessed January 20, 2022.
U.S. EPA, Information on Levels ofEnvironmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and 1144olf n, ith an ,4dequato Hargin of.Safet3; March 1974 City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 11- 21 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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4. 12 Population and Housing
4. 12 Population and Housing
4. 12. 1 Introduction
This section assesses the potential for the Project to result in significant adverse impacts on population and housing. This section first includes a description of the existing environmental setting as it relates to population and housing, 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 population and housing.
The Notice of Preparation ( NOP) for die EIR wets chculated on February 4, 2022 rind d sc oping, 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 population and housing received during the NOP comment period include concerns related to the City' s jobs - housing balance.
4. 12. 2 Environmental Setting
Population
The Bay Area is the fifth -largest metropolitan area in the nation and has seen a steady increase in population since 1990. Many cities in the region have experienced significant growth in jobs and population. While these trends have led to a corresponding increase in demand for housing across the region, the regional production of housing has largely not kept pace with job and population growth. Between 2010 and 2020 the City of Mountain View' s population increased by approximately 9. 8 percent. Santa Clara County' s overall population increased by 8. 6 percent during this period. Overall, the Santa Clara County' s population growth has been consistent with the region, which has seen growth of approximately 8. 4 percent over the same decade, and the City of Mountain View' s population growth has been higher than Santa Clara County and the region. Table 4. 12- 1 below shows the population trends for 2010- 2020 for the City, Santa Clara County, and the region.
TABLE 4. 12- 1
POPULATION TRENDS, 2010- 2020
Population 2010 2020
Change from
2000- 2020
City of Mountain View 74, 066 81, 302 9. 8%
Santa Clara County 1, 781, 642 1, 934, 171 8. 6%
Bay Area Region a 7, 150, 739 7, 748, 930 8. 4%
NOTES:
a The nine -county Bay Area Region includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
SOURCE: California Department of Finance, E- 4 Series (CDOF, 2021a).
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Housing
Trends for the change in the number of housing units mirror those for population described above. The number of housing units increased in the City between 2010 and 2020, but at a much higher rate than the region. Santa Clara County as a whole also showed growth in the number of households, at a rate higher the Bay Area Region, but less than the City. Average household size increased in the City over the decade, similar to Santa Clara County and the region. Table 4. 12- 2 below shows the housing tends for 2010- 2020 for the City, Santa Clara County, and the region.
TABLE 4. 12- 2
HOUSING TRENDS, 2010- 2020
Change from
2010 2020 1 2010- 2020
Housing Units a
City of Mountain View 33, 881 37, 820 11. 6%
Santa Clara County 631, 920 674, 558 6. 7%
Bay Area Region b 2, 783, 991 2, 924, 264 5. 0%
Average Household Size
City of Mountain View 2. 31 2. 37
Santa Clara County 2. 90 2. 98
Bay Area Region b 2. 65 2. 70
NOTES:
a " Housing units" are all housing ( occupied and unoccupied housing units). b The nine -county Bay Area Region includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties.
SOURCE: California Department of Finance, E- 4 and E- 5 Series ( CDOF 2021a; 2021 b); City of Mountain View, 2022.
Overall Relationship of Jobs and Housing
Jobs/ housing balance evolves over time and reflects the role and location of particular areas within a larger regional context. Table 3- 2 in Chapter 3, Project Description, shows 101, 956 jobs in the City in 2020, and 133, 000 jobs projected in 2040. In 2020, the City had approximately 47, 903 employed residents, resulting in a ratio of 2. 13 jobs for every employed resident ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).
The total numbers ofjobs and employed residents in 2020 the City indicates that the jobs -housing ratio for the City is imbalanced, and this trend is expected to continue through 2040.
4. 12. 3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
Fair Housing Act
The federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S. C. 3601 et seq.), enacted in 1968, prohibits discrimination by direct providers of housing, such as landlords and real estate companies as well as other entities, such as municipalities, banks or other lending institutions and homeowners' insurance companies whose discriminatory practices make housing unavailable to persons because of race or color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
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State
California Housing Element Requirements
California law ( Government Code Section 65580, et seq.) requires cities and counties to include a Housing Element as a part of their General Plans to address housing conditions and needs in the community. Housing Elements are prepared approximately every eight years, following timetables set forth in the law. The Housing Element must identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs and " make adequate provision for the existing and projected needs of all economic segments of the community," among other requirements. The City adopted its current IIousing Element in 2014 ( City of Mountain View, 2014).
State law mandates that all cities and counties zone land appropriately to accommodate the increasing needs of regional population growth. Regional housing needs are determined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Senate Bill 330
On October 9, 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 ( HCA) into law, commonly known as Senate Bill (SB) 330 ( Chapter 654, Statutes of 2019) to respond to the California housing crisis. On September 16, 2021, Gov. Newsom signed SB 8 ( Chapter 161, Statutes of 2021), which is an extension of the HCA. The HCA aims to increase residential unit development, protect existing housing inventory, and expedite permit processing. This new law makes a number of modifications to existing legislation, such as the Permit Streamlining Act and the Housing Accountability Act.
SB 330 sets a temporary 5- year prohibition of residential density reduction associated with housing development projects from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2025. SB 8 extended the temporary prohibition for an additional 5- year period, concluding on January 1, 2030. For example, during this temporary prohibition, a residential duplex cannot be demolished and replaced with a single -unit dwelling as this would be a net loss of one unit. In addition, existing units that are defined as protected must be replaced, and displaced tenants must be provided relocation benefits.
Regional
Association of Bay Area Governments Area Governments and Regional Housing Needs Allocation
The Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG) is the comprehensive regional planning agency and council of governments for the nine -county San Francisco Bay Area Region. Its members include the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties and 101 cities and towns ofthe San Francisco Bay region.
ABAG determines the distribution of affordable housing in the region through its Regional Housing Needs Allocation process. For the period from 2023 to 2031, HCD has identified a need of more than 441, 000 housing units in the Bay Area — more than double the amount from the last eight -year cycle ( 187, 000 units between 2015 and 2023). Housing needs are distributed for very low income, low income, moderate income, and above moderate households ( ABAG, 2021).
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As discussed in Chapter 3, Project Description, jurisdictions in the Bay Area are currently ri, updating their housing elements for the 6"' Cycle, representing the eight -year planning period from 2023 to 2031. The City' s Regional Housing Needs Allocation ( RHNA) by income group is shown in Table 4. 12- 3, below. The City' s HEU must plan for housing that meets this RHNA, plus an appropriate buffer.
TABLE 4. 12- 3
MOUNTAIN VIEW REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION
6T" HOUSING ELEMENT CYCLE ( 2023- 2031)
Very Low Low Income Moderate Above Mod
IIICpl110 Units. Units hw-o nb Units, lint+, T< tal New 0- 50% AMI) 51- 80% AMI) 81- 120% AMI) 120% AMI) Units
6"' Cycle RHNA 2, 773 1, 597 1, 885 4, 880 11, 135
of Total 25% 14% 17% 44% 100%
SOURCE: ABAG, Final Regional Housing Needs Allocation ( RHNA) Plan: San Francisco Bay Area, 2023- 2031 adopted December 2021.
Plan Bay Area 2050
SB 375 requires all metropolitan regions in California to complete a sustainable communities strategy ( SCS) as part of a regional transportation plan. In the Bay Area, the MTC and ABAG are jointly responsible for developing and adopting an SCS that integrates transportation, land use, and housing to meet GHG reduction targets set by the California Air Resources Board.
Plan Bay Area 2050, adopted in October 2021, serves as the SCS for the Bay Area, in accordance with SB 375. 1 Plan Bay Area 2050 is comprised of 35 strategies across the elements of housing, the economy, transportation, and the environment. A core household and employment growth strategy of Plan Bay Area is " focused growth" in existing communities along the existing transportation network. Key to implementing this focused growth strategy are Priority Development Areas ( PDAs) and Transit -Rich Areas ( TRAs) , as recommended and approved by local governments. As defined by the plan, PDAs are areas where new development will support the needs of residents and workers in a pedestrian -friendly environment served by transit. Plan Bay Area also recommends increasing non -auto travel mode share and reducing vehicle miles traveled per capita and per employee by promoting transit -oriented development, transit improvements, and active transportation modes such as walking and bicycling.
Prior to Plan BayArea 2050, Plan Bay Area 2040, adopted in 2017, was the most recent regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy for the Bay Area region. Plan Bay Area 2050 updates Plan Bay Area 2040 and is consistent with the current Regional Housing Needs Allocation cycle. However, since Plan Bay Area 2050 was adopted in late 2021, Plan Bay Area 2040 continues to serve as the basis for regional and county -wide transportation models until the models are updated. Updates to the models are anticipated within the next several years. 1 Association of Bay Area Governments, Plan Bay Area 2050, Final, adopted October 21, 2021.
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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 Land Use and Design Element of the General Plan includes the following policies related to population and housing ( City of Mountain View, 2012).
Policy L UD 3.2: Mix ofLand Uses. Encourage a mix of land uses, housing types, retail and public amenities, and public neighborhood open spaces accessible to the community Policy Z ETD .3, 5 I)Nervio, rncourage residential developments serving a range of diverse households and incomes.
Policy LUD 6.2: Equitable location of amenities. Pursue equitable distribution of community amenities, public facilities and services within walking distance of residential neighborhoods.
City of Mountain View Below -Market -Rate Housing Program The City of Mountain View Municipal Code includes a Below -Market -Rate (BMR) Housing Program ( Chapter 36, Article XIV, Division 2). The BMR Housing Program requires developers of new residential and applicable condominium conversions projects to make at least 15 percent of the total number of dwelling units within the development BMR units and/ or pay a fee in lieu thereof.
Rowhouses and townhouses in residential ownership developments are subject to a 25 percent on - site BMR requirement
4. 12. 4 Significance Criteria
The thresholds used to determine the significance of impacts related to population and housing are based on Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Implementation of the Project could have a significant impact on the environment if it would:
Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly ( for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly ( for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure).
Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere.
Approach to Analysis
The proposed project would update the City' s Housing Element and plan for development of additional housing. Importantly, the first significance threshold above requires an evaluation of whether the project would induce " unplanned growth," which it would not, since the housing element itself is a plan. Similarly, the RHNA Plan and the housing requirements contained therein is also a plan. It thus follows that the HEU' s conformance with those plans would avoid a significant environmental impact. Nonetheless, the analysis informs consideration of whether implementation of the HEU would induce substantial unplanned population growth, and is City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 12- 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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supplemented with a consideration of whether the planned development of new housing would displace existing people or housing, necessitating construction of replacement housing.
4. 12. 5 Impacts of the Project
Impact POP- 1: Implementation of the HEU would not induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly. (Less than Sign cant) Implementation of the HEU would provide for the development of additional housing units in the City and a resulting increase in the City' s population. While no specific development proposals are directly entitled through the HEU, the HEU would plan for development of up to approximately 15, 000 new housing units in the City to 2031, which is equivalent to the 11, 135 units assigned to the City through the RI-INA process plus a buffer. In doing so, the Housing Element would be updated to identify specific sites for multi -family housing in the City shown in Figure 3- 3. If all sites were developed at the planned densities to accommodate the total of up to approximately 15, 000 new units to 2031, the population of the City would increase by approximately 30, 000 persons. In addition, it' s assumed that approximately 4, 100 units would be enabled by changes in development capacity via rezoning over the long term, beyond 2031. The actual pace of development will depend on market conditions, property owner interest, and other factors.
It is important to note that the identification of housing sites in the City' s Housing Element does not mean someone necessarily will develop housing on those sites at the planned unit count or level of affordability. Although the City must plan for housing development, it does not directly build, or require to be built, any housing. Instead, the identification of housing sites is intended to plan for and encourage housing, and its development by property owners and developers is largely dependent on market forces and ( in the case of affordable housing) available subsidies.
Regardless, development under the HEU would conform to the City' s revised zoning allowances, in response to the ABAG' s RHNA allocation, which requires the City to identify sufficient housing sites to accommodate the City' s RHNA allocation, plus a buffer of additional units at appropriate densities. By definition, such development would be " planned" rather than unplanned, and would conform to the City' s zoning code and General Plan as amended, as well as the ABAG RHNA Plan.
Housing development that could occur as a result of the HEU' s implementation would require installation of infrastructure such as access roads and utilities. However, these infrastructure improvements would be designed to serve only the planned housing, and would not enable growth or facilitate unplanned growth beyond that housing.
Based upon these considerations, implementation of the HEU would not directly or indirectly induce unplanned population growth to the area, and the impact would therefore be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
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Impact POP- 2: Implementation of the HEU would not displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere.
Less than Significant)
Much of the developable area of the City is already developed, and nearly all of the parcels identified for rezoning as part of the HEU are already developed with some sort of use, be it residential or commercial uses. Accordingly, in order to develop additional residential uses on those parcels at the densities greater than that which is currently present, it stands to reason that the existing structures on the site would need to be removed and the higher -intensity residential use developed in its place. For example, a single- family parcel could be combined with iloglihuiing connnewittl liku cols and icdevelopod inlo it inulii Cttnilly Iusidenitill pluject. lfndei such a scenario, the existing residents would vacate their properties, though such a circumstance would be voluntary through the sale of their properties to the prospoctivo devolopor( s) Regardless, residential use on the site would be perpetuated, though at a higher density, and there would be a net increase in available housing on the site. Therefore, the construction of replacement housing elsewhere would not be required. None of the proposed HEU housing site inventory sites ( other than pipeline projects) include existing residential units. Projects proposed on sites with existing residential uses would be required to comply with tenant relocation and replacement requirements under SB 330. As such, the implementation of the HEU would not displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, and construction of replacement housing elsewhere would not be required. The impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
4. 12. 6 Cumulative Impacts
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 population and housing could occur if the incremental impacts of the HEU combined with the incremental impacts of one or more cumulative projects.
The geographic scope for cumulative effects on population and housing is the Bay Area Region.
The cumulative scenario is represented by the HEU and Plan Bay Area 2040, which estimate planned housing and population growth within the City and Bay Area region. For the City, the HEU would increase the currently allowed cumulative growth in the City by about 4, 100 dwelling units. For the Bay Area region, Plan Bay Area 2040 anticipates the addition of 544, 735 housing units between 2020 and 2040 (ABAG, 2018).
Impact POP- LCU: Implementation of the HEU, when combined with other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects, would not contribute considerably to cumulative impacts on population and housing. (Less than Significant) As discussed under the analysis for Impacts POP- 1 and POP- 2, implementation of the HEU would have a less than significant impact with respect to unplanned population growth or City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 12- 7 ESA 1202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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residential displacement. Approximately 4, 100 units would be enabled by changes in development capacity via rezoning. This would be in addition to more than 23, 000 net new units that could be allowed under the cumulative growth of the City' s adopted General Plan, zoning, and Precise Plans. As such, the HEU' s contribution to cumulative population growth as a result of rezoning would be approximately 8, 200 persons. As discussed above, the HEU represents a worst -case scenario by which population and housing effects in the City are evaluated. The potential population and housing growth provided fur in the IIEU conforms to the ABAG RI INA Plan. Under the HEU, if growth were to occur at the maximum densities specified, that growth would conform to the City' s zoning code and General Plan, as amended, as well as the ABAG RHNA Plan, and would thus constitute " planned growth." Other jurisdictions lit ale. Bay Area are also updating their housing elements in response to are RIINA Plan. Updates to those housing elements would also confunn to the housing unit and buffer requirements of the RHNA Plan, and those jurisdictions would also update and amend their General Plans and zoning codes to meet the requirements of the RHNA Plan. Similar to the City' s planned growth as described above, growth in these other jurisdictions would therefore be similarly " planned" and would not contribute to a cumulatively considerable effect as relates to unplanned growth. Accordingly, implementation of the HEU would not be cumulatively considerable, and the impact would therefore be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.
4. 12. 7 Summary of Population and Housing Impacts
Significance Before Significance After
Impact Mitigation Mitigation Mitigation
Impact POP- 1: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not induce substantial unplanned
population growth in an area, either directly or
indirectly.
Impact POP- 2: Implementation of the HEU Less than Significant None required would not displace substantial numbers of
existing people or housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing elsewhere.
Impact POP- 1. W: Implementation of the HEU, Less than Significant None required when combined with other past, present, or
reasonably foreseeable projects, would not
contribute considerably to cumulative impacts on
population and housing.
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4. 12. 8 References
Association of Bay Area Governments ( ABAG), 2021. Final Regional Housing Needs Allocation RHNA) Plan: San Francisco BayArea, 2023-203,1 adopted December 2021.
ABAG, 2018. Plan Bay Area Projections 2040, A Companion to Plan Bay Area 2040, November 2018.
California Department of Finance ( CDOF), 202la, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2011- 2021, with 2010 Census Benchmark, May 2021.
CDOF, 20211). Ft' S Pupulatlon and Huuving Es,timutos fol Cities, Cuundus. alld tlly Stahl January 1, 2011- 2021, May 2021.
City of Mountain View, 2012. Mountain View 2U30 General Plan, adopted July 10, 2012, as amended through April 13, 2021.
City of Mountain View, 2014. City ofMountain View 2015-2023 Housing Element, adopted October 14, 2014.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020. American Community Survey, Table DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 ACS 5- Year Estimates Data Profiles.
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4. 13 Public Services and Recreation
4. 13. 1 Introduction
This section assesses the potential for the Project to result in significant adverse impacts on public services and recreation. This section first includes a description of the existing environmental setting as it relates to public services and recreation, 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 public services and recreation.
The Notice of Preparation ( NOP) for the EIR was circulated on February 4, Z022 and a scoping meeting was held on February 24, 2022. The NOP and Ole comments recelved dutlug the public comment period can be found in Appendix A of this EIR. Comments relating to public services and recreation received during the NOP comment period include concerns related to school impact fees and school construction costs.
4. 13. 2 Environmental Setting
4. 13. 2. 1 Fire Protection and Emergency Response
Mountain View Fire Department
The Mountain View Fire Department ( MVFD) exists to save lives and property, protect the environment, and minimize the risk of fire and natural disaster. The MVFD has a fire prevention division and environmental division which aim to precept fires and injuries and limit the effects of fires and accidents. The Environmental Safety Section of the Fire Department implements State mandated water pollution control programs to minimize pollutant discharges into Mountain View creeks and the Bay. The MVFD has a multi -family inspection program to ensure proper maintenance of multi -family housing. MVFD firefighters are often the first responders and provide valuable services to the City including fire suppression, emergency medical treatment, technical rescue services, and response to hazardous materials releases ( City of Mountain View, 2022a).
MVFD currently maintains 5 fire stations throughout the City. The MVFD fleet includes seven engines, one rescue, one Haz Mat vehicle, and one truck (City of Mountain View, 2022a).
Station 1, located at 251 South Shoreline Boulevard, has an engine company, ladder truck company, rescue company, and a battalion chief. Station 2, located at 160 Cuesta Drive, has two engine companies. Station 3, located at 301 North Rengstorff Avenue, has two engine companies, one of which is a California Office of Emergency Services ( Cal OES) company. Station 4, located at 229 North Whisman Road, has three engine companies ( two of which are reserves), one reserve battalion chief, and one utility company. Station 5, located at 2195 North Shoreline Boulevard, has an engine company, hazmat company, truck company ( reserve) , and a utility terrain vehicle. All the stations have 3 staff per shift, except for Station 1 which has 9 staff per shift (MVFD, 2021).
In 2021- 2022, the MVFD had a total of 10, 406 unit responses, which included 489 unit responses for fire -related call and 7, 288 unit responses for rescue and EMS -related calls ( MVFD, 2022).
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The MVFD regularly achieves its goal of responding to each emergency call within six minutes City of Mountain View, 2021).
The MVFD provides paramedic level services on each of its engines, truck, and rescue. The Emergency Operations Center ( EOC) is the central command and control facility responsible for carrying out the emergency preparedness and emergency management as well as disaster management functions at a strategic level in an emergency situation. The common functions of die EOC is to collect, gather and analyze data; make decisions that protect life and property, maintain continuity of the organization, within the scope of applicable laws; and disseminate those decisions to all concerned departments, residents, and agencies ( City of Mountain View, 2022a).
4. 13. 2. 2 Police Protection
Mountain View Police Department
The Mountain View Police Department ( MVPD) provides police services in the City of Mountain View. Services include crime suppression, investigation, traffic enforcement, youth services, community education, neighborhood and event services, and a K-9 patrol. In 2020, the MVFD employed 181 full ( 143 full-time), regular, and limited period positions to serve the City population of 82, 739. The MVFD has 1 police chief and 1 deputy police chief; the rest of the staffing falls into the categories of administration, field operations, special operations, or public safety support services. In 2020, the MVPD had 3 K9 teams ( MVPD, 2020). There is one police station in the City, located at 1000 Villa Street ( City of Mountain View, 2022b).
Mountain View is divided into four geographic beats and although beats differ in size, the MVPD' s goal is to respond to high priority calls in less than four minutes ( City of Mountain View, 2021). In 2020, the MPD had 27, 127 calls for service, including dispatched and self - initiated responses. In 2020, there were 1, 126 emergency calls and response time to emergency and priority 1 events ( first unit dispatched to first unit arriving) was 4 minutes or less 62. 8 percent of the time ( 707 out of 1, 126 calls) ( MVPD, 2020).
4. 13. 2. 3 Public Schools
The City is served by the Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD), the Los Altos School District (LASD) and the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA).
Students attending preschool through Grade 8 living in Mountain View attend schools in the MVWSD and LASD. Students in Grade 9 or higher attend Mountain View High School, Alta Vista High School, or Los Altos high School in the MVLA.
Mountain View Whisman School District
The MVWSD, is located in Mountain View and serves a diverse student population in preschool through eighth grade. The MVWSD operates one preschool, nine K-5 elementary schools, two 6- 8 middle schools in the City. As of February 2022, MVWSD school facilities had a total enrollment of 4, 526 students. As of September 2020 MVWSD employed 26 management staff 46 FTE), 310 teachers ( 297. 65 FTE), and 302 classified staff ( 222. 96 FTE) ( MVWSD, 2022a).
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As authorized by California Government Code Sections 65995 and 65996, MVWSD collects school impact fees from developers of new residential building space. The impact fee revenue is used together with other MVWSD funds (e. g., State grants, general obligation bonds) to complete capital improvements. The amount of the fee ( currently $ 3. 19 per square foot of new residential space) is established through MVWSD Developer Fee Justification Study ( MVWSD, 2022b).
Los Altos School District
The LASD operates nine schools serving the communities of Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills and unincorporated areas. There are seven elementary ( K to 6th Grade) and two intermediate schools ( grads 7 to R) District -wide enrollment during the 70? l to ? 0?? school year was 3, 5' 16 students ( t IW, ?,,0'?,'?,c). The only I, ASD school located in Mountain View is Springer Elementary. ' Total enrollment at Springer Elementary during the 2021 to 2022 school year was 346 students in grades K-6 ( CDE, 2022d).
As authorized by California Government Code Sections 65995 and 65996, MVWSD collects school impact fees from developers of new residential building space. The impact fee revenue is used together with other LASD funds ( e. g., State grants, general obligation bonds) to complete capital improvements. The current fee is $3. 19 per square foot of assessable space for residential uses ( LASD, 2022).
Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District
The MVLA serves the communities of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. The MVLA district is comprised of two comprehensive high schools, an alternative high school, an adult education center, the Freestyle Academy for Arts & Technology, and Middle College. In 2020- 2021 the MVLA had a total enrollment of 4, 563 students ( CDE, 2022a). The average student to teacher ratio at MVLA is 20: 1 ( MVLA, 2022a).
As authorized by California Government Code Sections 65995 and 65996, MVLA collects school impact fees from developers of new residential building space. The impact fee revenue is used together with other MVLA funds ( e. g., State grants, general obligation bonds) to complete capital improvements. The amount of the fee ( currently $ 1. 36 per square foot of new residential space) is established through MVLA Developer Fee Justification Study ( MVLA, 2020).
4. 13. 2. 4 Parks and Recreation
The City of Mountain View, Community Services Department manages recreation programs and services in the City. The Community Services Department contains five divisions including forestry and roadway landscape, parks and open space, performing arts, recreation, and shoreline.
The City of Mountain View contains mini -parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and a regional park.
Parks and Open Space
The City' s General Plan ( 2021) identifies four general park types: mini parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and regional parks/ open space. The City of Mountain View Parks and City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 13- 3 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Open Space Plan ( 2014) provided the following definitions characterizing these spaces ( City of Mountain View, 2014) :
A mini park is a specialized facility that serves a concentrated or limited population or specific groups such as children or senior citizens. They are typically up to 3 acres and serve residents within one- half mile.
A neighborhood park is a higher -intensity recreation area providing play areas as well as open turf for athletics. They are typically 3 to 15 acres and serve residents within one mile.
A communityparkand/orrecreational facilityisan area of diverse environmental quality. They may includo areas suited forintense recreational facilities such as athletic complexes and large swimming pools. May be art area of natural quality for outdoor recreation such as walking, viewing, sllllltg, and picnicking. May be arty combination ofthe above, depending upon site suitability and community need. They are typically 15 to 50 acres and serve the entire City. A regional parkis an area of natural or ornamental quality for outdoor recreation such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and trail uses; may include play areas. They are typically over 50 acres and serve apopulation beyond the City limits. Existing classifications andacreages of City -owned parks are shown in Table 4.13- 1 below. TABLE
4.13- 1 EXISTING
CITY -OWNED PARKS Park
type Number
of Parks
Open
Space Acres
Mini
Parks 18 14. 25 Neighborhood
Parks — School Sites 13 105. 18 Neighborhood
Parks — City Owned 5
27. 44 Community
Parks 2
49. 48 Regional
Parks and Open Space (including Stevens Creek Trail) 1
796. 72 Total
City Parks 39 993. 07 SOURCE:
City of Mountain View Parks and Open Space Plan (City of Mountain View, 2014) School sites are an important part ofthe City' s park system as many residents rely on nearby schools to provide neighborhood recreational resources. Joint -use agreements between the City and MVWSD allow for shared public access toschool grounds and facilities. These school sites, typically five acres or more, provide most of the city' s facilities for sports such as baseball, softball, and soccer. Mountain View'slong- standing policy supporting cooperative agreements with the school district allows joint use of 12 school park sites for recreation outside of school hours.
These sites include all active and inactive school sites in the district in addition to one school inthe MVLA District (City of Mountain View, 2021). School sites make up dppruxiinately 79peiceut of [lit City' s neighborhood parks. Shoreline at Mountain View regional Park is a 753- acre open space and wildlife preserve consisting of wetlands, marshes, upland habitats, agolf course, sailing lake. The historic Rengstorff House, a City
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and two adjacent open space areas, Crittenden Hill and Vista Slope. The 2014 Mountain View Parks and Open Space Plan defined open space as parkland that does not have enclosed, single -use recreational facilities or parking lots built over the land ( City of Mountain View, 2014).
Trails
Urban trails are defined as continuous open space corridors for walking, biking, hiking, offering scenic views, wildlife habitat, commute alternatives, and connections to neighborhoods, transit centers, and employment areas. The City' s multi -use trails connect neighborhoods and parks throughout the community and offer recreational opportunities to the City. There are five major trail systems addressed in the City of Mountain Viow Parks and Opon Space Plan- Stovons Crook, Hetch Hetchy, Permanente Creek, Bay regional, and Whisman Transit -Oriented Development 1' UD) Trail ( City of Mountain View, G014).
The Stevens Creek Trail is a 5. 14 mile ( completed portion only), north -south trail that is owned by the City of Mountain View, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and PG& E. As of 2014, the trail is completed between Shoreline at Mountain View and Dale Avenue/ Heatherstone Way. The Hetch Hetchy Trail is a 0. 4 mile, east -west trail that is owned by the City of Mountain View. The trail connects the Ellis-Whisman-Middlefield industrial area to Stevens Creek Trail. The Bay Trail is a 2. 25 mile (completed portion only), north -south trail that is owned by the City of Mountain View. The completed portion connects through Shoreline at Mountain View to the Sunnyvale Baylands. The Permanente Creek is a 1. 17 mile, north -south trail that is owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The paved trail exists between Shoreline at Mountain View and Rock Street. In 2013, an extension to Rock Street, including a bridge over Highway 101 and tunnel under Old Middlefield Way was completed. The Whisman Transit -Oriented Development Trail is a 0. 3 mile, north -south trail owned by private property owners. The trail provides offstreet pedestrian/ bicycle pathway between North Whisman Road and Ellis Street ( City of Mountain View, 2014) .
Communities Facilities
Mountain View' s community facilities provide residents with social, recreational, and educational opportunities. Major community facilities include the Library, Mountain View Center for Performing arts, Senior Center, Child Care Center, Community Center, two swimming pools, and a tennis complex. These facilities exist in the Downtown Civic Center area and in the two community parks, Cuesta Community Park and Rengstorff Community Park. Shoreline at Mountain View Regional Park has a golf course ( City of Mountain View, 2021).
4. 13. 3 Regulatory Setting
Federal
National Fire Protection Association 1710
National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA) 1710 is the Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments. NFPA developed NFPA 1710 as an industry standard for the deployment of fire suppression operations to ensure safe and effective City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 13- 5 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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fire service operations. The Standard stipulates that the first fire engine should arrive to 90 percent of emergency calls within a range of 6: 15 and 6: 45 minutes. It is recognized that the NFPA 1710 Standard is the optimal nationally.
State
California Fire Code
The California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations) establishes regulations to safeguard against hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures, and premises. The provisions of the Fire Code apply to the cottstructlun, altetallott, tttok/ etnent, etrletigenteut, teal.rletcelllent, lepttit, t' gnillmt+nt, use tend occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or stntdure throughout the State or Callrorula. The Fitt, Code Includes tegulations tegatding fit e- tesistattce- fated cunstiuc: tiun, fire protection systems such as alarm and sprinkler systems, fire services features such as fire apparatus access roads, means of egress, and fire safety during construction and demolition.
California Occupational Safety and Health Administration In accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 8 Sections 1270 " Fire Prevention" and 6773 " Fire Protection and Fire Equipment" the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( Cal/ OSHA) has established minimum standards for fire suppression and emergency medical services. The standards include, but are not limited to, guidelines on the handling of highly combustible materials, fire hose sizing requirements, restrictions on the use of compressed air, access roads, and the testing, maintenance and use of all fire fighting and emergency medical equipment.
Senate Bill 50
The Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, or Senate Bill 50 ( SB 50), authorizes school districts to levy developer fees to finance the construction or reconstruction of school facilities, and restricts the ability of local agencies to deny project approvals on the basis that public school facilities ( classrooms, auditoriums, etc.) are inadequate. School impact fees are collected at the time when building permits are issued. Payment of school fees is required by SB 50 for all new residential development projects and is considered full and complete mitigation of any school impacts. School impact fees are payments to offset capital cost impacts associated with new developments, which result primarily from costs of additional school facilities, related furnishings and equipment, and projected capital maintenance requirements. As such, agencies cannot require additional mitigation for any impacts on school facilities or due to the inadequacy of school facilities. Indirect impacts related to school attendance or construction of new facilities must still be considered under CEQA ( e. g., indirect impacts on traffic, air quality, noise).
Quimby Act
California Government Code Section 66477, Subdivision Map Act, referred to as the Quimby Act, permits local jurisdictions to require the dedication of land and/ or the payment of in -lieu fees solely for park and recreation purposes. The dedication of land or in -lieu fees may be required for land or condominium subdivisions. Land dedicated and fees collected pursuant to the Quimby Act may only be used for developing new, or rehabilitating existing, park or recreational facilities. The City of Mountain View Housing Element Update 4. 13- 6 ESA / 202000806 Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2022
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Quimby Act effectively preserves open space needed to develop parkland and recreational facilities; however, the actual development of parks and other recreational facilities is subject to discretionary approval and is evaluated on a case -by -case basis with new residential development.
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 Land Use and Design, Mobility, Infrastructure and Consorvation, Parks, Upon Space and Community l ac• ilittos.;, and Public Safety Elements of the General Plan tnclttdes ( tie rollowing policles related to publlc services and recreation (City of Mountain View, 2021).
Goal LUD- 3: A diverse, balanced and flexible mix of land uses that supports a strong economy, complete neighborhoods, transit use and community health.
Policy LUD-3.1: Land use and transportation. Focus higher land use intensities and densities within a half -mile of public transit service, and along major commute corridors.
Policy LUD-3.2: Mix ofland uses. Encourage a mix of land uses, housing types, retail and public amenities and public neighborhood open spaces accessible to the community.
Goal LUD- 5: Pedestrian - accessible village centers that serve surrounding neighborhoods.
Policy LUD-5.3: Community gathering. Encourage community gathering destinations such as plazas, open space or community facilities within village centers.
Policy LUD- 5.4: Connections Encourage pedestrian, bicycling and public transit connections and amenities between village centers and surrounding neighborhoods.
Goal LUD- 6: Distinctive neighborhoods that preserve and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Policy LUD-6.5: Pedestrian and bicycling improvements. Support pedestrian and bicycling improvements and connections between neighborhoods.
Goal LUD- 8: A network of pedestrian -oriented, sustainable and public spaces.
Policy L UD- 8.2: Streets friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians. Encourage a network of streets friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians that create a safe and comfortable environment and include convenient amenities and features.
Policy LUD-8.3: Enhancedpublicly -accessible bicycle andpedestrian connections.
Encourage new and existing developments to enhance publicly -accessible bicycle, pedestrian and transit connections.
Goal LUD- 16: A diverse area of cotnplernentary land uses drtd open space resources.
Policy LUD- 16. 1: Protected open space. Protect and enhance open space and habitat in North Bayshore.
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Policy LUD- 16. 6: Open space amenities. Encourage development to include open space amenities, plazas and parks that are accessible to the surrounding transit, bicycle and pedestrian network.
Goal MOB-3: A safe and comfortable pedestrian network for people of all ages and abilities at all times.
Policy MOB-3.2: Pedestrian connections. Increase connectivity through direct and safe pedestrian connections to public amenities, neighborhoods, village centers and other destinations throughout the city.
Goal MOB-4: A comprehensive and well -used bicycle network that comfortably accommodates bicyclists of all agos and skill levels.
Policy MOB- 4. 1: Bicycle network. Improve facilities and eliminate gaps along the bicycle network to connect destinations across the city.
Goal MOB-6: Safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycling access to schools for all children.
Policy MOB- 6.1: Safe routes to schools. Promote Safe routes to Schools programs for all schools serving the city
Policy MOB- 6.2: Prioritizing projects. Ensure that bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements include projects to enhance safe accessibility to schools Policy MOB- 6.3: Connections to trails. Connect schools to the citywide trail systems Goal INC- 16: Rich and biologically diverse ecological resources which are protected and enhances.
Policy INC-16.1: Natural areas. Work with regional agencies to protect and enhance natural areas.
Policy INC-16.2: Shoreline at Mountain View. Manage Shoreline at Mountain View Regional Park to balance the needs of recreational, open space, habitat, commercial and other uses.
Goal POS- 1: An expanded and enhanced park and open space system.
Policy POS-1. 1: Additionalparkland Expand park and open space resources to meet current City standards for open space acreage and population in each neighborhood.
Policy POS-1.2: Recreation facilities in new residential developments. Require new development to provide park and recreation facilities.
Goal POS- 2: Parks and public facilities equitably distributed throughout the community and accessible to residents and employees.
Policy POS- 2. l: Distribution ofparks. Give priority for park acquisition to the Planning Areas identified in the Parks and Open Space Plan.
Policy POS- 2.2: Connectivity and transit access. Improve connectivity and transit accessibility to parks.
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Policy POS- 2. 3: Pedestrian and bicycle access. Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to parks, and create new connections to parks to minimize pedestrian and bicycle travel distances.
Policy POS-2.4: Access to Bay and natural areas. Promote safe access to San Francisco Bay, creeks, scenic features and other natural resources in the city and surrounding region.
Policy POS-2.5: Schools. Pursue strategies for preserving its park and open space areas if a school site is declared surplus by the school district.
Policv POS- 2. 6: Diverse hark amenities. Design parks to address a range of activities for diverse populaliutts.
Coal POS 3: Open space areas with natural characteristics that are protected and sustained.
Policy POS-3.1: Preservation ofnatural areas. Preserve natural areas, creeks and Shoreline at Mountain View Regional Park primarily for low -intensity uses. In special circumstances more active uses may be permitted ifthe overall natural character of the larger area is retained.
Goal POS- 4: Parks and public facilities that are well designed and integrated with the surrounding neighborhood.
Policy POS- 43: Community involvement. Involve and empower the community in planning and carrying out open space programs.
Goal POS- 5: Cooperation between the City and local school districts to meet shared open space, recreation and education needs.
Policy POS-5.1: Cooperation with school districts. Continue cooperative arrangements with school districts to use open space and facilities at schools for public parks, playgrounds and recreation programs and establish new arrangements.
Policy POS- 5.2: Schools and open space. Collaborate with the school district on new school development and intensification to accommodate population growth while preserving and protecting public parks and playgrounds.
Policy POS-S3: School facilities. Ensure school facilities are constructed to serve community needs to the extent allowed by state law.
Policy POS-5.4: Schoolfacility needs. Collaborate with local school districts on their facility needs and provide information on development and growth trends.
Goal POS- 6: An integrated system of multi -use trails connecting to key local and regional destinations and amenities.
Policy POS- 6.1: Citywide network ofpathways. Develop a citywide network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways to connect neighborhoods, employment centers, open space resources and major destinations within the city.
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