Agenda packet — Pleasant Hill City Council, May 18, 2023 (part 7 of 12)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1198 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.1-24
mitigated by design guidelines, regulations, policies, and project-specific mitigation measures, thereby limiting damage to existing scenic resources and enhancing the visual quality of areas where development occurs. Nevertheless, Pleasant Hill’s contribution to potential cumulative aesthetic impacts would not be cumulatively considerable. Consequently, future residential development facilitated by cumulative development would not result in significant cumulative environmental impacts in conflict with requirements for preserving scenic vistas, scenic resources in State- or locally designated highways or drives, or visual quality. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to scenic vistas, scenic resources, and visual character would be less than significant.

Light and Glare
Cumulative plans and projects in Pleasant Hill, adjacent cities, and Contra Costa County would be required to undergo analysis for impacts related to light and glare. Such impacts would be mitigated by design guidelines, regulations, policies, and project-specific mitigation measures, thereby limiting damage related to light and glare in and near areas where development occurs. Nevertheless, Pleasant Hill’s contribution to potential cumulative aesthetic impacts would not be cumulatively considerable. Consequently, future development facilitated by cumulative plans and projects would not result in significant cumulative environmental impacts in conflict with requirements for limiting the effects of light and glare. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to light and glare would be less than significant.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1199 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-1

3.2 Air Quality

3.2.1 Introduction
This section describes existing air quality conditions regionally and within the City of Pleasant Hill as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also analyzes the possible impacts related to air quality (specifically with regard to emissions of criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants) that could result from implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Information included in this section is based partially on the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data drawn from the Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA), which is included as Appendix E to this EIR.

3.2.2 Environmental Setting
Regional Climate and Meteorology
Pleasant Hill is located in Contra Costa County and is in the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys region of the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin (SFBAAB), which is a subregion of the SFBAAB. The SFBAAB includes the counties of San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Napa, Contra Costa, and Alameda, along with the southeast portion of Sonoma County and the southwest portion of Solano County. Contra Costa County is bounded on the west by the San Francisco Bay and Alameda County, on the east by San Joaquin County, on the south by Alameda County, and on the north by Suisun Bay.

The Diablo and San Ramon Valleys subregion lays east of the Coast Range. The Diablo Valley is bordered in the north by the Carquinez Strait and in the south by the San Ramon Valley. The San Ramon Valley extends south from Walnut Creek to Dublin with its southern end opening onto the Amador Valley. The mountains on the west side of the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys block most of the marine air from reaching the valleys. During the daytime, there are two predominant flow patterns: an upvalley flow from the north and a westerly flow (wind from the west) across the lower elevations of the Coast Range. Pollution potential is relatively high in these valleys. On winter evenings, light winds combined with surface-based inversions and terrain that restricts air flow can cause pollutants levels to build up. In the summer months, ozone and ozone precursors are often transported into the valleys from both the central SFBAAB and the Central Valley. Pleasant Hill’s meteorology is affected by its inland location and its proximity to the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys.1 Pleasant Hill’s meteorology is affected by its inland location and its proximity to the Diablo and San Ramon Valleys.

The average daily temperature in Pleasant Hill (based on meteorology data measured at the Buchanan Field Airport) is 62 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), the average low temperature is 50°F, and the average high temperature is 74°F.2
The average wind speed is 8.3 miles per hour.3
In winter, the SFBAAB experiences periods of storminess, moderate-to-strong winds, and periods of stagnation with very light winds. Winter stagnation episodes are characterized by outflow from the 1 Bay Area Air Quality Management District [BAAQMD]. 2017a. California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. May. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/ceqa/ceqa_guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022). 2 Iowa Environmental Mesonet. 2022. CA_ASOS Concord/Buchanan Monthly Summaries. N.d. https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/monthlysum.php?station=CCR&network=CA_ASOS (accessed November 2022). 3 Iowa Environmental Mesonet. 2022. CA_ASOS Concord/Buchanan Wind Roses. N.d. https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/windrose.phtml?station=CCR&network=CA_ASOS (accessed November 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1200 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-2
Central Valley, nighttime drainage flows in coastal valleys, weak onshore flows in the afternoon, and otherwise light and variable winds.

A primary factor in air quality is the mixing depth (the vertical air column available for dilution of contaminant sources). Generally, the temperature of air decreases with height, creating a gradient from warmer air near the ground to cooler air at elevation. This is caused by most of the sun’s energy being converted to sensible heat at the ground, which in turn warms the air at the surface.

The warm air rises in the atmosphere, where it expands and cools. Sometimes, however, the temperature of air actually increases with height. This condition is known as temperature inversion, because the temperature profile of the atmosphere is “inverted” from its usual state. Over the SFBAAB, the frequent occurrence of temperature inversions limits mixing depth and, consequently, limits the availability of air for dilution.

Air Pollutant Types, Sources, and Effects
Criteria Air Pollutants
Concentrations of criteria air pollutants are used as indicators of air quality conditions. Air pollutants are termed criteria air pollutants if they are regulated by developing specific public health and welfare-based criteria as the basis for setting permissible levels. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), criteria air pollutants are ozone, particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), PM equal to or less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead, and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Criteria air pollutants are defined in more detail under Section 3.2.3, Regulatory Framework. Table 3.2-1 provides a summary of the types, sources, and effects of these criteria air pollutants of national and California concern.

Table 3.2-1 Description of Criteria Air Pollutants of National and California Concern Criteria Air
Pollutant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Ozone Ozone is a photochemical
pollutant as it is not emitted
directly into the atmosphere, but
is formed by a complex series of
chemical reactions between
volatile organic compounds (VOC),
nitrous oxides (NOX), and sunlight.

Ozone is a regional pollutant that
is generated over a large area and
is transported and spread by the
wind.

Ozone is a secondary
pollutant; thus, it is not
emitted directly into the
lower level of the
atmosphere. The primary
sources of ozone
precursors (VOC and NOX)
are mobile sources (onroad and off-road vehicle
exhaust).

Irritate respiratory system; reduce
lung function; breathing pattern
changes; reduction of breathing
capacity; inflame and damage cells
that line the lungs; make lungs
more susceptible to infection;
aggravate asthma; aggravate other
chronic lung diseases; cause
permanent lung damage; some
immunological changes; increased
mortality risk; vegetation and
property damage.

Particulate
matter (PM10)
Suspended particulate matter is a
mixture of small particles that
consist of dry solid fragments,
droplets of water, or solid cores
with liquid coatings. The particles
vary in shape, size, and
composition. PM10 refers to
particulate matter that is between

2.5 and 10 microns in diameter,
(one micron is one-millionth of a
Stationary sources include
fuel or wood combustion
for electrical utilities,
residential space heating,
and industrial processes;
construction and
demolition; metals,
minerals, and
petrochemicals; wood
products processing; mills
 Short-term exposure
(hours/days): irritation of the
eyes, nose, throat; coughing;
phlegm; chest tightness;
shortness of breath; aggravate
existing lung disease, causing
asthma attacks and acute
bronchitis; those with heart
disease can suffer heart
attacks and arrhythmias.

Particulate
matter (PM2.5)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1201 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-3
Criteria Air
Pollutant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
meter). PM2.5 refers to particulate
matter that is 2.5 microns or less
in diameter, about one-thirtieth
the size of the average human
hair.
and elevators used in
agriculture; erosion from
tilled lands; waste disposal,
and recycling. Mobile or
transportation related
sources are from vehicle
exhaust and road dust.

Secondary particles form
from reactions in the
atmosphere.
 Long-term exposure: reduced
lung function; chronic
bronchitis; changes in lung
morphology; death.

Nitrogen
dioxide (NO2)
During combustion of fossil fuels,
oxygen reacts with nitrogen to
produce nitrogen oxides—NOX
(NO, NO2, NO3, N2O, N2O3, N2O4,
and N2O5). NOX is a precursor to
ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 formation.

NOX can react with compounds to
form nitric acid and related small
particles and result in PM related
health effects.

NOX is produced in motor
vehicle internal
combustion engines and
fossil fuel-fired electric
utility and industrial
boilers. Nitrogen dioxide
forms quickly from NOX
emissions. NO2
concentrations near major
roads can be 30 to 100
percent higher than those
at monitoring stations.

Potential to aggravate chronic
respiratory disease and
respiratory symptoms in sensitive
groups; risk to public health
implied by pulmonary and extrapulmonary biochemical and cellular changes and pulmonary
structural changes; contributions
to atmospheric discoloration;
increased visits to hospital for
respiratory illnesses.

Carbon
monoxide (CO)
CO is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas.

CO is somewhat soluble in water;
therefore, rainfall and fog can
suppress CO conditions. CO enters
the body through the lungs,
dissolves in the blood, replaces
oxygen as an attachment to
hemoglobin, and reduces available
oxygen in the blood.

CO is produced by
incomplete combustion of
carbon-containing fuels
(e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel,
and biomass). Sources
include motor vehicle
exhaust, industrial
processes (metals
processing and chemical
manufacturing),
residential wood burning,
and natural sources.

Ranges depending on exposure:
slight headaches; nausea;
aggravation of angina pectoris
(chest pain) and other aspects of
coronary heart disease;
decreased exercise tolerance in
persons with peripheral vascular
disease and lung disease;
impairment of central nervous
system functions; possible
increased risk to fetuses; death.

Sulfur dioxide
(SO2)
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless,
pungent gas. At levels greater than

0.5 ppm, the gas has a strong odor,
similar to rotten eggs. Sulfur
oxides (SOX) include sulfur dioxide
and sulfur trioxide. Sulfuric acid is
formed from sulfur dioxide, which
can lead to acid deposition and
can harm natural resources and
materials. Although sulfur dioxide
concentrations have been reduced
to levels well below state and
federal standards, further
reductions are desirable because
sulfur dioxide is a precursor to
sulfate and PM10.

Human caused sources
include fossil-fuel
combustion, mineral ore
processing, and chemical
manufacturing. Volcanic
emissions are a natural
source of sulfur dioxide.

The gas can also be
produced in the air by
dimethyl sulfide and
hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur
dioxide is removed from
the air by dissolution in
water, chemical reactions,
and transfer to soils and
ice caps. The sulfur
dioxide levels in the State
are well below the
maximum standards.

Bronchoconstriction accompanied
by symptoms which may include
wheezing, shortness of breath
and chest tightness, during
exercise or physical activity in
persons with asthma. Some
population-based studies indicate
that the mortality and morbidity
effects associated with fine
particles show a similar
association with ambient sulfur
dioxide levels. It is not clear
whether the two pollutants act
synergistically or one pollutant
alone is the predominant factor.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1202 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-4
Criteria Air
Pollutant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Lead Lead is a solid heavy metal that
can exist in air pollution as an
aerosol particle component.

Leaded gasoline was used in motor
vehicles until around 1970. Lead
concentrations have not exceeded
state or federal standards at any
monitoring station since 1982.

Lead ore crushing, leadore smelting, and battery
manufacturing are
currently the largest
sources of lead in the
atmosphere in the United
States. Other sources
include dust from soils
contaminated with leadbased paint, solid waste
disposal, and crustal
physical weathering.

Lead accumulates in bones, soft
tissue, and blood and can affect
the kidneys, liver, and nervous
system. It can cause impairment
of blood formation and nerve
conduction, behavior disorders,
mental retardation, neurological
impairment, learning deficiencies,
and low IQs.

Sources: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD); California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) 2002; California Air Resources Board (CARB); United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); National Toxicology Program Toxic Air Contaminants
Concentrations of toxic air contaminants (TACs) are also used as indicators of air quality conditions.

TACs are defined as air pollutants that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness or that may pose a hazard to human health. TACs are usually present in minute quantities in the ambient air; however, their high toxicity or health risk may pose a threat to public health even at very low concentrations. TACs can cause long-term health effects (such as cancer, birth defects, neurological damage, asthma, bronchitis, or genetic damage) or short-term acute affects (such as eye watering, respiratory irritation, runny nose, throat pain, or headaches). For those TACs that may cause cancer, there is no concentration that does not present some risk. In other words, there is no threshold level below which some adverse health impacts are not expected to occur. This contrasts with the criteria pollutants such as NO2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which the State and federal governments have set ambient air quality standards.

TACs are separated into carcinogens and noncarcinogens based on the nature of the physiological effects associated with exposure to a particular TAC. Carcinogens are assumed to have no safe threshold below which health impacts would not occur. Cancer risk is typically expressed as excess cancer cases per million exposed individuals, typically over a lifetime exposure or other prolonged duration. For noncarcinogenic substances, there is generally assumed to be a safe level of exposure below which no negative health impact is believed to occur. These levels may vary depending on the specific pollutant. Acute and chronic exposure to noncarcinogens is expressed as a hazard index (HI), which is the ratio of expected exposure levels to an acceptable reference exposure levels.

To date, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has designated nearly 200 compounds as TACs.

CARB has implemented control measures for a number of compounds that pose high risks and show potential for effective control. The majority of the estimated health risk from TACs can be attributed to a relatively few compounds, the most important being diesel particulate matter (DPM) from diesel-fueled engines. Common TACs of national and California concern include: DPM, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, asbestos, hydrogen sulfide, sulfates, visibility-reducing particulates, vinyl chloride, and lead. Table 3.2-2 provides a summary of these types, sources, and effects of TACs of national and California concern.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1203 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-5
Table 3.2-2 Description of Toxic Air Contaminants of National and California Concern Toxic Air
Contaminant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Diesel
Particulate
Matter (DPM)
Diesel PM is a source of PM2.5—
diesel particles are typically 2.5
microns and smaller. Diesel
exhaust is a complex mixture of
thousands of particles and gases
that is produced when an
engine burns diesel fuel. Organic
compounds account for 80
percent of the total particulate
matter mass, which consists of
compounds such as
hydrocarbons and their
derivatives, and polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons and
their derivatives. Fifteen
polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons are confirmed
carcinogens, a number of which
are found in diesel exhaust.

Diesel exhaust is a major source
of ambient particulate matter
pollution in urban environments.

Typically, the main source of
DPM is from combustion of
diesel fuel in diesel-powered
engines. Such engines are in onroad vehicles such as diesel trucks, off-road construction
vehicles, diesel electrical
generators, and various pieces
of stationary construction
equipment.

Some short-term (acute) effects
of DPM exposure include eye,
nose, throat, and lung irritation,
coughs, headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea. Studies have linked elevated particle
levels in the air to increased
hospital admissions, emergency
room visits, asthma attacks, and
premature deaths among those
suffering from respiratory
problems. Human studies on the
carcinogenicity of DPM
demonstrate an increased risk of
lung cancer, although the
increased risk cannot be clearly
attributed to diesel exhaust
exposure.

Volatile
Organic
Compounds
(VOCs)
Reactive organic gases (ROGs),
or VOCs, are defined as any
compound of carbon—
excluding CO, CO2, carbonic
acid, metallic carbides or
carbonates, and ammonium
carbonate—that participates
in atmospheric photochemical
reactions. Although there are
slight differences in the
definition of ROGs and VOCs,
the two terms are often used
interchangeably.

Indoor sources of VOCs include
paints, solvents, aerosol sprays,
cleansers, tobacco smoke, etc.

Outdoor sources of VOCs are
from combustion and fuel
evaporation. A reduction in VOC
emissions reduces certain
chemical reactions that
contribute to the formulation of
ozone. VOCs are transformed
into organic aerosols in the
atmosphere, which contribute to
higher PM10 and lower visibility.

Although health-based standards
have not been established for
VOCs, health effects can occur
from exposures to high
concentrations because of
interference with oxygen uptake.

In general, concentrations of VOCs
are suspected to cause eye, nose,
and throat irritation; headaches;
loss of coordination; nausea; and
damage to the liver, the kidneys,
and the central nervous system.

Many VOCs have been classified as
toxic air contaminants.

Benzene Benzene is a VOC. It is a clear or
colorless light-yellow, volatile,
highly flammable liquid with a
gasoline-like odor. The EPA has
classified benzene as a “Group
A” carcinogen.

Benzene is emitted into the air
from fuel evaporation, motor
vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke,
and from burning oil and coal.

Benzene is used as a solvent for
paints, inks, oils, waxes, plastic,
and rubber. Benzene occurs
naturally in gasoline at one to two
percent by volume. The primary
route of human exposure is
through inhalation.

Short-term (acute) exposure of
high doses from inhalation of
benzene may cause dizziness,
drowsiness, headaches, eye
irritation, skin irritation, and
respiratory tract irritation, and at
higher levels, loss of
consciousness can occur. Longterm (chronic) occupational exposure of high doses has
caused blood disorders, leukemia,
and lymphatic cancer.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1204 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-6
Toxic Air
Contaminant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Asbestos Asbestos is the name given to
a number of naturally
occurring fibrous silicate
minerals that have been mined
for their useful properties such
as thermal insulation, chemical
and thermal stability, and high
tensile strength. The three
most common types of
asbestos are chrysotile,
amosite, and crocidolite.

Chrysotile, also known as white
asbestos, is the most common
type of asbestos found in
buildings. Chrysotile makes up
approximately 90 to 95 percent
of all asbestos contained in
buildings in the United States.

Exposure to asbestos is a health
threat; exposure to asbestos
fibers may result in health issues
such as lung cancer,
mesothelioma (a rare cancer of
the thin membranes lining the
lungs, chest, and abdominal
cavity), and asbestosis (a noncancerous lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs).

Exposure to asbestos can occur
during demolition or remodeling
of buildings that were
constructed prior to the 1977
ban on asbestos for use in
buildings. Exposure to naturally
occurring asbestos can occur
during soil-disturbing activities
in areas with deposits present.

Hydrogen
Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a
flammable, colorless, poisonous
gas that smells like rotten eggs.

Manure, storage tanks, ponds,
anaerobic lagoons, and land
application sites are the primary
sources of hydrogen sulfide.

Anthropogenic sources include
the combustion of sulfur
containing fuels (oil and coal).

High levels of hydrogen sulfide
can cause immediate respiratory
arrest. It can irritate the eyes and
respiratory tract and cause
headache, nausea, vomiting, and
cough. Long exposure can cause
pulmonary edema.

Sulfates The sulfate ion is a polyatomic
anion with the empirical
formula SO2−
4 Sulfates occur in
combination with metal and/or
hydrogen ions. Many sulfates
are soluble in water.

Sulfates are particulates formed
through the photochemical
oxidation of sulfur dioxide. In
California, the main source of
sulfur compounds is combustion
of gasoline and diesel fuel.
(a) Decrease in ventilatory
function;
(b) aggravation of asthmatic
symptoms;
(c) aggravation of cardiopulmonary disease;
(d) vegetation damage;
(e) degradation of visibility;
(f) property damage.

Visibilityreducing
Particles
Suspended particulate matter
is a mixture of small particles
that consist of dry solid
fragments, droplets of water,
or solid cores with liquid
coatings. The particles vary in
shape, size, and composition.

PM10 refers to particulate
matter that is between 2.5 and
10 microns in diameter (1
micron is one-millionth of a
meter). PM2.5 refers to
particulate matter that is 2.5
microns or less in diameter,
about one-thirtieth the size of
the average human hair.

Stationary sources include fuel or
wood combustion for electrical
utilities, residential space
heating, and industrial processes;
construction and demolition;
metals, minerals, and
petrochemicals; wood products
processing; mills and elevators
used in agriculture; erosion from
tilled lands; waste disposal; and
recycling. Mobile or
transportation-related sources
are from vehicle exhaust and
road dust. Secondary particles
form from reactions in the
atmosphere.
 Short-term exposure
(hours/days): irritation of the
eyes, nose, throat; coughing;
phlegm; chest tightness;
shortness of breath;
aggravates existing lung
disease, causing asthma
attacks and acute bronchitis;
those with heart disease can
suffer heart attacks and
arrhythmias.
 Long-term exposure:
reduced lung function;
chronic bronchitis; changes
in lung morphology; death.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1205 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-7
Toxic Air
Contaminant
Physical Description and
Properties Sources
Most Relevant Effects from
Pollutant Exposure
Vinyl Chloride Vinyl chloride, or
chloroethene, is a chlorinated
hydrocarbon and a colorless
gas with a mild, sweet odor. In
1990, CARB identified vinyl
chloride as a toxic air
contaminant and estimated a
cancer unit risk factor.

Most vinyl chloride is used to
make polyvinyl chloride plastic
and vinyl products, including
pipes, wire and cable coatings,
and packaging materials. It can
be formed when plastics
containing these substances are
left to decompose in solid waste
landfills. Vinyl chloride has been
detected near landfills, sewage
plants, and hazardous waste
sites.

Short-term exposure to high
levels of vinyl chloride in the air
causes central nervous system
effects, such as dizziness,
drowsiness, and headaches.

Epidemiological studies of
occupationally exposed workers
have linked vinyl chloride
exposure to development of a
rare cancer, liver angiosarcoma,
and have suggested a
relationship between exposure
and lung and brain cancers.

Lead Lead is a solid heavy metal that
can exist in air pollution as an
aerosol particle component.

Leaded gasoline was used in
motor vehicles until around
1970. Lead concentrations
have not exceeded state or
federal standards at any
monitoring station since 1982.

Lead ore crushing, lead-ore
smelting, and battery
manufacturing are currently the
largest sources of lead in the
atmosphere in the United
States. Other sources include
dust from soils contaminated
with lead-based paint, solid
waste disposal, and crustal
physical weathering.

Sources: Bay Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD); California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA); California Air Resources Board (CARB); United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); National Toxicology Program Air Quality
Air quality is a function of both the rate and location of pollutant emissions under the influence of meteorological conditions and topographic features. Atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature inversions interact with the physical features of the landscape to determine the movement and dispersal of air pollutant emissions and, consequently, their effect on air quality.

Regional Air Quality
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) is the regional agency with jurisdiction for regulating air quality within the nine‐county SFBAAB, which includes Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, the western portion of Solano County, and the southern portion of Sonoma County.

AIR POLLUTANT STANDARDS
Air pollutant standards have been identified by USEPA and CARB for the following six criteria air pollutants that affect ambient air quality: ozone, NO2, CO, SO2, lead, PM10, and PM2.5 These air pollutants are called “criteria air pollutants,” because they are regulated by developing specific public health- and welfare-based criteria as the basis for setting permissible levels. California has also established standards for toxic air contaminants such as visibility-reducing particles, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. Table 3.2-3 presents the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for these aforementioned air pollutants. California air quality standards are identical to or stricter than federal standards for all

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1206 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-8
criteria pollutants. It should be noted that there are no State or federal air quality standards for VOCs, benzene, or DPM.

Ambient air pollutant concentrations in the SFBAAB are measured at air quality monitoring stations operated by CARB and BAAQMD. Air quality monitoring stations measure pollutant ground-level concentrations (typically, ten feet above ground level). In general, the SFBAAB experiences low concentrations of most pollutants compared to federal or State standards.

AIR POLLUTANT ATTAINMENT DESIGNATIONS
Both USEPA and CARB use ambient air quality monitoring data to designate areas according to their attainment status for criteria air pollutants. The purpose of these designations is to identify the areas with air quality problems and initiate planning efforts for improvement. The three basic designation categories are nonattainment, attainment, and unclassified. “Attainment” status refers to those regions that are meeting federal and/or State standards for a specified criteria pollutant. “Nonattainment” refers to regions that do not meet federal and/or State standards for a specified criteria pollutant. “Unclassified” refers to regions where there is not enough data to determine the region’s attainment status for a specified criteria air pollutant. Each standard has a different definition, or “form” of what constitutes attainment, based on specific air quality statistics. For example, the federal 8-hour CO standard is not to be exceeded more than once per year; therefore, an area is in attainment of the CO standard if no more than one 8-hour ambient air monitoring values exceeds the threshold per year. In contrast, the federal annual PM2.5 standard is met if the three-year average of the annual average PM2.5 concentration is less than or equal to the standard.

The current attainment designations for the SFBAAB are also shown in Table 3.2-3. The SFBAAB is designated as nonattainment for the State ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 standards, nonattainment for the national ozone and PM2.5 standards, and unclassified for the national PM10 standard.

Table 3.2-3 Federal and State Air Quality Standards and SFBAAB Attainment Status Pollutant Averaging Time
California Standards National Standards
Concentration
Attainment
Status Concentration
Attainment
Status
Ozone 8 Hour 0.070 ppm N 0.070 ppm N
1 Hour 0.09 ppm N
Carbon Monoxide 8 Hour 9.0 ppm A 9 ppm A
1 Hour 20 ppm A 35 ppm A
Nitrogen Dioxide 1 Hour 0.18 ppm A 0.100 ppm U
Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.030 ppm 0.053 ppm A
Sulfur Dioxide 24 Hour 0.04 ppm A 0.14 ppm A
1 Hour 0.25 ppm A 0.075 ppm A
Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.030 ppm A
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual Arithmetic Mean 20 µg/m3 N
24 Hour 50 µg/m3 N 150 µg/m3 U
Particulate Matter
- Fine (PM2.5)
Annual Arithmetic Mean 12 µg/m3 N 12 µg/m3 U/A
24 Hour 35 µg/m3 N
Sulfates 24 Hour 25 µg/m3 A

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1207 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-9
Pollutant Averaging Time
California Standards National Standards
Concentration
Attainment
Status Concentration
Attainment
Status
Lead Calendar Quarter 1.5 µg/m3 A
Rolling 3 Month Average 0.15 µg/m3
30 Day Average 1.5 µg/m3) A
Hydrogen Sulfide 1 Hour 0.03 ppm U
Vinyl Chloride
(chloroethene)
24 Hour 0.010 ppm No information
available
Visibility Reducing
particles
8 Hour (10:00 to 18:00 PST) U
A=Attainment N=Nonattainment U=Unclassified; mg/m3=milligrams per cubic meter ppm=parts per million, µg/m3=micrograms per cubic meter
Source: BAAQMD. 2017b. Air Quality Standards and Attainment Status. Last Updated January 5, 2017. https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/research-and-data/air-quality-standards-and-attainment-status (accessed October 2022).

Local control in air quality management is provided by CARB through county-level or regional (multicounty) air districts. CARB establishes Statewide air quality standards and is responsible for control of mobile emission sources, while the local air districts are responsible for enforcing standards and regulating stationary sources. CARB has established 15 air basins Statewide. The City of Pleasant Hill is located in the SFBAAB, which is under the jurisdiction of BAAQMD.

Existing Local (General Plan Area) Air Quality
The Concord-2975 Treat Boulevard monitoring station at 2975 Treat Boulevard in Concord is the closest monitoring station to Pleasant Hill and is located 1.5 miles east of Pleasant Hill. The Concord2975 Treat Boulevard monitoring station measures 8-hour ozone, hourly ozone, PM10, PM2.5, and NO2.

Table 3.2-4 summarizes the representative annual air quality data for the General Plan area over the years 2019 through 2021 at the Concord-2975 Treat Boulevard monitoring stations. As shown in Table 3.2-4, the hourly ozone State standard was exceeded in 2020 and 2021, while the 8-hour federal and State standards were exceeded in in every year from 2019 to 2021. The PM10 State standard was exceeded in 2020 and 2021 and the PM10 federal standard was exceeded in 2020. The PM2.5 federal standard was exceeded in 2020 and 2021.4 No other air quality standards were exceeded.
4 CARB. 2022a. Top 4 Summary: Select Pollutant, Years, & Area. N.d. https://www.arb.ca.gov/adam/topfour/topfour1.php (accessed November 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1208 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-10
Table 3.2-4 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Data
Pollutant 2019 2020 2021
Ozone (ppm), Worst 1-Hour1 0.092 0.108 0.096
Number of days of State exceedances (>0.09 ppm) 0 2 1
Ozone (ppm), 8-Hour Average1 0.074 0.083 0.077
Number of days of State exceedances (>0.07 ppm) 2 3 1
Number of days of Federal exceedances (>0.07 ppm) 2 3 1 Nitrogen Dioxide, Worst 1-Hour 0.0406 0.0339 0.029
Number of days above CAAQS (>0.180 ppm) 0 0 0
Number of days above CAAQS (>0.180 ppm) 0 0 0
Particulate Matter <10 microns, µg/m3, Worst 24 Hours1 36.0 167.0 26.0 Number of days above State standard (>50 µg/m3) 0 1 2
Number of days above Federal standard (>150 µg/m3) 0 1 0 Particulate Matter <2.5 microns, µg/m3, Worst 24 Hours1 28.2 121.4 43.7 Number of days above Federal standard (>35 µg/m3) 0 16 2 ppm = parts per million; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter 1 Measurements taken from the Concord-2975 Treat Boulevard Station Source: CARB 2022a
Note: U.S. EPA 2022 monitoring data has not yet been finalized.

MOBILE EMISSIONS
The primary source of mobile air pollutants (both criteria air pollutant and TACs) in the vicinity of the General Plan area is motor-related vehicle trips associated with the local residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational uses.

STATIONARY EMISSIONS
The primary source of stationary air pollutants (both criteria air pollutant and TACs) in the vicinity of the General Plan area is building-related energy use associated with the local residential, commercial, office, industrial, school, and semi-public and institutional uses. Other sources of stationary emissions include landscape maintenance, and consumer products from residential, institutional, and commercial uses. Within the General Plan area, there are 23 facilities regulated by the BAAQMD.5
Air Pollution Sensitive Receptors
Sensitive Receptor Types
Air pollution does not affect every individual in the population in the same way, and some groups are more sensitive to adverse health effects related to air pollutants exposure than others. Land uses such as residences, schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing and convalescent homes, and parks are considered to be the most sensitive to poor air quality, because the population groups 5 BAAQMD. 2022. Interactive Data Maps. Last updated June 9. Available at: https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/interactive-datamaps (accessed November 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1209 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-11
associated with these uses have increased susceptibility to respiratory distress or, as in the case of residential receptors, their exposure time is greater than that for other land uses. Therefore, these groups are referred to as sensitive receptors. Exposure assessment guidance typically assumes that residences would be exposed to air pollution 24 hours per day, 350 days per year, for 70 years.

BAAQMD defines sensitive receptors as children, adults, and seniors occupying or residing in residential dwellings, schools, day care centers, hospitals, and senior-care facilities.

Sensitive Receptors in General Plan Area
Air pollution sensitive receptors in the General Plan area include single- and multi-family residential land uses, schools, daycares, senior care facilities, and public parks. The commercial and office land uses throughout the General Plan area are not considered air pollution sensitive receptors.

3.2.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Clean Air Act and National Ambient Air Quality Standards Congress established much of the basic structure of the Clean Air Act (CAA) in 1970, and made major revisions in 1977 and 1990. Six common air pollutants (also known as criteria pollutants) are addressed in the CAA. These are particulate matter, ground-level ozone, CO, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. USEPA calls these pollutants criteria air pollutants, because it regulates them by developing human health-based and/or environmentally based criteria (science-based guidelines) for setting permissible levels. The set of limits based on human health are called primary standards.

Another set of limits intended to prevent environmental and property damage are called secondary standards. The federal standards are called NAAQS. The air quality standards provide benchmarks for determining whether air quality is healthy at specific locations and whether development activities will cause or contribute to a violation of the standards.

The federal standards were set to protect public health, including that of sensitive individuals; thus, USEPA is tasked with updating the standards as more medical research is available regarding the health effects of the criteria pollutants. Primary federal standards are the levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety, to protect the public health.

The CAA also requires each state to prepare an air quality control plan referred to as a State Implementation Plan (SIP). The federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 added requirements for states with nonattainment areas to revise their SIPs to incorporate additional control measures to reduce air pollution. The SIP is periodically modified to reflect the latest emissions inventories, planning documents, and rules and regulations of the air basins, as reported by their jurisdictional agencies.

USEPA Emission Standards for New Off-road Equipment
Before 1994, there were no standards to limit the amount of emissions from off-road equipment. In 1994, USEPA established emission standards for hydrocarbons, NOX, CO, and PM to regulate new pieces of off-road equipment. These emission standards came to be known as Tier 1. Since that time, increasingly more stringent Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 (interim and final) standards were adopted by US EPA, as well as by CARB. Each adopted emission standard was phased in over time.

New engines built in and after 2015 across all horsepower sizes must meet Tier 4 final emission

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1210 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-12
standards. In other words, new manufactured engines cannot exceed the emissions established for Tier 4 final emissions standards.

State Regulations
California Air Quality Control Plan (State Implementation Plan) A State Implementation Plan (SIP) is a document prepared by each state describing existing air quality conditions and measures that will be followed to attain and maintain federal standards. The SIP for California is administered by CARB, which has overall responsibility for Statewide air quality maintenance and air pollution prevention. California’s SIP incorporates individual federal attainment plans for regional air districts—an air district prepares their federal attainment plan, which is sent to CARB to be approved and incorporated into the California SIP. Federal attainment plans include the technical foundation for understanding air quality (e.g., emission inventories and air quality monitoring), control measures and strategies, and enforcement mechanisms.

Areas designated nonattainment must develop air quality plans and regulations to achieve standards by specified dates, depending on the severity of the exceedances. For much of the country, implementation of federal motor vehicle standards and compliance with federal permitting requirements for industrial sources are adequate to attain air quality standards on schedule. For many areas of California, however, additional State and local regulation is required to achieve the standards.

California Clean Air Act and California Ambient Air Quality Standards The California CAA, signed into law in 1988, requires all areas of the State to make incremental progress toward the achievement of the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). CARB is the State air pollution control agency and is a part of CalEPA. CARB is the agency responsible for coordination and oversight of State and local air pollution control programs in California, and for implementing the requirements of the California CAA. CARB overseas local district compliance with federal and California laws, approves local air quality plans, submits the State implementation plans to the USEPA, monitors air quality, determines and updates State area designations and maps, and sets emissions standards for new mobile sources and off-road vehicles pursuant to California waiver and authorization requests, consumer products, small utility engines, and fuels.

The California CAA requires CARB to establish ambient air quality standards for California, known as CAAQS. Similar to the NAAQS, CAAQS have been established for criteria pollutants and standards are established for vinyl chloride, hydrogen sulfide, sulfates, and visibility-reducing particulates. In general, the CAAQS are more stringent than the NAAQS on criteria pollutants. The California CAA requires all local air districts to endeavor to make incremental progress toward attaining the CAAQS.

The California CAA specifies that local air districts focus attention on reducing the emissions from transportation and area-wide emission sources and provides districts with the authority to regulate indirect sources as long as the regulations do not infringe on local land use authority.

In 2017, CARB released a technical advisory on reducing air pollution exposure from near highvolume roadways that is a technical supplement to CARB’s air quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective. Since the publication of the handbook, research has demonstrated the public health, climate, financial and other benefits of compact, infill development along transportation corridors, and that exposures can be reduced with new strategies. As described in the technical advisory, California has implemented various measures to improve air quality and reduce exposure to roadway vehicle emissions. These include the Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, which

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1211 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-13
aims to reduce particulate matter emissions from diesel vehicles. The continued electrification of California’s vehicle fleet would also reduce PM2.5 levels, and ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from cars and trucks and to move vehicles towards “zero emission” alternatives will continue to drive down roadway vehicle pollution.

California Health and Safety Code Section 39655 and California Code of Regulations Title 17 Section 93000 (Substances Identified as Toxic Air Contaminants) CARB identifies substances as TACs as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 39655 and listed in Title 17, Section 93000 of the California Code of Regulations, “Substances Identified as Toxic Air Contaminants.” A TAC is defined as an air pollutant that may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness, or that may pose a hazard to human health. TACs are usually present in minute quantities in the ambient air; however, their high toxicity or health risk may pose a threat to public health even at low concentrations. In general, for those TACs that may cause cancer, there are thresholds set by regulatory agencies below which adverse health impacts are not expected to occur. This contrasts with the criteria pollutants for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which the state and federal governments have set ambient air quality standards. According to the California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality, the majority of the estimated health risk from TACs for the State of California can be attributed to relatively few compounds, the most important of which is DPM from diesel-fueled engines.

California Low-emission Vehicle Program
CARB first adopted Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) program standards in 1990. These first LEV standards ran from 1994 through 2003. LEV II regulations, running from 2004 through 2010, represent continuing progress in emission reductions. As the State’s passenger vehicle fleet continues to grow and more sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are used as passenger cars rather than work vehicles, the more stringent LEV II standards were adopted to provide reductions necessary for California to meet federally mandated clean air goals outlined in the 1994 State Implementation Plan. In 2012, CARB adopted the LEV III amendments to California’s LEV regulations. These amendments, also known as the Advanced Clean Car Program, include more stringent emission standards for model years 2017 through 2025 for both criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for new passenger vehicles.

California On-Road Heavy-duty Vehicle Program
CARB has adopted standards for emissions from various types of new on-road heavy-duty vehicles.

Section 1956.8, Title 13, California Code of Regulations contains California’s emission standards for on-road heavy-duty engines and vehicles, and test procedures. CARB has also adopted programs to reduce emissions from in-use heavy-duty vehicles including the Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Idling Reduction Program, the Heavy-Duty Diesel In-Use Compliance Program, the Public Bus Fleet Rule and Engine Standards, and the School Bus Program and others.

California Airborne Toxics Control Measure for Asbestos CARB has adopted Airborne Toxics Control Measures for sources that emit a particular TAC. If there is a safe threshold for a substance at which there is no toxic effect, the control measure must reduce exposure below that threshold. If there is no safe threshold, the measure must incorporate Best Available Control Technology to minimize emissions. In July 2001, CARB approved an Air Toxic Control Measure for construction, grading, quarrying and surface mining operations to minimize

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1212 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-14
emissions of naturally occurring asbestos. The regulation requires application of best management practices (BMPs) to control fugitive dust in areas known to have naturally occurring asbestos and requires notification to the local air district prior to commencement of ground-disturbing activities.

The measure establishes specific testing, notification and engineering controls prior to grading, quarrying, or surface mining in construction zones where naturally occurring asbestos is located on projects of any size. There are additional notification and engineering controls at work sites larger than one acre in size. These projects require the submittal of a “Dust Mitigation Plan” and approval by the air district prior to the start of a project.

Construction sometimes requires the demolition of existing buildings where construction occurs.

Asbestos is also found in a natural state, known as naturally occurring asbestos. Exposure and disturbance of rock and soil that naturally contain asbestos can result in the release of fibers into the air and consequent exposure to the public. Asbestos most commonly occurs in ultramafic rock that has undergone partial or complete alteration to serpentine rock (serpentinite) and often contains chrysotile asbestos. In addition, another form of asbestos, tremolite, can be found associated with ultramafic rock, particularly near faults. Sources of asbestos emissions include unpaved roads or driveways surfaced with ultramafic rock, construction activities in ultramafic rock deposits, or rock quarrying activities where ultramafic rock is present. Pleasant Hill is located in an area likely to not contain naturally occurring asbestos.

Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies
USEPA and CARB tiered off-road emission standards only apply to new engines and off-road equipment can last several years. CARB has developed Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies (VDECS), which are devices, systems, or strategies used to achieve the highest level of pollution control from existing off-road vehicles, to help reduce emissions from existing engines. VDECS are designed primarily for the reduction of diesel PM emissions and have been verified by CARB. There are three levels of VDECS, the most effective of which is the Level 3 VDECS. Tier 4 engines are not required to install VDECS because they already meet the emissions standards for lower tiered equipment with installed controls.

California Diesel Risk Reduction Plan
CARB Diesel Risk Reduction Plan has led to the adoption of new state regulatory standards for all new on-road, off-road, and stationary diesel-fueled engines and vehicles to reduce DPM emissions by about 90 percent overall from year 2000 levels. The projected emission benefits associated with the full implementation of this plan, including federal measures, are reductions in DPM emissions and associated cancer risks of 75 percent by 2010, and 85 percent by 2020.

Tanner Air Toxics Act and Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act TACs in California are primarily regulated through the Tanner Air Toxics Act (AB 1807) and the Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act of 1987 (AB 2588), also known as the Hot Spots Act. To date, CARB has identified more than 21 TACs and has adopted the USEPA list of HAPs as TACs.

Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (Carl Moyer Program), a partnership between CARB and local air districts, issues grants to replace or retrofit older engines and equipment with engines and equipment that exceed current regulatory requirements to reduce

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1213 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-15
air pollution. Money collected through the Carl Moyer Program complements California’s regulatory program by providing incentives to effect early or extra emission reductions, especially from emission sources in environmental justice communities and areas disproportionately affected by air pollution. The program has established guidelines and criteria for the funding of emissions reduction projects. Within the SFBAAB, the BAAQMD administers the Carl Moyer Program. The program establishes cost-effectiveness criteria for funding emission reductions projects, which under the final 2017 Carl Moyer Program Guidelines are $30,000 per weighted ton of NOX, ROG, and PM.

Regional and Local Regulations
Bay Area Clean Air Plan
The BAAQMD is responsible for assuring that the federal and state ambient air quality standards are attained and maintained in the Bay Area. BAAQMD is also responsible for adopting and enforcing rules and regulations concerning air pollutant sources, issuing permits for stationary sources of air pollutants, inspecting stationary sources of air pollutants, responding to citizen complaints, monitoring ambient air quality and meteorological conditions, awarding grants to reduce motor vehicle emissions, conducting public education campaigns, as well as many other activities.

BAAQMD adopted the Bay Area Clean Air Plan: Spare the Air, Cool the Climate (Bay Area Clean Air Plan) on April 19, 2017 as an update to the 2010 Clean Air Plan. The 2017 Clean Air Plan, which focuses on protecting public health and the climate, defines an integrated, multi-pollutant control strategy that includes feasible measures to reduce emissions for four categories: ground-level ozone and its precursors, ROG and NOX; PM (primarily PM2.5, and precursors to secondary PM2.5); TACs, and greenhouse gas emissions. The control measures are categorized based on the economic sector framework and include stationary sources, transportation, energy, buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, waste management, and water. To protect public health, the control strategy will decrease population exposure to PM and TACs in communities that are most impacted by air pollution with the goal of eliminating disparities in exposure to air pollution between communities.

The control strategy will also protect the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing a long-range vision of how the Bay Area could look and function in a year 2050 postcarbon economy.

BAAQMD Particulate Matter Plan
To fulfill federal air quality planning requirements, BAAQMD adopted a PM2.5 emissions inventory for year 2010 at a public hearing on November 7, 2012. The Bay Area Clean Air Plan also included several measures for reducing PM emissions from stationary sources and wood burning. On January 9, 2013, USEPA issued a final rule determining that the Bay Area has attained the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, suspending federal SIP planning requirements for the SFBAAB. Despite this USEPA action, the SFBAAB will continue to be designated as nonattainment for the national 24-hour PM2.5 standard until BAAQMD submits a redesignation request and a maintenance plan to USEPA, and USEPA approves the proposed redesignation.

The SFBAAB is in nonattainment for the federal PM10 and federal PM2.5 standards. USEPA lowered the 24-hour PM2.5 standard from 65 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3 ) to 35 µg/m3 in 2006, and
designated the Air Basin as nonattainment for the new PM2.5 standard effective December 14, 2009.

On December 8, 2011, CARB submitted a “clean data finding” request to USEPA on behalf of the Bay Area. If the clean data finding request is approved, then USEPA guidelines provide that the region can fulfill federal PM2.5 SIP requirements by preparing either a redesignation request and a PM2.5

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1214 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-16
maintenance plan, or a “clean data” SIP submittal. Because peak PM2.5 levels can vary from year to year based on natural, short-term changes in weather conditions, the BAAQMD believes that it would be premature to submit a redesignation request and PM2.5 maintenance plan at this time.

Therefore, BAAQMD will prepare a “clean data” SIP to address the required elements, including:
 An emission inventory for primary PM2.5, as well as precursors to secondary PM formation; and  Amendments to the BAAQMD’s New Source Review regulation to address PM2.5.

BAAQMD Regulations
REGULATION 2, RULE 5 (NEW SOURCE REVIEW PERMITTING)
The BAAQMD regulates backup emergency generators, fire pumps, and other sources of TACs through its New Source Review (Regulation 2, Rule 5) permitting process. Although emergency generators are intended to be used only during periods of power outages, monthly testing of each generator is required; however, the BAAQMD limits testing to no more than 50 hours per year. Each emergency generator installed is assumed to meet a minimum of Tier 2 emission standards (before control measures). As part of the permitting process, the BAAQMD limits the excess cancer risk from any facility to no more than 10 per 1-million-population for any permits that are applied for within a 2‐year period and would require any source that would result in an excess cancer risk greater than 1 per 1 million to install Best Available Control Technology for Toxics.

REGULATION 8, RULE 3 (ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS)
This rule governs the manufacture, distribution, and sale of architectural coatings and limits the reactive organic gases content in paints and paint solvents. Although this rule does not directly apply to the proposed plan, it does dictate the ROG content of paint available for use during the construction.

REGULATION 8, RULE 15 (EMULSIFIED AND LIQUID ASPHALTS)
Although this rule does not directly apply to the proposed plan, it does dictate the reactive organic gases content of asphalt available for use during the construction through regulating the sale and use of asphalt and limits the ROG content in asphalt.

REGULATION 1, RULE 301 (ODOROUS EMISSIONS)
BAAQMD enforces odor control by helping the public to document a public nuisance. Upon receipt of a complaint, BAAQMD sends an investigator to interview the complainant and to locate the odor source if possible. BAAQMD typically brings a public nuisance court action when there are a substantial number of confirmed odor events within a 24-hour period. An odor source with five or more confirmed complaints per year averaged over 3 years is considered to have a substantial effect on receptors. Several BAAQMD regulations and rules apply to odorous emissions. Regulation 1, Rule 301 is the nuisance provision that states that sources cannot emit air contaminants that cause nuisance to a number of persons. Regulation 7 specifies limits for the discharge of odorous substances where BAAQMD receives complaints from 10 or more complainants within a 90-day period. Among other things, Regulation 7 precludes discharge of an odorous substance that causes the ambient air at or beyond the property line to be odorous after dilution with 4 parts of odor-free air, and specifies maximum limits on the emission of certain odorous compounds.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1215 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-17
Plan Bay Area
In October 2021, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approved Plan Bay Area 2050.

Plan Bay Area includes integrated land use and transportation strategies for the region and was developed through OneBayArea, a joint initiative between ABAG, BAAQMD, MTC, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Plan Bay Area is also considered the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)/MTC Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). In accordance with SB 743, Plan Bay Area included elements designed to encourage the type of land-use development to meet three primary objectives. First, Roadway Level of Service (LOS) could not be considered an environmental impact under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Second, it introduced changes to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita as a determinant of environmental impact. Third, the use of VMT as an environmental impact in CEQA is considered a mechanism for achieving State and regional GHG reduction goals. As a regional land use plan, Plan Bay Area aims to reduce per-capita GHG emissions through the promotion of more compact, mixed-use residential and commercial neighborhoods located near transit.

Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to air quality, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

3.2.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Air Quality.

Would the 2040 General Plan:

Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
Approach to Analysis
This analysis uses the BAAQMD May 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines to evaluate air quality.

Construction Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions
Construction-related emissions are limited in duration but may still cause adverse air quality impacts. Construction associated with implementation of the proposed plan would generate emissions from three primary sources: the operation of construction vehicles (e.g., scrapers, loaders, dump trucks, etc.); ground disturbance during site preparation and grading, which creates fugitive dust; and the application of asphalt, paint, or other oil-based substances.

At this time, the pace, location and duration associated with constructing projects permitted by the proposed plan are not sufficiently detailed to quantify a specific emission impact, and thus it would

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1216 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-18
be speculative to do so. Rather, construction criteria pollutant and TAC emissions impacts for the 2040 General Plan are discussed qualitatively pursuant to the four significance criteria identified above. The OEHHA recommends evaluating risk exposure from short-term projects (e.g., construction projects) lasting more than two months.

Operation Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions
Based on plan-level guidance from the BAAQMD 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, long-term operational criteria pollutant and TAC emissions associated with implementation of the proposed plan are discussed qualitatively by comparing the proposed plan to the 2017 Clean Air Plan goals, policies, and control measures. In addition, comparing the rate of increase of plan VMT and population is recommended by BAAQMD for determining significance of criteria pollutants. If the proposed plan does not meet either criterion, then impacts would be potentially significant.

Odors
The impact analysis qualitatively evaluates the types of land uses facilitated by the proposed plan to evaluate whether major sources of anticipated odors would be present and, if so, whether those sources would likely generate objectionable odors. Screening distance for potential odor impacts are shown in Table 3.2-5. For a plan level analysis, BAAQMD requires the identification of potential existing and planned location of odor sources and policies to reduce odors.

Table 3.2-5 BAAQMD Odor Screening-level Distances Thresholds Land Use/Type of Operation Plan Areas Screening Distance Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 miles
Wastewater Pumping Facilities 1 mile
Sanitary Landfill 2 miles
Transfer Station 1 mile
Composting Facility 1 mile
Petroleum Refinery 2 miles
Asphalt Batch Plant 2 miles
Chemical Manufacturing 2 miles
Fiberglass Manufacturing 1 mile
Painting/Coating Operations 1 mile
Rendering Plant 2 miles
Coffee Roaster 1 mile
Food Processing Facility 1 mile
Confined Animal Facility/Feed Lot/Dairy 1 mile
Green Waste and Recycling Operations 1 mile
Metal Smelting Plants 2 miles
Source: BAAQMD 2017a
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
No comments relevant to CEQA were received in response to the EIR NOP specific to air quality that need to be addressed in the impacts discussion.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1217 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-19
Specific Thresholds of Significance
Consistency with Air Quality Plan
The applicable air quality plan is the BAAQMD 2017 Bay Area Clean Air Plan, which identifies measures to:
 Reduce emissions and reduce ambient concentrations of air pollutants; and  Safeguard public health by reducing exposure to the air pollutants that pose the greatest health risk, with an emphasis on protecting the communities most heavily affected by air pollution.

The 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the Bay Area Clean Air Plan if it would support the Clean Air Plan goals, include applicable control measures, and not disrupt or hinder implementation of Clean Air Plan control. Consistency with the Clean Air Plan is the basis for determining whether the proposed plan would conflict with or obstruct implementation of an applicable air quality plan.

Construction Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions Thresholds BAAQMD’s May 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines have no plan-level significance thresholds for construction air pollutants emissions. However, they do include the individual project-level thresholds for construction-related and long-term operational emissions of air pollutants. These thresholds represent the levels at which a project’s individual emissions of criteria air pollutants or precursors would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to the SFBAAB‘s existing air quality conditions. Construction emissions associated with plan implementation are discussed qualitatively to evaluate potential air quality impacts.

For health risks associated with TAC and PM2.5 emissions, the BAAQMD May 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines state a project would result in a significant impact if the any of the following thresholds are exceeded:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a million;
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3 µg/m3 annual average
In addition, a project would have a cumulatively considerably impact associated with health risks from TAC and PM2.5 emissions if the aggregate total emissions of all past, present, and foreseeable future sources within a 1,000-foot radius of the property line of the source plus the project’s contribution exceed any of the following thresholds:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 100.0 in a million;
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 10.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.8 µg/m3 annual average
Operational Criteria Pollutant and TAC Emissions Thresholds BAAQMD’s 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines contain specific operational plan-level significance thresholds for criteria air pollutants. Plans must show the following over the planning period:
 Consistency with current air quality plan control measures

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1218 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-20
 VMT or vehicle trips (VT) increase is less than or equal to the plan’s projected population increase
If a plan can demonstrate consistency with both of these criteria, then impacts are considered less than significant.

The same thresholds listed above for construction health risks from TAC and PM2.5 would apply to operation.

Odors
The significance thresholds for odor impacts are qualitative in nature. Specifically, an odorgenerating source with five or more confirmed complaints in the new source area per year averaged over three years is considered to have a significant impact on receptors within the screening distances shown above under Approach to Analysis.

Impact Evaluation
Air Quality Management Plans Consistency
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
Impact AQ-1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE BAAQMD 2017 CLEAN AIR PLAN. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction and Operation
2040 GENERAL PLAN
The most recently adopted air quality plan in the SFBAAB is the 2017 Clean Air Plan.6 The 2017 Clean Air Plan is a roadmap showing how the San Francisco Bay Area will achieve compliance with the State one-hour ozone standard as expeditiously as practicable, and how the region will reduce transport of ozone and ozone precursors to neighboring air basins. The 2017 Clean Air Plan does not include control measures that apply directly to construction and operation of individual development projects. Instead, the control strategy includes stationary-source control measures to be implemented through the BAAQMD regulations; mobile-source control measures to be implemented through incentive programs and other activities; and transportation control measures to be implemented through transportation programs in cooperation with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), local governments, transit agencies, and others. The 2017 Clean Air Plan also represents the Bay Area’s most recent triennial assessment of the region’s strategy to attain the state one-hour ozone standard. In this, the 2017 Clean Air Plan replaces the 2010 Clean Air Plan. Under BAAQMD’s methodology, a determination of consistency with CEQA Guidelines thresholds should demonstrate that a project:
 Supports the primary goals of the 2017 Clean Air Plan;  Includes applicable control measures from the 2017 Clean Air Plan; and 6 BAAQMD. 2017c. Spare the Air Cool the Climate Final 2017 Clean Air Plan. April. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-andresearch/plans/2017-clean-air-plan/attachment-a_-proposed-final-cap-vol-1-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1219 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-21
 Does not disrupt or hinder implementation of any 2017 Clean Air Plan control measures.

The following includes a discussion of consistency with these criteria for the 2040 General Plan. The 2017 Clean Air Plan contains 85 control strategies aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting the climate in the Bay Area. For consistency with climate planning efforts at the State level, the control strategies in the 2017 Clean Air Plan are based on the same economic sector framework used by CARB, which encompass stationary sources, transportation, energy, buildings, agriculture, natural and working lands, waste management, water, and super-GHG pollutants. Table 3.2-6 identifies applicable control measures, discusses 2040 General Plan consistency, and shows corresponding policies from the 2040 General Plan that address the measures.

Table 3.2-6 Clean Air Plan Control Measures Consistency Analysis – 2040 General Plan Control Measures Consistency
Transportation
TR2: Trip Reduction Programs. Implement the
regional Commuter Benefits Program (Rule 14-
1) that requires employers with 50 or more
Bay Area employees to provide commuter
benefits. Encourage trip reduction policies and
programs in local plans, e.g., general and
specific plans, while providing grants to
support trip reduction efforts. Encourage local
governments to require mitigation of vehicle
travel as part of new development approval, to
adopt transit benefits ordinances in order to
reduce transit costs to employees, and to
develop innovative ways to encourage
rideshare, transit, cycling, and walking for work
trips. Fund various employer-based trip
reduction programs.

Consistent: Development of the 2040 General Plan would promote compatible land uses resulting in City residents living and working in closer proximity to each other. Proposed policies such as TS-12.11, TC-13.4, and TC-15.6 emphasize transit for commuter and vehicular trip and VMT reduction for non-residential land uses.

Policy TC-12.11: Commute Information. Promote 511 Contra Costa alternative commute mode materials to encourage reduced reliance on vehicular use.

Policy TC-13.4: Transit for Commuters and Special Needs Populations. Work with transit providers and other regional TDM entities to promote and incentivize use of transit for commuters, seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.

Policy TC-15.6: TDM Measures for Non-Residential Land Uses.

Encourage measures to reduce vehicular trips and vehicle-miles travelled (VMT). Examples are the provision of on-site childcare and after-school care facilities, and on-site modular mini-conference rooms for virtual meetings.

TR3: Local and Regional Bus Service. Fund
local and regional bus projects, including
operations and maintenance.

TR4: Local and Regional Rail Service. Fund
local and regional rail service projects,
including operations and maintenance.

Consistent. Proposed Goal TC-13 of the Transportation and Circulation Element focuses on reducing congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation. In particular, the following policies would encourage improved transit access and regional transit connections in Pleasant Hill:

Policy TC-13.1: Bus and Rail Services. Coordinate with local transit providers (i.e., bus, paratransit, and rail service) to provide expanded schedules and services that meet the needs of Pleasant Hill residents.

Policy TC-13.3: Support County Connection Improvements. Support County Connection to improve all types of accessibility and comfort for their facilities and to incorporate intermodal facilities where feasible.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1220 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-22
Control Measures Consistency
TR6: Freeway and Arterial Operations.

Improve the performance and efficiency of
freeway and arterial systems through
operational improvements, such as
implementing the Freeway Performance
Initiative, the Freeway Service Patrol and the
Arterial Management Program.

Consistent. Proposed Policy TC-4.2 in the Transportation and Circulation Element calls for the City to develop and improve thoroughfares based on existing and proposed land use patterns and projected demand.

Policy LU-6.50 requires upgrades to the street network on Monument Boulevard to improve overall traffic flow pending approval of a new development.

TR9: Bicycle and Pedestrian Access and
Facilities. Encourage planning for bicycle and
pedestrian facilities in local plans, e.g., general
and specific plans, fund bike lanes, routes,
paths and bicycle parking facilities.

Consistent: Proposed policies in the 2040 General Plan would support an efficient and safe bicycle and pedestrian system that would improve the connectivity and accessibility throughout Pleasant Hill. Proposed Goal TC-9 from the Transportation and Circulation Element is focused on prioritizing a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities. Goal TC-11 from the Transportation and Circulation Element focuses on increasing the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips. Proposed policies from the Transportation and Circulation Element listed below would encourage bicycle and pedestrian facilities:

Policy TC-1.2: Multimodal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.

Policy TC-4.5: Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation.

Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and high-quality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.

Policy TC-5.1: Evaluate Multimodal Facility Needs. Evaluate the needs of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and/or access for new development as part of the review process, and require new development to incorporate transit, bicycle, and pedestrian access where feasible and appropriate, consistent with the Circulation Element and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (when adopted).

Policy TC-5.3: Mobility Technology Support. Identify and implement technology that supports walking, biking, commuting, and other alternative transportation modes within the City including infrastructure that supports micro mobility use within the City.

Policy TC-9.1: Pedestrian Safety. Maintain and upgrade the City’s pedestrian system by installing or upgrading sidewalks, warning devices, crosswalks, and other pedestrian aids where appropriate, including particular consideration for the needs of users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-9.2: Pedestrian Connections. Require new development to use best practices in providing pedestrian connections between sites and existing and planned pedestrian facilities, including those identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and other relevant plans and documents.

Policy TC-9.3: Enhance Pedestrian Crossings. Enhance pedestrian crossings on all arterial and collector roadways.

Policy TC-9.4: Sidewalk Maintenance. Maintain existing sidewalk to meet ADA requirements, including removal or relocation of objects obstructing pedestrian path and installation of wider or detached

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1221 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-23
Control Measures Consistency
sidewalks with a buffer separation from vehicular traffic, where feasible.

Policy TC-9.5: Sidewalk Guidelines and Standards. Establish sidewalk standards and guidelines for enhancing existing sidewalk and installation of new sidewalks.

Policy TC-9.6: Planning for Pedestrian Improvements. Ensure all planning processes, such as PUD Concept Plans, master plans and specific plans, identify areas where pedestrian improvements can be made, such as new connections, increased sidewalk width, improved crosswalks, improved lighting, and new street furniture.

Policy TC-9.7: Enhance Street Lighting. Enhance street lighting to provide for better pedestrian safety.

Policy TC-9.8: Sidewalk Improvements. Improve sidewalks to facilitate access by users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-9.9: Sidewalk Plan. Create a sidewalk plan that identifies high-priority sidewalk throughout the city and establishes an implementation plan for eliminating the sidewalk gaps and enhancement.

Policy TC-10.1: Prioritize Linkages. Design and maintain a pedestrian system that provides connections between trails and access to roadways and parking.

Policy TC-10.2: Safe and Interconnected Trails. Work with other responsible/owner agencies to ensure the trails system is designed to be safe and interconnected, incorporating on-street connections where needed, designed for pedestrians and/or bicyclists, and consistent with other relevant plans.

Policy TC-11.1: Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. Support a network of safe and comfortable bikeway and pedestrian facilities connecting neighborhoods and destinations in Pleasant Hill and adjacent jurisdictions.

Policy TC-11.2: Street Design. Require street cross-sections to accommodate bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and pedestrians.

Policy TC-11.3: Protected Bicycle Facilities. Consider incorporating protected bicycle and pedestrian facilities in higher density land use areas and along major transportation corridors to the greatest extent feasible.

Policy TC-12.2: Design Standards. Support design upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase connectivity and safety citywide.

Policy TC-12.6: Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network of bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools and other frequently visited destinations.

Policy TC-12.8: Bicycle Parking. Support the expansion of the bicycle parking network in Pleasant Hill.

TR13: Parking Policies. Encourage parking
policies and programs in local plans, e.g.,
reduce minimum parking requirements; limit
the supply of off-street parking in transitoriented areas; unbundle the price of parking spaces; support implementation of demandbased pricing (such as “SF Park”) in high-traffic areas.

Consistent: The 2040 General Plan proposes policies that recognize that parking should be balanced with other objectives that encourage transit use, bicycling, and walking. The following policies that support this goal and are relevant to TR13 are included below:

Policy LU-6.36: Parking Management Considerations. Support alternative parking management techniques and development standards for new development on Gregory Lane.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1222 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-24
Control Measures Consistency
Policy LU-6.47: Parking Management Considerations. Support alternative parking management techniques and development standards for new development on Oak Park Boulevard.

Policy TC-4.5: Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation.

Policy ENV-2.3: Limit Parking Areas. Discourage additional parking for any new development unless the developer can demonstrate the need for additional parking.

Policy E-6.2: Transportation Systems. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, ride sharing hubs, and bike/scooter rental services to support consumer interest in alternative transportation modes. Evaluate the changing needs for parking in commercial and mixed-use districts. Promote expansion of transit services.

Energy
EN1: Decarbonize Electricity Production.

Engage with PG&E, municipal electric utilities
and community choice energy programs (CCEs)
to maximize the amount of renewable energy
contributing to the production of electricity
within the Bay Area as well as electricity
imported into the region. Work with local
governments to implement local renewable
energy programs. Engage with stakeholders
including dairy farms, forest managers, water
treatment facilities, food processors, public
works agencies and waste management to
increase use of biomass in electricity
production.

Consistent. The focus of proposed Goal 9 of the Environment Element is to improve energy efficiency and energy conservation in development. Relevant policies are as follows:

Policy ENV-9.2: Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.5: Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

EN2: Decrease Electricity Demand. Work with
local governments to adopt additional energyefficiency policies and programs. Support local government energy efficiency program via best
practices, model ordinances, and technical
support. Work with partners to develop
messaging to decrease electricity demand
during peak times.

Consistent: Goals and policies proposed in the 2040 General Plan would support the City’s efforts to conserve various resources that would translate to energy conservation, such as improving water and power conservation. Overarching sustainability strategies to decrease energy demand include encouraging incorporation of green building features contained in the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), Part 11, Title 24, encouraging energy-efficient infrastructure, and designing developments with water efficient landscaping. The following proposed policies would reduce energy demand in Pleasant Hill:

Policy ENV-1.2: Green Building Code. Enforce the Green Building Code to ensure the design, construction, operation, use, and occupancy of new construction and remodeling are subject to contemporary water efficiency standards.

Policy ENV-8.9: Sustainable Community Facility Design. Encourage the incorporation of sustainable design features in community facilities to reduce energy demand and environmental impacts, such as solar reflective roofing, permeable pavement, and incorporation of shade trees.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1223 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-25
Control Measures Consistency
Policy ENV-9.2: Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.4: Municipal Buildings Efficiency and Conservation.

Require the design new public buildings to exceed State standards for water and energy efficiency.

Policy ENV-9.5: Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

Policy ENV-9.7: Energy-Efficient Lighting. Require public facilities to use energy-efficient lighting technology for outdoor and indoor spaces.

Policy PFS-1.3: Water-Saving Devices. Require the use of watersaving devices (e.g., low flow faucets and shower heads, dual flush toilets) in new developments and plumbing-related remodels.

Policy PFS-3.3: Green Infrastructure. Require new developments to install green infrastructure as required by the permit conditions of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, as part of their natural stormwater drainage systems, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID).

Buildings
BL1: Green Buildings. Collaborate with
partners such as KyotoUSA to identify energyrelated improvements and opportunities for on-site renewable energy systems in school
districts; investigate funding strategies to
implement upgrades. Identify barriers to
effective local implementation of the
CALGreen (Title 24) statewide building energy
code; develop solutions to improve
implementation/enforcement. Work with
ABAG’s BayREN program to make additional
funding available for energy-related projects in
the buildings sector. Engage with additional
partners to target reducing emissions from
specific types of buildings.

Consistent: Implementation of the proposed 2040 General Plan policies would promote green building standards. In addition, future development envisioned under the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with energy standards of Title 24 that are in effect at the time of construction. The following proposed policies would promote green building standards in Pleasant Hill:

Policy PFS-3.4: Retrofit for Green Infrastructure. Encourage the retrofit of existing development to include sustainable infrastructure and green building practices.

BL2: Decarbonize Buildings. Explore potential
Air District rulemaking options regarding the
sale of fossil fuel-based space and water
heating systems for both residential and
commercial use. Explore incentives for
property owners to replace their furnace,
water heater or natural-gas powered
appliances with zero-carbon alternatives.

Update Air District guidance documents to
recommend that commercial and multi-family
developments install ground source heat
pumps and solar hot water heaters.

Consistent. The 2040 General Plan proposes the following policies to support the decarbonization of buildings:

Policy ENV 9.2: Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.3: Local Partnerships. Partner with local businesses and organizations to secure grants and incentives that facilitate energy efficiency and renewable energy production.

Policy ENV-9.5: Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1224 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-26
Control Measures Consistency
Waste Management Control Measures
WA4: Recycling and Waste Reduction.

Develop or identify and promote model
ordinances on community-wide zero waste
goals and recycling of construction and
demolition materials in commercial and public
construction projects
Consistent. Proposed Goal ENV-10 in the Environment Element includes specific policies to reduce the generation of solid waste and improve recycling capabilities. Proposed Goal PFS-4 in the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Elements focuses on efforts to divert waste from landfills. Policies include:

Policy ENV-10.1: Franchise Agreements. Ensure waste franchise agreements and programs offer progressively higher rates of waste diversion with the goal of attaining and eventually exceeding the mandated 75 percent diversion rate.

Policy ENV-10.2: Green Purchasing. Evaluate and implement green purchasing options across all City departments and consider the life cycle effects of purchases.

Policy ENV-10.3: Zero Waste Education. Provide simple zero-waste education programs in City facilities and other organizations and partner with schools to facilitate education programs about recycling, composting, and reusing with standardized zero-waste materials.

Policy ENV-10.4: Composting Equipment. Provide composting equipment at community facilities and events to encourage public and commercial composting.

Policy ENV-10.5: Recycled Building Materials. Encourage new development projects to use recycled building materials where costeffective and structurally feasible.

Policy ENV-10.6: Building Salvage and Roadway Construction Projects. Require maximization of building salvage and recycling in remodeling or building demolition or roadway reconstruction projects when issuing demolition and encroachment permits.

Policy ENV-10.7: Recycling and Waste Diversion. Evaluate recycling and waste diversion opportunities periodically to consider new opportunities to further increase waste diversion.

Policy ENV-10.8: Trash Reduction. Encourage the community to continue meeting the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Control Board Permit Requirements for Trash Reduction.

Policy ENV-10.9: Reduction of Non-Recyclable/Compostable Products. Reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste in the community.

Policy ENV-10.10: On-Site Facilities in Existing Development. Require the City and encourage commercial businesses and business parks to install recycling and compost receptacles on their premises.

Policy ENV-10.11: Reduce Waste in Operations. Require the City and encourage residents and businesses to reuse products, choose postconsumer recycled content products, reduce packaging waste, and use non-toxic cleaning products to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy PFS-4.1: Sustainable Solid Waste and Recycling Services.

Work with contract service provider to advance their sustainability initiatives to increase recovery of key materials and development of regenerative landfills.

Policy PFS-4.2: Waste Reduction Education. Collaborate and partner with local organizations to provide waste reduction education programs to residents and businesses.

Policy PFS-4.3: Recycle and Reuse Building Materials. Require the recycling and reuse of building materials during demolition and construction including roadway projects.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1225 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-27
Control Measures Consistency
Water Control Measures
WR2: Support Water Conservation. Develop a
list of best practices that reduce water
consumption and increase on-site water
recycling in new and existing buildings;
incorporate into local planning guidance.

Consistent: Goals and policies proposed in the 2040 General Plan would support the City’s efforts to conserve water. Goal HS-4 in the Hazards and Safety Element is focused on minimizing the effects of drought by creating an emphasis on routine water conservation. The following 2040 General Plan policies would support water conservation in the City:

Policy ENV-1.3: Commercial and Business Water Conservation.

Require new or remodeled commercial and industrial development to make changes that conserve water, to the extent feasible. This could include utilizing efficient plumbing fixtures, installing droughttolerant and water-wise landscaping, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation.

Policy ENV-1.4: Municipal Water Conservation. Require, where feasible, that City facilities install efficient plumbing fixtures in new construction or renovations, replacing inefficient plumbing fixtures, and installing drought-tolerant and water-wise landscaping to conserve water.

Policy ENV-1.5: Water Conservation in Public Facilities. During construction or renovation of public facilities, institute water conservation measures such as hot-on-demand water faucets, low flush toilets, and low water using appliances.

Policy PFS-1.1: Preserve and Enhance Water Supply. Support the water providers in their efforts to preserve and enhance the water supply.

Policy PFS-1.3: Water-Saving Devices. Require the use of watersaving devices (e.g., low flow faucets and shower heads, dual flush toilets) in new developments and plumbing-related remodels.

Policy PFS-1.4: Reclaimed Water Use. Require new development to incorporate reclaimed water infrastructure into site and landscaping design and facilities in building/home design and business operations as allowed by applicable agency guidelines.

Policy HS-4.1: Municipal Water Conservation. Continue to identify opportunities to upgrade City facilities with water-conserving appliances and using reclaimed water for irrigation, landscaping, and other allowable uses.

Policy HS-4,2: Residential Water Conservation. Implement and maintain cost-effective, citywide water conservation and efficiency programs for all customers through education, rebates, assistance programs, and building requirements.

Policy HS-4.3: Water Conservation Measures. Reduce the amount of water used by development by requiring compliance with adopted water conservation measures.

Note: Only control measures that are applicable to the proposed project are identified.

As indicated in Table 3.2-6, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the three criteria for evaluating consistency with the 2017 Clean Air Plan. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. Therefore, the impact related to air quality management plan consistency would be less than significant.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1226 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-28
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant without mitigation
Criteria Air Pollutants Emissions Compared to Air Quality Standards Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard?
Impact AQ-2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN THE GENERATION OF

AIR POLLUTANTS DURING CONSTRUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS, WHICH COULD AFFECT LOCAL AIR QUALITY. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD NOT RESULT IN A CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE NET INCREASE OF OPERATIONAL CRITERIA POLLUTANTS DUE TO OPERATIONAL VMT INCREASE. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would involve activities that result in air pollutant emissions. Specifically, construction activities such as demolition, grading, construction worker travel, delivery and hauling of construction supplies and debris, and fuel combustion by on-site construction equipment would generate pollutant emissions. These construction activities would create emissions of dust, fumes, equipment exhaust, and other air contaminants, particularly during site preparation and grading. The extent of daily emissions, particularly ROGs and NOX emissions, generated by construction equipment, would depend on the quantity of equipment used and the hours of operation for each project. The extent of PM2.5 and PM10 emissions would depend upon the following factors: 1) the amount of disturbed soils; 2) the length of disturbance time; 3) whether existing structures are demolished; 4) whether excavation is involved; and 5) whether transporting excavated materials offsite is necessary. Dust emissions can lead to both nuisance and health impacts. According to the 2017 BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, PM2.5 is the greatest pollutant of concern during construction.7
The BAAQMD 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines have no plan-level significance thresholds for construction air pollutant emissions that would apply to the 2040 General Plan. However, the guidelines include project-level thresholds for construction emissions. If an individual project’s construction emissions fall below the project-level thresholds, the project’s impacts on regional air quality would be individually and cumulatively less than significant. The BAAQMD has also identified feasible fugitive dust control measures for construction activities. These Basic Construction Mitigation Measures are recommended for all projects. In addition, the BAAQMD and CARB have regulations that address the handling of hazardous air pollutants such as lead and asbestos, which could be aerially disbursed during demolition activities. BAAQMD rules and regulations address both the handling and transport of these contaminants. Construction of development envisioned under 7 BAAQMD. 2017a. California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines. May. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planningand-research/ceqa/ceqa_guidelines_may2017-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1227 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-29
the project would temporarily increase air pollutant emissions, possibly creating localized areas of unhealthy air pollution concentrations or air quality nuisances.

To promote clean air quality to protect public health and safety and to mitigate adverse air quality impacts, the 2040 General Plan includes Policies ENV-7.1 through ENV-7.4 and Policy ENV-7.6 in the Environment Element, which support implementation of feasible measures to reduce construction emissions associated with buildout of the 2040 General Plan. These policies are listed below.

Goal ENV-7 Meet or exceed State and Federal Air quality standards.

Policy ENV-7.1 Air Quality Improvements. Promote actions that improve air quality and help meet air quality attainment standards.

Policy ENV-7.2 Air Quality Strategies. Work with local and regional agencies to develop a consistent and effective approach to air quality planning and management that includes strategies to reduce vehicle trips, wood burning, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Policy ENV-7.3 Fuel-efficient Vehicles. Require fuel efficiency and cleaner fuels for vehicles, including construction and maintenance equipment, by replacing the City vehicles and equipment with zero-emission vehicles and equipment and requesting that City contractors use reduced- or zero-emission fleets.

Policy ENV-7.4 Landscape Equipment. Prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment and publicize the benefits and importance of alternative technologies.

Policy ENV-7.6 Best Management Construction Practices. Require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards.

The 2040 General Plan Policy ENV-7.1 promotes actions that would improve air quality to help the region meet air quality attainment standards and Policy ENV-7.2 encourages cooperation with local and regional agencies to develop a consistent and effective approach to air quality planning. Policy ENV-7.3 states that the City will require fuel efficiency and cleaner fuels for vehicles, including construction equipment, and request that City contractors use reduced- or zero-emission fleets.

Under Policy ENV 7.4, the use of gas-powered landscape equipment would be prohibited. Policy ENV-7.6 would require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards. These policies would reduce construction criteria pollutant emissions generated by future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan.

CONSTRUCTION FUGITIVE DUST
Implementation of Policy ENV-7.6 would require future development projects to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards. Implementation of BAAQMD best management construction practices would require watering exposed surfaces twice a day, covering all haul trucks transporting loose materials, removing visible mud or dirt track-out once a day, limiting vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour, completing paving as soon as possible, minimizing idling times, and maintaining and properly tuning all construction equipment during future project-level construction which would reduce fugitive dust emissions from construction activities. With adherence to these 2040 General Plan policies listed above,

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1228 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-30
cumulative construction criteria pollutant impacts related to fugitive dust and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant.

CONSTRUCTION AIR POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
BAAQMD identifies screening sizes of development projects in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines that apply to development projects in Pleasant Hill and throughout BAAQMD’s jurisdiction. Development projectsthat are below the screening size are assumed to have less-than-significant impacts.

Development projects that are larger than the screening size are required to demonstrate that the construction phase of the project would not exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, as identified in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines. If construction-related criteria air pollutants are determined to have the potential to exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, as identified in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, project applicants would be required to incorporate project-specific mitigation measures to reduce air pollutant emissions (e.g., NOX, ROG, PM10,PM2.5) during construction activities to below the thresholds (e.g., see BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, Table 8-2, Additional Construction Mitigation Measures Recommended for Projects with Construction Emissions Above the Threshold, or applicable construction mitigation measures subsequently approved by BAAQMD). Therefore, without the preparation of project-specific analysis on a projectby-project basisfor development proposalsthat exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes, construction criteria pollutant emission impacts at the program level are potentially significant. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, described below, would require that projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate project-specific construction emissions in conformance with the BAAQMD methodology and to mitigate the impacts to a less-than-significant level if construction-related criteria air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance.

Therefore, 2040 General Plan cumulative construction criteria pollutant impacts related to air pollutant emissions and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant with mitigation.

OVERALL
With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, overall cumulative construction criteria pollutant emission impacts and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
The greatest source of criteria pollutants in Pleasant Hill is and would continue to be from transportation sources, specifically mobile emissions from roadway vehicle volumes. In addition, natural gas usage and area sources (e.g., landscaping and other mechanical equipment and ROG emissions from paint) also contribute to criteria air pollutant emissions in Pleasant Hill. The 2040 General Plan emphasizes reducing VMT on area roadways through emphasizing greater residential density, proximity of residents to jobs and commercial services, and implementation of alternative modes of transportation. The 2040 General Plan policies that support a VMT reduction, and thus a reduction in mobile criteria pollutant emissions, are listed below:

Goal LU-3 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Pleasant Hill residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1229 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-31
Policy LU-3.2 Connectivity. Encourage new residential and mixed-use development to incorporate design features that promote walking within neighborhoods and citywide.

Policy LU-3.2 Neighborhood Access. Ensure that new residential development include safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to existing residential neighborhoods.

Policy LU-3.4 Clustering Development. Encourage new residential development to be clustered to support increased densities, open space, and efficiencies of public facilities and services.

Goal LU-4 To ensure that commercial and mixed-use development in the city is consistent with the overall community character and serves the existing and future needs of residents and visitors.

Policy LU-4.2 Strip Commercial Conversion. Encourage existing strip commercial uses to be redeveloped into pedestrian friendly, contemporary shopping environments Policy LU-4.3 Neighborhood Connectivity. Encourage commercial and mixed-use development to link to adjoining residential neighborhoods by incorporating well-designed and attractive streetscapes with sidewalks, bicycle paths, and street amenities.

Policy LU-4.4 Capture Local Spending. Encourage the development of a broad range of commercial uses that capture a greater share of local spending and reduce residents’ reliance upon travel to nearby communities.

Policy LU-4.5 Vertical and Horizontal Mixed-use. Encourage vertical and horizontal mixeduse development at key intersections and within neighborhoods that result in distinct and cohesive pedestrian-oriented places that provide additional neighborhood-serving amenities and intensified economic vitality.

Goal LU-6 Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.

Policy LU-6.4 Enhanced Connectivity. Support the expansion of alternative transportation options including enhancements to the multi-use trail, expanded bike lanes along Golf Club Road, and additional connections between new and existing development.

Policy LU-6.16 Walkable Environment. Enhance the pedestrian connections between Downtown, Crescent Drive, City Hall, and adjacent commercial centers along Contra Costa Boulevard.

Policy LU-6.25 Transit-Oriented Development. Encourage the design and development of transit-oriented developments along Contra Costa Boulevard to support future transportation system enhancements.

Policy LU-6.27 Pedestrian Oriented Development. Support the transformation of existing auto-oriented and strip commercial uses into attractive pedestrian-oriented developments that enhance the visual character and interest of the boulevard.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1230 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-32
Policy LU-6.31 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Contra Costa Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

Policy LU-6.34 Transform Gregory Lane. Support the transformation of Gregory Lane into an attractive streetscape that includes neighborhood-serving mixed-use with active frontages facing the street, wider sidewalks, expanded bicycle lanes, and consistent landscaping.

Policy LU-6.37 Pedestrian Friendly Design. Encourage the expansion of Gregory Lane pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure to create a more multi-modal friendly environment that increases overall safety.

Policy LU-6.48 Pedestrian Connectivity. Require Monument Boulevard pedestrian upgrades including signalized crossings, bulb outs, and expanded sidewalks.

Policy LU-6.53 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Monument Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

Goal LU-7 Improve the health and well-being of all Pleasant Hill residents.

Policy LU-7.2 Alternative Transportation Improvements. Support new development and infrastructure improvements in existing neighborhoods that enable and encourage people to drive less and walk, bike, or take public transit more.

Policy LU-7.3 Remove Physical Barriers. Remove or plan for ways to address physical barriers that bisect neighborhoods and discourage walking or biking.

Land Use Element Implementation Programs
Program C Streetscape Improvements. Install streetscape improvements, pedestrian access elements, and public spaces to areas outside of downtown, and require new development in those areas to incorporate complementary features.

Program L Pedestrian and Bicycle Barrier Removal. Prepare an analysis of the physical barriers to walking and bicycling throughout the city. Identify options for and prepare a program for barrier removal. The analysis should include improvement prioritization, cost estimates, funding sources, and a timeline for improvements.

Goal TC-1 Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.

Policy TC-1.2 Multimodal Travel Options. Develop a connected network of vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities that provide continuous, safe, and comfortable travel for users of all ages, abilities, and transportation modes.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1231 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-33
Goal TC-2 Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.

Policy TC-2.6 Safe Routes to School (SR2S). Establish a Safe Routes to School program in collaboration with the school districts and private schools that identifies and promotes suggested routes to school and incentivizes students and parents to use alternative transportation modes for school commutes.

Goal TC-4 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through land use planning.

Policy TC-4.4 Infill Development. Support infill and development in existing urban areas and around key transit facilities.

Policy TC-4.5 Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation. Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and high-quality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.

Goal TC-5 Support a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages alternative (nondriving) modes of transportation.

Policy TC-5.1 Evaluate Multimodal Facility Needs. Evaluate the needs of transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities and/or access for new development as part of the review process, and require new development to incorporate transit, bicycle, and pedestrian access where feasible and appropriate, consistent with the Circulation Element and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (when adopted).

Policy TC-5.2 Impact Mitigation Costs. Require new development to pay costs necessary to mitigate project impacts on the local and regional transportation system, including establishment of trails and other alternatives to vehicle use as specified in the Capital Improvement Plan and Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Policy TC-5.3 Mobility Technology Support. Identify and implement technology that supports walking, biking, commuting, and other alternative transportation modes within the City including infrastructure that supports micro mobility use within the City.

Goal TC-6 Reduce reliance on the automobile by promoting alternative modes of transportation.

Policy TC-6.1 Encourage Non-Driving Forms of Personal Mobility. Encourage bicycling, walking, and other forms of personal mobility, like e-scooters, e-bikes, and neighborhood electric vehicles, as energy conserving, non-polluting modes of travel.

Policy TC-6.2 Private Development of Transportation Facilities. Encourage private entities to develop and maintain publicly accessible transportation facilities, including transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1232 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-34
Policy TC-6.3 Non-Vehicular Transportation Requirement. Require new developments that would result in significant increases in air pollution, VMT or noise to incorporate non-vehicular facilities or programs that would reduce the overall project impacts on these resources including e-Bike charging stations and free use eBike pod stations for residential and commercial development.

Goal TC-8 Encourage the development of a comprehensive and integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design features that allow safe and convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, youth, and families.

Policy TC-8.1 Complete Streets Principles. Apply complete streets principles when building new, or rehabilitating existing, roadways, consider the following design elements:
 Sidewalks and curbs as a standard design principle.
 Bicycle lanes and/or shared lanes as a standard design principle.  Transit accessibility as a standard design principle.  Shade trees and planting strips as a standard design principle along roadways
Policy TC-8.2 Review for Complete Streets. Review street reconstruction, new development, and utility projects to incorporate complete street elements when feasible, including trails, bus stop enhancements, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.

Policy TC-8.3 Regional Complete Streets Planning. Coordinate internally and with other agencies to plan for the provision of complete streets regionally.

Policy TC-8.4 Multi-Modal Roadways. Consider the needs of vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrians on all city roadways and facilities.

Policy TC-8.6 Wide Sidewalks for Shared Use. Provide wide sidewalks to allow shared use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and non-motorized modes of transportation as directed by the City Engineer.

Policy TC-8.7 Limit Roadway Widening. Limit roadway widening and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements within the right of way to increase roadway capacity that does not conflict with emergency access requirements.

Goal TC-9 Prioritize a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-9.1 Pedestrian Safety. Maintain and upgrade the City’s pedestrian system by installing or upgrading sidewalks, warning devices, crosswalks, and other pedestrian aids where appropriate, including particular consideration for the needs of users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-9.2 Pedestrian Connections. Require new development to use best practices in providing pedestrian connections between sites and existing and planned pedestrian facilities, including those identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and other relevant plans and documents.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1233 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-35
Policy TC-9.3 Enhance Pedestrian Crossings. Enhance pedestrian crossings on all arterial and collector roadways.

Policy TC-9.4 Sidewalk Maintenance. Maintain existing sidewalk to meet ADA requirements, including removal or relocation of objects obstructing pedestrian path and installation of wider or detached sidewalks with a buffer separation from vehicular traffic, where feasible.

Policy TC-9.5 Sidewalk Guidelines and Standards. Establish sidewalk standards and guidelines for enhancing existing sidewalk and installation of new sidewalks.

Policy TC-9.6 Planning for Pedestrian Improvements. Ensure all planning processes, such as PUD Concept Plans, master plans and specific plans, identify areas where pedestrian improvements can be made, such as new connections, increased sidewalk width, improved crosswalks, improved lighting, and new street furniture.

Policy TC-9.7 Enhance Street Lighting. Enhance street lighting to provide for better pedestrian safety.

Policy TC-9.8 Sidewalk Improvements. Improve sidewalks to facilitate access by users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-9.9 Sidewalk Plan. Create a sidewalk plan that identifies high-priority sidewalk throughout the city and establishes an implementation plan for eliminating the sidewalk gaps and enhancement.

Goal TC-10 Provide well-designed and well-maintained off-street paths and trails.

Policy TC-10.1 Prioritize Linkages. Design and maintain a pedestrian system that provides connections between trails and access to roadways and parking.

Goal TC-11 Increase the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips by users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-11.1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. Support a network of safe and comfortable bikeway and pedestrian facilities connecting neighborhoods and destinations in Pleasant Hill and adjacent jurisdictions.

Policy TC-11.2 Street Design. Require street cross-sections to accommodate bicyclists, micromobility users, and pedestrians.

Policy TC-11.3 Protected Bicycle Facilities. Consider incorporating protected bicycle and pedestrian facilities in higher density land use areas and along major transportation corridors to the greatest extent feasible.

Goal TC-12 Strive to eliminate all fatal and serious injury bicycle and pedestrian related crashes.

Policy TC-12.2 Design Standards. Support design upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities to increase connectivity and safety citywide.

Policy TC-12.6 Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network of bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools and other frequently visited destinations.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1234 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-36
Policy TC-12.7 Emphasis on Walking and Biking. Encourage more people to walk and bicycle for a variety of purposes.

Policy TC-12.8 Bicycle Parking. Support the expansion of the bicycle parking network in Pleasant Hill.

Goal TC-13 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation.

Policy TC-13.1 Bus and Rail Services. Coordinate with local transit providers (i.e., bus, paratransit, and rail service) to provide expanded schedules and services that meet the needs of Pleasant Hill residents.

Policy TC-13.2 Innovative Transportation Technologies. Work with transit providers, employers, schools, and developers to encourage innovative technologies that promote more effective and expanded use of transit and facilitate other innovations to serve first and last mile travel, such as mobility hubs and micromobility (e-scooters, e-bikes).

Policy TC-13.3 Support County Connection Improvements. Support County Connection to improve all types of accessibility and comfort for their facilities and to incorporate intermodal facilities where feasible
Policy TC-13.4 Transit for Commuters and Special Needs Populations. Work with transit providers and other regional TDM entities to promote and incentivize use of transit for commuters, seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.

Goal TC-14 Provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods to support commerce, industry, and the community
Policy TC-14.3 Minimize Truck Impacts on Air Quality and Noise Levels. Minimize the impact of truck parking and loading/unloading activities on air quality and noise levels.

Goal TC-15 Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle trip lengths and manage vehicle congestion through a comprehensive program of transportation resources and services.

Policy TC-15.1 TDM Alternatives. Meet the increased transportation needs of the community with TDM alternatives.

Policy TC-15.2 Require TDM Programs. Require new development to implement appropriate TDM programs to encourage walking, biking, carpooling, and transit use, and to reduce vehicle trips.

Policy TC-15.3 TDM for New Development. All new development with more than 10 housing units or over 5,000 square feet of non-residential uses shall be required to include a detailed and measurable TDM program.

Policy TC-15.6 TDM Measures for Non-Residential Land Uses. Encourage measures to reduce vehicular trips and vehicle-miles travelled (VMT). Examples are the provision of on-site childcare and after-school care facilities, and on-site modular miniconference rooms for virtual meetings.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1235 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-37
Transportation and Circulation Element Implementation Programs Program G Non-automobile Commute Incentives. Prepare an analysis of potential incentives to encourage City employees to commute to work using alternative means, including BART and bus passes, ridesharing, van pooling, and secure bicycle storage facilities.

Program I Complete Streets Best Practices. Develop and apply a complete streets best practices checklist to guide the design and review of proposed transportation improvement projects incorporating appropriate provisions from standard reference guidelines from federal, state and local sources (e.g., Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, MTC, ABAG, ITE, etc.).

Program J Citywide Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan. Update every seven (7) years the Citywide Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan to specify bicycle and pedestrian facility networks, and to identify and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian facility needs in the City.

Program K Explore Independent Alignments. Prepare an analysis of potential for the dedication and preservation of independent alignments, including utility, abandoned waterways, and railroad right of ways, for the development of bicycle paths.

Program L Review and Maintenance of Benchmarks. Ensure public bicycle and pedestrian needs are regularly reviewed by preparing and maintaining benchmark pedestrian and bicyclist volumes and movements.

Program N Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Standards. Prepare updated design standards and upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian facilities consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Program P Incentivized Reduced Vehicle Trips. Create incentives for existing employers to reduce their vehicle trips.

Program Q Promote Carpools and Vanpools. Promote the use of carpools and vanpools by supporting and advertising services and programs implemented by 511ContraCosta.org, which operates transportation demand management (TDM) programs and services in the city.

Program R Transportation Demand Management System. Develop a transportation demand management program checklist and seek to fund TDM fee.

Program U Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network or bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools, and other frequently visited destinations.

Goal ENV-8 Become a low carbon community that strives to exceed State GHG reduction goals by 2040.

Policy ENV-8.4 Land Use and Transportation Priorities. Support land uses and transportation improvements that prioritize alternative transportation modes that will reduce the number and length of automobile trips.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1236 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-38
Policy ENV-8.6 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new and redeveloped commercial and multi-family projects and require new single-family residential development to include 220-volt outlets in all garages.

Goal E-6 Encourage the development and expansion of critical communications and transportation infrastructure.

Policy E-6.2 Transportation Systems. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, ride sharing hubs, and bike/scooter rental services to support consumer interest in alternative transportation modes. Evaluate the changing needs for parking in commercial and mixed-use districts. Promote expansion of transit services.

Policy E-6.3 Active Transportation. Promote the use of the City’s trail systems to increase pedestrian and bike travel, particularly for local work trips. Develop circulation designs in mixed use districts, including Downtown, to promote pedestrian access and bike/scooter travel.

Economics and Economy Element Implementation Programs
Program N Electric Vehicle and Micromobility Charging Stations. Develop a plan for the location and development of publicly available charging stations for autos and other types of personal electric transportation.

According to the BAAQMD 2017 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines, the threshold for criteria air pollutants and precursors requires an assessment of the rate of increase of plan VMT and population.

Table 3.2-7 summarizes the net increase in population versus VMT for 2040 General Plan buildout.

The proposed plan is projected to accommodate a population of 70,397 persons by the year 2040, which is an increase of 36,204 persons or 106% compared to baseline conditions (34,193 persons).

The proposed plan would generate an estimated daily VMT of 3,018,600 miles in the year 2040, which is an increase of 1,131,900 miles or 60 percent compared to existing (2022) conditions (1,886,700 miles).

Table 3.2-7 Net Increase in 2040 General Plan Population versus VMT Scenario Existing (2022) 2040 General Plan Buildout Net Increase Population 34,193 70,397 36,204
Percentage change 106%
VMT 1,886,700 3,018,600 1,131,900
Percentage change 60%
Source: Fehr & Peers, 2022
The 2040 General Plan emphasizes changing land uses to concentrate growth and residences near jobs and services to reduce singular vehicle trips and encourage alternative models of travel. As shown in Table 3.2-7 above, the City’s population increase would be proportionately greater than the VMT increase. As such, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in an increase in VMT that is less than the increase in service population. As discussed under Specific

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1237 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-39
Thresholds of Significance above, if a plan’s VMT increase is less than or equal to the plan’s projected population increase, impacts related to operational criteria pollutant emissions would be less than significant. Nonetheless, individual development projects under the plan could generate potentially significant operational criteria air pollutant unless analyzed and mitigated. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-2, described below, requires projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate project-specific operation emissions and to mitigate impacts to a less-than-significant level if operational-related air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance. Therefore, 2040 General Plan cumulative operational criteria pollutant impacts related to air pollutant emissions and consistency with associated air quality standards would be less than significant with mitigation.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE

CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
To reduce temporary increases in criteria air pollutant emissions during the construction phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy to be implemented as part of the project approval process:
 New Policy: Require projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate projectspecific construction emissions in conformance with the BAAQMD methodology and if construction-related criteria air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impacts to a less-than-significant level.

MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-2: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE

OPERATIONAL CRITERIA POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
To reduce long-term increases in air pollutants during the operation phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA that exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:

New Policy: Require projects that exceed the BAAQMD screening sizes to evaluate projectspecific operation emissions in conformance with BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, and if operationrelated air pollutants exceed the BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, require the project applicant to mitigate the impact to a less-than-significant level.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1238 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-40
Toxic Air Contaminants Emissions Exposure
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
Impact AQ-3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN LASTING LONGER THAN TWO MONTHS OR LOCATED WITHIN 1,000 FEET OF SENSITIVE RECEPTORS COULD EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO SUBSTANTIAL POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSED PLAN MAY ALSO EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL SOURCES OF TACS. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in DPM exhaust emissions from offroad, heavy-duty diesel equipment associated with site preparation (e.g., excavation, grading, clearing), building construction, and other miscellaneous construction activities. DPM was identified as a TAC by CARB in 1998. The potential cancer risk from the inhalation of DPM, as discussed below, outweighs the potential non-cancer8 health impacts.9 Generation of DPM from construction typically occurs in a single area for a short period of time. Construction of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur over approximately 18 years but use of diesel-powered construction equipment in any one area would likely occur for no more than a few years for an individual project and would cease when construction is completed in that area. It is not possible to quantify risk without identified specific project details and locations, as impacts would vary based on location, intensity, construction methods, and other project-specific factors. For example, a project proposing construction of a small-scale commercial building on an infill site over a six-month construction period would generally have less impacts than a large-scale commercial development on an undeveloped site with a two-year constriction period.

The dose to which the receptors are exposed is the primary factor used to determine health risk.

Dose is a function of the concentration of a substance or substances in the environment and the extent of exposure that person has with the substance. Dose is positively correlated with time, meaning that a longer exposure period would result in a higher exposure level for the Maximally Exposed Individual. The risks estimated for a Maximally Exposed Individual are higher if a fixed exposure occurs over a longer period. According to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), health risk assessments, which determine the exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic emissions, should be based on a 70-year exposure period; however, such assessments should be limited to the period/duration of activities associated with the development.10 BAAQMD uses an exposure period of 30 years.11 8 Non-cancer risks include premature death, hospitalizations and emergency department visits for exacerbated chronic heart and lung disease, including asthma, increased respiratory symptoms, and decreased lung function (CARB 2022b). 9 CARB. 2022b. Overview: Diesel Exhaust & Health. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/overview-diesel-exhaust-and-health (accessed November 2022).
10 OEHHA. 2015. Air Toxics Hot Spots Program Guidance Manual for Preparation of Health Risk Assessments. https://oehha.ca.gov/air/crnr/notice-adoption-air-toxics-hot-spots-program-guidance-manual-preparation-health-risk-0 (accessed October 2022).
11 BAAQMD. 2016. Air Toxics NSR Program Health Risk Assessment Guidelines. December. https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/files/planning-and-research/permit-modeling/hra_guidelines_12_7_2016_clean-pdf.pdf?la=en (accessed October 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1239 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-41
The maximum PM10 and PM2.5 emissions would occur during demolition, site preparation and grading activities, which would only occur for a portion of the overall construction duration. PM10 and PM2.5 emissions would decrease for the remaining construction period because construction activities such as building construction and architectural coating would require less intensive construction equipment. The 2040 General Plan contains the following policy that would have the effect of minimizing construction TACs from future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan:

Goal ENV-7 Meet or exceed State and Federal Air quality standards.

Policy ENV-7.6 Best Management Construction Practices. Require new development to use best management construction practices in accordance with BAAQMD standards.

Future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would also be required to be consistent with the applicable 2017 Clean Air Plan, BAAQMD regulatory requirements and control strategies, and the CARB In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation, which are intended to reduce emissions from construction equipment and activities. Additionally, future development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with Mitigation Measure AQ-1requiring implementation of construction emission measures that would also reduce construction-related TACs. According to the OEHHA, construction of individual projects lasting longer than two months or placed within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors could potentially expose nearby sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. In addition, these future projects could exceed BAAQMD thresholds of an increased cancer risk of greater than 10.0 in a million and an increased non-cancer risk of greater than 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute). As such, construction impacts from TAC emissions would be potentially significant. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-3 would require coordination with the City to determine if a construction HRA would need to be performed for future projects with construction timelines greater than two months and within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, in order to identify and reduce potential risk exposure to nearby sensitive receptors. Therefore, construction-related TACs exposure impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could accommodate a net increase of approximately 19,216 residential units and up to 9,156,213 net new non-residential gross square feet. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan in accordance with land use and zoning regulations would not site land uses that typically generate TAC, such as industrial land uses, in close proximity to residential land uses. Additionally, if the proposed commercial, neighborhood business, mixed uses, and industrial uses site a new stationary TAC source, like an emergency generator, then said stationary source would be required to receive a permit from BAAQMD. The permitting process would ensure that the stationary source does not present a health risk to existing nearby sensitive receptors.

The primary mobile source of TACs within the plan area is truck idling and use of off-road equipment. New warehousing operations could generate substantial DPM emissions from off-road equipment use and truck idling. In addition, some warehousing and industrial facilities may include use of TRUs for cold storage. Such potential future uses could generate an increase in DPM that would contribute to cancer and noncancer health risk at nearby sensitive receptors. Without project-specific analysis, health risk impactsfrom nonpermitted sources associated with development of industrial and commercial land uses under the proposed plan are considered

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1240 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-42
potentially significant. However, with implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-4, that requires new applicants for land uses that would generate substantial diesel truck travel to determine the appropriate level of operational health risk assessment required, operational 2040 General Plan impacts related to TAC emissions would be less than significant with mitigation.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-3: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO CONDUCT

AND IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT
To identify and reduce potential risk exposure to nearby sensitive receivers during the construction of individual projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Policy:

New Policy: For individual projects (excluding ADUs, single-family residences, and duplexes) where construction activities would occur within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, would last longer than two months, and would not utilize equipment rated US EPA Tier 4 for equipment of 50 horsepower or more, or construction equipment fitted with Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters for all equipment of 50 horsepower or more, and/or alternative fuel construction equipment, the project applicant shall coordinate with the City to determine if a construction health risk assessment (HRA) shall be performed. If an HRA is to be performed, the HRA shall determine potential risk and compare the risk to the following BAAQMD thresholds:
 Non-compliance with Qualified Community Risk Reduction Plan;  Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a million;
 Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or  Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3 µg/m3 annual average
If risk exceeds the thresholds, measures such as requiring the use of Tier 4 engines, Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters, and/or alternative fuel construction equipment shall be incorporated to reduce the risk to appropriate levels.

MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-4: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO REDUCE

OPERATIONAL TOXIC AIR CONTAMINANTS
To ensure sensitive receptors are not exposed to toxic air contaminant emissions during the operation phase for discretionary development projects that are subject to CEQA which exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Program:

New Program: Require applicants for industrial or warehousing land uses or commercial land uses that would generate substantial diesel truck travel (i.e., 100 diesel trucks per day or 40 or more trucks with diesel-powered transport refrigeration units per day) to contact BAAQMD to determine the appropriate level of operational health risk assessment (HRA) required. If required, the operational HRA shall be prepared in accordance with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and BAAQMD requirements and mitigated to an acceptable level.

Typical measures to reduce risk impacts may include, but are not limited to:
a. Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic Control Measures idling restrictions, as feasible. b. Electrifying warehousing docks.
c. Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer spaces.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1241 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-43
d. Requiring use of newer equipment and/or vehicles.
e. Restricting off-site truck travel through the creation of truck routes.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation
Objectionable Odors
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? Impact AQ-4 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN COULD CREATE OBJECTIONABLE ODORS THAT COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE. IMPACTS RELATED TO ODORS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Implementation of the 2040 General Plan would generate oil and diesel fuel odors during construction from equipment use as well as odors related to asphalt paving. The odors would be limited to the construction period and would be temporary. Therefore, odors emitted from the construction of individual future projects under the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant.

Operation
As stated in the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines, land uses typically producing objectionable odors include agricultural uses, wastewater treatment plants, food manufacturing plants, chemical plants, composting, refineries, landfills, and confined animal facilities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would include residential, commercial and retail, office, semi-public and institutional, and light industrial development. These land uses typically do not produce objectionable odors. In addition, it is not anticipated that the 2040 General Plan would add land uses that would have the potential to expose sensitive receptors, such as residences, to odors. However, certain commercial and industrial uses would have the potential to generate nuisance odors. Other odors from development of the 2040 General Plan include odor emissions that would be limited to odors associated with vehicle and engine exhaust and idling; however, odors from vehicles are not stationary and are dispersed throughout the roadway network. Therefore, individual projects under the plan could generate potentially significant objectionable odors unless analyzed and mitigated.

However, implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-5, which requires the evaluation of land uses and development projects near land uses that typically generate odors, would reduce this impact to less than significant. Therefore, 2040 General Plan impacts related to operational odor impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1242 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-44
Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE AQ-5: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM TO REDUCE

OPERATIONAL ODOR IMPACTS
To reduce odor impacts associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, the City shall adopt the following General Plan Program to be implemented as part of the project approval process:
 New Program: Odor Impacts. Consider odor impacts when evaluating land uses and development projects near wastewater treatment plants, treatment plant expansion projects, waste transfer stations, and other odor potential sources per the latest BAAQMD screening distances and guidelines.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation

3.2.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative air quality analysis is the regional air basin, specifically the SFBAAB. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County in addition to the proposed plans.

Criteria Air Pollutants
The SFBAAB is in non-attainment for federal standards of ozone and PM2.5 and in non-attainment for the State standard for ozone, PM2.5, and PM10. The SFBAAB is in attainment of all other federal and State standards. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would generate particulate matter and the ozone precursors (ROG and NOX) in the area during construction and operation. As described under Impact AQ-1, the 2040 General Plan would be consistent with the overall goal of the 2017 Clean Air Plan control measures as development would comply with the latest Title 24 regulations and would increase density in urban areas in proximity to transit, allowing for greater use of alternative modes of transportation. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan does not contain elements that would disrupt or hinder implementation of any 2017 Clean Air Plan control measures. In addition, the 2040 General Plan would support the primary goals of the 2017 Clean Air Plan. Discussion of these impacts considers the cumulative nature of criteria pollutants in the region. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not result in a cumulatively considerable contribution to a conflict with or obstruction of implementation of the applicable air quality plan.

As described under Impact AQ-2, 2040 General Plan construction would temporarily increase air pollutant emissions, possibly creating localized areas of unhealthy air pollution levels or air quality nuisances. BAAQMD has identified feasible fugitive dust control measures for construction activities because fugitive PM10 and PM2.5 are of concern. These temporary impacts would be mitigated with Mitigation Measure AQ-1. Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-2 would ensure that individual projects as part of plan buildout do not exceed BAQQMD’s operational criteria pollutant thresholds.

Discussion of these impacts considers the cumulative nature of criteria pollutants in the region; therefore, with mitigation, the project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of a criteria pollutant from construction emissions.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1243 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Air Quality
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-45
In addition, as described under Impact AQ-2, the 2040 General Plan would result in an increase of operational VMT that would not proportionately exceed the projected population increase per the BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines for operational emissions from plans. Therefore, impacts from operational criteria pollutant impacts from the 2040 General Plan would be less than significant and the 2040 General Plan’s operational criteria pollutant emissions would not be cumulatively considerable.

Therefore, the overall cumulative impact related to criteria air pollutants would be less than significant.

Toxic Air Contaminants
As identified under Impact AQ-3, 2040 General Plan development would not have a significant impact from TACs with implementation of 2040 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures AQ-3 and AQ-4As discussed under Specific Thresholds of Significance, a project would have a cumulatively considerably impact associated with health risks from TAC and PM2.5 emissions if the aggregate total emissions of all past, present, and foreseeable future sources within a 1,000-foot radius of the property line of the source plus the project’s contribution exceed 100 in a million or the BAAQMD non-cancer risk thresholds. As identified under Impact AQ-3, individual development under the 2040 General Plan would not have a significant impact from TACs with implementation of 2040 General Plan policies and Mitigation Measures AQ-3 and AQ-4. However, implementation of the 2040 General Plan and planned and approved projects from the cumulative projects list would generate TACs that could contribute to elevated risk levels in the city. While individual projects would achieve the project-level risk threshold of 10 per million with mitigation, they would nonetheless contribute to the higher levels of risk in the city and there may be instances where sensitive receptors are exposed to combined increased risk levels exceeding the BAAQMD cumulative risk thresholds from projects within a 1,000-foot radius. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan’s cumulative contribution to health risk is considered significant and unavoidable.

Odors
As identified under Impact AQ-4, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not have a significant impact from odor emissions with implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-5.

Construction emissions would disperse rapidly with distance, and therefore construction projects in close proximity to one another would not result in combined odors above those analyzed. In addition, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan is not anticipated to contain uses known to result in objectionable odors and therefore cumulative odor impacts from multiple developments would not result in a cumulatively considerable increase in odors. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to odors would be less than significant.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1244 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.2-46
This page intentionally left blank.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1245 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-1

3.3 Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources

3.3.1 Introduction
This section describes existing biological, agricultural, and forestry resources in the General Plan area as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates possible direct and indirect impacts to biological resources, including special-status species, sensitive natural communities, regulated waters and wetlands, sensitive habitat and mature native trees, and wildlife movement corridors associated with implementation of the proposed plan. This section also addresses and evaluates potential impacts related to agricultural and forestry resources.

Information included in this section is based on online record searches of the following databases:
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB),
1 the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Online Inventory of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants of California,
2 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI),
3 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper,4 and USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC).
5 3.3.2 Environmental Setting
Vegetation Communities and Other Land Cover Types
Definitions
Vegetation communities provide wildlife habitat components including food, shelter, movement corridors, and breeding opportunities for wildlife species. They are classified in general terms with an emphasis on vegetation structure, vegetation species composition, soil structure, and water availability. Some wildlife species are generalists that use a variety of habitats, while other species are adapted to very specific habitats. Species that are limited to a single habitat type are more vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance than are generalists and therefore, may be more at risk to experience population declines.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area encompasses the land within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Pleasant Hill is a predominantly residential community located in central Contra Costa County. The General Plan area is primarily developed and does not offer suitable habitat for special-status species or other special-status biological resources. However, Pleasant Hill is located south of Suisun Bay and east of San Francisco Bay and generally representing an ecologically diverse area supporting many plants and animal species, including special-status species.

The General Plan area has the following vegetation communities: annual grassland, blue oak woodland, valley oak woodland, and valley foothill riparian. These communities provide resources 1 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022. California Natural Diversity Database, Rarefind V. (accessed September 2022). 2 California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2022. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v9-01 0.0) https://www.rareplants.cnps.org (accessed September 2022). 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022a. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands mapper. Available at:
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html (accessed September 2022). 4 USFWS. 2022b. Environmental Conservation Online System, Critical Habitat Mapper [online]. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html (accessed September 2022). 5 USFWS. 2022c. Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) [online]. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ (accessed September 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1246 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-2
for a wide variety of wildlife species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) closely monitor communities classified as sensitive native plant communities or that provide habitat for sensitive wildlife species. In addition, the General Plan area has urban land uses, which are not vegetation communities.

Existing information for the General Plan area and surrounding vicinity was utilized to create a list of vegetation communities and land cover types. The plant community descriptions and nomenclature discussed are based on Holland’s Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. 6 Wildlife species assemblage information was based on existing documentation gathered from the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System 7 and A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition 8
. Table 3.3-1 and Figure 3.3-1 display the major vegetation communities and other land cover types present in the General Plan area.

Table 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types in the General Plan Area Type9 Acres Percent
Annual Grassland 632 11%
Blue Oak Woodland 125 2%
Coastal Oak Woodland 101 2%
Valley Oak Woodland 44 1%
Valley Foothill Riparian 84 1%
Urban 4,817 83%
Total 4,527 100

ANNUAL GRASSLAND
Annual grasslands are open grasslands composed primarily of annual herbaceous and forb species.

This habitat type exists throughout Pleasant Hill with most concentrations occurring at the northwestern portion of Pleasant Hill, where introduced annual grasses are the dominant plant species. These include wild oats (Avena fatua, A. barbata), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), ripgut brome (B. diandrus), red brome (B. tectorum), wild barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), and rattail sixweeks grass (Festuca myuros). Common forbs include broadleaf filaree (Erodium botrys), redstem filaree (E. cicutarium), turkey mullein (Croton setiger), true clovers (Trifolium spp.), bur clover (Medicago polymorpha), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys spp.), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), and many others. Perennial grasses, found in moist, lightly grazed, or relic prairie areas, are dominated by California oatgrass (Danthonia californica), Pacific hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. holciformis), and sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). These alliances can include, but are not limited to, Avena (barbata, fatua) semi-natural stands and Bromus (diandrus, hordeaceous) – Brachypodium distachyon semi-natural stands.10 Annual grasslands and relic perennial grasslands within these annual grasses occur in patches of various sizes throughout the 6 Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame Heritage Program. 156 pgs. 7 CDFW. 2014. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System (CWHR). Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR (accessed October 2022).
8 Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.
9 CDFW CWHR, op. cit.
10 Sawyer et al., op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1247 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-3
Figure 3.3-1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types in General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1248 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-4
state. Annual grassland occurs mostly on flat plains to gently rolling foothills. Climatic conditions are typically Mediterranean, with cool, wet winters and dry, hot summers.

BLUE OAK WOODLANDS
Generally, these woodlands have an over story of scattered trees, although the canopy can be nearly closed. The canopy is dominated by broad-leaved trees 16 feet to 50 feet tall, commonly forming open savanna-like stands on dry ridges and gentle slopes. Blue oak (Quercus douglasii) is typically the dominant tree species. Shrubs such as poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), California coffeeberry (Frangula californica), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), and redberry (Rhamnus crocea) are often present but rarely extensive, and often occur on rock outcrops. Typical understory is composed of an extension of Annual Grassland vegetation described above. Blue oak woodland typically corresponds to the Quercus douglasii Woodland Alliance.11

COASTAL OAK WOODLANDS
Coastal oak woodlands, which occur in the vicinity of Pleasant Hill, are extremely variable. The overstory consists of deciduous and evergreen hardwoods (mostly oaks 15 to 70 feet tall) sometimes mixed with scattered conifers. In mesic sites, the trees are dense and form a closed canopy. In drier sites, the trees are widely spaced, forming an open woodland or savannah. The understory is equally variable. In some instances, it is composed of shrubs from adjacent chaparral or coastal scrub which forms a dense, almost impenetrable understory. More commonly, shrubs are scattered under and between trees. Coastal oak woodlands occupy a variety of Mediterranean type climates that vary from north to south and west to east (the climate becomes hotter and drier toward the south and east.) Coastal oak woodland typically corresponds to the Quercus agrifolia Forest and Woodland Alliance.12

VALLEY OAK WOODLANDS
Remnant patches of this habitat are found in the Sacramento Valley from Redding south, in the San Joaquin Valley to the Sierra Nevada foothills, in the Tehachapi Mountains, and in valleys of the Coast Range from Lake County to western Los Angeles County. This habitat varies from savanna-like to forest-like stands with partially closed canopies, comprised mostly of winter-deciduous, broadleaved species. Within Pleasant Hill this community occurs only near Shannon Hills Park in the western portion of the city. Canopies of these woodlands are dominated almost exclusively by valley oaks (Quercus lobata).13 The shrub understory consists of poison oak, blue elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), California coffeeberry, and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus). Various species of wild oats, bromes (Bromus spp.), barleys (Hordeum spp.), ryegrasses (Festuca spp.), and needlegrasses (Stipa spp.) dominate the ground cover. Valley oak woodland typically corresponds to the Quercus lobata Woodland Alliance.14

VALLEY FOOTHILL RIPARIAN
Valley foothill riparian vegetation communities are located within Pleasant Hill along Murderer’s Creek and other drainages throughout the southern extent of the city. The dominant species in the canopy layer of valley foothill riparian habitats include cottonwood (Populus spp.), and valley oak.

Subcanopy trees are white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), box elder (Acer negundo) and Oregon ash 11 Ibid. 12 Sawyer et al., op. cit. 13 CDFW CWHR, op. cit. 14 Sawyer et al., op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1249 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-5
(Fraxinus latifolia). Typical understory shrub layer plants include California wild rose (Rosa californica), California blackberry, blue elderberry, poison oak, and willows (Salix spp.). The herbaceous layer consists of sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), grasses, miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata), California mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), poison-hemlock (Conium maculatum), and hoary nettle (Urtica dioica ssp. holosericea). These alliances can include, but are not limited to, Platanus racemosa Woodland Alliance, and the various Populus alliances, depending upon dominant species present.15
Riparian communities are associated with rivers and streams as well as lakes, ponds, seeps, bogs, meadows, and springs. Valley foothill riparian communities occur in the Central Valley and the lower foothills of the Cascade, Sierra Nevada, and Coast ranges. Valley foothill riparian habitats range from sea level to 3,000 feet, reaching an elevation of 5,000 feet on south-facing slopes. Valley-foothill riparian habitats are found in valleys bordered by sloping alluvial fans, slightly dissected terraces, lower foothills, and coastal plains. They are generally associated with low velocity flows, flood plains, and gentle topography.

URBAN
This land cover type is completely human-made, comprising residential, commercial, office, institutional, and industrial developed areas. Plant species within urban land cover types are typically comprised of ornamental and other non-native invasive plant species, with large, developed areas lacking vegetation.

Waters and Wetlands
Definitions
The term “waters of the U.S.” has a broad meaning and incorporates both deep-water aquatic habitats and special aquatic sites, including wetlands. Generally, this term applies to the jurisdictional limits of the authority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Waters of the U.S. includes essentially all surface waters such as all navigable waters and their tributaries, all interstate waters and their tributaries, all wetlands adjacent to these waters, and all impoundments of these waters.

Wetlands are driven by hydrology and occur where water is present near the soil surface resulting in soil and plant characteristics that are not found in upland (mostly dry) or aquatic (almost always wet and un-vegetated) habitats. Wetlands are generally found in transition zones between upland and aquatic habitats. These terms are further defined along with their application in federal and state regulations below under Section 3.3.3, Regulatory Framework.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The USFWS NWI is a publicly available resource that provides detailed information on the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of waters and wetlands. It should be noted that some wetland and stream features, such as freshwater seeps and springs, are generally not identified as part of the NWI because of the general scale of the mapping effort. The extent of the major wetlands and waterways in Pleasant Hill, based on NWI mapping, is shown on Figure 3.3-2. 15 Ibid.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1250 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-6
Figure 3.3-2 Wetlands and Aquatic Resources in General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1251 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-7
Wetland features that have been mapped either within or near Pleasant Hill include freshwater forested/shrub wetland, freshwater ponds, and riverine habitat.16 Wetlands and waters provide habitat for a variety of special-status plant and animal species and are typically subject to USACE jurisdiction under section 404 of the CWA. In addition, the State of California has adopted a no-netloss policy for wetlands which is administered by the CDFW and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). A description of each of these aquatic features as well as their location within the General Plan area is provided below.

FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
These wetlands include non-tidal waters that are dominated by trees and shrubs, with emergent herbaceous plants, mosses and/or lichens. The NWI also includes within this category wetlands that lack vegetation if they also exhibit the same criteria as described for freshwater emergent wetlands.

Freshwater forested/shrub wetlands are generally dominated by woody vegetation such as shrubs and trees. This wetland category also can include riparian habitats. The reach of Walnut Creek that runs through the eastern portion of the General Plan area is considered freshwater forested/shrub wetland likely due to the presence of riparian woody vegetation.

FRESHWATER POND
Freshwater ponds include non-tidal waters, typically less than 20 acres in size and typically with vegetative cover along its edges such as trees, shrubs, emergent herbaceous plants, mosses, and/or lichens. Freshwater ponds can be man-made or natural and typically consist of an area of standing water with variable amounts of shoreline. These wetlands and deep-water habitats are dominated by plants that grow on or below the surface of the water. Freshwater pond habitats in the General Plan area are characterized by developed surroundings at either golf courses or as man-made features at the Diablo Valley College and near the Contra Costa County government building complex in the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill.

RIVERINE
Riverine habitats are stream systems that include all wetlands and deep-water habitats contained in natural or artificial channels that contain periodically or continuously flowing water. This system may also form a connecting link between two bodies of standing water. Substrates generally consist of rock, cobble, gravel, or sand. Features mapped as riverine wetlands in the NWI include drainages and creeks, such as Grayson Creek and portions of Murderer’s Creek in Pleasant Hill.

Sensitive Natural Communities and Critical Habitats
Definitions
Sensitive natural communities are vegetation types, associations, or sub-associations that support concentrations of special-status plant and/or wildlife species, are of relatively limited distribution, and/or are of particular value to wildlife. Currently, CDFW publishes the California Sensitive Natural Communities List online. Natural Communities are evaluated using NatureServe’s Heritage Methodology, the same system used to assign global and State rarity ranks for plant and animal species in the CNDDB. Evaluation is done at both the Global (full natural range within and outside of California) and State (within California) levels resulting in a single G (global) and S (State) rank, ranging from 1 (very rare and threatened) to 5 (demonstrably secure). According to the CDFW 16 USFWS NWI, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1252 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-8
Vegetation Program, Natural Communities with State ranks of S1-S3 and certain other specified associations are considered imperiled, and thus, potentially of special concern. Riparian areas are also considered sensitive natural communities by CDFW.

Critical habitat is a term used in the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is defined as a specific geographic area (or areas) that contain features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery.

These areas provide notice to the public and land managers of the importance of these areas to the conservation of a listed species. Special protections and/or restrictions are possible in these areas when federal funding, permits, licenses, authorizations, or actions occur or are required.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The CDFW’s CNDDB lists four sensitive natural communities that occur within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Walnut Creek and the eight surrounding 7.5-minute series quadrangles (Diablo, Clayton, Oakland East, Briones Valley, Honker Bay, Vine Hill, Benicia, and Las Trampas Ridge). These natural communities include Coastal Brackish Marsh, Northern Coastal Salt Marsh, Northern Maritime Chaparral, and Serpentine Bunchgrass. Although these sensitive natural communities are recorded in the regional vicinity of Pleasant Hill, none are mapped within the General Plan area. 17 The USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper18 and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Critical Habitat website19 depict designated critical habitats in the vicinity of the General Plan area.

No federally designated critical habitat is located within the General Plan area; however Pleasant Hill is located proximate to critical habitat for several species. As shown on Figure 3.3-3, critical habitat for Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) and California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) is located immediately west of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence in the Briones Regional Park open space as well as to the south and east of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence . A portion of the critical habitat for Alameda whipsnake overlaps with the western portion of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence. Critical habitat for Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 11) is also designated within the regional vicinity to the north of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence in the Suisun Bay. 20 17 CDFW CNDDB, op. cit. 18 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper, op. cit. 19 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2022. Critical Habitat [website]. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangeredspecies-conservation/critical-habitat#critical-habitat-designations,-maps,-and-gis-data (accessed September 2022). 20 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1253 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-9
Figure 3.3-3 Critical Habitat in General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1254 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-10
Special-Status Species
Definitions
For the purpose of this analysis, special-status species are those plants and animals listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the USFWS and/or NMFS under the ESA; those listed or proposed for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered by the CDFW under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA); plants listed as rare by the CDFW under the Native Plant Protection Act; and animals designated as “Species of Special Concern,” “Fully Protected,” or “Watch List” by the CDFW. Those plants ranked as California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) 1 or 2 are typically regarded as rare, threatened, or endangered under CEQA by lead agencies and were considered as such in this EIR. The CRPR utilizes the following code definitions:
 List 1A = Plants presumed extinct in California
 List 1B.1 = Rare or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously endangered in California (over 80 percent of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat)  List 1B.2 = Rare or endangered in California and elsewhere; fairly endangered in California (20- 80 percent occurrences threatened)
 List 1B.3 = Rare or endangered in California and elsewhere, not very endangered in California (<20 percent of occurrences threatened, or no current threats known)  List 2 = Rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR List 3 species are “review list,” and CRPR 4 species are considered “watch list” species. CRPR 3 and 4 species do not typically warrant analysis under CEQA except where they are part of a unique community, from the type locality, or designated as rare or significant by local governments, or where cumulative impacts could result in population–level effects. The CRPR 3 and 4 species reported from the region are not locally designated as rare or significant by the City of Pleasant Hill or Contra Costa County General Plans and are not part of a unique community. Additionally, the City of Pleasant Hill is not known to be the type locality for any ranked plant species. Therefore, potential impacts to CRPR 3 and CRPR 4 species were not considered in this analysis.

Species of Special Concern (SSC) is a category used by the CDFW for those species which are considered indicators of regional habitat changes or are considered to be potential future protected species. SSC do not have any special legal status except that which may be afforded by the Fish and Game Code. The SSC category is intended by the CDFW for use as a management tool to include these species into special consideration when decisions are made concerning the development of natural lands, and these species are considered sensitive as described under the CEQA Appendix G questions.

Queries of the USFWS IPaC 21, the CDFW CNDDB 22, and CNPS Online Inventory of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants of California were conducted.23 These queries were conducted to obtain comprehensive information regarding state and federally listed species considered to have potential to occur within the General Plan area.
21 USFWS IPaC, op. cit. 22 CDFW CNDDB, op. cit. 23 CNPS op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1255 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-11
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) is home to several species protected by federal and State agencies. Important animal species can be found in a variety of habitats in the General Plan area.

The CNDDB,24 CNPS,25 and USFWS IPaC 26 together list 108 special-status plant and animal species (58 plant species and 50 animal species [inclusive of special animals]) that occur or have potential to occur within the General Plan area. The status and habitat requirements of these species are presented in Appendix B as Tables B-1 and B-2, respectively.

SPECIAL-STATUS PLANTS
Based on the database and literature review, 58 special-status plant species are known to occur, or have potential to occur, in the General Plan area or the surrounding area. Several of these species are associated with sensitive natural communities including open woodland habitats or riparian zones along creeks and waterways. Table B-1 in Appendix B lists these special-status plant species, their listing status, and their CRPR.

Special-status plants that are known or have potential to occur in the General Plan area and surrounding area can occupy a range of habitat types. Some are associated with chaparral, cismontane woodland, and broadleafed upland forests such as Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern (Calochortus pulchellus), Diablo helianthella (Helianthella castanea), and oval-leaved viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum). Others are associated with valley and foothill grasslands such as bent-flowered fiddleneck (Amsinckia lunaris), big tarplant (Blepharizonia plumosa), and Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii). Most of the known special-status plant species occurrences are recorded in areas of open space including Las Juntas Open Space Park and Paso Nogal Park.

Additionally, some of the species listed are not currently known to be found within the General Plan area limits but are regionally occurring species that could occur in the General Plan area or in the surrounding area.

SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE
Based on the database and literature review, 50 special-status wildlife species are known, or have potential, to occur within the General Plan area or surrounding area. Table B-2 in Appendix B lists these special-status wildlife species, their listing status, and other status designations.

Special-status species are most likely to occur in undeveloped areas and open space areas.

However, riparian areas that intersect urban development may also provide habitat and movement corridors for special-status species. The General Plan area and the surrounding area also provide habitat for avian wildlife, including several listed species and other special-status species. Several occurrences of Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) have been recorded within the General Plan area. Ponds, wetlands, streams, and riparian areas may provide habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic amphibians and reptiles, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), and Alameda whipsnake.

Special-status bats such as pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), and big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) are State SSCs and have potential to occur within the General Plan area. In addition, although not listed in the CNDDB, mountain lions 24 CDFW CNDDB, op. cit. 25 Ibid. 26 USFWS IPaC, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1256 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-12
(Puma concolor) are legally classified as "specially protected species." In July 2019, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned CDFW to list mountain lions as threatened under the CESA within a proposed evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) located in Southern California and along the central coast of California. In April 2020, CDFW found that listing of this ESU may be warranted and designated mountain lion within the ESU as a candidate species under CESA. Mountain lions inhabit diverse habitats across most of California and can be found wherever deer are present, which includes the foothills and mountainous areas within the eastern Bay Area where the General Plan area is located.

Wildlife Movement Corridors
Definitions
Wildlife movement corridors, or habitat linkages, are generally defined as connections between habitat patches that allow for physical and genetic exchange between otherwise isolated animal populations. Such linkages may serve a local purpose, such as providing a linkage between foraging and denning areas, or they may be regional in nature. Some habitat linkages may serve as migration corridors, wherein animals periodically move away from an area and then subsequently return.

Others may be dispersal corridors for young animals. A group of habitat linkages in an area can form a wildlife corridor network.

The habitats within the link do not necessarily need to be the same as the habitats that are being linked. Rather, the link merely needs to contain sufficient cover and forage to allow temporary habitation by ground-dwelling species. Typically, habitat linkages are contiguous strips of natural areas, though dense plantings of landscape vegetation can be used by certain disturbance-tolerant species. Depending upon the species using a corridor, specific physical resources (such as rock outcroppings, vernal pools, or oak trees) may need to be located within the habitat link at certain intervals to allow slower-moving species to traverse the link. For highly mobile or aerial species, habitat linkages may be discontinuous patches of suitable resources spaced sufficiently close together to permit travel along a route in a short period of time.

Wildlife movement corridors can be both large and small scale. Essential Connectivity Areas (ECAs) are mapped in the report, California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California and represent principal connections between Natural Landscape Blocks.

ECAs are regions in which land conservation and management actions should be prioritized to maintain and enhance connectivity between areas of high ecological importance. 27 ECAs are mapped based on coarse ecological condition indicators, rather than the needs of particular species and thus serve most of the species in each region. It is important to recognize that even areas outside of Natural Landscape Blocks and ECAs support important ecological values and should not be immediately discounted as lacking conservation value without further review.

Most of the General Plan area is developed and urbanized and does not provide for wildlife movement corridors. However, the western most extent of the General Plan area overlaps with an ECA that runs from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in the Berkley and Oakland Hills to the north and extending south to the Calaveras Reservoir (see Figure 3.3-4). This ECA, as a part of the Bay Area hills, may serve as a movement corridor for the state provisionally protected Southern 27 Spencer, W.D., P. Beier, K. Penrod, K. Winters, C. Paulman, H. Rustigian-Romsos, J. Strittholt, M. Parisi, and A. Pettler. 2010. California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California. Prepared for California Department of Transportation, California Department of Fish and Game, and Federal Highways Administration.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1257 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-13
Figure 3.3-4 Essential Connectivity Areas in General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1258 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-14
California/Central Coast ESU of mountain lion. Small scale habitat corridors important to wildlife movement are also present within the General Plan area, many of which are not mapped as ECAs.

Locally, Las Juntas Open Space Park and Paso Nogal Park may serve as smaller scale movement corridors for terrestrial species throughout the General Plan area, as they are mostly continuous vegetated areas connected by Pleasant Hill trails. However, these parks as well as most vegetated areas throughout Pleasant Hill are intersected by streets, are highly disturbed by both human and domestic animal use, and are surrounded by residential development. Additionally, drainages and riverine habitats throughout Pleasant Hill, such as Grayson Creek, provide potential fish and other aquatic wildlife movement habitat.

Important Farmland Resources
Definitions
To characterize the environmental baseline for agricultural resources, Important Farmland Maps produced by the California Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) were reviewed.28 Unless otherwise expressed, the future use of “Important Farmland” specifically includes the following definitions provided by the DOC:
 Prime Farmland: Land which has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed, including water management, according to current farming standards.
 Unique Farmland: Land of lesser quality soils used for the production of specific high economic value crops. It has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high quality or high yields of a specific crop when treated and managed according to current farming methods. It is usually irrigated but may include nonirrigated orchards or vineyards as found in some climatic zones in California. Examples of crops include oranges, olives, avocados, rice, grapes and cut flowers.  Farmland of Local Importance: Land of importance to the local agricultural economy as determined by each county's board of supervisors following recommendations by a local advisory committee.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area is almost entirely designated as Urban and Built-Up Land and does not include identified farmland.29 However, a small patch of land along Taylor Boulevard in the western portion of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence is designated as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Grazing Land. Additionally, the area known as Paso Nogal Park is designated as Other Land, which includes land not categorized in another mapping class. Common examples of the Other Land type include low density rural developments, brush, timber, wetland, and riparian areas not suitable for livestock grazing.
30 28 California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2022. California Important Farmland Finder [map]. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/ (accessed October 2022). 29 Ibid. 30 Ibid.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1259 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-15
Productive Forestry Resources
Definitions
Forestry resources include forestland, timberland, and timberland production zones. Definitions used for forest land and timberland are those found in the California Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 12220(g) and 4789.2(g) and California Government Code (CGC) Section 51104(g). These codes define forestland, timberland, and timberland production zones.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
The General Plan area is mostly designated as Urban and Built-Up Land and does not include identified forest land.
31 No timberland or timberland production zones exist within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence.

3.3.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Federal Endangered Species Act
Under the ESA, authorization is required to “take” a listed species. Take is defined under Section 3 of the ESA as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Under federal regulation (50 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Sections 17.3, 222.102); “harm” is further defined to include habitat modification or degradation where it would be expected to result in death or injury to listed wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering. Critical habitat is a specific geographic area(s) that is essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery. Section 7 of the ESA outlines procedures for federal interagency cooperation to conserve federally listed species and designated critical habitat.

Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA and its implementing regulations require federal agencies to consult with USFWS or NMFS to ensure that they are not undertaking, funding, permitting, or authorizing actions likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. For projects where federal action is not involved and take of a listed species may occur, the project proponent may seek to obtain an incidental take permit under Section 10(a) of the ESA. Section 10(a) allows USFWS to permit the incidental take of listed species if such take is accompanied by a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that includes components to minimize and mitigate impacts associated with the take.

The USFWS and NMFS share responsibility and regulatory authority for implementing the ESA (7 United States Code [USC] Section 136, 16 USC Section 1531 et seq.).

Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to regulate the taking of migratory birds. The act provides that it is unlawful, except as permitted by regulations, “to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture, or kill, possess, […] any migratory bird, or 31 Ibid.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1260 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-16
any part, nest, or egg of any such bird” (16 USC Section 703(a)). The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is the primary law protecting eagles, including individuals and their nests and eggs.

The USFWS implements the MBTA (16 USC Section 703-711) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 USC Section 668). Under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act’s Eagle Permit Rule (50 CFR 22.26), USFWS may issue permits to authorize limited, non-purposeful take of bald eagles and golden eagles.

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) regulates marine fisheries in U.S. federal waters. The Magnuson-Stevens Act was first passed in 1976 and was revised in 1996 and 2007. The purpose of the Magnuson-Stevens Act is to provide long-term biological and economic sustainability of U.S. marine fisheries.

The NMFS has regulatory authority for implementing the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The NMFS requires regional fishery management councils to develop Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) specific to their regions, fisheries, and fish stocks. For waters off the U.S. West Coast, the Pacific Fishery Management Council has developed four FMPs, which are implemented through fisheries regulations for coastal pelagic species, groundfish species, highly migratory species, and salmon species. These FMPs also identify Essential Fish Habitat, which is broadly defined as those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to maturity.

River and Harbors Act Section 10
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 requires authorization from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the USACE, for the construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the United States. Regulated activities include dredging or disposal of dredged materials, excavation, filling, re-channelization and construction of any structure or any other modification of a navigable water of the United States.

Clean Water Act (CWA)
Under Section 404 of the CWA, the USACE, with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversight, has authority to regulate activities that result in discharge of dredged or fill material into wetlands or other “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). Perennial and intermittent creeks are considered WOTUS if they are hydrologically connected to other jurisdictional waters. In achieving the goals of the CWA, the USACE seeks to avoid adverse impacts and offset unavoidable adverse impacts on existing aquatic resources. Any discharge of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional wetlands or other jurisdictional WOTUS would require a Section 404 permit from the USACE prior to the start of work. Typically, when a project involves impacts to WOTUS, the goal of no net loss of wetlands is met by compensatory mitigation; in general, the type and location options for compensatory mitigation should comply with the hierarchy established by the USACE/EPA 2008 Mitigation Rule (in descending order): (1) mitigation banks; (2) in-lieu fee programs; and (3) permittee-responsible compensatory mitigation. Also, in accordance with Section 401 of the CWA, applicants for a Section 404 permit must obtain water quality certification from the SWRCB or appropriate RWQCB.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1261 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-17
State Regulations
California Endangered Species Act
CESA (California Fish and Game Code Section 2050 et seq.) prohibits take of State-listed threatened and endangered species without a CDFW incidental take permit. Take under CESA is restricted to direct harm of a listed species and does not prohibit indirect harm by way of habitat modification.

Protection of fully protected species is described in California Fish and Game Code Sections 3511, 4700, 5050 and 5515. These statutes prohibit take or possession of fully protected species.

Incidental take of fully protected species may be authorized under an approved Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP).

Natural Community Conservation Planning Act
The Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act was established by the California Legislature, is directed by the CDFW, and is implemented by the State, as well as public and private partnerships to protect habitat in California. The Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act takes a regional approach to preserving habitat. An NCCP identifies and provides for the regional protection of plants, animals, and their habitats, while allowing compatible and appropriate economic activity.

Once an NCCP has been approved, CDFW may provide take authorization for all covered species, including fully protected species, Section 2835 of the California Fish and Game Code.

California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3511 California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3511 describe unlawful take, possession, or destruction of birds, nests, and eggs. Fully protected birds (California Fish and Game Code Section 3511) may not be taken or possessed except under specific permit. Section 3503.5 protects all birdsof-prey and their eggs and nests against take, possession, or destruction of nests or eggs.

California Native Plant Protection Act
The CDFW also has authority to administer the Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) (California Fish and Game Code Section 1900 et seq.). The NPPA requires the CDFW to establish criteria for determining if a species, subspecies, or variety of native plant is endangered or rare. Under Section 1913(c) of the NPPA, the owner of land where a rare or endangered native plant is growing is required to notify the CDFW at least 10 days in advance of changing the land use to allow for salvage of the plant(s).

Section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code prohibits, without prior notification to CDFW, the substantial diversion or obstruction of the natural flow of, or substantial change or use any material from the bed, channel, or bank of, any river, stream, or lake, or deposit or dispose of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled, flaked, or ground pavement where it may pass into any river, stream, or lake. For these activities to occur, the CDFW must receive written notification regarding the activity in the manner prescribed by the CDFW and may require a lake or streambed alteration agreement. Lakes, ponds, perennial, and intermittent streams and associated riparian vegetation, when present, are subject to this regulation.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1262 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-18
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
Pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA, projects that apply for a USACE permit for discharge of dredged or fill material must also obtain water quality certification under Section 401 from the RWQCB. Additionally, the SWRCB and each of nine local RWQCBs have jurisdiction over “waters of the State” pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, which are defined as any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the State. The SWRCB has issued general Waste Discharge Requirements regarding discharges to “isolated” waters of the State (Water Quality Order No. 2004-0004-DWQ, Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Dredged or Fill Discharges to Waters Deemed by the USACE to be Outside of Federal Jurisdiction). The local RWQCB implements this general order for isolated waters not subject to federal jurisdiction.

The CWA and associated federal regulations (Title 40 of the CFR 123.25(a)(9), 122.26(a), 122.26(b)(14)(x) and 122.26(b)(15)) require nearly all construction site operators engaged in clearing, grading, and excavating activities that disturb one acre or more, including smaller sites in a larger common plan of development or sale, to obtain coverage under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for their stormwater discharges, and develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The NPDES Program is a federal program which has been delegated to the State of California for implementation through the SWRCB and RWQCBs.

California Code of Regulations (Wetlands and Waters Definition) The State Water Board indicates that no single accepted definition of wetlands exists at the State level, and that RWQCBs may have different requirements and levels of analysis with regard to the issuance of water quality certifications. Generally, an area is a wetland if, under normal circumstances:
the area has continuous or recurrent saturation of the upper substrate caused by groundwater, or shallow surface water, or both;
the duration of such saturation is sufficient to cause anaerobic conditions in the upper substrate; and
the area’s vegetation is dominated by hydrophytes, or the area lacks vegetation.

Under California State law, waters of the State means “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state.” As such, water quality laws apply to both surface water and groundwater. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (53 USC 159), the Office of Chief Counsel of the State Water Board released a legal memorandum confirming the State’s jurisdiction over isolated wetlands. The memorandum stated that under the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, discharges to wetlands and other waters of the State are subject to State regulation, and this includes isolated wetlands. In general, the State Water Board regulates discharges to isolated waters in much the same way as it does for waters of the United States, using Porter-Cologne rather than CWA authority.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1263 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-19
Local Regulations
City of Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to biological resources, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Section 18.50.110 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code (PHMC) provides tree preservation requirements. This section is intended to encourage the preservation of trees throughout the community by establishing reasonable provisions for protecting heritage trees and other protected trees and establishing procedures for review and approval of tree removal and replacement. This section requires applicants to obtain a certified arborist report to address the health and condition of a tree, the rationale for removal, and alternatives for removal. Under the Tree Preservation section, a permit is required for the removal, relocation, trimming, or damage to a protected or heritage tree. A protected tree is defined by the PHMC as follows:

Any native oak tree with a trunk diameter measurement of nine inches or larger.

Any indigenous tree with a trunk diameter measurement of nine inches or larger. Indigenous trees include but are not limited to: Alnus Oregona (Red Alder), Acer Macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple), Aesculus Californica (California Buckeye), Arbutus Menziesii (Madrone), Umbellularia Californica (California Bay or Laurel), Juglans Hindsii (California Black Walnut), Platanus Racemosa (California Sycamore), or Sambucus Mexicana (Elderberry).

A non-native tree (not including Eucalyptus) with a trunk diameter measurement of 18 inches or larger. Non-native trees include species such as Sequoia Sempervirens (Coastal Redwood), Pinus Canariensis (Canary Island Pine), Pinus Halepensis (Aleppo Pine), Pinus Pinea (Italian Stone Pine), Pinus Radiata (Monterey Pine), Ulmus Americana (American Elm), Ulmus Parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Ulmus Pumila (Siberian Elm), Liquidambar Styraciflua (American Sweet Gum), Cedrus Deodara (Deodar Cedar), Cedrus Atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Fraxinus Uhdei (Shamel Ash), Fraxinus American (White Ash), Fraxinus Augustifolia (Raywood Ash), Cupressus sp. (Cypress), Morus Alba (Fruit/Fruitless Mulberry), Pistacia chinensis (Chinese Pistache), Robinia Pseudoacacia (Black Locust), Pyrus Calleryana (Bradford Pear), Cinnamomum Camphora (Camphor).

Any tree shown to be preserved on an approved tentative map, development or site plan or required to be retained as a condition of approval or environmental mitigation measure.

Any tree required to be planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree.

Any tree in the city with a trunk diameter measurement of 16 inches or more or any tree grouping in the city with at least one tree of this diameter is eligible for enrollment in the heritage tree program, with the consent of the property owner.

3.3.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Biological Resources and Agriculture and Forestry Resources.

Would the 2040 General Plan:

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1264 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-20
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan? g) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use? h) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? i) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timber Production?
j) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? k) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? Approach to Analysis
Environmental impacts to biological, agricultural, and forestry resources have been assessed using impact significance criteria from federal, State, and local regulations. CEQA, Chapter 1, Section 21001(c) states that it is the policy of the State of California to “prevent the elimination of fish and wildlife species due to man’s activities, ensure that fish and wildlife populations do not drop below self-perpetuating levels, and preserve for future generations representations of all plant and animal communities.” Environmental impacts relative to biological, agricultural, and forestry resources have been assessed using impact significance criteria set forth in the CEQA Guidelines and federal, State, and local plans, regulations, and ordinances.

Biological Resources
The analysis of impacts related to biological resources is based on review of available literature online record searches of the following databases: the CDFW CNDDB,32 the CNPS Online Inventory of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plants of California,33 the USFWS NWI,34 USFWS Critical Habitat 32 CDFW CNDDB, op.cit. 33 CNPS op. cit. 34 USFWS NWI, op.cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1265 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-21
Mapper,35 and USFWS IPaC System. Data used for this analysis are summarized in Section 3.3.1.

Rincon Biologists evaluated impacts on biological resources based on the likelihood that specialstatus species, sensitive habitats, wildlife corridors, and protected trees are present within the General Plan area, and the likely effects of construction or operation on these resources. For the purposes of this EIR, the word “substantial” as used in the significance thresholds below is defined by the following three principal components:
 Magnitude and duration of the impact (e.g., substantial/not substantial),  Uniqueness of the affected resource (rarity), and
 Susceptibility of the affected resource to disturbance.

Agricultural and Forestry Resources
The analysis of agricultural and forestry resources is based on review of available literature. The primary source of information reviewed to evaluate impacts in the General Plan area was the DOC FMMP database to search for documented areas of important farmland, Williamson contracts, and forestry lands. 36
EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addressed comments received in response to the EIR NOP related to biological resources regulatory requirements regarding migratory birds and raptors, vegetation and/or ground disturbing activities, special-status species and nesting birds, sensitive natural communities, and creek habitats. Assessment of migratory birds and raptors and their associated nesting habitat as well as vegetation and/or ground disturbing activities that may affect these birds or other specialstatus species is discussed under Impact BIO-1. Assessment of impacts to sensitive natural communities and creek habitats is discussed under Impact BIO-2.

No comments relevant to CEQA were received in response to the EIR NOP specific to agricultural and forestry resources that need to be addressed in the impacts discussion.

Specific Threshold of Significance
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of Biological Resources and Agriculture and Forestry Resources impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan.
 Result in direct take or habitat removal or alteration for candidate, sensitive, or special-status species.
 Adversely affect any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the CDFW or USFWS.  Remove, fill, or damage a federally protected wetland.  Interrupt fish movement in an aquatic channel or impede terrestrial movement via a land corridor.
 Remove, damage, or replace trees designated as protected by the City of Pleasant Hill Tree Ordinance.
 Conflict with the provisions of an applicable habitat conservation plan. 35 USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper, op.cit. 36 DOC, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1266 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-22
 Result in conversion of agricultural resources to non-agricultural resources.  Result in conversion of forestry resources to non-forestry resources.

Impact Evaluation
Special-status Species
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service?
Impact BIO-1 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN COULD RESULT IN DIRECT OR

INDIRECT IMPACTS TO SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES OR THEIR ASSOCIATED HABITATS INCLUDING IMPACTS TO MIGRATORY BIRD NEST SITES. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED.

Construction
As indicated above in Table 3.3-1, most of the General Plan area is developed and does not provide habitat for the special-status species reported or known to occur in or near to Pleasant Hill. Areas that may provide habitat for special-status species are primarily located in the open space and undeveloped areas of the General Plan area including local parks and in riparian areas along creeks and drainages within Pleasant Hill.

As shown in Tables B-1 and B-2 in Appendix B, special-status wildlife species with the potential to occur in and near the General Plan area include, for example, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Alameda whipsnake, and special-status raptors including Coopers hawk and northern harrier. Generally, these species are associated with waterways and riparian habitats along creeks and riverine features as well as open space. As such special-status species would most likely be found at the northwestern limit of the General Plan area in Paso Nogal Park, and in riparian habitats along Grayson Creek and other drainages. Additionally, the western extent of the General Plan area is immediately adjacent to federally designated critical habitat for California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake in the Briones Regional Park open space. Special-status plant species with the potential to occur in the General Plan area include, for example, Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern, Diablo helianthella, bent-flowered fiddleneck, big tarplant, and Condon’s tarplant. These species would be expected to occur within open space areas of Paso Nogal Park and at the western edge of the General Plan area that shares connectivity with Briones Regional Park within vegetative habitat.

Areas of blue oak and valley oak woodlands would likely qualify as sensitive natural communities occurring within the General Plan area. Additionally, riparian habitat occurs along Grayson Creek, Murderer’s Creek, Walnut Creek, and other drainages in the General Plan area. 37 The 2040 General Plan would facilitate infill development and development within Pleasant Hill.

These areas are currently developed with residential and non-residential uses and do not provide habitat suitable for special-status species described above. The 2040 General Plan designates the existing Paso Nogal Park, and riparian areas along Walnut Creek and several drainages throughout the General Plan area as Park and Open Space land uses. This land use designation would prevent 37 USFWS NWI Wetlands Mapper, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1267 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-23
substantial development of the habitat that these open space, riparian habitats, and areas of natural vegetation communities.

The 2040 General Plan would not include changes to existing Park and Open Space land use designations, including along creeks and waterways in the General Plan area. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not facilitate permanent development in riparian vegetation along these creeks and drainages. Because the development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur as development and infill within existing developed areas, existing roads, water, and sewer are already in place and would minimize the need for construction of new utilities and infrastructure. However, the 2040 General Plan increases the allowable density that could be constructed on some infill and development sites within the General Plan area, which could require upgraded utilities. The construction of these upgraded facilities could require work within riparian vegetation along creeks and drainages in the General Plan area, resulting in potential temporary riparian and aquatic habitat impacts. These habitats could support several special-status species, such as California red-legged frog and/or California tiger salamander. Additionally, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could impact isolated trees and pockets of vegetation in the urbanized areas of the General Plan area. These trees and isolated pockets could provide habitat for special-status species, including migratory nesting birds.

The development facilitated under the 2040 General Plan would be subject to the provisions of the various federal and State natural resources regulations and their respective permitting processes.

Additionally, the 2040 General Plan contains goals and policies that call for the preservation and protection of natural resources and the managed production of natural resources. These goals and policies, listed below, would reduce impacts to special-status species and their habitats.

Goal ENV-4 Protect and preserve natural habitat, plants, and wildlife.

Policy ENV-4.1 Minimize Development Impacts. Require new development and construction activities to minimize impacts and disturbances on plants and animals, including sensitive habitat and migration corridors, landforms, and trees.

Policy ENV-4.2 Natural Habitat Protection. Preserve, protect, and improve remaining natural habitats, sensitive habitats for special status species, waterways, and wetlands.

Policy ENV-4.4 Biological Resources Assessment. Require that applicants for development projects proposed to be in or adjacent to critical habitat areas to complete a site-specific biological resources assessment as part of the development review process and modify designs or add mitigations to reduce potential impacts.

Policy ENV-4.5 Special Status Species Protection. Cooperate with State and Federal agencies to ensure that new development does not substantially affect any special status species on State or Federal rare, endangered, or threatened species lists.

The policies listed above would prevent loss of special-status wildlife habitat in the open space areas throughout the General Plan area. Policies ENV-4.1 and ENV-4.2 would require new development to minimize impacts to sensitive biological resources and protect sensitive habitats for special-status species. Policy ENV-4.2 would specifically require preservation, protection and improvement of all habitats for special-status species as defined above under Section 3.3.1, Environmental Setting, which includes species listed under the ESA and CESA, plants listed as rare by CDFW, animals

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1268 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-24
designated as “Species of Special Concern,” “Fully Protected,” or “Watch List” by CDFW, and plants ranked as CRPR 1 or 2. Policy ENV-4.4 would require applicants for development projects near critical habitats to complete a site-specific biological resources assessment that analyzes the impacts of the project to all special-status species and their habitats and provides mitigation to reduce those potential impacts. Additionally, Policy ENV-4.5 requires new development to cooperate with State and federal agencies to ensure that rare, endangered, or threatened species are not substantially affected by project activities. These requirements for special-status habitat and species protection as well as biological resources assessments prior to the approval of new development within the General Plan area would ensure that potential special-status species that could be impacted by future development would be identified and potential impacts would be reduced or avoided. Therefore, implementation of these policies would avoid potential direct impacts to sensitive species identified above under Section 3.3.1.d.

While the policies above would prevent impacts to large tracts of open space that provide habitat for special-status species, as with most urbanized environments, landscape features within the urbanized areas of Pleasant Hill, such as trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and parklands, could serve as temporary habitats for nesting migratory birds. Migratory bird species may use the General Plan area for nesting during the breeding season and are protected under the California Fish and Game Code and MBTA. Construction-related activities such as vegetation removal, building demolition and/or relocation, grading, materials laydown, access, and infrastructure improvements, and building construction, could result in the disturbance of nesting migratory birds. The most identifiable potential direct impact to migratory bird species would involve the removal of vegetation, particularly trees and landscaping shrubs that may serve as perching or nesting sites for migratory birds. These adverse effects on listed or special-status bird species would represent a potentially significant impact. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1 (conduct preconstruction bird surveys and implement avoidance measures prior to removal) would be required for future projects where mature trees and other habitat are present and construction activities are scheduled from early spring to late summer.

Special-status bats such as pallid bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, and big free-tailed bat are State SSCs and have potential to occur within the General Plan area. Pallid bats are found in grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and forests, and may roost in trees or buildings. Townsend’s big-eared bat and big free-tailed bats are found in a wide variety of habitats and may roost in abandoned buildings or large trees. Bats prefer open areas or areas under a tree canopy for foraging, and often roost near water. Although the General Plan area is primarily developed, large trees, abandoned structures, and buildings in Pleasant Hill provide suitable roosting habitat for special-status bat species. Disturbance of maternity roosts by construction activities resulting in roost destruction or abandonment would be a potentially significant impact to bat species and would potentially constitute violations of the California Fish and Game Code. Such adverse effects on special-status bats would be a potentially significant impact. However, implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-2 (conduct pre-construction roosting bat surveys and implement avoidance measures prior to removal) would be required for future 2040 General Plan projects where trees, abandoned structures, or other habitat for roosting bats is present and construction activities may occur during seasonal periods of bat activity. Therefore, 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to special-status species would be less than significant with mitigation.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1269 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-25
Operation
Given that potential impacts to special-status species would occur during construction either directly or indirectly related to habitat modification, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to biological resources.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-1 ADD A GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM TO CONDUCT PRE-CONSTRUCTION

BIRD SURVEYS AND IMPLEMENT AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION

MEASURES
The City shall add a 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program to include the following requirements for nesting bird surveys, avoidance, and minimization measures:

For construction activities initiated during the bird nesting season (February 1 – September 15) involving removal of vegetation that could potentially serve as habitat for special-status bird species or other nesting bird habitat, including abandoned structures and other man-made features, a preconstruction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more than 14 days prior to initiation of ground disturbance and vegetation removal activities. The nesting bird pre-construction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall include a buffer around the construction site at a distance determined by a qualified biologist. The survey shall be conducted by a biologist familiar with the identification of avian species known to occur in California Bay Area communities (i.e., qualified biologist). If nests are found, an avoidance buffer shall be determined by a qualified biologist dependent upon the species, the proposed work activity, and existing disturbances associated with land uses outside of the site. The buffer shall be demarcated by the biologist with bright orange construction fencing, flagging, construction lathe, or other means to demarcate the boundary. All construction personnel shall be notified as to the existence of the buffer zone and to avoid entering the buffer zone during the nesting season. No ground disturbing activities shall occur within the buffer until the biologist has confirmed that breeding/nesting is completed, and the young have fledged the nest. Encroachment into the buffer shall occur only at the discretion of the qualified biologist on the basis that the encroachment will not be detrimental to an active nest. A report summarizing the pre-construction survey(s) shall be prepared by a qualified biologist and shall be submitted to the City prior to the commencement of construction activities.

Future project site plans shall include a statement acknowledging compliance with the federal MBTA and California Fish and Game Code that includes avoidance of active bird nests and identification of Best Management Practices to avoid impacts to active nests, including checking for nests prior to construction activities during February 1 to September 15 and what to do if an active nest is found so that the nest is not inadvertently impacted during grading or construction activities.

MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-2 ADD A GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM TO CONDUCT PRE-CONSTRUCTION

ROOSTING BATS SURVEYS AND IMPLEMENT AVOIDANCE MEASURES

PRIOR TO REMOVAL
The City shall add a 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program to include the following requirements for roosting bat surveys and avoidance measures prior to removal:

Prior to the removal or alteration of trees and structures that may serve as roosting habitat for special-status bat species, a qualified biologist shall conduct a focused survey of all trees and structures to be removed or impacted by construction activities to determine whether active roosts

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1270 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-26
of special-status bats are present on site. Tree or structure removal shall be planned for either the spring or the fall and timed to ensure both suitable conditions for the detection of bats and adequate time for tree and/or structure removal to occur during seasonal periods of bat activity exclusive of the breeding season, as described below. Trees and/or structures containing suitable potential bat roost habitat features shall be clearly marked or identified. If no bat roosts are found, the results of the survey will be documented and submitted to the City within 30 days of the survey, after which no further action will be required.

If day roosts are present, the biologist shall prepare a site-specific roosting bat protection plan to be implemented by the contractor following the City’s approval. The plan shall incorporate the following guidance as appropriate:
 When possible, removal of trees/structures identified as suitable roosting habitat shall be conducted during seasonal periods of bat activity, including the following:
a) Between September 1 and about October 15, or before evening temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and/or more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs. b) Between March 1 and April 15, or after evening temperatures rise above 45 degrees Fahrenheit and/or no more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.  If a tree /structure must be removed during the breeding season and is identified as potentially containing a colonial maternity roost, then a qualified biologist shall conduct acoustic emergence surveys or implement other appropriate methods to further evaluate if the roost is an active maternity roost. Under the biologist’s guidance, the contractor shall implement measures that consist of (or exceed) the following:
a) If it is determined that the roost is not an active maternity roost, then the roost may be removed in accordance with the other requirements of this measure. b) If it is found that an active maternity roost of a colonial roosting species is present, the roost shall not be disturbed during the breeding season (April 15 to August 31).  Tree removal procedures shall be implemented using a two-step tree removal process. This method is conducted over two consecutive days and works by creating noise and vibration by cutting non-habitat branches and limbs from habitat trees using chainsaws only (no excavators or other heavy machinery) on day one. The noise and vibration disturbance, together with the visible alteration of the tree, is very effective in causing bats that emerge nightly to feed to not return to the roost that night. The remainder of the tree is removed on day two.  Prior to the demolition of vacant structures within the project site, a qualified biologist shall conduct a focused habitat assessment of all structures to be demolished. The habitat assessment shall be conducted enough in advance to ensure the commencement of building demolition can be scheduled during seasonal periods of bat activity (see above), if required. If no signs of day roosting activity are observed, no further actions will be required. If bats or signs of day roosting by bats are observed, a qualified biologist will prepare specific recommendations such as partial dismantling to cause bats to abandon the roost, or humane eviction, both to be conducted during seasonal periods of bat activity, if required.  If the qualified biologist determines a roost is used by a large number of bats (large hibernaculum), bat boxes shall be installed near the project site. The number of bat boxes installed will depend on the size of the hibernaculum and shall be determined through consultation with CDFW. If a maternity colony has become established, all construction activities shall be postponed within a 500-foot buffer around the maternity colony until it is

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1271 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-27
determined by a qualified biologist that the young have dispersed. Once it has been determined that the roost is clear of bats, the roost shall be removed immediately.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation
Sensitive Natural Communities
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan have a substantial adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
Impact BIO-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT

RIPARIAN HABITAT, OTHER SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES, OR PROTECTED WETLANDS IN THE GENERAL PLAN AREA. IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS AND POLICIES WOULD ENSURE RIPARIAN HABITAT AND WETLANDS ARE NOT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Riparian habitats have been recorded in and around the General Plan area. According to the NWI database (see Figure 3.3-2), areas of freshwater forested/shrub wetland occur in the eastern part of the General Plan area along Walnut Creek.
38 Additionally, several riverine features occur throughout the General Plan area including Grayson Creek, Murderers Creek, and in drainage canals running throughout Pleasant Hill. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan that would be located near or be bisected by waterways and other tributaries and drainages throughout the General Plan area, would be potentially subject to USACE, CDFW, and RWQCB permitting requirements.

Most of the development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be located on infill sites that are already developed with structures and/or parking and are not proximate to wetlands or waterways. Because these areas are urbanized and currently developed, they are unlikely to contain jurisdictional wetlands or other surface waters and associated riparian vegetation zones. However, the infill development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would increase density in some areas, which could require upgraded utilities or stormwater drainage. The construction of these upgraded facilities could require work, including dredge or fill, within jurisdictional wetlands and streams and could require ground disturbance in riparian habitat associated with these wetlands and streams.

For development that would occur in these areas, an aquatic resources delineation would be required to identify the limits and potential jurisdiction of protected waters, wetlands, and sensitive natural communities. Therefore, any proposed development in areas identified as jurisdictional waters and/or wetlands, streambed/banks, or riparian vegetation would be subject to the permit requirements of the USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW, pursuant to Section 404 and 401 of CWA, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and/or California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et 38 USFWS NWI Wetlands Mapper, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1272 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-28
seq. Actual jurisdictional areas are determined by the State and federal authorities at the time that permits are requested.

Reasonably foreseeable development within or adjacent to sensitive habitats could result in potential direct impacts through removal of vegetation, filling of wetland habitat, runoff of pollutants into riparian habitats or wetlands, compaction of soils, and/or indirectly through dust and vegetation thinning. The issuance of a grading permit by the Director of Public Works and Community Development for ministerial and discretionary projects requires obtaining other permits required by State or federal agencies. These include but are not limited to streambed alteration permits from the CDFW and permits for grading in the vicinity of wetlands and certain watercourses from the USACE and RWQCB. These permit clearances may also be required as conditions of approval for grading work to commence. Approval of permits also requires findings that the proposed grading will not result in erosion, stream sediment, or other adverse off-site effects to riparian habitat.

On future project sites one acre or larger, implementation of the required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Best Management Practices, in accordance with the NPDES construction general permit, during project construction would reduce the potential for eroded soil and any contaminants attached to that soil to contaminate a waterbody following a storm event.

Additionally, PHMC Section 15.10.280 provides design standards to address erosion and sedimentation. Future developments facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would employ erosion and stormwater control measures as outlined in the PHMC Chapter 15.05, Stormwater Management and Discharge Control, to protect and enhance the water quality in the city’s watercourses pursuant to, and consistent with, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act and the CWA. Additionally, this chapter carries out the conditions in the city’s NPDES permit that require appropriate source control and site design measures and stormwater treatment measures for projects that replace or create greater than 10,000 square feet of impervious surface (as amended August 15, 2006). Impacts related to drainage and pollution are further discussed in Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality.

The 2040 General Plan contains goals and policies that would further reduce impacts to riparian and wetland habitats. The following goal and policies address development in or near riparian habitat:

Goal ENV-2 Protect the quality of water resources in Pleasant Hill.

Policy ENV-2.6 Creek Preservation. Creek setbacks, where feasible, should exceed minimum regulatory setback guidelines to protect native vegetation and enhance creek environments.

Policy ENV-2.7 Watercourse Preservation. Preserve natural watercourses or provide naturalized drainage channels within the city. Where feasible, implement restoration and rehabilitation opportunities.

Policy ENV-2.8 Creek Clean-up. Collaborate with local and regional agencies, businesses, property owners, and organizations proactively to reduce litter, illegal dumping, and reestablish native vegetation along local creeks and waterways.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1273 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-29
Goal ENV-3 Preserve and restore streams, wetlands, and riparian areas to function as open space and wildlife corridors.

Policy ENV-3.1 Creek Protection Zone Establishment for New Development. Establish creek protection zones for creeks that extend a minimum of 25 feet (measured from the top of a bank and a strip of land extending laterally outward from the top of each bank), with wider buffers where significant habitat areas or high potential wetlands exist. The City shall prohibit development within creek protection zones, except as part of greenway enhancement, including habitat conservation, bike and walking paths, wildlife habitat, and native plant landscaping. City approval is required for the following activities within the creek protection zones:

1. Construction, alteration, or removal of any structure;

2. Excavation, filling, or grading;

3. Removal or planting of vegetation (except for removal of invasive plant species); or

4. Alteration of any embankment.

Policy ENV-3.2 Creek Contamination and Sedimentation Prevention. Require new development to use site preparation, grading, and construction techniques that prevent contamination and sedimentation of creeks and streams.

Policy ENV-3.3 Creek Bank Stabilization. Require new development proposals to include appropriate measures for creek bank stabilization, and any additional steps necessary to reduce erosion and sedimentation but preserve natural creek channels and riparian vegetation.

Policy ENV-3.4 Stream, Wetland, and Riparian Reclamation. Reclaim degraded streams, wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife migration corridors, where possible, in cooperation with the Flood Control District, and other local and regional organizations.

Policy ENV-3.5 Reclamation with New Development. Require new development adjacent to creek protection zones to encourage the reclamation of adjacent creeks, wetlands, and riparian areas.

Policy ENV-3.6 Natural Stream Corridor Retention and Improvement. Actively support the use of natural waterways within the city. The City will actively work to avoid any new channelization of creeks and waterways within the city and shall work with regional agencies to restore channelized sections to a more natural channel, where feasible.

Policy ENV-3.7 Erosion Control Plans. Require erosion control plans for new development that require significant grading or are near streams, wetlands, and riparian areas. The plans shall include recommendations for grading practices that prevent erosion, loss of topsoil, and scour of drainageways, consistent with biological and aesthetic values.

Policy ENV-3.8 Educational and Research Access. Work with public and private landowners adjacent to creeks to allow access to creeks, waterways, and riparian areas for educational and research programs.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1274 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-30
Policy ENV-3.9 Restoration and Creek Maintenance. Encourage all landowners in the city to remove invasive species, plant native plant species, and prevent pollution from entering local creeks and waterways.

Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program H Creek Restoration Funding. Seek regional, State, and federal funding sources to reclaim, restore, and enhance local creeks and waterways in order to:
 Reduce embankment erosion and deterioration;
 Clearing debris to maintain free flowing waterways; and  Stabilize and restore stream banks through the planting of new vegetation.

Implementation of these goals and policies, as well as Policy ENV-4.1 and ENV-4.2 described under Impact BIO-1, would reduce direct impacts to waters, wetlands and riparian areas during construction and operation by reducing direct and indirect modifications to creeks, embankments, and other waterways in the General Plan area. Furthermore, if potentially jurisdictional waters occur on any site identified by the 2040 General Plan for development, an aquatic resources delineation and permits issued by the relevant State and/or federal authorities (USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW) would be required that would address potential impacts to those waters. Additionally, under Implementation Program H, the City of Pleasant Hill is required to seek sources of funding to reclaim, restore, and enhance local creeks and waterways within the General Plan area, thus further improving these resources for the future. Adherence to State and federal regulations, the PHMC, and implementation of proposed 2040 General Plan goals and polices would result in a 2040 General Plan sensitive natural community construction impact that is less than significant.

Operation
Given that potential impacts to riparian habitats and wetlands would occur during construction either directly via fill or indirectly related to habitat modification, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to sensitive natural communities.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1275 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-31
Wildlife Movement Corridors
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
Impact BIO-3 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD AVOID IMPACTS TO

WILDLIFE MOVEMENT CORRIDORS BY CONSERVING OPEN SPACE AREAS IN THE GENERAL PLAN AREA, AS DIRECTED BY POLICIES IN THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Most of the General Plan area is developed and urbanized and does not provide for wildlife movement corridors. Wildlife movement corridors in the General Plan area are generally limited to riparian corridors and creeks and areas of open space in local and regional parks. These creeks may be used by migratory fish and riparian corridors and other undeveloped areas in the city may provide corridors for wildlife movement, including migratory birds and Alameda whipsnake, California tiger salamander, and California red-legged frog when migrating to aquatic breeding habitat and during juvenile dispersal. The 2040 General Plan does not include changes to existing Parks and Open Space land use designations, including along creeks and waterways in the General Plan area. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not facilitate permanent development within these wildlife movement corridors. Wildlife movement within areas of open space would not be affected by the 2040 General Plan, because the 2040 General Plan facilitates development in the urbanized areas of Pleasant Hill.

The 2040 General Plan would focus on infill development along corridors and on parcels currently developed with structures and/or parking lots. Additionally, proposed 2040 General Plan Goal ENV3, listed above under Impact BIO- 2, addresses preservation and restoration of habitats that may serve as open space and wildlife corridors. Under this goal, several policies listed above under Impact BIO-2 require development setbacks along creek protection zones, riparian areas, wetlands, and other areas that function as fish and wildlife movement corridors. Implementation Program H, listed above, supports restoration of local creeks and waterways that would restore wildlife movement corridors provided by streams. Proposed 2040 General Plan Policy ENV-3.4 and ENV-3.5, also listed above under Impact BIO- 2, require new development adjacent to creek protection zones to reclaim, retain, and improve streams, wetlands and riparian areas, and wildlife movement corridors, where possible. These policies would help to preserve important local wildlife corridors as new development is permitted throughout the General Plan area.

Furthermore, proposed 2040 General Plan Goals OSP-1 and ENV-4 and associated policies would provide for a connected open space network that in turn could facilitate wildlife movement.

Goal OSP-1 Preserve, enhance, and protect a continuous system of open space areas, hillsides, and natural features.

Policy OSP-1.1 Open Space Preservation. Keep open space and undeveloped hillsides free of future development.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1276 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-32
Policy OSP-1.4 Connected Open Space Areas. Integrate, wherever possible, the local open space and parks systems with the open space systems of nearby communities and the region to create and preserve a continuous and connected system of open space areas.

Goal ENV-4 Protect and preserve natural habitat, plants, and wildlife.

Policy ENV-4.3 Fish Bypass Facilities. Support efforts of the County to determine the feasibility of constructing fish bypass facilities for flood control drop structures in area creeks.

Considering that the 2040 General Plan would not facilitate development in open space areas, including stream corridors, and that it contains policies to reduce impacts to stream corridors and protect wildlife movement corridors and open space, 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to wildlife movement corridors would be less than significant.

Operation
Given that potential impacts to wildlife movement corridors would occur during construction either directly via fill or indirectly related to open space development, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to wildlife movement corridors.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Local Biological Resources Policies or Ordinances Consistency Significance Criterion e: Would the proposed plan conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Impact BIO-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CONFORM WITH APPLICABLE LOCAL POLICIES AND ORDINANCES PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES.

IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur on parcels that have mature street trees along their boundaries and sometimes have mature trees on the project site. Removal or alteration of these trees would be subject to the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance codified in PHMC section 18.50.110. This section addresses the preservation of trees throughout the community and establishes provisions for protecting heritage trees and other “protected trees”.

Additionally, this section establishes the procedures for review and approval of tree removal and/or replacement and requires applicants to retain a certified arborist report when applying for a tree removal permit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1277 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-33
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with PHMC Section

18.50.110 for the preservation of heritage and protected trees throughout the community. This section provides standards for the planting, pruning, removal, alteration, or any other work on a street tree as well as requirements for a tree removal permit and replacement plantings for any protected tree that would be removed during project construction. In addition to requiring tree removal permits, PHMC Section 18.50.110 requires measures to protect existing trees during project construction during specific grading activities.

Additionally, the following proposed 2040 General Plan policies and implementation program would help protect trees and other vegetation in the General Plan area:

Policy ENV-4.6 Urban Forestation. Increase urban forestation by promoting urban site design that retains existing trees and includes native species, reducing the urban heat island effect.

Policy ENV-9.6 Urban Tree Canopy. Encourage discretionary development to include the planting of shade trees on each property and within parking areas to reduce the retention and radiation of heat.

Policy PFS-3.1 Grow the Urban Forest. The City shall update the City’s Tree Inventory and Management Report and adopt an associated implementation plan to support opportunities to grow the urban forest by planting new trees, managing and caring for publicly-owned trees, and working to retain healthy trees.

Policy PFS-3.2 Reduce Urban Forest Loss. The City shall support the identification and removal of aging or diseased trees near the end of their lifespan to prevent potential hazards and should support succession plantings to reduce net loss to the urban forest.

Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program J Tree Planting and Maintenance Strategy. Prepare and update as necessary the tree planting and maintenance strategy to reduce ambient air temperature on hot sunny days. This plan should be reviewed and updated, as appropriate.

Implementation of these policies and implementation program would require protection of street trees and the urban forest consistent with the PHMC. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with the PHMC requirements and 2040 General Plan policies and implementation program listed above. Therefore, 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to consistency with local biological resources policies and ordinances would be less than significant.

Operation
Given that potential impacts to trees would occur during construction, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impact related to consistency with local biological resources policies and ordinances.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1278 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-34
Habitat or Natural Community Conservation Plans Consistency Significance Criterion f: Would the proposed plan conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Impact BIO-5 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT CONFLICT WITH

AN ADOPTED HCP, NCCP, OR OTHER APPROVED LOCAL, REGIONAL, OR STATE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN. NO IMPACT WOULD OCCUR.

Construction and Operation
There are no adopted HCPs or NCCPs within Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area).39 As such, there are no HCPs or NCCPs applicable to the 2040 General Plan. Therefore, development construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan and operational implementation of General Plan policies would result in no impacts related to consistency with an adopted HCP, NCCP, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact
Farmland Conversion and Williamson Act Zoning Consistency Significance Criterion g: Would the proposed plan convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? Significance Criterion h: Would the proposed plan conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract?
Significance Criterion k: Would the proposed plan involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use?
Impact BIO-6 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT CONVERT PRIME FARMLAND, UNIQUE FARMLAND, OR FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE (FARMLAND) TO NONAGRICULTURAL USE NOR CONFLICT WITH EXISTING ZONING FOR AGRICULTURAL USE OR A WILLIAMSON ACT CONTRACT. NO IMPACT WOULD OCCUR.

Construction and Operation
The General Plan area is almost entirely designated as Urban and Built-Up Land area.40 A small parcel along Taylor Boulevard in the western portion of Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) is 39 USFWS. 2022d. Environmental Conservation Online System: Habitat Conservation Plans. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/conservationplans-region-summary?region=8&type=HCP (accessed September 2022). 40 DOC, op. cit.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1279 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-35
designated as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Grazing Land. Additionally, Paso Nogal Park, located within northwestern Pleasant Hill, is designated as Other Land, which includes land not categorized in another mapping class. 41 However, these areas designated as
farmland are not planned for any zoning changes or land use changes under the 2040 General Plan.

Additionally, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan and implementation of General Plan policies would not modify Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance, including the small areas designated as such within Pleasant Hill. Although these areas are classified by the DOC as farmland, no land is currently zoned for agricultural uses within Pleasant Hill. 42 These
areas are also not being considered as housing opportunity site locations per the 2040 General Plan Housing Element. As such, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not be located on agricultural land. Finally, no land within the General Plan area is currently under a Williamson Act contract.43 As such, the proposed plan would not conflict with agricultural zoning or Williamson Act contracts for preservation of agricultural use. Therefore, development construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan and operational implementation of General Plan policies would result in no impacts related to conversion of agricultural uses to non-agricultural uses or Williamson Act zoning consistency.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact
Forest Land Conversion and Forest/Timberland Zoning Consistency Significance Criterion i: Would the proposed plan conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)); timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))?
Significance Criterion j: Would the proposed plan result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Significance Criterion k: Would the proposed plan involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Impact BIO-7 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT RESULT IN THE

CONVERSION OF LAND USED FOR FORESTRY PURPOSES NOR CONFLICT WITH EXISTING ZONING FOR FORESTRY OR TIMBERLAND USE. NO IMPACT WOULD OCCUR.
41 Ibid. 42 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. City of Pleasant Hill Zoning Map. https://www.pleasanthillca.org/DocumentCenter/View/276/ZoningMap?bidId= (accessed October 2022). 43 Contra Costa, County of. 2017. 2016 Agricultural Preserves Map (Contra Costa County, California). https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/882/Map-of-Properties-Under-Contract?bidId= (accessed October 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1280 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-36
Construction and Operation
2040 GENERAL PLAN
Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) does not contain land identified as forested or timber area. As such, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not result in or promote the conversion of land used for forestry or timber purposes. In addition, no land within the General Plan area is currently zoned as forest/timberland. As such, the proposed plan would not conflict with forest/timberland zoning for preservation of forestry use. Therefore, development construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan and operational implementation of General Plan policies would result in no impacts related to conversion of forestry uses to non-forestry uses or forest/timberland zoning consistency.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact

3.3.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative biological, agriculture, and forestry resources analysis is the General Plan area and the immediate vicinities in adjacent cities and in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County, in addition to the proposed plan.

Special-status Wildlife and Plant Species
Most of the cumulative plans and project would be located in a highly developed urban area that has limited potential to support special-status wildlife and plant species. There are waterways that provide habitat for riparian species of flora and fauna, the closest of which is Walnut Creek. In addition, there are various open space areas throughout Pleasant Hill and the surrounding area, including Briones Regional Park to the west and Las Juntas Open Space Park and Paso Nogal Park that display grassland and woodland habitats. Riparian areas and the open space grasslands within the plan areas are relatively small and generally isolated areas surrounded by urban development.

Cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 consist predominantly of general plan buildouts including commercial and residential development, area plan buildout, and active transportation projects. Development and projects planned within the cumulative projects area would occur in similar, disturbed habitat common in urban areas. However, due to the presence of habitat for some special-status species in and near Pleasant Hill, including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and Alameda whipsnake, these species also have the potential, albeit low, to occur within the cumulative projects area. Additionally, nesting birds protected by the MBTA, and special-status bat species have the potential to occur within the plan area’s surroundings. Standard pre-construction surveys and, if necessary, avoidance procedures would be required for cumulative projects with the potential to impact nesting birds and protected bat species. While there are isolated pockets of natural habitat that can support special-status wildlife and plant species, the urban and built-up nature of the General Plan area as well as the other

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1281 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-37
cumulative plan and projects area precludes the possible adverse cumulative impacts to biological resources related to special-status wildlife and plant species. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to special-status wildlife and plant species would be less than significant.

Sensitive Natural Communities
Pleasant Hill contains several protected aquatic features and smaller riparian areas that would be considered wetlands and/or sensitive natural communities. These features are relatively small and often isolated from each other by large, urban developments. To address possible cumulative impacts to sensitive natural communities and wetlands, the 2040 General Plan includes several policies under proposed 2040 General Plan Goals ENV-2 and ENV-3 to address these issues and to avoid impacts to water resources including creeks, rivers, and their associated riparian areas. Most planned developments in the cumulative projects area are designed to address future growth problems, prevent urban sprawl, and minimize developmental impacts to sensitive natural communities. This is accomplished by designing projects to occur in previously developed or highly disturbed areas that the characteristics of lack sensitive natural communities or riparian habitat.

Wildlife Movement Corridors
Pleasant Hill and its surrounding vicinity contain a variety of creeks and open space areas that act as potential movement corridors for fish and wildlife, such as in riparian areas along riverine features such as Grayson or Murderers Creeks. Any future cumulative development that occurs within the General Plan area would have to take into account the potential impact to these corridors.

Cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 consist of predominantly general plan buildouts including commercial and residential development, area plan buildout, and active transportation projects. Cumulative development would occur in similar, disturbed habitat common in urban areas.

The areas surrounding the potential corridors within Pleasant Hill and its surroundings in the Bay Area are highly developed, further impeding the movement of species out from these areas.

Additionally, the current development plans would adhere to the 2040 General Plan’s open space and creek setback requirements to reduce any potential cumulative impacts to fish and wildlife movement corridors to a less then significant level. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to wildlife movement corridors would be less than significant.

Protected Trees
Development may require the removal or encroachment on certain protected trees as listed by the City of Pleasant Hill ordinances. Cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 consists of predominantly general plan buildouts including commercial and residential development, area plan buildout, and active transportation projects. Development and projects planned within the cumulative projects area would occur in similar, disturbed habitat common in urban areas. Future projects that occur in or near undeveloped areas may require an arborist report to determine the identity of trees planed for removal or encroachment. As such, the 2040 General Plan, in conjunction with other cumulative plans and projects, would be required to adhere to applicable tree ordinances and regulations set by City of Pleasant Hill and nearby Cities of Concord, Lafayette,

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1282 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.3-38
Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, and Moraga as well as regulations in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to protected trees would be less than significant.

Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Since there are no plan-level impacts related to agriculture and forestry resources, there would also be no cumulative impact related to agriculture and forestry resources.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1283 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-1

3.4 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources

3.4.1 Introduction
This section addresses cultural and tribal resources in the General Plan area as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also analyzes the potential impacts to cultural resources and tribal cultural resources anticipated to result from development and growth under the 2040 General Plan (proposed plan). Information in this section is based on archival and online research, a search of the Sacred Lands File (SLF) by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), and tribal consultation conducted by the City of Pleasant Hill.

3.4.2 Environmental Setting
Cultural Resources Definitions
The term “cultural resources” under CEQA encompasses historic, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources as well as burial sites. Below is a brief summary of each definition:
 Historical Resources: Historical resources are resources listed in, or determined eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), a resource included in a local register of historical resources or identified in a historical resources survey, or any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript that a lead agency determines to be historically significant. Historical resources may include eligible built environment resources of the precontact1 or historic periods. For the purposes of this section, historical resources are associated with the recent past. Specifically in California, historical resources are typically associated with the Spanish, Mexican, and American periods in the State’s history and are generally less than 200 years of age.
 Archaeological Resources: Archaeology is the study of artifacts and material culture with the aim of understanding human activities and cultures in the past. Archaeological resources may be associated with prehistoric indigenous cultures as well as historic periods.  Tribal Cultural Resources: Tribal cultural resources include sites, features, places, or objects that are of cultural value to one or more California Native American Tribes.  Burial Sites and Cemeteries: Burial sites and cemeteries are formal or informal locations where human remains have been interred.

Overall Cultural Setting
Following is a brief overview of the indigenous history, ethnographic background, and post-contact history of the General Plan area. This section is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the current resources available; rather, it serves as a general overview. Further details can be found in ethnographic studies, mission records, and major published sources.

Indigenous History
The City of Pleasant Hill lies within the San Francisco Bay Area archaeological region.2Milliken et al. (2007) generally divided the prehistoric chronology of the Bay Area into five periods: The Early 1 Precontact refers to the period prior to European settler contact with Native Americans, in this case specifically in California. 2 Michael J. Moratto, California Archaeology, (Salinas: Coyote Press, 1984).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1284 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-2
Holocene (8,000-3,500 Before Common Era [BCE]), Early Period (3,500-500 BCE), Lower Middle Period (500 BCE to CE 430 CE), the Upper Middle Period (430-1050 CE), and the Late Period (1050 CE-contact).

It is presumed that early Paleoindian groups lived in the area prior to 8,000 BCE; however, no evidence for that period has been discovered in the Bay Area to date.3 Sites dating to this period may be submerged or deeply buried as a result of rising sea levels and widespread sediment deposition that has occurred since the Terminal Pleistocene.4 For this reason, the Terminal Pleistocene Period (ca. 11,700-8,000 BCE) is not discussed here.

The earliest intensive study of archaeology of the San Francisco Bay Area began with N. C. Nelson of the University of California, Berkeley, between 1906 and 1908. He documented over 400 shell mounds throughout the area. Nelson was the first to identify the Bay Area as a discrete archaeological region.5

EARLY HOLOCENE (8000-3500 BCE)
Archaeological evidence from the early Holocene is limited as many sites dating to this period are likely buried under Holocene alluvial deposits.6 The available data suggest that the Early Holocene in the San Francisco Bay Area is characterized by a mobile forager pattern and the presence of millingslabs, handstones, and a variety of leaf-shaped projectile points. Two archaeological sites (CA-CCO-696 and CA-CCO-637) that date to this period have been identified in Contra Costa County at the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. The earliest date for the Early Holocene comes from the CA-CCO-696, approximately 7000 BCE.7
EARLY PERIOD (3500-600 BCE)
The Early Period saw increased sedentism with the introduction of new ground stone technologies (i.e., mortar and pestle), an increase in regional trade, and the first cut shell beads. The earliest evidence for the use of the mortar and pestle dates to 3800 BCE and comes from CA-CCO-637. By 1500 BCE, mortars and pestles had almost completely replaced millingslabs and handstones. The advent of the mortar and pestle indicates a greater reliance on processing nuts, especially acorns.

Faunal evidence from various sites indicates a diverse faunal exploitation pattern based on mussel and other shellfish, marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, and birds.8

The earliest cut bead horizon is also associated with this period. Rectangular Haliotis spp. (abalone) and Olivella spp. (snail) beads have been identified at several Early Period sites, including CA-CCO637, CA-SCL-832 in Sunnyvale, and CA-ALA-307 in Berkeley.9 These early examples of cut beads were recovered from mortuary contexts.
3 Randall Milliken et al. California Prehistory: Colonization, Culture, and Complexity, “Punctuated Culture Change in the San Francisco Bay Area,” (Lanham: Alta Mira Press, 2007).
4 Brian F. Byrd and L. Mark Raab, “Prehistory of Southern Bight: Models for a New Millennium,” 2007. 5 Moratto, California Archaeology, 1984. 6 Sonia Ragir, Contributions of the University of California Archeological Research Facility, “The Early Horizon in Central California Prehistory, (Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley, 1972) and Moratto, California Archaeology, 1984. 7 Milliken et al. “Punctuated Culture Change in the San Francisco Bay Area,” 2007. 8 Stella D’Oro, “Native California prehistory and climate in the San Francisco Bay Area,” Master’s Theses and Graduate Research, (San Jose State University, 2009).
9 Milliken et al. “Punctuated Culture Change in the San Francisco Bay Area,” 2007.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1285 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-3
LOWER MIDDLE PERIOD (500 BCE-CE 430)
The Lower Middle Period saw numerous changes from the previous period. The presence of chipped stone points and bone tools became typical. Rectangular shell beads, common during the Early Period, disappear completely and are replaced by split-beveled and saucer Olivella beads. In addition to the changes in beads, Haliotis spp. ornaments, bone tools and ornaments, and basketry awls also became typical, indicating the development of coiled basketry technology. Mortars and pestles continued to be the dominant grinding tool.10
Evidence for the Lower Middle Period in the Bay Area comes from sites such as the Emeryville shell mound (CA-ALA-309) and Ellis Landing (CA-CCO-295). CA-ALA-309 is one of the largest shell mounds in the Bay Area and contains multiple cultural sequences. The lower levels of the site, which date to the Middle Period, contain flexed burials with bone implements, chert bifaces, charmstones, and oyster shells.11
UPPER MIDDLE PERIOD (430-1050 CE)
Around 430 CE, Olivella saucer bead trade networks that had been established during earlier periods collapsed and over half of known sites occupied during the Lower Middle Period were abandoned.

Olivella saucer beads were replaced with Olivella saddle beads. New types of material culture appear within these sites, including elaborate, decorative blades, fishtail charmstones, new Haliotis ornament forms, and mica ornaments. Sea otter bones became more abundant, while salmon and other fish became less abundant, suggesting changes in faunal exploitation patterns from earlier periods.12 Excavations at CA-ALA-309 indicate that a shift from mussels to oysters to clams may have occurred, and isotopic analysis confirms that San Francisco Bay individuals shifted from hunting higher-trophic-level foods in the Early Period to gathering foods like plants and shellfish in the Middle and Upper Periods.13 Subsistence analyses at various sites dating to this period indicate a diverse diet that included numerous species of fish, mammals, birds, shellfish, and plant resources that varied by location in the Bay Area.14
LATE PERIOD (CE 1050-CONTACT)
The Late Period saw an increase in social complexity, indicated by differences in burials and an increased level of sedentism relative to preceding periods, as evidenced by mortars weighing up to

90.7 kg.15 An increase in imported Napa Valley obsidian occurred during this time for the production of smaller points, preforms and simple flake tools. Small, finely worked projectile points of the Stockton Serrated series associated with bow and arrow technology appear around 1250 CE. Olivella shell beads disappeared and were replaced with Olivella lipped and spire -lopped beads in the south bay and clamshell disk beads in the north bay, where thicker and larger beads indicated higher affluence. The toggle harpoon, hopper mortar, and magnesite tube beads also appeared during this period.16 This period saw an increase in the intensity of resource exploitation that correlates with an 10 Edward M. Luby and Mark F. Gruber, “The Dead Must be Fed: Symbolic Meanings of the Shellmounds of the San Francisco Bay Area,” in Cambridge Archeological Journal, April 1999. 11 Moratto, California Archaeology, 1984. 12 Dwight D. Simons and Tim Carpenter, “Fish Remains From CA-MRN-44/H, Angel Island, Marin County, California,” in Proceedings of the Society for California Archaeology, Vol. 21, 2009. 13 Edward Winslow Gifford, “Composition of California Shellmounds,” in American Archaeology and Ethnology,”(Berkeley: University of California Press, 1916)
Gregory R. Burns et al. “Isotopic Evidence for Changing Residence Patterns Though the Middle to Late Holocene in Central California,” (Chico: California State University, Chico, 2012). 14 Mark G. Hylkema, “Tidal Marsh, Oak Woodlands, and Cultural Florescence in the Southern San Francisco Bay Region,” 2002. 15 Kari Lentz, “Flaked and Geound Stone Technology at CA-ALA-54: Mortar Bowls and Stockton Points,” 2012. 16 Peter Von Der Porten, Katherine Dixon, and Alex Degeorgey, “Seriation of Clam Shell Disk Beads in Central California,” 2014.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1286 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-4
increase in population.17 Many of the well-known sites of earlier periods, such as the Emeryville shell mound (CA-ALA-309) and the West Berkeley site (CA-ALA-307), were abandoned, as indicated by the lack of Late Period elements. Researchers have suggested that the abandonment of these sites may have resulted from fluctuating climates and drought that occurred throughout the Late Period.18
Ethnographic Background
The 2040 General Plan area is located in the traditional tribal territory of the Bay Miwok, members of the larger Miwokan subgroup of the Utian language family inhabiting the northern area of Sherman Island surrounding Mount Diablo. Miwok subsistence practices centered on the use of acorns and of seeds as primary plant food sources and on hunting of mule deer, tule elk, pronghorn antelope, and various species of waterfowl. Hunting was done typically with a sinew-backed bow and arrow. Fishing was a particularly important activity for the Miwok, primarily with various types of nets. Seines were used in large rivers and sloughs where the pace of water flow was slow Hook and line was typically used to take sturgeon, while harpoons were the most common implement for salmon fishing.
19 The Miwok made both twined and coiled basketry, usually from willow and redbud. They also manufactured tule mats used as floor covering. Woven blankets were often made of rabbit skin strips or feathers attached to cordage woven from plant fibers. Tule balsa rafts were crafted and used to navigate rivers and sloughs.
20 Miwok settlements typically included thatched, conical houses and semi-subterranean earthcovered dwellings in winter, constructed by higher-status families. Houses generally had a central hearth and an earth oven for cooking purposes. Large, semi-subterranean assembly houses were constructed for use as a ritual and social gathering place. In summer, a circular brush hut was constructed for use in mourning ceremonies. Other structures included sweathouses for curing disease and purification prior to hunting, small conical structures used by menstruating women, and grinding houses built over bedrock mortars to permit food processing in inclement weather. Acorn granaries were constructed for long-term acorn storage. 21 Political organization centered on small tribelets of approximately 300 to 500 people and several distinct settlements. A chief headed each tribelet, and a representative of the chief each settlement had oversight of local affairs. Chiefs acted as advisors and managed use of natural resources by preventing trespassing on tribelet territory and determining the appropriate time to begin the acorn harvest each season. The chief also arbitrated any disputes and sanctioned the punishment of criminal offenders.

Miwok social organization followed the moiety pattern, with all living things belonging to one of two categories: land and water. Moieties were exogamous typically and played an important role in many ceremonies.
22 The Bay Miwok were exploited for labor by Mission Dolores, established in 1800 in San Francisco, and later by the Mexican land grant holders. As a direct result of the establishment of the mission 17 Moratto, California Archaeology, 1984. 18 Kent G. Lightfoot and Edward M. Luby, “Late Halocene in the San Francisco Bay Area: Temporeal Trends in the Use and Abandonment of Shell Mounds in the East Bay,” 2002.
19 Richard Levy, “Eastern Miwok,” in Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8 (1978): 398-413. 20 Levy, 1978. 21 Levy, 1978. 22 Levy, 1978.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1287 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-5
system, the Bay Miwok population dramatically declined. After the establishment of the United States, the Bay Miwok were legally prevented from owning land in their traditional territories.

Despite this, the Bay Miwok continue to populate the Bay Area (Milliken et al. 2009; Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria 2016).

Post-Contact History
Post-contact history for the State of California is generally divided into three periods: the Spanish Period (1769–1822), Mexican Period (1822–1848), and American Period (1848–present). Although Spanish, Russian, and British explorers visited the area for brief periods between 1529 and 1769, the Spanish Period in California begins with the establishment in 1769 of a settlement at San Diego and the founding of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of 21 missions constructed between 1769 and 1823. Independence from Spain in 1821 marks the beginning of the Mexican Period, and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War, signals the beginning of the American Period when California became a territory of the United States.

SPANISH PERIOD (1769 – 1822)
Spanish explorers made sailing expeditions along the coast of California between the mid-1500s and mid-1700s. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 led the first European expedition to observe what was known by the Spanish as Alta (upper) California. For more than 200 years, Cabrillo and other Spanish, Portuguese, British, and Russian explorers sailed the Alta California coast and made limited inland expeditions, but they did not establish permanent settlements. 23 The Spanish crown laid
claim to Alta California based on the surveys conducted by Cabríllo and Vizcaíno.24 By the 18th century, Spain developed a three-pronged approach to secure its hold on the territory and counter against other foreign explorers. The Spanish established military forts known as presidios, as well as missions and pueblos (towns) throughout Alta California. The 1769 overland expedition by Captain Gaspár de Portolá marks the beginning of California’s Historic period, occurring just after the King of Spain installed the Franciscan Order to direct religious and colonization matters in assigned territories of the Americas. Portolá established the Presidio of San Diego as the first Spanish settlement in Alta California in 1769. Franciscan Father Junípero Serra also founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá that same year, the first of the 21 missions that would be established in Alta California by the Spanish and the Franciscan Order between 1769 and 1823.

Construction of missions and associated presidios was a major emphasis during the Spanish Period in California to integrate the Native American population into Christianity and communal enterprise.

Incentives were also provided to bring settlers to pueblos or towns; just three pueblos were established during the Spanish Period, only two of which were successful and remain as California cities (San José and Los Angeles).

During this period, Spain also granted ranchos to prominent citizens and soldiers, though very few in comparison to the subsequent Mexican Period. To manage and expand their herds of cattle on these large ranchos, colonists enlisted the labor of the surrounding Native American population, often forcibly.25 The missions governed the local Native Americans and sought to convert the population to Christianity. The influx of European settlers brought the local Native American 23 Walton Bean, California: An Interpretive History, (New York: McGraw Hill, 1968) 24 Blake Gumprecht, The Los Angeles River: Its Life, Death, and Possible Rebirth, (Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999). 25 Zephyrin Engelhardt, San Fernando Rey, the Mission of the Valley. (Chicago: Franciscan Herald Press, Chicago, 1927a.) Andres Resendez, The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America, (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2016).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1288 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-6
population in contact with European diseases which they had no immunity against, resulting in a catastrophic reduction in native populations throughout the State.26 MEXICAN PERIOD (1822 – 1848)
Several factors kept growth within Alta California to a minimum, including the threat of foreign invasion, political dissatisfaction, and unrest among the indigenous population. After more than a decade of intermittent rebellion and warfare, New Spain won independence from Spain in 1821. In 1822, the Mexican legislative body in California ended isolationist policies designed to protect the Spanish monopoly on trade, and decreed California ports open to foreign merchants.27 Extensive land grants were established in the interior during the Mexican Period, in part to increase the population inland from the more settled coastal areas where the Spanish had first concentrated their colonization efforts. The secularization of the missions following Mexico’s independence from Spain resulted in the subdivision of former mission lands and establishment of many additional ranchos. Commonly, former soldiers and well-connected Mexican families were the recipients of these land grants, which now included the title to the land.28 The Mexican Period ended in early January 1848, following several decisive battles against the United States. On January 10, leaders of the Pueblo of Los Angeles surrendered peacefully after Mexican General Jose Maria Flores withdrew his forces. Shortly thereafter, newly appointed Mexican Military Commander of California Andrés Pico surrendered all of Alta California to US Army Lieutenant Colonel John C. Fremont in the Treaty of Cahuenga.

AMERICAN PERIOD (1848 – PRESENT)
The American Period officially began with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, in which the United States agreed to pay Mexico $15 million for conquered territory including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Settlement of Southern California continued to increase during the early American Period. Ranchos were sold or otherwise acquired by Americans, with many subdivided into agricultural parcels or towns.

The discovery of gold in northern California in 1848 led to the California Gold Rush and California’s population, particularly that of the bay area, grew exponentially. During this time, San Francisco became California’s first true city, growing from a population of 812 to 25,000 in only a few years.29 During the 1850s cattle boom, rancho vaqueros drove large herds from southern to northern California to feed that region’s burgeoning mining and commercial boom.

By 1853, the population of California exceeded 300,000. Thousands of settlers and immigrants continued to pour into the state, particularly after the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. By the 1880s, the railroads had established networks throughout northern California, resulting in fast and affordable shipment of goods, as well to transport new residents to the growing region.30
26 William McCawley, The First Angelinos: The Gabrielino Indians of Los Angeles, (Novato: Bellena Press Cooperative, 1996). 27 Ramon Gutierrez et al., Contested Eden: California Before the Goldrush, (Berkeley: University of California Berkeley Press, 1998). 28 Burgess Shumway, California Ranchos, (San Bernadino: Borgo Press, 2007). 29 J.M. Guinn, “Gold! Gold! Gold! from San Francisquito! In Los Angeles”, Biography of a City, edited by John Caughey and LaRee Caughey, (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1977).
30 Glenn Dumke, “The Boom of the 1880s in Southern California,” Southern California Quarterly, 76, 1994.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1289 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-7
History of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill is located in central Contra Costa County in an area known as the Diablo Valley. The first inhabitants of present-day Pleasant Hill were Ohlone Bay and Miwok Indians. By the midnineteenth century, the area was part of the Mexican land grant system, which allowed settlers to petition for land ownership and further displace native inhabitants.

In 1844, William Welch, an immigrant from Ireland, established Rancho Las Juntas, a land grant of 13,000 acres that included all of present-day Pleasant Hill, northwest Walnut Creek, and the eastern portion of Martinez. He and his wife, Maria Antonia Galindo, spent most of their time in the thenpueblo of San Jose, but kept their cattle on their rancho in Pleasant Hill. Following her husband’s death in 1846, Maria Welch relocated to the rancho and eventually distributed the land to her heirs.

The California Gold Rush brought several settlers to the area. Soon thereafter, the area was dominated by agricultural uses and became a growing farming community by the late nineteenth century. An 1893 map of Rancho Las Juntas shows that it had been divided among many families by that time and had a schoolhouse, known as Pleasant Hill School, and appears to be the first use of the name of the area.31 Grains, including wheat, hay, and barley, were the predominant crops grown by the early inhabitants and were transported to markets via Pacheco Creek.

Early roads were limited to dirt roads that were difficult to pass through, especially during the winter. In 1891, the Southern Pacific Rail line (now the Iron Horse Trail) started a line through Diablo Valley. In 1911, an electric railroad passed through Pleasant Hill on its way to the Sacramento Valley.

The access to new transportation brought new prosperity to the families in Pleasant Hill. Farmers could more easily sell and trade goods, children could get to school more easily, and it helped to facilitate trade around the new winery industry that was in the Hookston area of town. Early commercial development was centered at the intersection of Contra Costa and Monument Boulevards, which were two of the main roadways through the community, but no distinct downtown district emerged.
32 In the 1920s and 1930s, Pleasant Hill grew and residential developments were constructed south of Gregory Lane and west of Contra Costa Boulevard and in areas of former wineries that were shuttered during Prohibition. The connection between Contra Costa and Alameda Counties was improved with the construction of the Caldecott Tunnel in 1937, making Pleasant Hill more accessible. Immediately after World War II, the suburbanization of the Pleasant Hill area accelerated to respond to the demand for housing. As a result, by the early 1950s large tracts of former farmland had been converted to single-family residential neighborhoods, and a variety of commercial areas were also developed to support the growing post-war population. Between 1946 and 1954, single-family developments north of Gregory Lane contributed significantly to Pleasant Hill's expansion, whose population had ballooned from just 5,686 in 1950 to over 23,000 in 1960.33In response to growing population, additional services were added, including the establishment of East Contra Costa Junior College (now Diablo Valley College), at its present location in Pleasant Hill in 1952.34
Pleasant Hill had been substantially developed with residential and commercial uses when it was incorporated as a city in 1961. Its residents were generally employed by important employment centers to the west and south of Pleasant Hill, and the 1964 opening of Interstate 680 further 31 Adam Nilsen, Images of America: Pleasant Hill (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2007). 32 “Challenges Faced in Building the New Downtown,” Pleasant Hill Downtown, https://www.pleasanthillca.org/340/Article-Continued., accessed online October 2022. 33 United States Decennial Census 34 “About DVC,” Diablo Valley College, https://www.dvc.edu/about/index.html, accessed October 2022.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1290 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-8
accelerated residential and commercial construction. Beginning in the 1980s with the construction of a new city hall, the downtown area underwent a revitalization effort that continued into the early 2000s and included new commercial, retail, and residential uses.35 Pleasant Hill has traditionally been a suburban residential area dominated by single-family homes that serves important neighboring employment centers. Pleasant Hill, however, has experienced some change in recent years, as indicated by recent higher-density residential and commercial construction, particularly downtown.36 As of January 2022 Pleasant Hill’s population is 34,026 residents.37
Existing Cultural Resources
Historical Resources in General Plan Area
A review of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and the California State Office of Historic Preservation Built Environment Directory (BERD), along with the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan reveals that there is one designated historical resource in Pleasant Hill. The Patrick Rogers Farm, inclusive of the house and a barn, is listed in the NRHP and CRHR for its association with Contra Costa County’s agricultural history. The Patrick Rogers Farm comprises Pleasant Hill’s only Historic Overlay District.

The existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan includes a list of 17 additional properties in the General Plan area that may have historical significance but have not been evaluated and are not currently listed in any federal, State, or local register. Additionally, Contra Costa County maintains a Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) that is periodically updated with historic properties to aid the Board of Supervisors in the identification and preservation of historical resources within the county.

The HRI was last updated in 2019 and includes 24 properties/sites in the General Plan area that may qualify as historical resources, pending further analysis.

Archaeological Resources in General Plan Area
The City of Pleasant Hill requested a review of the SLF and received a response from the NAHC on March 30, 2022, that indicated that the 2040 General Plan area is negative for Sacred Lands. It is known that archaeological resources have been identified within Pleasant Hill. However, information on archaeological resources is confidential and will not be further discussed here.

Tribal Cultural Resources in General Plan Area
As part of its Tribal Cultural Resource identification process pursuant to California Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18, the City of Pleasant Hill sent letters via certified mail to sixteen Native American tribal contacts identified by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) as being traditionally and culturally affiliated with the General Plan area. The tribal contacts included the following:
 Irene Zwierlein, Chairperson of the Amah Mutsun Band of Mission San Juan Bautista  Kanyon Sayers-Roods, MLD of the Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan  Ann Marie Sayers, Chairperson of the Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan 35 Pleasant Hill Profile, City of Pleasant Hill , accessed online https://www.pleasanthillca.org/DocumentCenter/View/675/Pleasant-HillProfile?bidId=, October 2022. 36 Crawford Multari & Clark Associates, 2003. “Draft Environmental Impact Report for the City of Pleasant Hill Draft General Plan.” Pg 23. 37 United States Decennial Census

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1291 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-9
 Monica Arellano, Vice Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Indian Tribe of the SF Bay Area  Charlene Nijmeh, Chairperson of the Muwekma Ohlone Indian Tribe of the SF Bay Area  Cosme Valdez, Chairperson of the Nashville Enterprise Miwok-Maidu-Nishinam Tribe  Lloyd Matheisen, Chairperson of the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians  Donald Duncan, Chairperson of Guidiville Indian Rancheria  Katherine Perez, Chairperson of the North Valley Yokuts Tribe  Timothy Perez, contact for the North Valley Yokuts Tribe  Andrew Galvan, contact for the Ohlone Indian Tribe
 Dahlton Brown, Director of Administration for the Wilton Rancheria  Steven Hutchason, THPO of the Wilton Rancheria
 Jesus Tarango, Chairperson of the Wilton Rancheria
 Kenneth Woodrow, Chairperson of the Wuksache Indian Tribe/Eshom Valley Band  Corrina Gould, Tribal Chair of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation Additionally, two other tribal contacts were identified by the City of Pleasant Hill as having requested AB 52 consultation on plans/projects and were mailed letters via certified mail:
 Michael Mirelez, Cultural Resource Coordinator for the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians  Sara D. Setshwaelo, Chairwoman of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians Under AB 52, tribes have 30 days and under the provisions of SB 18, have 90 days to respond and request consultation.

On December 5, 2022, the City received a response from Corrina Gould, Tribal Chair of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation, requesting consultation with the City, and the City met with Corrina Gould and other members of the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation on January 18, 2023. Consultation is ongoing. To date, the City has not received any other responses for additional consultation under AB 52 or SB 18.

3.4.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
National Historic Preservation Act
Properties which are listed in or have been formally determined eligible for listing in the NRHP are automatically listed in the CRHR. The following is therefore presented to provide applicable regulatory context. The NRHP was authorized by Section 101 of the National Historic Preservation Act and is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. The NRHP recognizes the quality of significance in American, state, and local history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects. Per Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 60.4, a property is eligible for listing in the NRHP if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

Criterion A: Are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history
Criterion B: Are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1292 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-10
Criterion C: Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of installation, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction
Criterion D: Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history
In addition to meeting at least one of the above designation criteria, resources must also retain integrity. The National Park Service recognizes seven aspects or qualities that, considered together, define historic integrity. To retain integrity, a property must possess several, if not all, of these seven qualities, defined as follows:

Location: The place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event occurred
Design: The combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property
Setting: The physical environment of a historic property Materials: Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property
Workmanship: The physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory
Feeling: A property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time
Association: The direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property
Certain properties are generally considered ineligible for listing in the NRHP, including cemeteries, birthplaces, graves of historical figures, properties owned by religious institutions, relocated structures, or commemorative properties. Additionally, a property must be at least 50 years of age to be eligible for listing in the NRHP. The National Park Service states that 50 years is the general estimate of the time needed to develop the necessary historical perspective to evaluated significance (National Park Service 1997:41). Properties which are less than 50 years must be determined to have “exceptional importance” to be considered eligible for NRHP listing.

Archaeological Resources Protection Act
The ARPA amended the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 USC 431–433) and set a broad policy that archaeological resources are important to the nation and should be protected, and required special permits before the excavation or removal of archaeological resources from public or Indian lands.

The purpose of the ARPA was to secure, for the present and future benefit of the American people, the protection of archaeological resources and sites that are on public lands and Indian lands, and to foster increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities, the professional archaeological community, and private individuals having collections of archaeological resources and data that were obtained before October 31, 1979.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1293 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-11
American Indian Religious Freedom Act
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) established federal policy to protect and preserve the inherent rights of freedom for Native groups to believe, express, and exercise their traditional religions. These rights include but are not limited to access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and freedom to worship through ceremonial and traditional rites.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
The NAGPRA of 1990 sets provisions for the intentional removal and inadvertent discovery of human remains and other cultural items from federal and tribal lands. It clarifies the ownership of human remains and sets forth a process for repatriation of human remains and associated funerary objects and sacred religious objects to the Native American groups claiming to be lineal descendants or culturally affiliated with the remains or objects. It requires any federally funded institution housing Native American remains or artifacts to compile an inventory of all cultural items within the museum or with its agency and to provide a summary to any Native American tribe claiming affiliation.

State Regulations
California Register of Historical Resources
The CRHR was established in 1992 and codified by PRC §§5024.1 and 4852. The CRHR is an authoritative listing and guide to be used by State and local agencies, private groups, and citizens in identifying the existing historical resources of the State and to indicate which resources deserve to be protected, to the extent prudent and feasible, from substantial adverse change (Public Resources Code, 5024.1(a)). The criteria for eligibility for the CRHR are consistent with the NRHP criteria but have been modified for state use in order to include a range of historical resources that better reflect the history of California (Public Resources Code, 5024.1(b)). Unlike the NRHP however, the CRHR does not have a defined age threshold for eligibility; rather, a resource may be eligible for the CRHR if it can be demonstrated sufficient time has passed to understand its historical or architectural significance (California Office of Historic Preservation 2006). Further, resources may still be eligible for listing in the CRHR even if they do not retain sufficient integrity for NRHP eligibility (California Office of Historic Preservation 2006). Generally, the California Office of Historic Preservation recommends resources over 45 years of age be recorded and evaluated for historical resources eligibility (California Office of Historic Preservation 1995:2).

Properties are eligible for listing in the CRHR if they meet one of more of the following criteria:

Criterion 1: Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage
Criterion 2: Is associated with the lives of persons important to our past Criterion 3: Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values
Criterion 4: Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1294 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-12
California Environmental Quality Act
CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15064.5(A) – CEQA DEFINITION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES California Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21804.1 requires lead agencies determine if a project could have a significant impact on historical or unique archaeological resources. As defined in PRC Section 21084.1, a historical resource is a resource listed in, or determined eligible for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR); a resource included in a local register of historical resources or identified in a historical resources survey pursuant to PRC Section 5024.1(g); or any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript that a lead agency determines to be historically significant. PRC Section 21084.1 also states resources meeting the above criteria are presumed to be historically or culturally significant unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates otherwise. Resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) are automatically listed in the CRHR and are, therefore, historical resources under CEQA. Historical resources may include eligible built environment resources and archaeological resources of the precontact or historic periods.

CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15064.5(B) – SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN SIGNIFICANCE According to CEQA, an impact that results in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is considered a significant impact on the environment. A substantial adverse change could result from physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of the historical resource would be materially impaired (CEQA Guidelines §15064.5 [b][1]). Material impairment is defined as demolition or alteration in an adverse manner [of] those characteristics of a historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for inclusion in, the CRHR or a local register (CEQA Guidelines §15064.5[b][2][A]).

If it can be demonstrated that a project will cause damage to a unique archaeological resource, the lead agency may require reasonable efforts be made to permit any or all of these resources to be preserved in place or left in an undisturbed state. To the extent that resources cannot be left undisturbed, mitigation measures are required (PRC §21083.2[a], [b]).

CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15064.5(C) – EFFECTS ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(c) provides further guidance on the consideration of archaeological resources. If an archaeological resource does not qualify as a historical resource, it may meet the definition of a “unique archaeological resource” as identified in PRC Section 21083.2.

PRC Section 21083.2(g) defines a unique archaeological resource as an artifact, object, or site about which it can be clearly demonstrated that, without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability that it meets any of the following criteria: 1) it contains information needed to answer important scientific research questions and that there is a demonstrable public interest in that information; 2) has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the best available example of its type; or 3) is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or historic event or person.

If an archaeological resource does not qualify as a historical or unique archaeological resource, the impacts of a project on those resources will be less than significant and need not be considered further (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5[c][4]). CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 also provides guidance for addressing the potential presence of human remains, including those discovered during the implementation of a project.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1295 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-13
CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15064.5(D) – EFFECTS ON HUMAN REMAINS Native American human remains and associated burial items may be significant to descendant communities and/or may be scientifically important for their informational value. They may be significant to descendant communities for patrimonial, cultural, lineage, and religious reasons.

Human remains may also be important to the scientific community, such as prehistorians, epidemiologists, and physical anthropologists. The specific stake of some descendant groups in ancestral burials is a matter of law for some groups, such as Native Americans (CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5(d); PRC § 5097.98). CEQA and other State regulations regarding Native American human remains provide the following procedural requirements to assist in avoiding potential adverse effects on human remains within the contexts of their value to both descendant communities and the scientific community:
 When an initial study identifies the existence or probable likelihood that a project would affect Native American human remains, the lead agency is to contact and work with the appropriate Native American representatives identified through the NAHC to develop an agreement for the treatment and disposal of the human remains and any associated burial items (CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5(d); PRC § 5097.98).
 If human remains are accidentally discovered, the county coroner must be contacted. If the county coroner determines that the human remains are Native American, the coroner must contact the NAHC within 24 hours. The NAHC must identify the most likely descendant (MLD) to provide for the opportunity to make recommendations for the treatment and disposal of the human remains and associated burial items.
 If the MLD fails to make recommendations within 24 hours of notification or the project applicant rejects the recommendations of the MLD, the Native American human remains and associated burial items must be reburied in a location not subject to future disturbance within the project site (PRC § 5097.98).
 If potentially affected human remains or a burial site may have scientific significance, whether or not it has significance to Native Americans or other descendent communities, then under CEQA, the appropriate mitigation may require the recovery of the scientific information of the remains/burial through identification, evaluation, data recovery, analysis, and interpretation (CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5(c)(2)).

CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15126.4 – CULTURAL RESOURCES MITIGATION Section 15126.4 of the CEQA Guidelines stipulates an EIR shall describe feasible measures to minimize significant adverse impacts. In addition to being fully enforceable, mitigation measures must be completed within a defined time period and be roughly proportional to the impacts of the project. Generally, a project which is found to comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings (the Standards) is considered to be mitigated below a level of significance (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(1)). For historical resources of an archaeological nature, lead agencies should also seek to avoid damaging effects where feasible. Preservation in place is the preferred manner to mitigate impacts to archaeological sites; however, data recovery through excavation may be the only option in certain instances (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(3)).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1296 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-14
California Health and Safety Code §7050.5 – Human Remains Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code states that in the event of discovery or recognition of any human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, there shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains until the coroner of the county in which the remains are discovered has determined if the remains are subject to the coroner’s authority. If the human remains are of Native American origin, the coroner must notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours of this identification.

California Public Resources Code §5097.91 – Sacred Lands Inventory Section 5097.91 of the Public Resources Code established duties include the inventory of places of religious or social significance to Native Americans and the identification of known graves and cemeteries of Native Americans on private lands. This inventory is referred to as the NAHC Sacred Lands File. Under Section 5097.9 of the Public Resources Code, a State policy of noninterference with the free expression or exercise of Native American religion was articulated along with a prohibition of severe or irreparable damage to Native American sanctified cemeteries, places of worship, religious or ceremonial sites or sacred shrines located on public property. Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code specifies a protocol to be followed when the NAHC receives notification of a discovery of Native American human remains from a county coroner. Section 5097.5 defines as a misdemeanor the unauthorized disturbance or removal of archaeological, historic, or paleontological resources located on public lands.

California Senate Bill 18 – Tribal Consultation
California Government Code Section 65352.3 (adopted pursuant to the requirements of California Senate Bill [SB] 18) requires local governments to contact, refer plans to, and consult with tribal organizations prior to making a decision to adopt or amend a general or specific plan. The tribal organizations eligible to consult have traditional lands in a local government’s jurisdiction, and are identified, upon request, by the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). As noted in the California Office of Planning and Research’s Tribal Consultation Guidelines (2005); “The intent of SB 18 is to provide California Native American tribes an opportunity to participate in local land use decisions at an early planning stage, for the purpose of protecting, or mitigating impacts to, cultural places.” SB 18 refers to PRC Section 5097.9 and 5097.995 to define cultural places as:

Native American sanctified cemetery, place of worship, religious or ceremonial site, or sacred shrine (PRC Section 5097.9) and Native American historic, cultural, or sacred site, that is listed or may be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources pursuant to Section 5024.1, including any historic or prehistoric ruins, any burial ground, any archaeological or historic site (PRC Section 5097.995).

California Assembly Bill 52 – Effects on Tribal Cultural Resources California Assembly Bill (AB) 52 expanded CEQA by defining a new resource category, “tribal cultural resources.” AB 52 establishes that “a project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment” (PRC Section 21084.2). AB 52 further states when feasible, the lead agency shall establish measures to avoid impacts that would alter the significant characteristics of a tribal cultural resource (PRC Section 21084.3).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1297 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-15
PRC Section 21074 (a)(1)(A) and (B) defines tribal cultural resources as “sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural value to a California Native American tribe,” and meets either of the following criteria:
a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in PRC Section 5020.1(k). b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of PRC Section 5024.1.

In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of PRC Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.

In recognition of California Native American tribal sovereignty and the unique relationship of California local governments and public agencies with California Native American tribal governments and with respect to the interests and roles of project proponents, it is the intent AB 52 to accomplish all of the following:

1. Recognize that California Native American prehistoric, historic, archaeological, cultural, and sacred places are essential elements in tribal cultural traditions, heritages, and identities.

2. Establish a new category of resources in CEQA called “tribal cultural resources” that considers the tribal cultural values in addition to the scientific and archaeological values when determining impacts and mitigation.

3. Establish examples of mitigation measures for tribal cultural resources that uphold the existing mitigation preference for historical and archaeological resources of preservation in place, if feasible.

4. Recognize that California Native American tribes may have expertise with regard to their tribal history and practices, which concern the tribal cultural resources with which they are traditionally and culturally affiliated (because CEQA calls for a sufficient degree of analysis, tribal knowledge about the land and tribal cultural resources at issue should be included in environmental assessments for projects that may have a significant impact on those resources).

5. In recognition of their governmental status, establish a meaningful consultation process between California Native American tribal governments and lead agencies, respecting the interests and roles of all California Native American tribes and project proponents, and the level of required confidentiality concerning tribal cultural resources, early in the CEQA environmental review process, so that tribal cultural resources can be identified, and culturally appropriate mitigation and mitigation monitoring programs can be considered by the decision-making body of the lead agency.

6. Recognize the unique history of California Native American tribes and uphold existing rights of all California Native American tribes to participate in, and contribute their knowledge to, the environmental review process pursuant to CEQA.

7. Ensure that local and tribal governments, public agencies, and project proponents have information available, early in CEQA environmental review process, for purposes of identifying and addressing potential adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources and to reduce the potential for delay and conflicts in the environmental review process.

8. Enable California Native American tribes to manage and accept conveyances of, and act as caretakers of, tribal cultural resources.

9. Establish that a substantial adverse change to a tribal cultural resource has a significant effect on the environment.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1298 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-16
AB 52 also establishes a formal consultation process for California tribes regarding those resources.

The consultation process must be completed before a CEQA document can be certified or adopted.

AB 52 requires that lead agencies “begin consultation with a California Native American tribe that is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of the proposed project.” Native American tribes to be included in the process are those that have requested notice of projects proposed in the jurisdiction of the lead agency.

Local Regulations
City of Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current City of Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to historical and cultural resources, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
Chapter 18.45 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code (PHMC) addresses Historic Districts and Cultural Resources Overlay District requirements with the intention to prevent neglect of historic or architecturally significant buildings, encourage public appreciation of the city’s past, foster civic and neighborhood pride, enhance property values and increase economic and financial benefits to the city, and encourage public participation in identifying and preserving historical and architectural resources. The Historic and Cultural Resources Overlay Districts are intended to:

Promote the conservation, preservation, protection, and enhancement of cultural resources, landmarks and historic districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in history, architecture, archaeology, and culture which impart a distinct aspect to the city and serve as visible reminders of the city’s culture and heritage;
Deter demolition, destruction, alteration, misuse, or neglect of historically, culturally, archaeologically or architecturally significant districts, sites, buildings and objects that form an important link to the city’s past;
Encourage development tailored to the character and significance of each historic district or landmark through an historic district conservation plan that includes goals, objectives, and design standards;
Provide a review process for the appropriate preservation and development of important cultural, architectural and historical resources; and
Promote maintenance of a harmonious outward appearance of both historic and modern structures through complementary scale, form, color, proportion, texture and material.

An “H” historic district designation or “CR” cultural resources designation may be combined with any base zoning district and may only be adopted as an amendment to the zoning map. In addition to the criteria for amendments to the zoning map, the following criteria shall be considered in determining whether to adopt an ordinance designating an “H” historic district or “CR” cultural resources overlay district:

1. The area, structures or site possesses value as a visible reminder of the cultural heritage of the city.

2. The area, structure or site is identified with a person, group, or event that contributed significantly to the cultural or historical development of the city.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1299 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-17

3. Structures within the area exemplify a particular architectural style or way of life important to the city.

4. Structures within the area are the best remaining examples of an architectural style in a neighborhood.

5. The area or its structures are identified as the work of a person or group whose work has influenced the heritage of the city.

6. The area or its structures embody elements of outstanding attention to architectural or landscape design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship.

7. The area is related to a designated historic or landmark building or district in such a way that its preservation is essential to the integrity of the building or district.

8. Specific evidence exists that unique archaeological resources are present.

3.4.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources.

Would the 2040 General Plan:

Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource pursuant to §15064.5?
Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?
Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:

1. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k)? or

2. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe?
Approach to Analysis
This evaluation focuses on whether implementation of the proposed plan would impact historical, archaeological, or tribal cultural resources.

Both direct and indirect impacts of the proposed plan implementation were considered for this analysis below. Direct impacts are typically associated with construction and/or ground-disturbing activities, and have the potential to immediately alter, diminish, or destroy all or part of the character and quality of a cultural resource or tribal cultural resource. Indirect impacts are typically

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1300 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-18
associated with post-project implementation conditions that have the potential to alter or diminish the setting of a cultural resource or tribal cultural resource by introducing visual intrusions on existing sites that are considered undesirable.

Historical Resources
The analysis of impacts related to historical resources is based on results of review of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and the California State Office of Historic Preservation Built Environment Directory (BERD), along with the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan. Additionally, historical aerials, maps, and available parcel assessor data were consulted. Data used for this analysis are summarized in Section 3.3.1. Rincon Architectural Historians evaluated impacts on historical resources based on the likelihood that historical structures, sites, districts, or landscapes are present (or will become present over the 18- year planning horizon) within the General Plan area, and the likely effects of construction or operation on these resources.

Archeological Resources and Human Remains
The analysis of the impacts related to archeological resources and human remains is based, in part, on the results of extensive archival and online research, and a search of the SLF that was conducted by the NAHC.

Tribal Cultural Resources
In accordance with AB 52 and SB18, the City of Pleasant Hill sent letters via certified mail to eighteen Native American tribal contacts identified by the NAHC and City of Pleasant Hill as being traditionally and culturally affiliated with the 2040 General Plan area. The results of this tribal consultation were utilized for the analysis of impact related to tribal cultural resources.

EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addressed comments received in response to the EIR NOP related to cultural and tribal cultural resources regulatory requirements. Assessment of impacts to historical resources is discussed under Impact CR-1. Assessment of impacts to archaeological resources is discussed under Impact CR-2. Assessment of impacts to human remains is discussed under Impact CR-3 and tribal cultural resources are discussed under Impact CR-4.

One comment relevant to CEQA was discussed in the response to the EIR NOP specific to tribal cultural resources. The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) stated that that the proposed project is subject to the requirements and provisions under Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) and Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) for tribal cultural resources. Consultation required pursuant to SB 18 and AB 52 was carried out by the City of Pleasant Hill. Results of consultation are discussed in the analysis for Impact CR-4 below.

Specific Threshold of Significance
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of cultural resources and tribal cultural resources impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1301 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-19
 Impair a historical resource’s ability to convey its significance (i.e., affect a resource’s inclusion in the NRHP or CRHR) or not adhere to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Specifically, the significance of a historical resource would be “materially impaired” if the proposed plan could result in the following effects at or adjacent to a known historical site within the plan area:
 Demolish or materially alter in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of an historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for, inclusion in the CRHR; or
 Demolish or materially alter in an adverse manner those physical characteristics that account for its inclusion in a local register of historical resources... or its identification in a historical resources survey... unless the public agency reviewing the effects of the project establishes by a preponderance of evidence that the resource is not historically or culturally significant; or
 Demolish or materially alter in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of a historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its eligibility for inclusion in the CRHR as determined by a lead agency for purposes of CEQA. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5[b][2])
 Physically damage or destroy archaeological data or human remains.  Physically damage, destroy, or otherwise adversely impact a site, feature, place, or cultural landscape with cultural value to a California Native American tribe and that is a resource determined by the City of Pleasant Hill, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1.

Impact Evaluation
Historical Resources
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5? Impact CR-1 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS IF

DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT UNDER THE PLAN WOULD CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORICAL RESOURCE. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE EVEN WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
One known historical resource that is listed in NRHP and CRHR and located within Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) is the Patrick Rogers Farm. In addition to this known historical resource, there may be other yet unidentified resources within the General Plan area that are age-eligible for listing in the NRHP, CRHR, or locally. Although there are no specific development projects associated with the 2040 General Plan, implementation of the proposed plan would guide development extent and distribution within the General Plan area through the year 2040. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate development of residential, commercial, office, institutional, and industrial land uses that could in turn result in the conversion of existing properties and structures to new uses. With relatively limited opportunities for new development in Pleasant Hill, the 2040 General Plan

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1302 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-20
emphasizes infill and reuse development within the City limits and encourages higher-density and mixed-use projects where appropriate. Construction associated with such potential future development may include site preparation, demolition, and other construction activities.

As noted in the 2040 General Plan, there is some vacant land remaining in the General Plan area, new development opportunities and most new housing would occur on existing underutilized land and through the reuse of existing buildings. Four new land use designations would accommodate increased density within the General Plan area, particularly within the ten focus areas identified throughout the General Plan area, including Downtown Pleasant Hill. In addition, such densification could occur over an 18-year planning period through 2040, during which additional structures would become age-eligible in terms of a potential historical resource. As such, such activities have the potential to result in the physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of identified or potential historical resources.

Effects on historical resources are only knowable once a specific project has been proposed, because the effects are highly dependent on both the individual project site conditions, project activities that may alter the character of a built environment resource, and/or the characteristics of the proposed ground‐disturbing activity. Demolition or other structural alteration associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan has the potential to impair historical builtenvironment resources. Consequently, damage to or destruction of historical resources could occur as a result of development under the proposed 2040 General Plan. In order to ensure that development within the General Plan area does not have a detrimental effect on historical resources, each project would need to be assessed as it is proposed.

Proposed 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal ENV-6 and its associated policies and implementation program, listed below, would reduce potential impacts related to historical resources.

Goal ENV-6 Maintain designated historic sites and structures.

Policy ENV-6.1 Community Education Work with the Pleasant Hill Library, community partners, and Contra Costa County Historical Society to obtain, maintain and display historical reference materials that provide educational background on the history of Pleasant Hill.

Policy ENV-6.2 Historic Structures. Encourage the maintenance and preservation of historic structures and appropriately designate historic sites and structures.

Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program M Identify Historic and Cultural Sites. Update the historic and cultural resources survey to identify historic or cultural sites eligible for resource protection, with specific consideration of structures 45 years and older.

The goal, policies, and implementation program listed above would reduce the potential for historical resources to be adversely impacted from the development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, but there would still be potential for development to impact historical resources.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1 would reduce impacts to historical resources by identifying and evaluating significant historical resources and managing relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration in compliance with the Standards as applicable. Nonetheless, even with implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1, existing and eligible historical resources could still be materially impaired by future development that would be carried out under the 2040 General Plan. While

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1303 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-21
Historic American Building Survey (HABS) documentation would reduce impacts to the greatest extent feasible in cases where compliance with the Standards or avoidance is not possible, legal precedent has established that such a measure cannot mitigate impacts to a level of less than significant, because the loss of historical fabric cannot be readily compensated for by commemorative mitigation.38 Therefore, construction 2040 General Plan impacts related to historical resources would be significant and unavoidable with mitigation.

Operation
Given that impacts to historical resources occurs during construction, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impact related to historical resources.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-1: REVISE GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM M TO INCLUDE

PREPARATION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION PRIOR TO APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS INVOLVING BUILDINGS 45 YEARS OR OLDER AND

IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION PRIOR TO AND DURING CONSTRUCTION The City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program M to include that, in addition to updating the existing historical and cultural resources survey, a historical resources evaluation shall be prepared prior to approval of a project carried out under the 2040 General Plan involving the demolition or substantial alteration of a building, structure, object, or other built environment feature that is 45 years of age or older.

The City shall add further details to 2040 General Plan Program M that state the following:
 The evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in architectural history or history (as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 61). The qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct an intensive-level evaluation in accordance with the guidelines and best practices promulgated by the State Office of Historic Preservation to identify potential historical resources within the proposed development site. All properties 45 years of age or older shall be evaluated within their historic context and documented in a report meeting the State Office of Historic Preservation guidelines. All evaluated properties shall be documented on Department of Parks and Recreation Series 523 Forms. The report shall be submitted to the City for review and concurrence. If the property is already listed in the NRHP or CRHR, the historical resources evaluation described above shall not be required.  If historical resources are identified within the site of a proposed development, efforts shall be made to the extent feasible to ensure that impacts are mitigated. Application of mitigation shall generally be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the Professional Qualification Standards, unless unnecessary in the circumstances (e.g., preservation in place). In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, the historical resources evaluation report shall also identify and specify the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities.  Efforts shall be made to the greatest extent feasible to ensure that the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of the resource is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and 38 League for Protection of Oakland's etc. Historic Resources v. City of Oakland (1997) 52 Cal.App.4th 896.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1304 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-22
Reconstructing Historic Buildings. Application of the Standards shall be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the Professional Qualification Standards. In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City for review and concurrence. As applicable, the report shall demonstrate how a project complies with the Standards and be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the issuance of permits.
 If significant historical resources are identified on a development site and compliance with the Standards and or avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. Mitigation measures may include documentation of the historical resource in the form of a Historic American Building Survey (HABS) report, or equivalent. The report shall comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Architectural and Engineering Documentation and shall generally follow the HABS Level III requirements, including digital photographic recordation, detailed historic narrative report, and compilation of historic research. The documentation shall be completed by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Professional Qualification Standards and submitted to the City prior to issuance of any permits for demolition or alteration of the historical resource.

Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable with mitigation
Archaeological Resources
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? Impact CR-2 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS IF

DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT UNDER THE PLAN WOULD CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE

SIGNIFICANCE OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE, INCLUDING THOSE THAT QUALIFY AS HISTORICAL RESOURCES. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
It is presumed that archaeological resources that are eligible for inclusion in the NRHP or CRHR exist throughout Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area). Effects on archaeological resources are only known once a specific development has been proposed because the effects are highly dependent on both the individual development site conditions and the characteristics of the proposed ground‐ disturbing activity. Ground-disturbing activities associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, particularly in areas that have not been studied through a cultural resources investigation, or when excavation depths exceed those previously attained, have the potential to damage or destroy previously-unknown historic or prehistoric archaeological resources that may be present on or below the ground surface. Impacts to archaeological resources are especially likely in instances where ground disturbance will occur in native soils, in historic-age fill of unknown origin, and in areas that were developed prior to the implementation of a Citywide sewer system and trash collection service. Consequently, damage to or destruction of cultural resources could occur as a result of development under the proposed 2040 General Plan. In order to ensure that development

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1305 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-23
within Pleasant Hill does not have a detrimental effect on archaeological resources, each future project would need to be assessed once the project location and design concept is available.

Although there are no specific development projects associated with the 2040 General Plan, implementation of the plan would guide development in Pleasant Hill through the year 2040. New residential, commercial, office, institutional, and industrial land uses would be implemented via new development and the conversion of existing properties to new uses. Potential future development occurring under the 2040 General Plan may include site preparation, demolition and construction activities.

Proposed 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal ENV-5 and its associated policies , listed below, would reduce potential impacts related to archaeological resources, whether prehistoric or historic in nature.

Goal ENV-5 Protect cultural and tribal resources.

Policy ENV-5.1 Construction Monitoring. Require new development to monitor grading, ground-disturbing, and other major earth-moving construction activities by a qualified professional during construction in previously undisturbed areas or those with known archaeological resources.

Policy ENV-5.3 Cultural Resources Treatment. Ensure that treatment of any cultural resources discovered during site grading complies with State guidelines.

Environment Element Implementation Programs
In addition, the following proposed 2040 General Plan Environment Element implementation programs would reduce potential impacts related to archaeological resources, which can include Native American resources:

Program K Tribal Construction Monitors. Require tribal monitor(s) during all activities in areas with cultural resources of interest to local Native American tribes. Both monitors shall observe grading, ground-disturbing, and other earth-moving activities.

Program L Tribal Consultation. Require the determination of the significance of the cultural resource(s) and development and implementation of any data recovery program shall be conducted by a qualified professional and in consultation with interested Native American tribes. All Native American human remains and associated grave goods shall be returned to their most likely descendent and repatriated. The final disposition of artifacts not directly associated with Native American graves shall be negotiated during consultation with interested tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution staffed by qualified professionals, as determined by the City Planner. Artifacts include material recovered from all phases of work, including the initial survey, testing, indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.

Program M Identify Historic and Cultural Sites. Update the historic and cultural resources survey to identify historic or cultural sites eligible for resource protection, with specific consideration of structures 45 years old and older.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1306 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-24
The goals, policies, and implementation programs listed above would help reduce the potential for archaeological resources to be adversely impacted by the ground-disturbing activities associated with the development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. However, there would still be potential for development to impact archaeological resources, and those impacts would be potentially significant. However, implementation of Mitigation Measures CR-2 and CR-3 (evaluate and protect significant archaeological resources if encountered during construction associated with development under the 2040 General Plan), would reduce 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to archeological resources to less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
Given that potential impacts to archaeological resources would occur during construction, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impact related to archaeological resources.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-2: REVISE GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM M TO INCLUDE

PREPARATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT PRIOR TO

PROJECT APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION PRIOR TO AND

DURING CONSTRUCTION
The City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program M to include that, in addition to updating the existing historical and cultural resources survey, prior to approval of a project that involves ground disturbance activities in native or previously undisturbed soils, an archaeological resources assessment shall be prepared under the supervision of an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in either prehistoric or historic archaeology.

The City shall add further details to 2040 General Plan Program M that state the following:
 Assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System records search at the Northwest Information Center (NAHC) and a Sacred Lands File search maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission. The records searches will characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated in and around a project site. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken at a project site that is on previously undeveloped land in order to locate any surface cultural materials. By performing a records search, consultation with the NAHC, and a Phase I survey, a qualified archaeologist shall be able to classify a project site as having high, medium, or low sensitivity for archaeological resources.
 If the Phase I archaeological survey identifies resources that may be affected by a project, the archaeological resources assessment shall also include Phase II testing and evaluation. If resources are determined significant or unique through Phase II testing and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be identified in the Phase II evaluation. These measures shall include, but would not be limited to, a Phase III data recovery program, avoidance, or other appropriate actions to be determined by a qualified archaeologist in consultation with the City and any interested Tribes, as stated in the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation Implementation Program outlined by Goal ENV-5. If significant archaeological resources cannot be avoided, impacts may be reduced to less-than-significant levels by filling on top of the sites rather than cutting into a cultural deposits. Alternatively, and/or in addition, a data collection program may be warranted, including mapping the location of artifacts, surface

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1307 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-25
collection of artifacts, or excavation of the cultural deposit to characterize the nature of the buried portions of sites. Curation of the excavated artifacts or samples shall occur as specified by the archaeologist in consultation with the City and any interested Tribes. As stated in the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation Implementation Program outlined by Goal ENV-5, the final disposition of artifacts not directly associated with Native American graves shall be negotiated during consultation with interested tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution staffed by qualified professionals, as determined by the City Planner. Artifacts include material recovered from all phases of work, including the initial survey, testing, indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.

MITIGATION MEASURE CR-3: REVISE GENERAL PLAN GOAL ENV-5 TO INCLUDE A POLICY TO STOP WORK IN

THE EVENT OF UNANTICIPATED CULTURAL RESOURCES DISCOVERIES DURING

CONSTRUCTION
The City shall revise the 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal ENV-5 to include a policy that, if cultural resources are encountered during ground-disturbing activities for a project, work in the immediate area shall be halted and an archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology in either prehistoric or historic archaeology shall be contacted immediately to evaluate the find.

If necessary, the evaluation may require preparation of a treatment plan and archaeological testing for CRHR eligibility. If the discovery proves to be significant under CEQA and cannot be avoided by a project, additional work such as excavating the cultural deposit to fully characterize its extent, and collecting and curating artifacts may be warranted to mitigate any significant impacts to cultural resources. In the event that archaeological resources of Native American origin are identified during project construction, a qualified archaeologist will consult with the City to begin Native American consultation procedures.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation
Disturbance of Human Remains
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Impact CR-3 THE DISCOVERY OF HUMAN REMAINS IS ALWAYS A POSSIBILITY DURING GROUNDDISTURBING ACTIVITIES. GROUND DISTURBANCE ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT UNDER THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN MAY DISTURB OR DAMAGE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HUMAN REMAINS. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH ADHERENCE TO EXISTING REGULATIONS.

Construction
Human burials outside of formal cemeteries can occur in prehistoric archaeological contexts.

Excavations during construction activities could have the potential to disturb these resources that could include Native American burial sites. As such, ground disturbing activities that may occur with Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) during implementation of the 2040 General Plan have the potential to unearth previously unidentified human remains.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1308 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-26
Human burials, in addition to being potential archaeological resources, have specific provisions for treatment in PRC Section 5097. The California Health and Safety Code (Section 7050.5, 7051, and 7054) has specific provisions for the protection of human burial remains. Existing regulations address the illegality of interfering with human burial remains, and protect them from disturbance, vandalism, or destruction. They also include established procedures to be implemented if Native American skeletal remains are discovered. PRC Section 5097.98 also addresses the disposition of Native American burials, protects such remains, and established the NAHC to resolve any related disputes.

All development projects are also subject to State of California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, which states that, if human remains are unearthed, no further disturbance can occur until the county coroner has made the necessary findings as to the origin and disposition of the remains pursuant to the PRC Section 5097.98. If the remains are determined to be of Native American descent, the coroner has 24 hours to notify the NAHC, which will determine and notify a most likely descendant (MLD). The MLD shall complete the inspection of the site and make recommendations to the landowner within 48 hours of being granted access.

Furthermore, the proposed 2040 General Plan Environment Element includes the following implementation program that would reduce potential impacts related to human remains, specifically, Native American remains:

Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program L Tribal Consultation. Require the determination of the significance of the cultural resource(s) and development and implementation of any data recovery program shall be conducted by a qualified professional and in consultation with interested Native American tribes. All Native American human remains and associated grave goods shall be returned to their most likely descendent and repatriated. The final disposition of artifacts not directly associated with Native American graves shall be negotiated during consultation with interested tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution staffed by qualified professionals, as determined by the City Planner. Artifacts include material recovered from all phases of work, including the initial survey, testing, indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.

The implementation program listed above would require evaluation, protection, and tribal consultation related to human remains encountered during construction associated with development under the 2040 General Plan. As such, adherence to this implementation program as well as existing regulations discussed above would reduce the potential for human remains to be adversely impacted by ground-disturbing activities associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. Therefore, 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to human remains would be less than significant.

Operation
Given that potential impacts to human remains would occur during construction, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impact related to human remains.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1309 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-27
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Tribal Cultural Resources
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 that is either 1) listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k) or 2) a resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1? Impact CR-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT UNIDENTIFIED TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Ground-disturbing activities associated with future development projects under the 2040 General Plan could expose previously unidentified subsurface archaeological resources that may qualify as tribal cultural resources and could be adversely affected by associated project construction.

The 2040 General Plan is a high-level planning document, and it remains a possibility that tribal cultural resources may be present within Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area. AB 52 and SB 18 tribal consultation, thus far, has not identified known tribal cultural resources in the General Plan area, and the SLF results received from the NAHC were negative for Sacred Lands. Adherence to the requirements of AB 52 would require tribal consultation with local California Native American Tribes prior to implementation of any future project activities that are subject to CEQA. In compliance with AB 52, a determination of whether project-specific substantial adverse effects on tribal cultural resources would occur along with identification of appropriate project-specific avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures would be required. Future projects facilitated by the 2040 General Plan that are not subject to AB 52 shall adhere to the General Plan policies listed below, which include tribal monitoring and consultation.

The following proposed 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal ENV-5 and its associated policy as well as implementation programs would reduce potential impacts to tribal cultural resources.

Goal ENV-5 Protect cultural and tribal resources.

Policy ENV-5.2 Consultation. Perform required consultation with the appropriate tribal organization(s) as part of projects subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1310 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-28
Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program K Tribal Construction Monitors. Require tribal monitor(s) during all activities in areas with cultural resources of interest to local Native American tribes. The tribal monitor(s) shall observe grading, ground-disturbing, and other earthmoving activities.

The goal, policy, and implementation programs listed above would help reduce the potential for tribal cultural resources to be adversely impacted by the ground-disturbing activities associated with the development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. However, there would still be potential for development to affect tribal cultural resources, and those impacts would be potentially significant.

However, implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-4 (suspend work around tribal cultural resources identified during construction) would reduce 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to archeological resources to less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
Given that impacts to tribal cultural resources occur during construction, there would be no 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to tribal cultural resources.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-4: REVISE GENERAL PLAN GOAL ENV-5 TO INCLUDE A POLICY TO SUSPEND

WORK AROUND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED DURING

CONSTRUCTION
The City shall revise the 2040 General Plan Environment Element Goal 5 to include a policy that in the event that cultural resources of Native American origin are identified during construction of a project implemented under the 2040 General Plan, all earth-disturbing work in the vicinity of the find shall be temporarily suspended or redirected until an archaeologist has evaluated the nature and significance of the find as a cultural resource and an appropriate local Native American representative is consulted. If the City, in consultation with local Native Americans, determines that the resource is a tribal cultural resource and, thus, significant under CEQA, a mitigation plan shall be prepared and implemented in accordance with State guidelines and in consultation with local Native American group(s). The mitigation plan shall include avoidance of the resource or, if avoidance of the resource is infeasible, the plan shall outline the appropriate treatment of the resource in coordination with the appropriate local Native American tribal representative and, if applicable, a qualified archaeologist. Examples of appropriate mitigation for tribal cultural resources include, but

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1311 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.4-29
are not limited to, protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource, protecting traditional use of the resource, protecting the confidentiality of the resource, or heritage recovery.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation

3.4.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative cultural and tribal cultural resources analysis is the General Plan area and the adjacent areas. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and Unincorporated Contra Costa County in addition to the proposed plan.

Historical Resources
The combination of the proposed plan as well as other relevant plans and larger scale projects considered with the proposed plan (see Table 3-1) could potentially involve the cumulative demolition or alteration of historical resources. Although Mitigation Measure CR-1 would be required to reduce impacts to these resources to the maximum extent feasible, cumulative development could nonetheless cause the loss of built-environment historical resources. Alteration or demolition of historical resources remains a possibility throughout the plan area and immediate surroundings with potentially cumulative impacts. As such, the incremental effect of the 2040 General Plan would be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to historical resources would be significant and unavoidable.

Archaeological and Tribal Cultural Resources
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan in conjunction with other nearby past, present and reasonably foreseeable future projects listed in Table 3-1 could potentially disturb areas that may contain archaeological and tribal cultural resources. While there is the potential for significant cumulative impacts to archaeological and tribal cultural resources, it is anticipated that potential impacts associated with individual cumulative projects would be addressed and mitigated on a caseby-case basis and would be subject to local and State regulations regarding the protection of such resources. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to archaeological and tribal cultural resources would be less than significant with mitigation.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1312 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.4-30
This page intentionally left blank.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1313 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-1

3.5 Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources

3.5.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing geology, soils, and mineral resources in the region and General Plan area, as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also analyzes the possible impacts related to geology, soils, and mineral resources that could result from implementation of the proposed plan. Information in this section is based on review of the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and California Geological Survey, the University of California Museum of Paleontology database, Paleobiology Database, primary scientific literature, and available information from the City of Pleasant Hill.

3.5.2 Environmental Setting
Geologic Setting
Contra Costa County
Pleasant Hill is located in Contra Costa County. The northeastern part of Contra Costa County, including northern Pleasant Hill, lies within the Great Valley geomorphic province, and the western and southern portions of Contra Costa County, including southern Pleasant Hill, are in the Coast Ranges geomorphic province.1

The Great Valley is an elongated lowland approximately 50 miles wide and 400 miles long. It is bounded to the east by the Sierra Nevada Range and to the west by the Coast Range. A relatively undeformed basin, the Great Valley rises from about sea level to approximately 400 feet in elevation at the north and south ends. The northern portion of the valley, referred to as the Sacramento Valley, is drained by the Sacramento River, while the southern portion of the valley, referred to as the San Joaquin Valley, is drained by the San Joaquin River. Consequently, the Great Valley is predominantly alluvial, flood, and delta plains formed by these two major river systems.2 The Coast Ranges extend along the majority of California’s coast from the California-Oregon border to Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County in the south and consist of northwest-trending mountain ranges and valleys. The Coast Ranges are composed of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic strata. The eastern side is characterized by strike-ridges and valleys in the upper Mesozoic strata.1
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
As shown on Figure 3.5-1, the General Plan area covers the extent of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence and is underlain by sedimentary rocks of Holocene, Pleistocene, Miocene, Oligocene Eocene, and Paleocene age.
1 California Geological Survey. 2002. Note 36 – California Geomorphic Provinces. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/CGSNote-36.pdf 2 Weissmann, G.S., G.L. Bennett, and A.L. Landsale. 2005. Factors controlling sequence development on Quaternary fluvial fans, San Joaquin Basin, California, USA. p. 169-186 in Alluvial Fans: Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Dynamics. Geological Society of London, London, UK.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1314 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-2
Figure 3.5-1 Geologic Map of General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1315 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-3
Existing Soils
Soil Types and Properties
Corrosive soils are a geologic hazard, because they react with concrete and ferrous metals, which can cause damage to foundations and buried pipelines. Expansive soils are a geologic hazard, because an increase in soil volume can exert forces on structures and, thus, damage building foundations, walls, and floors. In general, areas are susceptible to differential settlement if underlain by compressible sediments, such as poorly engineered artificial fill or loose unconsolidated alluvial sediments. When these soils dry out and shrink, structural damage can occur.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
As shown on Figure 3.5-2, the majority of the General Plan area lies atop Clear Lake Clay (Cc) soils, which are considered to be highly expansive.
3 Other soils in the General Plan area that are
considered to have moderate to high expansion potential include Alo Clay (AaE), Altamont Clay (AbE), Altamont-Fontana complex (AcF), Botella Clay Loam (BaA), Conejo Clay Loam (CeA), Conejo Clay Loam (CeB), Conejo Clay Loam (ChA), Cropley Clay (CkB), Cut and fill land – Diablo complex (CmE), Cut and fill land – Los Osos complex (CnE), Diablo Clay (DdE), Diablo Clay (DdD), Lodo Clay Loam (LcE), Los Gatos Loam (LeF), Los Osos Clay Loam (LhE), Los Osos Clay Loam (LhF), Positas Loam (PkC), Tierra Loam (TaC), Tierra Loam (TaD).4

Seismicity
Seismic-related Hazard Types
The term seismicity describes the effects of seismic waves that are radiated from an earthquake fault in motion. While most of the energy released during an earthquake results in the permanent displacement of the ground, as much as 10 percent of the energy may dissipate immediately in the form of seismic waves. Seismicity can result in seismic-related hazards such as fault rupture, ground shaking, and liquefaction. Faults form in rocks when stresses overcome the internal strength of the rock, and fault rupture occurs when movement on a fault breaks through to the surface and can result in damage to infrastructure and persons. Ground movement during an earthquake can vary depending on the overall magnitude, distance to the fault, focus of earthquake energy, and type of geologic material. The composition of underlying soils, even those relatively distant from faults, can intensify ground shaking. Strong ground shaking from an earthquake can result in damage, with buildings shifted off their foundations and underground pipes being broken. Liquefaction occurs when an earthquake causes ground shaking that result in saturated soil losing shear strength, deforming, and acting like a liquid. When liquefaction occurs, it can result in ground failure that can result in damage to roads, pipelines, and buildings.
3 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2018. Clear Lake Series. https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/OSD_Docs/C/CLEAR_LAKE.html (accessed November 2022) 4 USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Web Soil Survey. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx (accessed December 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1316 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-4
Figure 3.5-2 Soils Underlying General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1317 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-5
San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area contains numerous active earthquake faults. Because of the presence of nearby active faults, the San Francisco Bay Area is considered seismically active. Numerous small earthquakes occur every year in the San Francisco Bay Area, and larger earthquakes have been recorded and can be expected to occur in the future. According to the third version of Uniform California Earthquake Forecast (UCERF 3), there is an aggregated 98 percent probability of a moment magnitude 6.0 (Richter scale) or greater earthquake occurring in the plan area on an active Bay Area fault over the next 30 years.

Contra Costa County Area
Given that the San Francisco Bay Area is a region of high seismic activity, Contra Costa County has been subjected to numerous seismic events, originating both on faults within the County and in other parts of the region. Six major Bay Area earthquakes have occurred since 1800 that affected the County. These earthquakes and the originating faults include the 1836 and 1868 earthquakes on the Hayward Fault, and the 1861 earthquake on the Calaveras Fault. Two earthquakes, in 1838 and 1906, originated on the San Andreas Fault, while one earthquake (with two major shocks) occurred in 1872 and was centered in the Vacaville-Winters area of Solano County. These latter events likely occurred on a thrust fault and are not known to have been accompanied by surface fault rupture. A smaller earthquake, centered near Collinsville in Solano County on a fault of uncertain identity, occurred in 1889. The Loma Prieta earthquake, of 6.9 magnitude5 , occurred in October 1989. The
epicenter of which was located on the San Andrea fault roughly 56 miles south of San Francisco, 10 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, near Mt. Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Using the available data and information, an earthquake probability estimate has been developed for Contra Costa County and is shown in Table 3.5-1.

Table 3.5-1 Approximate Probability of Occurrence of Earthquake on Bay Area Faults Causative Fault Magnitude Approximate Probability of Occurrence (over a 50-year period) San Andreas 7.0–8.0 Likely1

8.0–8.5 Intermediate2
Hayward 6.0–7.0 Likely

7.0–7.5 Intermediate
Calaveras 6.0–7.0 Likely

7.0–7.5 Intermediate-Low3
Concord 5.0–6.0 Likely

6.0–7.0 Intermediate-Low
Antioch 5.0–6.0 Likely

6.0–7.0 Intermediate-Low
Notes:
1 Greater than 50 percent probability of occurrence
2 A 15-50 percent probability of occurrence
3 Less than 15 percent probability of occurrence
Source: USGS 2008
5 California Geological Survey (CGS). 2019. The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/earthquakes/lomaprieta (accessed July 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1318 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-6
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Like most cities in the region, Pleasant Hill is subject to risks associated with potentially destructive earthquakes. Earthquakes are most common along geologic faults that are planes of weakness or fractures along which rocks have been displaced. There are no major faults in proximity to Pleasant Hill. The nearest major fault to Pleasant Hill is the Concord Fault, which passes approximately one mile east of Pleasant Hill in a north to south direction. Faults within and near the Pleasant Hill area are shown in Figure 3.5-3.

Seismic Hazards and Areas
Surface Rupture

HAZARD CHARACTERISTICS
Surface rupture represents the breakage of ground along the surface trace of a fault, which is caused by the intersection of the fault surface area ruptured in an earthquake with the earth's surface. Fault displacement occurs when material on one side of a fault moves relative to the material on the other side of the fault. This can have particularly adverse consequences when buildings are located within the rupture zone. It is not feasible, from a structural or economic perspective, to design and build structures that can accommodate rapid displacement involved with surface rupture. Amounts of surface displacement can range from a few inches to tens of feet during a rupture event.

Faults are geologic hazards due to the potential for both surface fault displacement and seismic ground shaking that are distinct but related properties. Surface fault displacement results when the fault plane ruptures and that rupture surface extends to, or intersects, the ground surface. Surface fault rupture can be very destructive to structures constructed across active faults. However, the zone of damage is limited to a relatively narrow area along either side of the fault as opposed to seismic ground shaking damage that can be quite widespread. Faults are categorized as active, potentially active, and inactive. A fault is classified as active if it has moved during the Holocene time, which consists of approximately the last 11,000 years. A fault is classified as potentially active if it has experienced movement within Quaternary time, which is during the last 1.8 million years.

Faults that have not moved in the last 1.8 million years are generally considered inactive.

GENERAL PLAN AREA (PLEASANT HILL)
Within the Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area), there is no active fault line with potential for surface rupture according to the United States Geological Survey. The closest active fault zone outside of the General Plan area is the Concord Fault Zone, which is located approximately one mile from Pleasant Hill’s eastern boundary.6

6 California Geological Survey. 2021.Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation [map]. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/ (accessed November 2022)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1319 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-7
Figure 3.5-3 Faults Within and Near Pleasant Hill

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1320 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-8
Ground Shaking

HAZARD CHARACTERISTICS
In addition to surface rupture, the major cause of structural damage from earthquakes is ground shaking. The intensity of ground motion expected at a particular site depends upon the magnitude of the earthquake, the distance to the epicenter, and the geology of the area between the epicenter and the property. Greater movement can be expected at sites located on poorly consolidated material, such as alluvium, within close proximity to the ruptured fault, or in response to a seismic event of great magnitude.

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) has been impacted by ground shaking during major earthquakes in the seismically active San Francisco Bay Area region and is likely to experience ground shaking from major earthquakes in the future. Due to the proximity of the Concord Fault, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Resiliency Program has identified the groundshaking potential in Pleasant Hill as “severe.” Groundshaking would be most intense resulting from an earthquake originating from any of the other nearby faults that have the potential to create significant groundshaking throughout Pleasant Hill.
7 Liquefaction

HAZARD CHARACTERISTICS
Liquefaction is a seismic phenomenon in which loose, saturated granular and non-plastic finegrained soils lose their structure/strength when subjected to high-intensity ground shaking.

Liquefaction occurs when three general conditions exist: 1) shallow groundwater within the top 50 feet of the ground surface; 2) low-density non-plastic soils; and 3) high-intensity ground motion.

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) has been identified to have a moderate potential for liquefaction. Areas in the southwestern and westernmost areas of Pleasant Hill have low potential for liquefaction.8
However, the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill is identified as having a medium potential for liquefaction.9
Figure 3.5-4 depicts the liquefaction potential of the General Plan area. 7 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). 2021. MTC/ABAG Hazard Viewer Map [map]. https://mtc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a6f3f1259df42eab29b35dfcd086fc8 (accessed November 2022) 8 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). 2021. MTC/ABAG Hazard Viewer Map [map]. https://mtc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a6f3f1259df42eab29b35dfcd086fc8 (accessed November 2022) 9 Contra Costa County. 2018. Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan: Volume 2 – Planning Partner Annexes. https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/48894/Contra-Costa-County-Draft-Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-Volume-2- January-31-2018?bidId= (accessed November 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1321 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-9
Figure 3.5-4 Liquefaction Potential within the General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1322 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-10
Landslides and Slope Stability

HAZARD CHARACTERISTICS
Seismic ground shaking can also result in landslides and other slope instability issues. Landslides occur when slopes become unstable and masses of earth material move downslope. Landslides are usually rapid events, often triggered during periods of rainfall or by earthquakes. Mudslides and slumps are a more-shallow type of slope failure. They typically affect the upper surficial soil horizons rather than bedrock features. Usually, mudslides and slumps occur during or soon after periods of rainfall, but they can be triggered by seismic shaking. The areas most susceptible to landslides are shown on maps prepared by the California Division of Mines and Geology. In addition, landslides occur where faults have fractured rock and along the base of slopes or cliffs where supporting material has been removed by stream or wave erosion, or human activities. Heavy rainfall, human actions, or earthquakes can trigger landslides. They may take the form of a slow continuous movement such as a slump or may move very rapidly as a semi-liquid mass such as a debris flow or avalanche.

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
The western and southwestern portions of Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) are located closer to the Briones Hills and are identified within the ABAG Resilience Program and the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS) as having had past landslides and having the potential for landslide hazards.10,11 However, the flatter, eastern portion of Pleasant Hill is identified as having a low potential for landslides.12
Figure 3.5-5 depicts the landslide potential within the General Plan area. 10 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). 2021. MTC/ABAG Hazard Viewer Map [map]. https://mtc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a6f3f1259df42eab29b35dfcd086fc8 (accessed November 2022) 11 USGS. 2022. US Landslide Inventory. https://usgs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ae120962f459434b8c904b456c82669d (accessed November 2022)/ 12 Contra Costa County. 2018. Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan: Volume 2 – Planning Partner Annexes. https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/48894/Contra-Costa-County-Draft-Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-Volume-2- January-31-2018?bidId= (accessed November 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1323 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-11
Figure 3.5-5 Landslide Potential within the General Plan Area

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1324 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-12
Subsidence

HAZARD CHARACTERISTICS
Subsidence or settlement can occur from immediate settlement, consolidation, shrinkage of expansive soil, and liquefaction. Immediate settlement occurs when a load from a structure or placement of new fill material is applied, causing distortion in the underlying materials. This settlement occurs quickly and is typically complete after placement of the final load. Consolidation settlement occurs in saturated clay from the volume change caused by squeezing out water from the pore spaces. Consolidation occurs over a period of time and is followed by secondary compression, which is a continued change in void ratio under the continued application of the load.

Soils tend to settle at different rates and by varying amounts depending on the load weight or changes in properties over an area, which is referred to as differential settlement. Areas underlain by soft sediments or undocumented fills are most prone to settlement.

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
Within Pleasant Hill (i.e., General Plan area), areas where expansive soils are located may experience subsidence. When fill or structure loads are placed on these muds for development, flood control, or other purposes, settlement can result.

Slope Disturbance
Disturbance Characteristics
Slope disturbance from long-term geologic cycle of uplift, mass wasting, intense precipitation or wind, and gravity can result in slope failure in the form of mudslides and rock fall. Mass wasting refers to a variety of erosional processes from gradual downhill soil creep to mudslides, debris flows, landslides, and rock fall—processes that are commonly triggered by intense precipitation or wind, which varies according to climactic shifts. Often, various forms of mass wasting are grouped together as landslides, which are generally used to describe the downhill movement of rock and soil.

Soil creep is a long-term, gradual downhill migration of soil under the influence of gravity and is generally on the order of a fraction of an inch per year. These soils can creep away downslope sides of foundations and reduce lateral support.

Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) does not contain active faults that would cause geologic uplifting. According to the Landslide Susceptibility Zones figure in the Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan, the western portion of Pleasant Hill is located in an area designated as having a “moderate” to “high” risk for landslides.

Pleasant Hill is not in a State-designated earthquake induced landslide hazard zone, but it is identified within the ABAG Resilience Program as having had past landslides on the steeper slopes throughout the western portion.13
13 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). 2021. MTC/ABAG Hazard Viewer Map [map]. https://mtc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a6f3f1259df42eab29b35dfcd086fc8 (accessed November 2022)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1325 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-13
Paleontological Resources
Definitions

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Paleontological resources, or fossils, are the remains and traces of prehistoric life. Fossils are typically preserved in layered sedimentary rocks and the distribution of fossils is a result of the sedimentary history of the geologic units within which they occur. Fossils occur in a non-continuous and often unpredictable distribution within some sedimentary units, and the potential for fossils to occur within sedimentary units depends on several factors. Although it is not possible to determine whether a fossil will occur in any specific location, it is possible to evaluate the potential for geologic units to occur within Pleasant Hill.

To determine the uniqueness of a given paleontological resource, it must first be identified or recovered (i.e., salvaged). CEQA does not define “a unique paleontological resource or site.” However, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) has defined a “significant paleontological resource” in the context of environmental review as follows:

Fossils and fossiliferous deposits, here defined as consisting of identifiable vertebrate fossils, large or small, uncommon invertebrate, plant, and trace fossils, and other data that provide taphonomic, taxonomic, phylogenetic, paleoecologic, stratigraphic, and/or biochronologic information. Paleontological resources are typically older than recorded human history and/or older than middle Holocene (i.e., older than about 5,000 radiocarbon years) (SVP 2010).

PALEONTOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY
Absent specific agency guidelines, most professional paleontologists in California adhere to guidelines set forth by the SVP14 in “Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources.” These guidelines establish detailed protocols for the assessment of the paleontological resource potential, or “sensitivity” of a project area and outline measures to follow in order to mitigate adverse impacts to known or unknown fossil resources during project development. Using baseline information gathered during a paleontological resource assessment, the paleontological resource potential of the geologic unit(s) or members thereof underlying a project area can be assigned to a high, undetermined, low, or no paleontological sensitivity category, as defined by SVP.14 This criterion is based on rock units within which vertebrate or significant invertebrate fossils have been determined by previous studies to be present or likely to be present. While these standards were specifically written to protect vertebrate paleontological resources, all fields of paleontology have adopted these guidelines.

Significant paleontological resources are determined to be fossils or assemblages of fossils that are unique, rare, diagnostically important, or are common but have the potential to provide valuable scientific information for evaluating evolutionary patterns and geologic processes. New or unique specimens can provide new insights into evolutionary history; however, additional specimens of even well represented lineages can be equally important for studying evolutionary pattern and process, and evolutionary rates. Even unidentifiable material can provide useful data for dating geologic units if radiometric dating is possible. As such, common fossils, especially vertebrates, may be scientifically important, and therefore considered highly significant. 14 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP). 2010. Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources. Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Impact Mitigation Guidelines Revision Committee.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1326 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-14
In general, for geologic units with high sensitivity, full-time monitoring is recommended during any project-related ground disturbance. For geologic units with low sensitivity, protection or salvage efforts are not required. For geologic units with undetermined sensitivity, field surveys by a qualified paleontologist are usually recommended to specifically determine the paleontological potential of the rock units present within the study area. For geologic units with no sensitivity, a paleontological monitor is not required.

Paleontological Resources Sensitivity in Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area) Rincon assessed the paleontological sensitivity of each of the geologic units underlying the General Plan area according to SVP guidelines.14 The sensitivity assignments were made based on review of primary scientific literature, geologic maps, and online fossil databases.

The General Plan area is located within the Walnut Creek United States Geological Survey 7.5- minute topographic quadrangle. The regional geology was mapped at a scale of 1:24,000 by Dibblee and Minch,
15 who identified eight distinct geologic units underlying the General Plan area (Figure 3.5-1) and listed below.
 Quaternary alluvium (Qa)
 Quaternary older alluvium (Qoa)
 Briones Sandstone (Tbr)
 Monterey Formation (Tm)
 San Ramon Formation (Tsr)
 Kreyenhagen Formation (Tk)
 Meganos Formation (Tmg)
 Martinez Formation (Tmz)
The geographic distribution, age, characteristics, and paleontological sensitivity, of these geologic units is discussed below.

QUATERNARY ALLUVIUM
Quaternary alluvium underlies most of eastern plan area and occurs within valleys in the Briones Hills (Figure 3.5-1). Quaternary alluvium consists of poorly sorted, gravel, sand, and clay that is Holocene in age.15 Therefore, Quaternary alluvium is likely too young (i.e., less than 5,000 years old) to preserve paleontological resources.14 For this reason, Quaternary alluvium has low paleontological sensitivity.

QUATERNARY OLDER ALLUVIUM
Quaternary older alluvium underlies much of the southwestern plan area (Figure 3.5-1). Quaternary older alluvium consists of tectonically undeformed, gray-brown gravel and sand that is Pleistocene in age.15 Pleistocene alluvial sediments have produced significant paleontological resources throughout Contra Costa County, including Pleasant Hill, such as ground sloth (Megalonyx, Paramylodon), mastodon (Mammut), horse (Equus), mammoth (Mammuthus), and pronghorn 15 Dibblee, T.W. and J.A. Minch. 2005. Geologic map of the Walnut Creek quadrangle, Contra Costa County, California. [map]. Dibblee Geologic Foundation, Dibblee Foundation Map DF-149, scale 1:24,000.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1327 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-15
(Antilocapra).16,17,18Given this fossil-producing history, Quaternary older alluvium has high paleontological sensitivity.

BRIONES SANDSTONE
The Briones Sandstone underlies part of northern plan area (Figure 3.5-1). The Briones Sandstone consists of light gray to tan, medium-grained sandstone that includes geologic units that are also known as the Neroly Sandstone, Cierbo Formation, and Hambre Formation.15 The Briones Sandstone is late Miocene in age. The Briones Sandstone has produced significant fossil localities throughout the northern Coast Ranges, bearing taxa such as marine mammals (Desmostylus), birds, turtles, sharks, and invertebrates.
17,18,19 Given this fossil-producing history, the Briones Sandstone has high paleontological sensitivity.

MONTEREY FORMATION
The Monterey Formation underlies small parts of the western and northern plan area (Figure 3.5-1).

The Monterey Formation consists of light gray to tan, medium-grained sandstone or gray, vaguely bedded, shale and siltstone.15 The Monterey Formation is a marine, Miocene-aged unit that is fossiliferous throughout California (including Contra Costa County), producing numerous fish (Actinopterygii, Chondrichthyes), seal (Pinnipedia), sea cow (Sirenia), whale (Cetacea), and invertebrate fossils.17,18,20 Therefore, the Monterey Formation has high paleontological sensitivity.

SAN RAMON FORMATION
The San Ramon Formation underlies part of the northwestern plan area (Figure 3.5-1). The San Ramon Formation consists of light gray to tan, fine-grained sandstone that is Oligocene in age.15 The San Ramon Formation has yielded several dozen fossil localities in Contra Costa County, bearing a variety of marine invertebrates such as bivalves, nautiloids, gastropods, and echinoids.17,18Given this extensive fossil-producing history, the San Ramon Formation has high paleontological sensitivity.

KREYENHAGEN FORMATION
The Kreyenhagen Formation underlies part of the northwestern plan area (Figure 3.5-1). The Kreyenhagen Formation consists of gray, micaceous shale or light gray to tan, well-bedded sandstone and is late Eocene in age.
15 Shark (Elasmobranchii), ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii), plants, and microfossils (foraminifera, diatoms), are known from the Kreyenhagen Formation, including within Contra Costa County.
17,18Given this fossil-producing history, the Kreyenhagen Formation has high paleontological sensitivity.

MEGANOS FORMATION
The Meganos Sandstone underlies part of the western plan area (Figure 3.5-1). The Meganos Formation consists of gray, micaceous clay shale.15 The Meganos Formation is middle to early Eocene in age and is also known as the Los Juntos Shale. The Meganos Formation has produced 16 Jefferson, G.T. 2010. A catalogue of late Quaternary vertebrates from California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Technical Report. Volume 7, pp. 5-172. 17 Paleobiology Database. 2022. The Paleobiology Database, http://paleobiodb.org/ (accessed October 2022). 18 University of California Museum of Paleontology. 2022. UCMP online database specimen search portal, http://ucmpdb.berkeley.edu/ (accessed October 2022). 19 Stirton, R.A. 1939. Cenozoic mammal remains from the San Francisco Bay region. University of California Publications in Geological Sciences. Volume 24, pp. 338-409. 20 Leslie, M.S., C.M. Peredo, and N.D. Pyenson. 2019. Norrisanima miocaena, a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaeonopteroid mysticete (Mammalian, Cetacea) from the MIocene of California. PeerJ. Volume 7, pp. e7629.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1328 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-16
many bivalve, gastropod, and red algae fossils throughout California, including Contra Costa County.17,18Given this fossil-producing history, the Meganos Formation has high paleontological sensitivity.

MARTINEZ FORMATION
The Martinez Formation underlies part of the western plan area (Figure 3.5-1). The Martinez Formation consists of shale, siltstone, or tan sandstone. 15 The Martinez Formation is early Eocene to
Paleocene in age and is also known as the Vine Hill Sandstone. The Martinez Formation has produced many fossil localities throughout Contra Costa County, producing taxa such as sharks (Chondrichthyes), ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii), bivalves, gastropods, and coral.17,18Given this fossil-producing history, the Martinez Formation has high paleontological sensitivity.

3.5.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program was established by the U.S. Congress when it passed the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, Public Law 95-124. In establishing the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, Congress recognized that earthquake-related losses could be reduced through improved design and construction methods and practices, land use controls and redevelopment, prediction techniques and early warning systems, coordinated emergency preparedness plans, and public education and involvement programs. The four basic goals remain unchanged:
 Develop effective practices and policies for earthquake loss reduction and accelerate their implementation.
 Improve techniques for reducing earthquake vulnerabilities of facilities and systems.  Improve earthquake hazards identification and risk assessment methods, and their use.  Improve the understanding of earthquakes and their effects.

Several key federal agencies contribute to earthquake mitigation efforts. There are four primary National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program agencies:
 National Institute of Standards and Technology of the Department of Commerce  National Science Foundation
 USGS of the Department of Interior
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security Implementation of National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program priorities is accomplished primarily through original research, publications, and recommendations to assist and guide state, regional, and local agencies in the development of plans and policies to promote safety and emergency planning.

U.S. Geological Survey Landslide Hazard Program
The USGS created the Landslide Hazard Program in the mid-1970s; the primary objective of the program is to reduce long-term losses from landslide hazards by improving our understanding of the

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1329 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-17
causes of ground failure and suggesting mitigation strategies. The federal government takes the lead role in funding and conducting this research, whereas the reduction of losses due to geologic hazards is primarily a State and local responsibility. In Contra Costa County, plans and programs designed for the protection of life and property are coordinated by Contra Costa County Health Services.

Clean Water Act
Congress enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA), formerly the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, with the intent of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the United States. The CWA requires states to set standards to protect, maintain, and restore water quality through the regulation of point source and non-point source discharges to surface water. Those discharges are regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process (CWA Section 402). NPDES permitting authority is administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and its nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB). The City of Pleasant Hill is located within the San Francisco Bay RWQCB jurisdiction.

Projects that disturb more than one acre are required to obtain NPDES coverage under the California General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities (Construction General Permit). The Construction General Permit requires the development and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) describing best management practices (BMPs) the discharger would use to prevent and retain storm water runoff and to prevent soil erosion.

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Guidelines
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, a national scientific organization of professional vertebrate paleontologists, has established standard guidelines that outline acceptable professional practices in the conduct of paleontological resource assessments and surveys, monitoring and mitigation, data and fossil recovery, sampling procedures, specimen preparation, analysis, and curation.21Most practicing professional paleontologists in the nation adhere to the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s assessment, mitigation, and monitoring requirements, as specifically spelled out in its standard guidelines.

State Regulations
California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 - California Building Code The California Building Code (CBC) is contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, which is a portion of the California Building Standards Code. Title 24 is assigned to the California Building Standards Commission, which by law is responsible for coordinating all building standards.

The CBC incorporates by reference the federal Uniform Building Code with necessary California amendments. The CBC is the regulatory tool that includes building code standards to address geologic and seismic hazards. Chapter 16 of the CBC contains definitions of seismic sources and the procedure used to calculate seismic forces on structures. 21 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP). 1995. Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Nonrenewable Paleontologic Resources—Standard Guidelines. Society of Vertebrate Paleontology News Bulletin, v. 163, pages 22–27.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1330 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-18
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act of 1972 was passed into law following the destructive February 9, 1971, magnitude 6.6 San Fernando earthquake. The Act provides a mechanism for reducing losses from surface fault rupture on a Statewide basis. The intent of the Act is to ensure public safety by prohibiting the siting of most structures for human occupancy across traces of active faults that constitute a potential hazard to structures from surface faulting or fault creep. This Act groups faults into categories of active, potentially active, and inactive. Historic and Holocene age faults are considered active, Late Quaternary and Quaternary age faults are considered potentially active, and pre-Quaternary age faults are considered inactive.

The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act regulates development near the surface traces of active faults to mitigate the hazard of surface fault rupture. Essentially, this Act contains two requirements: (1) it prohibits the location of most structures for human occupancy across the trace of active faults; and (2) it establishes Earthquake Fault Zones and requires geologic/seismic studies of most proposed development within 50 feet of the zone. The Earthquake Fault Zones are delineated and defined by the State Geologist and identify areas where potential surface rupture along a fault could occur. The nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is located along the Concord Fault to the east of Pleasant Hill.
22 Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (the Act) of 1990 was passed into law following the destructive October 17, 1989, magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake. 23 The Act directs the CGS to delineate
Seismic Hazard Zones. The purpose of the Act is to reduce the threat to public health and safety and to minimize the loss of life and property by identifying and mitigating seismic hazards, such as liquefaction, landslides, amplified ground shaking, and inundation by tsunami or seiche. Cities, counties, and State agencies are directed to use seismic hazard zone maps developed by CGS in their land-use planning and permitting processes. The Act requires that site-specific geotechnical investigations be performed prior to permitting most urban development projects within seismic hazard zones. CGS maintains these required maps.

California Public Resources Code Section 5097.5
Section 5097.5 of the Public Resources Code states:

No person shall knowingly and willfully excavate upon, or remove, destroy, injure or deface any historic or prehistoric ruins, burial grounds, archaeological or vertebrate paleontological site, including fossilized footprints, inscriptions made by human agency, or any other archaeological, paleontological or historical feature, situated on public lands, except with the express permission of the public agency having jurisdiction over such lands. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

Here “public lands” means those owned by, or under the jurisdiction of, the State or any city, county, district, authority, or public corporation, or any agency thereof. Consequently, public agencies are required to comply with Public Resources Code Section 5097.5 for their own activities, 22 California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2022. Alquist-Priolo Fault Hazard Zones [map]. https://gis.data.ca.gov/maps/ee92a5f9f4ee4ec5aa731d3245ed9f53/explore?location=37.609765%2C-122.389578%2C12.92 (accessed November 2022) 23 California Geological Survey (CGS). 2019. The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/earthquakes/lomaprieta (accessed July 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1331 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-19
including construction and maintenance, and for permit actions (e.g., encroachment permits) undertaken by others.

Regional and Local Regulations
Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan, adopted January 2018, assesses the County’s vulnerabilities to various hazards and presents mitigation strategy, including goals, objectives, and actions that the County will strive to implement over the next five years. These hazards include earthquakes and landslides. The hazard mitigation plan seeks to identify opportunities for reasonable mitigation actions and sets out a five-year implementation plan.

Pleasant Hill Municipal Code
The City adopted the California Building Code (CBC) and included it in Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 14.05. Section 14.05.010 incorporates Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations by reference, which applies to new construction and alterations within City limits. New development is required to adhere to building code requirements and industry standard seismic safety building practices.

Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 15.10, Grading, outlines the regulations applicable to grading activities within Pleasant Hill, including details for every stage of grading from when a permit is required to excavation and inspection. In addition, this chapter identifies erosion control measures to be implemented during grading activities.

Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to geology and soils, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

3.5.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to Geology/Soils and Mineral Resources.

Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?

2. Strong seismic ground shaking?

3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?

4. Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1332 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-20
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirectly risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
g) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and the residents of the State?
h) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? Approach to Analysis
Geology/Soils
Evaluations of potential geologic and soil impacts of the proposed plan were based on review of available documentation, including the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan; the Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; USGS “Shake Map” webpage; the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey; the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Hazard Viewer Map Database, the California Geological Survey website, and USGS data and publications.

Paleontological Resources
Evaluations of potential paleontological impacts of the proposed plan were based on review of available documentation, including primary literature and online fossil databases available from the Paleobiology Database, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the University of California Museum of Paleontology.

Mineral Resources
Evaluations of potential mineral resources impacts of the proposed plan were based on review of available documentation, including the California Department of Conservation Mineral Land Classification.

EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
No EIR scoping comments were received in response to the EIR NOP related to geology, soils, or mineral resources.

Specific Thresholds of Significance
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of geology, soils, and mineral resources impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan.  Place structures on or within the State designated zone of a known earthquake fault.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1333 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-21
 Place structures where seismic ground shaking of a Strong level or greater according to the Mercalli Scale could occur.
 Place structures on soils prone to any level of liquefaction.  Place structures on slopes greater than 15 percent or soils susceptible to failure as defined by the USGS.
 Place structures in areas without impervious surfaces or vegetation, or on slopes greater than 15 percent.
 Place structures on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable or that could become unstable.  Place structures on expansive soil that has an expansion index greater than 20 as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994).
 Place septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems on soils incapable of supporting the use.
 Physically damage or destroy paleontological resources.

Impact Evaluation
Earthquake Fault Rupture Risk
Significance Criterion a1: Would the proposed plan directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Impact GEO-1 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN IS NOT LOCATED WITHIN AN ALQUIST PRIOLO EARTHQUAKE

FAULT ZONE, AND, THEREFORE, THE PROPOSED PLAN WOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO EFFECTS INVOLVING RUPTURE OF A KNOWN EARTHQUAKE FAULT. THERE WOULD BE NO IMPACT.

Construction
Impacts related to risks associated with hazards involving fault rupture are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur.

Operation
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) does not contain Alquist Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones.

Therefore, persons and property associated with development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not be directly or indirectly subject to effects involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, and no operational impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1334 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-22
Seismic-related or Unstable Geologic Unit Risk
Significance Criterion a2, a3, & a4: Would the proposed plan directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

1. strong seismic ground shaking?

2. seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?

3. landslides?
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
Impact GEO-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN COULD RESULT IN EXPOSURE OF PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR DEATH FROM SEISMIC EVENTS. DEVELOPMENT

FACILITATED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN COULD BE LOCATED ON A GEOLOGIC UNIT OR SOIL THAT IS UNSTABLE OR

COULD BECOME UNSTABLE RESULTING IN ON- OR OFF-SITE LANDSLIDE, LATERAL SPREADING, SUBSIDENCE, LIQUEFACTION, OR COLLAPSE. HOWEVER, WITH COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND APPLICABLE GENERAL PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES, THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Impacts related to risks associated with seismic-related hazards and location on an unstable geologic unit or soil are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur.

Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in additional residential, commercial, and retail development that would be potentially exposed to the effects of strong seismic ground shaking (as identified as Strong [VII Intensity or above] on the Mercalli Scale), seismic-related ground failure (liquefaction, lateral spreading, subsidence), and landslides resulting from local and regional earthquakes. Structures built in landslide zones would be exposed to an existing risk of landslide or, if improperly constructed, could exacerbate existing landslide conditions, especially construction on sites in the western portion of Pleasant Hill that is vulnerable to landslide hazard.

New structures within the General Plan area could also experience substantial damage during seismic ground shaking events that are likely to occur in the future within the seismically active San Francisco Bay Area. The General Plan area is not located in a State-designated earthquake induced landslide hazard zone, but there have been landslides throughout the western portion of Pleasant Hill. Additionally, the eastern portions of Pleasant Hill could experience liquefaction, lateral spreading, or subsidence due to a seismic event.

Development within Pleasant Hill would be required to be built to current seismic standards that could better withstand the adverse effects of strong ground shaking. Potential structural damage and the exposure of people to the risk of injury or death from structural failure would be minimized by compliance with CBC engineering design and construction measures. Foundations and other structural support features would be required to be designed to resist or absorb damaging forces from strong ground shaking and liquefaction. Allowable increases in height as a result of the 2040

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1335 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-23
General Plan could require foundations and other structural support features to be more robust to support the additional height; however, compliance with CBC regulations would ensure that the buildings would meet seismic safety standards.

In addition to compliance with mandatory CBC requirements that address safe building development, including requirements to seismically upgrade existing structures, related to these hazards, the following 2040 General Plan goals and policies would further minimize potential adverse effects related to strong ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, and landslides:

Goal HS-2 Reduce the potential harm to people and property from geologic and seismic hazards.

Policy HS-2.1 Earthquake Hazard. Require new development to be sited away from highrisk earthquake hazard or liquefaction-susceptibility zones, or if located in a high-risk zone, to incorporate building technologies to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Policy HS-2.2 Geotechnical Study Requirement. Require geotechnical studies for new development in areas with moderate to high liquefaction potential that include analysis of seismic settlement potential and specify appropriate mitigation.

HS-2.3 Seismic Retrofit Incentives. Work with regional, State, and Federal agencies and organizations to incentivize seismic retrofits of structures.

HS-2.4 Slope Failure. Work with regional, State, and Federal agencies and organizations to incentivize seismic retrofits of structures.

HS-2.8 Resilient Infrastructure. Require the location, design, and construction of new public utilities, communication infrastructure, and transportation facilities to minimize risk and maximize functionality during and after an earthquake.

HS-2.9 Slope Stability Assessment. Continue to require slope stability assessments by appropriately registered professionals upon the initiation of new development proposals in areas of known slope instability and/or on slopes steeper than 15 percent.

Implementation of these 2040 General Plan goals and policies, in addition to compliance with applicable laws and regulations such as CBC requirements, would minimize the potential for loss, injury, or death related to strong ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, and landslides caused by a seismic event within the General Plan area. Thus, overall, compliance with all aforementioned policies and requirements for both proposed and existing structures would minimize the potential for loss, injury, or death related to strong ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, and landslides caused by a seismic event. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure risk, and landslide hazard would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1336 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-24
Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Soil Erosion or Topsoil Loss
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
Impact GEO-3 CONSTRUCTION FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INCLUDE GROUND DISTURBANCE SUCH AS EXCAVATION AND GRADING THAT WOULD RESULT IN LOOSE OR EXPOSED SOIL.

DISTURBED SOIL COULD BE ERODED BY WIND OR RAIN DURING A STORM EVENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF TOPSOIL. ADHERENCE TO EXISTING REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS WOULD ENSURE THAT THIS IMPACT WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would involve construction activities such as stockpiling, grading, excavation, paving, and other earth-disturbing activities. Loose and disturbed soils are more prone to erosion and loss of topsoil by wind and water.

Construction activities that disturb one or more acres of land surface are subject to NPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities (Order No. 2012-0006-DWQ) adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).

Compliance with the permit requires each qualifying development project to file a Notice of Intent with the SWRCB. Permit conditions require preparation of a SWPPP, which must describe the site, the facility, erosion and sediment controls, runoff water quality monitoring, means of waste disposal, implementation of approved local plans, control of construction sediment and erosion control measures, maintenance responsibilities, and non-storm water management controls. As described in Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Quality, development within Pleasant Hill would be required to comply with NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities, otherwise known as the Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009, as amended by Orders 2010-0014-DWQ and 2012-006-DWQ), which requires measures to reduce and eliminate stormwater pollutants, installation of appropriate BMPs to control stormwater runoff from construction sites, and that grading and drainage permits be obtained prior to construction. Grading and drainage plans accompanying the permit application must include BMPs for erosion prevention and sediment control, fencing at waterways and in sensitive areas, and limitation of disturbed areas through temporary features. The permit applications must also demonstrate compliance with NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permits (MS4) provisions. Enforcement of these permit requirements would reduce soil erosion impacts.

Additionally, Pleasant Hill Municipal Code requirements for erosion prevention and sediment control would apply to construction facilitated by the proposed plan. These include erosion prevention and sediment control in accordance with Chapter 15.10 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, conformance of plans to erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs, grading restrictions during the winter rain period, potential need for water sprinkling equipment on site during grading, and regulations of cut and fill slopes. Adherence to the requirements of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code BMPs would reduce the potential for development facilitated by the project to cause erosion or the loss of topsoil by ensuring proper management of loose and disturbed soil. Therefore, 2040

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1337 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-25
General Plan construction impacts related to soil erosion and loss of topsoil would be less than significant.

Operation
Impacts related to soil erosion or loss of topsoil are limited to construction impacts. No respective operational impacts would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Expansive Soil Risk
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
Impact GEO-4 FUTURE SEISMIC EVENTS COULD RESULT IN LIQUEFACTION AND LATERAL SPREADING OF SOILS WITHIN THE CITY. DEVELOPMENT IN THE GENERAL PLAN AREA COULD BE SUBJECT TO LIQUEFACTION HAZARDS. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CBC WOULD REDUCE LIQUEFACTION HAZARDS. PROPOSED HEALTH,

SAFETY, AND HAZMAT GOALS AND POLICIES APPLY TO DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE PROPOSED PLAN IN HAZARD ZONES FOR LIQUEFACTION OR LATERAL SPREADING OF SOILS. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Impacts related to risks associated with location on expansive soil are limited to operational impacts. Construction of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would comply with the CBC and applicable federal, State, and local regulations that would ensure construction activities (e.g., excavation of subterranean space) would not cause direct or indirect impacts to nearby properties in areas where expansive soils could potentially exist. No respective construction impacts would occur.

Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan on expansive soils, as defined by Table 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), within the eastern portion of Pleasant Hill could be subject to damage or could become unstable when the underlying soil shrinks or swells. The adverse effects of expansive soils can be avoided through proper subsoil preparation, drainage, and foundation design. In order to design an adequate foundation, it must be determined if the site contains expansive soils through appropriate soil sampling and laboratory soils testing. Expansive soils are identified through expansion tests of samples of soil or rock, or by means of the interpretation of Atterberg limit tests, a standard soils testing procedure. The CBC includes requirements to address soil-related hazards, including testing to identify expansive soils and design specifications where structures are to be constructed on expansive soils. Typical measures to treat expansive soil conditions involve removal, proper fill selection, and compaction. In cases where soil remediation is

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1338 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-26
not feasible, the CBC requires structural reinforcement of foundations to resist the forces of expansive soils. Compliance with the requirements of the CBC, as well as relevant General Plan policies (as discussed in detail under Impact GEO-2), would reduce risks related to expansive soils.

Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to expansive soils would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Soils Incapable of Supporting Alternative Wastewater Disposal Systems Significance Criterion e: Would the proposed plan have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Impact GEO-5 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD OCCUR ON URBANIZED SITES THAT ARE SERVED BY EXISTING SANITATION INFRASTRUCTURE. NEW DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT INCLUDE SEPTIC SYSTEMS. THERE WOULD BE NO IMPACT .

Construction
Impacts related to the soil capability of supporting the use of alternative wastewater disposal systems are limited to operation. No construction impacts would occur.

Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur in urbanized areas where existing wastewater infrastructure exists. The proposed plan would not include or require the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Therefore, no operational impacts would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1339 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-27
Effects on Unique Paleontological Resources or Geologic Features Significance Criterion f: Would the proposed plan directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Impact GEO-6 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED.

Consistent with SVP guidelines,14 the paleontological sensitivity of the eight geologic units underlying the plan area were assessed based on review of published geologic maps, a literature review, and online fossil locality databases. All eight geologic units are found within Pleasant Hill City Limits (Figure 3.5-1). The age and paleontological sensitivity of these geologic units are summarized in Table 3.5-2 and respective locations are shown in Figure 3.5-6.

Table 3.5-2 Geologic Units in General Plan Area and Paleontological Sensitivity Geologic Unit15 Age Paleontological Sensitivity
Quaternary alluvium (Qa) Holocene Low
Quaternary older alluvium (Qoa) Pleistocene High
Briones Sandstone (Tbr) Miocene High
Monterey Formation (Tm) Miocene High
San Ramon Formation (Tsr) Oligocene High
Kreyenhagen Formation (Tk) Eocene High
Meganos Formation (Tms) Eocene High
Martinez Formation (Tmz) Eocene to Paleocene High
Source: Dibblee, T.W. and J.A. Minch. 2005. Geologic map of the Walnut Creek quadrangle, Contra Costa County, California. [map].

Dibblee Geologic Foundation, Dibblee Foundation Map DF-149, scale 1:24,000.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1340 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-28
Figure 3.5-6 Geologic Units in General Plan Area and Paleontological Sensitivity

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1341 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-29
Construction
Ground-disturbing construction activities that impact previously geologic units with high paleontological sensitivity may result in significant impacts to paleontological resources (Table 3.5-2). However, potentially significant impacts to paleontological resources can only be determined once a specific project has been proposed because the effects are highly dependent on both the individual project site conditions (e.g., presence of previously disturbed sediments or artificial fill) and the characteristics of the proposed ground disturbance (e.g., depth, total volume, type of construction). Ground-disturbing activities associated with construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan particularly in areas that have not previously been developed with urban uses, have the potential to damage or destroy paleontological resources that may be present on or below the ground surface in areas of high paleontological sensitivity. Consequently, damage to or destruction of fossils could occur due to development under the proposed 2040 General Plan.

However, implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would reduce 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to the destruction of paleontological resources or unique geological features to less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
Impacts with the potential to cause substantial adverse change in the significance of a unique paleontological resource or unique geologic feature are limited to construction. No respective operational paleontological resources impacts would occur.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE GEO-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO PROTECT

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The City of Pleasant Hill shall add a policy (or policies) providing for the protection of paleontological resources to the 2040 General Plan prior to its adoption. The policy (policies) shall include the following:
 A Qualified Professional Paleontologist (as defined by SVP14) must be retained to conduct a paleontological resources analysis prior to the beginning of projects involving ground disturbance in geologic units with high paleontological sensitivity to determine whether there is a potential for significant impacts to paleontological resources.  If potential impacts to paleontological resources are found to be significant, then a Qualified Professional Paleontologist shall be retained to develop and implement a Paleontological Resources Mitigation Program to ensure that impacts to paleontological resources are less than significant.

Level of Significance
Less than significant with mitigation

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1342 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-30
Availability of a Mineral Resource or Recovery Site
Significance Criterion g: Would the proposed plan result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State?
Significance Criterion h: Would the proposed plan result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
Impact GEO-7 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT MINERAL RESOURCES. THERE WOULD BE NO IMPACT.

Construction and Operation
There are no significant mineral deposits or active mining operations within or in the vicinity of the General Plan area. In addition, implementation of the proposed plan would not affect a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated by an applicable land use plan. Therefore, the proposed plan would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource or a locally important mineral resource recovery site during construction or operational activities. No construction or operational mineral resources impacts would occur.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
No impact

3.5.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative geology/soils and mineral resources analysis is the General Plan area and the surrounding vicinity. Adverse effects associated with many geologies and soils tend to be localized; therefore, an area generally within a 0.25-mile radius would be the area most affected by activities in combination with the proposed plan. In addition, adverse effects associated with paleontological resource impacts tend to be localized, because the integrity of any given resource depends on what occurs only in the immediate vicinity around that resource, such as disruption of soils. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in surrounding cities in addition to the proposed plan.

Seismic-related Hazards
Cumulative projects, including the proposed plan, have the potential to experience strong to violent groundshaking from earthquakes. Cumulative projects listed in Table 3-1 would be exposed to the similar ground shaking hazards and would be subject to the same requirements. All cumulative projects would adhere to the provisions of the California Building Code, and policies of the 2040 General Plan and Pleasant Hill Municipal Code and surrounding city general plans and municipal codes, reducing potential hazards associated with seismic ground shaking and ground failure.

Therefore, the cumulative impact related to seismic-related hazards would be less than significant.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1343 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.5-31
Soil-related Hazards
Soil conditions associated with the proposed plan, such as differential settlement, expansive soils, and soil creep, are specific to the plan area and generally do not contribute to a cumulative effect.

Some or all other cumulative projects may have similar conditions, but they also would not contribute to a general geologic or soil cumulative effect. The proposed plan would be subject to all City of Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan policies, municipal code policies, and the CBC reducing soilrelated hazard impacts. Other current and future development projects in the region would similarly be required to adhere to standards and practices that include stringent geologic and soil-related hazard mitigations. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to soil-related hazards would be less than significant.

Unique Geological Feature and Paleontological Resources Construction activities associated with development of cumulative plans and projects in or within the vicinity of the General Plan area may have the potential to encounter undiscovered geologic resources and paleontological resources. The potential impacts to paleontological resources of each of those projects would be on an individual basis, depending on their location and construction activities, rather than cumulative. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to paleontological resources and unique geologic features would be less than significant.

Mineral Resources
Since there is no plan-level impact related to mineral resources, there would also be no cumulative impact related to mineral resources.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Less than significant

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1344 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-32
This page intentionally left blank.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1345 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-1

3.6 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy

3.6.1 Introduction
This section describes existing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sources and energy use Statewide, regionally, and within the City of Pleasant Hill as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also analyzes possible impacts related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use from implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Information included in this section is based on the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) data drawn from the Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA), which is included as Appendix D to this EIR.

3.6.2 Environmental Setting
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming, and Climate Change
Most of the energy that affects the Earth’s climate comes from the sun. Some solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface, and a smaller portion of this radiation is reflected by the atmosphere back toward space. As the Earth absorbs high frequency solar radiation, its surface gains heat and then re-radiates lower frequency infrared radiation back into the atmosphere.

Most solar radiation passes through gases in the atmosphere classified as GHGs; however, infrared radiation is selectively absorbed by GHGs. GHGs in the atmosphere play a critical role in maintaining the balance between the Earth’s absorbed and radiated energy, the Earth’s radiation budget, by trapping some of the infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface that otherwise would have escaped to space (see Figure 3.6-1). Radiative forcing is the difference between the incoming energy and outgoing energy. Specifically, GHGs affect the radiative forcing of the atmosphere, which in turn affects the Earth’s average surface temperature. This phenomenon, the greenhouse effect, keeps the Earth’s atmosphere near the surface warmer than it would be otherwise and allows successful habitation by humans and other forms of life.

Combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation release carbon into the atmosphere that historically has been stored underground in sediments or in surface vegetation, thereby exchanging carbon from the geosphere and biosphere to the atmosphere in the carbon cycle. With the accelerated increase in fossil fuel combustion and deforestation since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere have increased exponentially. Such emissions of GHGs in excess of natural ambient concentrations contribute to the enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect. This enhanced greenhouse effect has contributed to global warming, an increased rate of warming of the Earth’s average surface temperature. Specifically, increases in GHGs lead to increased absorption of infrared radiation by the Earth’s atmosphere and warm the lower atmosphere further, thereby increasing temperatures and evaporation rates near the surface.

Variations in natural phenomena such as volcanoes and solar activity produced most of the global temperature increase that occurred during preindustrial times. More recently, however, increasing atmospheric GHG concentrations resulting from human activity have been responsible for most of the observed global temperature increase.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1346 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-2
Figure 3.6-1 The Greenhouse Gas Effect
Source: United Nations Environmental Program/GRID-Arendal. 2005. Greenhouse Effect. <https://www.grida.no/resources/6467>.

Warming affects global atmospheric circulation and temperatures; oceanic circulation and temperatures; wind and weather patterns; average sea level; ocean acidification; chemical reaction rates; precipitation rates, timing, and form; snowmelt timing and runoff flow; water supply; wildfire risks; and other phenomena, in ways collectively referred to as climate change. Climate change is the alteration in the average weather of the Earth that is measured by modifications in wind patterns, storms, precipitation, and temperature. These changes are assessed using historical records of temperature changes occurring in the past, such as during previous ice ages. Many of the concerns regarding climate change use this data to extrapolate a level of statistical significance specifically focusing on temperature records from the last 150 years (the Industrial Age) that differ from previous climate changes in rate and magnitude.

TEMPERATURE PREDICTIONS
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Environment Programme to assess scientific, technical, and socioeconomic information relevant to the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation. The IPCC constructed several emission trajectories of GHGs needed to stabilize global temperatures and climate change impacts. In its Fourth Assessment Report, the IPCC predicted that the global mean temperature change from 1990 to 2100, given six scenarios, could range from 1.1 degrees Celsius (°C) to 6.4°C.

Regardless of analytical methodology, global average temperatures and sea levels are expected to rise under all scenarios. The report also concluded that “[w]arming of the climate system is

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1347 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-3
unequivocal,” and that “[m]ost of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic GHG concentrations.” Warming of the climate system is now considered to be unequivocal, with the global surface temperature increasing about 1.33 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) over the last 100 years. The IPCC predicts increases in global average temperature of between 2°F and 11°F over the next 100 years.1

GREENHOUSE GASES AND GLOBAL EMISSION SOURCES
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are referred to as GHGs. Prominent GHGs that naturally occur in the Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and ozone. Anthropogenic (human-caused) GHG emissions include releases of these GHGs plus release of human-made gases with high global warming potential (GWP) (ozonedepleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons [CFCs]) and aerosols, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The GHGs listed by the IPCC (CO2, CH4, nitrous oxide (N2O), HFCs, PFCs, and SF6) are discussed below, in order of abundance in the atmosphere. Water vapor, despite being the most abundant GHG, is not discussed below, because natural concentrations and fluctuations far outweigh anthropogenic influences, making it impossible to predict. Ozone is not included, because it does not directly affect radiative forcing. Ozonedepleting substances (CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are not included, because they have been replaced by HFCs and PFCs.

The global warming potential is the potential of a gas or aerosol to trap heat in the atmosphere and is essentially a measurement of the radiative forcing of a GHG compared with the reference gas, CO2. Individual GHG compounds have varying potential for contributing to global warming. For example, CH4 is 25 times as potent as CO2, while SF6 is 22,200 times more potent than CO2 on a molecule-per-molecule basis. To simplify reporting and analysis, methods have been set forth to describe emissions of GHGs in terms of a single gas. The most commonly accepted method for comparing GHG emissions is the GWP methodology defined in the IPCC reference documents.2 The IPCC defines the GWP of various GHG emissions on a normalized scale that recasts all GHG emissions in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which compares the gas in question to that of the same mass of CO2 (by definition, CO2 has a GWP of 1). The global warming potential of a GHG is a measure of how much a given mass of a GHG is estimated to contribute to global warming.

Thus, to describe how much global warming a given type and amount of GHG may cause, the CO2e is used. A CO2e is the mass emissions of an individual GHG multiplied by its global warming potential.

As such, a high GWP represents high absorption of infrared radiation and a long atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2. One must also select a time horizon to convert GHG emissions to equivalent CO2 emissions to account for chemical reactivity and lifetime differences among various GHG species. The standard time horizon for climate change analysis is 100 years. Generally, GHG emissions are quantified in terms of metric tons (MT) CO2e emitted per year.

The atmospheric residence time of a gas is equal to the total atmospheric abundance of the gas divided by its rate of removal. The atmospheric residence time of a gas is, in effect, a half-life measurement of the length of time a gas is expected to persist in the atmosphere when accounting for removal mechanisms such as chemical transformation and deposition. Table 3.6-1 lists the GWP of each GHG and its lifetime. Units commonly used to describe the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere are parts per million (ppm), parts per billion (ppb), and parts per trillion (ppt), referring to the number of molecules of the GHG in a sampling of 1 million, 1 billion, or 1 trillion molecules of 1 IPCC. 2007. AR4 Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar4/wg1/ (accessed October 2022) 2 IPCC. 2014. Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/faq/FAQ.pdf (accessed October 2022)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1348 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-4
air. Collectively, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 are referred to as high-GWP gases. CO2 is by far the largest component of worldwide CO2e emissions, followed by CH4, N2O, and high-GWP gases, in order of decreasing contribution to CO2e.

The primary human processes that release GHGs include the burning of fossil fuels for transportation, heating, and electricity generation; agricultural practices that release CH4, such as livestock grazing and crop residue decomposition; and industrial processes that release smaller amounts of high-GWP gases. Deforestation and land cover conversion have also been identified as contributing to global warming by reducing the Earth’s capacity to remove CO2 from the air and altering the Earth’s albedo or surface reflectance, thus allowing more solar radiation to be absorbed. Specifically, CO2 emissions associated with fossil fuel combustion are the primary contributors to human-induced climate change. CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions associated with human activities are the next largest contributors to climate change. GHGs of California concern are defined by California Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (see the Regulatory Environment subsection below for a description) and include CO2, CH4, NOX, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6. A seventh GHG, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), was also added under the California Health and Safety Code Section 38505(g)(7) as a GHG of concern. These GHGs are described in terms of their physical description and properties, global warming potential, atmospheric residence lifetime, sources, and atmospheric concentration in 2005 in Table 3.6-1.

Global Climate Change
EXTENT
Climate change is a global problem, because GHGs are global pollutants, unlike criteria air pollutants and hazardous air pollutants (i.e., toxic air contaminants) that are pollutants of regional and local concern. Pollutants with localized air quality effects have relatively short atmospheric lifetimes, approximately one day; by contrast, GHGs have long atmospheric lifetimes, several years to several thousand years. GHGs persist in the atmosphere for enough time to be dispersed around the globe.

Although the exact lifetime of particular GHG molecules depends on multiple variables and cannot be pinpointed, more CO2 is currently emitted into the atmosphere than is sequestered. CO2 sinks, or reservoirs, include vegetation and the ocean, which absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and dissolution, respectively. These are two of the most common processes of CO2 sequestration. Of the total annual human-caused CO2 emissions, approximately 54 percent is sequestered through ocean uptake, Northern Hemisphere forest regrowth, and other terrestrial sinks within a year, whereas the remaining 46 percent of human-caused CO2 emissions is stored in the atmosphere (Seinfeld 2006).

Similarly, effects of GHGs are borne globally, as opposed to the localized air quality effects of criteria air pollutants and hazardous air pollutants. The quantity of GHGs that it takes to ultimately result in climate change is not precisely known and cannot be quantified, and no single plan or project would be expected to measurably contribute to a noticeable incremental change in the global average temperature, or to global or local climates or microclimate. However, emissions of GHGs have the potential to adversely affect the environment, because such emissions contribute, on a cumulative basis, to global climate change.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1349 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-5
Table 3.6-1 Description of Greenhouse Gases of California Concern Greenhouse Gas Physical Description and Properties
Global Warming
Potential
(100 years)
Atmospheric
Residence
Lifetime (years) Sources
Carbon dioxide
(CO2)
Odorless, colorless, natural gas. 1 50–200 Burning coal, oil, natural gas, and wood; decomposition of dead organic matter; respiration of bacteria, plants, animals, and fungus; oceanic evaporation; volcanic
outgassing; cement production; land use changes.

Methane
(CH4)
Flammable gas and is the main
component of natural gas.
25 12 Geological deposits (natural gas fields) extraction; landfills; fermentation of manure; and decay of organic matter.

Nitrous oxide
(N2O)
N2O (laughing gas) is a colorless GHG. 298 114 Microbial processes in soil and water; fuel combustion; industrial processes.

Chloro-fluoro-carbons
(CFCs)
Nontoxic, nonflammable, insoluble, and
chemically unreactive in the troposphere
(level of air at the Earth’s surface); formed
synthetically by replacing all hydrogen
atoms in CH4 or ethane with chlorine
and/or fluorine atoms.
3,800–8,100 45–640 Refrigerants aerosol propellants; cleaning solvents.

Hydro-fluoro-carbons
(HFCs)
Synthetic human-made chemicals used as
a substitute for CFCs and contain carbon,
chlorine, and at least one hydrogen atom.
140-11,700 1–50,000 Automobile air conditioners; refrigerants.

Per- fluoro-carbons
(PFCs)
Stable molecular structures and only
break down by ultraviolet rays about 60
kilometers above Earth’s surface.
6,500-9,200 10,000–50,000 Primary aluminum production; semiconductor manufacturing.

Sulfur hexafluoride
(SF6)
Human-made, inorganic, odorless,
colorless, and nontoxic, nonflammable
gas.
22,800 3,200 Electrical power transmission equipment insulation; magnesium industry, semiconductor manufacturing; a
tracer gas.

Nitrogen trifluoride
(NF3)
Inorganic, is used as a replacement for
PFCs, and is a powerful oxidizing agent.
17,200 740 Electronics manufacture for semiconductors and liquid crystal displays.

Sources:

IPCC. 2007. AR4 Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. <https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar4/wg1/>.

IPCC 2007. AR4 Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. <https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar4/syr/>.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1350 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-6

TRENDS AND EFFECTS
Globally, climate change has the potential to affect numerous environmental resources through potential impacts related to future air temperatures and precipitation patterns. Scientific modeling predicts that continued GHG emissions at or above current rates would induce more extreme climate changes during the 21st century than was observed during the 20th century. Long-term trends found that each of the past four decades was warmer than all the previous decades in the instrumental record. The observed global mean surface temperature for the decade from 2006 to 2015 was 0.87°C higher than the global mean surface temperature over the period from 1850 to 1900. Several independently analyzed data records of global and regional Land-Surface Air Temperature obtained from station observations agree that Land-Surface Air Temperature and sea surface temperatures have increased. Due to past and current activities, anthropogenic GHG emissions are increasing global mean surface temperature at a rate of 0.2°C per decade. In addition, there are identifiable signs that global warming is currently taking place, including substantial ice loss in the Arctic over the past two decades.3,4
According to California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, Statewide temperatures from 1986 to 2016 were approximately 1°F to 2°F higher than those recorded from 1901 to 1960. Potential impacts of climate change in California may include loss in water supply from snowpack, sea level rise, more extreme heat days per year, more large forest fires, and more drought years. While there is growing scientific consensus about the possible effects of climate change at a global and Statewide level, current scientific modeling tools are unable to predict what local impacts may occur with a similar degree of accuracy.5
In California, climate change may result in consequences such as the following:
 Reduction in the quality and supply of water from the Sierra snowpack. If heat-trapping emissions continue unabated, more precipitation will fall as rain instead of snow, and the snow that does fall will melt earlier, reducing the Sierra Nevada spring snowpack by as much as 70 to 90 percent. This can lead to challenges in securing adequate water supplies. It can also lead to a potential reduction in hydropower.
 Increased risk of large wildfires. If rain increases as temperatures rise, wildfires in the forests, grasslands and chaparral ecosystems of Southern California are estimated to increase by approximately 30 percent toward the end of the 21st century because more winter rain will stimulate the growth of more plant “fuel” available to burn in the fall. In contrast, a hotter, drier climate could promote up to 90 percent more northern California fires by the end of the century by drying out and increasing the flammability of forest vegetation.  Reductions in the quality and quantity of certain agricultural products. The crops and products likely to be adversely affected include wine grapes, fruit, nuts, and milk.  Exacerbation of air quality problems. If temperatures rise to the medium warming range, there could be 75 to 85 percent more days with weather conducive to ozone formation in Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley, relative to today’s conditions. This is more than twice the increase 3 IPCC. 2014. Summary for Policymakers. In: AR5 Climate Change 2014, Mitigation of Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg3/ (accessed October 2022) 4 IPCC. 2018. Summary for Policymakers. In: Global warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ (accessed October 2022)
5 California, State of. 2018. California Fourth Climate Change Assessment Statewide Summary Report. http://www.climateassessment.ca.gov/state/ (accessed October 2022)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1351 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-7
expected if rising temperatures remain in the lower warming range. This increase in air quality problems could result in an increase in asthma and other health-related problems.  Rise in sea levels resulting in the displacement of coastal businesses and residences. During the past century, sea levels along California’s coast have risen about seven inches. If emissions continue unabated and temperatures rise into the higher anticipated warming range, sea level is expected to rise an additional 22 to 35 inches by the end of the century. Elevations of this magnitude would inundate coastal areas with salt water, accelerate coastal erosion, threaten vital levees and inland water systems, and disrupt wetlands and natural habitats.  Increase in temperature and extreme weather events. Climate change is expected to lead to increases in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events and heat waves in California. More heat waves can exacerbate chronic disease or heat-related illness.  Decrease in the health and productivity of California’s forests. Climate change can cause an increase in wildfires, an enhanced nuisance insect population, and establishment of non-native species.
 Damage to marine ecosystems and natural environment. Climate change can cause damage to marine ecosystems, including acidification of the oceans due to increased CO2 levels (including coral bleaching).

Existing GHG Emissions
GLOBAL
Worldwide anthropogenic emissions of GHG were approximately 46,000 MMT, or gigatonne of CO2e in 2010. CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes contributed about 65 percent of total emissions in 2010. Of anthropogenic GHGs, CO2 was the most abundant accounting for 76 percent of total 2010 emissions. CH4 emissions accounted for 16 percent of the 2010 total, while N2O and fluorinated gases account for six and two percent, respectively.6

UNITED STATES
Total U.S. GHG emissions were 6,676.6 MMTCO2e in 2018. Total U.S. emissions increased by 3.7 percent from 1990 to 2018. Overall, net emissions increased by 3.1 percent from 2017 to 2018 and decreased by 10.2 percent from 2005 to 2018. The decrease from 2005 to 2018 reflects long-term trends, including energy market trends, technological changes including energy efficiency, and energy fuel choices. Between 2017 and 2018, the increase in emissions was driven by an increase in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, which was a result of increased energy use from greater heating and cooling needs due to a colder winter and hotter summer in 2018 compared to 2017. In 2018, the largest source of CO2 and of overall emissions, was fossil fuel combustion, representing approximately 81.3 percent of U.S. GHG emissions (see Figure 3.6-2). CH4 accounted for nearly 10 percent, N2O accounted for approximately 6.5 percent, and the remaining 2.7 percent of U.S. GHG emissions were HFCs, PFCs, SF6, and NF3.
7 6 IPCC. 2014. Summary for Policymakers. In: AR5 Climate Change 2014, Mitigation of Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg3/ (accessed October 2022) 7 US EPA. 2018. Emission Factors for GHG Inventories. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-03/documents/emissionfactors_mar_2018_0.pdf (accessed October 2022)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1352 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-8
Figure 3.6-2 2018 U.S. GHG Emissions by Gas
Source: US EPA 2020. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2018.

CALIFORNIA
According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), total California GHG emissions were 369.2 MMTCO2e in 2020.
8 The major source of GHGs in California is associated with transportation, contributing nearly 37 percent of Statewide GHG emissions in 2020. The industrial sector is the second largest source, contributing 20 percent of Statewide GHG emissions, and the electricity sector accounted for approximately 16 percent (see Figure 3.6-3). 8 CARB. 2022. California GHG Emissions for 2000 to 2020: Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/cc/inventory/2000-2020_ghg_inventory_trends.pdf (accessed January 2023)

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1353 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-9
Figure 3.6-3 2020 California GHG Emissions by Scoping Plan Sectors and Sub-Sectors Note: This figure breaks out 2020 California emissions by sector into an additional level of sub-sector categories. The inner ring shows the broad CARB Climate Change Scoping Plan sectors. The outer ring breaks out the sectors into sub-sectors or emission categories. The transportation sector represents tailpipe emissions from on-road vehicles and direct emissions from other off-road mobile sources; it does not include emissions from petroleum refineries and oil extraction and production, which are included in the industrial sector.

Source: CARB. 2022. California GHG Emissions for 2000 to 2020: Trends of Emissions and Other Indicators. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic/cc/inventory/2000-2020_ghg_inventory_trends.pdf (accessed January 2023)

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
GHG emissions for 2022 within Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) have been quantified in Table 3.6-2 below. The GHG emissions for area, energy, solid waste, and water sources were quantified using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), Version 2020.4.0, and GHG emissions for mobile sources were quantified using the Emission FACtor (EMFAC) 2021 Model, Version 1.0.2. GHG emissions were modeled based on the following square footage and dwelling units for existing land use designations in the General Plan area:
 Non-Residential Land Uses:
 Commercial: 3,454,828 square feet
 Office: 1,421,151 square feet
 Industrial: 1,647,368 square feet
 School: 1,084,833 square feet
 Semi Public and Institutional: 396,137 square feet

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1354 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-10
 Residential Land Uses:
 Single-Family: 9,763 dwelling units
 Multi-Family: 4,573 dwelling units
Table 3.6-2 2022 Pleasant Hill Annual GHG Emissions
Emission Source Annual Emissions (MT CO2e)
Area 2,110
Energy 43,857
Mobile 264,799
Solid Waste 12,317
Waste 3,224
Total 326,307
MT CO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Source: See Appendix C for the CalEEMod and EMFAC outputs for GHG emissions.

Energy
Energy Fundamentals
Energy is generally transmitted either in the form of electricity, measured in kilowatts (kW) or megawatts (MW), or natural gas measured in British thermal units (BTU), cubic feet, or therms. Fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, is measured in gallons or liters.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is used primarily for lighting, appliances, cooking purpose, HVAC equipment, and other uses associated with building and vehicle operations. Electricity sources range from renewable (hydroelectric, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass) to nonrenewable (natural gas, oil, nuclear, coal).

NATURAL GAS
Natural gas is used primarily for heating, water heating, and cooking purpose and is typically associated with building operations.

FUEL
Fuel is used primarily for powering off-road equipment and vehicles (commercial trucks and other vehicles). The typical fuel types used are diesel and gasoline.

Electricity Generation, Distribution and Storage

CALIFORNIA
According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), California generated approximately 277,764 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity in 2021. As shown in Table 3.6-3, approximately 37.9 percent of this electricity was sourced from natural gas, 33.6 percent from renewable sources, 9.3 percent from nuclear, 9.2 percent from large hydroelectric sources, and the remaining 10 percent was sourced from coal, oil, other and unspecified sources. Specifically, the 33.6 percent of California’s

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1355 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-11
2021 retail electric sales that were served by renewable resources included sources from wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and small hydroelectric.
9 Table 3.6-3 California 2021 Total System Electric Generation Fuel Type
In-State
Generation
(GWh)
Percent of
In-State
Generation
Northwest
Imports
(GWh)
Southwest
Imports
(GWh)
State Energy
Mix (GWh)
State
Power Mix
Coal 303 0.2% 181 7,788 8,272 3.0%
Large Hydro 12,036 6.2% 12,042 1,578 25,656 9.2%
Natural Gas 97,431 50.2% 45 7,880 105,356 37.9%
Nuclear 16,477 8.5% 524 8,756 25,758 9.3%
Oil 37 0.00% 0 0 37 0.00%
Other (Petroleum/
Waste Heat)
382 0.2% 68 15 465 0.2%
Renewables 67,461 34.8% 11,555 14,317 93,333 33.6%
Biomass 5,381 2.8% 864 26 6,271 2.3%
Geothermal 11,116 5.7% 192 1,906 13,214 4.8%
Small Hydro 2,531 1.3% 304 1 2,835 1.0%
Solar 33,260 17.1% 220 5,979 39,458 14.2%
Wind 15,173 7.8% 9,976 6,405 31,555 11.4%
Unspecified N/A 0.00% 8,156 10,731 18,887 6.8%
Total 194,127 100.00% 32,572 51,064 277,764 100.00%
GWh = gigawatt-hours
Source: CEC 2022. California 2021 Total System Electric Generation. https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energyalmanac/california-electricity-data/2021-total-system-electric-generation (accessed October 2022) Electricity is distributed through the various electric load-serving entities (LSEs) in California. These entities include investor-owned utilities, publicly owned LSEs, rural electric cooperatives, community choice aggregators, and electric service providers. 10 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND PLEASANT HILL
Contra Costa County as a whole consumed approximately 8,287 GWh of electricity in 2021 from residential and non-residential uses.11 Two electricity providers serve the City of Pleasant Hill: Marin Clean Energy (MCE) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). MCE provides clean energy that is 60 to 100 percent carbon free, either sourced entirely from renewable energy (50 percent solar and 50 percent wind) or 60.5 percent renewable (including biomass & biowaste, geothermal, small hydroelectric, solar, and wind).12 PG&E’s default power mix offers 31 percent renewable, and they offer customers options for 64 percent or 100 percent renewable power mixes. 1314 In conjunction
9 CEC. 2022a. California 2021 Total System Electric Generation. https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/californiaelectricity-data/2021-total-system-electric-generation (accessed October 2022) 10 CEC. 2021a. Electric Load-Serving Entities (LSEs) in California. https://www.energy.ca.gov/almanac/electricity_data/utilities.html (accessed October 2022)
11 CEC. 2022b. Electricity Consumption by County. http://www.ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx (accessed October 2022) 12 MCE. 2022. Annual Power Content Label. https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/energy-suppliers/ (accessed October 2022) 13 PG&E. 2021. 2020 Power Content Label Pacific Gas and Electric Company. https://www.energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/3882 14 PG&E. 2019. Where your electricity comes from. https://www.pge.com/pge_global/common/pdfs/your-account/your-bill/understandyour-bill/bill-inserts/2020/1220-PowerContent-ADA.pdf

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1356 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-12
with the utility companies, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is involved in energy conservation programs.

Natural Gas Distribution

CALIFORNIA
According to the CPUC, natural gas from out-of-state production basins is delivered into California via the interstate natural gas pipeline system. The major interstate pipelines that deliver out-ofstate natural gas to California gas utilities are Gas Transmission Northwest Pipeline, Kern River Pipeline, Transwestern Pipeline, El Paso Pipeline, Ruby Pipeline, Mojave Pipeline, and Tuscarora.15 Because natural gas is a dispatchable energy resource that provides load when the availability of hydroelectric power generation and/or other energy sources decrease, distribution varies greatly from year to year. The availability and distribution of hydroelectric-sourced energy, increasing renewable-source energy, and overall consumer demand are the variables that shape the need for natural gas.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AND PLEASANT HILL
Contra Costa County as a whole consumed approximately 1,062 million therms of natural gas in 2021 in both residential and non-residential uses.
16 PG&E is the natural gas provider for the City.

The nearest PG&E gas transportation pipelines run along Contra Costa Boulevard and Hookston Road. There are two distribution gas pipelines located throughout Pleasant Hill. 17 Fuel Distribution

CALIFORNIA
According to the 2015 CEC market share data, California consists of distributors of gasoline, which include companies or individuals who make the first distribution of gasoline in California. Aircraft manufacturers and certificated or licensed carriers by air may be included within the definition of distributor. Distributors can also be "Brokers," which includes every person, other than a distributor or a retailer, who deals in lots of 200 or more gallons of gasoline.18 Based on the California Transportation of Petroleum Second Northern California Refinery Safety Forum, output from the refineries is usually placed in intermediate tanks before blending finished products. Most gasoline is shipped from refinery by pipeline, which serves over 60 distribution terminals, which is then transported to retail and nonretail stations by tanker trucks.19

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
There are 14 gasoline and diesel fueling stations within Pleasant Hill. 15 CPUC. 2021. Natural Gas and California.
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/natural_gas/#:~:text=Natural%20gas%20from%20out%2Dof,interstate%20natural%20gas%20pipeline%20syste m.&text=The%20state's%20natural%20gas%20utilities%20operate%20over%20100%2C000%20miles%20of,more%20miles%20of%20servi ce%20line (accessed October 2022) 16 CEC. 2022c. Gas Consumption by County. http://www.ecdms.energy.ca.gov/gasbycounty.aspx (accessed October 2022) 17 PG&E. 2022. Explore our natural gas transmission pipeline map https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/how-the-system-works/naturalgas-system-overview/gas-transmission-pipeline/gas-transmission-pipelines.page (accessed October 2022) 18 CEC. 2015. Gasoline Market Share in California for 2014. https://ww2.energy.ca.gov/almanac/transportation_data/gasoline/market_share/ (accessed October 2022) 19 Schremp. 2015. California Transportation of Petroleum: Second Northern California Refinery Safety Forum. https://calepa.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/sites/6/2016/10/Refinery-Documents-2015yr-Petroleum.pdf (accessed October 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1357 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-13
Available Alternative Vehicle Fuels
Various Statewide regulations and plans encourage alternative fuel use to reduce GHG emissions and criteria pollutant emissions. These include the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and SB 32, as well as myriad other Statewide and local air district regulations. Conventional gasoline and diesel may be replaced with different alternative fuels, depending on the capability of the vehicle. Descriptions of the most widely used alternative fuels include the following:
 Electricity can power electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles directly from the power grid.

Generally, these vehicles draw from the electricity grid and store the energy in their batteries.

Pleasant Hill has 10 electric vehicle charging stations throughout Pleasant Hill. 20  Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. Biodiesel is biodegradable and cleaner-burning than petroleum-based diesel fuel. Generally, biodiesel can run in any diesel engine without alterations, but fueling stations have been slow to make it available. There are eleven biodiesel refueling stations in California, but none in the City of Pleasant Hill. According to the USDOE, the closest biodiesel station to Pleasant Hill is in the City of Berkeley.21  Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is currently being used in vehicles. CNG is used in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and gets about the same fuel economy. LNG is costly to produce and therefore is used in limited applications, typically in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. There are no CNG stations and no LNG stations within Pleasant Hill. The nearest CNG station is in the City of Concord and the nearest LNG station is in the City of Lathrop.
22  Hydrogen is being explored for use in combustion engines and fuel cell electric vehicles. The interest in hydrogen as an alternative transportation fuel stems from its clean-burning qualities, its potential for domestic production, and the fuel cell vehicle's potential for high efficiency:
hydrogen is two to three times more efficient than gasoline. The closest station to Pleasant Hill is in the City of Concord. Fuel cells are being explored as a way to use electricity generated onboard the vehicle to power electric motors. Pleasant Hill does not have any hydrogen stations. 23 Existing Energy Use

CALIFORNIA
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (USEIA), total electricity direct consumption within California in 2018 was 12,859.245 GWh, up 0.5 percent, or 64.385 GWh, from 2017. California electricity consumption in 2018 represented approximately 9 percent of total U.S. electricity consumption in 2018.
24 In 2018, total California natural gas demand for industrial, residential, commercial, and electric power generation was 2,137,920 million cubic feet per year (MCF/year).

The main category of fuel use in California is transportation fuel, specifically gasoline and diesel.

Gasoline is the most used transportation fuel in California: 97 percent of all gasoline sold in California is consumed by light-duty cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. In 2018, an estimated 143,080 million gallons of gasoline annually were used (i.e., 392 million gallons gasoline 20 USDE. 2022. https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html#/find/nearest?fuel=ELEC&location=pleasant%20hill,%20ca 21 Ibid. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid. 24 USEIA. 2020. California Electricity Profile 2018. https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/archive/2018/california/.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1358 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-14
per day), marking a record level of consumption between 1997 and 2020.25 Diesel is the second largest transportation fuel used in California. Many heavy duty-trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, trains, ships, boats and barges, farm, construction, and heavy-duty military vehicles and equipment have diesel engines. According to the 2019 California Annual Retail Fuel Outlet Report Results (CECA15), in 2018, 1,752 million gallons of diesel annually (i.e., 4.8 million gallons of diesel per day), including off-road diesel, was sold.26

PLEASANT HILL (GENERAL PLAN AREA)
As shown in Table 3.6-4, approximately 402 million gallons of transportation fuel were consumed in Contra Costa County in 2021, of which approximately 374 million gallons were gasoline and approximately 28 million gallons were diesel fuel.27 This equates to approximately 1.1 million gallons of fuel per day or 0.95 gallons of fuel per person per day, based on a 2022 countywide population of 1,156,555 people.28
The City of Pleasant Hill consumed approximately 11 million gallons of gasoline in 2021.29 This equates to approximately 0.03 million gallons of fuel per day or 0.89 gallons of fuel per person per day, based on a 2022 citywide population of 34,026 people.30 According to the CEC, one gallon of gasoline is equivalent to approximately 109,786 Btu, while one gallon of diesel is equivalent to approximately 127,460 Btu.31 Based on this formula, approximately 122.2 billion Btu in transportation fuel were consumed per day in 2021 in Contra Costa County, while 3.3 billion Btu in gasoline was consumed per day in 2020 in the City (see Table 3.6-4).

Table 3.6-4 Transportation Energy Consumption in Contra Costa County and Pleasant Hill Fuel Type
2021 Annual Fuel Use
(million gallons)
2021 Daily Fuel Use
(million gallons)
2020 Daily Energy Use
(billions of Btu)
2020 Daily per Capita
Energy Use
(thousands of Btu)
Gasoline (County) 374 1.02 112.0 96.8
Diesel (County) 28 0.08 10.2 8.8
Total (County) 402 1.1 122.2 105.6
Gasoline (City) 11.0 .03 3.3 96.8
Notes: Btu = British thermal units
Source: CEC. 2022.
25 CEC. 2022d. California Gasoline, Data, Facts, and Statistics. https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/transportationenergy/california-gasoline-data-facts-and-statistics (October 2022) 26 CEC. 2022e. 2010-2021 CEC-A15 Results and Analysis – Diesel Sales by County. https://www.energy.ca.gov/media/3874. 27 CEC. 2022f. California Retail Fuel Outlet Annual Reporting (CEC-A15) Results. https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energyalmanac/transportation-energy/california-retail-fuel-outlet-annual-reporting (accessed October 2022) 28 California Department of Finance (CDF). 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2011-2022 with 2010 Census Benchmark. https://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/e-5/ (accessed October 2022) 29 CEC. 2022d. 2010-2019 CEC-A15 Results and Analysis – Diesel Sales by County. https://www.energy.ca.gov/media/3874. 30 CDF. 2022. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2011-2022 with 2010 Census Benchmark. https://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/e-5/ (accessed October 2022) 31 Schremp, Gordon. 2017. Senior Fuels Specialist, California Energy Commission. Personal communication via phone and email regarding fuel consumption in California by County and by source with Lance Park, Associate Planner, Rincon Consultants, Inc. August 22, 2017.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1359 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-15

3.6.3 Regulatory Framework
Additional regulatory information related to GHG emissions and energy efficiency standards are included throughout the other resource sections including Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, which includes discussion of water use efficiency standards, solid waste standards, and wastewater standards, and Section 3.2, Air Quality, which includes discussion of air quality related regulations.

Federal Regulations
Clean Air Act (Regulation of GHGs)
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) issued an Endangerment Finding under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, opening the door to federal regulation of GHGs. The Endangerment Finding notes that GHGs threaten public health and welfare and are subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. To date, the US EPA has not promulgated regulations on GHG emissions, but it has already begun to develop them.

Federal Fuel Efficiency Standards (CAFE)
Under the Clean Air Act, corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards have been set for passenger cars and light trucks. The State of California has traditionally had a waiver to set its own more stringent fuel efficiency standards. However, on August 2, 2018, the NHTSA and US EPA, operating under the direction of the Trump Administration, proposed the Safer Affordable FuelEfficient Vehicles Rule (SAFE Rule). This rule addresses emissions and fuel economy standards for motor vehicles and is separated in two parts as described below.  Part One, “One National Program” (84 FR 51310) revokes a waiver granted by US EPA to the State of California under Section 209 of the CAA to enforce more stringent emission standards for motor vehicles than those required by US EPA for the explicit purpose of GHG reduction, and indirectly, criteria air pollutants and ozone precursor emission reduction. This revocation became effective on November 26, 2019, potentially restricting the ability of CARB to enforce more stringent GHG emission standards for new vehicles and set zero emission vehicle mandates in California.
 Part Two addresses CAFE standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2021 to 2026. This rulemaking proposes new CAFE standards for model years 2022 through 2026 and would amend existing CAFE standards for model year 2021. The proposal would retain the model year 2020 standards (specifically, the footprint target curves for passenger cars and light trucks) through model year 2026. The proposal addressing CAFE standards was jointly developed by NHTSA and US EPA, with US EPA simultaneously proposing tailpipe CO2 standards for the same vehicles covered by the same model years.

Construction Equipment Fuel Efficiency Standard
US EPA sets emission standards for construction equipment. The first federal standards (Tier 1) were adopted in 1994 for all off-road engines over 50 horsepower (hp) and were phased in by 2000. A new standard was adopted in 1998 that introduced Tier 1 for all equipment below 50 hp and established the Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards. The Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards were phased in by 2008 for all equipment. The current iteration of emissions standards for construction equipment are the Tier 4 efficiency requirements are contained in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1039, 1065,

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1360 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-16
and 1068 (originally adopted in 69 Federal Register 38958 [June 29, 2004], and most recently updated in 2014 [79 Federal Register 46356]). Emissions requirements for new off-road Tier 4 vehicles were to be completely phased in by the end of 2015.

U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act (Mandatory GHG Reporting) The Consolidated Appropriations Act, passed in December 2007, required the establishment of mandatory GHG reporting requirements. In September 2009, the US EPA issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule, which became effective January 1, 2010. The rule requires reporting of GHG emissions from large sources and suppliers in the U.S., and is intended to collect accurate and timely emissions data to inform future policy decisions. Under the rule, suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial GHGs, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions are required to submit annual reports to the US EPA.

The first annual reports for the largest emitting facilities, covering calendar year 2010, were submitted to US EPA in 2011.

Energy Policy and Conservation Act
Enacted in 1975, this legislation established fuel economy standards for new light-duty vehicles (autos, pickups, vans, and sport-utility vehicles). The law placed responsibility on the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), for establishing and regularly updating vehicle standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) administers the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program, which determines vehicle manufacturers’ compliance with existing fuel economy standards. Since the inception of the program, the average fuel economy for new light-duty vehicles steadily increased from 13.1 miles per gallon (mpg) for the 1975 model year to 30.7 mpg for the 2014 model year and can increase to 54.5 by 2025.

On August 2, 2018, the NHTSA and US EPA, operating under the direction of the Trump Administration, proposed the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule (SAFE Rule). This rule addresses emissions and fuel economy standards for motor vehicles and is separated in two parts as described below.
 Part One, “One National Program” (84 FR 51310) revokes a waiver granted by US EPA to the State of California under Section 209 of the CAA to enforce more stringent emission standards for motor vehicles than those required by US EPA for the explicit purpose of GHG reduction, and indirectly, criteria air pollutants and ozone precursor emission reduction. This revocation became effective on November 26, 2019, potentially restricting the ability of CARB to enforce more stringent GHG emission standards for new vehicles and set zero emission vehicle mandates in California.
 Part Two addresses CAFE standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2021 to 2026. This rulemaking proposes new CAFE standards for model years 2022 through 2026 and would amend existing CAFE standards for model year 2021. The proposal would retain the model year 2020 standards (specifically, the footprint target curves for passenger cars and light trucks) through model year 2026. The proposal addressing CAFE standards was jointly developed by NHTSA and US EPA, with US EPA simultaneously proposing tailpipe CO2 standards for the same vehicles covered by the same model years.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1361 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-17
Construction Equipment Fuel Efficiency Standard
US EPA sets emission standards for construction equipment. The first federal standards (Tier 1) were adopted in 1994 for all off-road engines over 50 horsepower (hp) and were phased in by 2000. A new standard was adopted in 1998 that introduced Tier 1 for all equipment below 50 hp and established the Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards. The Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards were phased in by 2008 for all equipment. The current iteration of emissions standards for construction equipment are the Tier 4 efficiency requirements are contained in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1039, 1065, and 1068 (originally adopted in 69 Federal Register 38958 [June 29, 2004], and most recently updated in 2014 [79 Federal Register 46356]). Emissions requirements for new off-road Tier 4 vehicles were to be completely phased in by the end of 2015.

State Regulations
Assembly Bill 1493 (Pavley Regulations and Fuel Efficiency Standards) AB 1493 (2002), California’s Advanced Clean Cars program (referred to as Pavley), requires CARB to develop and adopt regulations to achieve “the maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction of GHG emissions from motor vehicles.” On June 30, 2009, US EPA granted the waiver of the Clean Air Act preemption to California for its GHG emission standards for motor vehicles beginning with the 2009 model year. Pavley I regulates model years from 2009 to 2016, and Pavley II, which is now referred to as “Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) III GHG”, regulates model years from 2017 to 2025. The Advanced Clean Cars program coordinates the goals of the LEV, Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV), and Clean Fuels Outlet programs, and would provide major reductions in GHG emissions. By 2025, when the rules will be fully implemented, new automobiles will emit 34 percent fewer GHGs and 75 percent fewer smog-forming emissions from their model year 2016 levels.

Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act and Scoping Plan) California’s major initiative for reducing GHG emissions is outlined in Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” which was signed into law in 2006. AB 32 codifies the statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and requires CARB to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for reducing GHGs to meet the 2020 deadline. In addition, AB 32 requires CARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and verification of statewide GHG emissions. Based on this guidance, CARB approved a 1990 Statewide GHG level and 2020 limit of 427 million MTCO2e. The Scoping Plan was approved by CARB on December 11, 2008 and included measures to address GHG emission reduction strategies related to energy efficiency, water use, and recycling and solid waste, among other measures. Many of the GHG reduction measures included in the Scoping Plan (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Advanced Clean Car standards, and Cap-and-Trade) have been adopted since approval of the Scoping Plan.

In May 2014, CARB approved the first update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan. The 2013 Scoping Plan Update defined CARB’s climate change priorities for the next five years and set the groundwork to reach post-2020 Statewide goals. The 2013 Scoping Plan Update highlighted California’s progress toward meeting the 2020 GHG emission reduction goals defined in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluated how to align the State’s longer-term GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities, including those for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use. The State of California achieved its 2020 GHG emission reduction targets in 2016, and emissions have subsequently fallen further in 2018 to 425 MMTCO2e.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1362 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-18
Senate Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act and Scoping Plan Extension) Senate Bill (SB) 32 signed into law on September 8, 2016, tightens the requirements of AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain unchanged). On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 target. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on the continuation and expansion of existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap-and-Trade Program, as well as implementation of recently adopted policies, such as SB 350 and SB 1383. The 2017 Scoping Plan also puts an increased emphasis on innovation, adoption of existing technology, and strategic investment to support its strategies. As with the 2013 Scoping Plan Update, it recommends that local governments adopt policies consistent with statewide per capita goals of 6 MTCO2e by 2030 and 2 MTCO2e by 2050. As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan, these goals may be appropriate for plan-level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level).

AB 1279 (California Climate Crisis Act and Scoping Plan Extension) The California Climate Crisis Act (AB 1279), signed into law on September 16, 2022, requires the State to achieve and maintain net zero GHG emissions as soon as possible, but not later than 2045.

The Climate Crisis Act also requires the State to reduce Statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions to 85 percent below the 1990 levels by 2045. Updates to the scoping plan are required to identify and recommend measures to achieve these goals and identify and implement policies and strategies that enable carbon dioxide removal solutions and carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies in the State.

On November 16, 2022, CARB also adopted the 2022 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving targets for carbon neutrality and reducing anthropogenic GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels no later than 2045, as directed by AB 1279. The 2022 Scoping Plan relies on significant reductions in fossil fuel combustion by deploying clean technologies and fuels, further reductions in short-lived climate pollutants, support for sustainable development, increased action on natural and working lands to reduce emissions and sequester carbon, and the capture and storage of carbon.

Senate Bill 100 (100 Percent Clean Energy Act)
Adopted on September 10, 2018, SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, which was last updated by SB 350 in 2015. SB 100 requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. PCE provides clean energy that is 100 percent carbon free, either sourced entirely from renewable energy (50 percent solar and 50 percent wind) or 52.2 percent renewable (including biomass & waste, geothermal, small hydroelectric, solar, and wind). PCE aims to provide only 100 percent renewable by 2025. (PCE 2022). PG&E’s default power mix offers 29 percent renewable, and they offer customers options for 64 percent or 100 percent renewable power mixes.

Senate Bill 375 (Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act) SB 375, signed in August 2008, enhances the State’s ability to reach AB 32 goals by directing CARB to develop regional GHG emission reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles by 2020 and 2035. In addition, SB 375 directs each of the State’s 18 major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to prepare a “sustainable communities strategy” (SCS) that contains a growth strategy to meet these emission targets for inclusion in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). On

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1363 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-19
March 22, 2018, CARB adopted updated regional targets for reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 2035. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) was assigned targets of an 8 percent reduction in GHGs from transportation sources by 2020 and a 19 percent reduction in GHGs from transportation sources by 2035. In the SCAG region, SB 375 also provides the option for the coordinated development of subregional plans by the subregional councils of governments and the county transportation commissions to meet SB 375 requirements.

Senate Bill 97 and CEQA Guidelines Update
SB 97, signed in August 2007, acknowledges that climate change is an environmental issue that requires analysis in CEQA documents. In March 2010, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted amendments to the CEQA Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. The adopted guidelines give lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for the assessment and mitigation of GHG and climate change impacts.

California Code of Regulations Title 24 (California Building Code) Updated every three years through a rigorous stakeholder process, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations requires California homes and businesses to meet strong energy efficiency measures, thereby lowering their energy use. Title 24 contains numerous subparts, including Part 1 (Administrative Code), Part 2 (Building Code), Part 3 (Electrical Code), Part 4 (Mechanical Code), Part 5 (Plumbing Code), Part 6 (Energy Code), Part 8 (Historical Building Code), Part 9 (Fire Code), Part 10 (Existing Building Code), Part 11 (Green Building Standards Code), Part 12 (Referenced Standards Code). The California Building Code is applicable to all development in California. (Health and Safety Code §§ 17950 and 18938(b).) The regulations receive input from members of industry, as well as the public, with the goal of "[r]educing of wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy." (Pub. Res. Code § 25402.) These regulations are scrutinized and analyzed for technological and economic feasibility (Pub. Res. Code § 25402(d)) and cost effectiveness (Pub.

Res. Code § 25402(b)(2) and (b)(3)).

PART 6 – BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
CCR Title 24 Part 6 is the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. This code, originally enacted in 1978, establishes energy-efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings in order to reduce California’s energy demand. The Building Energy Efficiency Standards is updated periodically to incorporate and consider new energy-efficiency technologies and methodologies as they become available. New construction and major renovations must demonstrate their compliance with the current Building Energy Efficiency Standards through submission and approval of a Title 24 Compliance Report to the local building permit review authority and the California Energy Commission. Under the 2019 standards, nonresidential buildings will be 30 percent more energy efficient compared to the 2016 standards, and residential buildings will be seven percent more energy efficient. When accounting for the electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic system, residential buildings would use 53 percent less energy compared to buildings built to the 2016 standards.

The 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, adopted on May 9, 2018, became effective on January 1, 2020. The 2019 Standards move toward cutting energy use in new residential units by more than 50 percent and will require installation of solar photovoltaic systems for single-family homes and multi-family buildings of three stories and less. The 2019 Standards focus on four key

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1364 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-20
areas: 1) smart residential photovoltaic systems; 2) updated thermal envelope standards (preventing heat transfer from the interior to exterior and vice versa); 3) residential and nonresidential ventilation requirements; 4) and nonresidential lighting requirements. Under the 2019 Standards, non-residential buildings will be 30 percent more energy-efficient compared to the 2016 Standards, and single-family homes will be seven percent more energy efficient. The 2022 Standards have been adopted and will come into effect January 1, 2023. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be subject to the 2022 Standards.

PART 11 – CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
The California Green Building Standards Code, referred to as CALGreen, was added to CCR Title 24 as Part 11 first in 2009 as a voluntary code, which then became mandatory effective January 1, 2011 (as part of the 2010 CBC). Current CALGreen institutes mandatory minimum environmental performance standards for all ground-up new construction of non-residential and residential structures. It also includes voluntary tiers (I and II) with stricter environmental performance standards for these same categories of residential and non-residential buildings. Local jurisdictions must enforce the minimum mandatory Green Building Standards and may adopt additional amendments for stricter requirements.

Mandatory standards require:
 20 percent reduction in indoor water use relative to specified baseline levels;  50 percent construction/demolition waste diverted from landfills;  Inspections of energy systems to ensure optimal working efficiency;  Low-pollutant emitting exterior and interior finish materials such as paints, carpets, vinyl flooring, and particleboards; and
 Installation of EV charging stations at a rate of at least three percent of the parking spaces for all new multi-family developments with 17 or more units.

Similar to the compliance reporting procedure for demonstrating Building Energy Efficiency Standards compliance in new buildings and major renovations, compliance with the CALGreen water-reduction requirements must be demonstrated through completion of water use reporting forms for new low-rise residential and non-residential buildings. Buildings must demonstrate a 20 percent reduction in indoor water use by either showing a 20 percent reduction in the overall baseline water use as identified in CALGreen or a reduced per-plumbing-fixture water use rate.

Assembly Bill 341/Assembly Bill 1826 (Mandatory Recycling/Composting) The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, as modified by AB 341, requires each jurisdiction’s source reduction and recycling element to include an implementation schedule that shows diversion away from landfills of 75 percent of all solid waste by 2020 and annually thereafter.

AB 1826 requires recycling of organic waste (i.e., composting). All businesses and public entities that generate four or more cubic yards of solid waste per week and multi-family residential dwellings that have five or more units are required to recycle and compost.

Senate Bills 350 and 100 (Renewable Portfolio/Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act)
The Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (SB 350) requires the amount of electricity generated and sold to retail customers per year from eligible renewable energy resources to be

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1365 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-21
increased to 50 percent by December 31, 2030. This act also requires doubling of the energy efficiency in existing buildings by 2030.

Adopted on September 10, 2018, SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, which was last updated by SB 350 in 2015. SB 100 requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 44 percent by 2024, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045.

Assembly Bill 1493 (Reduce GHG Emissions from Vehicle Use) AB 1493 (Chapter 200, Statutes of 2002), known as the Pavley Bill, amended Health and Safety Code Sections 42823 and added 43018.5 requiring CARB to develop and adopt regulations that achieve maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction of GHG emissions from passenger vehicles, lightduty trucks, and other vehicles used for noncommercial personal transportation in California.

Assembly Bill 1007 (State Alternative Fuels Plan)
AB 1007 (Chapter 371, Statutes of 2005) required the CEC to prepare a State plan to increase the use of alternative fuels in California. The CEC prepared the State Alternative Fuels Plan (SAF Plan) in partnership with CARB and in consultation with other federal, State, and local agencies. The SAF Plan presents strategies and actions California must take to increase the use of alternative nonpetroleum fuels in a manner that minimizes costs to California and maximizes the economic benefits of in-state production. The SAF Plan assessed various alternative fuels and developed fuel portfolios to meet California’s goals to reduce petroleum consumption, increase alternative fuels use, reduce GHG emissions, and increase in-State production of biofuels without causing a significant degradation of public health and environmental quality.

CARB In-Use On-Road and Off-Road Diesel Rules
The CARB rule imposes limits on idling, restricts the addition of older vehicles, and requires the retirement or replacement of older engines depending on their fleet size category. This policy indirectly impacts energy consumption. More specifically, CARB is also charged with developing air pollution control regulations based upon the best available control measures and implementing feasible control measures under the State and Federal Clean Air Act. (Health & Saf. Code, §§ 39602.5, 39667, 43013, subds. (a) and (h), 43018, 40600, 40601, 40612(a)(2) and (c)(1)(A).) Pursuant to these statutory authorities , more stringent emission standards were adopted in 2004 for offroad construction equipment (i.e. “Tier 4” standards) (40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1039, 1065, and 1068; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 13, § 2025; AR 2854). CARB also adopted emission standards for on-road heavy duty diesel vehicles (i.e. haul trucks). (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 13, § 1956.8.) These haul truck regulations mandate fleet turn-over to ensure that by January 1, 2023 nearly all on-road diesel trucks will have 2010 model year engines or equivalent [i.e. Tier 4]. In addition, interim steps are incorporated into the regulations (e.g., vehicles older than 1999 will be replaced with newer engines by 2020).

California Advance Clean Trucks Program
In June 2020, CARB approved the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which requires manufacturers who certify Class 2b-8 chassis or complete vehicles with combustion engines to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual California sales from 2024 to 2035. In addition, the regulation requires company and fleet reporting for large employers and fleet owners with 50 or

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1366 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-22
more trucks. By 2045, all new trucks sold in California must be zero-emission. Implementation of this regulation would reduce consumption of nonrenewable transportation fuels as trucks transition to alternative fuel sources.

Executive Order B-48-18 (Zero-Emission Vehicles)
On January 26, 2018, Governor Brown signed Executive Order B-48-18 requiring all State entities to work with the private sector to have at least 5 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 2030, as well as install 200 hydrogen fueling stations and 250,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by 2025. It specifies that 10,000 of the EV charging stations should be direct current fast chargers. This order also requires all State entities to continue to partner with local and regional governments to streamline the installation of ZEV infrastructure. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development is required to publish a Plug-in Charging Station Design Guidebook and update the 2015 Hydrogen Station Permitting Guidebook to aid in these efforts. All State entities are required to participate in updating the 2016 Zero-Emissions Vehicle Action Plan, along with the 2018 ZEV Action Plan Priorities Update, which includes and extends the 2016 ZEV Action Plan (Governor’s Interagency Working Group on Zero-Emission Vehicles 2016, 2018), to help expand private investment in ZEV infrastructure with a focus on serving low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Executive Order N-79-20 (Zero Emissions Vehicles Sales) Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-79-20 in September 2020, which sets a statewide goal that 100 percent of all new passenger car and truck sales in the State will be zeroemissions by 2035. It also sets a goal that 100 percent of statewide new sales of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles will be zero emissions by 2045, where feasible, and for all new sales of drayage trucks to be zero emissions by 2035. Additionally, the Executive Order targets 100 percent of new off-road vehicle sales in the State to be zero emission by 2035. CARB is responsible for implementing the new vehicle sales regulation.

Senate Bill 1020
Senate Bill 1020 (SB 1020), signed into law on September 16, 2022, requires renewable energy and zero-carbon resources to supply 90 percent of all retail electricity sales by 2035, 95 percent by 2040, and 100 percent by 2045. All State agencies facilities must be served by 100 percent renewable and zero-carbon resources by 2030. SB 1020 also requires the Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, and CARB to issue a joint progress report outlining the reliability of the electrical grid with a focus on summer reliability and challenges and gaps. Additionally, SB 1020 requires the Public Utilities Commission to define energy affordability and use energy affordability metrics to develop protections, incentives, discounts, or new programs for residential customers facing hardships due to energy or gas bills.

CARB Gas Appliances Sales Ban
As part of the 2022 State Implementation Plan, CARB adopted a ban on new sales of natural gas heaters, water heaters, and furnaces by 2030 in September of 2022. This new measure is intended to reduce emissions from new residential and commercial space and water heaters sold in the State.

An emission standard for space and water heaters will go into effect in 2030. Beginning in 2030, 100 percent of the sales of new natural gas-powered heaters and water heaters would need to comply with the emission standard, such as putting in electric heaters or other zero-emission options.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1367 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-23
Regional and Local Regulations
Plan Bay Area 2050
Plan Bay Area 2050 is a State-mandated, integrated long-range transportation, land-use, and housing plan, known as a Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS), that would support a growing economy, provide more housing and transportation choices and reduce transportation-related pollution in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Plan Bay Area 2050 builds on earlier efforts to develop an efficient transportation network and grow in a financially and environmentally responsible way. Plan Bay Area 2050 focuses on advancing equity and improving resiliency in the Bay Area by creating strategies in the following four elements:

Housing, Economy, Transportation, and Environment. The Plan discusses how the future is uncertain due to anticipated employment growth, lack of housing options, and outside forces, such as climate change and economic turbulence. These uncertainties will impact growth in the Bay Area and exacerbate issues for those who are historically and systemically marginalized and underserved and excluded. Thus, Plan Bay Area 2050 has created strategies and considered investments that will serve those systemically underserved communities and provide equitable opportunities. The Plan presents a total of 35 strategies to outline how the $1.4 trillion dollar investment would be utilized.

The strategies include, but are not limited to, the following: providing affordable housing, allowing higher-density in proximity to transit-corridors, optimizing the existing roadway network, creating complete streets, providing subsides for public transit, reducing climate emissions, and expanding open space area. To bring these strategies to fruition, it will require participation by agencies, policymakers, and the public. An implementation plan is also included as part of the Plan to assess the requirements needed to carry out the strategies, identify the roles of pertinent entities, create an appropriate method to implement the strategies, and create a timeline for implementation.

Contra Costa Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP)
In 2017, the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority adopted the CTP to provide a blueprint for Contra Costa County’s transportation system over the coming decades. The CTP identifies projects, programs, and policies that the Contra Costa County Transportation Authority hopes to pursue. The CTP identifies goals for bringing together all modes of travel, networks and operators, to meet the diverse needs of Contra Costa County and to support Plan Bay Area. The CTP also lays out a vision for the future of transportation in Contra Costa County, the goals and strategies for achieving those visions, and the future of transportation investments needs to promote a growing economy, advance technological changes, protect the environment, and improve quality of life.

Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 14
Chapter 14.05 of Title 14 adopts by reference and incorporates the California Building Standards Code, 2019 Edition, Title 24. This includes adoption of Title 24 Part 6, the California Energy Code, and Title 24 Part 11, the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).

3.6.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to GHG Emissions and Energy.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1368 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-24
Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) Generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs?
c) Result in potentially significant environmental impacts due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? d) Conflict with or obstruct a State of local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? Approach to Analysis
GHG Emissions
Based on plan-level guidance from the 2022 BAAQMD CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans, GHG emissions associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan are discussed qualitatively by comparing the proposed plan to the 2022 BAAQMD GHG thresholds. In addition, the proposed plan is qualitatively compared to other applicable plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs.

Energy
Energy consumption is analyzed herein in terms of construction and operational energy.

Construction energy demand accounts for anticipated energy consumption during construction of development facilitated by the proposed plan, such as fuel consumed by construction equipment and construction workers’ vehicles traveling to and from the construction site. Operational energy demand accounts for the anticipated energy consumption during operation of the development facilitated by the proposed plan, such as fuel consumed by cars, trucks, and public transit; natural gas consumed for on-site power generation and heating building spaces; and electricity consumed for building power needs, including, but not limited to lighting, water conveyance, and air conditioning. This analysis considers the equipment and processes employed during construction and operation of development facilitated under the 2040 General Plan to qualitatively determine whether energy consumed during construction and operation would be wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary. In addition, the proposed plan is qualitatively compared to applicable plans adopted for the purpose of reducing non-renewable and overall energy consumption.

EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addresses comments received in response to the EIR NOP related to the analysis and impact of GHG emissions with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. Assessment of GHG emissions is discussed under impact GHG-1.

Specific Thresholds of Significance
GHG Emissions Generation
Individual projects do not generate sufficient GHG emissions to influence climate change directly.

However, physical changes caused by a project can contribute incrementally to significant cumulative effects, even if individual changes resulting from a project are limited. The issue of

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1369 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-25
climate change typically involves an analysis of whether a plan or project’s contribution towards an impact would be cumulatively considerable. “Cumulatively considerable” means the incremental effects of an individual project are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, other current projects, and probable future projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064[h][1]).

At the plan level, the 2022 BAAQMD CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans contains two approaches for determining significance of GHGs:

1. Evaluation of whether a plan or project meets State goals to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045; or

2. Evaluation of consistency with a local GHG reduction strategy that meets the criteria under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b).

If a plan is not consistent with one of these approaches, it could be considered to have an incremental significant impact on GHG emissions.

According to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 and the 2022 BAAQMD CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans, a qualified GHG reduction strategy must:
 Quantify GHG emissions, both existing and projected over a specified period, resulting from activities in a defined geographic area
 Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to GHG emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable  Identify and analyze the GHG emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated in the geographic area
 Specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level
 Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan's progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels  Be adopted in a public process following environmental review The City of Pleasant Hill has not adopted a qualified GHG reduction strategy or a plan that meets State goals to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045.

Energy
The City of Pleasant Hill does not have quantitative thresholds for evaluation of energy; however, the following qualitative thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of energy impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan if it would:
 Result in a wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy during construction and operational activities; or if
 Construction and operation of buildings and appliances would not adhere to the energy-use reduction measures included in CALGreen.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1370 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-26
Impact Evaluation
GHG Emissions Generation and GHG Reduction Plans Consistency Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs? Impact GHG-1 PLEASANT HILL DOES NOT HAVE A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN. THEREFORE, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT MEET STATE 2030 AND 2045 GOALS. MITIGATION MEASURES GHG-1 AND GHG-2 WOULD RESULT IN ADOPTION OF CEQA GHG THRESHOLDS AND A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN; HOWEVER, DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT MEET THE 2030 AND 2045 GOALS UNTIL THE CAP IS ADOPTED. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in GHG emissions during construction. GHG emissions during construction would result primarily from fuel consumption associated with heavy equipment, light-duty vehicles, machinery, and generators for lighting.

Temporary grid power may also be provided to construction trailers or electric construction equipment that may result in indirect GHG emissions from the energy generation. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would incorporate BAAQMD best management practices to reduce GHG emissions during construction activities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would also utilize construction contractors that comply with applicable CARB regulations such as accelerated retrofitting, repowering, or replacement of heavy-duty diesel on- and off-road equipment, and restricted idling of heavy-duty diesel motor vehicles. Construction contractors are required to comply with the provisions of CCR Title 13, sections 2449 and 2485, prohibiting dieselfueled commercial and off-road vehicles from idling for more than five minutes, minimizing unnecessary GHG emissions. Construction equipment would be subject to the USEPA Construction Equipment Fuel Efficiency Standard, which would minimize inefficient fuel consumption and thus GHG emissions. These construction equipment standards (i.e., Tier 4 efficiency requirements) are contained in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1039, 1065, and 1068. Per applicable regulatory requirements of CALGreen, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would comply with construction waste management practices to divert construction and demolition debris from landfills. These practices would result in efficient use of energy by construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan and, therefore, would minimize unnecessary GHG emissions. Furthermore, in the interest of cost efficiency, construction contractors would not utilize fuel in a manner that is wasteful or unnecessary, which would also have the effect of minimizing GHG emissions.

Pursuant to the 2022 BAAQMD CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans, BAAQMD does not recommend a construction-related climate impact threshold. According to BAAQMD, greenhouse gas emissions from construction represent a very small portion of a project’s lifetime GHG emissions. The proposed thresholds for land use projects are designed to address operational GHG emissions that represent the vast majority of project GHG emissions. Therefore, the evaluation of GHG emissions impacts associated with implementation of the 2040 General Plan is focused on operational emissions, discussed below.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1371 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-27
Operation

GHG EMISSIONS GENERATION
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in GHG emissions during operation.

GHG emissions during operation would result primarily from building energy usage and transportation fuel consumption associated with light-duty vehicles. The 2040 General Plan contains policies that aim to increase connectivity and promote travel by alternative modes and increase energy efficient building related energy use and renewable energy sources to reduce operational GHG emissions. Proposed 2040 General Plan policies related to GHG emissions reductions include:

Goal LU-3 To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices for Pleasant Hill residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods.

Policy LU-3.2 Connectivity. Encourage new residential and mixed-use development to incorporate design features that promote walking within neighborhoods and citywide.

Policy LU-3.4 Clustering Development. Encourage new residential development to be clustered to support increased densities, open space, and efficiencies of public facilities and services.

Goal LU-4 To ensure that commercial and mixed-use development in the city is consistent with the overall community character and serves the existing and future needs of residents and visitors.

Policy LU-4.3 Neighborhood Connectivity. Encourage commercial and mixed-use development to link to adjoining residential neighborhoods by incorporating well-designed and attractive streetscapes with sidewalks, bicycle paths, and street amenities.

Goal LU-6 Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.

Policy LU-6.2 Encourage the creation of a DVC District. Encourage development of a vibrant, walkable district centered around DVC and Golf Club Road that includes student and faculty housing, retail, and daily service uses for students, faculty, and staff.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1372 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-28
Policy LU-6.16 Walkable Environment. Enhance the pedestrian connections between Downtown, Crescent Drive, City Hall, and adjacent commercial centers along Contra Costa Boulevard.

Policy LU-6.25 Transit-Oriented Development. Encourage the design and development of transit-oriented developments along Contra Costa Boulevard to support future transportation system enhancements.

Policy LU-6.31 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Contra Costa Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

Policy LU-6.48 Pedestrian Connectivity. Require Monument Boulevard pedestrian upgrades including signalized crossings, bulb outs, and expanded sidewalks.

Policy LU-6.53 Increased Residential Development. Support increased residential development along Monument Boulevard in the form of either vertical or horizontal mixed-use projects.

Goal LU-7 Improve the health and well-being of all Pleasant Hill residents.

Policy LU-7.3 Remove Physical Barriers. Remove or plan for ways to address physical barriers that bisect neighborhoods and discourage walking or biking.

Land Use Element Implementation Programs
Program L Pedestrian and Bicycle Barrier Removal. Prepare an analysis of the physical barriers to walking and bicycling throughout the city. Identify options for and prepare a program for barrier removal. The analysis should include improvement prioritization, cost estimates, funding sources, and a timeline for improvements.

Goal TC-1 Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1373 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-29
Goal TC-2 Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.

Policy TC-2.5 Transportation Demand Management (TDM). Require robust transportation demand management with all new private development that requires establishment of incentives and programs to reduce traffic congestion including annual reporting to ensure transportation demand management goals for a project are being met and to correct transportation demand management practices.

Goal TC-4 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through land use planning.

Policy TC-4.4 Infill Development. Support infill and development in existing urban areas and around key transit facilities.

Goal TC-5 Support a vibrant, walkable environment that encourages alternative (nondriving) modes of transportation.

Goal TC-6 Reduce reliance on the automobile by promoting alternative modes of transportation.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1374 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-30
Policy TC-6.3 Non-Vehicular Transportation Requirement. Require new developments that would result in significant increases in air pollution, VMT or noise to incorporate non-vehicular facilities or programs that would reduce the overall project impacts on these resources including e-Bike charging stations and free use e-Bike pod stations for residential and commercial development.

Policy TC-6.4 Amenities for Non-Driving Modes of Transportation. Require new development with more than 10 housing units or over 5,000 square feet of non-residential uses to include amenities that encourage active modes of transportation that reduce pollution or VMT as a benefit to the community (e.g., bicycle lockers/racks, showers, dedicated vanpool or carpool parking areas, dedicated shuttle services, e-bike charging stations innovative bus shelter designs).

Policy TC-6.5 Encourage Development of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure. Encourage development of infrastructure (public and private) to support the use of electric and other alternative fuel vehicles.

Policy TC-8.3 Regional Complete Streets Planning. Coordinate internally and with other agencies to plan for the provision of complete streets regionally.

Policy TC-8.4 Multi-Modal Roadways. Consider the needs of vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrians on all city roadways and facilities.

Policy TC-8.6 Wide Sidewalks for Shared Use. Provide wide sidewalks to allow shared use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and non-motorized modes of transportation as directed by the City Engineer.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1375 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-31
Goal TC-9 Prioritize a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-9.3 Enhance Pedestrian Crossings. Enhance pedestrian crossings on all arterial and collector roadways.

Policy TC-9.5 Sidewalk Guidelines and Standards. Establish sidewalk standards and guidelines for enhancing existing sidewalk and installation of new sidewalks.

Policy TC-9.7 Enhance Street Lighting. Enhance street lighting to provide for better pedestrian safety.

Policy TC-9.8 Sidewalk Improvements. Improve sidewalks to facilitate access by users of all ages and abilities.

Goal TC-11 Increase the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips by users of all ages and abilities.

Policy TC-11.2 Street Design. Require street cross-sections to accommodate bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and pedestrians.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1376 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-32
Goal TC-13 Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation.

Policy TC-13.4 Transit for Commuters and Special Needs Populations. Work with transit providers and other regional TDM entities to promote and incentivize use of transit for commuters, seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.

Policy TC-13.5 Senior Van Service. Maintain the City's Senior Van Service for residents over the age of 55, subject to the availability of funding.

Goal TC-15 Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle trip lengths and manage vehicle congestion through a comprehensive program of transportation resources and services.

Policy TC-15.1 TDM Alternatives. Meet the increased transportation needs of the community with TDM alternatives.

Policy TC-15.2 Require TDM Programs. Require new development to implement appropriate TDM programs to encourage walking, biking, carpooling, and transit use, and to reduce vehicle trips.

Transportation and Circulation Element Implementation Programs Program G Non-automobile Commute Incentives. Prepare an analysis of potential incentives to encourage City employees to commute to work using alternative means, including BART and bus passes, ridesharing, van pooling, and secure bicycle storage facilities.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1377 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-33
Program J Citywide Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan. Update every seven (7) years the Citywide Bicycle Plan and Pedestrian Master Plan to specify bicycle and pedestrian facility networks, and to identify and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian facility needs in the city.

Program N Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Standards. Prepare updated design standards and upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian facilities consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Program P Incentivized Reduced Vehicle Trips. Create incentives for existing employers to reduce their vehicle trips.

Program R Transportation Demand Management System. Develop a transportation demand management program checklist and seek to fund TDM fee.

Program U Bike Route Connectivity. Develop and sign a network or bicycle routes that provide connectivity between homes, job centers, schools, and other frequently visited destinations.

Goal ENV-7 Meet or exceed State and Federal Air quality standards.

Policy ENV-7.4 Landscape Equipment. Prohibit the use of gas-powered landscape equipment and publicize the benefits and importance of alternative technologies.

Goal ENV-8 Become a low carbon community that strives to exceed State GHG reduction goals by 2040.

Policy ENV-8.1 Meet State Emission Reduction Targets. Reduce GHG emissions at a rate that meets the long-term State target to reduce emissions by at least 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2040.

Policy ENV-8.2 Health and Economic Benefits. Prioritize implementation of GHG reduction projects that provide health and economic benefits for the community.

Policy ENV-8.3 Municipal GHG Reduction. Implement cost-effective GHG reduction strategies for City facilities and operations.

Policy ENV-8.5 GHG Thresholds. Require new development projects that would exceed GHG thresholds to feasibly mitigate all GHG emissions and locally offset any remaining GHG emissions that exceed the threshold consistent with the City standards.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1378 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-34
Policy ENV-8.6 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new and redeveloped commercial and multi-family projects and require new single-family residential development to include 220-volt outlets in all garages.

Policy ENV-8.7 Grant Funding. Seek grant funding to support implementation of GHG reduction projects in municipal facilities, including rebates and other incentive opportunities.

Policy ENV-8.8 Preferences for Firms Using Reduced-emissions Equipment. Give preference for City contracts to firms using reduced-emissions equipment, including for services such as trash collection and landscaping.

Policy ENV-8.9 Sustainable Community Facility Design. Encourage the incorporation of sustainable design features in community facilities to reduce energy demand and environmental impacts, such as solar reflective roofing, permeable pavement, and incorporation of shade trees.

Goal ENV-9 Improve efficiency and conservation in all development.

Policy ENV-9.1 Energy Conservation Education. Partner with utility providers to educate residents, employers, and business owners/managers on the energy conservation programs available.

Policy ENV-9.2 Energy Efficiency Improvements. Require energy efficiency improvements, including alternative energy technology, be made as a part of residential and commercial building renovations when a building permit application is submitted to the City.

Policy ENV-9.3 Local Partnerships. Partner with local businesses and organizations to secure grants and incentives that facilitate energy efficiency and renewable energy production.

Policy ENV-9.4 Municipal Buildings Efficiency and Conservation. Require the design new public buildings to exceed State standards for water and energy efficiency.

Policy ENV-9.5 Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

Policy ENV-9.7 Energy-Efficient Lighting. Require public facilities to use energy-efficient lighting technology for outdoor and indoor spaces.

Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program R Energy Conservation Education. Create a program to educate, provide access to a clearinghouse of available grants, and other funding sources to promote energy conservation and the application of alternative energy technology.

Program C Energy Efficiency Public Campaign. Develop a public outreach campaign on the benefits of energy efficiency and what steps residents and businesses can take to be more energy efficient.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1379 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-35
Program D Green Retrofit Program. Seek funding to develop a program that provides financial assistance and informational resources to incentivize homeowners and business owners to retrofit their properties with green infrastructure.

Program I Natural Gas Ban Study. Prepare a study to analyze the implementation of a natural gas ban for all new residential development.

Goal ENV-10 Become a low or zero-waste community with convenient and effective options for recycling, composting, and diverting waste from landfills.

Policy ENV-10.1 Franchise Agreements. Ensure waste franchise agreements and programs offer progressively higher rates of waste diversion with the goal of attaining and eventually exceeding the mandated 75 percent diversion rate.

Policy ENV-10.3 Zero Waste Education. Provide simple zero-waste education programs in City facilities and other organizations and partner with schools to facilitate education programs about recycling, composting, and reusing with standardized zero-waste materials.

Policy ENV-10.4 Composting Equipment. Provide composting equipment at community facilities and events to encourage public and commercial composting.

Policy ENV-10.5 Recycled Building Materials. Encourage new development projects to use recycled building materials where cost-effective and structurally feasible.

Policy ENV-10.6 Building Salvage and Roadway Construction Projects. Require maximization of building salvage and recycling in remodeling or building demolition or roadway reconstruction projects when issuing demolition and encroachment permits.

Policy ENV-10.7 Recycling and Waste Diversion. Evaluate recycling and waste diversion opportunities periodically to consider new opportunities to further increase waste diversion.

Policy ENV-10.9 Reduction of Non-Recyclable/Compostable Products. Reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste in the community.

Policy ENV-10.10 On-Site Facilities in Existing Development. Require the City and encourage commercial businesses and business parks to install recycling and compost receptacles on their premises.

Policy ENV-10.11 Reduce Waste in Operations. Require the City and encourage residents and businesses to reuse products, choose post-consumer recycled content products, reduce packaging waste, and use non-toxic cleaning products to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Environment Element Implementation Programs
Program N Clean Fleet Program. Research potential funding mechanisms, including grant funding, to prepare and implement a clean fleet program to purchase or lease of zero emission, alternative energy vehicles and equipment with the objective of replacing all fossil fuel vehicles and equipment.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1380 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-36
Program O Climate Action Plan. Prepare a Climate Action Plan that addresses all changes in State law pertaining to climate change and emissions, as well as setting GHG threshold targets for the City.

Program P GHG Reduction and Source Alignment. Pursue a diverse mix of GHG reduction strategies across a range of municipal activities that generate GHG emissions and perform municipal GHG inventories at least once every five years to track results for implementation elsewhere.

Program Q Electric Vehicle Parking Regulations. Revise and update the Zoning Ordinance Parking regulations, as needed, to reflect current best practices for electric vehicle charging considering new state legislation banning combustion engine vehicle by 2035.

Goal PFS-2 Ensure that adequate wastewater facilities and services are available to meet the needs of existing and future development.

Policy PFS-3.4 Retrofit for Green Infrastructure. Encourage the retrofit of existing development to include sustainable infrastructure and green building practices.

Goal PFS-4 Continue and improve upon efforts to divert waste from landfills.

Policy PFS-4.1 Sustainable Solid Waste and Recycling Services. Work with contract service provider to advance their sustainability initiatives to increase recovery of key materials and development of regenerative landfills.

Policy PFS-4.3 Recycle and Reuse Building Materials. Require the recycling and reuse of building materials during demolition and construction including roadway projects.

Goal E-6 Encourage the development and expansion of critical communications and transportation infrastructure.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1381 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-37
The 2040 General Plan is a policy-level document that guides land use and development throughout Pleasant Hill. While the 2040 General Plan would facilitate additional development within City limits, building energy consumption and VMT (and thus air pollution), water consumption, and solid waste generation per capita would be reduced under the 2040 General Plan buildout compared to existing conditions. However, total GHG emissions communitywide would incrementally increase in conjunction with increased overall buildings and VMT. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to generation of GHG emissions would be potentially significant.

CONSISTENCY WITH STATE GHG REDUCTION PLANS
The CARB 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan outlines a pathway to achieving the 2030 reduction target set under California Senate Bill (SB) 32, which is considered an interim target toward meeting the longer-term 2045 carbon neutrality target set under California Assembly Bill (AB) 1279. In addition, the CARB 2022 Scoping Plan outlines a path to achieving carbon neutrality and reduction of anthropogenic GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045 set under AB 1279.

Furthermore, 2040 General Plan Implementation Program O in the Environment Element of the 2040 General Plan calls for the preparation of a climate action plan that addresses all changes in State law pertaining to climate change and emissions, as well as setting GHG threshold targets for the City. However, the City does not currently have a climate action plan and has not outlined methods and policies to meet the State2030 and 2045 targets or reduce total GHG emissions communitywide. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not be consistent with the SB 32 GHG reduction target for 2030, the AB 1279 GHG reduction target for 2045, or the 2017 or 2022 California Climate Change Scoping Plans. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to consistency with State GHG reduction plans would be potentially significant.

CONSISTENCY WITH REGIONAL GHG REDUCTION REGULATIONS
As discussed above, the 2040 General Plan would not comply with the 2022 BAAQMD CEQA thresholds for evaluating the significance of climate impacts, which requires an evaluation of whether the plan would meet State goals to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045 or an evaluation of consistency with a qualified local GHG reduction strategy. While the 2040 General Plan includes Policy ENV 8.1 setting GHG emissions targets, since there is no qualified GHG reduction strategy specific to Pleasant Hill, there is no established mechanism for the City to demonstrate compliance. Furthermore, the targets listed in Policy ENV 8.1 are not currently in line with latest State and BAAQMD targets to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to consistency with regional GHG reduction regulations would be potentially significant.

OVERALL
However, implementation of Mitigation Measures GHG-1 and GHG-2 would provide Pleasant Hill with State- and BAAQMD-compliant GHG emissions targets as well as a local Climate Action Plan and CEQA GHG emissions thresholds that, all together, establish a communitywide GHG reduction target and provide an outline of how Pleasant Hill will meet the State targets of 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045 as well as comply with regional BAAQMD CEQA GHG Thresholds. Until a Climate Action Plan is adopted, and CEQA GHG Thresholds are adopted, implementation of the 2040 General Plan would not be consistent with BAAQMD GHG thresholds nor be consistent with State GHG reduction plans.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1382 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-38
Therefore, 2040 General Plan impacts related to generation of GHG emissions and consistency with GHG reduction plans and regulations are significant and unavoidable.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE GHG-1: REVISE GENERAL PLAN POLICY ENV 8.1 TO REFLECT LATEST STATE

AND BAAQMD GHG EMISSIONS TARGETS
The City shall revise 2040 General Plan Environment Element Policy ENV 8.1 (Meet State Emission Reduction Targets) to reflect the latest State and BAAQMD GHG emissions targets of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (pursuant to SB 32) and carbon neutrality by 2045 (pursuant to AB 1279).

MITIGATION MEASURE GHG-2: REVISE GENERAL PLAN PROGRAM O TO INCLUDE DETAILS RELATED TO

ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN AND

CEQA GHG EMISSIONS THRESHOLDS
The City shall add further details to 2040 General Plan Environment Element Program O (Climate Action) that state the following:

The City shall adopt the Pleasant Hill Climate Action Plan by end of 2024 and include targets that reflect those set by SB 32 to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and AB 1279 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Implementation measures in the CAP to achieve the 2030 and 2045 targets shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
 Develop and adopt Zero Net Energy requirements for new and remodeled residential and nonresidential development;  Develop and adopt a building electrification ordinance for existing and proposed structures;  Expand charging infrastructure and parking for electric vehicles;  Implement carbon sequestration by expanding the urban forest, participating in soil-based or compost application sequestration initiatives, supporting regional open space protection, and/or incentivizing rooftop gardens; and
 Implement policies and measures included in the 2017 and 2022 California Climate Change Scoping Plans, such as mobile source strategies for increasing clean transit options and zero emissions vehicles by providing electric vehicle charging stations.

The City shall also adopt Pleasant Hill CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds of Significance that are consistent with the Pleasant Hill Climate Action Plan by end of 2024 for use in future CEQA GHG emissions analyses through 2030 and consistent with SB 32. In addition, upon completion of future Climate Action Plan updates and as necessary, the City shall update the CEQA GHG emissions threshold of significance to be consistent with each climate action plan update.

Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1383 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-39
Energy Consumption
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
Impact GHG-2 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD IMPLEMENT A LAND-USE STRATEGY AND POLICIES THAT WOULD PROMOTE GREATER OVERALL ENERGY EFFICIENCY. WASTEFUL, INEFFICIENT, OR UNNECESSARY CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY WOULD NOT OCCUR. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would involve the use of energy during construction. Energy use during construction would be primarily in the form of fuel consumption to operate heavy equipment, light-duty vehicles, machinery, and generators for lighting. Temporary grid power may also be provided to construction trailers or electric construction equipment.

Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would utilize construction contractors that comply with applicable CARB regulations such as accelerated retrofitting, repowering, or replacement of heavy-duty diesel on- and off-road equipment, and restricted idling of heavy-duty diesel motor vehicles. Construction contractors are required to comply with the provisions of CCR Title 13, sections 2449 and 2485, prohibiting diesel-fueled commercial and off-road vehicles from idling for more than five minutes, minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption. Construction equipment would be subject to the USEPA Construction Equipment Fuel Efficiency Standard, which would minimize inefficient fuel consumption. These construction equipment standards (i.e., Tier 4 efficiency requirements) are contained in 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1039, 1065, and 1068. Electrical power would be consumed during demolition and construction activities, and the demand, to the extent required, would be supplied from existing electrical infrastructure in the area.

Overall, demolition and construction activities would not have any adverse impact on available electricity supplies or infrastructure. Demolition and construction activities would utilize fuelefficient equipment consistent with State and federal regulations and would comply with state measures to reduce the inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary consumption of energy. Per applicable regulatory requirements of CALGreen, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would comply with construction waste management practices to divert construction and demolition debris from landfills. These practices would result in efficient use of energy by construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan.

Furthermore, in the interest of cost efficiency, construction contractors would not utilize fuel in a manner that is wasteful or unnecessary. The 2040 General Plan is a response to economic demand for more housing and commercial, neighborhood business, and mixed-use land uses that, if not fulfilled by the proposed plan, would likely result in new construction elsewhere, with associated increases in commuter VMT. The energy used to construct development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan is necessary, because the 2040 General Plan is intended to meet these demands.

Therefore, demolition and construction activities associated with the 2040 General Plan would not result in potentially significant environmental effects due to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy, and construction energy impacts would be less than significant.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1384 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-40
Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would involve the use of energy during operation.

Daily operation of the regional transportation system uses energy in the form of fuel consumed by propulsion of passenger vehicles, including automobiles, vans and trucks, and transit vehicles, including buses and trains. In addition, longer-term operation of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would require permanent grid connections for electricity and natural gas service to power internal and exterior building lighting, and heating and cooling systems.

TRANSPORTATION-RELATED ENERGY USE
Increases in motor vehicle trips are primarily a combined function of population and employment growth. The 2040 General Plan emphasizes reducing VMT on area roadways through emphasizing greater residential density, proximity of residents to commercial uses, and the support of alternative methods of transportation. The 2040 General Plan policies that support a VMT reduction, and thus a reduction in energy usage from transportation fuel, include Policies LU-3.2 (Connectivity), LU-3.4 (Clustering Development), LU-4.3 (Neighborhood Connectivity), LU-4.34(Capture Local Spending), LU-4.3 (Vertical and Horizontal Mixed-Use), LU-4.3 (Enhanced Connectivity), LU-6.16 (Walkable Environment), LU-6.25 (Transit-Oriented Development), LU-6.31 (Increased Residential Development), LU-7.2 (Alternative Transportation Improvement), LU-7.3 (Remove Physical Barriers), TC-4.4 (Infill Development), TC-4.5 (Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation), TC-5.1 (Evaluate Multimodal Facility Needs), TC-5.3 (Mobility Technology Support), TC-6.1 (Encourage NonDriving Forms of Personal Mobility), TC-6.2 (Private Development of Transportation Facilities), TC6.3 (Non-Vehicular Transportation Requirement), TC-6.4 (Amenities for Non-Driving Modes of Transportation), TC-6.5 (Encourage Development of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure), TC-8.1 (Complete Streets Policies), TC-11.1 (Bicycle and Pedestrian Network), TC-11.3 (Protected Bicycle Facilities), TC-12.6 (Bike Route Connectivity), TC-12.8 (Bicycle Parking), TC-13.1 (Bus and Rail Services), TC-13.2 (Innovative Transportation Technologies), TC-15.1 (TDM Alternatives), TC-15.2 (Require TDM Programs), TC-15.3 (TDM for New Development), TC-15.6 (TDM Measures for NonResidential Land Uses), ENV-8.4 (Land Use and Transportation Priorities), E-6.2 (Transportation Systems), E-6.3 (Active Transportation), and Program N (Clean Fleet Program) listed with further detail under Impact GHG-1.

Table 3.6-5 shows existing (2022) daily VMT, estimated fuel consumption, and fuel consumption per service population in Pleasant Hill and proposed (2040) conditions with implementation of the 2040 General Plan. As shown therein, daily fuel consumption per service population would be reduced by approximately 16.7 percent under the 2040 General Plan.

Table 3.6-5 Direct Transportation Energy Use in Pleasant Hill Plan Year
Service
Population Daily VMT
Daily Fuel Consumption
(gallons)
Daily Fuel Consumption Per
Service Population (gallons)
2040
General Plan
2022 56,935 1,886,700 92,387 1.62
2040 107,466 3,018,600 145,513 1.35
Notes: CalEEMod default values for fleet mix and average distance of travel were used for the calculations.

Source: See Appendix C for energy calculations.

In addition to the above policies and implementation programs, the 2040 General Plan would encourage infill and transit- and pedestrian- oriented development to reduce overall energy consumption and result in greater energy efficiency throughout the City. For example, the 2040

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1385 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-41
General Plan contains land-use strategies to encourage higher-density and mixed-use development near transit and along commercial corridors. Mixed-use, transit-oriented, and higher-density development improve energy efficiency as it places City residents closer to places of employment, businesses those residents patronize, and public transit facilities. By placing services and amenities close to where people live and work, the land use scenario envisioned by the 2040 General Plan would minimize the need to drive and reduce per capita energy consumption.

BUILDING-RELATED ENERGY USE
Operation of the development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would consume natural gas and electricity for building heating and power, lighting, and water conveyance, among other operational requirements. The 2040 General Plan contains goals, policies, and implementation programs that would help minimize the occurrence of inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary energy consumption during operation of building development facilitated by the General Plan. The 2040 General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs that would result in reduced building-related energy consumption include the policies listed below as well as Policy ENV-8.9 (Sustainable Community Facility Design), and Program O (Climate Action Plan) as listed in further detail above under Impact GHG-1:

Goal ENV-9 Improve efficiency and conservation in all development.

Policy ENV-9.1 Energy Conservation Education. Partner with utility providers to educate residents, employers, and business owners/managers on the energy conservation programs available.

Policy ENV-9.3 Local Partnerships. Partner with local businesses and organizations to secure grants and incentives that facilitate energy efficiency and renewable energy production.

Policy ENV-9.4 Municipal Buildings Efficiency and Conservation. Require the design new public buildings to exceed State standards for water and energy efficiency.

Policy ENV-9.5 Battery Energy Storage Systems. Encourage battery energy storage systems as an option for optimizing the management of electricity generated by renewable resources.

Policy ENV-9.7 Energy-Efficient Lighting. Require public facilities to use energy-efficient lighting technology for outdoor and indoor spaces.

Program C Energy Efficiency Public Campaign. Develop a public outreach campaign on the benefits of energy efficiency and what steps residents and businesses can take to be more energy efficient.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1386 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-42
Program D Green Retrofit Program. Seek funding to develop a program that provides financial assistance and informational resources to incentivize homeowners and businessowners to retrofit their properties with green infrastructure.

Program I Natural Gas Ban Study. Prepare a study to analyze the implementation of a natural gas ban for all new residential development.

The 2040 General Plan would reduce energy consumption by providing education about energy conservation programs, requiring energy efficiency improvements, forming partnerships with local businesses to secure grants and incentives to facilitate energy efficiency, require public buildings to exceed water and energy efficiency standards, and encourage battery energy storage systems. By implementing these 2040 General Plan policies and implementation programs, the operation of buildings associated with buildout under the 2040 General Plan would minimize per capita and overall energy consumption.

OVERALL
Implementation of the 2040 General Plan policies and programs listed above, as well as other policies and implementation programs contained in the 2040 General Plan that would result in indirect energy conservation, such as the promotion of alternative transportation, water conservation, and waste reduction, would promote greater transportation and building energy efficiency in municipal and community operations and development. Furthermore, the 2040 General Plan contains a land-use strategy that actively promotes infill mixed-use and transit- and pedestrian-oriented development, which would result in greater transportation energy efficiency overall for Pleasant Hill residents, businesses, and municipal operations. Therefore, operation of the 2040 General Plan would not result in potentially significant environmental effects from wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy, and operational energy impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Energy Efficiency or Renewable Energy Standards Consistency Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
Impact GHG-3 THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH APPLICABLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

GOALS AND REGULATIONS, INCLUDING RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF CALGREEN AND CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE TITLE 24. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Policy consistency is limited to operational energy use discussion. No 2040 General Plan construction impact related to consistency with an applicable energy or energy efficiency plan would occur.

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1387 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) Environmental Impact Analysis
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.6-43
Operation
Relevant plans and policies that aim to increase energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy include SB 100, the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen or Title 24 Part 11), and the 2022 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 Part 6). SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program and requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. CALGreen (Title 24 Part 11) institutes mandatory minimum environmental performance standards for all ground-up new non-residential and residential structures and major renovations.
32 In addition, the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 Part 6) establishes energy-efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings in order to reduce California’s energy demand. CCR Title 24 (Parts 6 and 11) is updated periodically to incorporate and consider new energy-efficiency technologies and methodologies as they become available. New structures and major renovations must demonstrate their compliance with the current Building Energy Efficiency Standards through submission and approval of a Title 24 Compliance Report to the local building permit review authority and the CEC.

CONSISTENCY WITH STATE RENEWABLE ENERGY PLANS
Pleasant Hill is part of the MCE community choice aggregate, which provides electricity primarily from clean, renewable sources. Pleasant Hill would continue to reduce its use of nonrenewable energy resources as the electricity generated by renewable resources provided by MCE continues to increase to comply with SB 100 requirements for electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. The 2040 General Plan includes policies to reduce energy use and increase production of renewable energy, as discussed further below, and would, therefore, align with the overall intent of SB 100 and be consistent with this State renewable energy plan.

CONSISTENCY WITH STATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLANS
In addition, the City of Pleasant Hill has adopted State energy conservation plans, including CALGreen (Title 24 Part 11) and the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 Part 6), pursuant to Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Title 14.
33 Therefore, operations associated with
infrastructure projects stemming from the 2040 General Plan would be designed to comply with the energy source standards of the CALGreen and the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards.

Future projects would be required to demonstrate compliance with the CALGreen and the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards by implementing sustainability and energy efficiency measures such as high-efficiency lighting and HVAC systems, low-flow water fixtures, dual-paned windows, and water efficient landscaping and irrigation systems. Compliance with these regulations would minimize potential conflicts with the aforementioned State energy efficiency plans.

OVERALL
Proposed 2040 General Plan ENV policies seek to decrease non-renewable (i.e., natural gas) consumption and overall energy consumption in new and existing buildings by encouraging the production and storage of local renewable energy as well as requiring energy efficient 32 Major renovations are defined as changes to the building envelop or changing equipment, including different components and entire systems.
33 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2022. Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 14.05. https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/PleasantHill/#!/html/PleasantHill14/PleasantHill1405.html (accessed October 2022).

4.1.k
Packet Pg. 1388 Attachment: Attachment K - Draft EIR (General Plan and Housing Element) City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.6-44
improvement, incentivizing energy-efficient retrofits, and providing energy conservation education programs. These actions are consistent with the goals and policies established by SB 100, CALGreen, and the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with adopted renewable energy or energy conservation plans, and impacts related to consistency with State and local renewable energy and energy efficiency plans would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation

3.6.5 Cumulative Impacts
GHG emissions and global climate change represent cumulative impacts. GHG emissions cumulatively contribute to the significant adverse environmental impacts of global climate change.

No single project could generate enough GHG emissions to noticeably change the global average temperature; instead, the GHG emissions from past, present, and future projects and activities have contributed, currently are contributing, and would contribute to global climate change and its associated environmental impacts. And the geographic scope of the cumulative energy analysis is the MCE and PG&E service areas. The cumulative analysis considers the nearby past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 (refer to Chapter 3.0, Environmental Impact Analysis) located in Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Clayton, Danville, Orinda, Pittsburg, Moraga, and unincorporated Contra Costa County in addition to the proposed plan.

Pleasant Hill City CouncilMay 18, 2023

Pleasant Hill City Council
May 18, 2023