Attachment K - Draft EIR — Pleasant Hill City Council, May 18, 2023 (part 2 of 3)

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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:

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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.

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.

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 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.

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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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.

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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-3.3 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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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).

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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, City of Pleasant Hill
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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
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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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 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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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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)).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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 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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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).

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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 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
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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.

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Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

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Figure 3.5-1 Geologic Map of General Plan Area
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).

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Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

3.5-4
Figure 3.5-2 Soils Underlying General Plan Area
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).

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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) 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
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).

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 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

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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).

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 City of Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan

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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) Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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.

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(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.

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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).

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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? City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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 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
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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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
Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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Figure 3.5-6 Geologic Units in General Plan Area and Paleontological Sensitivity Environmental Impact Analysis
Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources
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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
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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.

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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
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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.

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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 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) City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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/>.

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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) Environmental Impact Analysis
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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) City of Pleasant Hill
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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) Environmental Impact Analysis
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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
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 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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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).

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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/.

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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.

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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, City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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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.

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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 City of Pleasant Hill
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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.

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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.

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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 Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

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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.

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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.

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-6.2 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.

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.

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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.

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-6.48 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 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.

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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.

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-5.3 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.

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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.

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.

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-9.1 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 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-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, 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.

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-13.1 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 micro-mobility (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.

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.

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 mini-conference rooms for virtual meetings.

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

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.

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-8.4 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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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.

GHG Emissions
Cumulative development would generate GHG emissions from vehicle trips, electrical and water use, and other sources. The analysis of GHG emissions is cumulative in nature, as emissions affect the accumulation of GHGs in Earth’s atmosphere. Projects that fall below thresholds are considered to have a less than significant impact, both individually and cumulatively. As indicated under Impact GHG-1, the proposed plan would have a significant and unavoidable impact related to GHG emissions and would conflict with GHG reduction plans, because the City of Pleasant Hill does not currently have a climate action plan and has not outlined methods and policies to meet the longterm 2030 reduction targets set by SB 32 and the 2045 carbon neutrality goal set by AB 1279.

Implementation of Mitigation Measures GHG-1 and GHG-2 would require the City to update its GHG emissions targets to be consistent with latest State and BAAQMD targets as well as to adopt and implement a climate action plan and CEQA GHG emissions threshold by Summer 2024, which in turn would reduce GHG emissions consistent with State GHG reduction targets set by SB 32 and AB 1279.

In addition, until a climate action plan and a CEQA GHG threshold are adopted, implementation of the 2040 General Plan would not be consistent with BAAQMD GHG thresholds. As such, impacts from the 2040 General Plan’s GHG emissions would be significant and unavoidable, and the proposed plan would represent a cumulatively considerable impact related to GHG emissions.

Therefore, the cumulative impact related to GHG emissions would be significant and unavoidable.

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Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy
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Energy
Cumulative development would increase demand for energy resources. However, new iterations of the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CALGreen would require increasingly more energy efficient appliances and building materials that reduce energy consumption in new development. In addition, vehicle fuel efficiency is anticipated to continue improving through implementation of the existing Pavley Bill regulations under AB 1493. Nevertheless, the combined increase in energy consumption from cumulative projects would potentially result in a significant cumulative impact related to the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy resources. It is conservatively assumed, therefore, that cumulative development could result in a significant impact related to the wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources. However, as described under Impact GHG-2, 2040 General Plan development would be constructed in accordance with the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards and CALGreen.

Policies would emphasize alternative means of transportation, such as bicycles and walking, and would provide development in close proximity to transit stations. Additionally, infill development may lower VMT due to the proximity to offices and commercial uses. Therefore, as the 2040 General Plan would not result in a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy, the contribution to a significant cumulative energy impact is not cumulatively considerable.

Plans and projects throughout the State are required to adhere to applicable renewable energy and energy efficiency laws, programs, and policies such as California’s RPS, AB 1493, and Title 24 standards. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to consistency with renewable energy and energy reduction plans would be less than significant. As discussed under Impact GHG-3, 2040 General Plan development would be consistent with the energy-related goals and policies of the Statewide plans and regulations. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not contribute to a cumulative impact with respect to consistency with renewable energy and energy efficiency plans.

The overall cumulative impact related to energy would be less than significant.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable
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Environmental Impact Analysis
Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.7-1

3.7 Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire

3.7.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire conditions in the General Plan area as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates the possible impacts related to hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire that could result from implementation of the proposed plan. Information in this section is based on information available on the California Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the City of Pleasant Hill websites.

3.7.2 Environmental Setting
Fundamentals
Hazards
This description of existing conditions focuses on hazards from fire and overhead power lines, as well as hazardous materials and wastes. A hazard is a situation that poses a level of threat to life, health, property, or the environment. Hazards can be dormant or potential, with only a theoretical risk of harm. However, once a hazard becomes active, it can create an emergency. A hazardous situation that has already occurred is called an incident. Emergency response is action taken in response to an unexpected and dangerous occurrence in an attempt to mitigate its impact on people, structures, or the environment. Emergency situations can range from natural disasters to hazardous-materials problems and transportation incidents.

Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials, as defined by the California Code of Regulations, are substances with certain physical properties that could pose a substantial present or future hazard to human health or the environment when handled, disposed, or otherwise managed improperly. Hazardous materials are grouped into the following four categories, based on their properties:
 Toxic—causes human health effects
 Ignitable—has the ability to burn
 Corrosive—causes severe burns or damage to materials
 Reactive—causes explosions or generates toxic gases
A hazardous waste is any hazardous material that is discarded, abandoned, or slated to be recycled.

If improperly handled, hazardous materials and hazardous waste can result in public health hazards if released into the soil or groundwater or through airborne releases in vapors, fumes, or dust. Soil and groundwater having concentrations of hazardous constituents higher than specific regulatory levels must be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste when excavated or pumped from an aquifer. The California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Sections 66261.20-24 contain technical descriptions of toxic characteristics that could cause soil or groundwater to be classified as hazardous waste.

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HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS
Many older buildings contain building materials that consist of hazardous materials. These materials include lead-based paint, asbestos-containing material, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Prior to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) ban in 1978, lead-based paint was commonly used on interior and exterior surfaces of buildings. Disturbances such as sanding and scraping activities, renovation work, gradual wear and tear, old peeling paint, and paint dust particulates have been found to contaminate surface soils or cause lead dust to migrate and affect indoor air quality. Exposure to residual lead can cause severe health effects, especially in children.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was extensively used as a fireproofing and insulating agent in building construction materials before such uses were banned by the USEPA in the 1970s due to harmful health effects. In addition, many types of electrical equipment contained PCBs as an insulator, including transformers and capacitors. After PCBs were determined to be a carcinogen in the mid to late 1970s, the USEPA banned PCB use in new equipment and began a program to phase out certain existing PCB-containing equipment. For example, fluorescent lighting ballasts manufactured after January 1, 1978, do not contain PCBs and are required to have a label clearly stating that PCBs are not present in the unit.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
A hazardous substance can be any biological, natural, or chemical substance, whether solid, liquid, or gas, that may cause harm to human health. Hazardous substances are classified on the basis of their potential health effects, whether acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term). Dangerous goods are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion, corrosion, and poisoning. An accident involving dangerous goods could seriously harm human health or damage property or the environment. Harm to human health may happen suddenly (acute), such as dizziness, nausea, and itchy eyes or skin; or it may happen gradually over years (chronic), such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more susceptible than others.

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods can include antiseptic used for a cut, paint for walls, a cleaning product for the bathroom, chlorine in a pool, carbon monoxide from a motor vehicle, fumes from welding, vapors from adhesives, or dust from cement, stone, or rubber operations. Such hazardous substances can make humans very sick if they are not used properly.

HAZARDOUS WASTES
Hazardous waste is any hazardous material that is to be discarded, abandoned, or recycled. The criteria that define a material as hazardous also define a waste as hazardous. Specifically, materials and waste may be considered hazardous if they are poisonous (toxic); can be ignited by open flame (ignitable); corrode other materials (corrosive); or react violently, explode, or generate vapors when mixed with water (reactive). Soil or groundwater contaminated with hazardous materials above specified regulatory state or federal thresholds is considered hazardous waste if it is removed from a site for disposal. If handled, disposed, or otherwise handled improperly, hazardous materials and hazardous waste can result in public health hazards if released into the soil or groundwater or through airborne releases in vapors, fumes, or dust. Soil and groundwater having concentrations of hazardous constituents higher than specific regulatory levels must be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste when excavated or pumped from an aquifer. The California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Sections 66261.20‐24 contains technical descriptions of toxic characteristics that could cause soil or groundwater to be classified as hazardous waste.

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Hazardous Materials Listing
The Cortese List is a list of known hazardous materials, including hazardous waste facilities, that meet one or more of the provisions of Government Code Section 65962.5, including:
 The list of hazardous waste and substances sites from the California DTSC EnviroStor database.1  The list of leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites by county and fiscal year from the SWRCB GeoTracker database.2

 The list of solid waste disposal sites identified by the SWRCB with waste constituents exceeding hazardous waste levels outside the waste management unit.3

 The list of active cease-and-desist orders and cleanup and abatement orders from SWRCB. 4  The list of hazardous waste facilities subject to corrective action pursuant to Section 25187.5 of the Health and Safety Code, as identified by DTSC.5
Presence of Hazardous Materials
General Plan Area (Pleasant Hill)
According to databases of hazardous material sites maintained by California DTSC EnviroStor and SWRCB GeoTracker, Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) has the following types of hazardous sites that are open, active, or need further investigation: underground storage tanks (USTs), cleanup program sites, voluntary cleanup, or evaluation.6 ,7 A list of open hazardous material sites within the General Plan area is shown in Table 3.7-1, and the sites are also shown on Figure 3.7-1. In addition, Interstate 680, which traverses through Pleasant Hill, is designated by the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry as a Class A (All Non- radioactive Hazardous Materials) route as well as a Class B (Class 1 Explosives) route.
8 1 California DTSC. “Cortese” list of DTSC EnviroStor database list of Hazardous Waste and Substances sites. DTSC Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List—Site Cleanup (Cortese List). Available: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Cortese_List.cfm. 2 SWRCB. “Cortese” List of Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites by County (San Francisco County). Available:
https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/sites_by_county.
3 CalEPA. “Cortese” list of solid waste disposal sites identified with waste constituents above hazardous waste levels outside the waste management unit. Available: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/files/2016/10/SiteCleanup-CorteseList-CurrentList.pdf. 4 CalEPA. “Cortese” list of State Water Board sites with active Cease and Desist Orders or Cleanup Abatement Orders.

Available:http://www.calepa.ca.gov/files/2016/10/SiteCleanup-CorteseList-CDOCAOList.xlsx. 5 CalEPA. “Cortese” list of sites subject to Corrective Action pursuant to Health and Safety Code 25187.5. Available:
https://www.calepa.ca.gov/sitecleanup/corteselist/section-65962-5a/. 6 California DTSC. 2022. EnviroStor. Available:https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=pleasant+hill%2C+CA (accessed November 2022). 7 SWRCB. 2022. GeoTracker. Available:https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/?CMD=runreport&myaddress=pleasant+hill%2C+CA (accessed November 2022).
8 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 2019. National Hazardous Materials Route Registry – By State. Available:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials/national-hazardous-materials-route-registry-state (accessed June 2022) City of Pleasant Hill
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Table 3.7-1 Hazardous Material Sites within General Plan Area Site Address Site Name Status
1705 Contra Costa Blvd Chevron Open – Site Assessment
1859 Contra Costa Blvd Former ARCO Service Station Open – Assessment & Interim Remedial Action 1705 Contra Costa Blvd Former Dry Cleaner and
Existing Chevron Service
Station
Open – Site Assessment
1946 Contra Costa Blvd Former Dutch Girl Cleaners Open – Inactive 1521 – 1529 Contra Costa Blvd Former Phillips Petroleum Gas Station
Open – Eligible for Closure
228 Hookston Road Hookston Station Open – Remediation – Land Use Restriction 3301-3341 Vincent Road Mayhew Center Facility –
Mayhew Center
Open – Assessment & Interim Remedial Action
3313 – 3329 Vincent Road Mayhew Center Facility –
Mayhew Center Building 2
Operable Unit
Open – Remediation
1643 Contra Costa Blvd P & K Cleaners Open – Site Assessment 220 Hookston Road Pitcock Petroleum Company Open - Remediation Notes: Active Sites are sites at which site assessment, removal, remedial enforcement, cost recovery, or oversight activities are being planned or conducted under a hazardous materials program. Open Sites are sites at which hazardous materials activities have already been conducted
Proximity to Schools
School locations require consideration, because children are particularly sensitive to hazardous materials exposure. Pleasant Hill also includes sensitive land uses such as hotels and motels; group homes, churches; other learning institutions; and libraries.

General Plan Area (Pleasant Hill)
Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) provides public education services to Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area). MDUSD operates 31 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five high schools, and two adult education centers, which serve more than 31,000 students across the Cities of Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and Concord; portions of the Cities of Martinez, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, and several unincorporated communities.9 The General Plan area is served by six public elementary schools, three public middle schools, and one public high schools.10 There are no open hazardous materials sites located within 0.25-mile of a school within the General Plan area as shown in Figure 3.7-2.
9 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. https://pleasanthill2040.com/documents.html (accessed September 2022). 10 Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD). 2022. School Site Locator. https://portal.schoolsitelocator.com/apps/ssl/?districtcode=10020 (accessed September 2022).

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Figure 3.7-1 Hazardous Material Sites within General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
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Figure 3.7-2 Hazardous Material Sites within 0.25-mile of a School Environmental Impact Analysis
Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.7-7
Wildfire Hazard Area Designations
Classifications and Zones
In California, responsibility for wildfire prevention and suppression is shared by federal, State, and local agencies. Federal agencies are responsible for federal lands in Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA). The State of California has determined that some non-federal lands in unincorporated areas with watershed value are of Statewide interest and have classified those lands as State Responsibility Areas (SRA), which are managed by CAL FIRE. 11 All incorporated areas and other
unincorporated lands are classified as Local Responsibility Areas (LRA).

CAL FIRE is required by law to map areas of significant fire hazards based on fuels, terrain, weather, and other relevant factors (Public Resources Code Sections 4201-4204 and California Government Code Sections 51175-89). As described above, the primary factors that increase an area’s susceptibility to fire hazards include slope, vegetation type and condition, and atmospheric conditions. CAL FIRE maps fire hazards based on zones, referred to as FHSZs. CAL FIRE maps three zones in SRA: 1) Moderate FHSZs; 2) High FHSZs; and 3) Very High FHSZs (VHFHSZs). Only the VHFHSZs are mapped in LRA. Each of the zones influence how people construct buildings and protect property to reduce risk associated with wildfires.

Contra Costa County
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, much of Contra Costa County is located in a Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Zone due to the mountainous terrain and natural vegetation. In general, the majority of these areas are designated High Fire Hazard Severity Zones with areas of significant elevation change, such as Mount Diablo State Park and Briones Regional Park. Prevailing winds in the County tend to travel in a south to southwest direction.12
General Plan Area (Pleasant Hill)
Pleasant Hill (General Plan area) proximity to Briones Regional Park and other open, undeveloped land poses a threat of wildland fires spreading near and into the sphere of influence where the park and open space abuts urban development to the southwest (shown in Figure 3.7-3). Minor brush fires in the area are common during the fire season but previously have been extinguished before developed areas sustain much damage. The southwestern portion of the City Limits is designated as a High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within a Local Responsibility Area. The western and southwestern portions of the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence (but outside of City Limits) are designated as being High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within a State Responsibility Area. 11 United States Department of the Interior, US Department of Agriculture, and CAL FIRE. 2018. 2018-2023 California Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Response Agreement. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5350828.pdf (accessed April 2022). 12Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). Air Monitoring Data. http://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-airquality/air-monitoring-data?DataViewFormat=yearly&DataView=met&StartDate=2/19/2019&ParameterId=204. (accessed November 2022)
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Figure 3.7-3 Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones near Pleasant Hill Environmental Impact Analysis
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Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.7-9
Wildfire-conducive Conditions
Because of substantial open space areas and associated vegetation and wildlife habitats throughout the State, California is subject to fire hazards. Grassland or other vegetation in California is easily ignited, particularly in dry seasons. Wildfire is a serious hazard in high dry fuel load areas, particularly near areas of natural vegetation and steep slopes, since fires tend to burn more rapidly on steeper terrain. Wildfire is also a serious hazard in areas of high wind, given that fires will travel faster and farther geographically when winds are higher. Furthermore, wildfire is more likely in areas where electric power lines are located above ground and could ignite vegetation where it comes into contact. Wildfire could also spread in areas of fuel lines, which could fail (whether due to earthquake or error) and ignite a fire. Extreme wildfire events are expected to increase in frequency with the effects of increased global temperature, although changes in specific fire-prone areas are difficult to predict with any certainty.13
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has recognized that although high-density structure-to-structure loss can occur, structures in areas with low- to intermediate-density housing were most likely to burn, potentially due to intermingling with wildland vegetation or difficulty of firefighter access. In general, increasing density decreases risk of wildfire. The risk of loss of human life, property, natural resources, or economic assets from wildfire is highest at the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), areas of urban development located adjacent to or even within wildland areas.

Today approximately one-third of houses in California are within the WUI area.14 It is important to note that there are varying definitions of what constitutes a WUI, and some local or regional agencies consider some areas to be WUI that are not defined as Wildland Interface or Intermix zones under the Wildland-Urban Interface Building Standards in Title 24, Part 2 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR); these standards are discussed under Regulatory Setting below.

In addition to stripping the land of vegetation and destroying forest resources, large, intense fires can harm the soil, waterways, and the land itself. Soil exposed to intense heat may lose its capability to absorb moisture and support life. Exposed soils erode quickly and enhance siltation of rivers and streams, thereby enhancing flood potential, harming aquatic life, and degrading water quality.

Lands stripped of vegetation are also subject to increased debris flow hazards. Slope instability from wildfire scarring of the landscape can result in slope instability in the form of more intensive flooding and landslides. Such post-fire slope soils and altered drainage patterns can result in soil creep on downslope sides of foundations and reduce lateral support.

Vegetation

CONTEXT
Vegetation is fuel to a wildfire, and it changes over time with seasonal growth and die-back. The relationship between vegetation and wildfire is complex, but generally some vegetation is naturally fire resistant, while other vegetation is extremely flammable. Some plant types in California landscapes are fire resistant, while others are fire-dependent for their seed germination cycles.

Wildfire behavior depends on the type of fuels present, such as ladder fuels, surface fuels, and aerial fuels. Surface fuels include grasses, logs, and stumps low to the ground. Ladder fuels, such as tall shrubs, young trees, and the lowest branches of mature trees, provide a path for fire to climb upward into the crowns of trees. Aerial fuels include upper limbs, foliage, and branches not in 13 United States Forest Service (USFS). 2022. Wildland Fire. https://www.fs.usda.gov/ccrc/topics/wildfire (accessed April 2022) 14 California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) 2020. Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20201109-Draft_Wildfire_TA.pdf (accessed April 2022) City of Pleasant Hill
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contact with the ground. Ample spacing in between tree crowns and trimming of lower branches close to the ground is effective at preventing fire from either igniting the crown of a tree or spreading from an ignited tree to adjacent trees; conversely, closely packed trees with low branches are especially susceptible to crown ignition and spread.15 Weather and climate conditions, including drought cycles, can lead to dry vegetation with low moisture content, increasing its flammability.

Changes in precipitation patterns and increased temperatures associated with climate change will alter the distribution and character of natural vegetation and associated moisture content of plants and soils. An increase in frequency of extreme heat events and drought are also expected. These changes will lead to increased frequency and intensity of large wildfires.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Land uses in Contra Costa County range from rural, agricultural, and open space; to urban and developed. According to the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, much of Contra Costa County is located in a Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Zone due to the mountainous terrain and natural vegetation. In particular, areas near open space areas such as, Mount Diablo State Park, Briones Regional Park, and Tilden Regional Park, which are dominated by chaparral and grassland vegetation, are located in High and Very High fire hazard zones.

GENERAL PLAN AREA (PLEASANT HILL)
Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) is located in a mostly urbanized, flat area and does not contain any CAL FIRE-designated “Very High” fire hazard zones. However, the western portion of the General Plan area is located within a CAL FIRE designated “High” fire hazard zone. The portion of the “High” fire hazard zone located within City limits is designated as a local responsibility area. The portion of the “High” fire hazard zone located outside of City Limits but within the Sphere of Influence is located within a State responsibility area.

Slope and Aspect

CONTEXT
According to CAL FIRE, sloping land increases susceptibility to wildfire because fire typically burns faster up steep slopes, and they may hinder firefighting efforts.16 Following severe wildfires, sloping land is also more susceptible to landslide or flooding from increased runoff during substantial precipitation events. Aspect is the direction that a slope faces, and it determines how much radiated heat the slope will receive from the sun. Slopes facing south to southwest will receive the most solar radiation and are warmer and drier than slopes facing a northerly to northeasterly direction, increasing the potential for wildfire ignition and spread. 17 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Slope instability from wildfire scarring of the landscape can result in slope instability in the form of more intensive flooding and landslides. These post-fire slope soils and altered drainage patterns can result in soil creep on downslope sides of foundations and reduce lateral support. The major post15 CAL FIRE. 2022. Fire and Fuels Treatment. https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/resource-management/resource-protectionimprovement/landowner-assistance/forest-stewardship/fire-and-fuels-treatment/ (accessed November 2022). 16 CAL FIRE. 2007b. Fact Sheet: California’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones. May 2007. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/dpd/DocsForms/Documents/Fire_Hazard_Zone_Fact_Sheet.pdf (accessed April 2022). 17 University of California. 2018. Field Operations Manual. Revised November 2018. https://www.ucop.edu/safety-and-lossprevention/_files/field-research-safety/wildland-fire-safety.pdf (accessed April 2022).

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wildfire hazards in Contra Costa County are unstable hill slopes and altered drainage patterns.

Slopes may suffer landslides, slumping, soil slips, and rockslides. The Contra Costa County General Plan has recognized that major slope areas in excess of 26 percent are “not readily developable” and “undevelopable,” recognizing the cost and engineering difficulties of grading steep slopes as well as their inherent unsuitability.18 Figure 10-6 of the Contra Costa County General Plan shows Landslide Hazards in Contra Costa County. The most recent fire in Contra Costa County is the Alhambra Fire (2019, off SR-4 and Alhambra Avenue in the City of Martinez), located approximately six miles to the northwest.

GENERAL PLAN AREA (PLEASANT HILL)
The City’s Sphere of Influence is located within a State-designated earthquake-induced landslide hazard zone as shown in Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources. Pleasant Hill (city limits) is not located within a State-designated earthquake-induced landslide hazard zone. However, the Association of Bay Area Governments Resilience Program has identified past landslides throughout the western portion of the General Plan area.
19 Weather and Atmospheric Conditions
Wind, temperature, and relative humidity are the most influential weather elements in fire behavior and susceptibility.20 Fire moves faster under hot, dry, and windy conditions. Wind may also blow embers ahead of a fire, causing its spread. Drought conditions lead to extended periods of excessively dry vegetation, increasing the fuel load and ignition potential.

According to data collected by the California Energy Commission, most precipitation is received from October through April, with an average annual rainfall of 26.4 inches.21 May through September is the driest time of the year and coincides with what has traditionally been considered the fire season in California. However, increasingly persistent drought and climatic changes in California have resulted in drier winters, and fires during the autumn, winter, and spring months are becoming more common.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Prevailing winds in the County tend to travel in a northwest to southwest direction.22 The average wind speed in the City of Concord and near the City of Pleasant Hill ranges from 14 to 17 mph and blows southwest.23 Natural gas pipelines occur frequently across Contra Costa County, including residential and commercial areas. Natural gas poses a lower risk of causing a fire than petroleum products, because it is transported at lower pressures and, when released, rises and dissipates into the atmosphere.24
18Contra Costa County General Plan, page 10-22. 19 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 December 2022). 20 CAL FIRE. 2022. Fire and Fuels Treatment. https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/resource-management/resource-protectionimprovement/landowner-assistance/forest-stewardship/fire-and-fuels-treatment/ (accessed April 2022). 21 California Energy Commission. 2022. Cal-Adapt [tool]. https://cal-adapt.org/tools/annual-averages (accessed April 2022). 22Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). Air Monitoring Data. http://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-airquality/air-monitoring-data?DataViewFormat=yearly&DataView=met&StartDate=2/19/2019&ParameterId=204.(accessed November 2022)) 23 BAAQMD. Air Monitoring Data. Available: http://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-quality/air-monitoringdata?DataViewFormat=yearly&DataView=met&StartDate=2/19/2019&ParameterId=204. (accessed November 2022) 24 Contra Costa County. Contra Costa County General Plan, Safety Element, page 10-37.

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GENERAL PLAN AREA
In general, the average wind speed in Contra Costa County ranges from 14 to 17 miles per hour (mph) and blows southwest.25 Electric power lines mostly occur in urban areas and along roadways.

There are two fuel pipelines that traverse the General Plan area: one beneath Taylor Boulevard and one beneath the Iron Horse Trail.26 Electrical lines within the General Plan area typically exist above ground, along streets and roadways. The nearest CAL FIRE-designated high-risk fire hazard zone abuts the southwestern portion of the General Plan area. 27 The closest Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) air data monitoring station is located in the City of Concord, approximately 3.1 miles to the northeast.

Fuel and Energy Lines
Electric power lines mostly occur in urban areas and along roadways. Electric power, natural gas, and petroleum lines pose a risk of causing fire in the event of failure (whether due to earthquake or error). Natural gas poses a lower risk of causing a fire than petroleum products, because it is transported at lower pressures and, when released, rises and dissipates into the atmosphere.28

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Natural gas and petroleum pipelines occur across Contra Costa County, including residential and commercial areas.

GENERAL PLAN AREA (PLEASANT HILL)
There are natural gas pipelines that traverse Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area) underneath Contra Costa Boulevard and I-680 in the eastern portion of the General Plan area. 29 Emergency and Evacuation Routes/Access
Contra Costa County
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff: Emergency Services Division is responsible for planning, outreach, and training or disaster management and emergency preparedness throughout the County.30 The Contra Costa County General Plan establishes a 5-minute response time standard for responding to fire protection calls for service. Within Contra Costa County, the main routes into and out of the County that would be most likely used as evacuation routes are Interstate 80 (I-80), I680, and I-580, as well as State Route 4 (SR-4) and SR-24. 25 BAAQMD. Air Monitoring Data. Available: http://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-quality/air-monitoringdata?DataViewFormat=yearly&DataView=met&StartDate=2/19/2019&ParameterId=204.(accessed November 2022) 26 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2003. Pleasant Hill 2003 General Plan, page 64. 27 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2007. Fire Hazard Severity Zones in SRA: Contra Costa County [map]. Available:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/6662/fhszs_map7.pdf (accessed November 2022). 28 United States Department of Energy. 2022. Alternative Fuels Data Center. Available:
https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/natural_gas_safety.html (accessed November 2022). 29 National Pipeline Mapping System. 2022. NPMS Public Viewer. Available: https://pvnpms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/ (accessed November 2022). 30 Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. 2022. Available: https://www.cocosheriff.org/bureaus/support-services/emergency-servicessupport-unit-volunteers (accessed November 2022) Environmental Impact Analysis
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General Plan Area (Pleasant Hill)
The Pleasant Hill Police Department is responsible for planning, outreach, and training or disaster management and emergency preparedness for Pleasant Hill (the General Plan area). The main routes into and out of the General Plan area that would be most likely used as evacuation routes are I-680, Oak Park Boulevard, Taylor Boulevard, and Alhambra Avenue.

Airport Safety Zone Proximity
General Plan Area (Pleasant Hill)
The Buchanan Field Airport is located just outside the northeast corner of the Pleasant Hill city limits, with flightpaths from the Buchanan Field Airport southwestern to northeastern runways located over Pleasant Hill. The northeastern portion of the General Plan area is within Buchanan Field Airport’s Airport Influence Area and located within Safety Zones 3 and 4, as shown on Figures 3A and 3C of the ALUCP.31
Safety Zones 3 and 4 regulations include the following:

Safety Zone 3
(a) Land uses shall be limited to a maximum of 125 people per acre. (b) Buildings shall have no more than three habitable floors above ground. (c) Residences, children’s schools (through grade 12), hospitals, and nursing homes are specifically prohibited.
(d) Aboveground storage of more than 2,000 gallons of fuel or hazardous materials is prohibited.

Safety Zone 4
(a) Land use intensity is not limited other than that buildings shall have no more than four habitable floors above ground.
(b) Aboveground storage of more than 2,000 gallons of fuel or other hazardous materials is prohibited in existing or planned residential or commercial areas. 32

3.7.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal Regulations
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
The USEPA is responsible for implementing and enforcing federal laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials. The primary legislation includes the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (known as SARA Title III). RCRA and the 1984 RCRA Amendments regulate the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non31 CCCALUC. 2000. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Adopted December 2000. Available:
<https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/856/Buchanan-Field-Airport-Policies>. (accessed November 2022) 32 Contra Costa County. 2000. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan: Buchanan Field Airport Policies. December 13,2000. Available: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/856/Buchanan-Field-Airport-Policies?bidId= (accessed December 2022).

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hazardous wastes and mandate that hazardous wastes be tracked from the point of generation to their ultimate fate in the environment, including detailed tracking of hazardous materials during transport and permitting of hazardous material handling facilities. As permitted by RCRA, in 1992, the USEPA approved California’s program called the Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL), administered by the DTSC, to regulate hazardous wastes in California, as discussed further below.

The purpose of CERCLA is to identify and clean up chemically contaminated sites that pose a significant environmental health threat, and the Hazard Ranking System is used to determine whether a site should be placed on the National Priorities List for cleanup activities. SARA relates primarily to emergency management of accidental releases and requires annual reporting of continuous emissions and accidental releases of specified compounds that are compiled into a nationwide Toxics Release Inventory. Finally, SARA Title III requires formation of state and local emergency planning committees that are responsible for collecting material handling and transportation data for use as a basis for planning and provision of chemical inventory data to the community at large under the “right-to-know” provision of the law.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
Under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Hazardous Materials Safety regulates the transportation of hazardous materials on water, rail, highways, through air, or in pipelines, and enforces guidelines created to protect human health and the environment and reduce potential impacts by creating hazardous-material packaging and transportation requirements. It also includes provisions for material classification, packaging, marking, labeling, placecarding, and shipping documentation. The DOT provides hazardous-materials safety training programs and supervises activities involving hazardous materials. In addition, DOT develops and recommends regulations governing the multimodal transportation of hazardous materials.

Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act, and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule
The Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act of 1990, and the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule (amended 2010) of the Oil Pollution Prevention regulation (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 112) require the owner or operator of a tank facility with an aggregate storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons to notify the local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and prepare an SPCC plan. The SPCC plan must identify appropriate spill containment measures and equipment for diverting spills from sensitive areas, and must discuss facility-specific requirements for the storage system, inspections, recordkeeping, security, and training.

Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) (Title 33 § 1251 et seq. of the United States Code [33 USC 1251, et seq.]) is the major federal legislation governing water quality. The CWA established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. The objective of the act is “to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters.” The CWA establishes the basic structure for regulating the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. Responsibility for administering the CWA resides with SWRCB and the nine respective RWQCBs; the San Francisco Bay RWQCB administers the CWA in the Pleasant Hill area.

Section 404 of the CWA regulates temporary and permanent fill and disturbance of waters of the United States, including wetlands. The United States Army Corps of Engineers requires that a permit Environmental Impact Analysis
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be obtained if a project proposes to place fill in navigable waters and/or to alter waters of the United States below the ordinary high-water mark in nontidal waters. Section 401 of the CWA requires compliance with State water quality standards for actions within State waters. Compliance with the water quality standards required under Section 401 is a condition for issuance of a Section 404 permit. Under Section 401 of the CWA, every applicant for a permit or license for any activity that may result in a discharge to a water body must obtain a State water quality certification from the RWQCB to demonstrate that the proposed activity would comply with State water quality standards.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
This Act (7 U.S. Code [USC] 136 et seq.) provides Federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. The USEPA was given authority under the Act to study the consequences of pesticide usage, and to require users (farmers, utility companies, and others) to register when purchasing pesticides.

Later amendments to the law required users to take exams for certification as applicators of pesticides. All pesticides used in the United States must be registered (licensed) by the USEPA.

Registration assures that pesticides will be properly labeled and that, if used in accordance with specifications, they will not cause unreasonable harm to the environment.

Lead-Based Paint Elimination Final Rule 24 Code of Federal Regulations Governed by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, regulations for LBP are contained in the Lead-Based Paint Elimination Final Rule 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 33, which requires sellers and lessors to disclose known LBP and LBP hazards to perspective purchasers and lessees.

Additionally, all LBP abatement activities must follow California and federal occupational safety and health administrations (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration [CalOSHA] and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], respectively) and with the State of California Department of Health Services requirements. Only LBP trained and certified abatement personnel can perform abatement activities. All lead LBP removed from structures must be hauled and disposed of by a transportation company licensed to transport this type of material at a landfill or receiving facility licensed to accept the waste.

Federal Disaster Mitigation Act
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires a State-level mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance and provides funding to communities developing their own mitigation plans through the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. There are two different levels of State disaster plans:
“Standard” and “Enhanced.” States that develop an approved Enhanced State Plan can increase the amount of funding available through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Act also established new requirements for local mitigation plans.

National Fire Plan
The National Fire Plan was developed in August 2000, following a historic wildfire season. Its intent is to establish plans for active response to severe wildfires and their impacts to communities while ensuring sufficient firefighting capacity. The plan addresses firefighting, rehabilitation, hazardous fuels reduction, community assistance, and accountability.

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State Regulations
California Hazardous Waste Control Law
The California Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL) is the primary hazardous waste statute in the State of California, and implements RCRA as a “cradle-to-grave” waste management system in the State of California for handling hazardous wastes in a manner that protects human health and the environment and would reduce potential resulting impacts. The law specifies that generators have the primary duty to determine whether their waste is hazardous and to ensure proper management. The HWCL also establishes criteria for the reuse and recycling of hazardous waste used or reused as raw materials. The law exceeds federal requirements by mandating source reduction planning, and a much broader requirement for permitting facilities that treat hazardous waste. It also regulates a number of types of waste and waste management activities that are not covered by federal law.

The hazardous waste management program enforced by DTSC was created by the Hazardous Waste Control Act (California Health and Safety Code Section 25100 et seq.), which is implemented by regulations described in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 26. The State program is similar to, but more stringent than, the federal program under RCRA. The regulations list materials that may be hazardous, and establish criteria for their identification, packaging, and disposal.

Environmental health standards for management of hazardous waste are contained in CCR Title 22, Division 4.5. As required by California Government Code Section 65962.5, DTSC maintains a Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List for the State called the Cortese List.

If any soil is excavated from a site containing hazardous materials, it would be considered a hazardous waste if it exceeded specific criteria in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

Remediation of hazardous wastes found at a site may be required if excavation of these materials is performed, or if certain other soil disturbing activities would occur. Even if soil or groundwater at a contaminated site does not have the characteristics required to be defined as hazardous waste, remediation of the site may be required by regulatory agencies subject to jurisdictional authority.

Cleanup requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis by the agency taking jurisdiction.

California Health and Safety Code
The California Health and Safety Code (HSC § 25141) defines hazardous waste as a waste or combination of waste that may:
. . . because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infection characteristics:
(1) Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitation-reversible illness.
(2) Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment, due to factors including, but not limited to, carcinogenicity, acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, bioaccumulative properties, or persistence in the environment, when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of or otherwise managed.

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for hazardous-waste treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation; and identifies hazardous waste that commonly would be disposed of in landfills.

Under both the RCRA and HWCL, hazardous-waste manifests must be retained by the generator for a minimum of 3 years. The generator must match copies of the manifests with copies of manifest receipts from the treatment, disposal, or recycling facility.

In accordance with Chapter 6.11 of the California Health and Safety Code (HSC § 25404, et seq.), local regulatory agencies enforce many federal and State regulatory programs through the Certified Unified Program Agencies program, including:
 Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) (HSC § 25501, et seq.);  State Uniform Fire Code (UFC) requirements (UFC § 80.103, as adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to HSC § 13143.9);
 Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) (HSC § 25280, et seq.);  Aboveground storage tanks (HSC § 25270.5[c]); and
 Hazardous-waste-generator requirements (HSC § 25100, et seq.).

Contra Costa Health Services is the CUPA for Contra Costa County and enforces State statutes and regulations through the Hazardous Materials Unified Program Agency (HMUPA). The HMUPA oversees aboveground petroleum tanks; generation of hazardous materials; storage and treatment; USTs; generation of medical waste; the accidental-release prevention program; and the Local Oversight Program, which interfaces with SWRCB and the San Francisco Bay RWQCB on LUSTs and UST release sites. An HMBP must be submitted if a facility ever handles any individual hazardous material in an aggregate amount equal to or greater than 55 gallons (liquids), 500 pounds (solids), or 200 cubic feet (gases). An HMBP must include:
 Details that include facility floor plans and identify the business conducted at the site;  An inventory of hazardous materials handled or stored on the site;  An emergency response plan; and
A training program in safety procedures and emergency response for new employees who may handle hazardous materials, with an annual refresher course in the same topics for those same employees.

California Code of Regulations Title 8 (Workplace Safety Regulations) The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CalOSHA) assumes primary responsibility for developing and enforcing workplace safety regulations. These regulations concern the use of hazardous materials in the workplace, including requirements for employee safety training; availability of safety equipment; accident and illness prevention programs; hazardous-substance exposure warnings; and preparation of emergency action and fire prevention plans.

CalOSHA also enforces hazard communication program regulations, including procedures for identifying and labeling hazardous substances, and requires that safety data sheets (formerly known as material safety data sheets) be available for employee information and training programs.

CalOSHA standards are generally more stringent than federal regulations. Construction workers and operational employees within the plan area would be subject to these requirements.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1529 authorizes CalOSHA to implement the survey requirements of CFR Title 29 relating to asbestos. These federal and state regulations require City of Pleasant Hill
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facilities to take all necessary precautions to protect employees and the public from exposure to asbestos. Workers who conduct asbestos abatement must be trained in accordance with federal and State OSHA requirements. The BAAQMD oversees the removal of regulated asbestos-containing materials (see “Asbestos Demolition, Renovation, and Manufacturing Rule” below).

California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 1532.1 includes requirements to manage and control exposure to lead-based paint. These regulations cover the demolition, removal, cleanup, transportation, storage, and disposal of lead-containing material. The regulations outline the permissible exposure limit, protective measures, monitoring, and compliance to ensure the safety of construction workers exposed to lead-based material. Loose and peeling lead-based paint must be disposed of as a State and/or federal hazardous waste if the concentration of lead equals or exceeds applicable hazardous waste thresholds. Federal and State OSHA regulations require a supervisor who is certified with respect to identifying existing and predictable lead hazards to oversee air monitoring and other protective measures during demolition activities in areas where lead-based paint may be present. Special protective measures and notification of CalOSHA are required for highly hazardous construction tasks related to lead, such as manual demolition, abrasive blasting, welding, cutting, or torch burning of structures, where lead-based paint is present.

California Code of Regulations Title 14 – Fire Safe Roads The Board of Forestry maintains fire safe road regulations, as part of CCR Title 14. This includes requirements for road width, surface treatments, grade, radius, turnarounds, turnouts, structures, driveways, and gate entrances. These regulations are intended to ensure safe access for emergency wildland fire equipment and civilian evacuation.

California Code of Regulations Title 22 (Environmental Health Standards for the Management of Hazardous Waste)
California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 4.5 contains the Environmental Health Standards for the Management of Hazardous Waste, which includes California waste identification and classification regulations. California Code of Regulations Title 22, Chapter 11, Article 3, “Soluble Threshold Limits Concentrations/Total Threshold Limits Concentration Regulatory Limits,” identifies the concentrations at which soil is determined to be a California hazardous waste. California’s Universal Waste Rule (22 CCR § 66273) provides an alternative set of management standards in lieu of regulation as hazardous wastes for certain common hazardous wastes, as defined in 22 California Code of Regulations Section 66261.9. Universal wastes include fluorescent lamps, mercury thermostats, and other mercury-containing equipment. Existing structures may contain fluorescent light ballasts that could contain mercury or lead. The Alternative Management Standards for Treated Wood Waste (22 CCR § 67386) were developed by DTSC to allow for disposal of treated wood as a nonhazardous waste, to simplify and facilitate the safe and economical disposal of such waste. Chemically treated wood can contain elevated levels of hazardous chemicals (e.g., arsenic, chromium, copper, pentachlorophenol, or creosote) that equal or exceed applicable hazardous waste thresholds. The Alternative Management Standards provide for less stringent storage requirements and extended accumulation periods, allow shipments without a hazardous waste manifest and a hazardous waste hauler, and allow disposal at specific nonhazardous waste landfills.

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 fire and safety measures. Title Environmental Impact Analysis
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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 2 – CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE: FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS The State of California provided a minimum standard for building design through the 2022 California Building Standards Code (CBC), which is located in Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The 2022 CBC is based on the 2021 International Building Code, but has been modified for California conditions. It is generally adopted on a jurisdiction by-jurisdiction basis, subject to further modification based on local conditions. Commercial and residential buildings are planchecked by local City and County building officials for compliance with the CBC. Typical fire safety requirements of the CBC include the installation of sprinklers in all new high-rise buildings and residential buildings; the establishment of fire resistance standards for fire doors, building material; and particular types of construction.

PART 2 – CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE: WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE BUILDING STANDARDS On September 20, 2005, the Building Standards Commission approved the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s emergency regulations amending the CCR Title 24, Part 2, known as the 2007 CBC. These codes include provisions for ignition-resistant construction standards in the WUI.

Interface zones are areas with dense housing adjacent to vegetation that can burn and meeting the following criteria:

Housing density class 2 (one house per 20 acres to one house per 5 acres), 3 (more than one house per 5 acres to one house per acre), or 4 (more than one house per acre) In Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Not dominated by wildland vegetation (i.e., lifeform not herbaceous, hardwood, conifer, or shrub)
Spatially contiguous groups of 30-meter cells33 that are 10 acres and larger Intermix zones are housing development interspersed in an area dominated by wildland vegetation and must meet the following criteria:

Not interface
Housing density class 2
Housing density class 3 or 4, dominated by wildland vegetation In Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone 33 “30-meter cells” refers to satellite mapping or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, and indicates data is presented as 30-meter by 30-meter squares in the source maps used to determine zone types.

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Improved parcels only
Spatially contiguous groups of 30-meter cells 25 acres and larger Influence zones have wildfire-susceptible vegetation up to 1.5 miles from an interface zone or intermix zone.34
While the 2007 CBC creates WUI definitions for interface, intermix and influence zones in order to apply required construction standards, many local and regional entities use their own definitions of WUI areas for other purposes, ranging from simple resident awareness and public outreach to further municipal-level standards.

PART 9 – CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
The 2022 California Fire Code is Part 9 of CCR Title 24. It establishes the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structure, and premises, and to provide safety and assistance to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. It is the primary means for authorizing and enforcing procedures and mechanisms to ensure the safe handling and storage of any substance that may pose a threat to public health and safety. The California Fire Code regulates the use, handling, and storage requirements for hazardous materials at fixed facilities. The California Fire Code and the California Building Code (CBC) use a hazard classification system to determine what protective measures are required to protect fire and life safety. These measures may include construction standards, separations from property lines and specialized equipment. To ensure that these safety measures are met, the California Fire Code employs a permit system based on hazard classification.

The provisions of this Code apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such building structures throughout California.

More specifically, the Fire Code is included in CCR Title 24. Title 24, part 9, Chapter 7 addresses fireresistances-rated construction; CBC (Part 2), Chapter 7A addresses materials and construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure; Fire Code Chapter 8 addresses fire related Interior finishes; Fire Code Chapter 9 addresses fire protection systems; and Fire Code Chapter 10 addresses fire related means of egress, including fire apparatus access road width requirements. Fire Code Section 4906 also contains existing regulations for vegetation and fuel management to maintain clearances around structures. These requirements establish minimum standards to protect buildings located in FHSZs within SRAs and WUI Fire Areas. This code includes provisions for ignition-resistant construction standards for new buildings.

Assembly Bill 747 and Senate Bill 99
Assembly Bill (AB) 747 (2019) requires that the safety element be reviewed and updated to identify emergency evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios. This will be a requirement for all safety elements or updates to hazard mitigation plans completed after January of 2022.
34 CAL FIRE. 2019. Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) [map]. Available: https://frap.fire.ca.gov/media/10300/wui_19_ada.pdf (accessed April 2022)
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SB 99 (2019) requires review and update of the safety element to include information to identify residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. In essence, this legislation assists in identifying neighborhoods and households within a hazard area that have limited accessibility. This is intended to assist the City with identifying opportunities to improve connectivity and evacuation capacity (generally).

California Porter-Cologne Act
The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act of 1969 (Porter-Cologne Act) is California’s statutory authority for the protection of water quality. Under the Porter-Cologne Act, the State must adopt water quality policies, plans, and objectives that protect the State’s waters for the use and enjoyment of the people. Regional authority for planning, permitting, and enforcement is delegated to the nine RWQCBs. The RWQCBs are required to formulate and adopt water quality control plans (also known as basin plans) for all areas of the region and establish water quality objectives in the plans. The Porter-Cologne Act sets forth the obligations of SWRCB and RWQCBs to adopt and periodically update water quality control plans that recognize and reflect the differences in existing water quality, the beneficial uses of the region’s groundwater and surface water, and local water quality conditions and problems. It also authorizes SWRCB and the respective RWQCBs to issue and enforce waste discharge requirements and to implement programs for controlling pollution in State waters. Finally, the Porter-Cologne Act also authorizes SWRCB and the respective RWQCBs to oversee site investigation and cleanup for unauthorized releases of pollutants to soils and groundwater and in some cases to surface waters or sediments.

California Fire Plan
The Strategic Fire Plan for California is the State’s roadmap for reducing the risk of wildfire. The most recent version of the plan was finalized in January 2019 and directs each CAL FIRE Unit to address and meet incremental requirements to achieve four specific goals by 2023, including improving core capabilities, enhancing internal operations, ensuring health and safety, and building an engaged workforce.
35 A core element of the plan is increasing staffing levels from 2.67 employees per position to 3.11 employees per position to ensure adequate staffing during times of increased mobilization.

CAL FIRE has mapped fire threat potential throughout California. CAL FIRE maps fire threat based on the availability of fuel and the likelihood of an area burning (based on topography, fire history, and climate). The threat levels include no fire threat, moderate, high, and very high fire threat. Further, the maps designate the City of Pleasant Hill as the Local Responsibility Area for the plan areas. The CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal provides oversight of enforcement of the California Fire Code as well as overseeing hazardous liquid pipeline safety.

California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) prepares the State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). The SHMP identifies hazard risks and includes a vulnerability analysis and a hazard mitigation strategy. The SHMP is federally required under the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 for the State to receive Federal funding. The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires a State mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance. 35 CAL FIRE. 2019. Strategic Fire Plan for California. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/community-wildfire-preparedness-andmitigation/fire-plan/ (accessed April 2022).

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California Emergency Plan
The foundation of California’s emergency planning and response is a Statewide mutual aid system, which is designed to ensure that adequate resources, facilities, and other support is provided to jurisdictions whenever their own resources prove to be inadequate to cope with a given situation.

The California Disaster and Civil Defense Master Mutual Aid Agreement (California Government Code Sections 8555–8561) requires signatories to the agreement to prepare operational plans to use within their jurisdiction, and outside their area. These plans include fire and non-fire emergencies related to natural, technological, and war contingencies. The State of California, all State agencies, all political subdivisions, and all fire districts signed this agreement in 1950.

Section 8568 of the California Government Code, the “California Emergency Services Act,” states that “the State Emergency Plan shall be in effect in each political subdivision of the State, and the governing body of each political subdivision shall take such action as may be necessary to carry out the provisions thereof.” The Act provides the basic authorities for conducting emergency operations following the proclamations of emergencies by the Governor or appropriate local authority, such as a City Manager. The provisions of the Act are reflected and expanded on by appropriate local emergency ordinances. The Act further describes the function and operations of government at all levels during extraordinary emergencies, including war.

All local emergency plans are extensions of the California Emergency Plan. The State Emergency Plan conforms to the requirements of California’s Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), which is the system required by Government Code 8607(a) for managing emergencies involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies. The SEMS incorporates the functions and principles of the Incident Command System (ICS), the Master Mutual Aid Agreement, existing mutual aid systems, the operational area concept, and multi-agency or inter-agency coordination. Local governments must use SEMS to be eligible for funding of their response-related personnel costs under State disaster assistance programs. The SEMS consists of five organizational levels that are activated as necessary, including: field response, local government, operational area, regional, and State. CalOES divides the State into several mutual aid regions. Contra Costa County is located in Mutual Aid Region II, which includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Marin, Solano, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties.36
California Senate Bill 1241
California Senate Bill (SB) 1241 requires cities and counties to address fire risk in SRAs and Very High FHSZs in the safety element of their general plans. The bill also amended CEQA to direct amendments to the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G environmental checklist to include questions related to fire hazard impacts for projects located in or near lands classified as SRAs and Very High FHSZs. In adopting these Guidelines amendments, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research recognized that generally, low-density, leapfrog development may create higher wildfire risks than high-density, infill development.37 In general, new development that will be contemplated within the General Plan area would not be considered leapfrog development sites, as they are located near existing development.
36 CalOES. 2022. Coastal Region Operational Area Assignments. March 2022. Available:
https://www.caloes.ca.gov/RegionalOperationsSite/Documents/EMA_ESC_OA_Assignments_Coastal.pdf (accessed April 2022) 37 “Leapfrog development” describes the construction of new development at a distance from existing developed areas, with undeveloped land between the existing and new development.

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California Public Resources Code
The California Public Resources Code (PRC) includes fire safety regulations that restrict the use of equipment that may produce a spark, flame, or fire; require the use of spark arrestors on construction equipment that use an internal combustion engine; specify requirements for the safe use of gasoline-powered tools in fire hazard areas; and specify fire suppression equipment that must be provided on-site for various types of work in fire-prone areas.  These regulations include the following: Earthmoving and portable equipment with internal combustion engines would be equipped with a spark arrestor to reduce the potential for igniting a wildland fire (PRC § 4442);
 Appropriate fire suppression equipment would be maintained during the highest fire danger period—from April 1 to December 1 (PRC § 4428);
 On days when a burning permit is required, flammable materials would be removed to a distance of 10 feet from any equipment that could produce a spark, fire, or flame, and the construction contractor would maintain the appropriate fire suppression equipment (PRC § 4427); and  On days when a burning permit is required, portable tools powered by gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines would not be used within 25 feet of any flammable materials (PRC § 4431).

California Public Utilities Commission General Order 166 General Order 166 Standard 1.E requires that investor-owned utilities (IOU) develop a Fire Prevention Plan which describes measures that the electric utility will implement to mitigate the threat of power-line fires generally. Additionally, this standard requires that IOUs outline a plan to mitigate power line fires when wind conditions exceed the structural design standards of the line during a Red Flag Warning in a high fire threat area. Fire Prevention Plans created by IOUs are required to identify specific parts of the utility’s service territory where the conditions described above may occur simultaneously. Standard 11 requires that utilities report annually to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regarding compliance with General Order 166.38 Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is the electric utility provider for the City of Pleasant Hill. At the time of issuance of the Notice of Preparation for this EIR, the most recently available report for PG&E was dated October 31, 2019.
39 PG&E has developed an interim fire threat map that shows very high fire threats west of the City of Pleasant Hill.
40 Regional and Local Regulations
BAAQMD Asbestos Demolition, Renovation and Manufacturing Rule The removal of asbestos-containing building materials is subject to the limitations of BAAQMD Regulation 11, Rule 2, “Hazardous Materials; Asbestos Demolition, Renovation and Manufacturing.” This rule prohibits visible emissions to outside air from any operation involving the demolition of any structure containing asbestos, and sets out requirements for demolition of such structures, including a pre-demolition survey conducted by a certified professional. All friable (i.e., crushable by hand) asbestos-containing materials or nonfriable asbestos-containing materials that may be damaged must be abated before demolition in accordance with applicable requirements. Friable 38 CPUC. 2017. General Order Number 165. December 2017. Available:
http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M209/K552/209552704.pdf (accessed April 2022) 39 CPUC. 209. Wildfire and Wildfire Safety. Available: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/wildfires (accessed April 2022). 40 CPUC. 2019. CPUC High Fire Threat District (HFTD) [map]. Available:
https://capuc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5bdb921d747a46929d9f00dbdb6d0fa2 (accessed November 2022).

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asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of as asbestos waste at an approved facility.

Nonfriable asbestos-containing materials may be disposed of as nonhazardous waste at landfills that accept such wastes.

Association of Bay Area Governments Hazard Mitigation Plan The Association of Bay Area Governments’ multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area was updated in 2010 in partnership with Bay Conservation and Development Commission Adapting to Rising Tides Program to support local governments in the regional plan for existing and future hazards of climate change. This detailed 5-year plan identifies potential natural and human-made hazards, assesses their potential risks, and includes mitigation methods to reduce risks. The potential hazards identified in the Plan include earthquakes and liquefaction, wildfires, floods, drought, solar storms, dam or levee failure, disease outbreak, freezes, wind, heat, thunder and lightning storms, siltation, tornadoes, hazardous materials, slope failure and mudflows, and other hazards. Similarly, Plan mitigation measures include hazard event planning, emergency preparedness coordination, education, facility upgrades, and monitoring actions.

Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) contains goals and objectives that are intended to reduce loss of life and property from natural disasters.41 During the planning process, this plan used Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tools to determine the most likely possible threats would be earthquakes, flooding, landslides, tsunamis, and wildfires in urban interface zones. The HMP identifies mitigation action items that aim to meet objectives and reduce the impacts of these hazards. The Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services and Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development share the lead responsibility for overseeing the Plan implementation and maintenance strategy. Plan implementation and evaluation will be a shared responsibility among all planning partnership members and agencies identified as lead agencies in the mitigation action plans.

Contra Costa County Emergency Operations Plan
The purpose of the Contra Costa County Operational Area (OA) Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is to provide the basis for a coordinated response before, during, and after an emergency affecting Contra Costa County.42 The emergency operations plan identifies and facilitates inter-agency coordination in emergency operations. The Plan applies to all emergencies in unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County and within incorporated areas when those emergencies require multiagency coordination at the operational area level.

Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste Program
Contra Costa County operates three drop-off locations in the western portion, central portion, and eastern portion of the county. The three facilities allow for residents and qualified small businesses to drop off accepted hazardous waste. Hazardous waste that is accepted includes chemical bottles, acids and caustics, batteries, light bulbs, motor oil, pesticides, and solvents.43 41Contra Costa County. 2018. Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan. 42Contra Costa County. 2018. Emergency Operations Plan. Available:
https://www.cocosheriff.org/home/showpublisheddocument/168/637284267426930000 (accessed November 2022) 43 Contra Costa County. 2022. Available:: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cd/recycle/options/v5951.htm Environmental Impact Analysis
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Contra Costa County Ordinance Code
Division 450, Hazardous Materials and Wastes, of the Contra Costa County Ordinance Code provides regulations regarding hazardous material response plans, inventories, underground storage, and risk management. In part, this County Ordinance Code division requires that any business that handles a specific quantity of hazardous materials establish a business plan for emergency response to a release or threatened release of a hazardous material.

California has developed an emergency response plan to coordinate emergency services provided by federal, State, and local governments and private agencies. Responding to hazardous-materials incidents is one part of this plan. The plan is administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, which coordinates the responses of other agencies. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff: Emergency Services Division coordinates response to emergencies in the County. Emergency response team members respond and work with local fire and police agencies, emergency medical providers, the California Highway Patrol, CAL FIRE, CDFW, and Caltrans.

Buchanan Field Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) The purpose of the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) is to establish procedures and criteria by which, in accordance with the California State Aeronautics Act:

1.1.1. Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) — The ALUC:
a) Shall review proposed land use development in Contra Costa County and affected cities within the county for compatibility with airport activity.
b) Shall review certain types of airport development proposals which are also subject to ALUC review and are addressed by the Plan.

1.5.1. Actions Which Always Require ALUC Review — As required by state law, the following types of actions shall be referred to the ALUC for determination of consistency with the ALUCP prior to their approval by the local jurisdiction:
1) The adoption or approval of any amendment to a general or specific plan affecting the property within an airport influence area (State Aeronautics Act Section 21676(b)).

1.5.3. Major Land Use Actions — The scope or character of certain proposed major land use actions, as listed below, is such that their compatibility with airport activity is a potential concern.

Even though these actions may be basically consistent with the local general plan or specific plan, sufficient detail may not be known to enable a full airport compatibility evaluation at the time that the general plan or specific plan is reviewed. To enable better assessment of compliance with the compatibility criteria set forth herein, ALUC review of these actions may be warranted.

Depending upon the circumstances indicated in Countywide Policy 1.5.3 above, such reviews may be either required or requested.
(a) For the Buchanan Field Airport environs:
2) Actions affecting land uses within the composite 55 dB CNEL noise contour or any Safety Zone (see Figures 3B and 3C in Chapter 3 of the ALUCP):
 Proposed residential development, including land divisions, consisting of 20 or more acres and 5 or more lots.
 Any discretionary development proposal for projects having a building floor area of 20,000 square feet or greater.

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3) Additionally:
 Within Safety Zones 3 or 4: Any proposal for new development (including buildings, antennas, and other structures) more than 50 feet tall.

Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current Pleasant Hill General Plan contained policies related to hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

3.7.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to hazards/hazardous materials and wildfire.

Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires?
h) If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones:

1. Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?

2. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?

3. Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment?

4. Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? Environmental Impact Analysis
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Approach to Analysis
Environmental impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials and wildfire have been assessed using impact significance criteria from federal, State, and local regulations. The impact analysis is based on available literature regarding the existing plans, policies, and resources in the General Plan area. Criteria used during this analysis are described below.

Hazards (specific to Hazardous Materials Upset and Exposure Risk) This evaluation focuses on whether the proposed plan would result in changes to the physical environment that would cause or exacerbate adverse effects related to the use, transportation, disposal, accidental release, or emission of hazardous materials. Potential construction-related and operational impacts from existing hazardous materials in soils, sediments, groundwater, surface water, and structures are evaluated using available information from the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the State Water Resources Control Board.

Hazards (specific to Aviation Safety and Noise Exposure Risk) The airport safety zones and noise contours for the Buchanan Field Airport with respect to the Pleasant Hill area were utilized to determine potential impacts from exposure to aviation-related hazards and noise.

Emergency Evacuation and Response
The City does not have significance thresholds related to emergency access. The City Municipal Code adopts the California Fire Code. The evaluation includes a determination of whether the changes to the physical environment caused by the proposed plan would impair or interfere with emergency response plans.

In addition, pursuant to California Attorney General Best Practices for Analyzing and Mitigating Wildfire Impacts of Development Projects Under the California Environmental Quality Act, this evaluation assesses whether projects located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones would substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan.

Wildfire Exposure Risk
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Hazard Severity Maps were consulted in determining Pleasant Hill’s proximity to State Responsibility Areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones. Impacts related to wildfire hazards and risks were evaluated using FHSZ mapping for Contra Costa County, aerial imagery, and topographic mapping. Additionally, weather patterns related to prevailing winds and precipitation trends were evaluated as they relate to the spread and magnitude of wildfire. It was assessed whether the proposed plan would risk exacerbating those existing environmental conditions or causing new direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to other aspects of the environment.

California Attorney General Best Practices for Analyzing and Mitigating Wildfire Impacts of Development Projects Under the California Environmental Quality Act restates the CEQA requirement that an EIR analyze “any significant environmental effects the project might cause or risk exacerbating by bringing development and people into the are affected,” including by locating development in wildfire risk areas. As such, this evaluation assesses whether projects located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones would City of Pleasant Hill
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exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose people or structures to significant risks during or post wildfire event; require the installation of emergency-related infrastructure; or result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment.

EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addresses comments received from the Department of Toxic Substances Control in response to the EIR NOP related to hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and presence of hazardous materials and are discussed in the impact analysis below in Impact HAZ-1 and HAZ-2.

Specific Significance Thresholds
For purposes of this analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of hazards/hazardous materials and wildfire impacts resulting from implementation of the proposed plan.
 Routine transport, use, and/or dispose of hazardous materials in a manner that would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment.
 Regular transport of hazardous materials to/from the plan areas on an unsuitable road or use of highly volatile hazardous materials, which would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment.
 Location of new development within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school in conjunction with hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials, waste, or substances.  Location of new development on a hazardous materials sites lists such as CalEPA, California Facility Inventory Database (CA FID) UST and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), HAZNET, California DTSC EnviroStor, BAAQMD, and/or the SWRCB GeoTracker regulated facilities databases for files related to possible Recognized Environmental Conditions.  Location of new development within an airport land use plan or within two miles of a public airport and reduction of safety of people working or residing in the plan areas.  Impairing implementation of or interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan via blockage of an evacuation route or provision of only one access point for emergency vehicles.
 Placement of housing or offices in a designated WUI zone or proximate to unmanaged open space area that is susceptible to wildfires.
 Impaired implementation of or interference with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan via blockage of an evacuation route or provision of only one access point for emergency vehicles.
 Location of new development in or near area of steep slopes, high-wind areas, or historical wildfire burn areas leading to greater wildfire risk and, thereby, exposing occupants to smoke and other wildfire-related air pollutants.
 Installation or maintenance of roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, electrical power lines, or natural gas lines that may exacerbate fire risk.  Location of new development in or near area of wildfire-scarred slopes or altered drainage areas and, thereby, exacerbating flooding and landslide hazards.

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Impact Evaluation
Hazardous Materials Upset and Exposure
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
Significance Criterion b: Would the proposed plan create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
Significance Criterion c: Would the proposed plan emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school?
Impact HAZ-1 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN COULD RESULT IN THE RELEASE OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, WHICH MAY OCCUR WITHIN 0.25 MILE OF A SCHOOL. HOWEVER,

COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL, REGIONAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS RELATED TO HAZARDOUS MATERIALS WOULD MINIMIZE THE RISK OF RELEASES AND EXPOSURE TO THESE MATERIALS. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

The use of hazardous materials is typically associated with industrial land uses. Activities such as manufacturing, plating, cleaning, refining, and finishing, frequently involve chemicals that are considered hazardous when accidentally released into the environment.

To a lesser extent, hazardous materials may also be used by various commercial enterprises, as well as residential uses. In particular, dry cleaners use cleaning agents considered to be hazardous materials. Hardware stores typically stock paints and solvents, as well as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Swimming pool supply stores stock acids, algaecides, and caustic agents. Most commercial businesses occasionally use commonly available cleaning supplies that, when used in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, are considered safe by the State of California, but when not handled properly can be considered hazardous. Private residences also use and store commonly available cleaning materials, paints, solvents, swimming pool and spa chemicals, as well as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

If improperly handled, hazardous materials can result in public health hazards through human contact with contaminated soils or groundwater, or through airborne releases in vapors, fumes, or dust. There is also the potential for accidental or unauthorized releases of hazardous materials that would pose a public health concern. The use, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes are required to occur in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations. In accordance with such regulations, the transport of hazardous materials and wastes can only occur with transporters who have received training and appropriate licensing. Additionally, hazardous waste transporters are required to complete and carry a hazardous waste manifest, which includes forms, reports, and procedures designed to seamlessly track hazardous waste.

Additional protective regulations apply to projects that could use or disturb potentially hazardous products near or at schools. The California Public Resources Code requires projects that would be located within 0.25 mile of a school and might reasonably be expected to emit or handle hazardous City of Pleasant Hill
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materials to consult with the school district regarding potential hazards. Numerous day care facilities, charter schools, and private schools are also located throughout Pleasant Hill.

Construction
Construction associated with the 2040 General Plan would primarily consist of infill and development construction throughout Pleasant Hill. Infill and development construction can involve demolition of existing structures. Demolition could result in emission of lead and asbestos if building materials contain these substances. However, lead-based materials and asbestos exposure are regulated by the CalOSHA. CCR Section 1532.1 requires testing, monitoring, containment, and disposal of lead-based materials such that exposure levels do not exceed CalOSHA standards. Under this rule, construction workers (and by extension, neighboring properties) may not be exposed to lead at concentrations greater than 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air averaged over an eighthour period and exposure must be reduced to lower concentrations if the construction workday exceeds eight hours. Similarly, CCR Section 1529 sets requirements for asbestos exposure assessments and monitoring, methods of complying with exposure requirements, safety wear, communication of hazards, and medical examination of workers.

The control of asbestos during demolition or renovation of buildings is regulated under the Federal Clean Air Act. The Federal Clean Air Act requires a thorough inspection for asbestos where demolition will occur and specifies construction work practices to control emissions, such as removing all asbestos-containing materials, adequately wetting all regulated asbestos-containing materials, sealing the material in leak tight containers and disposing of the asbestos-containing waste material as expediently as practicable.
44 Compliance with applicable standards would ensure
construction impacts related to hazardous materials, specifically asbestos, release would be less than significant.

Friable ACMs are regulated as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act. As a construction worker safety hazard, they are also regulated under the authority of CalOSHA and by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. In structures that would be demolished, any ACMs would be abated in accordance with State and Federal regulations prior to the start of demolition or renovation activities and in compliance with all applicable existing rules and regulations, including the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. These programs would ensure that asbestos removal would not result in the release of hazardous materials to the environment that could impair human health. As such, construction impacts related to hazardous materials, specifically ACMs, release would be less than significant.

Fluorescent lighting ballasts manufactured prior to 1978, and electrical transformers, capacitors, and generators manufactured prior to 1977, may contain PCBs. In accordance with the Toxic Substances Control Act and other federal and State regulations, individual projects would be required to properly handle and dispose of electrical equipment and lighting ballasts that contain PCBs during demolition of older buildings, ensuring that construction impacts related to hazardous materials, specifically PCBs, release would be less than significant.

The use of construction machinery would involve the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, oils, grease, and caulking. Additionally, hazardous materials would be needed for fueling and servicing construction equipment. These types of hazardous materials are not acutely hazardous, and all storage, handling, use, and disposal of these materials 44 USEPA. 2021. Asbestos Laws and Regulations. Available: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-laws-and-regulations (accessed April 2022)
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are regulated by County, State, and Federal regulations and compliance with applicable standards discussed under Section 3.7.3, Regulatory Framework, would ensure construction impacts related to the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials would be less than significant.

Compliance with existing applicable regulations and policies would minimize risks from routine use, transport, handling, storage, disposal, and release of hazardous materials during construction.

Oversight by the appropriate federal, State, and local agencies and compliance by new development with applicable regulations related to the handling and storage of hazardous materials would minimize the risk of the public’s potential exposure to these substances. There are ten schools located within the General Plan area. Four of these schools, as shown in Figure 3.11-2 of Section

3.11, Public Services and Recreation, are located near an identified hazardous materials transportation route. Transport of hazardous materials along the I-680 and Contra Costa Boulevard routes would be subject to Federal, state, and local regulations as discussed under Section 3.7.3, Regulatory Framework, that would reduce potential impacts of hazardous materials releases proximate to schools. Therefore, 2040 General Plan construction impacts related to a hazard to the public or the environment through routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials or reasonably foreseeable upset and/or accidental release of hazardous materials, including within

0.25 mile of a school, would be less than significant.

Operation
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in the addition of residential units and commercial, office, school, semi-public, and industrial development throughout Pleasant Hill.

Housing and other residential uses do not utilize substantial quantities of hazardous materials and, thereby, pose little risk of exposing the public to hazardous materials. Commercial, office, and semipublic development would be subject to compliance with CCR, Cal OSHA, and other agencies to ensure hazardous materials risks to the public are minimized during operational use and transport as well.

The proposed plan would facilitate residential, commercial, office, school, semi-public, and industrial development in the vicinity of some existing schools. However, the various land uses facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be required to comply with applicable laws and regulations for the handling of hazardous materials. These land uses would not emit large quantities of hazardous materials or substances. Development of sites within Pleasant Hill may have preexisting contamination and would be remediated through coordination with the appropriate regulatory agency pursuant to federal, State, and local regulations as listed in Section 3.7.3, Regulatory Framework.

Compliance with existing applicable regulations and policies would minimize risks from routine use, transport, handling, storage, disposal, and release of hazardous materials. Oversight by the appropriate federal, State, and local agencies and compliance by new development with applicable regulations related to the handling and storage of hazardous materials would minimize the risk of the public’s potential exposure to these substances. While I-680 and Contra Costa Boulevard are located near four schools, transport of hazardous materials along these routes would be subject to federal, State, and local regulations as listed in Section 3.7.3, Regulatory Framework, that would reduce potential impacts of releases proximate to schools. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to a hazard to the public or the environment through routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials or reasonably foreseeable upset and/or accidental release of hazardous materials, including within 0.25 mile of a school, would be less than significant.

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Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Hazardous Materials Site Risks
Significance Criterion d: Would the proposed plan be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
Impact HAZ-2 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN COULD RESULT IN DEVELOPMENT ON SITES CONTAMINATED WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. HOWEVER, COMPLIANCE WITH

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS RELATING TO SITE REMEDIATION WOULD MINIMIZE IMPACTS FROM DEVELOPMENT ON CONTAMINATED SITES, RESULTING IN A LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.

Construction
Given that potential construction sites are required by DTSC and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to be remediated and/or capped in a manner deemed appropriate by the responsible agency prior to construction activities occurring, construction impacts would be reduced through federal, State, and local regulations. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not create a hazard to the public or environment during construction, and impacts related to locating buildings within the General Plan area on a hazardous materials site per Government Code Section 65962.5 would be less than significant.

Operation
Existing sites that use or have previously used hazardous materials or that may contain contaminants in soils or groundwater in Pleasant Hill include large- and small-quantity generators of hazardous waste, such as gas stations, dry cleaners, and industrial uses. Specifically, there are 10 sites containing or potentially containing hazardous materials contamination located in Pleasant Hill, five of which are located along northwestern Contra Costa Boulevard, one along southeastern Contra Costa Boulevard north of Gregory Lane, two are located in the southeastern area of the city along Vincent Road north of Mayhew Way, and the last two are located along Hookston Road in the southeastern area of Pleasant Hill. Potential development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan on identified hazard sites would be preceded by investigation, remediation, and cleanup under the supervision of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Contra Costa Health Services, or DTSC, before any development activities could begin as currently required by federal, State, and local regulations. The agency responsible for oversight would determine the types of remediation and cleanup required and could include excavation and off-haul of contaminated soils, installation of vapor barriers beneath habitable structures, continuous monitoring wells onsite with annual reporting requirements, or other mechanisms to ensure the site does not pose a health risk to workers or future occupants. Compliance with the following 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element goals and policies would also apply to future development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan:

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Goal HS-8 Reduce the exposure to hazardous substances and the resulting potential for injuries, economic and social displacement, and loss of life.

HS-8.1 Hazardous Materials Business Plans. Monitor and regulate hazardous materials by requiring the preparation and periodic updating Hazardous Materials Business Plans for and periodic inspections of all businesses in the city that handle, store, use, or transport hazardous materials.

HS-8.2 Water and Air Supply Protection. Work with public agencies and private organizations to identify and eliminate hazardous material releases into the water and air supply.

HS-8.3 Site Assessment Requirement. Require Phase I Site Assessments for projects on all properties where toxins could occur.

HS-8.4 Alternative Practices. Minimize the use of toxic and hazardous materials in Pleasant Hill, promoting sustainable materials and practices where possible.

HS-8.5 Household Hazardous Waste. Expand and promote household hazardous waste programs to safely dispose of items such as paint, gasoline, engine oil, batteries, and cleaners.

HS-8.6 Hazardous Material Transportation Routes. Work with appropriate agencies to identify and require all transport of hazardous materials to follow approved routes.

It is also possible that underground storage tanks (UST) in use prior to permitting and record keeping requirements may be present in the General Plan area. If an unidentified UST were uncovered or disturbed during construction activities, it would be removed under permit from the City; if such removal would potentially undermine the structural stability of existing structures, foundations, or impact existing utilities, the tank might be closed in place without removal. Tank removal activities could pose both health and safety risks, such as the exposure of workers, tank handling personnel, and the public to tank contents or vapors. Potential risks, if any, posed by USTs would be minimized by managing the tank according to existing standards contained in Division 20, Chapters 6.7 and 6.75 (UST Program) of the California Health and Safety Code as enforced and monitored by the Environmental Programs Division.

The extent to which groundwater may be affected by an UST or other potential contamination source, if at all, depends on the type of contaminant, the amount released, the duration of the release, distance from source, and depth to groundwater. If groundwater contamination is identified, characterization of the vertical and lateral extent of the contamination and remediation activities would be required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board prior to the commencement of any new construction activities that would disturb the subsurface. If contamination exceeds regulatory action levels, the developer would be required to undertake remediation procedures prior to grading and development under the supervision of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, depending upon the nature of any identified contamination.

Compliance with existing State and local regulations would result in the 2040 General Plan not increasing the likelihood for development of identified hazard sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. Therefore, the 2040 General Plan would not create a hazard to the public or environment during operation, and impacts related to locating buildings within the General Plan area on a hazardous materials site per Government Code Section 65962.5 would be less than significant.

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Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Aviation Hazards
Significance Criterion e: For location within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the proposed plan result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the plan areas?
Impact HAZ-3 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD NOT RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED AIRPORT AND AIRSTRIP ACTIVITY. COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS, CONTRA COSTA AIRPORT LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PLAN, AND PROPOSED 2040 GENERAL

PLAN POLICIES WOULD MINIMIZE SAFETY HAZARDS AND DISTURBANCE TO PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING WITHIN PROXIMITY OF THE BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT. IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Construction equipment would be required to comply with all ALUCP height limits and other safety requirements. Impacts related to safety hazards and excessive noise for people residing or working the plan areas are limited to operational impacts. No respective construction impacts would occur.

Operation

AVIATION SAFETY HAZARDS EXPOSURE
The Buchanan Field Airport is a public airport that has a recently renovated runway, aviation services and facilities, emergency response services, access to Bay Area transportation and business centers, and related transportation amenities. The northeast portion of the city is located within Safety Zones 3 and 4.

Further, individual projects as a result of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be subject to all development standards if projects are located within Safety Zone 4, in the northeastern portion of the city, and other policies contained within the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan intended to reduce land use conflicts with airport operations.

Such measures are required for the Buchanan Field Airport.

The following policies from the 2040 General Plan would serve to reduce aviation safety hazard associated with operation of the Buchanan Field Airport:

Goal HS-6 Ensure that airport operations do not adversely affect quality of life and safety for residents.

Policy HS-6.1 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Adherence. Ensure consistency with the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan development restrictions.

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Policy HS-6.2 Airport Coordination. Coordinate with Buchanan Field Airport on land use considerations where compatibility issues may occur on the border of the airfield.

Compliance with these 2040 General Plan policies and the Buchanan Field Airport ALUCP goals and policies would reduce operational impacts related to aviation safety hazards to less than significant.

EXCESSIVE AVIATION NOISE EXPOSURE
A significant impact would occur if a project would expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels for a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport.

Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would not be expected to significantly increase airport activities and airport noise. Existing requirements for airports would reduce the noise impacts of airport activity on residents and workers. Title 21 of the California Code of Regulations establishes noise standards for airports and the responsibilities of the regional Airport Land Use Commissions, which prepare land use compatibility plans with thorough evaluations of airport noise as detailed in Section 3.10, Noise. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administrative Regulation Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program is designed to reduce the effect of airport noise on the surrounding communities as airports expand.

The Buchanan Field Airport is a public airport that has a recently renovated runway, aviation services and facilities, emergency response services, access to Bay Area transportation and business centers, and related transportation amenities. Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan is not expected to directly increase airport activities and airport noise. Existing requirements for airports would reduce the noise impacts of airport activity on residents and workers. Title 21 of the California Code of Regulations establishes noise standards for airports and the responsibilities of the regional Airport Land Use Commissions, which prepare land use compatibility plans with thorough evaluations of airport noise, as described above in Section 3.10, Noise. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administrative Regulation Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program is designed to reduce the effect of airport noise on the surrounding communities as airports expand.

Further, individual projects as a result of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be subject to all development standards if the project is located within Safety Zone 4 of the Buchanan Field Airport, and other policies contained within the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan intended to reduce land use conflicts with airport operations. Such measures are required for the Buchanan Field Airport, which are outlined in Section 3.10, Noise.

As required by General Plan 2040 Policy HS-7.1, new development would be required to be designed and constructed to meet acceptable noise level standards adopted by the City.

Additionally, as required by Policy HS-7.2, noise impacts from new development would be evaluated based on the potential for significant increases in noise levels and compliance with acceptability standards. Acoustical design features would be required, if necessary, to comply with City noise standards. Program O of the Hazards and Safety Element also requires the establishment of acoustical study requirement areas which would determine when acoustical studies shall be required for sensitive land uses.

Lastly, the following proposed 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policies would reduce noise from the Buchanan Field Airport.

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Goal HS-6 Ensure that airport operations do not adversely affect quality of life and safety for residents.

Policy HS-6.1 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Adherence. Ensure consistency with the County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan development restrictions.

Policy HS-6.2 Airport Coordination. Coordinate with Buchanan Field Airport on land use considerations where compatibility issues may occur on the border of the airfield.

With the aforementioned requirements in place and implementation of proposed 2040 General Plan policies and programs, Buchanan Field Airport activity would not expose residents and workers in the General Plan area to excessive noise levels. Therefore, 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to consistency with land use compatibility standards would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required.

Level of Significance
Less than significant without mitigation
Emergency Response and Evacuation Plans Consistency
Significance Criterion f: Would the proposed plan impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Significance Criterion h: If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the proposed plan:

1. Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
Impact HAZ-4 DEVELOPMENT FACILITATED BY THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL POPULATION AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN THE CITY. THE PROPOSED PLAN COULD RESULT IN CHANGES TO

EMERGENCY EVACUATION ROUTES OR WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE ROADWAY CONGESTION SUCH THAT THE USE OF AN EVACUATION ROUTE WOULD BE HINDERED. IMPACTS WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE.

Construction
Potential construction related to implementation of the 2040 General Plan is expected to entail construction equipment and vehicles that would access and leave the plan area, which in turn could potentially temporarily impede evacuation or emergency vehicle access. However, as discussed under Impact TRA-4 in Section 3.12, Transportation, the proposed plan would result in less than significant impacts related to emergency vehicle access. In addition, the proposed plan would comply with the Contra Costa County Emergency Operation Plan and Contra Costa County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, ensuring efficient response to emergency incidents associated with emergencies affecting Pleasant Hill. In addition, future projects that would undergo project-level CEQA review would prepare a construction management plan to ensure adequate transportation Environmental Impact Analysis
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circulation and access throughout the construction period. Therefore, construction impacts related to emergency response and evacuation would be less than significant.

Operation
Contra Costa County implements the Contra Costa County EOP, which addresses the response to emergency incidents associated with emergencies affecting Contra Costa County, including Pleasant Hill. The County EOP establishes the emergency management organization for emergency response, establishes operational concepts associated with emergency management, and provides a flexible platform for planning emergency response in the County. Consistent with the County EOP goals (Save Lives, Protect Property, Preserve the Environment, and Restore Essential Services) and objectives (Mitigate Hazards, Meet Basic Human Needs, Address Needs of People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs, and Support Community and Economic Recovery), development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would provide two vehicle access points and adequate fire truck and apparatus turning radii and clearance for purposes of adequate emergency access and response within Pleasant Hill. As such, implementation of emergency response and evacuation procedures would not be affected as a result of development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan. Compliance with the following 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policies and program would reduce potential impediment of implementation of wildfire emergency response and evacuation:

HS-3.8 Adequate Water Pressure. Coordinate with local water districts to seek funding and implement the necessary infrastructure upgrades to provide adequate water pressure to supply required fire suppression systems in existing and future development projects.

HS-3.11 Evacuation Routes. The City shall collaborate with Contra Costa County and neighboring cities as a part of the next Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan update to identify evacuation routes in the event of wildfires or other natural disasters in compliance with AB 747 and SB 99.

Hazards and Safety Element Implementation Programs
Program H Contra Costa County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The City shall actively participate in the next update of the Contra Costa Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan that, among other outcomes, will identify evacuation routes in the city in compliance with AB 747 and SB 99.

These 2040 General Plan policies requiring adequate fire suppression water pressure and identified wildfire evacuation routes as well as the County EOP would ensure coordination among federal, State, and local plans and agencies, adequate public and interagency communication during hazard events, and providing evacuation assistance for those with limited mobility or lack of access to a vehicle for evacuation.

The 2040 General Plan does not propose physical changes such as realigned or closed-off roadways or changes in general transportation circulation and access that would interfere or impair emergency response or evacuation within or through the plan areas. As such, the proposed plan would also not result in changes to emergency evacuation routes such that use of an evacuation route, including I-680 and SR-24, would be hindered.

Development facilitated by the proposed plan would accommodate future population growth and would increase vehicle miles traveled in the City. This could lead to increased roadway congestion City of Pleasant Hill
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during emergency evacuations. However, the City would review and approve projects within the plans areas to ensure that emergency access meets City standards. Development facilitated by the proposed plan would also comply with road standards and are reviewed by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to ensure development would not interfere with evacuation routes and would not impede the effectiveness of evacuation plans.

Although the 2040 General Plan includes policies and programs that would address emergency response and emergency evacuation, guidance resulting from compliance with AB 747 and SB 99 is not currently available. As such, the 2040 General Plan operational impacts related to impairment of an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan would be significant and unavoidable and no feasible mitigation would reduce this impact.

Mitigation Measures
No feasible mitigation exists.

Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable
Wildfire Exposure/Exacerbation Risk
Significance Criterion g: Would the proposed plan expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires?
Significance Criterion h: If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the proposed plan:

2. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?

4. Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslopes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
Impact HAZ-5 PLEASANT HILL IS NOT LOCATED WITHIN OR NEAR A VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE OR STATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA; HOWEVER, PORTIONS OF PLEASANT HILL ARE LOCATED IN AND NEAR A HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE, A LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY AREA, AND AREAS OF VEGETATED OPEN SPACE.

COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE CODES AND REGULATIONS WOULD NOT FULLY REDUCE THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR DEATH FROM WILDFIRE ASSOCIATED WITH 2040 GENERAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT. THIS IMPACT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE EVEN WITH MITIGATION.

Construction
Impacts related to wildfire hazard risks affecting people, structures, or emergency response and evacuation plans are limited to operational impacts. No construction impacts would occur.

Environmental Impact Analysis
Hazards, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire
Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.7-39
Operation
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) contains some steep terrain and is located near open space areas in the westernmost portion. Briones Regional Park directly abuts the western edge of the General Plan area. Pleasant Hill is not located in or near a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in or near45 a State Responsibility Area (VHFHSZ); the nearest VHFHSZ in a State Responsibility Area is located approximately four miles west of the General Plan area. However, there is a high fire hazard severity zone in a Local Responsibility Area located within the southwestern portion of Pleasant Hill City Limits and in areas adjacent to City Limits within the Pleasant Hill Sphere of Influence and further to the west.

Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would be subject to the California Fire Code, which includes safety measures to minimize the threat of fire such as noncombustible or ignition-resistant building materials for exterior from the surface of the ground to the roof system and sealing any gaps around doors, windows, eaves, and vents to prevent intrusion by flame or embers. Fire sprinklers would also be required in residential developments pursuant to the Contra Costa County Code and Chapter 14.05 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code. Construction would also be required to meet CBC requirements, including CCR Title 24, Part 2, which includes specific requirements related to exterior wildfire exposure. In addition, the Board of Forestry, via CCR Title 14, sets forth the minimum development standards for emergency access, fuel modification, setback, signage, and water supply; this help prevent loss of structures or life by reducing access limitations for purposes of accessing and suppressing wildfire locations. Furthermore, the Board of Forestry, via CCR Title 14, sets forth the minimum development standards for emergency access, fuel modification, setback, signage, and water supply, which help prevent loss of structures or life by reducing wildfire hazards.

Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, discusses the Urban Water Management Plans for both CCWD and EBMUD and determined that there are sufficient water supplies to accommodate the anticipated population growth throughout their respective service areas according to ABAG Plan Bay Area 2040 projections. In addition, the General Plan area is located in urbanized parts of both the CCWD and EBMUD service areas. As discussed under Impact UTIL-2, there would be sufficient water supplies available to serve the 2040 General Plan and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. In compliance with the California Fire Code, Part 9 of the California Building Standards Code (CBC), development facilitated under both plans would follow standards for fire safety such as fire flow requirements for buildings, fire hydrant location, and distribution criteria. Additionally, the 2040 General Plan Safety Element includes proposed Policy PFS-1.6 that requires coordination with water providers to maintain adequate water supply for the community. Other impacts related to wildfire that would result from specific project development characteristics would be considered when the City reviews those specific development proposals.

In addition, compliance with the following 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policies would also help reduce potential wildfire risk to people and structures and wildfire exacerbation:

Goal HS-3 Minimize the threat to people, property, and the environment from fire hazards.

HS-3.1 Fire Protection District Enhancement. Enhance the ability of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to respond to and suppress fires.

HS-3.2 Weed abatement and Fire-Resistant Landscaping. Require annual weed and other fuel abatement and promote the installation of fire-resistant landscaping in new and existing development.
45 For purposes of this EIR analysis, “near” is defined as within two miles.

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HS-3.3 Homeowner Education. Educate homeowners of defensible space requirements and recommendations per Cal Fire, including programs to aid in removal of excess vegetation and improve home wildfire resiliency.

HS-3.4 Fire Safety Improvements. Develop guidelines for fire safety improvements for existing and new commercial buildings and encourage upgrades where possible.

HS-3.5 Defensible Space Inspections. Coordinate with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to require annual home and business inspections to ensure proper defensible space is maintained at properties near grasslands and very high wildfire hazard severity zones.

HS-3.6 Interjurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Bay Regional Park Fire Department, and other neighboring fire departments to reduce fire hazards and promote fire safety in and around Pleasant Hill.

HS-3.7 Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Ensure the Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan as it applies to Pleasant Hill is up to date with changes in State hazard legislation and lessons learned from recent wildfire related disasters.

HS-3.9 Weed and Fuel Abatement. Coordinate with landowners to ensure that weed and other fuel abatement occurs in an effective and timely manner.

HS-3.10 Municipal Code Maintenance. Ensure the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code is kept up to date on State and Federal requirements, best practices, and City processes regarding wildfire prevention design standards and requirements.

Nonetheless, given that the General Plan area and adjacent areas have some areas of steep terrain surrounded by or containing vegetation and that proposed plan could result in additional aboveground electrical lines to serve increased development, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan could be prone to and exacerbate wildfires. And with California experiencing severe drought, the open space areas in and adjacent to Pleasant Hill can experience higher fuel loads in the form of dry vegetation, and higher fuel loads combined with winds could result in the spread of wildfire to proximate development within the General Plan area. Existing codes and regulations cannot guarantee that wildfires would not occur or damage structures and harm occupants. This represents a significant wildfire exposure and exacerbation risk impact. With implementation of Mitigation Measures HAZ-1, HAZ-2, and HAZ-3, the risk of loss of structures and the risk of injury or death due to wildfires would be reduced. These measures would make structures more fire resistant and less vulnerable to loss in the event of a wildfire as well as reduce the potential for construction to inadvertently ignite a wildfire. However, even with mitigation, it is not possible to prevent a significant risk of wildfires or fully protect people and structures from the risks of wildfires.

Therefore, the 2040 General Plan operational impact related to wildfire exposure and exacerbation risk would be significant and unavoidable.

Mitigation Measures
MITIGATION MEASURE HAZ-1: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY FOR

CONSTRUCTION WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION
The City shall include a new 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policy as follows:

Environmental Impact Analysis
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The City shall require the following measures during project construction:

1. Construction activities with potential to ignite wildfires shall be prohibited during red-flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service for the site. Example activities include welding and grinding outside of enclosed buildings.

2. Fire extinguishers shall be available onsite during project construction. Fire extinguishers shall be maintained to function according to manufacturer specifications. Construction personnel shall receive training on the proper methods of using a fire extinguisher.

3. Construction equipment powered by internal combustion engines shall be equipped with spark arresters. The spark arresters shall be maintained pursuant to manufacturer recommendations to ensure adequate performance.

At the City’s discretion, additional wildfire risk reduction requirements may be required during construction. The City shall review and approve the project-specific methods to be employed prior to building permit approval.

MITIGATION MEASURE HAZ-: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY FOR PROJECT

DESIGN WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION
The City shall include a new 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policy as follows:

Project landscape plans (as made available when project applications are submitted) shall include fire-resistant vegetation native to Contra Costa County and/or the local microclimate of the site and prohibit the use of fire-prone species especially non-native, invasive species. If the project site is within a known landslide area (see Figure 3.5-5 in Section 3.5, Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources), the site shall be subject to geotechnical review regarding potential post-fire slope instability. Structural engineering features incorporated into the design of a structure to reduce the risk of damage to the structure from post-fire slope instability shall be recommended by a qualified engineer and approved by the City prior to the building permit approval.

MITIGATION MEASURE HAZ-3: ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GENERAL PLAN POLICY TO CONDUCT

PROJECT DESIGN REVIEW FOR WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION
The City shall include a new 2040 General Plan Hazards and Safety Element policy as follows:

Project landscape plans shall include fire-resistant vegetation native to Contra Costa County and/or the local microclimate of the site and prohibit the use of fire-prone species especially non-native, invasive species. If the project site is within a known landslide area, the site shall be subject to geotechnical review regarding potential post-fire slope instability. Structural engineering features incorporated into the design of the structure to reduce the risk of damage to the structure from post-fire slope instability shall be recommended by a qualified engineer and approved by the City prior to the building permit approval.

Level of Significance
Significant and unavoidable
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3.7.5 Cumulative Impacts
The geographic scope of the cumulative hazards, hazardous materials, and wildfire analysis is the General Plan area and the vicinity of the plan area. 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 and surrounding areas in addition to the proposed plan.

Hazardous Materials Exposure Risk
In general, exposure to hazardous materials may cause localized adverse effects. A combination of federal, State, and local regulations limit or minimize the potential for exposure to hazardous materials. Cumulative plans and projects listed in Table 3-1 consist predominantly of general plan buildouts, area plan buildout, and active transportation projects. The types and sizes of development anticipated in the City of Pleasant Hill would not involve large quantities of hazardous materials or activities that transport or handle hazardous materials nor be sited on known hazardous materials sites. In addition, there are no land uses in the vicinity of the plan area that are known to utilize large quantities of hazardous materials or involve hazardous activities. However, cumulative plans and projects may include demolition of structures that have the potential to contain hazardous building materials. Building materials may contain asbestos and lead-based paint.

To address potential release of hazardous materials, the City would require applicants to assess structures and impose standard mitigation (required testing, removal, and proper disposal) to minimize release prior to any demolition. Therefore, there would be a less than significant cumulative impact associated with hazardous materials exposure risk.

Emergency Response/Evacuation Plans Consistency
As part of project approval for the cumulative projects, the City would assess the need for fire protection services, which would inform efforts to improve or expand needed facilities. Cumulative development would comply with emergency access requirements as directed by respective city and fire department regulations. The cumulative projects would not result in permanent road closures, nor impede an established emergency or evacuation access route, such as I-680 and SR-24, or interfere with emergency response requirements established by the respective city general plans.

However, as described under Impact HAZ-4, the proposed plan would result in significant and unavoidable impacts related to emergency response and evacuation plans consistency. No feasible mitigation is available at the plan level. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to emergency response and evacuation plans consistency is significant and unavoidable.

Wildfire Exposure and Exacerbation Risk
A combination of federal, State, and local regulations limit or minimize the potential for exposure to wildfires by reducing the amount of development in wildland urban interface areas, ensuring new development is developed according to California Building Code and California Fire Code, and incorporating requirements for fire-safe construction into the land use planning. The types and sizes of cumulative development may be located in designated High Fire Hazard Zones. Plans and projects would be located in areas that are already developed, do not contain significant levels of dry fuel susceptible to ignition, or significantly high average wind speed. Furthermore, cumulative plans and projects would result in predominantly in-fill development and not significantly increase emergency services beyond existing service areas. Cumulative project construction would adhere to respective city building codes designed to minimize potential for uncontrolled fires. Adherence to respective Environmental Impact Analysis
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city building codes would ensure that California Fire Code standards including automatic sprinkler systems are included. However, as described under Impact HAZ-5, the proposed plan would result in significant and unavoidable impacts related to the exposure of people and structures to wildfire exposure and exacerbation risks. Mitigation Measures HAZ-1, HAZ-3, and HAZ-3 would make structures more fire resistant and less vulnerable to loss in the event of a wildfire and reduce the potential for construction to inadvertently ignite a wildfire. With mitigation, it is still not possible to prevent significant risk of wildfires or fully protect people and structures from the risks of wildfires.

Therefore, the cumulative impact related to wildfire exposure risk is significant and unavoidable.

Aviation-related Hazards and Excessive Noise Exposure
Compliance with development standards as set forth by the Contra Costa County ALUCP regarding types of development allowed and maximum stories allowed would reduce potential cumulative projects impacts related to aviation related hazards. Existing requirements for airports and proposed 2040 General Plan policies HS-6.1 and HS-6.2 would also reduce the noise impacts of airport activity on residents and workers in the plan area. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to aviation-related hazards and excessive noise exposure would be less than significant.

Overall Level of Cumulative Significance
Significant and unavoidable
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3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality

3.8.1 Introduction
This section describes the existing hydrology and water quality setting in the region and General Plan area as well as the relevant regulatory framework. This section also evaluates the possible impacts related to hydrology and water quality that could result from implementation of the proposed 2040 General Plan. The information in this section is based on the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan and EIR, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP),
1 San Francisco Bay Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFBRWQCB) Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan),
2 Contra Costa Clean Water Program Stormwater Resource Plan,3 and City of Pleasant Hill National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and associated Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 4 3.8.2 Environmental Setting
Surface Water Hydrology and Drainage
Surface water “hydrology” refers to how water moves across the surface of land, whereas “stormwater” refers to surface flows that occur in response to storm events. In the General Plan area, surface water hydrology is defined by existing development and stormwater management, which is provided through operation and maintenance of the existing stormwater drainage system, comprised of drainage control improvements including but not limited to pipes, culverts, and storage tanks of the stormwater management system.

Walnut Creek Watershed
The Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP) designates watersheds within Contra Costa County. According to the CCCWP, the General Plan area is located within the Walnut Creek Watershed, which is composed of the following sub-watersheds: Grayson-Murderers, Concord, Pine-Galindo, San Ramon, and Las Trampas. The overarching Walnut Creek Watershed and its tributaries encompass 93,556 acres in Central Contra Costa County. All tributaries within the Walnut Creek Watershed eventually drain into Suisun Bay and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean.5 Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) is located within the Walnut Creek Watershed. Figure 3.8-1, Surface Water, shows the boundaries of the General Plan area and the Walnut Creek Watershed, as well as four sub-watersheds contained within Walnut Creek Watershed. The General Plan area is located within the Walnut Creek-Frontal Suisun Bay Estuaries sub-watershed, based upon 2022 data 1 CCWD. 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. June. https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020-Urban-WaterManagement-Plan-PDF (accessed October 19, 2022). 2 SFBRWQCB. 2019. San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2) Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan). November 5. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/basin_planning.html#basinplan (accessed October 19, 2022). 3 Contra Costa County. 2019. Contra Costa Watersheds Stormwater Resource Plan. January. Available:
https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/SWRP%20Final%2020190124%20Part%201.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022). 4 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2021. Pleasant Hill Fiscal Year 20-21 Annual Report. NPDES Permit Number CAS612008 issued SFBRWQCB.

Available: https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/Pleasant%20Hill%20AR%20FY%2020-21-Complete.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022).
5 Contra Costa County Community Development Department and Public Works Department. 2003. Contra Costa County Watershed Atlas.

Available: https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/Watershed%20Atlas.pdf (accessed October 18, 2022).6 Ibid.

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from the Geological Survey National Hydrography Dataset. This data differs from that used in the 2003 Contra Costa County Watershed Atlas.
6 which informed analysis in the 2003 General Plan EIR
as well as the Pleasant Hill 2019 Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. 7 The 2003 data showed
five sub-watersheds (not four), and identified the Walnut Creek-Frontal Suisun Bay Estuaries subwatershed as the Grayson-Murderers sub-watershed. The boundaries of the overall Walnut Creek Watershed do not change between the two datasets, nor do the boundary or naming differences alter the hydrology and water quality existing conditions. For the purposes of this discussion and as shown on Figure 3.8-1, the current (2022) data and terminology is used.

Tributaries within the Walnut Creek Watershed, including its sub-watersheds, eventually drain into Suisun Bay and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean. Draining the west side of Mount Diablo and the east side of the East Bay Hills, major tributaries of the Walnut Creek Watershed include San Ramon Creek (18.89 miles), Bollinger Creek (6.72 miles), Las Trampas Creek (12.37 miles), Lafayette Creek (3.78 miles), Grayson Creek (8.87 miles), Murderer’s Creek (4.37 miles), Pine Creek (12.65 miles) and Galindo Creek (6.5 miles).8 The primary surface water features within the Walnut Creek-Frontal Suisun Bay Estuaries sub-watershed are Grayson Creek and Murderers Creek.

The major waterways in Pleasant Hill are Grayson Creek and Contra Costa Canal. Both waterways are largely paved and channelized, but still provide some habitat in the channel bottoms (see Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources, for discussion of habitat and vegetation).

Existing development throughout the General Plan area is characterized by extensive impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and structures, as well as the drainage control features implemented to accommodate existing development. An extensive stormwater drainage system is maintained throughout the General Plan area, rerouting surface waters that once meandered across the valley.9
Stormwater drainage facilities are included in public utilities and services provided for under the Growth Management Element of the existing (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan. In 2002, the City developed a plan to manage stormwater and control flooding while protecting the existing positive attributes of the natural systems that exist, therefore protecting the quality of the water and the perceived quality of life.10 The stormwater drainage system is comprised of sewers, ditches, and drainage channels that wind through the City, providing the essential service of collecting stormwater runoff and ultimately conveying it to major streams for further conveyance and ultimate discharge to Suisun Bay. Stormwater drainage facilities are maintained by the City, and best management practices (BMPs) are installed on a project-specific basis to provide adequate drainage within and from individual project sites, and to avoid straining the Citywide drainage facilities consisting primarily of pipes, catch basins, pump stations, and manholes, as well as developed and undeveloped surface drainages (creeks and ditches) that route surface water runoff through the Pleasant Hill northward to the Suisun Bay.
6 Ibid.
7 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook – Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan. August. 8 Contra Costa County. 2018. Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Volume 1 – Planning Area-Wide Elements. January. Available:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/48893/Contra-Costa-County-Draft-Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-Volume-1- January-31-2018?bidId= (accessed October 18, 2022). 9 Contra Costa County Community Development Department and Public Works Department. 2003. Contra Costa County Watershed Atlas. 10 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2003. City of Pleasant Hill Comprehensive Plan. Appendix A: Stormwater Master Plan. Available:
https://www.pleasanthill.com/files/documents/AppendixA-StormwaterMasterPlan1307104904040315AM.PDF (accessed December 9, 2022).

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Figure 3.8-1 Surface Water in and Adjacent to General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
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Stormwater runoff in this area generally drains towards Suisun Bay, away from hills located in the west-northwest portion of the General Plan area. As stormwater flows out of the hills in the western portion of Pleasant Hill and onto flatter regions within Pleasant Hill’s central and eastern areas, it is conveyed in an existing drainage system comprised of pipelines and limited open ditches or creeks, ultimately discharging to Suisun Bay to the north. Hilly areas consist of more pervious surfaces than more level areas where development is concentrated. Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) is primarily developed, which is why surfaces are characterized as predominately impervious surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and structures. Impervious surfaces are solid and impenetrable by water, meaning that stormwater runoff passes across impervious surfaces rather than filtering through them, such as would occur when surface runoff meets porous soil, or vegetated areas such as lawns and parks. When stormwater runoff moves across impervious surfaces, it gains velocity and volume as the flow progresses and accumulates, resulting in increased potential for erosion and sedimentation to occur. These adverse effects are particularly likely to occur where pervious surfaces are reintroduced, such as where water flowing across a paved area meets sand or soil where the pavement ends. Such effects can degrade downstream water quality, and cause soil stability issues associated with erosion.

Within the General Plan area, the extent of pervious surfaces varies depending upon the development type present. Within fully developed areas, as much as 100 percent of the ground surface in impervious, whereas in parks, designated open space areas, hillsides, and residential backyards, the ground surfaces are predominately permeable. As noted, the General Plan area is predominately characterized by development and impervious surfaces.

The San Francisco Bay RWQCB administers the NPDES stormwater permitting program and regulates stormwater in the San Francisco Bay region. The City of Pleasant Hill is a permittee under the Phase II NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit. The Pleasant Hill Clean Water Program implements the City of Pleasant Hill-specific components of the CCCWP. In addition, the City maintains storm drainpipes and catch basins.

Surface Water Quality
Pleasant Hill is located within the Suisun Basin under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2) Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), which manages beneficial uses and quality objectives, as well as strategies for achieving these objectives, in accordance with the Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the San Francisco Bay Basin. 11 In addition, the San Francisco Bay
RWQCB administers the NPDES stormwater permitting program and regulates stormwater in the San Francisco Bay Basin.

The City of Pleasant Hill is a permittee under the Phase II NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit, discussed in detail in Section 3.8.3, Regulatory Framework, under “Clean Water Act”). The Pleasant Hill Clean Water Program implements the City of Pleasant Hill-specific components of the Contra Costa Clean Water Program (CCCWP). This includes implementation of a SWPPP with best management practices (BMPs) to control stormwater flows and minimize or avoid adverse water quality impacts.
12 11 SFBRWQCB. 2019. San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2) Water Quality Control Plan. November 5. Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/basin_planning.html#basinplan (accessed October 19, 2022). 12 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2021. Pleasant Hill Fiscal Year 20-21 Annual Report. NPDES Permit Number CAS612008 issued by the SFBRWQCB.

Available: https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/Pleasant%20Hill%20AR%20FY%2020-21-Complete.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022).

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As described in the CCCWP’s Contra Costa Watersheds Stormwater Resource Plan, runoff from watersheds in Contra Costa County carries pollutants associated with urban development, industrialization, agriculture, and atmospheric deposition to local water bodies including the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Regional urbanization has led to the modification of natural watershed processes, resulting in stormwater arriving at creeks in greater volumes and more quickly than in unaltered watersheds.13 Increased runoff rates and volumes are capable of more effectively mobilizing and carrying pollutants to storm drainage networks and eventually to receiving waters; additionally, there is a strong relationship between urban watershed sediment yields and loading of contaminants to local water bodies, such as mercury, trace metals, PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and chlorinated pesticides.14
Groundwater Basin Hydrology
Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin
The Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin extends for approximately 15,469 acres (24.2 square miles) of surface area. This Basin is bounded by Suisun Bay to the north, by Highway 680 and Taylor Road to the west, by the Concord Fault to the east, separating this basin from the Clayton Valley Groundwater Basin, and by the City of Walnut Creek to the south. Walnut Creek and Grayson Creek flow through the Basin before draining into Pacheco Creek, then to the Suisun Bay; the Contra Costa Canal and Mokelumne Aqueduct also pass through the Basin. The Basin occupies a structural depression between the Berkeley Hills and the Mt. Diablo Range. Thick alluvial deposits that cover a faulted and folded complex of consolidated Cretaceous and Tertiary rocks underlie the basin. Water bearing units in the basin consist of Quaternary Alluvium and Alluvial valley fill deposits; the combined thickness of these deposits is more than 700 feet. Aquifers in the basin area are hydrologically connected to the Sacramento River; however, there are limited data regarding the occurrence and movement of groundwater in the basin.15
The Ignacio Valley Groundwater Basin is designated by DWR as Very Low Priority.16 The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires High and Medium Priority groundwater basins are managed in accordance with a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) or GSP Alternative under the direction of a designated Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA); SGMA does not yet require Low or Very Low Priority basins to be managed under a GSP, because they are not affected by overdraft.

As a Very Low Priority basin, a GSP is not necessary for the Ignacio Valley Groundwater Basin.

According to SGMA’s 2019 Basin Prioritization, groundwater accounts for only four percent of the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin’s water supply, totaling 778 acre-feet per year (AFY).17 13 Contra Costa County. 2019. Contra Costa Watersheds Stormwater Resource Plan. January. Available:
https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/SWRP%20Final%2020190124%20Part%201.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022). 14 Ibid. 15 DWR. 2004. California’s Groundwater Bulletin 118. San Francisco Bay Hydrologic Region – Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin. Updated February 27. Available: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin118/Files/2003-Basin-Descriptions/2_006_YgnacioValley.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022). 16 CCWD. 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. June. Available: https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020- Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF (accessed October 19, 2022). 17 SWRCB. 2021. Clayton, Ygnacio, and Arroyo del Hambre Valley Groundwater Subbasins (2-5, 2-6, and 2-31). Updated September 14.

Available:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/programs/groundwater/BasinLinks/Ygnacio_Clayton_Arroyo.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022).

City of Pleasant Hill
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The Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin is one over several located within the service area of the CCWD, along with the Clayton Valley, Pittsburg Plain, and East Contra Costa Groundwater Basin; however, CCWD does not manage groundwater, nor does it use groundwater to meet any demands.

While CCWD has partnered with other local agencies to develop a GSP for the East Contra Costa Groundwater Basin, including the Cities of Antioch and Brentwood, Byron-Bethany Irrigation District, Contra Costa County, Diablo Water District, East Contra Costa Irrigation District, and Discovery Bay Community Services District, no GSA formation or GSP development is necessary for the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin.18
Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) overlies the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin, as shown on Figure 3.8-2. Groundwater is known to be present in domestic wells at an average of approximately 194 feet below ground surface (bgs), based upon 11 wells, and in irrigation wells at approximately 155 feet bgs19. No monitoring wells have been reported within the City of Pleasant Hill; however, the average depths reported by the DWR are considered representative for the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin at large.

Groundwater Water Quality
There is no historic DWR data for the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin; however, according to the SGMA 2019 Basin Prioritization, the groundwater basin may be impacted by saltwater intrusion.20 Flood Hazard Areas
Contra Costa County
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Hazard Layer is a geospatial database that contains current effective flood hazard data. Special Flood Hazard Areas are defined to show the extent of flood waters that will occur in response to the magnitude flood that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year; this is also commonly referred to as the 100-year floodplain or 100-year Flood Hazard Area. FEMA has produced Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) covering Contra Costa County, which define the 100-year Flood Hazard Areas for insurance purposes, and to guide land use planning to consider public and property safety as related to the potential for damage from flood events. The DWR Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) regulates dam safety, and evaluated risks associated with potential for inundation resulting from dam failure. The State of California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has produced inundation maps and emergency plans covering various scenarios of dam failure, and Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development has created dam inundation maps for the County using OES data. 18 Ibid. 19 DWR. 2004. California Groundwater Bulletin 118. San Francisco Bay Hydrologic Region – Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin. Updated February 27, 2004. Available: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Groundwater-Management/Bulletin118/Files/2003-Basin-Descriptions/2_006_YgnacioValley.pdf (accessed December 8, 2022). 20 Ibid.

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Figure 3.8-2 Groundwater in and Adjacent to General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
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Pleasant Hill (General Plan Area)
Pleasant Hill (i.e., the General Plan area) is primarily susceptible to flooding along its eastern border, although localized flooding may occur in other areas. As shown on Figure 3.8-3, there are two classified flood zones within Pleasant Hill, a 100-year floodplain and 500-year floodplain. Areas within a 100-year floodplain have a one percent chance each year of flooding, while areas in a 500- year floodplain have a two-tenths percent chance each year of flooding. The 500-year floodplain extends the length of Grayson Creek from the northeastern edge of Pleasant Hill to the southeastern limits.21 Moderately heavy rainfall results in flooding between the east fork of Grayson Creek and Murderer’s Creek, and higher intensity storms add flood potential near the confluence of Mangini Creek and the west fork of Grayson Creek. Higher intensity storms add flood potential near the confluence of Mangini Creek and the West Fork of Grayson Creek. During 50-year and stronger storms, shallow flooding can also occur between Grayson Creek and Contra Costa Boulevard, and along Walnut Creek in the Sherman Acres and Fair Oaks neighborhoods east of Interstate 680.

Storm waters tend to spill over channels or banks and then flow along streets and across developed property.22
The Cal OES inundation maps indicate that Pleasant Hill is not located within the inundation area of any dams.23 The General Plan area is not located within a Tsunami Hazard Area, as mapped by the California Department of Conservation.24 No enclosed surface water bodies are located in the General Plan area.
21 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2019. Pleasant Hill 2040 General Plan Existing Conditions and Trends Workbook. August. 22 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2003. Pleasant Hill General Plan 2003. Adopted July 21. 23 Contra Costa County. 2018. Contra Costa County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Volume 1 – Planning Area-Wide Elements. January. Available:
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/48893/Contra-Costa-County-Draft-Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-Volume-1- January-31-2018?bidId= (accessed October 18, 2022). 24 California Department of Conservation. 2022. CGS Information Warehouse: Tsunami Hazard Area Map. Contra Costa County Tsunami Hazard Areas [map viewer]. Available: https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/informationwarehouse/ts_evacuation/?extent=- 13629548.6026%2C4557227.2116%2C13597827.2359%2C4592235.3706%2C102100&utm_source=cgs+active&utm_content=contracosta (accessed October 20, 2022).

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Figure 3.8-3 Flood Hazard Areas in and Adjacent to General Plan Area City of Pleasant Hill
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3.8.3 Regulatory Framework
Federal
Clean Water Act
The United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) regulates discharge of dredge or fill material into waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). “Discharges of fill material” is defined as the addition of fill material into waters of the United States, including, but not limited to the following: placement of fill that is necessary for the construction of any structure, or impoundment requiring rock, sand, dirt, or other material for its construction; site-development fills for recreational, industrial, commercial, residential, and other uses; causeways or road fills; fill for intake and outfall pipes and subaqueous utility lines (33 CFR § 328.2(f)). In addition, Section 401 of the CWA (33 United States Code [USC] 1341) requires any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in a discharge of a pollutant into waters of the United States to obtain a certification that the discharge will comply with the applicable state water quality standards.

The federal government also supports a policy of minimizing the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands. Executive Order 11990 (May 24, 1977) requires that each federal agency take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands. The USACE regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material, including grading, placing of riprap for erosion control, pouring concrete, laying sod, and stockpiling excavated material. Activities that generally do not involve a regulated discharge, if performed specifically in a manner to avoid discharges, include driving pilings, drainage channel maintenance, temporary mining roads and farm/forest roads, and excavating without stockpiling.

In California, the term “waters of the United States,” indicates resources that are subject to jurisdiction of the CWA as defined by the 2015 Clean Water Rule:
(1) All waters which are currently used, were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide;
(2) All interstate waters, including interstate wetlands; (3) The territorial seas;
(4) All impoundments of waters otherwise identified as waters of the United States under this section;
(5) All tributaries, of waters identified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this section; (6) All waters adjacent to a water identified in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this section, including wetlands, ponds, lakes, oxbows, impoundments, and similar waters; (7) Western vernal pools, where they are determined, on a case-specific basis, to have a significant nexus to a water identified in paragraphs (1) through (3). Vernal pool identified in this paragraph shall not be combined with waters identified in paragraph (6) when performing a significant nexus analysis. If waters identified in this paragraph are also an adjacent water under paragraph (6), they are an adjacent water and no case-specific significant nexus analysis is required.

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SECTION 404—DISCHARGE OF DREDGE AND FILL OF WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES PERMIT Section 404 of the CWA regulates temporary and permanent fill and disturbance of wetlands and waters of the United States. Under Section 404, the discharge (temporary or permanent) of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, typically must be authorized by the USACE through either the Nationwide Permit (general categories of discharges with minimal effects) or an Individual Section 404 Permit.

Wetlands are a subset of waters of the United States and receive protection under Section 404 of the CWA. The federal definition of wetlands is the following:

Wetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.

The Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines regarding the implantation of Section 404 of the CWA mandate that filling wetlands be avoided unless it can be demonstrated that the project is the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative. The USACE has primary federal responsibility for administering regulations that concern waters and wetlands.

SECTION 303—WATER QUALITY STANDARDS AND TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOADS Section 303(c)(2)(b) of the CWA requires states to adopt water quality standards for all surface waters of the United States based on the water body’s designated beneficial use. Where multiple uses exist, water quality standards must protect the most sensitive use. Water quality standards are typically numeric, although narrative criteria based on biomonitoring methods may be employed where numerical standards cannot be established or where they are needed to supplement numerical standards.

CWA Section 303(d) requires States and authorized Native American tribes to develop a list of water quality impaired segments of waterways. The list includes waters that do not meet water quality standards necessary to support a waterway’s beneficial uses even after the minimum required levels of pollution control technology have been installed. Listed water bodies are to be priority ranked for development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL is a calculation of the total maximum daily load (amount) of a pollutant that a water body can receive on a daily basis and still safely meet water quality standards. The TMDLs include waste load allocations for urban stormwater runoff as well as municipal and industrial wastewater discharges, with allocations apportioned for individual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and wastewater treatment plants. For stormwater, load reductions would be required to meet the TMDL waste load allocations within the 20 years required by the TMDLs.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SWRCB, and RWQCBs are responsible for establishing TMDL waste load allocations and incorporating approved TMDLs into water quality control plans, NPDES permits, and Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) in accordance with a specified schedule for completion. The San Francisco Bay RWQCB adopted TMDLs that apply to the City of Pleasant Hill.

SECTION 401—WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
Section 401 of the CWA requires compliance with State water quality standards for actions within State waters. Under CWA Section 401, an applicant for a Section 404 permit (to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States) must first obtain a certification from the appropriate City of Pleasant Hill
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agency stating that the discharge is consistent with the State’s water quality standards and criteria.

In California, the SWRCB delegates authority to the RWQCBs, to grant water quality certification or waive the requirements. Pleasant Hill is located within the SFBRWQCB jurisdiction.

SECTION 402—NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT The RWQCBs administer the NPDES stormwater permitting program, under Section 402(d) of the federal CWA, on behalf of the EPA. The objective of the NPDES program is to control and reduce levels of pollutants in water bodies from discharges of municipal and industrial wastewater and stormwater runoff. CWA Section 402(d) establishes a framework for regulating nonpoint-source stormwater discharges (33 USC 1251). Under the CWA, discharges of pollutants to receiving water are prohibited unless the discharge complies with an NPDES permit. The NPDES permit specifies discharge prohibitions, effluent limitations, and other provisions, such as monitoring deemed necessary to protect water quality based on criteria specified in the National Toxics Rule, the California Toxics Rule, and the basin plan.

National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA oversees floodplains and administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The NFIP makes federally subsidized flood insurance available to property owners within communities who participate in the program. FEMA defines areas of special flood hazard, or “Flood Hazard Areas,” as those areas that are subject to inundation by a 100-year flood event, or the magnitude flood with a one percent chance to occur in any given year, or approximately once every 100 years. Flood Hazard Areas are defined on regulatory flood maps titled Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The NFIP mandates that development cannot occur within a Flood Hazard Area if it would result in more than a one-foot increase in flood elevation. In addition, development is not allowed in delineated floodways within the regulatory floodplain.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program
Pursuant to Section 402 of the CWA and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, municipal stormwater discharges in the City of Pleasant Hill are regulated under the San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater Issuing Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES Permit, Order No. R2-2015-0049, NPDES Permit No. CAS612008, adopted October 14, 2009, and revised November 19, 2015.

The City of Pleasant Hill is a member agency of the CCCWP, which assists municipalities and other agencies in Contra Costa County with implementation of the NPDES Permit (the CCCWP is introduced in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under "Surface Water Quality"). NPDES Provision C.3 addresses post-construction stormwater management requirements for new development and redevelopment projects that add and/or replace 10,000 square feet or more of impervious area.25 Provision C.3 requires the incorporation of site design, source control, and stormwater treatment measures into development projects in order to minimize the discharge of pollutants in stormwater runoff and non-stormwater discharges and to prevent increases in runoff flows. Low Impact Development (LID) methods are to be the primary mechanism for implementing such controls. 25 Contra Costa County et al. 2022. Contra Costa Clean Water Program – Stormwater C.3 Guidebook, 8th Edition. Stormwater Quality Requirements for Development Applications. December 23. https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/2022_1223_HAI_StormwaterGuidebook_8th_Edition_FINAL%281%29.pdf (accessed January 16, 2023).

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NPDES Provision C.3(g) pertains to hydromodification management requirements. This NPDES Permit provision requires five Control Design Criteria to be implemented: range of flows to control, goodness of fit criteria, allowable low flow rate, standard hydromodification modeling, and alternate hydromodification modeling and design. As noted above, projects disturbing more than one acre of land during construction are required to comply with the NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities, Order No. 2009-0009- DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000002 (Construction General Permit). The RWQCB regulates Construction General Permit activities at a local level.

To obtain coverage under the Construction General Permit, a project applicant must provide a Notice of Intent, a SWPPP, and other documents required by Attachment B of the Construction General Permit. Activities subject to the Construction General Permit include clearing, grading, and disturbances to the ground, such as grubbing or excavation. This permit also covers linear underground and overhead projects such as pipeline installations.

The Construction General Permit uses a risk-based permitting approach and mandates certain requirements based on the project risk level (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3). The project risk level is based on the risk of sediment discharge and the receiving water risk. The sediment discharge risk depends on project location and timing (such as wet season versus dry season activities). The receiving water risk depends on whether the project would discharge to sediment-sensitive receiving water. The determination of the project risk level would be made by project applicants when the Notice of Intent is filed (and more details of the ultimate timing of the construction activity are confirmed).

The performance standard in the Construction General Permit is that dischargers minimize or prevent pollutants in stormwater discharges and authorized non-stormwater discharges through the use of controls, structures, and BMPs. A SWPPP must be prepared by a qualified SWPPP developer that meets the certification requirements in the Construction General Permit. The purpose of the SWPPP is (1) to help identify the sources of sediment and other pollutants that could affect the quality of stormwater discharges, and (2) to describe and ensure the implementation of BMPs to reduce or eliminate sediment and other pollutants in stormwater as well as non-stormwater discharges resulting from construction activity. Operation of BMPs must be overseen by a qualified SWPPP practitioner who meets the requirements outlined in the permit.

National Toxics Rule and California Toxics Rule
In 1992, the EPA promulgated the National Toxics Rule under the CWA to establish numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for 14 states to bring all states into compliance with the requirements of CWA Section 303(c)(2)(B). The National Toxics Rule established water quality standards for 42 pollutants not covered under California’s Statewide water quality regulations at that time. As a result of the court-ordered revocation of California’s Statewide basin plans in September 1994, the EPA initiated efforts to promulgate additional federal water quality standards for California. In May 2000, the EPA issued the California Toxics Rule, which includes all the priority pollutants for which the EPA has issued numeric criteria not included in the National Toxics Rule.

Federal Executive Order 11988
Executive Order 11988, “Floodplain Management,” directs all federal agencies to avoid, to the extent possible, long- and short-term adverse impacts of occupancy and modification of floodplains, and to avoid supporting development in a floodplain either directly or indirectly wherever there is a City of Pleasant Hill
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practicable alternative. Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations 650, Subpart A, “Location and Hydraulic Design of Encroachment on Floodplains” specifies applicable floodplain regulations.

FEMA also administers the NFIP, a federal program that enables property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance as protection against flood losses in exchange for state and community floodplain management regulations that reduce future flood damages.

State
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The State of California is authorized to administer federal or State laws regulating water pollution within the State. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (“Porter-Cologne"), contained within the California Water Code §13000, et seq., includes provisions to address requirements of the CWA.

These provisions include NPDES permitting, dredge and fill programs, and civil and administrative penalties. Porter-Cologne is broad in scope and addresses issues relating to the conservation, control, and utilization of the water resources of the State. Additionally, it states that the quality of all the waters of the State, including groundwater and surface water, must be protected for the use and enjoyment by the people of the State.

Historically, California relied on its authority under Section 401 of the CWA (see description above) to regulate discharges of dredged or fill material to waters of the United States. Section 401 requires an applicant to obtain “water quality certification” from the SWRCB through its RWQCBs to ensure compliance with State water quality standards before certain federal licenses or permits may be issued. The permits subject to Section 401 include permits for the discharge of dredged or fill materials (CWA § 404 permits) issued by the USACE. The RWQCB has typically waived WDRs under Porter-Cologne for projects or plans that also required Section 401 certification. Following the U.S.

Supreme Court’s decision Rapanos v. United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006) which limited the jurisdiction of wetlands under the CWA, the RWQCBs now generally rely on the report of waste discharge process to regulate discharges into waters of the State.

California Code of Regulations (Wetlands and Waters Definition) The SWRCB indicates that no single accepted definition of wetlands exists at the State level, and that the 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:
(1) the area has continuous or recurrent saturation of the upper substrate caused by groundwater, or shallow surface water, or both;
(2) the duration of such saturation is sufficient to cause anaerobic conditions in the upper substrate; and
(3) 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 SWRCB released a legal memorandum confirming the State’s jurisdiction over isolated wetlands. The memorandum stated that under Porter-Cologne, discharges to wetlands and other waters of the State are subject to State regulation, and this includes isolated wetlands. In general, the SWRCB Environmental Impact Analysis
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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.

California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code, requires that all local agencies adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordinances is to not only increase water efficiency but to improve environmental conditions in the built environment. Landscaping should be valued beyond the esthetic because landscapes replace habitat lost to development and provide many other related benefits such as improvements to public health and quality of life, climate change mitigation, energy and materials conservation and increased property values.26 Industrial General Stormwater Permit
The Statewide Stormwater NPDES permit for general industrial activity (Order 2014-0057-DWQ, superseding Order 97-03-DWQ) regulates discharges associated with 10 broad categories of industrial activities, such as operation of wastewater treatment works, and with recycling facilities.

The industrial general permit requires the implementation of Best Available Technology Economically Achievable and Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology to achieve performance standards. The permit also requires development of a SWPPP that identifies the sitespecific sources of pollutants and describes the measures at the facility applied to reduce stormwater pollution. A monitoring plan is also required.

California NPDES Stormwater Permit
In November 1990, the EPA published regulations establishing NPDES permit requirements for municipal and industrial stormwater discharges. Phase I of the permitting program applied to municipal discharges of stormwater in urban areas where the population exceeded 100,000 persons. Phase II of the NPDES stormwater permit regulations, which became effective in March 2003, required that NPDES permits be issued for construction activity for projects disturbing 1–5 acres. Phase II of the municipal permit system (known as the NPDES General Permit for Small MS4s, Order No. 2003-0005-DWQ as amended by 2013-0001-DWQ) required small municipalities of fewer than 100,000 persons to develop stormwater management programs. This permit authorizes discharges of stormwater and some categories of non-stormwater that are not “significant contributors of pollutants.”
Provision C.3 in the Municipal Regional Permit requires site designs for new developments and redevelopments to minimize the area of new roofs and paving and treat runoff, and in some cases, control the rates and durations of site runoff. Where feasible, pervious surfaces should be used instead of paving so that runoff can infiltrate to the underlying soil. Runoff should be dispersed to landscaping where possible. Remaining runoff from impervious areas must be treated using bioretention. In some developments, the rates and durations of site runoff must also be controlled.

The C.3 requirements are separate from, and in addition to, requirements for erosion and sediment control and for pollution prevention measures during construction. In addition, project applicants 26 Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2022. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-UseAnd-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance (October 26, 2022).

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must execute agreements to allow municipalities to verify that stormwater treatment and flowcontrol facilities that are approved as part of new development are maintained in perpetuity.

California Toxics Rule and State Implementation Policy
The California Toxics Rule, presented in 2000 in response to requirements of EPA’s National Toxics Rule, establishes numeric water quality criteria for approximately 130 priority pollutant trace metals and organic compounds. The California Toxics Rule criteria are regulatory criteria adopted for inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries in California that are on the CWA Section 303(c) list for contaminants. The California Toxics Rule includes criteria for the protection of aquatic life and human health. Human health criteria (water- and organism-based) apply to all waters with a Municipal and Domestic Water Supply beneficial use designation as indicated in the basin plans. The Policy for Implementation of Toxics Standards for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California, also known as the State Implementation Policy, was adopted by the SWRCB in 2000. It establishes provisions for translating the California Toxics Rule criteria, National Toxics Rule criteria, and basin plan water quality objectives for toxic pollutants into:
 NPDES permit effluent limits;
 Effluent compliance determinations;
 Monitoring for 2,3,7,8-tcdd (dioxin) and its toxic equivalents;  Chronic (long-term) toxicity control provisions;
 Site-specific water quality objectives; and
 Granting of effluent compliance exceptions.

The goal of the State Implementation Plan is to establish a standardized approach for permitting discharges of toxic effluent to inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries.

California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
In September 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SGMA into law, requiring that California’s critical groundwater resources be sustainably managed by local agencies. As introduced in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under “Groundwater Resources,” SGMA gives local agencies the power to sustainably manage groundwater and requires GSPs to be developed for Medium- and High-Priority groundwater basins, as defined by the DWR. Since the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin is identified by DWR as being Very Low Priority, it does not require implementation of a GSP for compliance with SGMA.

California Urban Water Management Act
The CCWD maintains a current (2020) UWMP for compliance with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMP Act), which is required by California Water Code (CWC) Section 10620, for all urban water suppliers providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 AFY. East Bay Municipal Water District (EBMUD), which serves a portion of the western area of Pleasant Hill, also maintains a current (2020) UWMP.27 Each UWMP identifies and characterizes the agency’s planning activities to ensure adequate water supplies to meet existing and future demands for water within their respective service territories, and outlines contingency planning steps to execute during times of actual or anticipated water 27 EBMUD. 2021. Urban Water Management Plan 2020. Available: file:///C:/Users/amescher/Downloads/UWMP-2020-FINALbookmarks%20(2).pdf (accessed December 9, 2022).

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supply shortages. The 2020 UWMPs include data and projections for water supply and demand, conservation programs, water demand management measures (DMMs) and BMPs, and recycled water opportunities through the year 2045.
28,29 In addition, the 2020 UWMPs address requirements
of the Water Conservation Bill of 2009, Senate Bill (SB) X7-7, for compliance with per capita water use reduction targets. In addition, the UWMPs address the requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 1668 and SB 606, with the inclusion of a Drought Risk Assessment and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

Regional
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Plan
The San Francisco Bay RWQCB implements the Basin Plan, a master policy document for managing water quality in the region. The Basin Plan establishes beneficial water uses for waterways and water bodies within the region. The San Francisco Bay RWQCB has jurisdiction over the City of Pleasant Hill. Individual RWQCBs function as the lead agencies responsible for identifying, monitoring, and cleaning up leaking underground storage tanks. Storage of hazardous materials in USTs is regulated by the SWRCB, which oversees all nine of the RWQCBs.

Contra Costa Clean Water Program
The CCCWP (introduced in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under "Surface Water Quality") is within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Bay RWQCB and Central Valley RWQCB. The CCCWP works to protect local creeks, reservoirs, watersheds, and San Francisco Bay from contamination and pollution required by federal and State clean water regulations.

San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Stormwater Permitting Program The San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Stormwater NPDES Permit, Order No. R2-2015-0049 (MRP) issues the Waste Discharge Requirements and NPDES Permit for the discharge of stormwater runoff from the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) of over 70 municipalities, including Pleasant Hill, and local agencies in five Bay Area counties. 30 Under the MRP, permittees are
prohibited from non-stormwater discharges into storm drain systems and watercourses. Permitted discharges must not cause or contribute to a violation of any applicable water quality standard for receiving waters. Upon a determination by either the MRP permittee(s) or the RWQCB that discharges are causing or contributing to an exceedance of an applicable water quality standards, the permittee(s) must notify, within no more than 30 days, and thereafter submit a report to the RWQCB. The report must describe controls or best management practices (BMPs) that are currently being implemented, and the current level of implementation, and additional controls or BMPs that will be implemented, and/or an increased level of implementation, to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants that are causing or contributing to the exceedance of water quality standards. The MRP also sets forth requirements for monitoring water quality. Provision C.3 of the MRP establishes discharge requirements for new development and redevelopment projects. The goal of Provision C.3 is for the MRP permittees to use their planning authorities to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and redevelopment projects to address stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent 28 Ibid. 29 CCWD. 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. June. Available: https://www.ccwater.com/DocumentCenter/View/9851/2020- Urban-Water-Management-Plan-PDF (accessed October 19, 2022). 30 SWRCB. 2015. San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/programs/stormwater/Municipal/R2_2015_0049_amended.pdf.

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increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects. According to the MRP, this goal is to be accomplished primarily through the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques.

Local
Pleasant Hill General Plan
The current (2003) Pleasant Hill General Plan contains policies related to Hydrology and Water Quality, but they would be replaced by the proposed 2040 General Plan.

Pleasant Hill Municipal Code—Flood Damage Prevention
The Pleasant Hill Municipal Code sets forth a code of ordinances associated with hydrology and water quality. Chapter 15.15, Flood Damage Prevention, of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code details measures to prevent and reduce flood damage as well as standards for construction, utilities, subdivisions, and homes. In addition, the City of Pleasant Hill is responsible for ensuring that creeks and drainage channels, including those located on private property, are sufficiently maintained and clear of debris.

Pleasant Hill Clean Water Program
As discussed in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under “Surface Water Quality,” as well as in this section under “Federal” and “Clean Water Act” as well as “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System,” the City of Pleasant Hill is a permittee under the Phase II NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit, and the Pleasant Hill Clean Water Program implements the City of Pleasant Hillspecific components of the CCCWP, including implementation of a SWPPP with BMPs to control stormwater flows and minimize or avoid adverse water quality impacts. 31 Pleasant Hill Stormwater Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance Code Chapter 15.05 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code addresses stormwater management and runoff.

Consistent with Chapter 15.05, every development project must submit a Stormwater Control Plan that meets the criteria of the most recent version of the guidebook to reduce stormwater. The Stormwater Control Plan would outline all stormwater management facilities, how those facilities would be maintained, and the costs to implement the facilities.

3.8.4 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Significance Criteria
The City of Pleasant Hill utilizes the following 2022 CEQA Guidelines Appendix G significance criteria questions related to hydrology and water quality.

Would the 2040 General Plan:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality?
31 Pleasant Hill, City of. 2021. Fiscal Year 20-21 Annual Report for the City of Pleasant Hill. NPDES Permit Number CAS612008 issued by the SFBRWQCB. Available: https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/Pleasant%20Hill%20AR%20FY%2020-21-Complete.pdf (accessed October 19, 2022).

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b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
i. result in a substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? ii. substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite?
iii. create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? iv. impede or redirect flood flows?
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan?
Approach to Analysis
Hydrology and Water Quality
No land use changes would be facilitated by the 2040 General Plan within areas outside of City Limits but within the Sphere of Influence, and thus the following impact discussion focuses on impacts associated with land use changes facilitated by the 2040 General Plan within City Limits.

Impacts related to hydrology and water quality were determined by comparing the activities and future built conditions that would be facilitated by the proposed plan to the existing (baseline) environmental conditions for hydrology and water quality, as characterized above in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting. As discussed in Chapter 2, Project Description, this analysis conservatively assumes that maximum 2040 General Plan buildout conditions for both residential and nonresidential uses will be implemented by 2040 within Pleasant Hill. While not likely to occur, maximum buildout represents development of every land parcel within Pleasant Hill in accordance with the proposed land use designation included in the proposed 2040 General Plan. Impact characterizations were informed through review of information regarding regional and local hydrology, climate, topography, and geology contained in the Pleasant Hill 2003 General Plan and Pleasant Hill 2003 General Plan EIR, San Francisco Bay RWQCB Basin Plan, FEMA FIRMs, the proposed 2040 General Plan, and plan-specific features and proposals.

The impact evaluation focuses on effects on surface and groundwater quality, groundwater supply, and drainage (in terms of erosion, siltation, flooding, stormwater system exceedance, and polluted runoff). Water quality conditions are compared with water quality standards and WDRs by identifying potential contaminants and pollution pathways, amount of impervious area, and runoff treatment requirements. Finally, as part of the analysis, inundation and flooding are assessed by reviewing potential inundation zone maps and data relative to development that would be facilitated by the proposed plan.

Topics not covered in the following impact analysis include water supply availability and adequacy of wastewater conveyance and treatment infrastructure, which are discussed in Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems. In addition, impacts related to wetlands and waters of the United States are discussed in Section 3.3, Biological, Agriculture, and Forestry Resources.

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EIR Scoping Comments Consideration
This section also addresses written comments received in response to the EIR NOP related to groundwater dynamics, flooding, and stormwater quality, as well as a verbal comment received during the EIR public scoping meeting regarding water quality regulations, soil and groundwater quality, drainage pattern alterations, and flooding risk. Water quality regulations including the Clean Water Act and NPDES program are presented in Section 3.8.3, Regulatory Framework, and addressed under Impact HYD-1. Landscape water use efficiency is addressed in Section 3.8.3, and under Impact HYD-2. Groundwater quality is addressed under Impact HYD-1. Stormwater runoff and drainage, and the 50-Year Plan of the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the City Public Works Department are discussed in Section 3.8.2, Environmental Setting, under “Surface Water Hydrology,” as well as under Impact HYD-2 and Impact HYD-3.

Specific Thresholds of Significance
For purposes of the following impact analysis, the following thresholds are used to evaluate the significance of hydrology and water quality impacts resulting from implementation of the 2040 General Plan.
 Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements established by a regulatory body with jurisdiction over the General Plan area.
 Deplete groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater recharge such that the proposed plan would impede or obstruct goals and policies of a groundwater management plan.  Alter an existing drainage pattern through alteration of the course of a stream or river or increased impervious surfaces and resulting in erosion, siltation, or flooding on or off-site.  Create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff.  Expose people to pollutants due to inundation related to flooding, tsunami, or seiche.  Conflict with a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan such goals would be obstructed.

Impact Evaluation
Surface and Groundwater Quality
Significance Criterion a: Would the proposed plan violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality?
Impact HYD-1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2040 GENERAL PLAN WOULD INVOLVE GROUND-DISTURBING

ACTIVITIES DURING CONSTRUCTION THAT COULD TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR WATER QUALITY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEDIMENTATION OR AN ACCIDENTAL SPILL OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

HOWEVER, WITH ADHERENCE TO APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS, WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS, AND PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN POLICIES, IMPACTS WOULD BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT.

Construction
Construction activities would involve ground-disturbing activities, which includes the use of heavy equipment and machinery that could increase the potential for water quality degradation to occur Environmental Impact Analysis
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Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.8-21
as a result of soil erosion or sedimentation, or an accidental spill or release of hazardous materials such as oils, fuels, paints, and solvents. Buildout of the 2040 General Plan would emphasize infill and reuse, due to the existing built-up nature of the General Plan area; therefore, construction activities may involve demolition of existing structures, and earth-moving activities to install appropriate foundations, structures, utilities, and associated facilities. Earth-moving activities during construction could include excavation and trenching, soil compaction and moving, cut and fill activities, and grading.

Individual construction activities that disturb one or more acres of land surface would be subject to the NPDES Construction General Permit adopted by the SWRCB and implemented in the General Plan area by the SFBRWQCB. As discussed in Section 3.8.2 under “Surface Water Quality,” the City of Pleasant Hill is a permittee under the Phase II NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit, and the Pleasant Hill Clean Water Program implements the City of Pleasant Hill-specific components of the CCCWP, including a SWPPP with BMPs to control stormwater flows and minimize or avoid adverse water quality impacts.32 A SWPPP must describe the site and the facility, identify applicable erosion and sediment controls, describe requirements for runoff water quality monitoring and means of waste disposal, as necessary, and identify applicable non-storm water management controls associated with a proposed activity. In addition, inspection of construction sites before and after storms would be required to identify stormwater discharge from construction activity and to ensure that erosion controls are effectively implemented, where necessary. Development facilitated by the proposed plan would be subject to the requirements of the City of Pleasant Hill-specific components of the CCCWP (see discussion in Section 3.8.2 under “Surface Water Quality”), including SWPPP implementation for development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, would reduce the potential for the proposed plan to cause water quality standards to be exceeded.

Below are goals and policies from the 2040 General Plan that would protect and enhance water quality in the General Plan area; these are from the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure (PFS) Element of the 2040 General Plan, as well as the Environment Element (ENV).

Goal PFS-2 Ensure that adequate wastewater facilities and services are available to meet the needs of existing and future development.

Policy PFS-3.1 NPDES Permit Activities. Implement NPDES permit activities in compliance with State and Federal law to prevent stormwater pollution.

This policy reinforces compliance with regulatory requirements and the CCCWP, as discussed above.

Other policies under Goal PFS-2 that address stormwater management during operational activities are discussed below under “Operation.”
Goal ENV-3 Preserve and restore streams, wetlands, and riparian areas to function as open space and wildlife corridors.

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. 32 City of Pleasant Hill. 2021. Fiscal Year 20-21 Annual Report for the City of Pleasant Hill. NPDES Permit Number CAS612008 issued by the San Francisco Bay RWQCB. Available: https://www.cccleanwater.org/userfiles/kcfinder/files/Pleasant%20Hill%20AR%20FY%2020-21- Complete.pdf (October 19, 2022).

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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.

Policies ENV-3.2 and ENV-3.3 protect water quality during construction by minimizing potential for erosion and sedimentation to occur. Similarly, Policy ENV-3.7 directly addresses erosion during construction, and complements Policy PFS-3.1, as the Erosion Control Plan will include erosion and sediment control BMPs such as those that will also be required by the SWPPP.

During excavation or trenching activities during construction facilitated by the 2040 General Plan, it is possible that shallow, unconfined water could be encountered in the subsurface. The General Plan area is underlain by the Ygnacio Valley Groundwater Basin, and groundwater in this basin is known to exist within 10 to 20 feet of the ground surface.33 Depending upon the extent of excavation activities associated with proposed development, it is possible that shallow groundwater could be encountered, which may require dewatering of the excavation or trenching site.

Dewatering is conducted to protect the integrity of the work area and the water quality of the surrounding and downstream waterways. Dewatering is a process by which water is removed from the work area, held in storage tanks or trucks, and tested for contamination prior to discharge. If contamination is detected, the water is treated to the extent required for compliance with the Groundwater General Permit (Regional Board Order No. R2-2012-0060), which is part of NPDES permit compliance.
34 Once the required water quality conditions are achieved, the water is discharged to an appropriate disposal facility or wastewater treatment plant, consistent with requirements of the Groundwater General Permit. The process of dewatering protects the water quality in underlying groundwater basins, as well as in riparian habitat (wetland) areas that may be hydrologically connected to the underlying groundwater basin. Should dewatering activities be necessary during construction, it is not anticipated that water quality degradation to the underlying groundwater basin or to riparian habitats or wetland areas would occur.

Pleasant Hill City CouncilMay 18, 2023

Pleasant Hill City Council
May 18, 2023