STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council DATE: July 18, 2024
FROM: Pilar Lopez, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Via Vail Apartments - Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002 and Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005
SPECIFIC REQUEST OR RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
A. Adopt Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order), approving the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2024060305) for the Proposed Project based on Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005; B. Adopt Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order), approving Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002; and
C. Adopt Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order), approving City Development Impact Fee Deferral in support of Pacific West Communities, Inc.
JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
The proposed project is an affordable housing development, Via Vail Apartments, consisting of 236 units comprised of fifteen (15) two-story buildings with residential amenities such as a pool, community room, fitness room, leasing room, laundry facilities, and a tot lot. The units will be 100% affordable except for the three manager units that will remain unrestricted. The proposed project will have a density capacity of approximately 24 dwelling units/acre. The 10± -acre subject site is located on the southern side of Via Vail, between Monterey Avenue and Key Largo Avenue, adjacent to the Rancho Mirage Dog Park.
Development Impact Fee Deferral Loan Agreement
As part of the project consideration, the developer is requesting a deferral of all City Development Impact Fees ("DIFs") that totals $1,797,766.00 (or as may be adjusted by the City) in support of the project. If the developer secures the necessary financing from non -City funding sources, such as State and/or Federal Tax Credit Programs, to make the project feasible, then a City DIF Fee Deferral Loan Agreement will be prepared and executed with a 55 -year term. The attached resolution details additional terms and conditions of the agreement.
AGENDA ITEM #
12-1
DATE: July 18, 2024 Page 2 of 3
EA23-0005 & PDP23-0002
JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED
PLANNING COMMISSION
On June 27, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the project. Staff presented an overview of the proposed project. The applicant introduced themselves and answered questions posed by the commission. As part of the public testimony, one resident asked for clarification on the project's operations and lease requirements. As summarized in the minutes attached to this report, the Commissioners asked questions to which staff and the applicant answered. The Planning Commission staff report and minutes are included in Attachments 9 and 10. After due consideration of the staff report, presentation, and public testimony, the Planning Commission made the following motion:
MOVED/SECONDED BY GREY/CURRAN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024 -PC -05 RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:
1. RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024 - (NEXT -IN -ORDER), APPROVING THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PROGRAM AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
(SCH#2024060305) FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT BASED ON
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA24-0005; AND
2. RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2024 - (NEXT -IN -ORDER), APPROVING PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CASE NO. PDP24-0002 WITH STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO ADD CONDITION OF APPROVAL 3A.
MOTION CARRIED 4/0
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CASE NO. EA24-0005
An environmental assessment application was submitted for the proposed project and the determination was made that the project required an Initial Study. An Initial Study has been prepared resulting in the recommendation to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND).
Mitigation measures were recommended for Biological Resources and Cultural & Tribal Cultural Resources. A Notice of Determination will be filed with the Riverside County Clerk once a final determination has been made by the City Council. The complete Initial Study, along with the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, is included in Attachment 3 — Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration.
An Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated for a 30 -day public review period starting on June 12, 2024, to July 14, 2024. The City received one comment letter to the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A response to comments has been prepared and included as Attachment 11. A Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was published in the Desert Sun on June 9, 2024, and distributed to interested parties.
AGENDA ITEM #
DATE: July 18, 2024 Page 3 of 3
EA23-0005 & PDP23-0002
JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Section 17.74.020, Hearing and notice, requires that all property owners, as shown on the county's latest equalized assessment roll, within a 500 -foot radius of the boundaries of the subject parcel(s) be notified of matters requiring a public hearing. If the number of property owners to whom the notice would be mailed to is less than 25, then the mailing radius is required to be increased to 1000 feet as measured from the exterior boundaries of the subject parcel.
On July 3, 2024, public hearing notices were mailed to property owners within a 500 -foot radius of the parcel boundary and posted at the City's designated community posting sites pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 17.74 of the Municipal Code. Notification of the public hearing was published in The Desert Sun on July 7, 2024. Any information addressed to the City Council, but received after the completion of this final report, will be distributed at the public hearing. No new public comments have been received as of the publication date of this report.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Aerial
2. Public Hearing Notice
3. Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration
4. Draft Notice of Determination
5. Resolution 2024 -PC -05 of the Planning Commission recommending that the City Council approve the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the Preliminary Development Plan for the Via Vail Apartments.
6. Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order) approving and adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2024060305) for the Proposed Project based on Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005.
7. Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order) approving the proposed Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002.
8. Resolution No. 2024 -(Next -in -Order) approving City Development Impact Fee Deferral in support of Pacific West Communities, Inc.
9. Planning Commission Staff Report dated June 27, 2024 (Without Attachments)
10. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes dated June 27, 2024
11. Response To Comments for California Department of Fish and Wildlife Letter
12. PDP24-0002 Exhibit Booklet
AGENDA ITEM #
ATT ACHMENT 1
Aerial
Via Vail Apartments
Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005
Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002
CITY Or RANCHO MIRAGE
Planning Division
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
[email protected]
(760) 328-2266
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday, July 18, 2024 —1:00 p.m.
Via Vail Apartments — Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002 Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005
Applicant: Pacific West Communities, Inc.
Request: Consideration of an affordable housing development, Via Vail Apartments, consisting of 236 units comprised of fifteen (15) two-story buildings with residential amenities such as a pool, community room, fitness room, leasing room, laundry facilities, and a tot lot. The units will be 100% affordable except for the three manager units that will remain unrestricted. The proposed project will have a density capacity of approximately 24 dwelling units/acre. The 10± -acre subject site is located on the southern side of Via Vail, between Monterey Avenue and Key Largo Avenue, adjacent to the Rancho Mirage Dog Park. The Planning Commission recommended approval on June 27, 2024.
Location: South of Via Vail, East of Key Largo Avenue, West of Monterey Avenue Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270
Assessor's Parcel Number: 685-090-017
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the City of Rancho Mirage City Council regarding consideration of the above referenced affordable housing development, pursuant to Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Title 17. An environmental assessment application was submitted for the subject project and the determination was made that the project required an initial study. An Initial Study has been prepared to result in the recommendation to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). A Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was published in the Desert Sun on June 12, 2024 and distributed to interested parties. The 30 -day public review period for the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration is from June 12, 2024, to July 12, 2024.
The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California, at which time and place pertinent testimony will be heard. The file, including all environmental information, is available for public inspection at City Hall, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and will be posted on the City's website with the publication of the City Council Agenda, to be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 12-5
EA24-0005 & PDP24-0002
July 18, 2024
Written testimony may be submitted to the City Clerk via email to [email protected], or mailed to City of Rancho Mirage, ATTN: City Clerk, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Written testimony must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing to be considered by the City Council.
GOVERNMENT CODE § 65009 NOTICE: If you challenge this proposed activity in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council sufficiently prior to the Public Hearing to enable its consideration by them.
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CITY OF
PALM DESERT
ATTACHMENT 3
VIA VAIL APARTMENTS
Initial Study
Lead Agency:
City of Rancho Mirage
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Prepared by:
Terra Nova Planning & Research
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
June, 2024
City of Rancho Mirage 1
12-7
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY
VIA VAIL APARTMENTS
Project Title:
City Project No:
Lead Agency Name
and Address:
Applicant:
Contact Person:
Phone Number:
Project Location:
Accessor Parcel
Number:
General Plan
Designation:
Zoning Designation:
Via Vail Apartments
Preliminary Development Plan Case No. PDP24-0002
Environmental Assessment Case No. EA24-0005
City of Rancho Mirage
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone: (760) 328-2266
The Pacific Companies
Pilar Lopez -Senior Planner
(760) 328-2266 EXT 208
South of Via Vail, East of Key Largo Avenue, West of
Monterey Avenue
Parcel A-1 of APN: 685-090-011
Residential High -Density (R -H), Affordable Housing
Overlay (AHO)
Residential High -Density (R -H), Affordable Housing
Overlay (AHO)
City of Rancho Mirage 2
12-8
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY 2
VIA VAIL APARTMENTS 2
CHAPTER 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION 7
Project Location 9
Access and Parking 9
Utilities 10
Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses 10
CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION 21
Determination. 24
1.1 Setting 25
1.2 Discussion of Impacts 26
1.3 Mitigation Measures 27
2 - Agriculture and Forestry Resources 28
2.1 Setting 28
2.2 Discussion of Impacts 29
2.3 Mitigation Measures 29
3 - Air Quality 30
3.1 Setting 30
3.2 Discussion of Impacts 32
3.3 Mitigation Measures 37
4 - Biological Resources 38
4.1 Setting 39
4.2 Discussion of Impacts 40
4.3 Mitigation Measures 43
5 - Cultural Resources 44
5.1 Setting 44
5.2 Discussion of Impacts 45
5.3 Mitigation Measures 47
6 - Energy 49
6.1 Setting 49
6.2 Discussion of Impacts 50
6.3 Mitigation Measures 51
7 - Geology and Soils 52
City of Rancho Mirage 3
12-9
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
7.1 Setting 53
7.2 Discussion of Impacts 55
7.3 Mitigation Measures 57
8 — Greenhouse Gas Emissions 58
8.1 Setting 58
8.2 Discussion of Impacts 59
8.3 Mitigation Measures 61
9 - Hazards and Hazardous Materials 62
9.1 Setting 63
9.2 Discussion of Impacts 63
9.3 Mitigation Measures 64
10 - Hydrology and Water Quality 65
10.1 Setting 66
10.2 Discussion of Impacts 67
10.3 Mitigation Measures 69
11 - Land Use and Planning 70
11.1 Setting 70
11.2 Discussion of Impacts 70
11.3 Mitigation Measures 71
12 - Mineral Resources 72
12.1 Setting 72
12.2 Discussion of Impacts 72
12.3 Mitigation Measures 72
13 - Noise 73
13.1 Setting 73
13.2 Discussion of Impacts 74
13.3 Mitigation Measures 75
14 - Population and Housing 76
14.1 Setting 76
14.2 Discussion of Impacts 76
14.3 Mitigation Measures 76
15 - Public Services 77
15.1 Setting 77
15.2 Discussion of Impacts 78
15.3 Mitigation Measures. 79
City of Rancho Mirage 4
12-10
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
16 - Recreation 80
16.1 Setting 80
16.2 Discussion of Impacts 80
16.3 Mitigation Measures 80
17 - Transportation 81
17.1 Setting 81
17.2 Discussion of Impacts 82
17.3 Mitigation Measures 84
18 - Tribal Cultural Resources 85
18.1 Setting 85
18.2 Discussion of Impacts 86
18.3 Mitigation Measures 87
19 - Utilities and Service Systems 88
19.1 Setting 89
19.2 Discussion of Impacts 90
19.3 Mitigation Measures 92
20 - Wildfire 93
20.1 Setting 93
20.2 Discussion of Impacts 94
20.3 Mitigation Measures 94
21 - Mandatory Findings of Significance 95
21.1 Discussion of Impacts 95
CHAPTER 3: REFERENCES 99
CHAPTER 4: APPENDICES 100
CHAPTER 5: REPORT PREPARERS 100
TABLES
Table 1 Rancho Mirage Development Standards Code Analysis 7 Table 2 SCAQMD Air Quality Significant Threshold 32
Table 3 Maximum Daily Construction Emissions Summary 34 Table 4 Maximum Daily Operation Emission Summary 34
Table 5 Localized Significant Thresholds Emissions Comparison with Daily Maximum Construction Emissions 36
Table 6 Total Operation Greenhouse Gas Emissions 60
Table 7 Projected Greenhouse Gas Emission Summary 60
Table 8 Estimated Water Demand at Project Buildout 68
Table 9 Trip Generation Summary 82
Table 10 Intersection Analysis 83
City of Rancho Mirage 5
12-11
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Table 12 Estimated Solid Waste Generation at Project Buildout 92 Table 13 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 97
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1 Regional Location Map 11
Exhibit 2 Project Vicinity Map 12
Exhibit 3 Project Location Map 13
Exhibit 4 Project Site Plan 14
Exhibit 5a Building A Elevations 15
Exhibit 5b Building B Elevations 16
Exhibit 5c Building C Elevations 17
Exhibit 5d Building D Elevations 18
Exhibit 5e Building E Elevations 19
Exhibit 5f Club House Elevations 20
Exhibit 6 Conceptual Landscape Plan 21
APPENDICES
Appendix A CalEEMod Modeling 101
Appendix B Biological Resources Assessment & Coachella Valley 102 Appendix C Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report 103 Appendix D Design -Phase Geotechnical Investigation Report 104 Appendix E Traffic Impact Analysis and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis 105 City of Rancho Mirage 6
12-12
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
CHAPTER 1: PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Vial Vail Apartments (Project) is proposing an affordable housing development on an existing vacant, undeveloped parcel (Parcel A-1 of APN 685-090-011) located in the City of Rancho Mirage, Coachella Valley, Riverside County. The Project will be required to submit an Environmental Assessment (Case No. EA24-0005) and Preliminary Development Plan (Case No.
PDP24-0002) for City Council approval.
The Project site is located on the southern side of Via Vail, between Monterey Avenue and Key Largo Avenue in Rancho Mirage. The site consists of a ±10 acre -sized parcel, shaped in an irregular configuration and consisting of undeveloped desert lands, spare vegetation, and at an elevation of ±302 feet above mean sea level. The subject property is located on the northeastern portion of a larger parcel of land that measures ±52 acres in size. The larger parcel is a City owned property known as the Monterey and Dinah Shore Land Holding and is intended for future single- and multi -family housing for very low- and low-income earning households. In alignment with the intended land use, the Project is proposing the development of a multifamily affordable housing project.
The site is designated for Residential High Density (R -H) with an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The R -H zone allows for the development of high density single- and multi -family residential homes including apartments and mobile homes that encompass traits of a planned community. Similar residential developments such as affordable housing and senior living are allowed and preferred in an R -H zone. As per the Affordable Housing Overlay, development standards are subject to change if the proposed modifications increase development efficiency and are considered appropriate or necessary by the City Council. Additionally, these affordable housing projects are subject to density bonuses and incentives as outlined by the City's Municipal Code Section 17.22.020. The Project proposes development designs that are consistent with the AHO. Table 1, Rancho Mirage Development Standards Code Analysis identifies the Project's proposed design in comparison with the City's development standards.
Table 1
Rancho Mirage Development Standards Code Analysis
Category
Municipal Code
Proposed Design
Zoning
Residential High Density (R -H),
Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO)
Residential High Density (R -H),
Affordable Housing Overlay
(AHO)
Lot Area
439,270 sf (10 ac)
Lot Coverage
35%
38%
Building
Height/Number of
Stories
20'
1 story
30' max
2 -stories
Residential Density
4-9 DU/AC
AHO allows up to 28 du/ac
23.6 DU/AC
Setbacks
Front: 20 ft
Side: 10 ft
Street side: 15 ft
Rear: 20 ft, minimum distance between
structures: 20' setback shall be
increased at a minimum of 2' for each
Front: 7 ft to 20ft
Side: 20 ft
Rear: 10 ft.
City of Rancho Mirage
12-13
7 Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Table 1
Rancho Mirage Development Standards Code Analysis
Category
Municipal Code
Proposed Design
1' of additional building height above
20' which shall be measured from
property line to each portion of the
building that exceeds 20'
Open Space
300 sf private outdoor living space per
unit
62-100 sf of private open space
provided per unit.
Off -Street Parking
Standards
1 br: 1 covered for each unit and 1 off-
street guest space for every 2 units
2 br or more: 2 covered for each unit
and 1 off-street guest space for 2 units
1 stall per 1 br
2 stalls per 2 br, 3 br
Parking Design
Standards
Standard Driveway (2 -way) width: 24 ft
Standard Stall: 9' x 18'
Parallel Stall: 9' x 26' (4' space every 2
stalls)
Complies
Minimum Area for
Apartments in R -H
1 br: 850 sf
2 br: 900 sf
3 br: 1000 sf
4 br: 1,200 sf
1 br: 616 sf to 647 sf
2 br: 866 sf
3 br: 1,175 sf
4 br: 1,300 sf
Bicycle Parking
Short Term Bicycle Parking: 5% of
motorized vehicle parking
Long Term Bicycle Parking: 5% of
motorized vehicle parking
Short Term Bicycle Parking=
19 bikes minimum
Long Term Bicycle Parking= 19
bikes
(`) = feet
DU/AC = dwelling units per acre
br = bedroom
The Project proposes 15 two-story residential buildings with tuck -under parking, a total of 236 apartment style units, a clubhouse building, outdoor recreational spaces including a swimming pool and playground, and onsite parking.
Housing Units: The site will consist of 15 two-story apartment buildings for a total of 236 dwelling units. All of the dwelling units except the manager's unit are designated for affordable housing.
Of the 236 dwelling units, 100 units will be one -bedroom apartments, 62 will be two bedroom apartments, and 74 will be three bedroom apartments. A maximum of two occupants per one - bedroom unit, four occupants per two bedroom unit, and six occupants per three bedroom unit will be allowed. The Project will have a density capacity of approximately 24 DU/AC which is above the allowed 9 DU/AC for a R -H land use but below the AHO maximum density, which is <_28 DU/AC.
The two-story residential buildings will reach a maximum height of approximately 29 feet which is above the allowed one-story, 20 feet maximum height. However, the Project's increase in building height and additional story is allowed by Municipal Code Section 17.22.030(D).
City of Rancho Mirage 8
12-14
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Club House: Located within the site's southwest quadrant, the Club House is designed to be a communal space where amenities including a laundry room, mail/parcel room, fitness room, clubroom, leasing space, and two office spaces located and accessible to residents only. The Club House will reach a maximum height of 21 feet.
Recreational Space: Outdoor recreational spaces including a swimming pool, lounge, picnic table area, and playground will be located within the Club House vicinity in the west portion of the site.
The pool will include an outdoor shower and pool equipment shed located to the southwest. The picnic tables will be located east of the pool and lounge areas will surround the pool. The playground will be located north of the swimming pool and will be designed for children below the age of 12. These outdoor recreational spaces will be accessible via sidewalk and driveway.
Parking: Onsite parking will also be provided and consists of 205 garage spaces and 166 open parking stalls, including carport, ADA, EV, vans, and postal service spaces.
Proposed architecture is consistent with Rancho Mirage's modern desert aesthetic as it makes use of natural materials and earth tones. The use of native desert vegetation such as Date Palms, and grass for play areas allow the development to blend with the desert environment. Additionally, the Project's proposal for high density residential use is appropriate within an urbanized residential and commercial/retail area of Rancho Mirage.
Overall, the Project is compatible and consistent with the R -H land use and zoning designation under the AHO overlay. All development standards and regulations are satisfied under the Affordable Housing Overlay.
Project Location
Located in an urbanized region of Rancho Mirage, the Project's vicinity currently includes the Rancho Mirage Dog Park to the west, vacant, undeveloped lands immediately west, and single family residential properties, beyond Key Largo Avenue; vacant, undeveloped lands occur immediately east; the Monterey Marketplace Shopping Center to the north, beyond the future extension of Via Vail; and undeveloped, vacant lands to the south and single family residential properties beyond.
Although the Project's immediate surroundings consist of vacant, unoccupied lands, new residential and commercial developments have been approved or are in the process of approval.
For instance, to the west of the Project, a future 25 -acre community park which encompasses the Dog Park will run along Key Largo Avenue. To the south, a 5 -acre affordable housing project is being proposed, and to the southeast (south of the Monterey Marketplace Shopping Center), a 35 -acre mixed -use specific plan has been approved.
Access and Parking
The Project proposes the use of a northwest entry/exit point off the proposed extension of Via Vail as a secondary access point, and the main entry towards the southeast side of the site off Via Vail. A 20 -foot setback along Via Vail will act as a buffer to separate the housing development from ongoing traffic. Parking will be provided onsite and will consist of 205 garage spaces, 102 open parking spaces, 64 carport spaces, and 9 handicapped spaces. Residents, visitors, and personnel will have access to these parking spaces.
City of Rancho Mirage 9
12-15
Utilities
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
The following agencies and companies will provide services to the Project:
1. Sanitary Sewer: Coachella Valley Water District
2. Solid Waste: Burrtec Waste Industry Inc.
3. Water: Coachella Valley Water District
4. Electricity: Imperial Irrigation District
5. Gas: Southern California Gas
6. Telephone/cable: Frontier, Spectrum
7. Storm Drains: City of Rancho Mirage
8. Transit Service: SunLine Transit Agency
Environmental Setting and Surrounding Land Uses
The Project site is located on an existing vacant, undeveloped parcel (APN-685-090-003). Within the Project's vicinity there are vacant, undeveloped lands, residential neighborhoods, and large commercial plazas. The Project site is north of Dick Kelly Drive (unpaved extension), south and west of Via Vail, east of Key Largo Avenue, and west of Monterey Avenue.
North: Via Vail (proposed improvement and extension, accessible from Key Largo Avenue), vacant properties, and Monterey Marketplace Shopping Center (a large commercial/retail center with parking lots and driveways)
South: Vacant, undeveloped desert lands
East: Vacant, undeveloped desert lands, and a portion of the Monterey Marketplace Shopping Center
West: Rancho Mirage Dog Park, vacant, undeveloped desert lands, and residential properties along Key Largo Avenue.
Other public agencies whose approval is required
None Required.
City of Rancho Mirage 10
12-16
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05 .01.24
PLA NNING & RES€ARCH, INC.
Via Vail Apartments
Building E Elevations
Rancho Mirage, California
Exhibit
5e
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PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC.
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Via Vail Apartments
Club House Elev ations
Rancho Mirage, California
Exhibit
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Exhibit
6 Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this Project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
Aesthetics
Biological Resources
Geology / Soils
Hydrology / Water
Quality
Noise
Recreation
Utilities / Service
Systems
Agriculture and
Forestry Resources
Cultural Resources
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Land Use / Planning
Population / Housing
Transportation
Wildfire
Air Quality
Energy
Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Mineral Resources
Public Services
Tribal Cultural Resources
Mandatory Findings of
Significance
City of Rancho Mirage 22
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Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts:
1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project -specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off -site as well as on - site, cumulative as well as project -level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.
3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from "Earlier Analyses," as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.
c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site -specific conditions for the project.
6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.
City of Rancho Mirage 23
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8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.
Determination: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation:
❑ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
® 1 find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
❑ 1 find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
E 1 find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Pitar o z, Senior Planner
Cit ancho Mirage
Date:
//Zz y
City of Rancho Mirage 24
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June 2024
Environmental Checklist and Discussion:
The following checklist evaluates the proposed Project's potential adverse impacts. For those environmental topics for which a potential adverse impact may exist, a discussion of the existing site environment related to the topic is presented followed by an analysis of the Project's potential adverse impacts. When the Project does not have any potential for adverse impacts for an environmental topic, the reasons why there are no potential adverse impacts are described. 1 - Aesthetics
AESTHETICS -- Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on
a scenic vista?
❑
❑
❑
��
b) Substantially damage scenic
resources, including, but not limited to,
trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic
highway?
1 1
❑
��
c) In non -urbanized areas,
substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of public
views of the site and its surroundings?
(Public views are those that are
experienced from publicly accessible
vantage point). If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project
conflict with applicable zoning and
other regulations governing scenic
quality?
❑
❑
❑
��
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare, which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
❑
❑
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); Palm Desert Municipal Code; Project's Site Plan and Landscape and Architectural Design Plans; Google Earth Pro.
1.1 Setting
The City of Rancho Mirage, including the Project site, is located in the Coachella Valley. The Valley is geographically bound by steep mountains including the San Jacinto Mountains and the Santa Rosa Mountains to the west; the San Bernardino Mountains and the Little San Bernardino City of Rancho Mirage
25 12-31
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Mountains on the north; the Cottonwood Mountains and the Mecca Hills on the east; and the Salton Sea to the south. The City consists of desert landscape and dramatic views of the surrounding mountains.
The proposed Project is located within Rancho Mirage's northwestern portion, where development consists of single-family homes to the south and west and a commercial/retail plaza to the north. The Project site is a vacant, undeveloped parcel shaped in an irregular configuration and consists of the northeasterly 10± acres of a larger City -owned parcel of land that totals approximately 52 acres in size. The surrounding area to the south, west, and east is undeveloped and vacant desert lands.
The Project is located in a Residential High Density (R -H) land use and zoning designation with an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).
The Project's development would result in the construction and operation of 15 multifamily residential apartment buildings with tuck -under parking, a Club House, outdoor recreational spaces, including a swimming pool and playground, and onsite parking. The building's exterior will consist of warm earth tones with the use of stone veneer and porcelain wood tiles covering a portion the building's facade, and paint colors that complement the mix of textures. Additionally, the buildings have a simplistic yet dimensional design which is reminiscent of Rancho Mirage's overarching mid-century modern aesthetic.
The Project makes use of native plant for landscaping. Plants such as Fan Palms and Honey Mesquite are widely used in Rancho Mirage and other cities in the Coachella Valley, helping to further incorporate the Project into the surrounding environment.
1.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Project site is currently vacant. The Project proposes the development of a multi -family apartment complex in 15 two-story buildings distributed throughout the site. The two-story buildings will reach a maximum height of 27 feet (See Exhibits 5a -5f). The building square footage occupies most of the site's acreage and the remaining space is distributed between the Club House, outdoor recreational spaces, landscape/hardscape, pedestrian sidewalks, parking areas and access roads.
The primary scenic resources in the Project area are the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south and southeast. The Santa Rose Mountains will remain a scenic vista for residential properties located to the west of the site because the Project's distance of ±940 feet to the nearest single-family home and the location of the mountains to the west and southwest assures no visual loss of the Mountains.
Additionally, the commercial/retail plaza located north of the site will not be significantly impacted from the lack of visibility of the Mountains since there are no viewsheds to the south; therefore, the Project's impacts to the commercial/retail land use is negligible.
However, the Project is anticipated to cause some visual obstruction to the Rancho Mirage Dog Park located on the corner of Key Largo Avenue and Via Vail.
At Project buildout, new residential structures will be placed along the western, southern, and part of the northern boundary and will reach a maximum height of approximately 29 feet. The Rancho Mirage Dog Park, located immediately northwest of the Project, will experience a loss of visibility of the southeastern portion of the Santa Rosa Mountains City of Rancho Mirage 26
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because of its proximity to the site which blocks portions of the mid- and top mountain ranges. However, from the Dog Park, views of the mountain to the south will remain unobstructed.
Overall, the Project will not result in a visual obstruction to the residential development on the west because of the Project's relative distance, and the Project's location east of the residential neighborhoods, which will leave west and southwest views unimpeded.
However, the Project will reduce some Rancho Mirage Dog Park views of the Santa Rosa Mountains to the southeast. Given the Project's limited view obstruction of the City's scenic vistas, impacts are expected to be less than significant. b) NO IMPACT: The Project site is not located near an existing or proposed state scenic corridor such as Highway 111. There are no designated scenic highways in the vicinity of the Project site. There are no scenic resources such as trees, rock outcropping, or historical buildings located onsite. No impact to these resources will occur. c) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Project is located within an urbanized portion of Rancho Mirage. The surrounding environment consist predominantly of residential properties to the west and south, along with commercial/retail plazas to the north and east, as well as a public park to the northwest and a planned community park to the west.
The proposed Project will include multi -family residential apartment buildings, a Club House, outdoor recreational spaces including a swimming pool and playground, and onsite parking. All but the managers' units will be utilized for affordable housing. As such, the Project will be consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance land use and development standards which have been modified in accordance with the AHO. The density of the Project is consistent with the AHO, and the development standards are necessary to allow the density, while being consistent with the standards in a higher density project. Because the Zoning Ordinance provisions for the AHO allow flexibility, the Project's impacts associated with City policies and standards will be less than significant.
As mentioned above, onsite structures will consist of natural material and earth tones which will complement the native desert landscape and surrounding mountain views. For this reason, the Project is anticipated to have less than significant impact on scenic quality and would not conflict with applicable regulations.
d) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The construction of the Project will generate light and glare primarily from landscaping lighting, safety and security lighting on building exteriors, and vehicles accessing the site. Rancho Mirage regulates lighting levels and does not allow lighting to become a source of light pollution. Therefore, lighting is required to comply with Municipal Code Section 17.18.050 (Exterior glare, heat, and light) which mandates the exterior use of light to be focused downward by a shield. The implementation of the City's regulations will ensure that light and glare are limited to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to contribute significantly to light or glare. Less than significant impacts will occur.
1.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
City of Rancho Mirage 27
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2 - Agriculture and Forestry Resources
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
RESOURCES — In determining whether
impacts to agricultural resources are
significant environmental effects, lead
agencies may refer to the California
Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment Model (1997) prepared by
the California Dept. of Conservation as
an optional model to use in assessing
impacts on agriculture and farmland.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) 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 non-agricultural use?
❑
❑
❑
��
b) Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act
contract?
❑
❑
❑
��
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or
cause rezoning of forest land,
timberland, or timberland zoned
Timberland Production?
❑
❑
❑
��
d) Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non forest
use?
❑
❑
❑
��
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location
or nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
❑
❑
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage, Land Use Element (2017); California Important Farmland Finder, https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/ (accessed March 2024).
2.1 Setting
The City of Rancho Mirage is identified as an "urban and built-up" region, meaning the City is in urban development, according to the California Important Farmland Finder. The City's General Plan Land Use Element supports the classification since all land uses and zoning designations City of Rancho Mirage
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June 2024
are for non-agricultural and non -farmland uses. Currently, no agricultural or farmland resources or prime forestry are located in Rancho Mirage or within the Project's area.
2.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -e) NO IMPACT:
Farmlands: The City of Rancho Mirage does not contain State -designated important farmland or prime farmland. The combination of geomorphic and geographic factors such as dry climate conditions, low annual precipitation (4 to 6 inches of rainfall annually)', and the lack of agricultural resources has rendered Rancho Mirage unfit for farmland production. There are no existing farmlands within the City's Iimit.2 For this reason, the Project's development is not expected to convert or degrade prime farmlands, unique farmlands, or farmlands of statewide importance to non-agricultural use. No impact is expected.
Williamson Act: The Project site is located on a vacant, undeveloped parcel, approximately 10 acres in size and zoned R -H with an AHO overlay. The site is surrounded by vacant, undeveloped lands as well as residential communities to the south and west, and commercial/retail plazas to the north. No Williamson Act contracts are assigned to lands within the Project's vicinity. No impact will occur.
Forestry Lands: Rancho Mirage's desert environment is unable to sustain timberland, timberland production, or forest lands. There are no timberland, timberland production, or forestry uses designated in the Rancho Mirage General Plan. The Project will not conflict with existing zoning for forestry lands or timberland zones or convert potential lands for non -forestry land use. No impacts will occur.
Overall, the proposed site is designated for R-H/AHO because of its prime location within a highly developed area of Rancho Mirage. No agricultural, farmland, forestry or timberland resources or lands will be impacted or converted as a result of the Project's development. No impact is expected.
2.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, Safety Element, 2017. 2 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, Housing Element, 2017.
City of Rancho Mirage 29
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3 - Air Quality
AIR QUALITY— Where available, the
iteria
significance
tablished by
applicable air rqualitysmanagement oe
air pollution control district may be
relied upon to make the following
determinations. Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
❑
❑
❑
��
b) Result in a cumulatively
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project
region is non -attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard?
❑
❑
❑
��
c) Expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations?
1 1
❑
❑
��
d) Result in other emissions (such as
those leading to odors) adversely
affecting a substantial number of
people?
❑
[ 1
Sources: SCAQMD Air Quality Management Plan (2022)• Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (2003); EPA, Ground -level Ozone Basics (accessed April 2024); California Emission Estimator Model (Appendix A); Urban Crossroads, Via Vail Village Traffic Scope Letter and VMT Screening Scope (Appendix E); SCAQMD Final Localized Significant Threshold Methodology, Appendix C (revised July 2008); Project materials; Google Earth Pro.
3.1 Setting
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for the Riverside County portion of the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB) that encompasses the Coachella Valley.
Existing air quality conditions are measured according to criteria air pollutants at established air quality monitoring stations throughout the SCAQMD jurisdiction. There are three permanent air quality monitoring stations in the Coachella Valley located in Palm Springs (AQS Station ID 060655001), Indio (AQS Station ID 060652002), and Mecca (Saul Martinez- AQS Station ID 060652005).
To comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) and the California Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS), SCAQMD adopts an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) which is updated periodically to identify emissions and implement effective reduction strategies to comply with standards in a timely manner. The 2022 AQMP is the latest adopted plan by the SCAQMD to target nonattainment areas that exceed the NAAQS and are thereby required to reduce emissions within the timeframe determined appropriate by the U.S. Environmental City of Rancho Mirage 30
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June 2024
Protection Agency (EPA). The 2022 AQMP builds on measures already established from previous AQMPs by including regulations, accelerated deployment cleaner technologies, best management practices, co -benefits from existing programs, incentives, and other measures to achieve attainment. Moreover, the 2022 AQMP is a guide for the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for attainment of air quality standards.
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Particulate matter or particulate pollution are microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air with a diameter of generally 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10). These particles are generated by a variety of sources including, but not limited to construction sites, unpaved roads, automobiles, and industries. The EPA regulates particulate matter and implements national and regional rules to reduce emissions of pollutants that form PM2.5 and PM10 in order for local and regional governments to meet air quality standards.
The 2022 AQMP states that for the years between 2018 to 2020, the Coachella Valley was in attainment with the State's PM2.5 standards with an annual average of 8.4 microgrammes per cubic meter (tag/m3).3 The Valley however exceeded the State's PM10 standard by nearly twice the allowed amount with an annual average of 39 tag/m3 for 2018-2022.4 Man-made sources including direct emissions, industrial facilities, and fugitive dust resulting from unpaved roads and construction operations are typical PM10 polluters in the Coachella Valley. High wind natural events are also known to contribute to PM10 emissions.
The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) requires those states with nonattainment areas to design and submit a SIP to demonstrate how these areas will attain NAAQS. The SIP consists of implementation strategies including modeling, rules, regulations, and programs aimed at reducing air pollutant emissions.
The 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (CVSIP) is the latest approved plan.
The 2003 CVSIP outlines past and present PM10 inventory and estimates future emissions with the implementation of dust control strategies in addition to new control measures to demonstrate attainment of the standard. The following is a list of proposed actions to control and reduce man- made PM10 emitting sources:
• Additional stabilizing or paving of unpaved surfaces, including parking lots; • A prohibition on building new unpaved roads;
• Requiring more detailed dust control plans for builders in the Valley that specify the use of more aggressive and frequent watering, soil stabilization, win screens, and phased development (as opposed to mass grading) to minimize fugitive dust; • Designating a worker to monitor dust control at construction sites; and • Testing requirements for soil and road surface.
Additionally, Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Section 7.01.041 outlines PM10 fugitive dust control requirements during construction and demolition activities to ensure PM10 emissions are reduced to the greatest extent possible.
3 SCAQMD, Air Quality Management Plan, "2018-2020 PM2.5 Annual Design Value by Basin and County", Table 2-9, 2022.
4 SCAQMD, Air Quality Management Plan, "2018-2020 Annual PM10 Design Values by Basin and County", Table 2-13, 2022.
City of Rancho Mirage 31
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June 2024
Ozone and Ozone Precursors
Ozone, unlike other pollutants, is not emitted, rather it is created in the atmosphere. Ozone is formed by the chemical reaction between nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. These pollutants are emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources. Once in the atmosphere, ozone reduces the region's air quality causing a variety of harmful effects to human health and the environment.5 Ozone can be transported long distances by wind thus expanding its reach and impact.
In August 2018, the EPA designated the Coachella Valley a "Severe -15" nonattainment area for the 2015 8 -hour ozone standard.6 The Coachella Valley is located downwind from the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB). As such when high levels of ozone are formed in the SCAB they are transported to the Valley. The SCAQMD notes that the Coachella Valley has a limited impact on ozone levels in comparison with the transport of ozone generated in SCAB. Nonetheless, the Valley must substantially reduce NOx (key pollutant controlling formation of ozone) to attain the standard by August 2038 as required by the EPA. The SCAQMD as well as SCAB are taking action to reduce emissions by implementing planned regulations and programs, respectively, and thus improve ozone air quality in the Coachella Valley to reach attainment.
Regional Significant Threshold Criteria
SCAQMD has established short-term construction and long-term operation threshold to set a maximum amount of air pollutants a project is allowed to generate at each stage of development.
Table 2 identifies the established construction and operation thresholds against which the proposed Project emissions are measured.
Table 2
SCAQMD Air Quality Significant Threshold
Emission
Source
CO
VOC
NOx
SOx
PM10
PM2.5
Construction
(pounds/day)
550
75 100
150
150
55 Operation
(pounds/day)
550
55 50
150
150
55 Source: South Coast
aqmd-air-quality-significance-thresholds.pdf?sfvrsn=25
AQMD, https://www.agmd.gov/docs/default-source/ceqa/handbook/south-coast- (accessed April 2024).
A Project -specific California Emission Estimator Model (CaIEEMod) model run was prepared in April 2024 (Appendix A). The following analysis of potential impacts to air quality associated with the Project construction and operation is based on results from CaIEEMod.
3.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) NO IMPACT: The Project site is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin and is subject to SCAQMD's 2022 Air Quality Management Plan and the 2003 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan. As discussed above, these plans stringently regulate and limit 5 EPA, Ground -level Ozone Basics,
https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone-pollution/ground-level-ozone-basics , accessed April 2024. 6 SCAQMD, Air Quality Management Plan, 2022.
City of Rancho Mirage
32 12-38
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June 2024
the sources of emission in the Coachella Valley and implement comprehensive strategies to reduce pollutants and, in turn, improve air quality to appropriate levels for federal and state attainment. The AQMP is based, in part, on the land use plans of the jurisdiction in the region. Additionally, conformity with growth forecasts can assure the Project's consistency with air quality plans and standards. The Southern California Association of Governance (SCAG) projects a population size of 25,200 by 2045 for the City of Rancho Mirage.
The Project is expected to contribute to Rancho Mirage's population growth as it proposes permanent housing within a previously unpopulated area. The City 2017 General Plan Land Use map designates the Project's parcel an R -H area with an AHO. The Project is consistent with the land use designation and permitted uses. The proposed residential density is approximately 24 DU/AC which is within the allowed density capacity range of 5-28 DU/AC for a R-H/AHO parcel. The Project will be part of the City's anticipated population growth and residential land use as predicted in the City General Plan and SCAG analysis. The Project will implement all plans, policies, and rules to be in compliance with state and regional air quality standards. The Project will therefore be consistent with the 2022 AQMD and 2003 CVSIP. No impacts are anticipated. b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: As previously discussed, the SSAB portion of the Coachella Valley is classified as "nonattainment" area for PM10 emissions and ozone.
As a result, the Project is required to strictly regulate and limit PM10 and ozone emitting sources at every stage of construction and operation, in addition to carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxides (NOx) and volatile/reactive organic compounds/gases (VOC or ROG) to ensure emissions do not exceed SCAQMD thresholds (See Table 2).
The Project site consists of a vacant undeveloped parcel designated for high density residential use and located in a developed portion of Rancho Mirage. The Project includes the development of permanent multifamily apartment buildings with amenities centralized within or in proximality to the planned Club House and onsite parking. No structures exist onsite therefore no demolition is required prior to construction. A two-year construction period is assumed for operation in 2026.
Criteria air pollutants will be released during both construction and operation phases of the Project. Table 3 summarizes short term construction related emissions and Table 4 summarizes ongoing emission generated during operation.
Construction Emissions
For purposes of analysis, it is assumed that construction will occur over a 24 -month period starting mid -2024 with buildout by 2026. The analysis assumes a cut of 36,640.32 cubic yards and fill of 65,128.41 cubic yards of dirt/soil as per the Project's preliminary grading plan. Construction includes multiple phases of the Project's development including site preparation, grading, paving, building construction, and application of architectural coatings. During construction, the Project will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds for any criteria pollutant as shown in Table 3.
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Table 3
Maximum Daily Construction Emissions Summa
Construction Emissions
CO
VOC
NOx
SOx
PM10
PM2.5
Daily Maximum
42.60 6.44
36.1 0.05
9.49 5.47
SCAQMD Thresholds
550
75 100
150
150
55 Exceeds?
No
No
No
No
No
No
Source: California Emission Estimator Model, Version 2022.1.1.22 (Appendix A) The data reflects the maximum daily unmitigated emissions over a 24 -month construction period including winter and summer weather conditions. Highest pollutant emissions typically occur during the summer months and thus these daily maximums are considered the worst -case -scenarios. Given the criteria pollutant thresholds, the Project construction emissions are not expected to surpass the permitted thresholds. Additionally, the Project will implement architectural coating standards and fugitive dust control measures required by SCAQMD under Rule 403 and Rule 1113, and best management practices (BMPs) to further reduce emissions. Therefore, construction related emissions are expected to have less than significant impacts.
Operation Emissions
The Project will operate 15 multifamily residential buildings for a total of 236 apartment units varying in residential capacity. In relation to the residential use, complementary amenities including recreational spaces will be provided onsite. For purpose of the analysis, a population of 892 residents is assumed. Additionally, the Project is anticipated to generate a total of 1,135 trips -ends per day according to the traffic report prepared by Urban Crossroads (Appendix E). During operation, the Project will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds for any criteria pollutant as shown in Table 4.
Table 4
Maximum Daily Operation Emission Summa
Construction Emissions'
CO
VOC
NOx
SOx
PM10
PM2.5
Daily Maximum
69.70 9.74
6.89 0.14
11.50 3.04
SCAQMD Thresholds
550
55 55
150
150
55 Exceeds?
No
No
No
No
No
No
Source: California Emission Estimator Model, Version 2022.1.1.22 (Appendix A) The data reflects emissions regarding the use of mobile (vehicle) and stationary sources (electricity and natural gas). Of the two sources, a combined maximum daily unmitigated emissions is projected to occur over the life of the Project. Given the Project's long-term operation, emissions are not expected to exceed SCAQMD thresholds. Nonetheless, the Project currently plans to provide 19 electrical vehicles charging stations onsite as a cleaner non -emitting alternative from gasoline fueled vehicles, and will provide solar panels for electric generation, as required by the Building Code. Operational emissions are therefore expected to be reduced as sources are reduced. Impacts related to operational emissions will be less than significant.
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Cumulative Contributions
The Coachella Valley portion of the SSAB currently exceeds the NAAQS for PM10 and ozone. Therefore, the Valley is classified as a "nonattainment" area by the EPA.
Cumulative air quality analysis evaluates emissions on a regional scale, given the nature of pollutant emissions and aggregated impacts from surrounding jurisdictions and air management districts. Any development project or activity located within the SCAQMD jurisdiction of the Salton Sea Air Basin that results in the emission of PM10, ozone, or ozone precursors will contribute, to some extent, to regional nonattainment designation of PM10 and ozone.
As shown in the tables above, Project related PM10, CO, NOx and VOC/ROG emissions are projected to be well below established SCAQMD thresholds. For this reason, the proposed residential project will result in incremental, but not cumulatively significant impacts on regional PM10 or ozone levels.
Summary
The Project, located in the Salton Sea Air Basin part of the Coachella Valley, is required to comply with SCAQMD's rules and criteria pollutant thresholds in order to reduce impacts from Project -induced emissions. As shown in Table 3 and Table 4, both construction and operation of the proposed development will generate emissions below the SCAQMD thresholds, and neither will violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. Impacts related to the Project's construction and operation will be less than significant and the Project is not expected to contribute to a substantial cumulative air quality impact from a nonattainment standpoint.
Less than significant impacts are anticipated overall.
c) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: Sensitive receptors are children, the elderly, asthmatics, and other individuals with a heightened risk of negative health outcomes associated with the exposure to air pollution. The location of these sensitive receptors includes hospitals, schools, retirement communities, and day care facilities as determined by the California Health and Safety Code Section 42705.5(a)(5).
The Project is located within the northeastern region of Rancho Mirage, where residential development predominates to the west and south beyond vacant undeveloped parcels, and commercial/retail plazas are located to the north and east beyond Monterey Avenue.
The nearest sensitive receptors to the Project are residential properties located ±940 feet to the northwest of the Project site.
The AQMD Handbook displays a Localized Significant Threshold (LST) Lookup Table that predicts a project's air quality impacts to sensitive receptors. Based on the Project's size and proximity to existing housing, the 5 -acre tables at a distance of 200 meters were used to provide conservative air quality analysis of construction impacts. Table 5 shows onsite emissions concentrations for the Project's construction will not exceed LST thresholds.
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Table 5
Localized Significant Thresholds Emissions Comparison with Daily Maximum Construction Emissions
Construction
CO
NOx
PM10
PM2.5
Maximum Emissions
42.60 36.1
9.49 5.47
LST Threshold
10,178
547
112
37 Exceeds?
No
No
No
No
Source: California Emission Estimator Model, Version 2022.1.1.22 (Appendix A); SCAQMD Final Localized Significant Threshold Methodology, Appendix C (revised July 2008).
The Project site will include residential buildings and complementary amenities. No major stationary polluters such as landfills, chemical plants, oil fields, and refineries will occur onsite, therefore a LST analysis was not required or performed for the Project operation.
Less than significant impacts will occur.
Health Impacts
As shown in Table 3 and Table 4, the Project will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds for criteria pollutants during construction or operation. As such, the Project will not violate the 2022 AQMP, 2003 CVSIP, or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation.
Although the Project will emit below the thresholds for air pollutants, it is not possible to calculate the degree to which exposure to various levels of criteria pollutant emissions will impact an individual's health. There are several variables that make accurate predictions of a Project -specific health impact difficult:
• Not all individuals will be affected equally due to medical history. Some may have medical pre -dispositions, and diet and exercise levels tend to vary across a population; • Due to the dispersing nature of pollutants via wind, it is difficult to locate and identify which group of individuals will be impacted, either directly or indirectly; • There are currently no approved methodologies or studies to base assumptions on, such as baseline health level or emission level -to -health risk ratios.
Due to the resource limitation, the extent to which the Project poses a health risk is uncertain. However, because the Project will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds, it is anticipated that the Project's emissions of criteria pollutants will cause less than significant health impacts.
d) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The occurrence and severity of odor impacts depends on a number of factors including the nature, frequency, and intensity of the source; wind speed and direction; and the sensitivity of the receptors. Although severe odor does not cause physical harm, it can contribute to distress and unpleasantness among the public leading to citizen complaints to local governments and regulatory agencies.
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The Project plans to develop an affordable housing project within a previously undeveloped vacant parcel. Throughout the Project's construction and operation, the development is not expected to generate objectionable odors. Short-term odor associated with paving and construction activities will occur within the site and will disperse below detectable levels, especially given the distance to the closest home. At buildout, residential units will generate typical odors from cooking and other household activities but will not generate objectionable odor. For these reasons, impacts to air quality related to odors are expected to be less than significant.
3.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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4 - Biological Resources
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Would
the project:
Potentially
Significant
Im act
p
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Im act
p
No
Impact
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?
❑
❑
❑
�1
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?
❑
1 1
❑
/1
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as defined
by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
❑
E
❑
Z
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?
❑
I 1
❑
X
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?
❑
1 1
❑
X
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); WSP USA Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., Biological Resource Assessment and Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Report (Appendix B); Coachella Valley Resources Conservation District, Coachella Valley (accessed March 2024); Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (2007).
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4.1 Setting
The Coachella Valley is a southwest -northeast trending valley depression surrounded by steep mountain ranges including the San Jacinto Mountains to the west, Santa Rosa Mountains to the southwest, Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, and San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest. The Valley forms the lower region of the Colorado Desert and is part of the Whitewater watershed that drains into the Salton Sea.
The region is characterized by dry hot summer months, strong winds, and low annual precipitation. These conditions create a unique and fragile desert biome suitable for a diverse subset of wildlife and plant species, of which, 27 are federally and state listed species of concern and include the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, desert pupfish, and the Coachella Valley milkvetch.7
The regulatory framework governing the Project's impacts to the region's biological resources include the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). These policies/program aim to assure all development impacts are avoided or minimized to the greatest extent practical for the protection and conservation of endangered, threatened, and special status species, and sensitive habitats.
The ESA protects species whose population has been on the decline, habitat is being fragmented, or are being impacted by the physical changes brought by climate change. The ESA prohibits the "take" of any endangered or threated species. Similarly, the CESA protects all federally listed species, in addition to candidate species who unless addressed can become an endangered or threatened species in the future. The federal and state Endangered Species Acts impose development restrictions to ensure all listed species are being protected as the built environment grows and encroaches in their habitat.
The CVMSHCP is a joint habitat conservation plan/natural community conservation plan aimed at allowing economic growth to occur while maintaining and enhancing biological diversity. The CVMSHCP governs the Coachella Valley, including all its cities. The conservation plan upholds the ESA and CESA and adds special status species identified by CVMSHCP as species of local concern.
CVMSHCP categorizes Rancho Mirage as Level 2 land meaning the focus of development regulations is to maintain natural value since impact to natural qualities do not occur. The City Rancho Mirage, including the Project site, are not located in a conservation area (Level 1) by the CVMSHCP.8
A site -specific biological assessment was conducted to determine the value of biological resources (soils, vegetation, and topography) that constitutes the onsite habitat, detect the presence of wildlife occurring at the site and neighboring areas, survey the occurrence or potential occurrence of federal, state, and locally listed species, and offer mitigation measures if deemed Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District, "Coachella Valley", https://www.coachellavalleyrcd.org/coachella-valley , accessed March 2024. 8 Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, "Plan Area Profile", accessed March 2024.
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necessary. WSP USA Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. conducted the biological assessment in which a literature review, field assessment, and specific surveys were performed (See Appendix B). The following are the results of the report.
4.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATION: Rancho Mirage forms the central region of the Coachella Valley, and it is characterized by low elevation, mild winters, and extreme aridity. These conditions allow for five distinct habitats to occur within the City: (1) Blowsand Habitats, (2) Alluvial Plains Habitat, (3) Desert Dry Wash Habitat, (4) Desert Fan Palm Oasis Woodland, and (5) Rocky Slopes Habitat. A diverse set of desert vegetation and wildlife species have adapted to these habitats based on conditions including climate, varied terrain, adequate space, a dependable food and water supply, soils for healthy plant growth, and shelter and nesting sites. According to the City 2017 General Plan, these biological resources are found towards the southern end of the City limit and within the San Jacinto Mountains and the San Rosa Mountains Conversation Area.9
The Project proposes the development of 15 two-story residential buildings across a 10± acre parcel.
A field assessment was conducted on February 8th, 2024 by a WSP Senior Wildlife Biologist. General weather and site conditions were clear and warm, temperature ranged from 52 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were calm, with speeds measuring 0 to 2 miles per hour.
From observation, the entire property shows signs of disturbance including tire tracks, dog prints and scat, trash, and human footprints. Although the site is highly disturbed, fourteen plant species and five bird species were observed, and six special status species have a low to very low potential of occurrence.
Vegetation: The field assessment identified scrub including creosote bush, four -wing saltbush, dyebush, and athel. Annual species observed include desert dicoria, Spanish needles, narrow leaved forget me not, fanleaf crinklemat, Sahara mustard, old han schismus, red stemmed filaree, sandpaper plant, desert sand verbena, and browneyes.
Wildlife: The vertebrate wildlife observed were common species to desert scrub and/or developed areas of the Coachella Valley. Wildlife observed onside were five bird species including (1) American crow, (2) House finch, (3) Verdin, (4) Costa's hummingbird, and (5) Say's phoebe. No mammals, reptiles, or rodents were identified during the field assessment. Additionally, no burrowing owls were observed at the time of the assessment and their presence is unlikely to occur due to the site's sandy surface providing an unsuitable burrowing substrate. No active nesting birds were found onsite or within adjacent areas.
9 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Conservation Management Areas", Exhibit 16, 2017.
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Special Status Species: A total of 25 special status species have the potential to occur in the area, with nineteen of these being absent due to lack of habitat or other factors (please see Appendix B). Six out of the nineteen special status species have a low to very low probability of occurrence on the Project site. These include (1) Coachella Valley milkvetch, (2) Coachella giant sand treader cricket, (3) Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, (4) burrowing owl, (5) Palm Springs pocket mouse, and (6) Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) round -tailed ground squirrel. These special status species have a low to very low probability of occurrence. The Coachella Valley milkvetch occurs in aeolian sand habitats such as the Project site; however, due to the parcel's high disturbance and isolation, the probability of the CVMSCHP protected plant species from occurring is low. The Coachella Valley giant sand treader cricket and the Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket have a low probability of occurrence because there is marginal habitat found onsite and the degree of disturbance makes it unlikely for the two invertebrate species listed under the CVMSCHP to occur. The burrowing owl is a federal, state, and CVMCHP protected bird species, with a low probability of occurrence because the Project site is isolated from other open areas and there are high levels of human and dog activity which would discouraging owls. The Palm Springs pocket mouse and the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) round - tailed ground squirrel share a similar habitat which aligns with the desert conditions onsite; however, the two federal, state, and CVMSCHP protected mammal species have a low probability of occurrence due to the parcel's isolation and human and dog disturbance.
The report concluded that no sensitive species (threatened, endangered, candidate, or special status species) were observed within the Project area. And no burrowing owls were actively observed, nor was any sign detected. The Project is therefore not expected to substantially impact any species protected by the ESA, CESA, or CVMSHCP.
Burrowing owls nest and roost underground and are uniquely vulnerable to ground disturbance related to construction activities. Although no suitable burrows or individuals were identified, pre -construction surveys for burrowing owls will be required to ensure impacts to the sensitive species are less than significant. Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1 assures impacts to the burrowing owl remains less than significant.
Overall, the onsite habitat sustains native desert vegetation and wildlife which are not designated as species of federal, state, or regional concern. Special status species have a low to very low potential of occurrence which may be considered negligeable because of the site's existing conditions as a fragmented desert habitat with high levels of disturbance from human activities and surrounding development. Nonetheless, a pre - construction burrowing owl survey must be conducted (BIO-1) to ensure no burrowing owl is located onsite prior to construction activities, including grading and building construction.
With mitigation, the Project is not expected to substantially impact directly or indirectly species protected by the ESA, CESA, or CVMSHCP. Impacts will be less than significant with mitigation.
b -c) NO IMPACT: The Project consists of vacant desert lands sandy, aeolian surface soils.
There are no dry lakes, wetlands, or bodies of water that would constitute waters of the U.S. on the site. The Project will not affect wetlands through direct removal, filling, or hydrological interruption of any wetlands. Additionally, no riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community protected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service occurs onsite. No impact will occur.
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d) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATION: There are no wildlife corridors crossing in proximity to the site. The Project is in a highly developed area and between residential and commercial/retail land uses. The Project is not expected to block or modify the migratory patterns of birds since the site's existing habitat is highly disturbed and a nonideal habitat for nesting. No nests were observed during the field assessment. Nonetheless, migratory birds were observed onsite. For this reason, the site may offer limited nesting sites for birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
Compliance with the MBTA, provided in Mitigation Measure BIO-2, will ensure impacts to sensitive species are reduced to less than significant levels. e -f) NO IMPACT: The Project is governed by the ESA, CESA, CVMSHCP, MBTA, and the Rancho Mirage General Plan and Municipal Codes regarding biological and ecological conservation. These regulatory standards aim at protecting federally, state, or locally listed wildlife or plant species against the physically impacts from development. The City's General Plan outlines objectives and policies/programs to which compliance is required by all new development including the Project.
Goal 3. The protection and preservation of biological resources in Rancho Mirage, especially sensitive and special status wildlife species, and their natural habitats.
3.1D Require new development to prepare wildlife and plant surveys and implement requirement of the CVMSHCP/NCPP.
3.3 Encourage the use of naturally occurring desert plant materials in landscaping for development projects, to the greatest extent possible, and discourage the use of non-native plant materials that are harmful to native plant and animal species.
3.3A Request that developers salvage naturally occurring desert plant materials, to the greatest extent possible, for integration into project landscaping as a wat to provide or enhance wildlife habitat and to extend the local desert environment into the urban design of Rancho Mirage. Incorporation of these indigenous materials shall be integrated into project landscape plans and shall be submitted to the City for approval.
The Project is subject to these local policies, programs, and Ordinances including Section
3.29.147(B) which requires all residential development to pay a development mitigation fee to assist in the financial cost of conserving the lands necessary to implement the CVMSHCP. The Project will pay development mitigation fees and comply with all federal, state, and regional policies, programs, and Municipal Code appropriate to the development. The Project will not violate or conflict with any policies, programs, or codes that protect biological species or any habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. No impacts are anticipated.
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4.3 Mitigation Measures:
BIO-1: Burrowing Owl
To mitigate potential impacts to burrowing owl, two pre -construction surveys must be conducted in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife protocol. The first survey must occur between 14 to 30 days prior to ground disturbance and the second survey must occur within 24 hours of the initiation of ground disturbance activities.
• If no owls are detected during those surveys, ground disturbance may proceed without further consideration of this species.
• If burrowing owls are detected during the survey, avoidance and minimization measures will be required. A Burrowing Owl Relocation and Management Plan will be prepared to establish the standard procedure for how the burrowing owl will be actively or passively relocated per the California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidelines.
BIO-2: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
If ground disturbance or tree or plant removal is proposed between February 1st and August 31st, a qualified biologist must conduct a nesting bird survey within 7 to 10 days of initiation of grading onsite, focusing on MBTA covered species. If active nests are reported, then species -specific measures must be prepared. At a minimum, grading in the vicinity of a nest must be postponed until the young birds have fledged. For construction that occurs between September 1st and January 31st, no pre -removal nesting bird survey is required.
• In the event active songbird nests are found, exclusionary fencing must be placed 200 feet around the nest until such time as nestlings have fledged. Nests of raptors must be provided a 500 -foot buffer.
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5 - Cultural Resources
CULTURAL RESOURCES — Would
the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a
historical resource as defined in
§15064.5?
I 1
1 1
❑
��
b) Cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of an
archaeological resource pursuant to
§15064.5?
❑
❑
❑
��
c) Disturb any human remains,
including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries?
❑
❑
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan Updated Environmental Impact Report (2005); CRM TECH, Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report (Appendix C).
5.1 Setting
Prehistorical Context
Cultural development in the Coachella Valley is estimated to have occurred during the Paleoindian Period (8,000 to 12,000 years ago), the Early to Late Archaic Period (8,000 to 4,000 years ago), and the Late Prehistorical Period (1,500 years ago to Spanish mission).
The Paleoindian period consisted of small mobile bands of hunters and gathers who depended on a variety of small and large game animals in addition to wild plants for subsistence. Artifacts of the period were typically simple stone tools.
The Early Archaic period experienced a decrease in population density. Nonetheless, there were remaining indigenous groups in the area that relied heavily on foraging and hunting. The low population density continued onto the Late Archaic period. Small groups settled near available seasonal food resources and depended on opportunistic hunting of animals. Ground stone artifacts for food processing were prominent during the time.
The Late Prehistoric period saw the continuation of seasonal settlements. These indigenous groups were associated with the Patayan cultural pattern and relied heavily on the availability of seasonal wild plants and animal resources. Ceramics and bow/arrow were introduced to the region at this time.
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Ethnohistoric Context
The Coachella Valley, located in the lower region of the Colorado Desert, served as a historical center for Native American settlement. Many Indian villages occupied by the Cahuilla people occurred during the mid -19th century. The Cahuilla Tribe was geographically divided and classified according to their respective settings: The Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio -Palm Spring area, the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, and the Cahuilla Valley, and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley.
The Cahuilla subsistence consisted of the surrounding landscape and hunting and gathering of wild plants and cultivated food. Due to the arid desert environment and seasonal mobility system, the Cahuilla also relied on the exploitation of natural resources available at a given time. The Cahuilla diet included seeds, roots, wild fruits, and mesquite and screw beans, as well as medicinal plants and common game animals including deer, antelope, big horn sheep, and rabbits. Common tools used included moans and metates, mortars and pestles, hammerstones, fire drills, awls, arrow -straighter, and stone knives and scrapers. These tools were made from locally sourced materials and materials obtained through trade and travel.
Historical Context
From 1823 to 1825, the first noted European explorers traveled through the Coachella Valley in search of a route to Yuma. Non -Indians typically traveled along established routes such as the Bradshaw Trail, which became the main thoroughfare between coastal southern California and the Colorado River.
In the 1870s, non -Indian settlement began with the establishment of railroad stations along the Southern Pacific Railroad which only spread settlement in the 1880s after public lands were claimed under the Homestead Act, the Desert Land Act, and other federal land laws. Farming became the dominant economic activity in the Valley. Later, starting in the 1920s, the development of industries including equestrian camps, resorts, hotels, and country clubs began to appear and increase the Coachella Valley's popularity as a sought-after destination. Rancho Mirage, in particular, experienced rapid growth with the development of the Thunderbird County Club and the Tamarisk Country Club. This trend has largely contributed to Rancho Mirage's reputation as the "country club city".
5.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) NO IMPACT: A Project -specific analysis, including a field survey was conducted by CRM TECH on February 27, 2024 (Appendix C). CRM TECH conducted a field survey on February 27, 2024. During the survey, observations consisted of good to excellent (95 to 100%) ground visibility and sparse vegetation, apart from a portion of the Project's area was obstructed by large creosote bushes. The parcel's ±10 acres were systemically examined for evidence of human activities dating to the prehistoric or historic periods.
Additionally, historical background research was performed including the review of sources from the State of California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), literature of local historical context, historical maps, and aerial/satellite photographs of the Project's vicinity.
Eastern Information Center (EIC) Record Search
EIC records indicate there is 15 cultural resources within a one -mile radius of the Project site. Of these cultural resources, four are prehistoric sites, six are historical -period sites, City of Rancho Mirage 45
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and five are isolates (i.e., localities with less than three artifacts). The nearest historic site is Site 33-017008, located approximately 1,000 feet northwest of the Project vicinity and consisting of remains of a shed of unknown age. The research concludes that none of the 15 sites or isolates require further consideration.
Field Survey Results
The field survey yielded no evidence of historical resources, nor did it demonstrate the potential for significant historical resources to occur onsite as defined by CEQA Section 15054.5(b). No buildings, structures, objects, sites, features, or artifacts of historic origin were identified during the field survey.
Based on the historical background search and the field survey no historical resources are located within or in proximity to the Project site. Therefore, the Project is expected to cause no impacts to historic resources.
b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED: On February 5, 2024, CRM TECH submitted a written request to NAHC for records in the Commission's Scared Lands Files. NAHC is the State of California's trustee agency for the protection of tribal cultural resources as defined by California Public Resources Code Section 21074. NAHC has the responsibility to identify and catalogue properties of Native America cultural value. The Sacred Lands Files did not identify any cultural resources or sites of value in the Project's vicinity. Nonetheless, local Native American groups were consulted for further information. The Cultural Resource Analyst for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) Historical Preservation Office responded by stating that the Project is located within a Traditional Used Area.
All of Rancho Mirage including the Project site is designated a Traditional Use Area by the ACBCI. The Whitewater River had previously been an area where the Tribe would gather to fish and prepare food. Approximately 100 feet wide of either side of the River is considered a sensitive zone for cultural resources where there is a likelihood for cultural resources being uncovered by development.
As described above, the field survey identified no resources on the surface of the site, and the records search found no identified resources on the property.
Based on the findings, the Project cultural resources study concluded that no further cultural resources investigation is required unless the Project's development plans undergo changes as to include areas not covered by this study. Although cultural resources are not expected to be uncovered during the Project's development, the Project is located within a Traditional Use Area of the Cahuilla people. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI), responded to the City's request for consultation under AB 52 (please also see Section 18, Tribal Cultural Resources). The ACBCI requested the presence of archaeological and Tribal monitors to assure that no buried resources are impacted by Project earth moving activities. To ensure any potential impacts are reduced to less than significant levels, the implementation of CUL-1 and CUL-2 is required. These mitigation measures assure that impacts associated with cultural and Tribal cultural resources will be reduced to less than significant levels.
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c) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED: The likelihood of human remains being uncovered during the Project's construction is low to very low because the Project site is not located near a known Native American burial site.
However, in the event of remains being uncovered during construction activities, all construction activities will stop immediately as mandated by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and the CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. A County Coroner will be contacted to examine and determine the significance of the remains. If the remains are believed to be Native American, the Native American Heritage Commission will be contacted and notified of the findings. The ACBCI requested that this requirement of law be made a mitigation measure. CUL-3 is therefore provided below to assure that impacts to buried remains are less than significant.
5.3 Mitigation Measures:
CUL-1:
CUL-2:
CUL-3:
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians must be notified a minimum of 30 days prior to any earth -moving activities including grading, grubbing, trenching, or excavations at the site. All earth -moving activities including grading, grubbing, trenching, or excavations at the site shall be monitored by a qualified archaeologist and/or approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s).
A qualified archaeologist and approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s) shall provide preconstruction training for all earthmoving construction personnel prior to the start of any ground -disturbing activities, regarding how to recognize the types of Tribal Cultural Resources and/or archaeological resources that may be encountered and to instruct personnel about actions to be taken in the event of a discovery. Should cultural materials be discovered, they shall be recorded and evaluated in the field. The monitors shall be prepared to recover artifacts to avoid construction delays but must have the power to temporarily halt or divert construction equipment to allow for controlled archaeological recovery if a substantial cultural deposit is encountered. If artifacts are discovered, these shall be cataloged and analyzed. The archaeologist and monitor shall determine and implement the best course of action for the treatment and disposition of the artifacts. Preservation in place of the cultural resources is the preferred course of action. If deemed necessary by the qualified archaeologist and approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor, the artifacts shall be prepared for permanent curation in a repository with permanent storage. Only non-destructive methods shall be allowed in regards to Tribal Cultural Resources. Archaeological site records shall be prepared to document the cultural remains discovered during monitoring and submitted to the California Historical Resources Information System.
In the unexpected event human remains are uncovered during construction activities, all construction work taking place within the vicinity of the discovered remains must cease and the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the immediate area must be taken. The County Coroner must be notified within 24 hours of the discovery of human remains. If the remains discovered are determined by the Coroner to be of Native American descent, the Coroner shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours. The NAHC would City of Rancho Mirage 47
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in turn contact the Most Likely Descendant (MLD) would determine further action to be taken. The MLD would have 48 hours to access the site and make a recommendation regarding disposition of the remains.
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6 - Energy
ENERGY — Would the project:
Potentially Less
Significant
Impact
Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources,
during project construction or
operation?
[1
❑
❑
��
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or
local plan for renewable energy or
energy efficiency?
❑
l 1
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); League of California Cities, Southern California Edison (accessed April 2024); Southern California Edison, 2022 Power Content Label (accessed April 2024); Imperial Irrigation District, About IID Energy (accessed April 2024); Southern California Gas, Natural Gas Pipeline Map (accessed April 2024); Urban Crossroads, Via Vail Traffic Scoping Letter and VMT Screening Scope (Appendix E).
6.1 Setting
Electricity
A large portion of Rancho Mirage receives electrical power from Southern California Edison (SCE), while a subarea of the City receives electricity from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID).
SCE is one of the largest utility providers in California, serving approximately 15 million people and encompassing a 5,000 square mile area of central, coastal, and southern California.1° As of 2022, SCE's energy sources range between nonrenewables such as fossil fuel (coal and natural gas) and renewable sources including nuclear, hydroelectric, solar and wind.11 In Rancho Mirage, SCE operates an electrical power system consisting of transmission lines and three substation service facilities located at Highway 111 east of Thunderbird Cove, Clancy Lane at Monterey Avenue, and Plumley Road south of 35th Avenue.
IID is a not -for-profit utility district servicing a population of approximately 150,000 people within a 6,471 square mile area encompassing Imperial County and parts of Riverside and San Diego counties. IID exceeds all Renewable Portfolio Standards by relying on renewable sources 10 11
League of California Cities, "Southern California Edison", https://www.calcities.org/partner/edison , accessed April 2024.
Southern California Edison, "2022 Power Content Label", https://www.sce.com/sites/default/files/custom-
files/PDF Files/SCE 2022 Power Content Label B%26W.pdf, accessed April 2024.
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including biomass, biowaste, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar and wind for energy generation.12 In Rancho Mirage, areas in the northeast of the City which includes the Project site are serviced by IID.
Natural Gas
Southern California Gas (SCG) provides natural gas to Rancho Mirage via its regional and local distribution lines. These distribution lines transport natural gas from Texas to the Coachella Valley through three east -west trending transmission lines crossing the Valley near and parallel to Interstate 10 and continuing west to Los Angeles.13 In the City, natural gas is predominantly used by residential, commercial, and industrial land users. The Project will be serviced by SCG for natural gas needs.
6.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -b)
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Project will utilize energy resources during construction and operation activities. Construction related demand comes from the operation of construction equipment and the manufacturing of construction material.
Operation related demand comes from building and site lighting, HVAC system, and use of electricity and natural gas for residential activities.
During construction and operation, the Project will generate fuel consumption including gasoline and diesel. As a result, construction components including equipment, fuel, materials, and management practices would be subject to current SCAQMD rules and regulations to reduce their potential for environmental impact. The Project will also be required to comply with the state Low Carbon Fuel Standard for construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicle efficiency standards. These standards are implemented to increase fuel efficiency and, in return, reduce wasteful fuel consumption and construction related pollutant emissions. Therefore, the Project's use of fuel is not anticipated to interfere with fuel efficiency standards either directly or indirectly, or result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy sources during construction.
At buildout, the Project would have been constructed in accordance with the most current Building Code, California Green Building Code, and Energy Code which by design will implement the most efficient construction/building technologies to benefit the buildings' operation, ensure energy efficiency, and reduce wasteful and unnecessary consumption of energy resources. The Project is required to comply with these codes which ensures the no energy overconsumption or waste occurs during the Project's long-term operation.
A site -specific CalEEMod was performed (See Appendix A) in which results determined that the proposed residential project would consume 1,615,843 kWh per year of electricity, and 4,004,973 kBTU per year in natural gas. Actual consumption of energy is expected to be reduced with the use of energy efficient appliances. The Project will comply with all 12 Imperial Irrigation District, About !ID Energy, https://www.iid.com/energy/about-iid- energy#:--:text=Located%20in%20a%20region%20with,%2C%20hydroelectric%2C%20solar%20and %20wind, accessed April 2024.
13 Southern California Gas, Gas Transmission Pipeline Interactive Map, Riverside, https://socalgas . maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=aaebac8286ea4e4b8e425e477 71b8138, accessed April 2024.
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state Building Codes and Green Building Codes regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency as required by law, including the installation of solar panels within the Project.
Additionally, SCG and IID as utility provides are responsible to apply all laws and standards to ensure developments are consistent with State and regional energy efficiency goals and policies. Therefore, the Project is expected to be consistent with any state and regional energy standard and plan and thus ensure energy efficiency is applied at all stages of the development. Less than significant impacts will occur.
6.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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7 - Geology and Soils
GEOLOGY AND SOILS — Would the
project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a known
fault? Refer to Division of Mines and
Geology Special Publication 42.
—
❑
❑
��
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
❑
❑
-1
❑
iii) Seismic -related ground failure,
including liquefaction?
❑
❑
❑
-1
iv) Landslides?
❑
❑
-1
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or
the loss of topsoil?
❑
1I
❑
'1
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?
❑
n
❑
-1
d) Be located on expansive soil, as
defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
I I
❑
❑
'1
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?
❑
❑
�1
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a
unique paleontological resource or
site or unique geologic feature?
❑
❑
❑
-1
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); City of Rancho M rage General Plan Updated Environmental Impact Report (2005); U.S. Geological Survey (accessed April 2024); Petra Geoscience, Design Phase Geotechnical Investigation Report (Appendix D); Google Earth Pro.
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7.1 Setting
The Coachella Valley, part of the western end of the Colorado Desert Province, is a northwest - southeast trending valley depression, consisting of a climate and environment typical for southern California desert country. The Valley is surrounded by steep mountains including the San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Mountains to the west; the San Bernardino and the Little San Bernardino Mountains on the north; the Cottonwood Mountains and the Mecca Hills on the east; and the Salton Sea to the south. The elevation on the Valley floor ranges from 1,600 feet above sea level at the western end, near the City of Palm Springs, to 250 feet below sea level at the Salton Sea.14 According to the Rancho Mirage General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the City is vulnerable to multiple geological hazards including strong ground shaking, seismic induced settlement, seismic induced landslides, collapsible and expansive soil, ground subsidence, and windblown sand hazards.
Strong Ground Shaking
The Coachella Valley is a seismically active area with numerous active faults. The San Andres fault zone is the most prominent fault within the Coachella Valley and is considered "active" for showing geological evidence of surface displacement within the past 11,000 years (Holocene epoch). The San Andreas fault is a strike -slip fault where the Northern American and Northern Pacific tectonic plates meet and create a fault boundary running for more than 800 miles, starting at the Gulf of California and continuing northwest through the Coachella Valley and north. In the worst -case -scenario, the San Andreas fault has the potential to generate an 8.0 magnitude earthquake which could damage underground infrastructure, cause buildings to collapse, and trigger catastrophic geographical hazards throughout the City of Rancho Mirage.
Due to the City's proximity to the Banning fault and the Garnet Hill fault, the City is susceptible to strong ground shaking from either fault. The Banning fault is an active right -lateral strike slip -thrust fault part of the northern segment of the San Andres fault zone.15 The Garnet Hill, part of the southern strand of the San Andreas fault, is a right lateral strike fault.16 These faults are located north of Interstate -10 and south of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, outside Rancho Mirage's Sphere of Influence (SOI). In the event of surface displacement, both faults have the capacity to generate a https://www.coachellavalleyrcd.org/coachella-valley , accessed April 2024. 15 Southern California Earthquake Data Center, "Banning Fault Zone", https://scedc.caltech.edu/earthquake/banning.html , accessed April 2024. 16 Southern California Earthquake Data Center, "Garnet Hill Fault", https://scedc.caltech.edu/earthquake/garnethill.html , accessed April 2024.
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Seismically Induced Liquefaction
Areas where groundwater is within 50 feet of the surface and seismic events generating a Modified Mercalli Intensity value of seven or greater can occur are highly susceptible to seismic induced liquefaction.
Most of Rancho Mirage's developed area is classified as "moderately" susceptible to liquefaction" because the City's surface consists of fine-grained sediment. However, the probability of liquefaction to occur in the City is low because groundwater depth exceeds 50 feet. Nonetheless, seismically induce liquefaction has a potential to occur in or adjacent to the Whitewater River if the surface sediment becomes saturated at the time of an earthquake.18 The Project site is located approximately 4 miles north of the Whitewater River.
Seismically Induced Settlement
Recently deposited sediments by wind or water are typically loose. In the event of seismic shaking, the loose soil becomes compacted resulting in local or regional settlement of the ground surface. According to the Rancho Mirage 2017 General Plan, most of the City's developed area is highly susceptible to seismically induced settlement. The Project site is located within a highly susceptible area for seismically induced settlement as depicted in the City General Plan.19 Seismically Induced Landslides
With several faults occurring to the north and south of the City limit, there is a high potential for seismically induced rock falls and landslides. Seismically induced landslides are likely to occur at the southern portion of the City, along the Santa Rosa Mountains and neighboring canyons. Most of the developed area in Rancho Mirage, including the Project, is in a low -risk zone for rock falls and landslides because of distance from mountain slopes.
Collapsible and Expansive Soil
The potential for collapsible and expansive soil is moderate to high for recently deposited sediments (Holocene aged) laid by wind or water. When saturated, collapsible soils become rearranged and lose cementation, resulting in a substantial and rapid settlement. Rancho Mirage's surface soils consist predominantly of younger alluvial sediment causing the City's developed area to be prone to collapse.
Wind Erosion
Most of Rancho Mirage is highly susceptible to wind erosion because of the Coachella Valley's extreme aridity and the San Gorgonio Pass creating strong and persistent winds in the Valley. A large portion of the City's developed area, encompassing the Project site, is identified as a "Very Severe" wind erosion hazard zone.20 The remaining developed area is classified as a "Severe" or "Moderate" for wind erosion.
17 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Areas Susceptible to Liquefaction", Exhibit 22, 2017. 18 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan Environmental Impact Report, "Geology and Soils", Oct. 2005. 19 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Seismically Induced Settlement Susceptibility", Exhibit 23, 2017. 20 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Wind Erosion Hazard", Exhibit 25, 2017.
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Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources are fossil remains of past life that once occupied the region. These resources are often discovered under older alluvial sediment. According to the City's 2005 General Plan EIR, the majority of Rancho Mirage is in an area with low sensitivity for paleontological resources.
A site -specific geotechnical report was performed by Petra Geoscience to determine the Project's susceptibility to local geological hazards (Appendix D). The report includes the findings from a field survey conducted on February 16, 2024, and testing regarding the engineering properties of onsite soil and percolation. The following discussion is based on the findings of Petra Geoscience report.
7.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a.i)
NO IMPACT: The site is not located on or near a Fault Hazard Zone as defined by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act. According to the Project geotechnical report, no evidence for faulting was observed within the site during the field survey. The nearest fault to the Project is Garnet Hill fault, part of the southern strand of the San Andreas fault system, located approximately 3.30 miles northwest of the site. No fault related surface ruptures are expected to occur on the Project site.
a.ii) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Project site is in a region with numerous active earthquake faults. The San Andres fault zone is the most prominent fault in the Coachella Valley and has a probable magnitude range of 6.6-8.0 on the Richter scale. The Project would be exposed to strong ground shaking in the event of an earthquake on a nearby fault, thus exposing occupants and structures to related risks. However, the Project will be required to comply with state and local seismic building codes to avoid or reduce the potential risk of strong ground shaking and ensure the safety of occupants onsite. The design and construction of the Project under the most recent building codes are expected to reduce impacts related to strong ground shaking to less than significant levels. a.iii) NO IMPACT: As described above, the majority of Rancho Mirage's developed area is not susceptible to liquefaction unless adjacent to the Whitewater River. The Project is not adjacent to the Whitewater River; therefore, the Project's soil will not be susceptible to liquefaction in the event of saturation. Furthermore, the Project geotechnical report concluded that the site's groundwater is located approximately 160 feet below the ground surface. Due to the site's very deep ground water table the potential for liquefaction at the site is negligible.
Seismically induced hazards include dry sand settlement. Petra Geoscience performed a Project -specific settlement analysis where loose and medium dense poorly graded dune sand was encountered below the ground surface to the depth of ±10 feet which appears to be prone to dry sand settlement during seismic shaking. The Project will be required to prepare final, project -specific geotechnical analyses in conjunction with building permits which would include recommendations for over -excavation to remove unstable surface soils, and compaction of clean fill, which will eliminate the potential for settlement.
Therefore, the Project will not adversely affect the geological stability of site or neighboring properties. No impacts are expected.
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a.iiiv) NO IMPACT: Based on observations during the field survey and the Project's distance from mountain slopes, the potential for landslide at the site is considered negligible. No impacts are anticipated.
b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: According to the City General Plan Wind Erosion Hazard map (Exhibit 25), the subject property is in a "Very Severe" wind erosion hazard area. The proposed development of residential apartment buildings and improvement of Via Vail will result in ground disturbance from preparation and grading, which has the potential to increase the risk of wind induced soil erosion. At buildout, the Project will include new structures, paved surfaces, and landscaping that will stabilize the soil onsite and resist erosion. To ensure erosion is reduced to the greatest extent possible, the Project will be required to develop and implement a site -specific dust control mitigation plan as part of the grading permit to minimize impacts caused by blowing dust and sand during construction (also see Air Quality above). Adherence to these standards will assure that the Project does not increase the risk of soil erosion in the region.
The Project will install onsite drainage retention facilities to retain groundwater onsite and have the capacity to accommodate a 100 -year storm event as required. Furthermore, the Project will be required to implement best management practices as identified by the Project's hydrology report and water quality management plan. These Project site designs and actions will ensure no erosion or siltation due to storm water on or off site will occur as a result of the development. Less than significant impact will occur. c) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT:
Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface. Regional subsidence is caused by the decline of groundwater levels. No documented subsidence has occurred in the vicinity of the Project site. The Coachella Valley Water District, in partnership with the Desert Water Agency, works on recharging the Whitewater River Subbasin as well as reducing groundwater demand by providing recycled water for irrigation needs as stated in the Coachella Valley Water District 2020 Regional Urban Water Management Plan. The Project will no conflict with existing plans focused on reducing the risk of subsidence in the region. As a result, the Project's susceptibility to subsidence is less than significant.
Landslide and Rockfall
See Response VII.a.iv, above.
Liquefaction and Dry Sand Settlement
See Response VII.a.iii, above.
Hydrocollapsible Soils
Hydrocollapsible soils are subject to collapse when exposed to water. The Project's surface consists of native soil in which the upper 3 to 4 feet was found to be dry and very loose to loose. No trace of collapsible soil was identified onsite. The Project's risk to hazards regarding collapsible soil is negligible. Less than significant impacts will occur.
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d) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: According to the City's 2017 General Plan EIR, there appears to be no expansive soil within the City limits. Nonetheless, the geotechnical report includes minimum requirements for design and construction of footings and slabs on -grade, which will be incorporated into Project construction plans. Compliance with these recommendations will ensure the impacts are less than significant regarding expansive soil.
e) NO IMPACT: The development of permanent residential apartment buildings will include the connection to existing sewer system in proximity to the site. The Project has not proposed the use of septic tanks. The Project will not result in the use in new septic tank or alternative wastewater disposal system. No impact will occur. f) NO IMPACT: As mentioned above, Rancho Mirage has a low paleontological sensitivity.
The Project site occurs in an area of young windblown soils, and is not known to have unique paleontological or geologic features. No impact will occur.
7.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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8 — Greenhouse Gas Emissions
GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS —
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Generate greenhouse gas
emissions, either directly or indirectly,
that may have a significant impact on
the environment?
n
1 1
❑
��
b) Conflict with an applicable plan,
policy or regulation adopted for the
purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
I 1
1 1
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); CaIEEMod Version 2022.1.1.22 (Appendix A); Project materials.
8.1 Setting
Greenhous gases (GHG) occur naturally in the atmosphere to preserve energy from sunlight.
These naturally occurring GHG, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide (002), methane (CH4), and ozone absorb and re -radiate energy to warm the planet, thus making Earth habitable. However, with the introduction of human activities, the concentration of greenhouse gases has sharply increased to the extent of altering Earth's climate and weather patterns, known as global climate change or global warming. Cardon dioxide (002), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4), along with synthetic fluorinated compounds are largely contributing to the greenhouse effect and Earth's imbalance. Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas as it accounts for 80% of global human -caused emissions and has the longest global atmospheric lifetime of any GHG, ranging from 300 to 1,000 years.
State laws, such as Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) and Senate Bill 32 (SB 32), require all cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. SB 32 is the extension of AB 32 which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
Rancho Mirage's 2013 Sustainability Plan (RMSP) is a comprehensive plan to reduce GHG emissions at a local scale. The 2013 Sustainability Plan considers the City's projected population growth and future developments as a measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below the City's 2010 GHG Inventory baseline of "business as usual". The RMSP aims to be consistent with the goals of AB 32 by reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels.
Additionally, Rancho Mirage's 2013 Energy Action Plan (RMEAP) is a strategic plan to reduce energy consumption, operation costs, and increase energy awareness. The plan focuses on enhancing energy efficiency which assists the City in moving towards its 10% energy reduction target by 2015.
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GHG Thresholds
In December of 2008, the SCAQMD Governing Board adopted a GHG emission threshold of 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) per year which only applies to stationary industrial facilities where SCAQMD is the lead agency. This threshold was adopted based on previous threshold recommendations for all projects using a tiered approach.
All projects within SCAQMD jurisdiction must be considered significant if they could not comply with at least one of the following "tiered" tests:
• Tier 1: Is there an applicable exemption?
• Tier 2: Is the project compliant with a greenhouse gas reduction plan that is, at a minimum, consistent with the goals of AB 32?
• Tier 3: Is the project below an absolute threshold (10,000 MTCO2e/year for industrial projects; 3,000 MTCO2e/year for residential and commercial projects)? • Tier 4: Is the project below a (yet to be set) performance threshold? • Tier 5: Would the project achieve a screening level with offsite mitigation? The following analysis is based on the tier system approach.
8.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The proposed development is anticipated to generate GHG emissions during construction and operation. A Project -specific CaIEEMod model was performed to calculate the GHG emissions from the proposed development (Appendix A). Construction GHG emissions include the use of construction equipment and transportation of construction materials and personnel. Operational GHG emissions consist of a variety of sources including area sources, energy usage, mobile sources, waste, and water.
Applicable standard requirements and best management practices were included in the model, such as the preparation of a fugitive dust control and management plan in conformance with SCAQMD Rule 403 and low -polluting architectural paint and coating per SCAQMD Rule 1113.
Construction
For purposes of analysis, a two-year period starting from mid -2024 to full buildout by 2026 is assumed. During this time, construction activities will result in short term GHG emissions associated with the operation of construction equipment, employee commutes, material hauling, and other ground disturbances. Construction emissions are projected as follows:
404 MTCO2e/year for 2024, 699 MTCO2e/year for 2025, and 407 MTCO2e/year for 2026.
The Project's construction will emit a total of 1,510 MTCO2e/year over a 24 -month construction period. To determine if construction -related GHG emissions will result in cumulative impact, buildout GHG emissions were amortized over a 30 -year period and added to annual operational emissions to be compared to applicable GHG threshold (See Table 7).
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Operation
At buildout, the Project will consist of 15 permanent multifamily apartment buildings and a Club House with recreational space. There will be six GHG emitting sources during the Project's long-term operation. These sources include mobile source, area source, energy usage, water, waste, and refrigeration. During operation, the Projected is estimated to generate 2,714.82 MTCO2e/year. Table 6 showcase each emission source in relation to its projected annual GHG emissions.
Table 6
Total Operation Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Emission Source
CO2e Emissions
(metric tons per year)
Mobile
2,186
Area
2.93 Energy
442
Water
20 Waste
63.70 Refrigerator
0.19 TOTAL
2,714.82
Source: California Emission Estimator Model, Version
2022.1.1.22 (Appendix A).
Table 7
Projected Greenhouse Gas Emission Summary
Phase
CO2e Emissions
(metric tons per year)
Construction (2024-2026)
Construction Total
1,510
Operation
Construction: 30 -year amortized'
50.33 Annual Operation
2,714.82
Total Operation
2,765.15
SCAQMD Threshold (Mixed Use)
3,000
Exceeds?
No
1Buildout construction GHG emissions were amortized over 30 years then added to buildout GHG emissions. 1,510/30= 50.33
Source: California Emission Estimator Model, Version 2022.1.1.22 (Appendix A); SCAQMD Interim CEAQ GHG Significant Threshold for Stationary Sources, Rules, and Plans (December 2008).
Table 7 displays the total of (amortized) construction and operational emissions for the Project. Annual GHG emissions are estimated to be 2,765.15 MTCO2e/year. Under SCAQMD's Tier 3, residential development has a GHG thresholds of 3,000 MTCO2e/year which the Project GHG emissions fall below. As mentioned above, the Project will be subject to the Rancho Mirage 2013 Sustainability Plan and the City's 2013 Energy Action Plan. As per the 2013 Sustainability Plan, the Project will be required to conform according to the AB 32 goal of reducing GHG emissions below 1990 levels and thus satisfying Tier City of Rancho Mirage 60
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2. All Project components, including equipment, fuels, materials, and best managements practices would be subject to current and future City and SCAQMD rules and regulations related to GHGs. These standards ensure that the Project's GHG emissions do not substantially impact the environment. Therefore, less than significant impact will occur as a result of the Project's construction and operation.
8.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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9 - Hazards and Hazardous Materials
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS — Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Im act
p
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Im act
p
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through the
routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? —
I I
❑
-1
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?
❑
-1
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within
one -quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
❑
_
❑
�1
d) Be located on a site which is included
on a list of hazardous materials 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?
—
—
—
�1
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,
would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in
the project area?
(1
-
_ pQ
f) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
❑
1 I
M
g) Expose people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving wildland fires, including where
wildlands are adjacent to urbanized
areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
—
I I
—
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); California Department of Toxic Substance Control, Cortese List (accessed April 2024); State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker (accessed April 2024); Google Earth Pro.
City of Rancho Mirage
62 12-68
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
9.1 Setting
Rancho Mirage has identified hazardous/toxic material generators within the city limit including commercial, quasi -industrial, and medical operations. All of these potentially hazardous sites are considered "small quantity generators" by the City General Plan. Rancho Mirage is not included in the Cortese List. And no active clean-up sites are found in the City.
The Project site is surrounded by vacant, undeveloped land to the south, east and west; residential properties to the south and east; and a commercial/retail plaza to the north.
Additionally, the site is bound by Key Largo Avenue to the west, Monterey Avenue to the east, and the proposed extension of Via Vail to the north and east. The site is a vacant, undeveloped parcel with evidence of prior disturbance from surrounding development and off -road vehicle use.
No chemical or hazardous waste disposal has been documented onsite. There are no known underground tanks or buried materials on the Project site.
9.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -b)
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The development of the Project is not expected to transport, use, store, or dispose of hazardous material in a significant quantity.
Hazardous materials found onsite are likely to consist to household products such as cleaning material. None of these chemicals will be used in a sufficient quality to pose a threat to humans or cause a foreseeable chemical release into the environment.
During construction, the Project will require the use of heavy construction equipment which uses small amounts of oil and fuel and other potential flammable substances. Refueling and minor maintenance onsite could result in fuel and oil spills. The contractor will be required to identify a staging area for storing materials and will be subject to State law regarding the handling, storage, and use of hazardous material during construction.
There are no identified hazardous sites within the Project's area. The Project will not contain hazardous material or substances in large quantity to pose a risk of explosion or accidental release of hazardous substances. The use and handling of construction related hazardous material will occur in accordance with federal, state, and local laws that ensure the proper transportation, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous material to safeguard the public and the environment. Additionally, the City offers local facilities to properly dispose of household hazardous waste and reduce potential impacts. The Project is expected to generate less than significant impacts.
c) NO IMPACT: There are no schools within the Project's vicinity. The nearest is Rancho Mirage High School, located at 31001 Rattler Road, approximately 2.70 miles northwest of the Project site. As discussed above, impacts associated with hazardous materials onsite are expected to be less than significant. Given the distance of the Project to Rancho Mirage High School, potential impacts are considered negligible. No impact will occur. d) NO IMPACT: The Project site is not located on or adjacent to a listed hazardous material site according to the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (Cortese List) and State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker database. The Project is not expected to create a significant hazard to the public or environment. No impact will occur.
City of Rancho Mirage 63
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Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
e) NO IMPACT: The proposed Project is not located in an airport land use plan or within 2 miles of a public or private airstrip. The site is approximately 6 miles west of the Palm Springs International Airport. Therefore, the Project will not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for occupants onsite. No impact is anticipated. f) NO IMPACT: In the event of an emergency evacuation, designated evacuation routes in Rancho Mirage include Interstate -10 and Highway -111. Major and minor arterial roadways such as Monterey Avenue, Dinah Shore Drive, Bob Hope Drive, and General Ford Drive are secondary evacuation routes. The Project site is located within less than a mile distance of secondary evacuation routes and ± 0.70 miles north of Interstate -10. g)
In addition to the Project's development, the improvement and extension of Via Vial is proposed to provide access to the site and serve as a direct emergency route. The design and construction of Via Vail will be in accordance with the City's Circulation Plan and Municipal Code. The Project will be required to comply with police and fire department regulations to assure adequate emergency access and vehicle turn -around space. For these reasons, the Project is not expected to cause a physical interference with the local emergency response or evacuation plan. No impact will occur.
NO IMPACT: According to the local Fire Hazard Severity Map, the Project site is not located within or in proximity to a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). 21 The Project is not located on or adjacent to a wildfire hazard zone. The site's surrounding area is vacant and undeveloped desert land that does not constitute a fire fuel source. The development will not expose people or structures to a significant risk related to wildfire hazards. No impact is expected.
9.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
21 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map", Exhibit 27, 2022.
City of Rancho Mirage 64
12-70
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
10 - Hydrology and Water Quality
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
— Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Im act
p
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Im act
p
No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards
or waste discharge requirements?
❑
❑
❑
��
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 substantial erosion or
siltation on- or off -site?
I 1
I I
❑
��
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?
❑
❑
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan (2020); Atlas Civil Design, Preliminary Drainage Study (April 2024); Pacific Companies, Water Quality Management Plan (April 2024).
City of Rancho Mirage
12-71
65 10.1 Setting
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Groundwater is the primary source of domestic water supply in the Coachella Valley and accessed from the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin which consists of 4 subbasins including the Indio/ Whitewater River, Mission Creek, Desert Hot Springs, and the San Gorgonio Pass Subbasin. The Indio/Whitewater River Subbasin, which has a storage capacity of ±10 million -acre feet (af) in the first 700 feet of saturated deposits22, underlies the City of Rancho Mirage.
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is a major water utility provider in the Valley. CVWD provides domestic water to cities including Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Indian Wells, and La Quinta, encompassing a population size of approximately 290,000 people.
Currently, CVWD services Rancho Mirage water demands related to residential, commercial, and industrial land uses.
Domestic Water
The Project site is located within the CVWD service area for domestic water. CVWD operates and manages an underground water system in Rancho Mirage consisting of 57 wells, 9 aboveground storage reservoirs (water tanks) and an extensive system of distribution lines. CVWD's system of wells accesses the Indio/Whitewater River Subbasin. In addition to groundwater, CVDW imports water brought to the region by regional canals which recharges the aquifer at basins in the west of the Valley (Whitewater, northwest of Palm Springs) and East Valley (Dike No. 4 and Martinez Canyon). In general, CVWD has a total daily water demand capacity of 244 million gallons and an average storage capacity of 153.2 million gallons.
Most recently, CVWD adopted the 2020 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). The UWMP is a region -specific plan analyzing current water supply and estimates water supply based on variables including population growth and city buildout. CVWD is required to periodically update the Plan.
The Project site is currently undeveloped, vacant desert land. Residential and commercial/retail development occur around the site to the north, south, and west. Existing infrastructure including a CVWD water pipeline is located underneath Key Largo Avenue to the north23, less than a mile from the Project. Prior to operation, the Project will be connected to the existing water service system to adequately provide domestic water onsite for residential, landscape, and recreational (pool) use.
Wastewater Treatment Provider and Sewer System
The CVWD also provides wastewater treatment services to Rancho Mirage, including the Project site. The subject property is located in the northeastern region of Rancho Mirage where there is a mix of sewer system and septic tanks. The Project will be connected to the existing sewer system servicing the residential properties in vicinity to the site. CVWD's wastewater treatment system consists of 6 water reclamation plants, more than 1,000 miles of sewer pipelines, and more than 30 lift stations that collect and transport wastewater to the nearest water reclamation 22 California Department of Water Resources, Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin, Indio Subbasin, updated February 2004.
23 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, Public Service and Facilities Element, Water Lines (Exhibit 29), 2017.
City of Rancho Mirage 66
12-72
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
facility. For Rancho Mirage, all wastewater is collected and routed to CVWD's Cook Street treatment plant in Palm Desert, which has a total daily capacity of 18 million gallons per day (mgd) including 15 mgd tertiary treatment capacity as of 2019.
The Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRBRWQB) regulates wastewater treatment requirements for the City. CVWD adheres to all federal, state, and agency standards for recycled water and provides nonportable water to golf, farm, and large landscape areas for irrigation purposes.
Flood Control
Rancho Mirage's annual rainfall is very low, ranging from 4 to 6 inches per year. Nevertheless, the region is subject to unpredictable seasonal rainfall creating flood hazards. Areas of potential flooding are within distance from the Whitewater River and its tributaries, mountain canyons, and alluvial fans, as well as runoff associated with the Indio Hills drainage. According to the City General Plan Flood Map, the 100 -year flood zone is generally confined to the Whitewater River channel crossing the southern region of the City. The 500 -year flood zone overlaps the Whitewater River channel to include areas south and north of the 100 -year flood zone. The Project site is located approximately 2 miles northeast of the nearest flood hazard zone. Additionally, the site is within FEMA Zone X, designated as an area for minimal flood hazard.
In response to the risk of flood hazards, the City has implemented flood hazard reduction measures by adopting local floodplain management ordinance and the 2014 Whitewater River Region Stormwater Management Plan (SMP). The 2014 SMP is a comprehensive plan designed to manage and control stormwater runoff to the maximum extent practical.
10.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: At buildout, the Project site will consist of high density multifamily residential apartment buildings, a Club House, outdoor recreational spaces, and open parking spaces. In terms of infrastructure, the Project will result in the construction of onsite drainage system including curbs, gutters, pipes and retention basins, and underground stormwater storage system.
According to the site -specific preliminary drainage study, the Project's stormwater system will be adequately designed to meet Rancho Mirage retention requirements of a 100 -year storm duration between 1, 3, 6, and 24 -hours. Additionally, the Project will be required to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) standards to protect against runoff pollution during construction and operation. A best management practice (BMP) maintenance program will be established to assure ongoing implementation. Impacts associated with water quality are expected to be less than significant.
b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: As mentioned above, the Coachella Valley Water District will provide domestic water and wastewater treatment services to the Project site. Construction -related water demand is expected to be temporary and limited to spraying on the ground surface or construction equipment for dust control purposes.
During operation, water demand will come from apartment units, drought -tolerate landscaping, and public spaces and facilities including the swimming pool.
City of Rancho Mirage 67
12-73
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
The CVWD's 2020 UWMP is a water management plan that along with analyzing current water supplies, also calculates future water production and supply by accounting for population growth and city buildout. According to the Plan, CVWD's 2045 retail water demand is 164,966 AFY.24 CVWD's supply of domestic water is anticipated to fulfill the demand requirement for the year 2045 and ensures full reliability of water supplies during normal conditions.
Once operational, the Project is expected to increase the regional water demand by 64.98 AFY, which is less than once percent (0.039%) of the 2045 projected water demand (See Table 8). Estimated water demand may be subject to change as the Project plans to include drought -tolerate landscaping and will be required to include water efficient fixtures and equipment which will further reduce the Project's water demand. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to become a source of groundwater depletion to the extent of conflicting with sustainable urban water management. Less than significant impacts will occur.
Table 8
Estimated Water Demand at Project Buildout
Land Use
Indoor/Outdoor
Area
Daily Water
Demand
(gallons/day)
Annual Water
Demand
(acre foot/year)
Residential
236 units
49,060*
54.95 Native desert
landscaping
163,273 SF
9,542.45
10 Community
pool
226
32.29 0.04
TOTAL
58,634.74
64.98 *Per CVWD factors, 55 gpd per occupant, assumed at 892 residents, based on max. allowable residents per unit by number of bedrooms.
c.i-iii) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The subject property is vacant undeveloped desert land covered by sparse desert vegetation, at an elevation that falls from the southwest to the northeast at an average grade of 3%. No rivers or streams are located on or adjacent to the Project site. Currently, the site receives significant runoff from surrounding vacant lands including land to the west and south of the site that drain through the property towards the north. Onsite improvements will include landscape, pedestrian hardscape, and vehicular hardscape areas which are impermeable surfaces. As a result, the proposed Project is anticipated to increase surface runoff.
The Project's Preliminary Drainage Study divided the site into ten tributary areas. Five of these areas will drain to regional retention basins and the other areas will consist of swales or a drainage pipeline system. The site will be graded to direct drainage as surface flow toward the retention basins and the underground pipe system. Four retention basins, three located offsite to the south and west, and the other located onsite to the northeast along Via Vail will provide drainage to the Project.
24 Coachella Valley Water District, "Regional Urban Water Management Plan", Table 4-25, 2020.
City of Rancho Mirage 68
12-74
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
According to the Preliminary Drainage Study, the design of the retention basins adequately meets the City's requirement for retention of flows for a 100 -year storm. The Project's design complies with City requirements and conditions of CVWD approval for discharge and relevant standard requirements, which assures impacts associated with storm water retention remain less than significant.
To reduce the discharge of pollutants into stormwater runoff from the site, the Project must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) included in the Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). The implementation of BMPs address pollutants of concern by reducing the amount of pollutants entering retention basins, as well as reducing short - and long-term water quality impacts caused by the construction and operation of the proposed Project.
The Project's pollutant of concern include, but are not limited to, bacteria, viruses, trash and debris, toxic organic compounds, and oil and grease. The onsite retention/infiltration basin are designed to exceed the BMP volume and will be highly effective at addressing pollutants of concern; therefore, the Project will not contribute to water impairment. The implementation of BMPs and approval of the WQMP will reduce impacts to surface water by reducing siltation and eliminating pollutants in storm water; therefore, impacts associated with surface water pollution are anticipated to be less than significant. c.iv) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The Project site is located in a FEMA Zone X, designated as an area with minimal flood hazard. Additionally, the City General Plan flood hazard map indicates that the Project area is not within a local 100 -year or 500 -year flood hazard zone.25 The nearest flood zone is approximately 2 miles northeast of the site. The implementation of the proposed onsite drainage retention facilities will further ensure that the Project will have less than significant impact on impeding or redirecting flood flows. d) NO IMPACT: The Project site is in the desert region of southern California where large bodies of water are not within proximity. The nearest is the Pacific Ocean, located ±98 miles to the west of the proposed site. Given the Project's distance to the Pacific Ocean, impacts related to tsunami and seiche are considered negligible. No impacts will occur. e) NO IMPACT: As previously discussed, the Project will be required to comply with all applicable water quality standards and design and implement a water quality management plan approved by the City and the Regional Water Quality Control Board for construction and long-term operation. Adherence to the City's standard requirements related to water quality ensure no impact to a water quality control plan will occur.
10.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
25 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Flood Map", Exhibit 26, 2017.
City of Rancho Mirage 69
12-75
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
11 - Land Use and Planning
LAND USE AND URBAN
PLANNING — Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Physically divide an established
community?
❑
❑
❑
��
b) Cause a significant
environmental impact due to a
conflict with any land use plan,
policy, or regulation adopted for
the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental
effect?
❑
❑
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); Project materials Google Earth Pro.
11.1 Setting
The Project is in an urbanized/developed portion of Rancho Mirage. The surrounding area consists of undeveloped, vacant desert land to the south, east, and west. The Monterey Marketplace Shopping Center is located to the north, and the Rancho Mirage Dog Park is located to the northwest, along with residential properties beyond Key Largo Avenue. The Project site is currently undeveloped, unoccupied desert land, zoned for Residential High -Density (R -H) with an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The neighboring area is zoned for Open Space/Public Park, Residential High Density, Residential Very Low Density, and Community Commercial.
The Project proposes a multi -family residential development on ±10 acres where all (100%) 236 dwelling units will be reserved for affordable housing. The R -H land use allows for high density single- and multi -family residential dwelling units and are best suited for affordable housing and senior living, where high density is appropriate and necessary. In addition, an AHO allows for the creative and efficient development of affordable residential properties as identified in the most current City General Plan Housing Element. The Project is consistent and compliant with all R- H/AHO permitted land uses and development standards included in the City's General Plan and Municipal Code.
11.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) NO IMPACT: The subject property is in a residential and commercial/retail area of Rancho Mirage. Currently the site is vacant, undeveloped land. There is no established community occurring within the boundaries of the Project. No physical division to an existing residential community will occur because of the Project's development. b) NO IMPACT: The Project is located within an urbanized area of the City's northeastern region. Under the City's General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Ordinance, the Project site is designated R-H/AHO due to its proximity to commercial facilities and major roadways. The Project will comply with all relevant development standards and regulations City of Rancho Mirage 70
12-76
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
under the City's General Plan and zoning ordinance to ensure development impacts are avoided or minimized to the greatest extent. The Project will implement the City's Housing Element, and contribute to the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The Project is consistent with the City's land use/zoning designation and compatible with the surrounding area. The Project will not conflict with planning regulations or development standards or cause significant environmental impacts associated with such violations. No impacts are anticipated.
11.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
City of Rancho Mirage 71
12-77
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
12 - Mineral Resources
MINERAL RESOURCES — Would the
project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) 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?
1 J
E
❑
-1
b) 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?
❑
n
❑
-'
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); Project materials.
12.1 Setting
Rancho Mirage consists of limited mineral resources generally including sand and gravel. These sediments are collectively known as aggregate and are important components to construction materials including asphalt, concrete, road base, stucco, and plaster. Currently no mines or extraction sites are located within the City of Rancho Mirage.
12.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -b)
NO IMPACT: The Project site consists predominantly of sandy soil. There are no permitted mining operations in the vicinity of the Project site or within the City of Rancho Mirage.
The surrounding urban development is planned for residential and commercial land use and is not zoned for mineral resource extraction. Impact to mineral resources as a result of the Project's development is very low because of the limited to no significant mineral resources found in the City. No impacts are expected.
12.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
City of Rancho Mirage 72
12-78
13 - Noise
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
NOISE — Would the project result in:
Potentially Less
Significant
Impact
Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Generation of a substantial
temporary or permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of
the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
I I
b) Generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
I I
c) 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, would the project expose
people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise
levels?
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); City of Rancho Mirage General Plan Updated Environmental Impact Report (2005).
13.1 Setting
Noise
The main source of noise in Rancho Mirage stems from motor vehicles traffic. According to the City 2017 General Plan Noise Element, the Interstate -10/ Southern Pacific Railroad corridor causes a substantial impact on the noise environment in the City's northern portion. Noise disturbance is largely contributed by high traffic volume on Interstate -10 and to a lesser extent on Highway -111 and major arterial roadways including Monterey Avenue, Dinah Shore Drive, and General Ford Drive. Secondary sources of noise pollution include aircraft and stationary sources such as the operation of mechanical equipment, or the use of HVAC units, and chillers in commercial land uses.
Sensitive receptors to noise are residential properties, schools, libraries, hospitals, and outdoor activity areas. To assure these sensitive land uses are protected from existing and future noise sources, the City General Plan establishes an average exterior noise standards specific to land use. Normal acceptable noise levels for residential low density is 50 dBA, for medium and high density is 55 dBA, and for commercial office and mixed use industrial is 60 dBA. The Project's parcel is designated RH/AHO. The allowed noise levels do not include construction -related noise since construction activities generate temporary noise.
City of Rancho Mirage 73
12-79
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Vibration
The City does not have vibration standards for new development or existing land uses. The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) sets vibration standards regarding construction activities. The Project will be subject to CalTrans vibration thresholds.
13.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The subject property is located within a developed portion of Rancho Mirage where residential properties are located to the south and east, and a commercial retail plaza is to the north. The site is between Monterey Avenue (major arterial roadway) to the east and Key Largo Avenue (local street) to the west. Currently, the parcel is vacant and does not contribute to the local noise.
Construction Noise
The Project's development will result in temporary construction noise. Construction activities including the site's grading, construction of buildings, paving or concrete pouring for parking lots, roadways, and other hard surfaces will generate noise. Heavy construction equipment can generate the highest noise level onsite, ranging from 70 to 90 dBA at a distance of 50 feet from the source. However, these sources are mobile and will not create a source of constant noise at any one location on the site.
The Project's surrounding area consists of undeveloped vacant land immediately to the south, east and west. The nearest sensitive land use are single-family residential properties beyond Key Largo Avenue to the west and northwest, approximately 940 feet from the site. The residential properties could experience a noise level substantially lower than the 70 to 90 dBA range with the use of heavy construction equipment due to the distance to these properties. In addition, construction activities will occur between less sensitive daytime hours of 7 am to 6 pm and construction equipment will not be focused on the site's western boundary. Therefore, receptive noise levels within these residential properties are anticipated to be less than significant.
Noise from construction activities will cease once the Project is in operation. Construction noise is exempt from the noise standard set forth in the City Municipal Code Section
8.45.030. Nonetheless, construction is generally restricted during appropriate daytime hours on Monday through Saturday. In accordance with these limitations, construction generated noise will have less than significant impacts on nearby sensitive receptors.
Operational Noise
The Project will result in the development of 15 permanent multifamily residential buildings, a Club House, outdoor recreational spaces including a pool and playground, and the improvement of Via Vail. The Project is likely to become a source of noise due to traffic, residential related activities, and the operation of mechanical equipment. The principal noise source will be from vehicles traveling via Key Largo Avenue and the proposed extension of Via Vail to access the site. Limited noise will be emitted by onsite mechanical equipment. The proposed Project is consistent with the surrounding land uses; therefore, the Project's operation is not expected to substantially increase the ambient noise levels over existing conditions for the area.
City of Rancho Mirage 74
12-80
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
Under the R -H land use noise standard, the Project is required to reduce exterior noise to 60 dBA between the hours of 7am-6pm, 55 dBA between 6pm-10 pm, and 50 dBA between 10pm- 7am. The surrounding area is generally quiet, but major sources of noise in the region include Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive, to the north and east of the site, respectively. According to the City 2005 General Plan EIR, arterial roadways segments range from approximately 71 dBA to about 79 dBA at a distance of 50 feet from the centerline of the road. The Project is at a distance of at least 1,000 feet from Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. Therefore, the likelihood of the Project being impacted from traffic noise emitted from these major arterial roadways is low to very low.
Furthermore, the Project's design includes a setback of 20 feet and landscaping throughout the site's northern boundary to act as a buffer zone, reducing noise reception from ongoing traffic within the site's vicinity.
At buildout, the Project will be surrounded by residential and commercial/retail use. Noise impacts associated with the Project and its long-term operation are expected to be less than significant.
b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The operation of multifamily residential apartment units is not expected to generate groundborne vibration. However, construction activities could generate temporary and short-term vibration from the use of heavy equipment. The Project does not require the use of equipment such as pile drivers, which are known to generate substantial construction vibrations. The highest degree of groundborne vibration could be generated during the paving phase of construction due to the operation of vibratory rollers. According to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) data, vibration velocities from vibratory roller operations are estimated to be approximately
0.1980 inches per second PPV at 26 feet from the source of activity. The nearest existing structure is approximately 940 feet from where a vibratory roller may be used. The susceptibility to groundborne vibration will be less than the Caltrans significant threshold of 0.3 inches per second PPV for structures and 0.2 inches per second PPV for human annoyance. Therefore, impacts are expected to be less than significant. c) NO IMPACT: No commercial or general airport is located within Rancho Mirage. The Palm Springs International Airport is located approximately 6 miles west of the proposed site. The airport's relative distance to the Project in conjunction with the Palm Springs Airport Master Plan, assures noise level impacts to the area are negligible. No impacts will occur.
13.3 Mitigation Measures: None Required.
City of Rancho Mirage 75
12-81
Via Vail Apartments
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
June 2024
14 - Population and Housing
POPULATION AND HOUSING —
Would theproject:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
p
Less
Sign Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
p
No Impact
a) Induce substantial unplanned
population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
_
❑
❑
�1
b) Displace substantial numbers of
existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
—
—
❑
—
—
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Southern California Associate of Government, Current Context Demographics and Growth Forecast (Sept. 2020).
14.1 Setting
Based on estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Rancho Mirage sustained a population size of 16,992 in 2022. Middle aged men, above the age of 64, represented the majority of residents. On average, there were 1.83 persons per housing unit in a City with 8,735 occupied households. The median annual household income was $105,557.26. The City is projected to reach a population size of 25,200 by 2045 and 13,000 housing units in the same year, according to the Southern California Associated of Government (SCAG).27
14.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) NO IMPACT: The Project is expected to contribute to the City's population growth. The Project proposes the construction of 236 units. The Project will increase occupancy within a previously unpopulated area. The Project will increase the City's population of permanent residents, which the City's 2017 General Plan has accounted for and has planned by proposing future improvements of infrastructure and utilities to accommodate its growing population. For this reason, the Project will not induce an unplanned population growth. No impacts will occur.
b) NO IMPACT: Currently, the Project site and surrounding area to the south, east, and west are vacant, undeveloped desert lands. There are no existing homes within the Project's vicinity which would be displaced by the Project's development. No displacement or environmental impacts associated with the construction of replacement housing will occur.
14.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
26 U.S. Census Bureau, "Rancho Mirage" https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ranchomiragecitycalifornia , accessed March 2024.
27 Southern California Associate of Government, "Current Context Demographics and Growth Forecast", https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/ , September 2020.
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15 - Public Services
PUBLIC SERVICES — Would the
project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Would the project result in
substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with the provision of new
or physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the
public services:
i) Fire protection?
❑
❑
❑
�I
ii) Police protection?
❑
1 1
/1
❑
iii) Schools?
❑
❑
/1
❑
iv) Parks?
❑
❑
-1
❑
v) Other public facilities?
❑
❑
�I
❑
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); Pro.ect materials; Google Earth Pro.
15.1 Setting
Fire Protection Services
The Riverside County Fire Department provides fire protection services to Rancho Mirage under contract with the California Department of Forestry. There are two fire stations located within the City's limit: Station No. 50 and Station No. 69. Station No. 69 is the nearest fire station to the site, located at 71751 General Ford Drive. The fire station is equipped with one medic engine and one medic unit. A total of three firefighters and two firefighters/paramedics are on duty at this station at all hours of the day.
Police Protection Services
Police protection in Rancho Mirage is outsourced to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department which operates out of the Palm Desert Police Station, located at 73705 General Ford Drive. The Palm Desert Station provides protection services to a permanent population size of approximately 51,509. Currently, the Police contract consists of 80 sworn deputy sheriff's positions and several non -sworn support positions to assist with the daily operation and field service.
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Schools
The City is serviced by two school districts: the Palm Springs Unified School District, which services the majority of Rancho Mirage, and the Desert Sands Unified School District. Currently, the Palm Springs Unified School District operates one elementary school and high school in the City. There are no Desert Sands Unified schools in Rancho Mirage. There are no schools within the Project's vicinity. The nearest is Rancho Mirage High School, located at 31001 Rattler Road.
Parks
The Rancho Mirage Parks and Trails Commission manages and operates five parks, including a mix of mini and local parks; and six trails that connect the parks with other open spaces in the City. The Rancho Mirage Dog Park is the nearest park to the site, located at 34100 Key Largo Avenue, immediately west of the Project.
Other Facilities
Other public facilities open to the public include the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, located at 71100 Highway -111 and the Rancho Mirage City Hall, located at 69825 Highway -111.
15.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a.i-v) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT:
Fire Protection Services
Rancho Mirage Fire Station No. 69 will provide fire protection services including fire protection, fire prevention, rescue, medical emergency service, and public service assistance to the Project.
The Fire Station is approximately 2 miles south of the site and the Project is accessible via the intersection of Key Largo Avenue -Via Vail which will connect to the Project. A typical response time is within five minutes, including firefighters and certified paramedics.28 The Project is expected to increase the demand for fire protection services in the area because the development will create permanent residential structures. To reduce potential impacts to the efficiency and capacity of the local Fire Station, the Project will adhere to all state and local (Municipal Code and RCFD) fire standards. The Project will be required to pay a development impact fee to contributes its fair share of costs for future fire facilities, personnel, and apparatus.
Less than significant impacts are anticipated for these reasons.
Police Protection Service
The Palm Desert Police Department is located approximately 2 miles southeast of the site and accessible via the interception of Key Largo Avenue -Via Vail (future extension). The Police response time in Rancho Mirage for Priority 1 calls is 5.9 minutes.29 28 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Public Service and Facilities Element", (2017). 29 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Public Service and Facilities Element", (2017).
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The Project proposes the development of new permanent residential structures. The increase in residents in the area will increase the demand of policing services above the existing levels. The Project will be required to comply with all Police Department regulations and procedures, and the Project plans will be reviewed by the Police Department for adequate emergency access. It is not expected for a new police station to be constructed to properly service the area or the site. No environmental impact associated with the expansion or construction of services will occur. Less than significant impacts are anticipated.
Schools
Intended for residential use, the Project is likely to increase the number of students enrolled in nearby schools including the Rancho Mirage High School. As a result, the Project will be required to pay the State mandated development impact fee of $4.79 per square foot.3° The development fee will reduce potential impacts to less than significant levels.
Parks/ Other Public Facilities
The Project site is immediately adjacent to the Rancho Mirage Dog Park on the west side. A future community park, including the dog park, along Key Largo Avenue has been proposed but no official development plans have been approved. The Project, east of the dog park, will consists of permanent residential structures and a centralized amenities building encompassing recreational facilities such as fitness room, two clubrooms, and an outdoor pool. The Project is likely to increase the volume of residents to the local parks but not to the extent of degrading the physical conditions of these facilities. No expansion or construction of new parks is required. The Project is expected to cause less than significant impacts.
The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory and City Hall are less than 4 miles southwest of the site. The Project is proposing a residential development that will increase the number of permanent residents in the area. Public facilities such as the public library and City Hall are likely to experience an increase in visitors. However, the Project does not warrant the expansion or construction of public facilities to adequately service the Project's residents. Less than significant impacts are anticipated.
15.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
3° Palm Springs Unified School District, https://www.psusd.us/Page/2400 , accessed March 2024.
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16 - Recreation
RECREATION — Would the project:
Potentially Less
Significant
Impact
Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Would the project increase the use
of existing neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational facilities
such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would occur
or be accelerated?
—
x
❑
b) Does the project include
recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of
recreational facilities, which might
have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
1 1
1 1
N
Source: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, Conservation and Open Space (2017); Project materials; Google Earth Pro.
16.1 Setting
The Rancho Mirage Parks and Trails Commission manages five parks, including a mix of mini and local parks; and six hiking trails that connect the parks with other open spaces in the City.
The Rancho Mirage Dog Park is the nearest outdoor recreational space in proximity to the site, located adjacent to the Project on the northwest. Other recreational facilities include the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory which are located along the Santa Rosa Mountains and Highway - 111, less than 4 miles southwest of the site.
16.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: As a result of the Project, multi -family residential structures and a Club House with complementary amenities will occur onsite. The Project plans to include amenities such as a fitness room, clubrooms, office spaces, an outdoor swimming pool, and playground. These onsite recreational spaces are intended to reduce potential impacts to neighborhood and regional public facilities. The volume of new visitors to public facilities outside of the Project is not expected to substantially degrade the physical conditions of these facilities. For this reason, less than significant impacts will occur.
b) NO IMPACT: The Project includes recreational facilities. These amenities are intended to minimize potential impacts to public creational facilities. The Project does not warrant the need for the construction or expansion of recreational facilities to adequately service the public. No environmental impacts associated with these facilities will occur as a result of the Project. No impacts are anticipated.
16.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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17 - Transportation
TRANSPORTATION — Would the
project:
Potentially
Significant
Im act
p
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
p
No
Impact
a) Conflict with a program, plan,
ordinance or policy addressing the
circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities?
—
❑
��
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
7 ❑
❑
��
c) Substantially increase hazards due to
a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp
curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
—
d) Result in inadequate emergency
access?
❑
❑
❑
��
Source: "Via Vail Village Traffic Analysis," and VMT Screening letter prepared by Urban Crossroads (Appendix E).
17.1 Setting
The City's General Plan establishes standards and policies related to traffic operations. The Circulation Element establishes a street classification system based on cross sections and the configuration and width of right-of-way features, such as medians, bike lanes, landscaped parkways, and sidewalks. In the Project area, Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive are classified as Major Arterials, and both Key Largo and Via Vail are unclassified, meaning that they are local streets according to the General Plan.
The General Plan has established Level of Service (LOS) D as the upper range of acceptable circulation movements on City. Under current conditions, intersections in the Project area operate at acceptable LOS — all intersections operate at LOS C or better, with the exception of Shopper's Lane/Dinah Shore and Monterey/Dinah Shore, which operate at LOS D in the evening peak hour.
Transit services are provided by the SunLine Transit Agency, a joint powers authority composed of Valley cities. SunLine's Route 4 operates on Dinah Shore Drive immediately north of the Project, including bus stops for each direction of travel at Monterey Marketplace, approximately 1,100 feet northeast of the Project site.
The City's system of bike lanes is incomplete in the Project area. There are existing bike lanes on Monterey Avenue, south of Monterey Marketplace, and on Dinah Shore Drive, east of Monterey City of Rancho Mirage 81
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Avenue. No bike lanes exist on Dinah Shore west of Monterey in the vicinity of the proposed Project.
Effective July 1, 2020, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines require lead agencies to adopt Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as a replacement for automobile delay -based LOS as the measure for identifying transportation impacts for land use projects. City of Rancho Mirage Resolution 2021-06 (City Guidelines) aligns the City's VMT analysis policy with SB 743 and the City's goals as set forth in the General Plan Update (2017).
17.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The following discussion and analysis are based on the Project specific Traffic Analysis prepared for the proposed Project31 The complete report is provided in Appendix E. The Traffic Analysis assumed that the City will condition the Project to build Via Vail as a local street, including a 60 foot cross-section, with 40 feet of pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalk and parkway.
The proposed Project was analyzed by using the Institute of Transportation Engineers' "Trip Generation, 11th Edition," using land use category 223, Affordable Housing. On that basis, as shown in Table 9, the Project will generate 1,135 daily trips, 85 of which will occur in the morning peak hour, and 109 in the evening peak hour.
Table 9
Trip Generation Summary
Trip Generation Rates'
ITE LU AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Land Use Code Quantity2 In Out Total In Out Total Daily Affordable Housing 223 236 DU 0.10 0.26 0.36 0.27 0.19 0.46 4.81 Trip Generation Results
ITE LU AM PeakHour PM PeakHour
Land Use Code Quantity2 In Out Total In Out Total Daily Affordable Housing 223 236 DU 24 61 85 64 45 109 1,135
1 Trip Generation Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition (2021). 2 DU = Dwelling Unit
The trips generated by the Project were then distributed on the City's roadway network in order to determine the impacts on 5 area intersections and the Project's main access point. In addition to ambient growth, the analysis added cumulative projects in the area, including two planned affordable housing projects south of the proposed Project on Via Vail. This analysis resulted in an opening year traffic analysis for the Project which represents conservative conditions, since all cumulative projects in the area may or may not be constructed in the future. As shown in Table 10, all studied intersections will operate at acceptable levels, consistent with the City's General Plan policies. 31 "Via Vail Village Traffic Analysis," prepared by Urban Crossroads, May 21, 2024.
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Table 10
Intersection Analysis
Opening Year: Existing Plus Ambient Plus Cumulative Plus Project Conditions Intersection Approach Lanese Delay3 Level of
Traffic Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound (secs.) Service # Intersection Control L T R L T R L T R LTR AM PM AM PM 1 Key Largo Av. / Dinah Shore Dr. TS 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 3 0 18.2 15.8 B B 2 Key Largo Av. / Via Vail CSS 0.5 0.5 d 0.5 0.5 d 0 1! 0 0 1! 0 11.8 22.6 B C 3 Miriam Wy. / Dinah Shore Dr. TS 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 3 0 1 3 1 6.6 25.0 A C 4 Shoppers Ln. / Dinah Shore Dr. TS 1 1 0 2 1 0 2 3 0 1 3 1 27.1 46.6 C D 5 Monterey Av. / Dinah Shore Dr. TS 2 3 0 2 3 1» 2 2 1 2 2 1 42.1 53.7 D D 6 Via Vail / Project Entry CSS 0.5 0.5 0 0 1 0 0 1! 0 0 0 0 9.9 10.3 A B 1 TS = Traffic Signal; CSS = Cross -street Stop
2 When a right turn is designated, the lane can either be striped or unstriped. To function as a right turn lane there must be sufficient width for right turning vehicles to travel outside the through lanes.
L = Left; T = Through; R = Right; d = Defacto Right Turn Lane; 0.5 = Shared Lane; 1! = Shared Left/Through/Right lane;
» = Free -Right Turn; 1 = Improvement
Per the Highway Capacity Manual (7th Edition), overall average intersection delay and level of service are shown for intersections with a traffic signal or all way stop control. For intersections with cross street stop control, the delay and level of service for the worst individual movement (or movements sharing a single lane) are shown. Delay and level of service is calculated using Synchro 12 analysis software.
3 The study also included a traffic signal warrant analysis, and found that under both opening year and opening year plus cumulative conditions, warrants were not met for traffic signals at any of the studied intersections.
Finally, the study conducted a queuing analysis for both the intersection of Key Largo/Via Vail and Via Vail at the Project entry in the southeastern portion of the Project. That analysis found that there was no need for additional queuing storage at Key LargoNia Vail, and that Via Vail will operate adequately at the Project entry with one northbound shared through/left lane and one southbound through/right lane. The City will condition the Project to construct these improvements, and install cross -street stop signs as provided in the Traffic Study. With the implementation of City requirements for street construction and conditions of approval, the Project will have less than significant impacts on General Plan Circulation Element policies.
b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: Section 15064.3, subdivision (b) of the CEQA Guidelines establishes guidelines for implementing Senate Bill 743, requiring the provisions of an alternative to LOS for evaluating transportation impacts. Alternate measurements of transportation impacts may include "vehicle miles traveled, vehicle miles traveled per capita, automobile trip generation rates, or automobile trips generated."32 The City adopted regulations and thresholds pertaining to vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and the reduction of GHG emissions, which is modeled on the County of Riverside Transportation Analysis Guidelines for Level of Service, Vehicles Miles Traveled. The City adopted Resolution 2021-06 to formalize its VMT policy. These guidelines are based on 32 California Public Resources Code Section 21099(b)(1) (2021).
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the Governor's Office of Planning and Research Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts on CEQA.
The City's policy establishes guidelines which, if met, exclude a Project from submitting detailed VMT analysis. These criteria include the following:
• Small Projects
• Projects near high quality transit
• Affordable housing
• Projects in an area under VMT thresholds as shown on screening maps (Low VMT Area)
The Project proposes the development of 236 units of housing affordable to lower income households, and thus is presumed to have a less than significant impact relating to VMT analysis. As discussed above, the proposed Project is consistent with the General Plan, and is anticipated to have no significant impact on traffic flows and LOS. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Project will not conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b). Impacts will be less than significant. c, d) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: Access points to the proposed Project will be provided on Via Vail, at the northwest and southeast corners of the site. Regional access to the site will be provided via Dinah Shore Drive, Monterey Avenue and Interstate 10.
Emergency vehicles will have access to the site via Key Largo and Via Vail, and eventually will be able to access the southerly extension of this street. The design of the access points will be reviewed by the Police and Fire Departments as well as the City Engineer to assure adequate sight lines and turning movements.
The City standards require the installation of sidewalks along Via Vail. In addition, as recommended in the Traffic Analysis, the City will condition the Project to provide an on - street bike lane and no parking on Via Vail, particularly along that portion of the roadway that curves from an east -west to a north -south direction. This requirement will assure that the lowered visibility associated with the curvature of the road does not pose a hazard.
The proposed Project will therefore not result in increased hazards due to geometric design features or inadequate emergency access.
17.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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18 - Tribal Cultural Resources
TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES —
Would the project cause a substantial
adverse change in the significance of a
tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code § 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:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
i) 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 section5020.1(k), or
ii) 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 § 5024.1. In applying the criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resource Code § 5024.1, the lead
agency shall consider the significance
of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.
Source: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian, A Peop e's Journey (accessed March 2024); Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian, Cahuilla Territory (accessed March 2024); Cahuilla Band of Indians, The Culture of Cahuilla Band of Indians (accessed March 2024); City of Rancho Mirage General Plan Environmental Impact Report (2005); CRM TECH, Historical/Archeological Resources Survey Report (Appendix C).
18.1 Setting
Rancho Mirage has served as the home of the Cahuilla People for the past 3,000 years. 33 The Cahuilla People are the first known inhabitants of the Coachella Valley. The region provided the Cahuilla tall mountains, deep valleys, rocky canyons, passes and arid deserts lands for sustenance and shelter. The Cahuilla People evolved into three distinct groups identified by their respective geographical zones: Mountain, Pass, and Desert. 33 Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, "The Cahuilla People", https://augustinetribe-nsn.gov/cahuilla- people/, accessed March 2024.
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The Mountain Cahuilla occupied the San Jacinto Mountain. The Pass Cahuilla lived in the San Gorgonio Pass, a corridor that cross between the San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Jacinto Mountains to the south. The Desert Cahuilla occupied the lower area of the Coachella Valley and areas near the Salton Sea. Although these groups were geographically separated and spoke different dialects of their native language, they shared traditions, beliefs, and practiced similar lifestyles.34
The Desert Cahuilla encompasses most of the northwest region of valley floor that is now the cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral, Rancho Mirage, and unincorporated areas of Riverside County.
The Desert Cahuilla relied heavily on hunting, gathering, and agriculture. They lived in small, dispersed communities and had a systematic decision -making process and resource management that centered on community. They were skilled basket weavers, and their baskets were used for a variety of purposes including food storage and transportation.35 At the time of the first contact with European settlers in the late 18th century, the Desert Cahuilla population occupied their ancestral lands but the Spanish began to protest their claim for economic opportunities including the establishment of trade routes from Mexico and setting up mission to practice Catholicism. After the Mexican Revolution began in 1810, the Mexican government gained much of California and began to take Cahuilla lands and grant them to their own people for farming and ranching. The exploitation and displacement of the Cahuilla became exacerbated with the wave of new settlers taking over more of Indian lands, streams, and resources in the 1840's. In response to the Native Indian conflicts, the Indian Rights Association was created to protect lands for native tribes. The organization proposed reserving parcels of land, starting with the Desert Cahuilla, including the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI).
The federal government, under executive order, established the first Indian reservation for the ACBCI in 1877 and expanded the initial order the following year. Today, approximately 31,000 reservation acres and 7,000 off -reservation lands make up ACBCI's lands. The reservation extends across parts of Riverside County and the cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral, and Rancho Mirage in a checkerboard pattern of landholding that includes tribal trust land, allotted trust land, and fee lands.36
A total of six Cahuilla cultural heritage sites have been identified in Rancho Mirage and one in the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI). These sites include the Bradley Canyon Trail, Magnesia Spring, Edom Hill/Indian Hills, and Bradley Canyon. Additionally, all of Rancho Mirage is located within a Tribe designated Traditional Use Area.
18.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED: On February 5, 2024, CRM TECH submitted a request to the State of California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for records search in the commission's Sacred Land Files. Additional information on potential Native American cultural resources in the 34 Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, "A People's Journey" https://aguacaliente.org/documents/OurStory-10.pdf , accessed March 2024. 35 Cahuilla Band of Indians, "The Culture of Cahuilla Band of Indians", https://cahuilla- nsn.gov/about/culture/, accessed March 2024.
36 Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian, "Cahuilla Territory", https://aguacaliente.org/documents/Cahuilla Territory.pdf, 2022.
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vicinity was derived from Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. From the research, the archeologist determined that no Native American cultural resources occur in the Project's vicinity. However, the Project is located in a Tribe Traditional Use Area and thus mitigation measures must be applied to ensure no cultural resources are damaged during ground disturbance related to the Project's construction.
The City conducted Tribal consultation pursuant to AB 52 by sending out consultation request letters on April 24, 2024. The City received two responses to these letters. The first, submitted by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, indicated that they did not have resources in the area, but requested that they be provided information should resources be found on the site. They declined consultation. The second, received from the ACBCI, requested consultation, as well as copies of the cultural resource study and site records, which were provided to the Tribe. The City met with the ACBCI on June 1, 2024, and the Tribe requested the presence of monitors during earth moving activities. This request is reflected in the mitigation measures in Section 5.
To protect potential tribal cultural resources, Mitigation Measure CUL-1 and CUL-2 are included in Section 5, consistent with the findings of the cultural resource study to require monitoring of ground disturbance occurring in the Project's area, and the ACBCI's request for monitoring. After mitigation, impact to Tribal cultural resources are expected to be less than significant.
18.3 Mitigation Measures: See Section 5.
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19 - Utilities and Service Systems
UTILITIES AND SERVICE
SYSTEMS — Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Require or result in the relocation
or construction of new or expanded
water, wastewater treatment or storm
drainage, electric power, natural gas,
or telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which
could cause significant environmental
effects?
❑
❑
❑
��
b) Have sufficient water supplies
available to serve the project and
reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
❑
U
❑
��
c) Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider which
serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the
projects projected demand in addition
to the providers existing
commitments?
❑
❑
��
d) Generate solid waste in excess of
state or local standards, or in excess
of the capacity of local infrastructure,
or otherwise impair the attainment of
solid waste reduction goals?
I I
❑
��
e) Comply with federal, state, and
local management and reduction
statues and regulations related to
solid waste?
❑
1 1
❑
��
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General P an (2017); CVWD Regional Urban Water Management Plan (2020); CalRecycle Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates (accessed April 2024); Cal Recycle Solid Waste Information System (accessed April 2024).
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Domestic Water
Rancho Mirage domestic water services are provided by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). The CVWD pumps water from the Whitewater River Subbasin that underlies major portions of the Coachella Valley, encompassing approximately 400 square miles. The CVWD operates and manages 95 active wells, 58 distribution reservoirs, 1,978 miles of distribution pipelines, and services a population size of 290,000 for the cities of Cathedral City, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage.
The CVWD's domestic water system serving Rancho Mirage include 57 wells, 9 aboveground storage reservoirs (water tanks) and an extensive system of distribution lines throughout the City as indicated by the City 2017 General Plan, Water Lines Map.37 Wastewater Treatment Provider and Sewer System
Wastewater services are provided by the CVWD. The CVWD wastewater collection system includes 6 water reclamation plants from Palm Desert to Thermal, more than 1,000 miles of sewer pipelines, and more than 30 lift stations that collect and transport wastewater to the nearest water reclamation facility.
The majority of Rancho Mirage's developed area utilizes the CVWD's sewer apart from Thunderbird County Club, the Vista Del Sol corridor, and the lands in the northeast quadrant of Rancho Mirage that rely on septic tanks for water disposal.38 Stormwater Management
In collaboration, the Riverside Flood Control and Water Conservation District, CVWD, and Riverside County municipalities developed and implement the Updated 2015 Whitewater River Region Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) to establish activities and programs to manage stormwater and reduce urban runoff to the maximum extent practical. Stormwater management for the Project is under the jurisdiction of the City.
Electric Power and Natural Gas
Rancho Mirage's power is sourced from electricity and natural gas. SCE and IID service Rancho Mirage with electrical power. The Project is served by IID. 110 is a not -for-profit utility district servicing most of the lower Valley from Palm Desert to and Imperial County.
Southern California Gas (SCG) provides natural gas to Rancho Mirage and the City's Sphere of Influence (SOI) via its regional and local distribution lines. These distribution lines transport natural gas from Texas to the Coachella Valley through three east -west rending transmission lines crossing the Valley near and parallel to Interstate 10 and continuing west to Los Angeles.39 In Rancho Mirage, natural gas is typically used for space heating, domestic and commercial hot water, cooking, and air conditioning.
37 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Water Lines", Exhibit 29, 2017. 38 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Sewer Service", Exhibit 30, 2017. 39 Southern California Gas, "Gas Transmission Pipeline Interactive Map", https://socalgas . maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=aaebac8286ea4e4b8e425e477 71b8138, accessed April 2024.
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Solid Waste
Burrtec Waste Industries Inc. (Burrtec) provides solid waste management and disposal services to Rancho Mirage. Burrtec offers a range of residential services in addition to twice a week pick- up, including bulky item pick up, electronic waste, household hazardous waste and used motor oil disposal. Disposal of waste from commercial, construction related activities, and special events are also included.
Most trash is taken to the Edom Hill Transfer Station, located at 70100 Edom Hill Road in Cathedral City, approximately 6.70 miles northwest of the Project. The Edom Hill Transfer Station has a permitted capacity of 3,500 tones per day for general waste and 10,221 cubic yards for composting.4° In addition, recyclable materials are collected and transferred to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for sorting and processing, and then shipped for repurposing. The MRF closest to Rancho Mirage is the West Valley Transfer Station/ MRF in Fontana.
19.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -c) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT:
Water and Wastewater
The Project site falls within the jurisdiction of the CVWD for domestic water and wastewater treatment services. The Project is expected to be connected to the existing service system in proximity to the site. The CVWD's 2020 Regional Urban Water Management Plan shows that the district has available and is able to distribute domestic water to the Project site in the foreseeable future. The 2045 retail water demand is 164,966 AFY for residential, commercial, and industrial users within CVWD's serve area.41 CVWD's supply of domestic water is anticipated to fulfill the demand requirement for the year 2045 and thus ensures full reliability of water supplies during normal conditions. At full buildout, the Project is expected to increase the regional water demand by 64.98 AFY, which is about 0.039% of the 2045 projected water demand (See Table 8 above).
The Project will increase the regional water demand by less than one percent. For this reason, the long-term operation of the proposed residential project will have negligible effects on the CVWD's capacity to supply domestic water adequately and effectively.
Based on the 2020 Regional Urban Water Management Plan, the CVWD has available, or can supply, domestic water to its existing service area in addition to any projected city buildout in the reasonably foreseeable future.
The Project will require the construction of onsite sewer infrastructure to connect to existing wastewater system in proximity to the site. Project generated wastewater will be routed and treated at the CVWD's Wastewater Reclamation Plan (WRD)-10 in Palm Desert. WRD-10 provides wastewater services and treatment to four cities including Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, and portions of Cathedral City for a combined population size of approximately 90,000. WRP-10 is a tertiary treatment plan with a design capacity of 15 MGD. The Project is expected to generate the average wastewater factor 40 City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, Public Service and Facilities, 2017. 41 Coachella Valley Water District, Regional Urban Water Management Plan, Table 4-25, 2020.
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for residential land use. The Project's relative size and land use is not anticipated to limit or substantial impact the CVWD's capacity to supply domestic water and wastewater services to the site or service area. Less than significant impact is expected as the result of the Project's long-term operation.
Stormwater Management
The Project site is currently undeveloped open desert land. In proximity to the site is vacant undeveloped land immediately to the south, east and west, and the Monterey Marketplace Shopping Center to the north. The proposed site receives significant runoff from surrounding vacant lands. Property to the west and to the south drain through the site towards the commercial/retail shopping center to the north.42 In this regard, the drainage system proposed by the Project includes four retention basins, one located onsite to the northeast adjacent to the proposed extension of Via Vail, and three located outside the Project's boundary between Rancho Mirage Dog Park and the Project site, and along the Project's western and southeastern boundary. The drainage system has been designed to withstand a 100 -year storm event as required by the City.
The Project does not warrant the construction or expansion of stormwater management facilities. The environmental impacts associated with said construction are negligible, thereby reducing the Project's potential impacts to less than significant levels.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Each residential unit is expected to have electrical and/or natural gas appliances including, but not limited to, a stove, space heater, and air conditioner. The Project will provide local connection to the existing IID and Southern California Gas infrastructure located within proximity.
Telecommunication
The Project will provide local connection to existing Frontier Communication and Spectrum infrastructure. The Project does not require the expansion or construction of new facilities to adequately service the site. Less than significant impacts will occur as a result.
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The site is currently undeveloped, vacant desert land. At buildout, the site will include 15 multifamily residential buildings constituting a total of 236 dwelling units, a centralized building with complementary amenities such as laundry room, fitness room, clubrooms, and community pool. Garage and outdoor parking will also be provided onsite.
As discussed above, Burrtec will provide solid waste treatment and disposal services to the Project. The collected waste is taken to the Edom Hill Transfer Station in Cathedral City. The Edom Hill Transfer Station has a maximum permitted capacity of ±3,500 tons per day (or ±1,277,500 tons per year).43 The Project is estimated to increase the regional solid waste generation by 155.05 tons per year (See Table 12). 42 Atlas Civil Design Inc., Preliminary Drainage Study, April 2024. 43 CalRecycle Solid Waste Information System Facility/Site Activity Detail. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/5189?sitelD=4186 , accessed April
2024.
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Table 11
Estimated Solid Waste Generation at Project Buildout
Land Use
Proposed
Dwelling
Units
Solid Waste
Generation Factor
(Ibs/dwelling unit/day)
Daily Solid
Waste
Generation
(Ibs/day)
Annual Solid
Waste
Generation
(tons/year)
Multifamily
Residential
236
3.60 849.60
155.05
TOTAL (with 50% diversion)
77.53 Source: CalRecycle Estimated Solid Waste Generation Rates, https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/WasteCharacterization/General/Rates , accessed April 2024.
The Project is expected to increase the landfill's service demand by less than one percent.
Any recyclable material including glass, metals, paper, and plastic will be diverted and transferred to the MRF in Fontana for proper sorting and processing. Non-recyclables will be transported to the Lamb Canyon Landfill for disposal.
Burrtec is responsible for the proper management and disposal of solid waste in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and ordinance. The regional landfill facilities will not exceed capacity by extending solid waste services to the Project site. Nor is it expected for regulatory policies to be violated as a result of the Project's operation.
Less than significant impacts will occur.
19.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
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20 - Wildfire
WILDFIRE — Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
p
Less Than
Significant
with Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
p
No Impact
p
If located in or near state
responsibility areas or lands classified
as very high fire hazard severity
zones, would the project:
a) Substantially impair an adopted
emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
❑
❑
-1
b) 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?
I I
❑
❑
-1
c) 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?
I I
❑
-1
d) 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?
1 1
_ ►1
❑
Sources: City of Rancho Mirage General Plan (2017); CalFire, Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map (2024); Riverside County Multi -Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (2017); Google Earth Pro.
20.1 Setting
Large portions of Southern California are particularly suspectable to wildfire due to climate, topography, and vegetation. The Coachella Valley is located within the lower subarea of the Colorado Desert Province and characterized by dry hot summers, low annual precipitation, and steep mountain ranges including the San Jacinto Mountains to the southwest, the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south, the San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest and the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north and northeast.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CalFire) has mapped fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ) throughout rural and developed portions of the state through its Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP). A statewide overview of fire and non -fire susceptible areas are showcased in the CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, where FHSZs are evaluated and designated "Moderate", "High", or "Very High" severity zones. The designation is dependent City of Rancho Mirage
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on four main criteria: (1) existing and potential fuel, (2) fire history, (3) typical local weather, and (4) assets at risk. These factors have the potential to influence the intensity and potential for wildfire in the region. The Project site is in a local responsibility area, not in or near a state responsibility area or designated a very high fire hazard severity zone (VHFHSZ).44 According to the local Fire Hazard Severity Map, the majority of Rancho Mirage's developed area is not located within or in proximity to a VHFHSZ. 45 There is no state responsibility area within the City. The City General Plan Safety Element states there are VHFHSZs located south of the City in a single-family residential development and undeveloped areas located outside the City limit. The Project is located on the northeastern corner of the City's boundary and is not located in proximity to a wildfire suspectable zone.
In Rancho Mirage there are two main evacuation routes: Interstate -10 and Highway -111. Major and minor arterial streets such as Monterey Avenue, Dinah Shore Drive, Bob Hope Drive, and General Ford Drive are secondary evacuation routes and are within less than a mile distance from the Project site.
20.2 Discussion of Impacts:
a -d) NO IMPACT: The City of Rancho Mirage adopted the 2017 Riverside County Multi - Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) which is a multi -hazard functional plan that outlines the first response, evacuation plan, and short-term relief in the event of an emergency including wildfire, flood, earthquake, or other natural and man-made events.
The joined LHMP ensures a unified and coordinated effort by all cities within the County in the event of a disaster.
Rancho Mirage's developed area consists of limited undeveloped parcels. These parcels are typically characterized by sparse vegetation that provides little fuel for wildfires when the area is intermittently impact by Santa Ana conditions, including the hot, dry winds that blow across the City in the late fall.46 The near absence of these undeveloped areas contribute to the City's low to very low probability of wildfire.
As discussed above, the Project and its surrounding area are not located within or in proximity to a VHFHSZ. Additionally, no fire severity designations are used by CalFire or the City General Plan to classify the Project's vicinity. For this reason, the Project site has a negligible risk to wildfire hazards. No slope, prevailing winds, or other factors will increase the risk of wildfire in the region because the developed area of Rancho Mirage including the Project site is not in proximity to a wildfire hazard zone. No impacts are anticipated.
20.3 Mitigation Measures: None required.
44 California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, "Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Areas", https://calfire-
forestry.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=988d431 a42b242b29d89597ab693d008 accessed April 2024.
45 Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map", Exhibit 27, 2017. 46 Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Safety Element", 2017.
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21 - Mandatory Findings of Significance
MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Does the project have the potential
to degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to
drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or
eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or
prehistory?
I I
IX
I I
b) Does the project have impacts that
are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively considerable" means
that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed
in connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probable
future projects)?
❑
❑
��
c) Does the project have
environmental effects, which will
cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
❑
I -I
❑
��
21.1 Discussion of Impacts:
a) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION:
Biological Resources: The Project site is not located in a CVMSHCP conservation area and does not contain any wildlife corridors or biological linkage areas.
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However, the site may provide habitat for burrowing owl and nesting birds protected by the MBTA. A pre -construction survey will be required to avoid impacts to these protected species. Additionally, the Project will be required to pay the Development Mitigation Fee to mitigate potential impacts to species covered under the CVMSHCP.
The proposed Project will not significantly reduce fish or wildlife habitat or otherwise adversely impact a fish or wildlife species. The construction of the Project has the potential to impact nesting birds and burrowing owl, but the mitigation measures included in Section 4 of this document will reduce those impacts to less than significant levels.
Cultural Resources: No historical or archaeological resources of significance are known to exist within or adjacent to the Project site. Since construction of the Project will require earth -moving activity, there is potential for unknown resources to be discovered. The mitigation measures provided in Section 5 of this document will ensure that impacts to cultural and tribal cultural resources will be less than significant in the unlikely event that resources are uncovered.
Overall, there will be no significant environmental impacts which cannot be mitigated. Project -related impacts, including cumulative impacts, will be less than significant with the implementation of mitigation measures. b) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: Significant cumulative impacts could occur if the Project, in conjunction with related projects, would result in impacts that would be less than significant when viewed separately, but would be significant when viewed together. In this case, the Project's impacts are individually limited and not cumulatively considerable. The proposed Project is consistent with the development envisioned for the area in the City's General Plan. All environmental impacts that could occur as a result of the Project would be less than significant with the implementation of mitigation measures included in this document, and when viewed in conjunction with other closely related past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future projects, would not be significant.
c) LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The proposed Project will not have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly, with the implementation of the City's Municipal Code, conditions of approval, other standard requirements and requirements of law. Impacts would be less than significant.
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Table 12: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Mitigation Measure
Responscy le
A A en
Timing
Verification
(Date and
Initials)
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
BIO-1 Burrowing Owl
Project Biologist,
Planning
Department
Prior to ground
disturbance
To mitigate potential impacts to burrowing owl, two pre -construction surveys must be conducted in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife protocol. The first survey must occur between 14 to 30 days prior to ground disturbance and the second survey must occur within 24 hours of the initiation of ground disturbance activities.
If no owls are detected during those surveys, ground disturbance may proceed without further consideration of this species.
If burrowing owls are detected during the survey, avoidance and minimization measures will be required. A Burrowing Owl Relocation and Management Plan will be prepared to establish the standard procedure for how the burrowing owl will be actively or passively relocated per the California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidelines.
BIO-2 Migratory Bird Treaty Act
If ground disturbance or tree or plant removal is proposed between February 1St and August 31St, a qualified biologist must conduct a nesting bird survey within 7 to 10 days of initiation of grading onsite, focusing on MBTA covered species. If active nests are reported, then species -specific measures must be prepared. At a minimum, grading in the vicinity of a nest must be postponed until the young birds have fledged. For construction that occurs between September 1st and January 31St, no pre -removal nesting bird survey is required.
In the event active songbird nests are found, exclusionary fencing must be placed 200 feet around the nest until such time as nestlings have fledged. Nests of raptors must be provided a 500 -foot buffer.
CULTURAL & TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
CUL-1: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians must be notified a minimum of 30 days prior to any earth -moving activities including grading, grubbing, trenching, or excavations at the site. All earth -moving activities including grading, grubbing, trenching, or excavations at the site shall be monitored by a qualified archaeologist and/or approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s).
CUL-2: A qualified archaeologist and approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s) shall provide
preconstruction training for all earthmoving construction personnel prior to the start of any ground -disturbing activities, regarding how to recognize the types of Tribal Cultural Resources and/or archaeological resources that may be
encountered and to instruct personnel about actions to be taken in the event of a discovery. Should cultural materials be discovered, they shall be recorded and evaluated in the field.
The monitors shall be prepared to recover artifacts to avoid construction delays but must have the power to temporarily halt or divert construction equipment to allow for controlled archaeological recovery if a substantial cultural deposit is Project
archaeologist,
Tribal monitor,
planning
Department
During ground
disturbing
activities
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Table 12: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Verification
Mitigation Measure
R ggenc le
A A enc
Timing
(Date and
Initials)
encountered. If artifacts are discovered, these shall be cataloged and analyzed. The archaeologist and monitor shall determine and implement the best course of action for the treatment and disposition of the artifacts. Preservation in place of the cultural resources is the preferred course of action. If deemed necessary by the qualified archaeologist and
approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor, the artifacts shall be prepared for permanent curation in a repository with permanent storage. Only non-destructive methods shall be allowed in regards to Tribal Cultural
Resources. Archaeological site records shall be prepared to document the cultural remains discovered during monitoring and submitted to the California Historical Resources
Information System.
CUL-3. In the unexpected event human remains are uncovered during construction activities, all construction work taking place within the vicinity of the discovered remains must cease and the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the
immediate area must be taken. The County Coroner must be notified within 24 hours of the discovery of human remains. If the remains discovered are determined by the Coroner to be of Native American descent, the Coroner shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24
hours. The NAHC would in turn contact the Most Likely
Descendant (MLD) would determine further action to be taken.
The MLD would have 48 hours to access the site and make a recommendation regarding disposition of the remains.
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CHAPTER 3: REFERENCES
• Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian, "Cahuilla Territory", https://aguacaliente.org/documents/Cahuilla Territory.pdf, 2022. • Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, "A People's Journey" https://aguacaliente.org/documents/OurStory-10.pdf , accessed March 2024. • Atlas Civil Design Inc., Preliminary Drainage Study, April 2024. • Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, "The Cahuilla People", https://augustinetribe- nsn.gov/cahuilla-people/, accessed March 2024.
• Cahuilla Band of Indians, "The Culture of Cahuilla Band of Indians", https://cahuilla- nsn.gov/about/culture/, accessed March 2024.
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, "Fire Hazard Severity Zones in State Responsibility Areas", https://calfire-
forestry.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=988d431 a42b242b29d89597a b693d008accessed, April 2024.
• California Department of Water Resources, Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin, Indio Subbasin, updated February 2004.
• CalRecycle Solid Waste Information System Facility/Site Activity Detail. https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteActivity/Details/5189?sitelD=4186 , accessed April 2024.
• City of Rancho Mirage General Plan Environmental Impact Report, Oct. 2005. • City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, 2017.
• City of Rancho Mirage General Plan, "Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map", 2022. • Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, "Plan Area Profile", accessed March 2024.
• Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District, "Coachella Valley", https://www.coachellavalleyrcd.org/coachella-valley , accessed March 2024. • Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District, "Coachella Valley", https://www.coachellavalleyrcd.org/coachella-valley , accessed April 2024. • Coachella Valley Water District, Regional Urban Water Management Plan. • EPA, Ground -level Ozone Basics, https://www.epa.gov/ground-level-ozone- pollution/ground-level-ozone-basics, accessed April 2024. • Imperial Irrigation District, About IID Energy, https://www.iid.com/energy/about-iid- energy#:-:text=Located%20in%20a%20region%20with,%2C%20hydroelectric%2C%20solar %20and%20wind, accessed April 2024.
• League of California Cities, "Southern California Edison", https://www.calcities.org/partner/edison , accessed April 2024. • Palm Springs Unified School District, https://www.psusd.us/Page/2400 , accessed March 2024.
• SCAQMD, Air Quality Management Plan, "2018-2020 Annual PM10 Design Values by Basin and County", 2022.
• SCAQMD, Air Quality Management Plan, 2022.
• Southern California Associate of Government, "Current Context Demographics and Growth Forecast", https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/ , September 2020.
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• Southern California Earthquake Data Center, "Banning Fault Zone", https://scedc.caltech.edu/earthquake/banning.html , accessed April 2024. • Southern California Earthquake Data Center, "Garnet Hill Fault", https://scedc.caltech.edu/earthquake/garnethill.html , accessed April 2024. • Southern California Edison, "2022 Power Content Label", https://www.sce.com/sites/default/files/custom-
files/PDF Files/SCE 2022 Power Content Label B%26W.pdf, accessed April 2024. • Southern California Gas, "Gas Transmission Pipeline Interactive Map", https://socalgas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=aaebac8286ea4e4b8e 425e47771 b8138, accessed April 2024.
• U.S. Census Bureau, "Rancho Mirage"
nups:i/ www.census.goviquickfacts/ranchomiragecitycaiitornia , accessed March 2024.
CHAPTER 4: APPENDICES
Appendix A CalEEMod Modeling
Appendix B Biological Resources Assessment & Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Compliance Report
Appendix C Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report Appendix D Design -Phase Geotechnical Investigation Report Appendix E Traffic Impact Analysis and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis CHAPTER 5: REPORT PREPARERS
Lead Agency
City of Rancho Mirage
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Phone: 760-328-2266
CEQA Consultant
Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc.
42736 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, California 92211
Phone: 760-341-4800 Fax: 760-341-4455
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Appendix A
CalEEMod Modeling
City of Rancho Mirage
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Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report
Table of Contents
1. Basic Project Information
1. 1. Basic Project Information
1. 2. Land Use Types
1. 3. User -Selected Emission Reduction Measures by Emissions Sector
2. Emissions Summary
2.1. Construction Emissions Compared Against Thresholds
2. 2. Construction Emissions by Year, Unmitigated
2. 4. Operations Emissions Compared Against Thresholds
2. 5. Operations Emissions by Sector, Unmitigated
3. Construction Emissions Details
.13. Site Preparation (2024) - Unmitigated
N)
3. 3. Grading (2024) - Unmitigated
R. Building Construction (2024) - Unmitigated
3.7. Building Construction (2025) - Unmitigated
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Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
3. 9. Building Construction (2026) - Unmitigated
3. 11. Paving (2024) - Unmitigated
3.13. Architectural Coating (2025) - Unmitigated
3.15. Architectural Coating (2026) - Unmitigated
4. Operations Emissions Details
4. 1. Mobile Emissions by Land Use
4. 1. 1. Unmitigated
4. 2. Energy
4. 2. 1. Electricity Emissions By Land Use - Unmitigated
4. 2. 3. Natural Gas Emissions By Land Use - Unmitigated
4.3. Area Emissions by Source
4. 3. 1. Unmitigated
4. 4. Water Emissions by Land Use
Ni. 4. 1. Unmitigated
i
44. Waste Emissions by Land Use
0 (0. 5. 1. Unmitigated
4. 6. Refrigerant Emissions by Land Use
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Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
4. 6.1. Unmitigated
4. 7. Offroad Emissions By Equipment Type
4.7.1. Unmitigated
4.8. Stationary Emissions By Equipment Type
4.8.1. Unmitigated
4. 9. User Defined Emissions By Equipment Type
4. 9. 1. Unmitigated
4. 10. Soil Carbon Accumulation By Vegetation Type
4. 10. 1. Soil Carbon Accumulation By Vegetation Type - Unmitigated
4. 10. 2. Above and Belowground Carbon Accumulation by Land Use Type - Unmitigated
4.10.3. Avoided and Sequestered Emissions by Species - Unmitigated
5. Activity Data
5. 1. Construction Schedule
M. Off -Road Equipment
i
—6. 2. 1. Unmitigated
O. Construction Vehicles
5. 3. 1. Unmitigated
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5. 4. Vehicles
5. 4. 1. Construction Vehicle Control Strategies
5. 5. Architectural Coatings
5.6. Dust Mitigation
5.6.1. Construction Earthmoving Activities
5. 6. 2. Construction Earthmoving Control Strategies
5. 7. Construction Pav ing
5. 8. Construction Electricity Consumption and Emissions Factors
5. 9. Operational Mobile Sources
5. 9. 1. Unmitigated
5.10. Operational Area Sources
5. 10. 1. Hearths
5. 10.1. 1. Unmitigated
5. 10. 2. Architectural Coatings
i
—6. 10. 3. Landscape Equipment
-641. Operational Energy Consumption
5. 11. 1. Unmitigated
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5. 12. Operational Water and Wastewater Consumption
5. 12. 1. Unmitigated
5. 13. Operational Waste Generation
5.13.1. Unmitigated
5.14. Operational Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment
5. 14. 1. Unmitigated
5. 15. Operational Off -Road Equipment
5. 15. 1. Unmitigated
5. 16. Stationary Sources
5. 16. 1. Emergency Generators and Fire Pumps
5.16.2. Process Boilers
5. 17. User Defined
5. 18. Vegetation
5. 18. 1. Land Use Change
i
— 5. 18. 1. 1. Unmitigated
N1. 18. 1. Biomass Cover Type
5. 18.1. 1. Unmitigated
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5. 18.2. Sequestration
5. 18.2.1. Unmitigated
6. Climate Risk Detailed Report
6.1. Climate Risk Summary
6.2. Initial Climate Risk Scores
6. 3. Adjusted Climate Risk Scores
6. 4. Climate Risk Reduction Measures
7. Health and Equity Details
7. 1. CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Scores
7. 2. Healthy Places Index Scores
7.3. Overall Health & Equity Scores
7. 4. Health & Equity Measures
7. 5. Ev aluation Scorecard
rk5. Health & Equity Custom Measures
i
8. .er Changes to Default Data
W
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1. Basic Project Information
1.1. Basic Project Information
Data Field
Value
Project Name
Construction Start Date
Operational Year
Lead Agency
Land Use Scale
Analysis Level for Defaults
Windspeed (m/s)
Precipitation (days)
Lo cation
County
City
Air District
Air Basin
TAZ
EDFZ
Electric Utility
GA
A�
s atility
pj, `ms+Version
1.,Land Use Types
Via Vail Apartments
6/1/2024
2026
The Pacific Companies
Project/site
County
3.30 0 .80
33 .79898669742357, -116.39424816489105
Riverside -Salton Sea
Rancho Mirage
South Coast AQMD
Salton Sea
5671
19 Imperial Irrigation District
Southern California Gas
2022.1.1.22
Land Use Subtype
Size
Unit
Lot Acreage Building Area (sq ft)
Landscape Area (sq
ft)
Special Landscape
Ar ea (sq ft)
Population
Description
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Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Apartments Low 236 Dwelling Unit 6 .70 163,872 163,273 892 Rise
Parking Lot 367 Space 3.30 3.40 0.00
1.3. User -Selected Emission Reduction Measures by Emissions Sector No measures selected
2. Emissions Summary
2.1. Construction Emissions Compared Against Thresholds Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Un/Mit.
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM10T
PM2.5T
CO2e
Daily, Summer (Max) Unmit. 6.44 36.1 42.6
Daily, Winter (Max)
Unmit. 6. 17 21. 1 34.5
Average Daily (Max) -
Unmit. 3.15 9.17 19.3
Annual (Max)
Unmit. 0. 58 1.67 3. 52
Exceeds (Daily Max)
0.05 0 .04
0.02 < 0 .005
9.49 3 .53
2.25 0 .41
5.47 1 .45
0.76 0 .14
TIwrAhriold 75. 0 100 550 150 150 55.0
U? No No No No No No
EreAds (Average
Dail*
Told 75.0 100 550 150 150 55 .0
Unmit. No No No No No No
7,618
7,187
4,225
699
8/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
2.2. Construction Emissions by Year, Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Year
Daily - Summer (Max)
2024
2025
2026
Daily - Winter (Max)
2024
2025
2026
Average Daily
2024
2025
2026
Annual
2024
2025
2026
ROG
3. 74
6. 44
6.23 2. 99
6. 17
6.07 1. 07
3.15 2.02
0. 20
0. 58
0.37 NOx
36 .1
13 .2
12.5 21.1
13. 4
12.6 7.85
9.17 5.08
1. 43
1.67 0.93
CO
42 .6
34 .0
32.5 34.5
25 .6
24.7 12 .4
19.3 10.9
2. 27
3.52 1.99
SO2
0 .05
0 .03
0.03 0.04
0 .03
0.03 0 .02
0.02 0.01
< 0 .005
< 0 .005
< 0.005
PM1OT
9 .49
3.35 3.29
3.53 3 .35
3.29 1 .58
2.25 1.31
0 .29
0 .41
0.24 PM2.5T
5 .47
1 .12
1.07 1.45
1 .12
1.07 0 .72
0.76 0.43
0 .13
0 .14
0.08 CO2e
7,618
6,444
6,364
7,187
5,981
5,911
2,438
4,225
2,456
404
699
407
2. N perations Emissions Compared Against Thresholds
Chia Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) DSummer (Max)
Unmit.
Daily, Winter (Max)
ROG
9.74 NOx
6. 54
CO
69.7 SO2
0. 14
PM1OT
11.5 PM2.5T
3.04 CO2e
17,264
9/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Unmit. 7.67 6.89 37.4 0 .13 11.5 3.03 15,631
Average Daily (Max)
Unmit. 8 .50 6 .72 49 .8 0 .13 11 .5 3 .03 16,277
Annual (Max )
Unmit. 1.55 1.23 9.09 0.02 2.09 0.55 2,695
Exceeds (Daily M ax)
Threshold 55. 0 55 .0 550 150 150 55.0
Unmit. No No No No No No Yes
Exceeds (Average
Daily)
Threshold 55. 0 55. 0 550 150 150 55.0
Unmit. No No No No No No Yes
Exceeds (Annual)
Threshold
Unmit.
2.5. Operations Emissions by Sector, Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Sector
ROG
Daily, Summer (Max)
Mo 4.69
APO 5. 00
Ene�r y 0. 06
Watkik
Wa
Refrig.
Total 9. 74
NOx
5. 40
0.13 1. 01
CO
55.9 13. 4
0. 43
SO2
0.14 < 0. 005
0. 01
6.54 69. 7 0. 14
PM 10T
PM2 .5T
3,000
No
CO2e
11.4 2.95 14,172
0 .01 < 0 .005 35 .9
0 .08 0 .08 2,549
121
385
1.17 11.5 3 .04 17,264
10/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Daily, Winter (Max)
M obile 3.80 5.88 37.0 0.12 11.4 2.95 12,575
Area 3 .81 0.00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Energy 0.06 1.01 0 .43 0 .01 0 .08 0 .08 2,549
Water 121
Waste 385
Refrig. 1 .17
Total 7. 67 6.89 37 .4 0.13 11 .5 3 .03 15,631
Average Daily
Mobile 4.04 5.64 42.8 0.13 11.4 2.95 13,203
Area 4.40 0.06 6.60 < 0.005 < 0 .005 < 0.005 17.7
Energy 0. 06 1.01 0 .43 0.01 0 .08 0 .08 2,549
Water 121
Waste 385
Refrig. 1.17
Total 8.50 6. 72 49.8 0 .13 11.5 3.03 16,277
Annual
Mobile 0. 74 1.03 7. 81 0 .02 2 .07 0 .54 2,186
Area 0. 80 0.01 1. 20 < 0 .005 < 0.005 < 0 .005 2 .93
Energy 0.01 0.18 0.08 < 0.005 0.01 0.01 422
Wa , 20.0
VO4 63 .7
REL 0 .19
TotaL1 1. 55 1. 23 9. 09 0.02 2 .09 0 .55 2,695
Co
3. Construction Emissions Details
11 /44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
3.1. Site Preparation (2024) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Lo cation
ROG
NOx
CO
Onsite
Daily, Summer (M ax)
Off -Road Equipment 3. 65
36 .0
32 .9
Dust From Material
M ovement
Onsite truck 0.00 0.00 0 .00
Daily, Winter (Max)
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment 0.10 0.99 0.90
SO2
0 .05
0 .00
< 0.005
Dust From Material
Movement
O nsite truck 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
PM 10T
1 .60
7.67 0 .00
0.04 0.21
0.00 PM2 .5T
1 .47
3.94 0 .00
0.04 0.11
0.00 CO2e
5,314
0 .00
146
0.00 Annual
Off -Road Equipment 0. 02 0.18 0. 16 < 0 .005 0 .01 0 .01 24 .1 Dust From M aterial 0 .04 0 .02
M ovement
Onsite truck 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Offsite
Dai�V‘Summer (Max)
Wc�ker 0.10 0.10 1.81 0.00 0.23 0.05 269
Venior 0.00 0. 00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
H bg 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Daily, Winter (M ax)
Average Daily
Worker < 0.005 < 0.005 0.04 0.00 0.01 < 0.005 6.71
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Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Vendor
Hauling
0.00 0.00
Annual
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
< 0.005
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
< 0 .005
0.00 0 .00
0.00 0.00
0 .01
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0 .00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
< 0.005
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
< 0 .005
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
3.3. Grading (2024) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Location
Onsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Dust From Material
Movement
Onsite truck
Daily, Winter (Max)
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment
Dust From M aterial
Movement
OKI - truck
Annual
O F;- pad Equipment
DiOrom Material
Movement
Onsite truck
ROG
1.90 0.00
0. 16
0. 00
0.03 0.00
Offsite
NOx
18. 2
0. 00
1. 50
0.00 0.27
0. 00
CO
18.8 0.00
1. 55
0. 00
0.28 0.00
SO2
0.03 0.00
< 0 .005
0. 00
< 0.005
0.00 PM 10T
0 .84
2.76 0.00
0 .07
0.23 0 .00
0.01 0 .04
0.00 PM2.5T
0.77 1.34
0.00 CO2e
2,969
0.00 0 .06
0.11 0 .00
0.01 0 .02
0.00 244
0 .00
40.4 0.00
13/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Daily, Summer (Max)
Worker
0.08 Vendor 0 .00
Hauling
Daily, Winter (M ax)
Average Daily
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Annual
Worker
Vendor
0.00 0. 01
0. 00
0. 00
< 0. 005
0. 00
0.09 0 .00
0.00 0 .01
0.00 0.00
< 0.005
0.00 1.55
0 .00
0 .00
0 .09
0 .00
0 .00
0.02 0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0 .00
0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0.20 0 .00
0 .00
0 .02
0 .00
0 .00
< 0 .005
0 .00
0.05 0 .00
0 .00
231
0 .00
0 .00
< 0 .005
0 .00
17 .2
0 .00
0 .00 0 .00
< 0.005
0 .00
2.86 0 .00
Hauling 0. 00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
3. 5. Building Construction (2024) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Lo cation
Onsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Ormik truck
Da Vinter (M ax)
Oad Equipment
ONN truck
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment
ROG
1. 20
0. 00
1.20 0. 00
0. 37
NOx
11. 2
0. 00
11.2 0.00
3.47 CO
13. 1
0.00 13.1
0. 00
4. 06
SO2
0.02 0.00
0.02 0. 00
0. 01
PM 10T
0 .50
0 .00
0.50 0 .00
0.15 PM2 .5T
0.46 0 .00
0.46 0 .00
0 .14
CO2e
2,406
0.00 2,406
0 .00
744
Onsite truck
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 14/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Annual
Off -Road Equipment
Onsite truck
Offsite
Daily, Summer (Max )
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Daily, Winter (Max)
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Average Daily
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Annual
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
0.07 0 .00
0.94 0. 03
0. 00
0.70 0.03
0. 00
0. 25
0.01 0.00
0. 05
< 0.005
0.00 0.63
0.00 0 .97
0 .88
0.00 1.04
0.95 0.00
0.30 0.29
0. 00
0.05 0.05
0.00 0.74
0 .00
17.6 0 .40
0 .00
10.0 0.41
0 .00
3 .85
0.12 0.00
0. 70
0. 02
0.00 < 0.005
0 .00
0.00 0 .01
0.00 0.00
0.01 0 .00
0 .00
< 0.005
0 .00
0 .00
< 0 .005
0.00 0.03
0 .00
2.22 0 .23
0 .00
2.22 0.23
0 .00
0 .69
0.07 0.00
0 .13
0 .01
0.00 0.03
0 .00
0.52 0 .07
0 .00
0.52 0.07
0 .00
0 .16
0.02 0.00
0 .03
< 0 .005
0.00 123
0 .00
2,616
848
0 .00
2,221
847
0 .00
735
262
0.00 122
43 .4
0.00 3 j3uilding Construction (2025) - Unmitigated
Crtt 1a Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) L( lca' ion
Onsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM 10T
PM2.5T
CO2e
Off -Road Equipment
1.13 10.4
13.0 0.02
15/44
0.43 0.40
2,406
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Onsite truck 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Daily, Winter (Max)
Off -Road Equipment 1 .13 10 .4 13 .0 0 .02 0 .43 0 .40 2,406 Onsite truck 0.00 0.00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment 0.80 7 .46 9.31 0.02 0.31 0.28 1,719 Onsite truck 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Annual
Off -Road Equipment 0. 15 1.36 1 .70 < 0 .005 0 .06 0 .05 285 Onsite truck 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Offsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Worker 0. 89 0. 89 16 .2 0 .00 2 .22 0 .52 2,560
Vendor 0. 03 0.84 0 .37 0 .01 0 .23 0 .07 833
Hauling 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Daily, Winter (Max)
Worker 0. 67 0.96 9. 20 0.00 2 .22 0 .52 2,175
Vendor 0. 03 0.91 0. 38 0 .01 0 .23 0 .07 831
Hauling 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Average Daily
Wor r 0.51 0. 63 8.23 0.00 1.59 0.37 1,661
Vf r 0. 02 0.64 0. 27 < 0. 005 0 .16 0 .05 594
1 Haig 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Aa l
V\retOr 0.09 0.12 1.50 0.00 0.29 0.07 275
Vendor < 0. 005 0. 12 0.05 < 0.005 0.03 0.01 98.4
Hauling 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0. 00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00
16/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
3.9. Building Construction (2026) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Lo cation
Onsite
Daily, Summer (M ax)
Off -Road Equipment
Onsite truck
Daily, Winter (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Onsite truck
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment
Onsite truck
Annual
Off -Road Equipment
Onsite truck
Offsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Worker
Vendor
HKy
Daly,y,Winter (M ax)
V�(Qrl�r
Vr
Hauling
Average Daily
ROG
1. 07
0.00 1.07
0. 00
0.44 0. 00
0.08 0.00
0.77 0.03
0. 00
0. 64
0.03 0.00
NOx
9.85 0.00
9.85 0.00
4. 09
0. 00
0.75 0.00
0.81 0. 81
0.00 0. 88
0.87 0. 00
CO
SO2
13 .0
0.00 13.0
0 .00
5.38 0.00
0.98 0.00
15.1 0.35
0. 00
8. 53
0.36 0.00
0 .02
0.00 0.02
0 .00
0.01 0 .00
< 0.005
0.00 0.00
0.01 0. 00
0. 00
0.01 0.00
PM1OT
0 .38
0.00 0.38
0 .00
0.16 0 .00
0.03 0.00
2.22 0.23
0 .00
2 .22
0.23 0.00
PM2 .5T
0 .35
0.00 0.35
0 .00
0 .14
0 .00
0.03 0.00
0.52 0.07
0 .00
0 .52
0.07 0.00
CO2e
2,405
0.00 2,405
0 .00
998
0.00 165
0.00 2,506
818
0 .00
2,129
817
0.00 Worker
0. 28
0.33 4. 43
0. 00
0. 92
0 .22
944
17/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Vendor
Hauling
0.01 0.00
Annual
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
0.05 < 0.005
0.00 0.35
0.00 0.06
0.06 0 .00
0.15 0.00
0 .81
0.03 0.00
< 0.005
0.00 0 .00
< 0.005
0.00 0.09
0.00 0 .17
0.02 0.00
0.03 0.00
0 .04
339
0.00 156
0.01 56.1
0.00 0.00
3.11. Paving (2024) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Location
Onsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Paving
Onsite truck
Daily, Winter (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Paving
Onsite truck
Average Daily
Off=Rkad Equipment
P��1Tg
Oi truck
A I
Off -Road Equipment
Paving
ROG
0.85 0.14
0.00 0.85
0. 14
0. 00
0. 14
0.02 0.00
0. 03
< 0.005
NOx
7. 81
0.00 7.81
0.00 1. 28
0. 00
0.23 CO
10 .0
0.00 10.0
0.00 1.65
0.00 0. 30
SO2
0.01 0.00
0.01 0.00
< 0.005
0.00 < 0. 005
PM 10T
0 .39
0.00 0.39
0.00 0 .06
0.00 0.01
PM2.5T
0.36 0.00
0.36 0.00
0 .06
0.00 0 .01
CO2e
1,517
0.00 1,517
0 .00
249
0.00 41 .3
Onsite truck
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 18/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Offsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Daily, Winter (Max)
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Average Daily
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Annual
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
0 .08
0.00 0.00
0. 06
0. 00
0. 00
0.01 0. 00
0. 00
< 0.005
0.00 0. 00
0 .09
0.00 0.00
0 .09
0.00 0.00
0.01 0. 00
0. 00
< 0.005
0. 00
0.00 1 .55
0 .00
0.00 0 .88
0 .00
0 .00
0.18 0 .00
0 .00
0.03 0.00
0. 00
0 .00
0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0.00 0 .20
0 .00
0.00 0 .20
0 .00
0 .00
0.03 0 .00
0 .00
0.01 0.00
0 .00
0 .05
0 .00
0.00 0.05
0 .00
0 .00
0.01 0 .00
0 .00
< 0.005
0.00 0 .00
231
0 .00
0.00 196
0 .00
0 .00
34.5 0 .00
0 .00
5.71 0.00
0 .00
3.13. Architectural Coating (2025) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Lu c,i on
*Summer (M ax)
ad Equipment
Architectural Coatings
Onsite truck
ROG
0. 13
4. 08
0. 00
NOx
0.88 0.00
CO
1. 14
0. 00
SO2
< 0. 005
0.00 PM1OT
0.03 0.00
PM2.5T
0.03 0 .00
CO2e
134
0 .00
Daily, Winter (Max)
19/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Off -Road Equipment 0.13 0.88 1.14 < 0.005 0.03 0.03 134 Architectural Coatings 4.08
Onsite truck 0 .00 0.00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment 0.05 0.37 0.48 < 0.005 0.01 0.01 56.1 Architectural Coatings 1.71
Onsite truck 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Annual
Off -Road Equipment 0. 01 0.07 0 .09 < 0 .005 < 0 .005 < 0 .005 9 .29 Architectural Coatings 0.31
Onsite truck 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Offsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Worker 0. 18 0.18 3 .24 0 .00 0 .44 0 .10 512
Vendor 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Hauling 0.00 0. 00 0.00 0 .00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Daily, Winter (Max)
Worker 0. 13 0.19 1. 84 0 .00 0 .44 0 .10 435
Vendor 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Hauling 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Avenge Daily
VittOr 0. 06 0.07 0. 97 0. 00 0 .19 0 .04 195
1 Vend r 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
H_it'g 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0.00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Annul
Worker 0.01 0. 01 0.18 0.00 0.03 0.01 32.2
Vendor 0. 00 0.00 0. 00 0. 00 0. 00 0 .00 0 .00
20/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Hauling 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3.15. Architectural Coating (2026) - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Location
Onsite
Daily, Summer (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Archite ctural Coatings
Onsite truck
Daily, Winter (Max)
Off -Road Equipment
Archite ctural Coatings
Onsite truck
Average Daily
Off -Road Equipment
Archite ctural Coatings
Onsite truck
Annual
Off -Road Equipment
Arehkctural Coatings
1:1 1'5 truck
Offs4
DSummer (Max)
Worker
Vendor
ROG
0. 12
4. 08
0.00 0. 12
4. 08
0.00 0. 04
1.21 0. 00
0. 01
0. 22
0.00 0. 15
0. 00
NOx
0 .86
0.00 0. 86
0.00 0. 25
0.00 0. 05
0.00 0.16
0.00 CO
1.13 0.00
1.13 0.00
0. 34
0.00 0. 06
0.00 3. 01
0. 00
SO2
< 0.005
0.00 < 0.005
0 .00
< 0 .005
0.00 < 0.005
0.00 0.00
0. 00
PM10T
0 .02
0.00 0 .02
0.00 0 .01
0 .00
< 0.005
0.00 0.44
0.00 PM2.5T
0 .02
0.00 0 .02
0.00 0 .01
0 .00
< 0 .005
0.00 0 .10
0 .00
CO2e
134
0.00 134
0.00 39 .8
0.00 6 .60
0.00 501
0 .00
Hauling
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.00 21 /44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Daily, Winter (Max)
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Average Daily
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Annual
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
0.13 0 .00
0.00 0.04
0. 00
0. 00
0.01 0.00
0. 00
0.18 0 .00
0.00 0 .05
0 .00
0.00 0.01
0.00 0.00
1.71 0 .00
0 .00
0.63 0 .00
0 .00
0.12 0.00
0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0 .00
0.00 0 .00
0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00
0.44 0 .00
0 .00
0.13 0 .00
0 .00
0.02 0.00
0 .00
0.10 0 .00
0 .00
0.03 0 .00
0 .00
0.01 0.00
0 .00
426
0 .00
0 .00
135
0 .00
0 .00
22.4 0.00
0 .00
4. Operations Emissions Details
4.1. Mobile Emissions by Land Use
4. 1. 1. Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Land Use
Daily Summer (Max)
Aents Low Rise
ParLg Lot
T
DQWinter (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
ROG
4. 69
0. 00
4.69 3. 80
0. 00
NOx
5. 40
0.00 5.40
5. 88
0.00 CO
55. 9
0. 00
55.9 37. 0
0. 00
SO2
0. 14
0.00 0.14
0. 12
0.00 PM10T
11 .4
0 .00
11.4 11.4
0. 00
PM2.5T
2 .95
0 .00
2.95 2 .95
0 .00
CO2e
14,172
0 .00
14,172
12,575
0 .00
22/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Total 3.80 5.88 37.0 0.12 11.4 2.95 12,575
Annual
Apartments Low Rise 0 .74 1 .03 7 .81 0 .02 2 .07 0 .54 2,186 Parking Lot 0.00 0.00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00 0 .00
Total 0.74 1.03 7.81 0.02 2.07 0.54 2,186
4.2. Energy
4. 2. 1. Electricity Emissions By Land Use - Unmitigated Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Land Use
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM10T
PM2.5T
CO2e
Daily, Summer (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Daily, Winter (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Annual
Apar ments Low Rise
Ppii g Lot
To
W
4. 0 Natural Gas Emissions By Land Use - Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) 1,171
91.2 1,262
1,171
91 .2
1,262
194
15 .1
209
Land Use
ROG
NOx
Co
SO2
PM10T
PM2.5T
CO2e
23/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Daily, Summer (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Daily, Winter (M ax)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Annual
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
0.06 0 .00
0.06 0.06
0. 00
0. 06
0.01 0.00
0. 01
1.01 0.00
1.01 1 .01
0 .00
1.01 0.18
0.00 0.18
0.43 0 .00
0 .43
0.43 0 .00
0 .43
0.08 0.00
0 .08
0.01 0 .00
0 .01
0.01 0 .00
0.01 < 0.005
0.00 < 0 .005
0.08 0 .00
0 .08
0.08 0 .00
0 .08
0.01 0.00
0 .01
0.08 0 .00
0 .08
0.08 0 .00
0 .08
0.01 0.00
0 .01
1,287
0 .00
1,287
1,287
0 .00
1,287
213
0.00 213
4.3. Area Emissions by Source
4. 3. 1. Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Source
Daily, Summer (M ax)
Hearths
Conumer Pro ducts
Abi ctural Coatings
Land cape Equipment
TO O
D/I}y‘Winter (Max)
Hearths
Consumer Pro ducts
ROG
0.00 3. 52
0. 29
1. 19
5.00 0.00
3. 52
NOx
0.00 0.13
0.13 0.00
CO
0.00 13. 4
13.4 0.00
SO2
0.00 < 0.005
< 0. 005
0.00 PM 10T
0.00 0 .01
0.01 0.00
PM2.5T
0.00 < 0 .005
< 0.005
0.00 CO2e
0.00 35 .9
35.9 0.00
24/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Architectural Coatings
Total
Annual
Hearths
Consumer Products
Architectural Coatings
Landscape Equipment
Total
0.29 3.81
0.00 0.64
0.05 0. 11
0. 80
0.00 0.00
0 .01
0.01 0.00
0 .00
1 .20
1 .20
0.00 0 .00
< 0 .005
< 0 .005
0.00 0 .00
< 0.005
< 0.005
0.00 0 .00
< 0 .005
< 0 .005
0.00 0 .00
2 .93
2 .93
4. 4. Water Emissions by Land Use
4. 4. 1. Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Land Use
Daily, Summer (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Daily, Winter (M ax)
Apartments Low Rise
Par�ki g Lot
T1SO
Anne l
Aents Low Rise
Pp g Lot
Total
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
P M10T
PM2.5T
CO2e
121
0 .00
121
121
0 .00
121
20.0 0.00
20.0 25/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
4.5. Waste Emissions by Land Use
4. 5. 1. Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Land Use
Daily, Summer (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Daily, Winter (Max)
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
Annual
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Total
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM10T
PM2.5T
CO2e
385
0 .00
385
385
0.00 385
63.7 0.00
63.7 4.6. Refrigerant Emissions by Land Use
4. 6. 1. Unmitigated
C I is Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Lpnrr Use
DgiiSummer (Max)
rTments Low Rise
Total
Daily, Winter (M ax)
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM10T
PM2 .5T
CO2e
1 .17
1 .17
26/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Apartments Low Rise
Total
Annual
Apartments Low Rise
Total
4.7. Offroad Emissions By Equipment Type
4. 7. 1. Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Equipment Type
Daily, Summer (Max)
Total
Daily, Winter (M ax)
Total
Annual
Total
ROG
NOx
4.8. Stationary Emissions By Equipment Type
CO
SO2
PM1OT
4.8.1. Unmitigated
Chia Pollutants (lb/day for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (lb/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Equipment Type
D it ummer (Max)
To
bb
Daily, Winter (Max)
Total
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
P M1OT
PM2.5T
PM2.5T
1.17 1.17
0 .19
0.19 CO2e
CO2e
27/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Annual
Total
4.9. User Defined Emissions By Equipment Type
4. 9. 1. Unmitigated
Criteria Pollutants (1b/clay for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (1b/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Equipment Type
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM1OT
PM2.5T
CO2e
Daily, Summer (Max)
Total
Daily, Winter (Max)
Total
Annual
Total
4. 10. Soil Carbon Accumulation By Vegetation Type
4.10.1. Soil Carbon Accumulation By Vegetation Type - Unmitigated Criteria Pollutants (1b/clay for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (1b/clay for daily, MT/yr for annual) Vegetation
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM1OT
PM2 .5T
CO2e
Daily Summer (M ax)
TN)
DLWinter (M ax)
T60
ACM l
Total
28/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
4. 10.2. Above and Belowground Carbon Accumulation by Land Use Type - Unmitigated Criteria Pollutants (1b/clay for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (1b/clay for daily, MT/yr for annual) Land Use
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
PM 10T
PM2 .5T
CO2e
Daily, Summer (Max)
Total
Daily, Winter (Max)
Total
Annual
Total
4.10. 3. Avoided and Sequestered Emissions by Species - Unmitigated Criteria Pollutants (1b/clay for daily, ton/yr for annual) and GHGs (1b/day for daily, MT/yr for annual) Species
ROG
NOx
CO
SO2
P M10T
PM2.5T
C O2e
Daily, Summer (M ax)
Avoided
Subtotal
Sequestered
Subtotal
Removed
Subtotal
N)
Daly, Winter (Max)
Ayo idd
Seal
Sequestered
Subtotal
Removed
29/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Subtotal
Annual
Avoided
Subtotal
Sequestered
Subtotal
Removed
Subtotal
5. Activity Data
5.1. Construction Schedule
Phase Name
Phase Type
Start Date
End Date
Days Per Week
Work Days per Phase
Phase Description
Site Preparation
Grading
Building Construction
Paving
Architectural Coating
Site Preparation
Grading
Building Construction
Paving
Architectural Coating
5.Off-Road Equipment
544 Unmitigated
Phase Name
Site Preparation
Equipment Type
6/1/2024
6/15/2024
7/27/2024
8/27/2024
06/01/2025
Fuel Type
Rubber Tired Doz ers Diesel
6/14/2024
7/26/2024
7/31/2026
11/18/2024
06/01/2026
Engine Tier
Average
5.00 5.00
5.00 5.00
5 .00
Number per Day
3. 00
10 .0
30 .0
525
60 .0
261
Hours Per Day
8.00 Horsepower
367
Load Factor
0 .40
30/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Site Preparation
Grading
Grading
Grading
Grading
Building Co nstruction
Building Co nstruction
Building Co nstruction
Building Co nstruction
Building Co nstruction
Paving
Paving
Paving
Architectural Coating
Tractors/Loaders/Backh
oes
Excavators
Graders
Rubber Tired Dozers
Tractors/Loaders/Backh
oes
Cranes
Forklifts
Generator Sets
Tractors/Loaders/Backh
oes
Welders
Pavers
Paving Equipment
Rollers
Air Compressors
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
4.00 1.00
1.00 1 .00
3 .00
1.00 3 .00
1 .00
3.00 1 .00
2.00 2 .00
2 .00
1 .00
8.00 8.00
8.00 8 .00
8 .00
7 .00
8 .00
8 .00
7.00 8 .00
8.00 8.00
8 .00
6 .00
84.0 36.0
148
367
84.0 367
82 .0
14.0 84 .0
46.0 81.0
89.0 36 .0
37.0 0.37
0.38 0.41
0 .40
0 .37
0 .29
0 .20
0 .74
0.37 0 .45
0.42 0.36
0 .38
0 .48
5.3. Construction Vehicles
5.3.1. Unmitigated
Phase Name
S.-eparation
Site reparation
S eWeparation
SQQreparation
Site Preparation
Grading
Trip Type
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Onsite truck
O ne -Way Trips per Day
17.5 0.00
Miles per Trip
18 .5
10.2 20.0
Vehicle Mix
LDA,LDT1,LDT2
HHDT,MHDT
HHDT
HHDT
31 /44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Grading
Grading
Grading
Grading
Building Construction
Building Co nstruction
Building Construction
Building Construction
Building Construction
Paving
Paving
Paving
Paving
Paving
Architectural Coating
Architectural Coating
Architectural Coating
Archite ctural Coating
Architectural Coating
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Onsite truck
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Onsite truck
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Onsite truck
Worker
Vendor
Hauling
Onsite truck
15.0 0 .00
170
25 .2
0 .00
15.0 0.00
34.0 0.00
18.5 10.2
20.0 18.5
10.2 20.0
18.5 10.2
20.0 18 .5
10.2 20.0
LDA,LDT1,LDT2
HHDT,MHDT
HHDT
HHDT
LDA,LDT1,LDT2
HHDT,MHDT
HHDT
HHDT
LDA,LDT1,LDT2
HHDT,MHDT
HHDT
HHDT
LDA,LDT1,LDT2
HHDT,MHDT
HHDT
HHDT
5.4 Vehicles
5. W. Construction Vehicle Control
Nq i�plicable. No control strategies activated
5rchitectural Coatings
Strategies
by user.
Phase Name
Residential Interior Area Coated
(sq ft)
Residential Exterior Area Co ated
(sq ft)
Non -Residential Interior Area
Coated (sq ft)
Non -Residential Exterior Area
Coated (sq ft)
Parking Area Coated (sq ft)
32/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Architectural Coating 331,841
5.6. Dust Mitigation
5. 6. 1. Construction Earthmoving Activities
110,614 0 .00
0.00 8,625
Phase Name
Material Imported (cy)
Material Exported (cy)
Acres Graded (acres)
Material Demolished (sq . ft .)
Acres Paved (acres)
Site Preparation
Grading
Paving
0.00 5.6.2. Construction Earthmoving Control Strategies 0 .00
15 .0
30.0 0.00
0 .00
0.00 0.00
3.30 Control Strategies Applied
Frequency (per day)
P M10 Reduction
PM2.5 Reduction
Water Exposed Area
5.7. Construction Paving
2 61%
61%
Land Use
Area Paved (acres)
% Asph alt
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
3. 30
5.8Construction Electricity Consumption and Emissions Factors ki per Year and Emission Factor (Ib/MWh)
kWh per Year
0. 00
0.00 0. 00
CO2
221
223
262
0%
100%
CH4
0.03 0.03
0.03 20
< 0 .005
< 0.005
< 0.005
33/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
5.9. Operational Mobile Sources
5. 9. 1. Unmitigated
Land Use Type
Trips/Weekday
Trips/Saturday
Trips/Sunday
Trips/Year
VMT/Weekday
Apartments Low
Rise
1,135
1,135
1,135
414,247
15,950
Parking Lot
0.00 0 .00
0 .00
0 .00
0 .00
VMT/Saturday
VMT/Sunday
VMT/Year
15,950
15,950
5,821,926
0 .00
0 .00
0 .00
5.10. Operational Area Sources
5. 10. 1. Hearths
5. 10.1.1. Unmitigated
Hearth Type
Apartments Low Rise
Wood Fireplaces
Gas Fireplaces
Propane Fireplaces
Electric Fireplaces
No Fireplaces
Conventional Wood Stoves
C Otic Wood Stoves
NoL-Catalytic Wood Stoves
Pelt Wood Stoves
Unmitigat ed (number)
0 0
0 0
236
0 12
12 5.10. 2. Architectural Coatings
Residential Interior Area Coated (sq ft)
Residential Exterior Area Coated (sq ft)
Non -Residential Interior Area Coated
(sq ft)
Non -Residential Exterior Area Coated
(sq ft)
Parking Area Coated (sq ft)
34/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
331840.8
5. 10.3. Landscape Equipment
110,614
0.00 0.00
8,625
Sea so n
Unit
Valu e
Snow Days
Summer Days
5. 11. Operational Energy Consumption
5. 11. 1. Unmitigated
Electricity (kWh/yr) and CO2 and CH4 and N20 and Natural Gas (kBTU/yr) day/yr
day/yr
0 .00
180
Land Use
Apartments Low Rise
Parking Lot
Electricity (kWh/yr)
1,615,843
125,923
C O2
262
262
5.12. Operational Water and Wastewater Consumption
5. 12. 1. Unmitigated
CH4
0 .0330
0 .0330
N20
0 .0040
0 .0040
Natural Gas (kBTU/yr)
4,004,973
0 .00
Land Use
Indoor Water (gal/year)
Outdoor Water (gal/year)
Apartments Low Rise
P rTcing Lot
5.43.. Operational Waste Generation
5. 11'01. Unmitigated
9,599,011
0. 00
3,744,789
0.00 Land Use
Waste (ton/year)
Cogeneration (kWh/year)
Apartments Low Rise
204
35/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Parking Lot
0 .00
5.14. Operational Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Equipment
5. 14. 1. Unmitigated
Land Use Type
Equipment Type
Refrigerant
GWP
Quantity (kg)
Operations Leak Rate
Service Leak Rate
Times Serviced
Apartments Low Rise
Average room A/C &
Other residential A/C
and heat pumps
R -410A
Apartments Low Rise Household refrigerators R -134a
and/or freezers
5.15. Operational Off -Road Equipment
5. 15.1. Unmitigated
2,088
1,430
< 0.005
0 .12
2 .50
0.60 2.50
0.00 10 .0
1.00 Number per Day
Hours Per Day
Horsepower
Load Factor
5.16. Stationary Sources
5. 16. 1. Emergency Generators and Fire Pumps
Equipment Type
Fuel Type
Number per Day
Hours per Day
Hours per Year
Horsepower
Load Factor
5.KV. Process Boilers
q' 'ipment Type
uel Type
!Number
Boiler Rating (MMBtu/hr)
Daily Heat Input (MMBtu/day)
Annual Heat Input (MMBtu/yr)
W
5. 17. User Defined
Equipment Type
Fuel Type
36 / 44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
5.18. Vegetation
5. 18.1. Land Use Change
5. 18. 1. 1. Unmitigated
Vegetation Land Use Type
Vegetation Soil Type
Initial Acres
Final Acres
5. 18. 1. Biomass Cover Type
5.18. 1. 1. Unmitigated
Biomass Cov er Type
Initial Acres
Final Acres
5. 18.2. Sequestration
5. 18. 2.1. Unmitigated
Tree Type
Number
Electricity Saved (kWh/year)
Natural Gas Saved (btu/year)
6. Climate Risk Detailed Report
6.1. Climate Risk Summary
Cal-f41ept midcentury 2040-2059 average projections for four hazards are reported below for your project location. These are under Representation Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8 .5 which assumes GHG errpOns will continue to rise strongly through 2050 and then plateau around 2100.
Climate Hazard
Te4+perature and Extreme Heat
Ee Precipitation
Sea Level Rise
Wildfire
Result for Project Lo cation
23. 4
0. 00
0. 00
Unit
annual days of extreme heat
annual days with precipitation abo ve 20 mm
meters of inundation depth
annual hectares burned
37/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Temperature and Extreme Heat data are for grid cell in which your project are located . The projection is based on the 98th historical percentile of daily maximum/minimum temperatures from observed historical data (32 climate model ensemble from Cal -Adapt, 2040-2059 average under RCP 8.5) . Each grid cell is 6 kilometers (km) by 6 km, or 3 .7 miles (mi) by 3.7 mi.
Extreme Precipitation data are for the grid cell in which your project are located . The threshold of 20 mm is equivalent to about 3/4 an inch of rain, which would be light to moderate rainfall if received over a full day or heavy rain if received over a period of 2 to 4 hours . Each grid cell is 6 kilometers (km) by 6 km, or 3 .7 miles (mi) by 3 .7 mi.
Sea Level Rise data are for the grid cell in which your project are located . The projections are from Radke et al. (2017), as reported in Cal -Adapt (Radke et al ., 2017, CEC-500-2017-008), and consider inundation location and depth for the San Francisco Bay, the Sacramento -San Joaquin River Delta and California coast resulting different increments of sea level rise c oupled with extreme storm events.
Users may select from four scenarios to view the range in potential inundati on depth for the grid cell . The four scenarios are: No rise, 0.5 meter, 1 .0 meter, 1.41 meters Wildfire data are for the grid cell in which your project are located. The projections are from UC Davis, as rep orted in Cal -Adapt (2040-2059 average under RCP 8.5), and consider historical data of climate, vegetation, population density, and large (> 400 ha) fire history. Users may select from four model simulations to view the range in potential wildfire probabilities for the grid cell. The four simulations make different assumptions about ex pected rainfall and temperature are: Warmer/drier (HadGE M2-ES), Cooler/wetter (CNR M-C M5), A verage conditions (CanESM2), Range of different rainfall and temperature possibilities (MIR005). Each grid cell is 6 kilometers (km) by 6 km, or 3.7 miles (mi) by 3.7 mi .
6.2. Initial Climate Risk Scores
Climate Hazard
Exposure Score
Sensitivity Score
Adaptive Capacity Score
Vulnerability Score
Temperature and Extreme Heat
Extreme Precipitation
Sea Level Rise
Wildfire
Flooding
Drought
Snowpack Reduction
Air Quality Degradation
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The sensitivity sco re reflects the extent to which a project would be adversely affected by exposure to a climate hazard. Exp osure is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 representing the great est exposure.
The adaptive capacity of a project refers to its ability to manage and reduce vulnerabilities from projected climate hazards . Adaptive capacity is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 representing the greatjut ability to adapt.
ThRIrall vulnerability scores are calculated based on the potential impacts and adaptive capacity assessments for each hazard. Scores do not include implementation of climate risk reduction measures.
6.3. Adjusted Climate Risk Scores
Hazard
Temperature and Extreme Heat
Extreme Precipitation
Sea Level Rise
Exposure Score
N/A
N/A
N/A
Se nsitivity Sco re
N/A
N/A
N/A
Adaptive Capacity Sc ore
N/A
N/A
N/A
Vulnerability Score
N/A
N/A
N/A
38/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Wildfire
Flooding
Drought
Snowpack Reduction
Air Quality Degradation
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The sensitivity sco re reflects the extent to which a project would be adversely affected by exposure to a climate hazard. Exp osure is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 representing the great est exposure.
The adaptive capacity of a project refers to its ability to manage and reduce vulnerabilities from projected climate hazards . Adaptive capacity is rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 representing the greatest ability to adapt.
The overall vulnerability scores are calculated based on the potential impacts and adaptive capacity assessments for each hazard. Scores include implementation of climate risk reduction measures.
6. 4. Climate Risk Reduction Measures
7. Health and Equity Details
7.1. CalEnviroScreen 4. 0 Scores
The maximum CalEnviroScreen score is 100. A high score (i. e., greater than 50) reflects a higher polluti on burden compared to other census tracts in the state.
Indicator
Exposure Indicators
AQ-Ozone
AQ-PM
AQ-DPM
Drin 'ng Water
LOO Risk Housing
Pedes
ToPhReleases
TrAd
Effect Indicato rs
CleanUp Sites
Result for Project Census Tract
88 .7
7.34 43 .4
45.4 1. 31
0. 00
3.08 64.6
0. 00
39/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Groundwater 0.00
Haz Waste Facilities/Generators 43.3
Impaired Water Bodies 0 .00
Solid Waste 0 .00
Sensitive Population
Asthma
Cardio-vascular
Low Birth Weights
Socioeconomic Factor Indicators
Education
Housing
Linguistic
Poverty
Unemployment
7.2. Healthy Places Index Scores
20.9 16 .5
20.3 25.9
86 .8
7.38 21 .5
4 .23
The maximum Health Places Index score is 100. A high score (i.e. , greater than 50) reflects healthier community conditions compared to other census tracts in the state.
Indicator
Result for Project Census Tract
Economic
Abo ve Poverty
E Qpilyed
IVtn HI
Emotion
Belor's or higher
High�cho ol enrollment
Preschool enrollment
Transportation
47.56833055
15.56525087
74.56691903
65.96945977
100
48.45374054
40/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Auto Access 37.4566919
Active commuting 25.81804183
Social
2 -parent households 97.56191454
Voting 86.88566662
Neighborhood
Alcohol availability 82 .80508148
Park access 2.194276915
Retail density 35 .17259079
Supermarket access 45.92583087
Tree canopy 17.8108559
Housing
Homeownership 83.62633132
Housing habitability 22 .35339407
Lo w-inc homeowner severe housing cost burden 25.38175286 Lo w-inc renter severe housing cost burden 6 .274862056 Uncrowded housing 70.21686129
Health Outcomes
Insured adults 97.45925831
Arthritis 0.0
Ast�a ER Admissions 80.6
H)lood Pressure 0. 0
1 Carr (excluding skin) 0. 0
Asithia 0.0
Canary Heart Disease 0.0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0.0
Diagnosed Diabetes 0. 0
41 /44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Life Expectancy at Birth 94 .6
Cognitiv ely Disabled 39.7
Physically Disabled 49 .3
Heart Attack ER Admissions 64 .0
Mental Health Not Good 0.0
Chronic Kidney Disease 0.0
Obesity 0 .0
Pedestrian Injuries 19.6
Physical Health Not Good 0 .0
Stroke 0.0
Health Risk Behavio rs
Binge Drinking 0 .0
Current Smoker 0 .0
No Leisure Time for Physical Activity 0 .0
Climate Change Exposures
Wildfire Risk 0 .0
SLR Inundation Area 0.0
Children 79 .8
Elderly 0 .9
English Speaking 70.5
Fortin -born 10.7
ONaor Workers 98. 2
1 Clime Change Adaptive Capacity
IrQP/ious Surface Cover 47. 2
TX Density 47.5
Traffic Access 23.0
Other Indices
42/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
Hardship
Other Decision Support
2016 Voting
7. 3. Overall Health & Equity Scores
34 .9
92 .5
M etric
Result for Project Census Tract
CalEnviro Screen 4.0 Score for Project Location (a)
Healthy Places Index Score for Project Location (b)
Project Located in a Designated Disadvantaged Community (Senate Bill 535) Project Located in a Low -Income Community (Assembly Bill 1550) Project Located in a Community Air Protection Program Community (Assembly Bill 617) 7 .00
56 .0
No
No
No
a: The maximum CalEnviroScreen score is 100. A high score (i.e., greater than 50) reflects a higher pollution burden compared to other census tracts in the state. b: The maximum Health Places Index score is 100. A high score (i.e. , greater than 50) reflects healthier community conditions compared to other census tracts in the state.
7.4. Health & Equity Measures
No He alth & Equity Measures selected.
7.5. Evaluatio n Scorecard
Health & Equity Evaluation Scorecard not completed.
7.6. Health & Equity Custom Measures
No H&Ith & Equity Custom M easures created.
8Nblser Changes to Default Data
Srrpcn
Justification
v �
Lapse
Construction: Construction Phases
The Project plan set including site plan, project summary, and open space plan provided land use information. Population size is based on Project's maximum capacity.
The Project site is currently undeveloped vacant desert land. No existing structures are located within the subject property and thus there is no need for demolition prior to site preparation or grading . A two year buildout is assumed for a 2026 operation.
43/44
Via Vail Apartments Detailed Report, 4/18/2024
O perations: Vehicle Data Assume 1135 trips per day based on Traffic Scoping Letter.
Operations: Hearths Pr oject does not propose wood burning appliances . 44/44
Appendix B
Biological Resources Assessment & Coachella Valley
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Compliance Report City of Rancho Mirage 102
12-152
VIA VAIL PROJECT
Biological Resources Assessment & Coachella Valley
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Compliance Report
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
Terra Nova Planning and Research
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Nicole Criste, Principal
Phone: (760) 568-9918
Prepared by:
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.
862 E Hospitality Ln #350
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 888-1106
WSP Job # US0022704.8152
Principal Field Investigator:
Dale Hameister
Report Author:
Dale Hameister
Survey: March 2024
12-153
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 PROJECT LOCATION / DESCRIPTION 1
3.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 1
3.1 Federal 1
3.2 State 2
3.3 Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan 4
4.0 METHODS 5
4.1 Literature Review 5
4.2 Field Assessment 5
5.0 RESULTS 5
5.1 Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan 6
5.2 Weather Conditions 6
5.3 Topography and Soils 6
5.4 Vegetation 6
5.5 Wildlife 6
5.6 Special Status Biological Resources 6
5.7 Discussion of the Special -status Species Tables 16
5.7.1 CVMSHCP Covered Species 16
5.7.2 Potentially Occurring Species Not Covered Under the CVMSHCP and USFWS IPAC Species 16
6.0 DISCUSSION 17
6.1 Protection of Nesting Birds 17
6.2 Burrowing Owl 17
7.0 CONCLUSION 17
8.0 LITERATURE CITED AND REFERENCES 18
12-1g"
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Special Status Plants 7
Table 2. Special Status Vegetation Communities 9
Table 3-5. Special Status Wildlife 9
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. Figures
Figure 1. Project Location
Figure 2. USGS Topo
Figure 3. Site Vicinity
Figure 4. Soils
Figure 5. Vegetation
Figure 6. CVMSHCP
Appendix B. Plants and Vertebrate Wildlife Observed
Appendix C. Site Photos
Appendix D. Coachella Valley Native Plants Recommended for Landscaping Appendix E. Prohibited Invasive Ornamental Plants
Appendix F. USFWS IPaC Report
12-16a5iii
Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
At the request of Terra Nova Planning and Research (Client), this biological resource assessment report (BRAR) was prepared by WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. (WSP) for the proposed Via Vail Apartment Homes Project (project site/project), located in the City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County., California. Information contained herein is intended to be used for compliance with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as federal and California Endangered Species Acts.
2.0 PROJECT LOCATION / DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the proposed project is to development of approximately 240-250 apartment homes. To document the current biological resources within the project, a general biological resources assessment is required. This will provide a detailed assessment of the existing conditions. The project is located generally located north of B Street, southwest of Via Vail and east of Key Largo Avenue, in the city of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County. (Appendix A — Figure 1). Specifically, the project site is located within Section 30; Township 4 South; Range 6 East as shown on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Cathedral City, California, 7.5 -minute topographic quadrangle (Appendix A — Figure 2). The geographic coordinates near the approximate center of the project area are 33.798563° north latitude and -116.393781° west longitude. The elevation of the project site ranges from approximately 286 to 305 feet above mean sea level.
3.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
3.1 Federal
Endangered Species Act (ESA) — The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service are the designated federal agencies accountable for administering the ESA. The ESA defines species as "endangered" or "threatened" and provides regulatory protection at the federal level.
• Section 9 of the ESA prohibits the "take" of listed (i.e., endangered or threatened) species.
The ESA's definition of take is "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in such conduct." Recognizing that take cannot always be avoided, Section 10(a) includes provisions for take that is incidental to, but not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Specifically, Section 10(a) (1) (A) permits (authorized take permits) are issued for scientific purposes. Section 10(a) (1) (B) permits (incidental take permits) are issued for the incidental take of listed species that does not jeopardize the species
• Section 7 (a) (2) requires federal agencies to evaluate the proposed project with respect to listed or proposed listed, species and their respective critical habitat (if applicable). Federal agencies must employ programs for the conservation of listed species and are prohibited from authorizing, funding, or carrying out any action that would jeopardize a listed species or destroy or modify its "critical habitat."
As defined by the ESA, "individuals, organizations, states, local governments, and other non- federal entities are affected by the designation of critical habitat only if their actions occur on federal lands, require a federal permit, license, or other authorization, or involve federal funding.
Section 10(a) of the ESA authorizes the issuance of incidental take permits and establishes standards for the content of habitat conservation plans (see Section 3.3 below).
Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
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Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) — Treaties signed by the U.S., Great Britain, Mexico, Japan, and the countries of the former Soviet Union make it unlawful to pursue, capture, kill, and/or possess, or attempt to engage in any such conduct to any migratory bird, nest, egg or parts thereof listed in the document. As with the ESA, the MBTA also allows the Secretary of the Interior to grant permits for the incidental take of these protected migratory bird species.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) — If portions of a proposed project could fall under the jurisdiction of a federal agency (i.e., U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) they are subject to environmental review pursuant to NEPA. NEPA establishes certain criteria that must be adhered to for any project that is "financed, assisted, conducted or approved" by a federal agency. The federal lead agency is required to "determine whether the proposed action will significantly affect the quality of the human environment." Section 404 of the Clean Water Act — This section of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material into "waters of the United States." The USACE has created a series of nationwide permits that authorize certain activities within waters of the U.S. provided that the proposed activity does not exceed the impact threshold of 0.5 acre for nationwide permits, takes steps to avoid impacts to wetlands and other designated U.S. waters where practicable, minimizes potential impacts to wetlands, and provides compensation for any remaining, unavoidable impacts through activities to restore or create wetlands. For projects that exceed the threshold for nationwide permits, individual permits under Section 404 can be issued. An inspection of the project site to determine presence or absence of potential jurisdictional wetlands and waters was conducted during the assessment for this project.
3.2 State
California Endangered Species Act (CESA) — This legislation is similar to the federal ESA, but it is administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW — formerly Department of Fish and Game). The CDFW is authorized to enter into "memoranda of understanding" with individuals, public agencies, and other institutions to import, export, take, or possess state -listed species for scientific, educational, or management purposes. CESA prohibits the take of state - listed species except as otherwise provided in state law. Unlike the federal ESA, the CESA applies the take prohibitions to species currently petitioned for state -listing status (candidate species).
State lead agencies are required to consult with CDFW to ensure that actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any state -listed species or result in the destruction or degradation of occupied habitat.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) — The basic goal of CEQA is to maintain a high - quality environment now and in the future. The specific goals are for California's public agencies to:
1) identify the significant environmental effects of their actions; and, either 2) avoid those significant environmental effects, where feasible; or 3) mitigate those significant environmental effects, where feasible.
CEQA applies to "projects" proposed to be undertaken or requiring approval by state and local government agencies. Projects are activities that have the potential to have a physical impact on the environment and may include the enactment of zoning ordinances, the issuance of conditional use permits and the approval of tentative subdivision maps. Where a project requires approvals from more than one public agency, CEQA requires one of these public agencies to serve as the "lead agency."
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A "lead agency" must complete the environmental review process required by CEQA. The most basic steps of the environmental review process are to:
4) Determine if the activity is a "project" subject to CEQA. 5) Determine if the "project" is exempt from CEQA.
6) Perform an Initial Study to identify the environmental impacts of the project and determine whether the identified impacts are "significant". Based on its findings of "significance", the lead agency prepares one of the following environmental review documents:
a) Negative Declaration if it finds no "significant" impacts. b) Mitigated Negative Declaration if it finds "significant" impacts but revises the project to avoid or mitigate those significant impacts.
c) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) if it finds "significant" impacts.
While there is no ironclad definition of "significance", Article 5 of the State CEQA Guidelines (California Natural Resources Agency 2014) provides criteria to lead agencies in determining whether a project may have significant effects.
The Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) — The NPPA includes measures to preserve, protect, and enhance rare and endangered native plant species. Definitions for "rare and endangered" are different from those contained in CESA. However, the list of species afforded protection in accordance with the NPPA includes those listed as rare and endangered under CESA. NPPA provides limitations on take as follows: "no person will import into this state, or take, possess, or sell within this state" any rare or endangered native plants, except in accordance with the provisions outlined in the act. If a landowner is notified by CDFW, pursuant to section 1903.5 that a rare or endangered plant is growing on their property, the landowner shall notify CDFW at least 10 days prior to the changing of land uses to allow CDFW to salvage the plants.
Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Program — A NCCP, which is managed by the CDFW, is intended to conserve multiple species and their associated habitats, while also providing for compatible use of private lands. Through local planning, the NCCP planning process is designed to provide protection for wildlife and natural habitats before the environment becomes so fragmented or degraded by development that species listing are required under CESA. Instead of conserving small, often isolated "islands" of habitat for just one listed species, agencies, local jurisdictions, and/or other interested parties have an opportunity through the NCCP to work cooperatively to develop plans that consider broad areas of land for conservation that would provide habitat for many species. Partners enroll in the programs, and by mutual consent, areas considered to have high conservation priorities or values are set aside and protected from development. Partners may also agree to study, monitor, and develop management plans for these high value "reserve" areas. The NCCP provides an avenue for fostering economic growth by allowing approved development in areas with lower conservation value. The project site is in a combined Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) / NCCP, see Section 3.3.
Sections 1600-1603 of the State Fish and Game Code — The California Fish and Game (Wildlife) Code, pursuant to Sections 1600 through 1603, regulates all diversions, obstructions, or changes to the natural flow or bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake that supports fish or wildlife resources. Under state code, CDFW jurisdiction is assessed in the field based on one, or a combination, of the following criteria:
7) At minimum, intermittent, and seasonal flow through a bed or channel with banks and that also supports fish or other aquatic life.
8) A watercourse having a surface or subsurface flow regime that supports or that has supported riparian vegetation.
9) Hydrogeomorphically distinct top -of -embankment to top -of -embankment limits.
Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
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March 2024
10) Outer ground cover and canopy extents of, typically, riparian associated vegetation species that would be sustained by surface and/or subsurface waters of the watercourse.
The CDFW requires that public and private interests apply for a "Streambed Alteration Agreement" for any project that may impact a streambed or wetland. The CDFW has maintained a "no net loss" policy regarding impacts to streams and waterways and requires replacement of lost habitats on at least a 1:1 ratio.
Section 2081 of the State Fish and Game Code — Under Section 2081 of the California Fish and Game Code, the CDFW authorizes individuals or public agencies to import, export, take, or possess state endangered, threatened, or candidate species in California through permits or memoranda of understanding. These acts, which are otherwise prohibited, may be authorized through permits or "memoranda of understanding" if (1) the take is incidental to otherwise lawful activities, (2) impacts of the take are minimized and fully mitigated, (3) the permit is consistent with regulations adopted in accordance with any recovery plan for the species in question, and (4) the applicant ensures suitable funding to implement the measures required by the CDFW. The CDFW shall make this determination based on the best scientific information reasonably available and shall include consideration of the species' capability to survive and reproduce.
Section 3505.5 of the State Fish and Game Code — This section makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds -of -prey, e.g.: owls, hawks, eagles, etc.) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any bird -of -prey.
Clean Water Act— The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulates activities pursuant to Section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 401 of the CWA specifies that certification from the State is required for any applicant requesting a federal license or permit to conduct any activity including, but not limited to, the construction or operation of facilities that may result in any discharge into navigable waters. Through the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the RWQCB asserts jurisdiction over Waters of the State of California (WSC) which is generally the same as WUS but may also include isolated waterbodies. The Porter Cologne Act defines WSC as "surface water or ground water, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state".
3.3 Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Finalized in October 2008, and amended in 2016, the CVMSHCP is a comprehensive regional plan that addresses the conservation needs of 27 species of native flora and fauna and 24 natural vegetation communities occurring throughout the Coachella Valley region of western Riverside County, California. Permits for the CVMSHCP were issued by the CDFW on September 9, 2008 and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on October 1, 2008 (TE104604-0).
Managed by the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC), CVMSHCP participants include Riverside County, the Cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, as well as the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, Mission Springs Water District and the California Department of Transportation (CVAG 2008, 2016).
The CVMSHCP serves two primary purposes: Balancing environmental protection and economic development objectives in the CVMSHCP planning area and simplifying compliance with endangered species related laws. The CVMSHCP accomplishes this by conserving unfragmented habitat to permanently protect and secure viable populations of the covered 27 species within the planning area. The covered species include those plants and animals that are either currently listed as threatened or endangered, are proposed for listing, or are believed by an appointed Scientific Advisory Committee, USFWS and CDFW, to have a high probability of being
Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
Biological Resources Assessment
March 2024
proposed for listing in the future if not conserved by the CVMSHCP. The goal of the CVMSHCP is to meet the requirements of the ESA and CESA, while at the same time allowing for the economic growth (land development) within the plan area without significant delay or hidden costs. Under the CVMSHCP, land development/mitigation fees are collected from all new development projects occurring in the plan area. The purpose of this fee is to support the assembly of a preserve system for the covered species and natural vegetation communities within areas identified as having high conservation value (CVAG 2008).
4.0 METHODS
4.1 Literature Review
In preparation for the field surveys, a literature search was conducted to identify special status biological resources known from the vicinity of the project site. In the context of this report, and for the purpose of this assessment, vicinity is defined as areas within a 5 -mile radius of the project site.
The literature search included a review of the following documents:
• California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) RareFind 5 (CDFW 2023a) • Special Animals List (CDFW 2023)
• California Native Plant Society's (CNPS) Inventory of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants of California (CNPS 2023a)
• CVMSHCP (CVAG 2008)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2019. Web Soil Survey
• USGS 7.5' Valerie. quadrangle (USGS 1988)
Scientific nomenclature for this document follows standard reference sources: For plant communities, CVMSHCP (CVAG 2008), Sawyer et. al (2009), and/or Holland (1986); for flora, Jepson eFlora (2022) and the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database (2022); for amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, CDFW (2016); and for birds, California Bird Records Committee (2022).
4.2 Field Assessment
The field assessment was conducted on 8 February 2024 by WSP Senior Wildlife Biologist Dale Hameister. On -site suitable habitat was assessed based on the presence of constituent habitat elements (e.g., soils, vegetation, and topography) characteristic of the potentially occurring special status biological resources determined by the literature review. The entire site and adjacent properties were also assessed for burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Inaccessible areas were scanned for burrowing owl habitat and sign (i.e., burrows & perches with whitewash) with binoculars. All on -site flora and fauna observed or otherwise detected (e.g., vocalizations, presence of scat, tracks, and/or bones) during the assessment were recorded in field notes and are included in Appendix B. General weather and site conditions were also recorded at the beginning and end of the survey. Temperatures and wind speeds were recorded with a handheld Kestrel 2000 anemometer. Percent cloud cover was visually estimated.
5.0 RESULTS
The project site contains sandy soils the entire site comprises of highly disturbed creosote scrub.
There is an active dog park to the west and a commercial development to the north of the project site. There is a small amount of undeveloped land to the south and east with residential development beyond. A small homeless camp was observed in the northeast portion of the
Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
Biological Resources Assessment
March 2024
project site and many people were using the project site to walk their dogs and let them run off leash. Representative site photos are included in Appendix C.
5.1 Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan The project site is located within the CVMSHCP fee area and the but is not located within or adjacent to any Conservation Areas (Figure 4, Appendix A). The development of the project site will have no effect on any CVMSHCP Conservation Areas.
5.2 Weather Conditions
Weather conditions during the field assessment were clear and warm. There was 40% cloud cover with temperatures that ranged from 52 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were calm with wind speeds measured between 0 to 2 miles per hour.
5.3 Topography and Soils
The project site is very sandy and relatively flat with small undulating hills. One soil type, Myoma fine sand has been mapped on the project site. (USDA, NRCS. 2024) (Appendix A - Figure 3).
Typically, Myoma soils are light olive gray, moderately alkaline fine and very fine sands to a depth of about 31 inches. Below 31 inches they are strongly alkaline very fine sands.
The site does not contain active sand dunes or clay lenses.
5.4 Vegetation
The project site consists of sparse and disturbed creosote scrub. The entire property shows signs of disturbance including tire tracks, dog prints and scat, trash, and human footprints. Shrubs observed include creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), four -wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), dyebush (Psorothamnus emoryi), athel (Tamarix aphylla). Annual species observed include desert dicoria (Dicoria canescens), Spanish needles (Palafoxia arida), narrow leaved forget me not (Johnstonella angustifolia), fanleaf crinklemat (Tiquilia plicata), Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii), old han schismus (Schismus barbatus).
5.5 Wildlife
Vertebrate wildlife directly observed and/or detected otherwise (e.g., scat, bones, tracks, feathers, burrows, etc.) were typical to species common to the region (Appendix B). This included some species common to desert scrub and/or developed areas of Coachella Valley. Wildlife observed onsite includes American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps), Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae), and Say's phoebe (Sayornis saya).
The number of species detected does not represent the total number of species that may occur on the project site. Brief, one visit assessments are limited by the seasonal timing and short duration of the survey period as well as the nocturnal, fossorial and/or migratory habits of many animals. It had rained the night before the survey, so the sandy surface was wet. There was not much evidence of rodent burrows as the sandy nature of the site would not provide a good burrowing substrate. No actively nesting birds were detected on or adjacent to the site during the assessment.
5.6 Special Status Biological Resources
Some plant and/or animal taxa are designated as having special status due to declining populations, limited geographic distributions and/or vulnerability to climate change, habitat loss and/or fragmentation. Some have been listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS or by the CDFW and are protected by the federal and state ESAs. Others have been identified, and are 12-1 6age6
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managed as sensitive by the USFWS, CDFW, or by private conservation organizations, including the CNPS, but have not been formally listed as threatened or endangered. Impacts to such species can still be considered significant under the CEQA, if not avoided, minimized and/or mitigated by specific project design and implementation.
The literature review and field visit resulted in a list of 36 special status biological resources which occur or potentially occur on the project site and/or vicinity (5 -mile radius) of the project site.
Tables 1-5 provide a summary of these resources, their current conservation status, habitat associations and potential to occur on the project site. No species listed as threatened or endangered were observed on the site.
Table 1. Special Status Plant Species
Species
Protective Status
Habitat
Flowering
Period
Occurrence
Probability
Abronia villosa var. aurita
chaparral sand -verbena
F: None
C: None
CNPS: List 16.1
State Rank: S2
MSHCP: No
Sandy areas in chaparral
and coastal sage scrub,
dunes; 75-1600 m (246-
5249 ft.) above mean sea
level (AMSL).
January
August
Absent
Chaparral and sage
scrub habitats lacking.
Records within the
region may be
erroneous,
misidentifications of
common subspecies.
The common subs
species is present.
Taxonomy of species is
questionable [A.
Sanders pers. corn]
Astragalus lentiginosus
var. coachellae
Coachella Valley
milkvetch
F: END
C: None
CNPS List: 1 B.2
State Rank: Si
MSHCP: Yes
Sandy flats, washes,
alluvial fans, sand field,
dunes and dune edges;
windblown sand deposits
40-655 m (131-2182 ft.)
AMSL, a CA endemic.
February
May
Low
Aeolian [wind -
deposited] sand habitat
is present, but highly
disturbed and isolated.
Records in the vicinity
include one from the
1990s and the
remaining from 1975.
Not observed during
the survey.
Astragalus tricarinatus
triple -ribbed milkvetch
F: END
C: None
CNPS List: 1 B.2
State Rank: S2
MSHCP: Yes
Sandy or gravelly areas in
Joshua tree woodland &
Sonoran desert scrub,
450-1,190 m (1,476-3,904
ft.) AMSL.
February
May
Absent
Habitat potentially
suitable but site is
below elevation for this
species.
Chorizanthe xanti var.
leucotheca
white-bracted
spineflower
F: None
C: None
CNPS List: 1 B.2
State Rank: S3
MSHCP: No
Sandy or gravelly areas in
Mojave desert scrub,
pinyon juniper woodland,
and coastal scrub; 300-
1200 m (984-4003 ft.)
AMSL.
April June
Absent
Habitat lacking
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Euphorbia misery
cliff spurge
F: None
C: None
CNPS List: 2B.2
State Rank: S2
MSHCP: No
Rocky coastal bluff,
coastal scrub, Mojave
scrub; 10-500 m (33-1640
ft) AMSL.
December -
October
Absent
Rocky coastal bluff and
Mojave Desert scrub
habitat [cliffs] lacking
on -site, known from
adjacent steep cliffs of
Whitewater Cyn. This
population has declined
over the years and may
now be extirpated.
Only a single individual
found during most
recent survey [CNPS
2018, CCH 2018, A.
Sanders pers. corn.]
Imperata brevifolia
California satintail
F: None
C: None
CNPS List: 2B.1
State Rank: S3
MSHCP: No
Coastal scrub, chaparral,
riparian scrub, Mojave
scrub, meadows and
seeps; 0-1215 m (0-3986
ft.) AMSL.
September
May
Absent
No suitable moist
habitat onsite
Nemacaulis denudata var.
gracilis
slender cottonheads
F: None
C: None
CNPS: List 2B.2
State Rank: S2
MSHCP: No
Coastal and desert
dunes, in Sonoran Desert
scrub (sandy); -50 to 400
m (164-1312 ft.) AMSL.
April — May
(rarely March)
Low
Habitat marginal, sandy
soils are present, 1948
CNDDB record is —4
mi. W of the site, along
Hwy. 111
Penstemon
ss
pseudospectabilis pseudospectabilis P
desert beardtongue
F: None
C: None
CNPS List: 2B.2
State Rank: S3
MSHCP: No
Sandy or rocky washes in
Mojave Desert scrub and
Sonoran desert scrub; 80-
1953 m (262 — 6407 ft.)
AMSL.
January - May
Absent
No suitable habitat
Petalonyx linearis
narrow -leaf sandpaper-
plant
F: None
C: None
CNPS List: 2B.3
State Rank: S3?
MSHCP: No
Sandy or rocky canyons
in Mojave and Sonoran
desert scrubs
(Jan-Feb)Mar-
May(Jun-Dec)
Absent
Closest CNDDB record
is —5 mi. NE. of site
and is from 1879.
Saltugilia latimeri
Latimer's woodland-
gilia
F: None
C: None
CNPS: List 1 B.2
Global Rank: G3
State Rank: S3
MSHCP: No
Rocky, sandy, often
granitic, sometimes
washes in chaparral,
Mojave desert scrub,
pinyon and juniper
woodland; 400-1900 m
(1312-6234 ft) AMSL.
March -June
Absent
(Suitable habitat
lacking, site below
known elevational
range of species)
Selaginella eremophila
desert spike -moss
F: None
C: None
CNPS: List 2B.2
State Rank: S2S3
MSHCP: No
Shaded areas in crevices
among rocks or on
gravelly soils in Sonoran
desert scrub; 200-900 m
(656-2953 ft.) AMSL.
June
Absent
(Site is fully exposed to
sun, shaded areas very
limited)
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Table 2. Special Status Vegetation Communities
Community
Protective Status
(F=Federal, C=California)
Occurrence
Probability
Desert Fan Palm Oasis
Woodland
F: ND
C: ND
State rank: S3.2
CVMSHCP: No
Absent
This habitat is not present on project site.
Southern Riparian Forest
F: ND
C: ND
State rank: S4
CVMSHCP: No
Absent
This habitat is not present on project site.
Table 3. Special Status Invertebrates
Species
Protective Status
(F=Federal, C=California)
Habitat
Occurrence
Probability
Bombus crotchii
Crotch's bumble bee
F: C
C: C END
State Rank: S2
CVMSHCP: No
Mainly coastal California east
to the Sierra -Cascade Crest
and south into Baja.
Absent
Most records are
from cismontane
(coastal and inland
valley) California.
Not expected on this
site unless there
were sufficient
flowering plants
favored by this
species.
Dinacoma caseyi
Casey's June beetle
F: END
C: None
State rank: S1
MSHCP: No
Known from only two main
populations in the southern
Palm Springs area,
generally associated with Palm
Canyon Wash and its
associated floodplain. Needs
soils that are not too rocky or
compacted and difficult to
burrow in.
Absent
The site is 4.8 miles
E of the currently
known range of the
species. Site is not
located within the
historic range of the
species.
Danaus plexippus
Monarch Butterfly
F: C
C: CSC
State Rank: S2S3
CVMSHCP: No
Can be found in a variety of
areas where milkweed and
flowering plants are present;
milkweeds are necessary for
breeding
Absent
No milkweed present
on -site. Very little
remaining vegetation
for nectar sources.
Macrobaenetes valgum
Coachella ggiant sand treader
cricket
F: None
C: None
State rank: S1S2
MSHCP: Yes
Wind -deposited sand dune
ridges, winter rains somewhat
regulate abundance
Low
Habitat at site is
marginal, very
limited loose wind -
deposited sand
areas. Area is highly
disturbed.
Stenopelmatus cahuilaensis
Coachella Valley Jerusalem
cricket
F: None
C: None
State rank: Si S2
MSHCP: Yes
Sand dune and sand field
habitats, in the vicinity of the
north base of the San Jacinto
Mountains
Low
Habitat at site is
marginal, very
limited loose wind -
deposited sand
areas. Area is highly
disturbed.
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Table 3. Special Status Amphibians & Reptiles
Species
Protective Status
(F=Federal, C=California)
Habitat
Occurrence
Probability
Anniella stebbinsi
southern California legless
lizard
F = None
C = SSC
NDDB Element Rank:
Global = G3
State = S3
MSHCP = No
Occurs in a variety of habitats,
but seems to prefer areas with
loose, moist soils (high
moisture content).
Low
Some potential
habitat onsite,
although soil
moisture is likely low
Gopherus agassizi
desert tortoise
Fed: THR
Cal: THR
NDDB Element Rank:
Global = G3
State = S2S3
MSHCP = Yes (Conserved
Habitat on -site for this
species)
Various desert communities
and habitats (Mojave creosote
bush scrub, Joshua tree
woodland, saltbush scrub);
washes, arroyos, bajadas,
rocky hillsides, open flat desert
Absent
Fine sandy soils and
disturbed and
isolated nature of
site are not suitable
habitat. Soil type
would not be
suitable for burrows.
Phrynosoma mcallii
Flat -tailed horned lizard
F: ND
C: SSC
State rank: S2
CVMSHCP: Yes
Fine sand in desert washes
and flats with vegetative cover
and ants, generally below 600
feet elevation in Riverside,
San Diego, and Imperial
Counties.
Absent
Habitat marginal and
poor quality, sandy
areas are
surrounded by
development and
have been highly
disturbed. CNDDB
records in vicinity
are historic and have
been mostly
developed.
Uma inornata
Coachella Valley fringe -toed
lizard
F = THR
C -END
NDDB Element Rank:
Global = G1Q
State - S1
CVMSHCP -Yes
Restricted to sandy areas in
the Coachella Valley; requires
fine, loose, windblown sand
Absent
Although loose
sandy soils are
present, the site is
isolated and
disturbed. Records
in the vicinity are
from the 1994 and
1975.
interspersed with hardpan and
widely spaced desert shrubs
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Table 4. Special Status Birds
Species
Status
Habitat
Probability
Aquila chrysaetos
golden eagle
F: None
C: FP,WL
NDDB Element Rank:
State Rank: S3
Global: G5
MSHCP: No
Forages over rolling foothills,
mountain areas, sage-
juniper flats, and desert.
Cliff -walled canyons used for
nesting, sometimes large
trees in open areas
Nesting: Absent (Project
site does not support
nesting habitat.
Foraging: Low (Do not
forage in urban areas
frequently)
Athene cunicularia
burrowing owl
F = BLM Sensitive,
BCC
C = SSC (burrows)
NDDB Element Rank:
Global: G4
State: S3
MSHCP: Yes
Open, dry annual or
perennial grassland, deserts
& scrublands characterized
by low -growing vegetation
Nesting: Absent
No suitable burrows were
observed.
Foraging: Low
Foraging habitat is
available onsite and on
adjacent properties,
however the project site is
isolated from other open
areas and the site has a
high level of dog activity
which would discourage
owls.
Dendroica petechia
yellow warbler
F: MBTA, BCC
C: SSC (nesting), F&G
Code
NDDB Element Rank:
Global: G5
State: S3S4
MSHCP: Yes
Riparian forest and
woodland; nests along
Mojave River, Santa Ana
River, Kern River, and many
others in s. Calif.
Nesting: Absent
No suitable habitat.
Foraging: Low
No suitable habitat.
Empidonax trailii extimus
southwestern willow flycatcher
F: END (subspecies),
MBTA
C: END (full species),
F&G Code
NDDB Element Rank:
Global: G5T2
State: S1
MSHCP: Yes
Riparian woodlands
Nesting: Absent
habitat lacking
Foraging: Absent
g g'
habitat lacking
Falco mexicanus
prairie falcon
F = None, BCC
C = WL
NDDB Element
Global = G5
State = S4
MSHCP = No
Breeding sites located on
cliffs, forages far afield even
to marshlands and ocean
shores
Nesting: Absent
(habitat lacking)
Foraging: Low
g g'
may forage over site
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Table 4. Special Status Birds
Species
Status
Habitat
Probability
Lanius ludovicianus
loggerhead shrike
F: MBTA, BCC
C: SSC (nesting), F&G
Code
NDDB Element Rank:
Global = G4
State = S4
MSHCP = No
Associated with a variety of
vegetation communities
including creosote bush
scrub, Joshua tree
woodland. Nests in trees
and shrubs.
Nesting: Low
low amount of nesting
habitat on site
Foraging: High (common
in region)
Toxostoma lecontei
Le Conte's thrasher
F = BLM Sensitive,
BCC
C = SSC (San Joaquin
population only)
NDDB Element Ranks:
Global = G4
State = S3
MSHCP = Yes (Other
Conserved Habitat and
modeled habitat on -site
for this species)
Desert resident, primarily of
open desert wash, desert
scrub, alkali desert scrub,
and desert succulent scrub
habitats; commonly nests in
a dense, spiny shrub or
densely branched cactus in
desert wash habitat, usually
2-8 feet above ground
Nesting: Absent (Dense,
spiny shrubs lacking
onsite
Foraging: Low
spiny shrubs lacking
onsite
Vireo bellii pusillus
least Bell's vireo
F: END (nesting),
MBTA
C: END (nesting), F&G
Code
NDDB Element Ranks:
Global = G5T2
State = S2
MSHCP = Yes
Willow riparian woodlands
Nesting: Absent
habitat lacking
Foraging: Absent
habitat lacking
Table 5.
Special Status Mammals
Species
Status
Habitat
Probability
Chaetodipus fallax pallidus
pallid San Diego pocket
mouse
F -None
NDDB Element
Global = G5T34
State = S3S4
MSHCP = No
Desert border areas in
desert wash, desert scrub,
desert succulent scrub,
pinon-juniper, etc.; sandy
herbaceous areas usually
in association with rocks or
coarse gravel.
Low
Onsite habitat is
marginal and contains
no rocky areas.
Corynorhinus townsendii
Townsend's big -eared bat
F = None
C = SSC
NDDB Element
Global = G3G4
State = S2
WBWG = H
MSHCP = No
Generally viewed as a cave -
dwelling species, but the
western subspecies are also
found on/in human -made
structures (e.g. old mine
workings and buildings).
Roosts in open but
extremely sensitive to
human disturbance.
Roosting: Absent
(roosting habitat not
present)
Foraging: Low
Unlikely to forage due to
disturbance and adjacent
development.
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Table 5.
Special Status Mammals
Species
Status
Habitat
Probability
Neotoma lepida intermedia
San Diego desert woodrat
F = None
C = SSC
NDDB Element
Global = G5T3T4
State = S3S4
MSHCP = No
The most common habitats
are chaparral, coastal sage
scrub (including Riversidean
sage scrub and Diegan
coastal sage scrub) and
grassland, although this
subspecies also occurs in
desert habitats.
Absent
No nests were observed
onsite
Ovis canadensis nelsoni pop.
2 Peninsular bighorn sheep
DPS
F = END
C = THR
NDDB Element
Global = G4T3O
State = S1
MSHCP = Yes
Optimal habitat includes
steep walled canyons and
ridges bisected by rocky or
sandy washes with available
water.
Absent
Outside of species range
and no habitat present
Perognathus longimembris bangsi
Palm Springs pocket mouse
F = BLM Sensitive
C = SSC
NDDB Element
Global = G5T2
State = S2
MSHCP = Yes
(modeled habitat
present)
Desert scrub, sandy,
loosely -packed soils.
Low
Sandy areas present
onsite. The project site is
isolated from other open
areas and the site has a
high level disturbance and
dog activity
Xerospermophilus tereticaudus
Coachella Valley (Palm Springs)
round -tailed ground squirrel
F = BLM Sensitive
C = SSC
NDDB Element
Global = G5T2O
State = S2
MSHCP = Yes
(modeled habitat
present)
Sand fields, dunes and
hummocks in Sonoran
creosote bush scrub,
mesquite, saltbush and
desert sink scrub. Also may
occur in course sandy and
pebbly alluvial substrates
along washes.
Low
Sandy areas present
onsite. The project site is
isolated from other open
areas and the site has a
high level disturbance and
dog activity. CNDDB
record from less than 1
mi. NW of site but is from
1954. No potential
burrows observed.
Definitions of occurrence probability:
Occurs: Observed on the site by WSP personnel or recorded on -site by other qualified biologists.
High: Observed in similar habitat in region by qualified biologists, or habitat on the site is a type often utilized by the species and the site is within the known range of the species.
Moderate: Reported sightings in surrounding region, or site is within the known range of the species and habitat on the site is a type occasionally used by the species.
Low: Site is within the known range of the species but habitat on the site is rarely used by the species.
Very Low: Species not expected on site, but can not be completely ruled out.
Absent: A focused study failed to detect the species, or no suitable habitat is present.
Definitions of status designations and occurrence probabilities.
Federal designations: (federal Endangered Species Act, US Fish and Wildlife Service):
END: Federally listed, Endangered.
THR: Federally listed, Threatened.
BCC: Bird of Conservation Concern
C: Candidate for Federal listing
ND: Not designated.
State designations: (California Endangered Species Act, California Dept. of Fish and Game) END: State listed, Endangered.
THR: State listed, Threatened.
C: Candidate for State listing
RARE: State listed as Rare (Listed "Rare" animals have been re -designated as Threatened, but Rare plants have retained the Rare designation.)
SSC: Species of Special Concern.
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WL: Watch List Species.
ND: Not designated.
CDFW CNDDB rankings: Animals
S1 = Extremely endangered: http://www.cnps.orq/programs/Rare Plant/inventory/names.htm) ALL plants on Lists 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B meet definitions for state listing as threatened or endangered under Secs. 2062 and 2067 (California Endangered Species Act) of the California Department of Fish and Game Code. Certain plants on Lists 3 and 4 do as well.
The CDFW ( http://www.dfq.ca.gov/hcpb/species/t e spp/nat pint consv.shtml) states that plants on Lists 1A, 1 B, 2A, and 2B of the CNPS Inventory consist of plants that may qualify for listing, and recommends they be addressed in CEQA projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15380). However, a plant need not be in the Inventory to be considered a rare, threatened, or endangered species under CEQA. In addition, CDFW recommends, and local governments may require, protection of plants which are regionally significant, such as locally rare species, disjunct populations of more common plants, or plants on the CNPS Lists 3 and 4.
List 1A: Plants presumed extinct in California.
List 1B: Plants rare and endangered in California and throughout their range.
List 2A: Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere.
List 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere.
List 3: Plants for which more information is needed.
List 4: Plants of limited distribution; a "watch list." CA Endemic: Taxa that occur only in California
CNPS Threat Code:
.1 - Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat) .2 — Fairly endangered in California (20-80% occurrences threatened) .3 — Not very endangered in California (<20% of occurrences threatened, or no current threats known) Note: All List 1A (presumed extinct in California) and some List 3 (need more information- a review list) plants lacking any threat information receive no threat code extension. Also, these Threat Code guidelines represent a starting point in the assessment of threat level. Other factors, such as habitat vulnerability and specificity, distribution, and condition of occurrences, are also considered in setting the Threat Code.
Western Bat Working Group (WBWG) designations:
The Western Bat Working Group is comprised of agencies, organizations and individuals interested in bat research, management and conservation from the 13 western states and provinces. Its goals are (1) to facilitate communication among interested parties and reduce risks of species decline or extinction; (2) to provide a mechanism by which
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current information on bat ecology, distribution and research techniques can be readily accessed; and (3) to develop a forum to discuss conservation strategies, provide technical assistance and encourage education programs.
H: High: Species which are imperiled or are at high risk of imperilment based on available information on distribution, status, ecology and known threats.
M: Medium: Species which warrant a medium level of concern and need closer evaluation, more research, and conservation actions of both the species and possible threats. A lack of meaningful information is a major obstacle in adequately assessing these species' status and should be considered a threat.
L: Low: Species for which most of the existing data support stable populations, and for which the potential for major changes in status in the near future is considered unlikely. There may be localized concerns, but the overall status of the species is believed to be secure. Conservation actions would still apply for these bats, but limited resources are best used on High and Medium status species.
P: Periphery: This designation indicates a species on the edge of its range, for which no other designation has been determined.
CVMSHCP designations
Yes: Conserved by the CVMSHCP
No: Not Specifically Conserved by the CVMSHCP
C: Considered, but not included in the CVMSHCP
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5.7 Discussion of the Special -status Species Tables
Based on examination of historic aerial photography of the site (on Google Earth Pro), the California fan palm oasis has been present for many years. It is an important area for nesting birds. Enhancement of the site by removing non-native species would improve habitat for special status species.
5.7.1 CVMSHCP Covered Species
Nineteen of the species listed in Tables 1 — 3 are conserved under the CVMSHCP: Coachella Valley milk -vetch, triple -ribbed milk -vetch, Mecca aster, Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus, Coachella giant sand treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, desert pupfish, desert tortoise, flat -tailed horned lizard, Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard, burrowing owl, Southwestern willow flycatcher, crissal thrasher Le Contes' thrasher, Least Bell's vireo, western yellow bat, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) round -tailed ground squirrel, and Peninsular bighorn sheep. Six of these species are expected to have at least a low to very low probability of occurring on the project site. These include Coachella Valley milk - vetch, Coachella giant sand treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, burrowing owl, Palm Springs pocket mouse, and Coachella Valley (Palm Springs) round -tailed ground squirrel.
Participation in the CVMSHCP, and participation in the plan, if required will fully mitigate project related impacts (although none are anticipated) to all of these CVMSHCP covered species with the exception of burrowing owl.
No burrows suitable for burrowing owl use were observed on or adjacent to the project site. Where accessible, adjacent vacant lands were surveyed within 500 feet of the site. No burrowing owls, their sign, or burrows capable of supporting owls were observed in this buffer area. The burrowing owl is not listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS or CDFW. It is, however, managed as a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) by the USFWS and designated as a SSC by the CDFW.
It is also protected from take by the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code. The burrowing owl is a covered species under the CVMSHCP, however the federal permit for the CVMSHCP does not allow take of this species under the MBTA. For these reasons, all burrowing owls must be avoided or relocated prior to any ground disturbing activities. No burrowing owls, owl sign, or suitable burrows were observed during the survey.
5.7.2 Potentially Occurring Species Not Covered Under the CVMSHCP and USFWS IPAC Species
Seven special status species that are not covered by the CVMSHCP are considered to have at least some potential (low to very low) to occur on or forage over the project site. Prairie falcon are expected to have a low probability to forage over the site (although this would be rare given the developed nature of the site and surrounding area). Prairie falcon is not listed as threatened or endangered by either State or Federal agencies but is considered a "Species of Special Concern" by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Slender cottonheads are expected to have a low probability of growing on this site. Slender cottonheads were not observed during the survey.
This plant species is not listed as threatened or endangered and are generally not expected to occur on the site. Still, they could not be absolutely ruled out due to presence of marginally suitable habitat and the seasonal timing of the site visit.
The USFWS IPAC report generated for this project lists five sensitive wildlife species and one plant as having potential to be affected by development of this project. As discussed in Tables 1 — 3 in Section 5.6, none of the listed species are expected to occur onsite. Monarch butterflies require milkweeds for larval development and other flowering plants for adult nectar sources. No 12-17116
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milkweed plants were observed on the site. There is no quality habitat present for desert tortoise due to the sandy nature of the soil which do not provide good burrowing substrate as well as the high level of disturbance. Suitable habitat for Coachella Valley fringe -toed lizard is present, however the site is highly disturbed and isolated from other open areas. The most recent record in the areas for Coachella Valley fringed -toed lizard are from 1994. Least Bell's vireo is absent from the site due to a lack of any suitable riparian habitat.
6.0 DISCUSSION
The proposed project includes the permanent disturbance of approximately 10 acres of disturbed creosote scrub to build 240-250 apartment homes.
6.1 Protection of Nesting Birds
All native bird species that are excluded from coverage under the CVMSHCP are still protected by the MBTA and the state Fish and Game Code. This includes virtually all native migratory and resident bird species. Avoidance of impacts to these birds is a requirement of the federal permit issued for the CVMSHCP. To avoid impacting nesting birds either avoidance of project -related disturbance during the nesting season, nesting bird surveys should be conducted by a qualified ornithologist or biologist immediately prior to on -site disturbance. If nesting birds are found, no work would be permitted near the nest until young have fledged. There is no established protocol for nest avoidance, however, when consulted the CDFW generally recommends avoidance buffers of about 500 feet for birds -of -prey and species listed as threatened or endangered, and 100-300 feet for unlisted songbirds.
6.2 Burrowing Owl
As noted above, no burrowing owls or their sign were present on site. Also, no burrows or burrow surrogates that could be used by burrowing owls were present on the site at the time of this survey. This species nests and roosts underground so is uniquely vulnerable to ground disturbing activities. Since no burrowing owl sign or suitable burrows were observed, a search for burrowing owls during the required MBTA survey prior to construction should be sufficient to ensure there are no impacts to burrowing owls. The MBTA survey should be conducted prior to initiating construction to ensure that no nesting birds have moved onto the site in the interim between this survey and project startup. Unless avoidable, all burrowing owls present must be relocated prior to any ground disturbing activities. If burrows are found on -site, a Burrowing Owl Relocation and Management Plan will be prepared to describe and outline how the burrowing owl will be actively or passively relocated per CDFW guidelines. Prior to construction, any owls occurring on -site will be relocated prior to vegetation removal or grading activities. Relocation will require prior permission from the CDFW, at a minimum. Since the burrowing owl is a covered species under the CVMSHCP, additional mitigation/conservation measures will not be required.
7.0 CONCLUSION
The project site is highly disturbed and being used as a homeless camp and for local people to run their dogs off leash. No sensitive species were observed within the project area. No nesting bird activity was observed. Suitable nesting habitat is present so a clearance nesting bird survey should be conducted prior to any ground disturbance.
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8.0 LITERATURE CITED AND REFERENCES
California Bird Records Committee. 2023. Official California Checklist. Accessed online at:
http://californiabirds.org/ca list.asp.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2012. Staff report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation.
CDFG, Sacramento, CA.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023a. California Natural Diversity Data Base, Rarefind 5. Report for the Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Myoma, La Quinta, Toro Peak, and Palm View Peak. quadrangles. Accessed at:
dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/mapsanddata.asp
CDFW. 2023b. Special Animals List. April. Periodic publication. Sacramento, CA. Accessed online at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentlD=109406&inline=1 CDFW. 2016. Complete List of Amphibian, Reptile, Bird and Mammal Species in California.
Accessed online at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentlD=87155&inline California Legislative Information. 2021. Fish and Game Code of California. https://leg info.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=FGC&tocTitle =+Fish+and+Game+Code+-+FGC
CDFW. 2015a. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships, Life History Accounts and Range Maps.
Accessed online at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cwhr/cawildlife.aspx CDFW. 2015b. Threatened and Endangered Species, Species Lists and Accounts, Species Accounts -Fish. Accessed online at: https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nonqame/t e spp/ CDFW. 2016. Complete List of Amphibian, Reptile, Bird and Mammal Species in California.
Accessed online at: nrm.dfq.ca.qov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentlD=87155&inline=1 California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2023a. Inventory of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants of California. Report for the Valerie. quadrangles. Accessed online at:
http://www.rareplants.cnps.orq
CNPS. 2023b. The California Rare Plant Ranking System. Accessed online at:
https://www.cnps.orq/cnps/rareplants/rankinq.php
California Natural Resources Agency. 2014. CEQA Guidelines. Accessed online at:
http://resources.ca.gov/cega/guidelines/
CVAG. 2016. Final Major Amendment to the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan. Accessed online at:
https://www.cvmshcp.org/Plan%20Documents/10.%20CVAG%20MSHCP%20PIan%20S ection%203.0.pdf
CVAG. 2008. Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Accessed online at:
cvmshcp.org
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
Prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game.
Jepson Flora Project (2nd ed.). 2023. Jepson eFlora. Accessed online at:
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html
Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler -Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation (2nd ed.).
California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.
1 2— 1 7S1e
Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
Biological Resources Assessment
March 2024
Shuford, W. D., and Gardali, T. (Ed.). 2008. California Bird Species of Special Concern: A ranked assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California. Studies of Western Birds 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California, and California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service. 1980. A Soil Survey of Riverside County, California, Coachella Valley Area. https://www.nres.usda.gov/Internet/FSE MAN USCRI PTS/californ ia/riversideCA1980/rive rsideCA1980.pdf
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2023. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Team. Accessed online at: plants.usda.gov
USDA, NRCS. 2023. Web Soil Survey. Accessed online at:
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/
USFWS. 2016. Bird Laws and Treaties. Accessed online at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/RegulationsandPolicies.html USGS 7.5' Cathedral City, Calif. 7.5 -minute topographic quadrangles (USGS 2021) 12-17419
APPENDIX A
FIGURES
12-175
Service Layer Credits: World Street Map: City of Palm Desert, City of Riverside, County of Riverside, Bureau of Land Management, Esrl, HERE, Garmin, NSA, USGS, NPS World Street Map: Esn, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS
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Project Region
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Coachella Valley MSHCP
Coachella Valley, CA
Service Layer Credits: USA Topo Maps. Copyrighl:J 2013 National Geographic Society, ,cubed rallovz_V aVail_CoachellaValley_MSCHP.aI rx
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Coachella Valley MSHCP
Coachella Valley, CA
Service Laver Credits: Hybrid Reference Laver Esri Community Mans Contributors, Lome I inda University I If` Riverside, Cite of Palm Desert, County of Riverside, California State Project Boundary
1 inch =200 feet
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Soils
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Vegetation Communities
Via Vail
Coachella Valley MSHCP
Coachella Valley, CA
APPENDIX B
PLANTS AND VERTEBRATE WILDLIFE OBSERVED
12-181
Plant jeciesObserved
Amarant haceae
Atriplex canescens four -wing saltbush
Ast eraceae
Dicoria canescens desert dicoria
Palafoxia arida Spanish needles
Boragi naceae
.bhnstonella angustifolia
Tiquilia plicata
Brassicaceae
Brassica tournefortii
Fabaceae
FSorothamnus emoryi
Geran i aceae
Erodium dcutarium
Loasaceae
Fetalonyx thurberi
Nyct agi naceae
Abronia villosa
narrow leaved forget me not
fanleaf crinklemat
Sahara mustard
dyebush
red stemmed filaree
sandpaper plant
desert sand verbena
Onagraceae
Chylismia daviformisssp. daviformis browneyes
Tamaricaceae
Tamarix aphylla Athel
Zygophyl laceae
Larrea tridentata creosote bush
Poaceae
Schismusbarbatus old han schismus
12-182
Vertebrate qpecies Observed
Corvidae
Corvusbrachyrhynchos American crow
Fringillidae
Haemorhousmexicanus house finch
Remiadae
Auri parus fl avi ceps verdin
Trochilidae
Cal ypt e costae Costa's hummingbird
Tyrannidae
S3yornissaya Say's phoebe
12-183
APPENDIX C
SITE PHOTOS
12-184
NE El SE
120 30 60 9(
• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I
0 92°E (T) 133.798308°N,116.395276°W ±13ft ♦ 309ft
Photo 1. Looking east across the site showing disturbance from tire tracks. sE
90 120 150 1L? 210 240 270
• • 1. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SW - W
0 181°S (T) O 33.799058°N, 116.393360°W ±9ft ♦ 302ft
Photo 2. Looking south showing a portion of the homeless camp onsite. 12-185
SW W
210 240 270
I 300 NW 330
• 1• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I• I•
N
0 • I • I •
0 286°W (T) ( 33.798343°N,116.392540°W ±13ft ♦ 298ft
Photo 3. Looking west across the site shows a portion of the homeless camp.
N NE E SE
330 0 30 L 60 90 120
• 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1• 55°NE (T) © 33.798458°N,116.394984°W ±9ft ♦ 320ft
Photo 4. Looking northeast shows the adjacent commercial development. 12-186
Photo 6. Looking southeast showing a small athel tree onsite.
S SW W NW
180 210 240 1, 270 300 330
I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I• 264°W (T) O 33.798566°N,116.394864°W ±13ft • 304ft
Photo 5. Looking west showing the adjacent dog park.
E
90 120 150
S SW
180 210
1. 1. 1• I• I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I • I• I • I• 142°SE (T) OO 33,797731°N,116.393107°W ±9ft • 302ft
12-187
APPENDIX D
CVMSHCP Table 4-112:
Coachella Valley Native Plants Recommended for Landscaping 12-188
Coachella Valley Native Plants Recommended for Landscaping
BOTANICAL NAME
Trees
Washingtonia filifera
Cercidium floridum
Chilopsis linearis
Olneya tesota
Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana
Shrubs
Acacia greggii
Ambrosia dumosa
Atriplex canescens
Atriplex lentiformis
Atriplex polycarpa
Baccharis sergiloides
Bebia juncea
Cassia (Senna) covesii
Condalia parryi
Crossosoma bigelovii
Dalea emoryi
Dalea (Psorothamnus) schottii
Datura meteloides
Encelia farinosa
Ephedra aspera
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Eriogonum wrightii membranaceum
Fagonia laevis
Gutierrezia sarothrae
Haplopappus acradenius
Hibiscus denudatus
Hoffmannseggia microphylla
Hymenoclea salsola
Hyptis emoryi
Isomeris arborea
Juniperus californica
Krameria grayi
Krameria parvifolia
Larrea tridentata
Lotus rigidus
Lycium andersonii
Petalonyx linearis
Petalonyx thurberi
Peucephyllum schottii
Prunus fremontii
Rhus ovata
Salazaria mexicana
Salvia apiana
Salvia eremostachya
COMMON NAME
California fan palm
blue palo verde
desert willow
ironwood tree
honey mesquite
cat's claw acacia
burro bush
four wing saltbush
quailbush
cattle spinach
squaw water -weed
sweet bush
desert senna
crucilllo
crossosoma
dye weed
indigo bush
jimson weed
brittle bush
Mormon tea
California buckwheat
Wright's buckwheat
no common name
matchweed
goldenbush
desert hibiscus
rush pea
cheesebush
desert lavender
bladder pod
California juniper
ratany
little -leaved ratany
creosote bush
desert rock pea
box thorn
long -leaved sandpaper plant
sandpaper plant
pygmy cedar
desert apricot
sugar -bush
paper -bag bush
white sage
Santa Rosa sage
12-189
Salvia vaseyi
Simmondsia chinensis
Sphaeralcia ambigua
Sphaeralcia ambigua rosacea
Trixis californica
Zauschneria californica
Groundcovers
Mirabilis bigelovii
Mirabilis tenuiloba
Vines
Accent
Vitis girdiana
Muhlenbergia rigens
Herbaceous Perennials
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Carex alma
Dalea parryi
Eleocharis montevidensis
Equisetum laevigatum
Juncus bufonis
Juncus effuses
Juncus macrophyllus
Juncus mexicanus
Juncus xiphioides
Notholaena parryi
Pallaea mucronata
Cacti and Succulents
Agave deserti
Asclepias albicans
Asclepias subulata
Dudleya arizonica
Dudleya saxosa
Echinocereus engelmannii
Ferocactus acanthodes
Fouquieria splendens
Mamillaria dioica
Mamillaria tetrancistra
Nolina parryi
Opuntia acanthocarpa
Opuntia bigelovii
Opuntia basilaris
Opuntia echinocarpa
Opuntia ramosissima
Yucca schidigera
Yucca whipplei
wand sage
jojoba
globemallow (desert mallow)
apricot mallow
trixis
California fuchsia
wishbone bush (four o'clock)
white four o'clock (thin -lobed)
desert grape
deer grass
maiden -hair fern
sedge
Parry dalea
spike rush
horsetail
toad rush
juncus
juncus
Mexican rush
juncus
Parry cloak fern
bird -foot fern
desert agave
desert milkweed (buggy -whip)
ajamete
live -forever
rock dudleya
calico hedgehog cactus
barrel cactus
ocotillo
nipple cactus
corkseed cactus
Parry nolina
stag -horn or deer -horn cholla
teddy bear or jumping cholla
beavertail cactus
silver or golden cholla
pencil cholla, darning needle cholla
Mojave yucca, Spanish dagger
Our Lord's candle
12-190
APPENDIX E
Prohibited Invasive Ornamental Plants
12-191
Prohibited Invasive Ornamental Plants
BOTANICAL NAME
Acacia spp. (all species except A. greggii)
Arundo donax
Atriplex semibaccata
Avena barbata
Avena fatua
Brassica tournefortii
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens
Bromus tectorum
Cortaderia jubata [syn. C. atacamensis]
Cortaderia dioica [syn. C. selloana]
Descurainia sophia
Eichhornia crassipes
Elaegnus angustifolia
Foeniculum vulgare
Hirschfeldia incana
Lepidium latifolium
Lolium multiflorum
Nerium oleander
Nicotiana glauca
Oenothera berlandieri
Olea europea
Parkinsonia aculeata
Pennisetum clandestinum
Pennisetum setaceum
Phoenix canariensis
Phoenix dactylifera
Ricinus communis
Salsola tragus
Schinus mole
Schinus terebinthifolius
Schismus arabicus
Schismus barbatus
Stipa capensis
Tamarix spp. (all species)
Taeniatherum caput-medusae
Tribulus terrestris
Vinca major
Washingtonia robusta
Yucca gloriosa
COMMON NAME
(all species except native catclaw
acacia)
giant reed or arundo grass
Australian saltbush
slender wild oat
wild oat
African or Saharan mustard
red brome
cheat grass or downy brome
jubata grass or Andean pampas grass
pampas grass
tansy mustard
water hyacinth
Russian olive
sweet fennel
Mediterranean or short -pod mustard
perennial pepperweed
Italian ryegrass
oleander
tree tobacco
Mexican evening primrose
European olive tree
Mexican palo verde
Kikuyu grass
fountain grass
Canary Island date palm
date palm
castorbean
Russian thistle
Peruvian pepper tree
Brazilian pepper tree
Mediterranean grass
Saharan grass, Abu Mashi
no common name
tamarisk or salt cedar
Medusa -head
puncturevine
periwinkle
Mexican fan palm
Spanish dagger
Sources: California Exotic Pest Plant Council, United States Department of Agriculture -Division of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services, California Native Plant Society, Fremontia Vol. 26 No. 4, October 1998, The Jepson Manual; Higher Plants of California, and County of San Diego Department of Agriculture. 12-192
APPENDIX F
USFWS IPaC Report
12-193
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office
2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385
Phone: (760) 431-9440 Fax: (760) 431-5901
In Reply Refer To:
Project Code: 2024-0059071
Project Name: Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
March 07, 2024
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through IPaC by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological 12-194
Project code: 2024-0059071 03/07/2024
evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.
If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ endangered-species-consultation-handbook.pdf
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project -related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more information regarding these Acts, see Migratory Bird Permit I What We Do I U.S. Fish 8z Wildlife Service (fws.gov).
The MBTA has no provision for allowing take of migratory birds that may be unintentionally killed or injured by otherwise lawful activities. It is the responsibility of the project proponent to comply with these Acts by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles within applicable NEPA documents (when there is a federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan (when there is no federal nexus). Proponents should implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project -related stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and their resources to the project -related stressors. For more information on avian stressors and recommended conservation measures, see https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/threats-birds .
In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/partner/council-conservation- migratory-birds.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.
Attachment(s):
• Official Species List
12-1957
Project code: 2024-0059071 03/07/2024
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action".
This species list is provided by:
Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office
2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385
(760) 431-9440
12-196
Project code: 2024-0059071 03/07/2024
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2024-0059071
Project Name: Via Vail Apartment Homes Project
Project Type: Residential Construction
Project Description: The proposed project plan is to development of approximately 240-250 apartment homes.
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/033.798413499999995,-116.39367644026422,14z klatfetplace
Counties: Riverside County, California
12-1947
Project code: 2024-0059071 03/07/2024
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 6 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheriesl, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.
1. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.
MAMMALS
NAME STATUS
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni
Population: Peninsular CA pop.
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4970 Endangered
BIRDS
NAME STATUS
Least Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii pusillus
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5945 Endangered
REPTILES
NAME STATUS
Coachella Valley Fringe -toed Lizard Uma inornata
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2069 Desert Tortoise Gopherus agassizii
Population: Wherever found, except AZ south and east of Colorado R., and Mexico There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4481 Threatened
Threatened
12-198
Project code: 2024-0059071 03/07/2024
INSECTS
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME
STATUS
Coachella Valley Milk -vetch Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7426 Endangered
CRITICAL HABITATS
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION.
YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PROJECT(S) MAY HAVE EFFECTS ON ALL ABOVE LISTED SPECIES.
12-199
Project code: 2024-0059071 03/07/2024
IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: WSP USA
Name:
Address:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
Email
Phone:
Dale Hameister
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc
862 E Hospitality Ln #350
San Bernardino
CA
92408
[email protected]
8312380676
12-200
Appendix C
Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey Report
City of Rancho Mirage 103
12-201
HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT
PARCEL A-1, APN 685-090-011
City of Rancho Mirage
Riverside County, California
For Submittal to:
Development Services Department, Planning Division
City of Rancho Mirage
69825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Prepared for:
Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc.
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Prepared by:
CRM TECH
1016 East Cooley Drive, Suite A/B
Colton, CA 92324
Bai "Tom" Tang, Principal Investigator
Michael Hogan, Principal Investigator
April 17, 2024
CRM TECH Contract No. 4098
12-202
Title: Historical/Archaeological Resources Survey: Parcel A-1, APN 685-090- 011, City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County, California Author(s): Nicole Raslich, Archaeologist/Report Writer
Frank Raslich, Archaeologist
Consulting Firm:
Date:
For Submittal to:
Prepared for:
Project Size:
USGS Quadrangle:
Keywords:
CRM TECH
1016 East Cooley Drive, Suite AB
Colton, CA 92324
(909) 824-6400
April 17, 2024
Development Services Department, Planning Division
City of Rancho Mirage
69825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 328-2266
Nicole Criste, Vice President
Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc.
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 320-9811
Approximately 10 acres
Cathedral City, Calif., 7.5' quadrangle (Section 30, T4S R6E, San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian)
Coachella Valley region, western Colorado Desert; no "historical resources" under CEQA
12-203
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Between February and April 2024, at the request of Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc., CRM TECH performed a cultural resources survey on approximately 10 acres of vacant desert land in the northeastern portion of the City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County, California. The subject property of the study consists of a portion of Assessor's Parcel No. (APN) 685-090-011 known a Parcel A-1, located to the south of Dinah Shore Drive between Monterey Avenue and Key Largo Avenue, in the northeast quarter of Section 30, T4S R6E, San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian.
The study is a part of the environmental review process for the proposed development of an apartment complex on the property. The City of Rancho Mirage, as the lead agency for the project, required the study in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The purpose of the study is to provide the City with the necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed project would cause substantial adverse changes to any "historical resources," as defined by CEQA, that may exist in or around the project area. In order to identify such resources, CRM TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources records search, contacted pertinent Native American representatives, pursued historical background research, and carried out an intensive -level field survey.
Throughout the courses of these research procedures, no cultural resources of prehistoric or historic origin were encountered within or adjacent to the project area.
Therefore, CRM TECH recommends to the City of Rancho Mirage a finding that the proposed project will have No Impact on any "historical resources." No further cultural resources investigation is recommended for the project unless development plans undergo such changes as to include areas not covered by this study. However, if buried cultural materials are discovered during any earth -moving operations associated with the project, all work in the immediate area should be halted or diverted until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the nature and significance of the finds. 12-204
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i
INTRODUCTION 1
SETTING 4
Current Natural Setting 4
Cultural Setting 5
Prehistoric Context 5
Ethnohistoric Context 5
Historic Context 7
RESEARCH METHODS 8
Records Search 8
Native American Participation 8
Historical Background Research 8
Field Survey 8
RESULTS AND FINDINGS 9
Records Search 9
Native American Participation 9
Historical Background Research 9
Field Survey 12
DISCUSSION 12
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 13
REFERENCES 13
APPENDIX 1: Personnel Qualifications 15
APPENDIX 2: Native American Responses 20
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Project vicinity 1
Figure 2. Project area 2
Figure 3. Recent satellite image of the project area 3
Figure 4. Typical landscape in the project area 4
Figure 5. Previous cultural resources studies 10
Figure 6. The project area and vicinity in 1855-1856 11 Figure 7. The project area and vicinity in 1901 11
Figure 8. The project area and vicinity in 1941 11
Figure 9. The project area and vicinity in 1951-1958 11 ii
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INTRODUCTION
Between February and April 2024, at the request of Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc., CRM TECH performed a cultural resources survey on approximately 10 acres of vacant desert land in the northeastern portion of the City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County, California (Fig. 1). The subject property of the study consists of a portion of Assessor's Parcel No. (APN) 685-090-011 known a Parcel A-1, located to the south of Dinah Shore Drive between Monterey Avenue and Key Largo Avenue, in the northeast quarter of Section 30, T4S R6E, San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian (Figs. 2, 3).
The study is a part of the environmental review process for the proposed development of an apartment complex on the property. The City of Rancho Mirage, as the lead agency for the project, required the study in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; PRC §21000, et seq.). The purpose of the study is to provide the City with the necessary information and analysis to determine whether the proposed project would cause substantial adverse changes to any "historical resources," as defined by CEQA, that may exist in or around the project area.
In order to identify such resources, CRM TECH conducted a historical/archaeological resources records search, contacted pertinent Native American representatives, pursued historical background research, and carried out an intensive -level field survey. The following report is a complete account of the methods, results, and final conclusion of the study. Personnel who participated in the study are named in the appropriate sections below, and their qualifications are provided in Appendix 1.
Figure 1. Project vicinity. (Based on USGS Santa Ana, Calif., 120'x60' quadrangle [USGS 1979]) 1 12-206
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2 12-207
Figure 3. Recent satellite image of the project area. (Based on Google Earth imagery)] 3 12-208
SETTING
CURRENT NATURAL SETTING
The City of Rancho Mirage is located in the Coachella Valley, a northwest -southeast trending desert valley that constitutes the western end of the Colorado Desert. Dictated by this geographic setting, the climate and environment of the region are typical of the southern California desert country, marked by extremes in temperature and aridity. Temperatures in the region reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, and dip to near freezing in winter. Average annual precipitation is less than five inches, and the average annual evaporation rate exceeds three feet.
The irregularly shaped project area lies on the generally level and sandy desert ridge between the San Jacinto Mountains to the southwest and the Indio Hills to the northeast. The adjacent land features the Monterey Marketplace shopping center to the north and the east and undeveloped parcels to the south and the west, with residential neighborhoods further in the latter directions (Fig. 3). Elevations in the project area range roughly from 310 feet to 290 feet above mean sea level, with the terrain sloping gently downward to the northeast.
Vegetation in the project area currently consists of a scattered growth of native plants, including creosote bushes, brittlebush, wild mustard, brown eyes, desert sand verbena, fan -leaved tiquilla, narrow -leaved cryptantha, Spanish needle, and other small desert shrubs and grasses. The surface is characterized by lightly undulating, somewhat compact sand dunes with some exposed rock and gravel and shows clear signs of prior disturbance (Fig. 4). Sources of the disturbance include past construction activities associated with existing developments to the east and the north of the project location. In the western and northwestern portion of the project area disturbances were caused by the construction of a nearby public dog park. There also exists a small homeless encampment in the northeastern portion of the project area.
Figure 4. Typical landscape in the project area, view to the southeast. (Photograph taken on February 27, 2024) 4 12-209
CULTURAL SETTING
Prehistoric Context
Numerous investigations on the history of cultural development in southern California have led researchers to propose a number of cultural chronologies for the desert regions. A specific cultural sequence for the Colorado Desert was offered by Schaefer (1994) on the basis of the many archaeological studies conducted in the area. The earliest time period identified is the Paleoindian (ca. 8,000 to 10,000-12,000 years ago), when "small, mobile bands" of hunters and gatherers, who relied on a variety of small and large game animals as well as wild plants for subsistence, roamed the region (Schaefer 1994:63). These small groups settled "on mesas and terraces overlooking larger washes" (Schaefer 1994:64). The artifact assemblage of that period typically consists of very simple stone tools, "cleared circles, rock rings, [and] some geoglyph types" (Schaefer 1994).
The Early Archaic Period follows and dates to ca. 8,000 to 4,000 years ago. It appears that a decrease in population density occurred at this time and that the indigenous groups of the area relied more on foraging than hunting. Very few archaeological remains have been identified to this time period. The ensuing Late Archaic Period (ca. 4,000 to 1,500 years ago) is characterized by continued low population densities and groups of "flexible" sizes that settled near available seasonal food resources and relied on "opportunistic" hunting of game animals. Groundstone artifacts for food processing were prominent during this time period.
The most recent period in Schaefer's scheme, the Late Prehistoric, dates from ca. 1,500 years ago to the time of the Spanish missions, and saw the continuation of the seasonal settlement pattern.
Peoples of the Late Prehistoric Period were associated with the Patayan cultural pattern and relied more heavily on the availability of seasonal "wild plants and animal resources" (Schaefer 1994:66).
It was during this period that ceramics and the bow/arrow were introduced into the region.
The shores of Holocene Lake Cahuilla, during times of its presence, attracted much settlement and resource procurement activities. In times of the lake's desiccation and absence, according to Schaefer (1994:66), the Native people moved away from its receding shores towards rivers, streams, and mountains. Numerous archaeological sites dating to the last high stand of Holocene Lake Cahuilla, roughly between 1600 and 1700 A.D., have been identified along its former shoreline.
Testing and mitigative excavations at these sites have recovered brown and buff ware ceramics, a variety of groundstone and projectile point types, ornaments, and cremation remains.
Ethnohistoric Context
The Coachella Valley is a historical center of Native American settlement, where U.S. surveyors noted large numbers of Indian villages and rancherias, occupied by the Cahuilla people, in the mid - 19th century. The origin of the name "Cahuilla" is unclear, but may originate from their own word kawiya, meaning master or boss (Bean 1978). The Takic-speaking Cahuilla are generally divided by anthropologists into three groups, according to their geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass -Palm Springs area, the Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley, and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley. The basic written sources on Cahuilla culture and history include Kroeber (1925), Strong (1929), and 5 12-210
Bean (1978), based on information provided by such Cahuilla informants as Juan Siva, Francisco Patencio, Katherine Siva Saubel, and Mariano Saubel. The following ethnohistoric discussion is based primarily on these sources.
The Cahuilla did not have a single name that referred to an all-inclusive tribal affiliation. Instead, membership was in terms of lineages or clans. Each lineage or clan belonged to one of two main divisions of the people, known as moieties. Their moieties were named for the Wildcat, or Tuktum, and Coyote, or Istam. Members of clans in one moiety had to marry into clans from the other moiety. Individual clans had villages, or central places, and territories they called their own, for purposes of hunting game, and gathering raw materials for food, medicine, ritual, or tool use. They interacted with other clans through trade, intermarriage, and ceremonies.
Cahuilla subsistence was defined by the surrounding landscape and primarily based on the hunting and gathering of wild and cultivated foods, exploiting nearly all of the resources available in a highly developed seasonal mobility system. They were adapted to the arid conditions of the desert floor, the lacustral cycles of Holocene Lake Cahuilla, and the environments of the nearby mountains. When the lake was full, or nearly full, the Cahuilla would take advantage of the resources presented by the body of fresh water, building elaborate stone fish traps. Once the lake had desiccated, they relied on the available terrestrial resources. The cooler temperatures and resources available at higher elevations in the nearby mountains were also taken advantage of.
The Cahuilla diet included seeds, roots, wild fruits and berries, acorns, wild onions, pifion nuts, and mesquite and screw beans. Medicinal plants such as creosote, California sagebrush, yerba buena and elderberry were typically cultivated near villages (Bean and Saubel 1972). Common game animals included deer, antelope, big horn sheep, rabbits, wood rats and, when Holocene Lake Cahuilla was present, fish and waterfowl. The Cahuilla hunted with throwing sticks, clubs, nets, traps, and snares, as well as bows and arrow (Bean 1978; CSRI 2002). Common tools included manos and metates, mortars and pestles, hammerstones, fire drills, awls, arrow -straighteners, and stone knives and scrapers. These lithic tools were made from locally sourced material as well as materials procured through trade or travel. They also used wood, horn, and bone spoons and stirrers; baskets for winnowing, leaching, grinding, transporting, parching, storing, and cooking; and pottery vessels for carrying water, storage, cooking, and serving food and drink (Bean 1978; CSRI 2002).
As the landscape defined their subsistence practices, the tending and cultivation practices of the Cahuilla helped shape the landscape. Biological studies have recently found evidence that the fan palms found in the Coachella Valley and throughout the southeastern California desert (Washingtonia filifera) may not be relics from a paleo-tropical environment, but instead a relatively recent addition brought to the area and cultivated by native populations (Anderson 2005). The planting of palms by the Cahuilla is well -documented, as is their enhancement of palm stands through the practice of controlled burning (Anderson 2005; Bean and Saubel 1972). Burning palm stands would increase fruit yield dramatically by eliminating pests such as the palm borer beetle, date scales, and spider mites (Bean and Saubel 1972). It also prevented out -of -control wildfires by eliminating dead undergrowth before it accumulated to dangerous levels. The Cahuilla also burned stands of chia to produce higher yields, and deergrass to yield straighter, more abundant stalks for basketry (Bean and Saubel 1972; Anderson 2005).
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Population data prior to European contact is almost impossible to obtain, but estimates range from 3,600 to as high as 10,000 persons covering a territory of over 2,400 square miles. During the 19th century, the Cahuilla population was decimated as a result of European diseases, most notably smallpox, for which the Native peoples had no immunity. Today, Native Americans of Pass or Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in and near the Coachella Valley, including Agua Caliente, Morongo, Cabazon, Torres Martinez, and Augustine.
There has been a resurgence of traditional ceremonies in recent years, and the language, songs, and stories are now being taught to the youngest generations.
Historic Context
In 1823-1825, Jose Romero, Jose Maria Estudillo, and Romualdo Pacheco became the first noted European explorers to travel through the Coachella Valley when they led a series of expeditions in search of a route to Yuma (Johnston 1987:92-95). Due to its harsh environment, few non -Indians ventured into the desert valley during the Mexican and early American periods, except those who traveled along the established trails. The most important of these trails was the Cocomaricopa Trail, an ancient Indian trading route that was "discovered" in 1862 by William David Bradshaw and known after that as the Bradshaw Trail (Gunther 1984:71; Ross 1992:25). In much of the Coachella Valley, this historic wagon road traversed a similar course to that of present-day State Route 111.
During the 1860s -1870s, the Bradshaw Trail served as the main thoroughfare between coastal southern California and the Colorado River, until the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876-1877 brought an end to its heyday (Johnston 1987:185).
Non -Indian settlement in the Coachella Valley began in the 1870s with the establishment of railroad stations along the Southern Pacific Railroad, and spread further in the 1880s after public land was opened for claims under the Homestead Act, the Desert Land Act, and other federal land laws (Laflin 1998:35-36; Robinson 1948:169-171). Farming became the dominant economic activity in the valley thanks to the development of underground water sources, often in the form of artesian wells. Around the turn of the century, the date palm was introduced into the Coachella Valley, and by the late 1910s dates were the main agricultural crop and the tree an iconic image celebrating the region as the "Arabia of America" (Shields Date Gardens 1957). Then, starting in the 1920s, a new industry featuring equestrian camps, resorts, hotels, and eventually country clubs began to spread throughout the Coachella Valley, transforming it into southern California's premier winter retreat.
In the Rancho Mirage area, the first notable settlement activities occurred in the 1910s -1920s, when several date ranches were established within the present-day city boundary (Love and Tang 1996:7).
In 1924, R.P. "Bert" Davie and E.E. McIntyre subdivided the Rancho Rio del Sol Estates around today's Clancy Lane, creating a small community nicknamed "Little Santa Monica" (Love and Tang 1996:8). Ten years later, Louis Blankenhorn and Laurence Macomber began a new subdivision at the mouth of Magnesia Spring Canyon, and for the first time bestowed the name Rancho Mirage on the community (Love and Tang 1996). After the end of WWII, Rancho Mirage embarked on a period of rapid growth. With the development of the Thunderbird Country Club and the Tamarisk Country Club in 1951-1952, Rancho Mirage set the trend in the post -WWII boom among the five cove communities along Highway 111 (Love and Tang 1996:8-9). This trend has continued into the present and has given rise to the City of Rancho Mirage's popular reputation as the "country club city.
,,
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RESEARCH METHODS
RECORDS SEARCH
On February 9, 2024, CRM TECH archaeologist Nina Gallardo conducted the historical/ archaeological resources records search at the Eastern Information Center (EIC), University of California, Riverside. During the records search, Gallardo examined maps and records on file for previously identified cultural resources and existing cultural resources reports within a one -mile radius of the project location. Previously identified cultural resources include properties designated as California Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, or Riverside County Historic Landmarks, as well as those listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, or the California Historical Resources Inventory.
NATIVE AMERICAN PARTICIPATION
On February 5, 2024, CRM TECH submitted a written request to the State of California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) for a records search in the commission's Sacred Lands File. The NAHC is the State of California's trustee agency for the protection of "tribal cultural resources," as defined by California Public Resources Code §21074, and is tasked with identifying and cataloging properties of Native American cultural value throughout the state. In the meantime, CRM TECH contacted the nearby Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for additional information on potential Native American cultural resources in the vicinity and invited tribal participation in the upcoming archaeological field survey. Responses from the NAHC and the Agua Caliente Band are attached to this report in Appendix 2 and summarized in the sections below.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Historical background research for this study was conducted by CRM TECH archaeologist Nicole Raslich. Sources consulted during the research included published literature in local history, historical maps of the Coachella Valley area, and aerial/satellite photographs of the project vicinity.
Among the maps consulted for this study were the U.S. General Land Office's (GLO) land survey plat maps dated 1856 and the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) topographic maps dated 1904-1981, which are available at the websites of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the USGS. The aerial and satellite photographs, taken in 1959-2024, are accessed at the Nationwide Environmental Title Research (NETR) Online website and through the Google Earth software.
FIELD SURVEY
On February 27, 2024, CRM TECH archaeologists Nicole Raslich and Frank Raslich carried out the field survey of the project area with the assistance of Native American monitors Luz Salazar and Xitlaly Madrigal from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The survey was conducted at an intensive level by walking a series of parallel north -south transects at 15 -meter (approximately 50 - foot) intervals. In this way, the entire project area was systematically and carefully examined for any evidence of human activities dating to the prehistoric or historic period (i.e., 50 years or older).
Ground visibility was good to excellent (95 to 100%) as vegetation was sparse, although a small portion of the project area was obscured by large creosote bushes. In this environment, however, shifting sands are more likely to contribute to obscured cultural remains than is vegetation. 8 12-213
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
RECORDS SEARCH
According to EIC records, the project area had not been surveyed systematically for cultural resources prior to this study, and no cultural resources had been recorded within or adjacent to the project boundaries. Within the one -mile scope of the records search, EIC records show 40 cultural resources studies on various tracts of land and linear features, in total covering roughly 40 percent of the land surface (Fig. 5).
As a result of these past survey efforts, 15 cultural resources have been recorded into the California Historical Resources Inventory within the one -mile radius, including four prehistoric (i.e., Native American) sites, six historic -period sites, and five isolates (i.e., localities with fewer than three artifacts). The nearest among these, Site 33-017008, was located more than 1,000 feet northwest of the project area and consisted of the remains of a collapsed shed of unknown age. It was first recorded in 2007 but could no longer be found in 2017. The other 14 known cultural resources were all found at least a half -mile away from the project area. In view of their distance from the project location, none of the 15 sites or isolates requires further consideration during this study.
NATIVE AMERICAN PARTICIPATION
In response to CRM TECH's inquiry, the NAHC reported in a letter dated February 27, 2024, that the Sacred Lands File search yielded negative results for Native American cultural resources in the project vicinity. Noting that the absence of specific information would not necessarily indicate the absence of cultural resources, however, the NAHC recommended that local Native American groups be consulted for further information and provided a referral list of potential contacts in the region who may have knowledge of such resources. The NAHC's reply is attached in Appendix 2 for reference by the City of Rancho Mirage in future government -to -government consultations with the pertinent Native American representatives, if necessary.
On February 23, 2024, Claritsa Duarte, Cultural Resources Analyst with the Agua Caliente Tribal Historic Preservation Office, replied to CRM TECH in writing. In the letter, she identified the project location as a part of the tribe's Traditional Use Area and requested to review all cultural resources documentation generated for this project, including the records search results. In addition, she requested that a qualified archaeologist and an approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor be present during any ground -disturbing activities in the project area (see Appendix 2). As mentioned above, representatives of the Agua Caliente Tribal Historic Preservation Office subsequently participated in the archaeological field survey on February 27, 2024.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Historical sources consulted for this study yielded no evidence of any settlement or development activities within the project area throughout the historic period (Figs. 6-9; NETR Online 1959-1979).
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the nearest human -made feature known to be extant was the Southern Pacific (now Union Pacific) Railroad, which was later joined by U.S. Highway 60/70/99, the forerunner of today's Interstate Highway 10 (Figs. 7, 8). By the 1950s, some scattered buildings 9 12-214
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had appeared in the vicinity, but none of them within or adjacent to the project area (Fig. 9). In the immediate vicinity of the project area, no evidence of any settlement or development activities was observed until the Monterey Marketplace shopping center was developed on the adjacent property in the 1990s (NETR Online 1959-2002). Meanwhile, the entire project area has remained unsettled and undeveloped to the present time (NETR Online 1959-2020).
FIELD SURVEY
The field survey of the project area produced negative results for potential "historical resources." Throughout the course of the survey, no buildings, structures, objects, sites, features, or artifact deposits of prehistoric or historical origin were encountered. Scattered refuse was noted over much of the property, but all the items are clearly modern in origin, and none of them is of any historical/ archaeological interest.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this study is to identify any cultural resources within the project area and to assist the City of Rancho Mirage in determining whether such resources meet the official definition of "historical resources," as provided in the California Public Resources Code, in particular CEQA.
According to PRC §5020.1(j), "`historical resource' includes, but is not limited to, any object, building, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which is historically or archaeologically significant, or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California." More specifically, CEQA guidelines state that the term "historical resources" applies to any such resources listed in or determined to be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, included in a local register of historical resources, or determined to be historically significant by the lead agency (Title 14 CCR §15064.5(a)(1)-(3)). Regarding the proper criteria for the evaluation of historical significance, CEQA guidelines mandate that "generally a resource shall be considered by the lead agency to be `historically significant' if the resource meets the criteria for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources" (Title 14 CCR § 15064.5(a)(3)). A resource may be listed in the California Register if it meets any of the following criteria:
(1) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's history and cultural heritage.
(2) Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past. (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.
(4) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. (PRC §5024.1(c))
As discussed above, no potential "historical resources" were previously recorded within or adjacent to the project area, and none were found during the present survey. The Native American Sacred Lands File identified no properties of traditional cultural value in the vicinity, and no notable cultural 12 12-217
features were known to be present in the project area throughout the historic period. Based on these findings, and in light of the criteria listed above, the present study concludes that no "historical resources" exist within or adjacent to the project area.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CEQA establishes that "a project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment" (PRC §21084.1). "Substantial adverse change," according to PRC §5020.1(q), "means demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration such that the significance of a historical resource would be impaired."
In conclusion, the present study has identified no "historical resources" within or adjacent to the project area. Therefore, CRM TECH presents the following recommendations to the City of Rancho Mirage:
• The proposed project will not cause a substantial adverse change to any known "historical resources."
• No further cultural resources investigation is necessary for the project unless development plans undergo such changes as to include areas not covered by this study. • If buried cultural materials are discovered during any earth -moving operations associated with the project, all work in the immediate area should be halted or diverted until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the nature and significance of the find.
REFERENCES
Anderson, M. Kat
2005 Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Bean, Lowell John
1978 Cahuilla. In Robert F. Heizer (ed.): Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8:
California; pp. 575-587. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Bean, Lowell John, and Katherine Siva Saubel
1972 Temalpakh: Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of Plants. Malki Museum Press, Banning, California.
CSRI (Cultural Systems Research, Inc.)
2002 The Native Americans of Joshua Tree National Park: An Ethnographic Overview and Assessment Study. Http:// www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/jotr/history6.htm .
GLO (General Land Office, U.S. Department of the Interior) 1856a Plat map: Township No. 4 South Range No. 5 East, SBBM; surveyed in 1855-1856. 1856b Plat map: Township No. 4 South Range No. 6 East, SBBM; surveyed in 1855-1856.
Gunther, Jane Davies
1984 Riverside County, California, Place Names: Their Origins and Their Stories. J.D.
Gunther, Riverside.
13 12-218
Johnston, Francis J.
1987 The Bradshaw Trail; revised edition. Historical Commission Press, Riverside.
Kroeber, Alfred L.
1925 Handbook of the Indians of California. Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 78.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Laflin, Patricia
1998 Coachella Valley California: A Pictorial History. The Donning Company, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Love, Bruce, and Bai "Tom" Tang
1996 Cultural Resources Report: Rancho Mirage General Plan, City of Rancho Mirage, Riverside County, California. On File, Eastern Information Center, University of California, Riverside.
NETR (Nationwide Environmental Title Research) Online
1959-2020 Aerial photographs of the project vicinity; taken in 1959, 1972, 1977, 1979, 1984, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. http://www.historicaerials.com .
Robinson, W.W.
1948 Land in California. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Ross, Delmer G.
1992 Gold Road to La Paz: An Interpretive Guide to the Bradshaw Trail. Tales of the Mojave Road Publishing Company, Essex, California.
Schaefer, Jerry
1994 The Challenge of Archaeological Research in the Colorado Desert: Recent Approaches and Discoveries. Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology 16(1):60-80.
Shields Date Gardens
1957 Coachella Valley Desert Trails and the Romance and Sex Life of the Date. Shields Date Gardens, Indio.
Strong, William Duncan
1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology, Vol. 26.
USGS (United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior) 1904 Map: Indio, Calif. (30', 1:125,000); surveyed in 1901. 1941 Map: Edom, Calif. (15', 1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1941. 1958 Map: Thousand Palms, Calif. (15', 1:62,500); aerial photographs taken in 1951-1956, field -checked in 1958.
1978 Map: Myoma, Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1958 edition photorevised in 1972, photoinspected in 1978.
1979 Map: Santa Ana, Calif. (120'x60', 1:250,000); 1959 edition revised. 1981 Map: Cathedral City, Calif. (7.5', 1:24,000); 1958 edition photorevised in 1978 14 12-219
APPENDIX 1:
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/HISTORIAN
Bai "Tom" Tang, M.A.
Education
1988-1993 Graduate Program in Public History/Historic Preservation, University of California, Riverside.
1987 M.A., American History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. 1982 B.A., History, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China. 2000 "Introduction to Section 106 Review," presented by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the University of Nevada, Reno.
1994 "Assessing the Significance of Historic Archaeological Sites," presented by the Historic Preservation Program, University of Nevada, Reno.
Professional Experience
2002- Principal Investigator, CRM TECH, Riverside/Colton, California. 1993-2002 Project Historian/Architectural Historian, CRM TECH, Riverside, California. 1993-1997 Project Historian, Greenwood and Associates, Pacific Palisades, California. 1991-1993 Project Historian, Archaeological Research Unit, University of California, Riverside. 1990 Intern Researcher, California State Office of Historic Preservation, Sacramento. 1990-1992 Teaching Assistant, History of Modern World, University of California, Riverside. 1988-1993 Research Assistant, American Social History, University of California, Riverside. 1985-1988 Research Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University. 1985-1986 Teaching Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University. 1982-1985 Lecturer, History, Xi'an Foreign Languages Institute, Xi'an, China.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Preliminary Analyses and Recommendations Regarding California's Cultural Resources Inventory System (with Special Reference to Condition 14 of NPS 1990 Program Review Report). California State Office of Historic Preservation working paper, Sacramento, September 1990.
Numerous cultural resources management reports with the Archaeological Research Unit, Greenwood and Associates, and CRM TECH, since October 1991. 15 12-220
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/ARCHAEOLOGIST
Michael Hogan, Ph.D., RPA (Registered Professional Archaeologist) Education
1991 Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California, Riverside. 1981 B.S., Anthropology, University of California, Riverside; with honors. 1980-1981 Education Abroad Program, Lima, Peru.
2002 "Section 106 —National Historic Preservation Act: Federal Law at the Local Level," UCLA Extension Course #888.
2002 "Recognizing Historic Artifacts," workshop presented by Richard Norwood, Historical Archaeologist.
2002 "Wending Your Way through the Regulatory Maze," symposium presented by the Association of Environmental Professionals.
1992 "Southern California Ceramics Workshop," presented by Jerry Schaefer. 1992 "Historic Artifact Workshop," presented by Anne Duffield -Stoll.
Professional Experience
2002- Principal Investigator, CRM TECH, Riverside/Colton, California. 1999-2002 Project Archaeologist/Field Director, CRM TECH, Riverside, California. 1996-1998 Project Director and Ethnographer, Statistical Research, Inc., Redlands, California. 1992-1998 Assistant Research Anthropologist, University of California, Riverside. 1992-1995 Project Director, Archaeological Research Unit, U.C. Riverside. 1993-1994 Adjunct Professor, Riverside Community College, Mt. San Jacinto College, U.C.
Riverside, Chapman University, and San Bernardino Valley College. 1991-1992 Crew Chief, Archaeological Research Unit, U.C. Riverside. 1984-1998 Project Director, Field Director, Crew Chief, and Archaeological Technician for various southern California cultural resources management firms.
Research Interests
Cultural Resource Management, Southern Californian Archaeology, Settlement and Exchange Patterns, Specialization and Stratification, Culture Change, Native American Culture, Cultural Diversity.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Principal investigator for, author or co-author of, and contributor to numerous cultural resources management study reports since 1986.
Memberships
Society for American Archaeology; Society for California Archaeology; Pacific Coast Archaeological Society; Coachella Valley Archaeological Society. 16 12-221
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST/REPORT WRITER
Nicole A. Raslich, M.A.
Education
2017-
2011
2005
2022
2019
2014
2013
Ph.D. candidate, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
M.A., Anthropology, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
B.A., Natural History of Biology and Anthropology, University of Michigan, Flint.
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, American Red Cross.
Grant and Research Proposal Writing for Archaeologists; SAA Online Seminar.
Bruker Industries Tracer S 1800 pXRF Training; presented by Dr. Bruce Kaiser, Bruker Scientific.
Introduction to ArcGIS, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Professional Experience
2022-
2022
2008-2021
2019
2018
2017
2015-2016
2015
2013-2015
2008-2014
2009-2012
2009-2011
Publications
2017
2016
Project Archaeologist/Report Writer, CRM TECH, Colton, California.
Archaeological Technician, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Springs, California.
Archaeological Consultant, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Archaeologist, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians
Teaching Assistant, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan, Flint.
Graduate Fellow, Michigan State University Campus Archaeology Program, East Lansing.
Archaeologist, Michigan State University, Illinois State Museum, and Dickson Mounds Museum.
Curation Research Assistant, Michigan State University Museum, East Lansing.
Research Assistant, Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage, Simon Frasier University, British Columbia, Canada.
Editorial Assistant/Copy Editor, American Antiquity.
Archaeologist/Crew Chief, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Preliminary Results of a Handheld X -Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Analysis on a Marble Head Sarcophagus Sculpture from the Collection of the Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University. Submitted to Jon M. Frey, Department of Art, Art History, and Design. Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Preserving Sacred Sites: Arctic Indigenous Peoples as Cultural Heritage Rights Holders (L. Heinamaki, T.M. Hentnann, and N.A. Raslich). University of Lapland Printing Centre, Rovaniemi, Finland.
17 12-222
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Frank J. Raslich, M.A.
Education
2016-
2010
2005
2019
2014
Ph.D. candidate, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
M.A., Anthropology, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
B.A., Anthropology, University of Michigan, Flint.
Grant and Research Proposal Writing for Archaeologists; Society for American Archaeology online seminar.
Bruker Industries Tracer S 1800 pXRF Training; presented by Dr. Bruce Kaiser, Bruker Scientific.
Professional Experience
2022-
2022
2014-2022
2008-2021
2019
2016-2018
2017-2018
2009-2017
2008-2014
2010-2013
2009-2011
Publications
2017
2013
Project Archaeologist/Report Writer, CRM TECH, Colton, California.
Archaeological Monitor, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Palm Springs, California.
Board of Directors, Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Archaeological Consultant, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Archaeologist, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.
Adjunct Lecturer, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Michigan, Flint.
Teaching Assistant, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Research Assistant, Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada.
Research Assistant, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Archaeologist/Crew Chief, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Preliminary Results of a Handheld X -Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Analysis on a Marble Head Sarcophagus Sculpture from the Collection of the Kresge Art Center, Michigan State University. Submitted to Jon M. Frey, Department of Art, Art History, and Design, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Geochemical Analysis of the Dickenson Group of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan: A study of an Accreted Terrane of the Superior Province. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs 45:4(53).
18 12-223
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST/NATIVE AMERICAN LIAISON
Nina Gallardo, B.A.
Education
2004 B.A., Anthropology/Law and Society, University of California, Riverside.
Professional Experience
2004- Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside/Colton, California.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Co-author of and contributor to numerous cultural resources management reports since 2004. 19 12-224
APPENDIX 2
NATIVE AMERICAN RESPONSES
20 12-225
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
TRIBAL HISTORIC- PRESERVATION
February 23, 2024
[VIA EMAIL TO:ngallardoa�xJ -mtech.us]
CRM TECH
Ms. Nina Gallardo
1016 E. Cooley Drive, Suite A!B
Colton, CA 92324
Re. Participation in Cultural Resources for Proposed Apartment Construction Dear Ms. Nina Gall ardo,
e
03-008-2024-001
The Agua Caliente Band of' Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) appreciates your efforts to include the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in the Proposed Apartment Construction project.
The project area is not located within the boundaries of the ACBCI Reservation. However, it is within the Tribe's Traditional Use Area.A records check of the ACBCI registry indicates this area has not been surveyed for cultural resources. In consultation, the ACBCI THPO requests the following:
*Copies of any cultural resource documentation (report and site records) generated in connection with this project.
*A copy of the records search with associated survey reports and site records from the information center.
*The presence of an approved Agua Caliente Native American Cultural Resource Monitor(s) during any ground disturbing activities (including archaeologic al testing and surveys). Should buried cultural deposits be encountered, the Monitor may request that destructive construction halt and the Monitor shall notify a Qualified Archaeologist (Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines) to investigate and, if necessary, prepare a mitigation plan for submission to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Agua Caliente Tribal Historic Preservation Office. *The presence of an archaeologist that meets the Secretary of Interior's standards during any ground disturbing activities.
* ACBCI THPO staff would like to participate in the cultural resources pedestrian survey.
Again, the Agua Caliente appreciates your interest in our cultural heritage. If you have questions or require additional information, please call me at (760) 883-1134. You may also email me at ACB CI-THPO@aguacall ente.net.
Cordially,
5401 DINAH SHORE (RIVE., PALM SPRING.,!, CA 92264
r$O OOo,1180O r r00.UR9/60tH www.Ar; 11ACALIGNTG,N5N ,nv 12-226
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
TRIBAL HISTORIC_ PRESERVATION
Claritsa Duarte
Cultural Resources Analyst
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
AGUA CALIENTE BAND
OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
•
5401 DINAH SHORE DRIVE., PALM SPRINC!, CA 92264
rRoa Oglenou r 70u.Ua9/6p.A WWW.Ar7 l!ACALIGNHHHNSN ,CIV 22 12-227
ERICAN
/ 1
CHAIRPERSON
Reginald Pagaling
Chum ash
VICE -CHAIRPERSON
Bully McQuillen
Yo kayo Pomo, Yuki,
Nom laki
SECRETARY
Sara Dutschke
Miwok
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Wayne Nelson
Lulseno
COMMISSIONER
Isaac Bojorquez
Ohlone-Costanoan
COMMISSIONER
Stanley Rodriguez
Kum eyaay
COMMISSIONER
Lauren Bolden
Serrano
COMMISSIONER
Reid Milanovich
Cahuilla
COMMISSIONER
Vacant
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Raymond C.
HRchcock
Miwok, Nilsen an
NAHC HEADQUARTERS
1550 Harbor Boulevard
Suite 100
West Sacramento,
California 95691
(916) 373-3710
[email protected],aov
NAHC.ca.gov
STATE OF CALIFORNIA Gavin Newsom. Governor
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
February 27, 2024
Nina Gallardo
CRM TECH
Via Email to: [email protected]
Re: Proposed Apartment Construction Project, Riverside County Dear Ms. Gallardo:
A record search of the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Sacred Lands File (SLF) was completed for the information you have submitted for the above referenced project. The results were negative. However, the absence of specific site information in the SLF does not indicate the absence of cultural resources in any project area. Other sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known and recorded sites.
Attached is a list of Native American tribes who may also have knowledge of cultural resources in the project area. This list should provide a starting place in locating areas of potential adverse impact within the proposed project area. I suggest you contact all of those indicated; if they cannot supply information, they might recommend others with specific knowledge. By contacting all those listed, your organization will be better able to respond to claims of failure to consult with the appropriate tribe. If a response has not been received within two weeks of notification, the Commission requests that you follow-up with a telephone call or email to ensure that the project information has been received.
If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from tribes, please notify me. With your assistance, we can assure that our lists contain current information.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at my email address: [email protected].
Sincerely,
r te, Ate,
Andrew Green
Cultural Resources Analyst
Attachment