BLUE FOLDER ITEM
Blue folder items are additional back up material to administrative reports and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 21, 2023
N.1 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE SUBMITTAL OF OFFICIAL COMMENTS
TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REGARDING THE METRO C (GREEN) LINE EXTENSION TO TORRANCE
PROJECT DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (DEIR)
CONTACT: BRANDY FORBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
From: [email protected]
To: CityClerk
Cc: Brandy Forbes; Bill Brand
Subject: 3/21/23 Blue folder Item N.1 Metro Letter
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 1:40:57 PM
Attachments: City Council DEIR 32123.pdf
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Dear City Clerk,
Attached please find my comments on the latest version of the city's DEIR response letter in PDF format.
Also please ensure all 5 CM's plus the mayor have the following link to the EPA's webpage about Particulate Matter Pollution, as I refer to relevant facts discussed on this page in my comments:
https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm I appreciate all of your help!
Thank you kindly,
Niki Negrete-Mitchell, D3
Niki Negrete-Mitchell, D3 - City Council 3/21/23
Thank you for adding the additional comments, the letter reads well and covers a lot of ground. I want to commend all of you for placing your concerns on the residents so highly as a priority. It makes a huge difference and is much appreciated.
Air Quality: This week I’m focusing on air quality. The letter now only states signficant and unavoidable impacts for ROW trenched with no other comment.
The DEIR acknowledges “cumulative impacts” and that they strive to protect human health. I cannot overstate how much overly extreme, uncontrollable amounts of loose, fine powdery dirt, technically referred to as PARTICULATE MATTER, gets kicked up by just one maintenance or recreational vehicle that passes though the ROW behind my house. It’s a literal brown cloud, like a mini haboob dust cloud that they get in the desert. My backyard is impossible to keep clean just due to one passing RT train so when the occassional vehicle kicks up that much dirt it is unbearable. Imagine 5 - 7 years of HEAVY construction utilizing up to 40 vehicles at a time up and down the ROW and what that will do..
Please add to the letter under Air Quality: Particulate matter along the ROW will most certainly bring the air quality to an unlivable standard. In the case of this project, the reference to “temporary” means 5 years beginning with 101 dump trucks for 18 months and then subsequently, up to 40 pieces of heavy equipment kicking up an insurmountable amount of dirt which will cause health problems at such a close proximity to human lives.
From EPA.gov: Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart. Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, increased respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing.
I’m asking you to please take this to heart. Personally, I already have an irregular heartbeat and get short of breath, and I’m not the only neighbor who sees this.
Biology: Referring to the owls and hawks as "nesting" is important, the DEIR distinguishes this.
Naming the species is helpful. (Great Horned Owls, Red Tail Hawks) We have witnessed parent birds of prey training their babies to hunt above our backyard. At night I can hear two parent owls calling out to up to two babies at a time in the tree canopy and every year there are new hoots to hear. They're distinguishable by their differences in tone. They perch separately in different trees for hunting vantage points. They call one another and answer each other repeatedly. They are nocturnal. The hawks hunt in daylight.
Their hunting keeps the ecosystem balance in check. If they go away other predators will move in, most likely more coyotes.
In closing: I’d like to convey to all of you - I fully comprehend the materials I am commenting on and that all of my comments are made as a REALIST. As realists, Is it even possible for anybody no matter what credentials they may have, to guarantee that crowding THREE rails into a narrow corridor in between 1,100 homes and with passengers in such close proximity to liquid petroleum fuel tankers 12-25' away from densely occupied housing above 7 highly pressurized petroleum pipelines at some points rounding a curve and others 30 feet above occupied trenched light rails "safe"?
Please reach out to me with any questions or comments. I am HAPPY to work with ANYBODY.
From: Mark Nelson (Home Gmail)
To: GreenlineExtension; CityClerk; Holly J. Mitchell; CityClerk; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Metro DEIR Comments
Date: Sunday, March 19, 2023 7:46:02 PM
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CEQA COMMENTS ON METRO’S DEFECTIVE DRAFT EIR FOR GREEN LINE EXTENSION The following comments demonstrate that there is substantial evidence (CEQA guidelines section 15384a) of damages and regulatory noncompliance by Metro in the Green Line extension using the freight right-of-way. This conclusion is based on Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC), evidence from Beach Cities Health District’s multimillion dollar investment in Blue Zones and other peerreviewed studies as cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research findings.
1. Project alternatives that use the existing freight right-of-way violate RBMC 10-2.2502 (Planning Design)
2. Project alternatives that use the existing freight right-of-way violate RBMC 4-24.301 (Noise)
3. Project alternatives that use the existing freight right-of-way create health damages
4. Project alternatives that use the existing freight right-of-way damage child development These comments and damages that are demonstrated with substantial evidence must be included in the Final EIR, adjustments must be made to project, and no use of the freight right-of-way can be selected by Metro without non-compliance with RBMC and damages to both adults and generations of children.
[1] GREEN LINE ALTERNATIVE ALONG THE RIGHT-OF-WAY VIOLATES RBMC 10-2.2502 There is substantial evidence that the proposed Green Line preferred option in the existing freight right-of-way, coupled with planned 24/7/365 intermittent operation violates Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) 10-2.2502 Planning Commission Design Review (PCDR). The RBMC PCDR states that it’s purposes include: “protect property values” and “ensure compatibility” with the existing neighborhoods. Clearly, 24/7/365 rail operations are not consistent with the existing residential neighborhoods. Peer-reviewed research has found that rail damages surrounding property values, thereby failing compliance with RBMC.
Peer-reviewed research demonstrates that train noise can also damage property values. This should come as no surprise and can also be seen from property value analysis.
Vehicular Noise Pollution: Its Environmental Implications and Strategic Control DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.85707
"All types of noise altogether affect the same irrespective of the sources and cause headache to the high blood pressure and other heart diseases. Some noise types like aircraft and train noise also have negative effects on property prices."
[2] GREEN LINE ALTERNATIVE ALONG THE FREIGHT RIGHT-OF-WAY VIOLATES RBMC 4-24.301 There is substantial evidence that the proposed Green Line preferred option in the existing freight right-of-way, coupled with planned 24/7/365 operation violates Redondo Beach Municipal Code for noise generation. The noise receiving zoning from the proposed alternative in Redondo Beach would be predominantly residential, with a maximum, not to exceed nighttime noise limit of 65dBA and daytime limit of 70dBA (presumed ambient level plus 20 dBA. 4-24.301 Maximum permissible sound levels by land use categories "No person shall operate, or cause to be operated, any source of sound at any location within the City or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied, or otherwise controlled by such person which causes the noise level when measured on any other property to exceed: …the noise standard of the receiving land use district plus twenty (20) dB for any period of time [3] GREEN LINE ALTERNATIVE ALONG THE FREIGHT RIGHT-OF-WAY VIOLATES DAMAGES HEALTH There is substantial evidence that the proposed Green Line preferred option in the existing freight right-of-way, coupled with planned 24/7/365 intermittent operation will increase the risk of death and illness of nearby residents from chronic stress according to the Beach Cities Health District’s multimillion dollar Blue Zones project research, findings, and other peer-reviewed studies and publications.
Lessons from the Blue Zones
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK298903/
“… widen its main street and raise the speed limit, which, Buettner [Blue Zones CEO] said, creates stress, danger, noise pollution, and air pollution.” Obviously 24/7/365 train activity exceeds a widened main street’s negative health impacts as stated by Blue Zones.
How Stress Makes Us Sick
https://www.bluezones.com/2019/05/how-stress-makes-us-sick-and-affects-immunityinflammation-digestion/ “…this stress can be chronic, due to a specific situation … exposure to stress in early life can alter the normal development … resulting in increased sensitivity to stress and lifelong health risks in offspring.”
Stress is Often Referred to as the “Silent Killer”
https://www.bluezones.com/2012/03/maximize-health-and-longevity-using-these-stressmanagement-strategies/ “… causes many harmful, often overlooked effects … pain and strain … sleep habits … physical suffering … headache, upset stomach, or back pain … stress can reduce the ability of your immune system”
Even the Metro Threat to Build in the Freight R-O-W Shortens Lives of Residents https://www.bluezones.com/2020/10/fighting-chronic-stress-from-current-events-you-are-notalone/ "Although people often underestimate the influence of the mind on the body, a growing catalog of research shows that high levels of stress over an extended time can drastically alter physical function and affect nearly every organ system."
Metro Will Destroy the Blue Zones Solution of Home Sanctuary for Generations https://www.bluezones.com/2012/05/create-a-sanctuary-in-your-home/ Blue Zones recommends creating a quiet calm home sanctuary which cannot be accomplished with 24/7/365 noise that creates stress and violates RBMC.
How living near a railroad can harm your health: From chronic stress to an increased risk of cancer, scientists say that constant exposure to trains takes a toll on the human body https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/health-risks-living-near-railroads-eastpalestine-trains National Geographic discusses how rail creates noise and increased risks that create chronic stress and health damages.
Effects of Exposure to Road, Railway, Airport and Recreational Noise on Blood Pressure and Hypertension
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8431620/
Transportation noise can induce annoyance, sleep disturbance with awakening, cognitive impairment, physiological stress reactions, endocrine imbalance and cardiovascular disorders The Effect of Aircraft, Road, and Railway Traffic Noise on Stroke – Results of a Case–Control Study Based on Secondary Data
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122263/
For railway noise, there was a positive linear exposure–risk relation: Per 10dB the stroke risk increased by 1.8% for railway traffic noise. The maximum risk increase of 18% for railway traffic noise was found in the exposure category ≥65 to <70dB. NOTE 65-70 dB is modest for rail, along with accompanying vibration.
Transportation Noise and Risk
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP11248
Transportation noise exposure is believed to be detrimental to human health through stress reactions with activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, followed by increased levels of stress hormones. In addition, nighttime noise exposure can impact sleep quality and duration, which are crucial for physiological and mental restoration.
A study of self-reported health problems of the people living near railway:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7114011/
Noise ... can cause both auditory and nonauditory health effects. Nonauditory effects of noise can cause tinnitus, headache, auricular plenitude, dizziness, and gastric, visual, sleep, and mood disorders, endocrine imbalance, and cardiovascular disorders. [4] GREEN LINE ALTERNATIVE ALONG THE FREIGHT RIGHT-OF-WAY DAMAGES CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
There is substantial evidence that the proposed Green Line preferred option in the existing freight right-of-way, coupled with planned 24/7/365 intermittent operation will damage the development of residents’ children from chronic stress according to the Beach Cities Health District’s multimillion dollar Blue Zones projects research and findings.
How Stress Makes Us Sick
https://www.bluezones.com/2019/05/how-stress-makes-us-sick-and-affects-immunityinflammation-digestion/ “…this stress can be chronic, due to a specific situation … exposure to stress in early life can alter the normal development … resulting in increased sensitivity to stress and lifelong health risks…” Cc: Lawndale, Redondo Beach, and Torrance Councils and Planning Commissions as a Public Comment
From: Kevin Mitchell
To: CityClerk; Brandy Forbes; Bill Brand
Subject: 3/21 Blue folder items N.1
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 3:01:24 PM
Attachments: C_Line_routing_032123.pdf
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Please find attached PDF for presentation at this evening City Council meeting. This will be regarding the Metro DEIR as it relates to the Hawthorne Option.
Metro has presented a route that creates numerous unnecessary hardships for business at the north and south ends of the Hawthorne route. This document presents what I believe to be better alternatives and brings in to question Metro’s due diligence regarding this option.
I request that PDF is displayed publicly at my time at the podium.
Thank you,
Kevin Mitchell
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EXAMINING THE C LINE HAWTHORNE ROUTE
A closer examination of the C Line Hawthorne route shows major flaws both in the North and the South. 1) North: the currently proposed route from Marine Station to Manhattan Beach Blvd. destroys multiple businesses and disregards an easy path that does no damage to businesses in the area.
METRO ROW ROUTE (from Marine Station) HAWTHORNE ROUTE (from Marine Station) Western Builders
2) Compare: north routes of the ROW option vs. the Hawthorne option. Both options indicate elevated trains leaving from the Marine Station. The ROW route stays on the ROW as it crosses Inglewood Ave. to run behind Westwood Builders on the existing ROW path to then cross Manhattan Beach Blvd. and continue on the ROW. The Hawthorne route takes a hard turn to cross over the existing self-storage business, then runs over a Chevron station, crosses Inglewood Ave. to then run over two more businesses (Ron Roger’s Auto Services Center and EMI Signs) to get to the edge of the 405. The question is why.
Looking North from the ROW north of Inglewood. Looking West from Inglewood Blvd. at Chevron. - 2 -
Looking East from Inglewood Blvd., Ron Rogers Auto. Looking East from Condon Ave. at EMI Signs. 3) A simple solution: by running the same route as the ROW to Manhattan Beach Blvd., Metro could avoid damage to businesses and enjoy the same cost as the ROW route. From there, a simple turn down Manhattan Beach Blvd. to then get to the 405 corridor.
AN ALTERNATE HAWTHORNE ROUTE (from Marine Station)
The green path indicates a suggested revision to
Metro’s planned route
Western Builders
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4) Manhattan Beach Blvd.: offers a wide corridor and large median to receive the Metro train to travel unimpeded to the 405. One business, Manhattan Auto Body Shop, which has been slated for disruption for the Hawthorne Option, will be effected as this is unavoidable to connect to Hawthorne Ave.
Looking West on Manhattan Beach Blvd. Looking East on Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Looking South from Manhattan Beach Blvd. at Manhattan Auto Body Shop. Indicated for disruption on REAR. - 4 -
5) South End of Hawthorne Option collides with the newly built Volvo Dealership which is avoidable.:
To connect with the southern ROW crossing at 190th, the route crosses over into the Volvo Dealership splitting their parking structure and showroom. The dealership is openly upset with this route and have thrown their weight behind Torrance’s position to use the ROW. The route should be modified. 6) By changing the route to avoid the Volvo dealership: A more equitable solution is possible. Some re-engineering will be necessary to allow for the trains to merge at the ROW overpass on Hawthorne and 190th, but can avoid severe business interruptions and allow the dealership to remain unmolested.
Looking South at Hawthorne Blvd. and ROW crossing before 190th.