CEQA
Initial Study and Mitigated
Negative Declaration
City of Santa Ana
Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and
Diversion Project
1561 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Suite 240
Fullerton, California 92831
TEL (714) 526-7500 | FAX (714) 526-7004
www.cwecorp.com
CEQA Initial Study and
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion
Project
Prepared for:
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, California 92701
TEL (714) 647-5659
Prepared by:
1561 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Suite 240
Fullerton, California, 92831
TEL (714) 526-7500 | FAX (714) 526-7004 | www.cwecorp.com
October 2025
City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................. i APPENDICES ..............................................................................................................................ii LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................................ii LIST OF TABLES ..........................................................................................................................ii ACRONYMS ................................................................................................................................ iii
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 PURPOSE AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION ....................................................................................... 1
1.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS .............................................................................................................. 1
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................. 2
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION ................................................................................................................... 2
3. INITIAL STUDY/ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST .............................................................. 4
3.1 AESTHETICS ............................................................................................................................. 7
3.2 AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 9
3.3 AIR QUALITY .......................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ........................................................................................................... 14
3.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................. 17
3.6 ENERGY ................................................................................................................................ 19
3.7 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ................................................................................................................ 20
3.8 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS .................................................................................................... 24
3.9 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ......................................................................................... 25
3.10 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ........................................................................................... 27
3.11 LAND USE AND PLANNING ...................................................................................................... 29
3.12 MINERAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................ 30
3.13 NOISE ............................................................................................................................... 31
3.14 POPULATION AND HOUSING .................................................................................................... 38
3.15 PUBLIC SERVICES ................................................................................................................. 39
3.16 RECREATION ....................................................................................................................... 41
3.17 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC .................................................................................................... 42
3.18 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................ 44
3.19 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS ............................................................................................ 48
3.20 WILDFIRE .......................................................................................................................... 50
3.21 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................... 51
4. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 53
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Appendices
Appendix A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Project Location ................................................................................................................. 3 Figure 3-1 Noise Measurement Locations ........................................................................................... 33
List of Tables
Table 3-1 Noise Assessment Results .................................................................................................. 32 Table 3-2 City of Santa Ana Land Use Guidelines for Exterior Noise ...................................................... 34 Table 3-3 Construction Equipment Noise Emission Levels .................................................................... 34 Table 3-4 Construction Equipment Vibration Reference Levels ............................................................ 37
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Acronyms
AQMP Air Quality Management Plan
BMPs Best Management Practices
CCR California Code of Regulations
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CO Carbon Monoxide
CRHR California Register of Historic Resources
dBA Maximum A-Weighted Decibels
EIR Environmental Impact Report
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FMMP Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
GHG Greenhouse Gas
IPaC Information for Planning and Conservation
IS/MND Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
MLD Most Likely Descendant
MRZ Mineral Resource Zone
MT Metric Tons
NAHC National American Heritage Commission
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
PM Particulate Matter
PPV Peak Particle Velocity
PRIMP Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
SCAB South Coast Air Basin
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCIC South Coastal Information Center
SMARA Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975
SOx Sulfur Oxides
SVP Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Services
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1. Introduction
This California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared on behalf of the City of Santa Ana (City) to identify potential site-specific environmental constraints associated with the Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project (Project), located at 1801 East Chestnut Ave in the City of Santa Ana, California. This document has been prepared in accordance with the CEQA (Public Resources Code §21000 et seq.), and the State CEQA Guidelines (Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR) §15000 et seq).
This IS/MND is an informational document intended for use by the City of Santa Ana and members of the general public as a preliminary analysis to determine if there is substantial evidence that the Project may have significant effects on the environment. If site-specific environmental constraints are found to potentially have a significant effect on the environment, with mitigation, a site-specific Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should be prepared; otherwise, the lead agency may adopt a negative declaration or MND. This IS/MND was compiled for the City with the assistance of CWE. The City is serving as the Lead Agency for the proposed Project pursuant to CEQA §21067 and CEQA Guidelines Article 4 and §15367. “Lead Agency” refers to the public agency that has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a Project.
1.1 Purpose and Document Organization
The purpose of this document is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed Project.
Mitigation measures, if required, have been incorporated into the Project to eliminate potential significant impacts or reduce them to a less-than-significant level.
This IS/MND is organized as follows:
➢ Section 1 – Introduction
➢ Section 2 – Project Description
➢ Section 3 – Initial Study/Environmental Checklist
➢ Section 4 – References
1.2 Summary of Findings
The CEQA Appendix G Environmental (Initial Study) Checklist is included in Section 3. The Initial Study Checklist identifies potential environmental impacts, by sections, and provides a brief discussion of each impact resulting from implementation of the proposed Project. Each response confirmed as applicable in the environmental checklist is discussed and supported with sufficient data and analysis as necessary. As appropriate, each section has discussion that describes and identifies specific impacts anticipated with project implementation.
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2. Project Description
The Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion (SAZSCAD) Project (Project) is being implemented by the City of Santa Ana to improve water quality in the Newport Bay Watershed, increase local water supplies, reduce flooding, and provide new recreational opportunities for the community. The Project features a large underground stormwater infiltration system in the primary parking lot and a smaller underground stormwater infiltration system in the overflow parking lot at the Santa Ana Zoo. These infiltration systems include drywells, which route the captured runoff to layers of soil with the highest infiltration rates, helping to reduce pollutant loading to Newport Bay. The Project is designed to capture and infiltrate approximately 4.5 acre-feet of stormwater runoff per storm event from two drainage areas, covering a total of 165 acres.
In addition to its stormwater management objectives, the Project also includes construction of a new pocket park and drought tolerant landscaping in the Zoo parking lots, pervious parking stalls, bioswales, and educational signage. This is consistent with the Zoo Master Plan and will provide new recreational opportunities for the community.
The Project goals are summarized as follows:
➢ Enhance water supply through groundwater recharge
➢ Improve water quality in the Newport Bay Watershed
➢ Maximize community benefits
➢ Reduce flooding
➢ Minimize disruption to residents and local businesses
2.1 Project Location
The proposed Project will be located in the City of Santa Ana, Orange County, California. The City of Santa Ana is Orange County’s government powerbase and serves as the County Seat. The Project site is located at the Santa Ana Zoo, at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, as shown in Figure 2-1. The Santa Ana Zoo is a 20-acre zoo focusing on animals and plants of Central and South America, and is located on the eastern side of the City. The Zoo serves as a community space for education and recreation, welcoming over 270,000 visitors annually, and promotes community engagement in the conservation of wildlife and wild spaces.
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Figure 2-1 Project Location
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3. Initial Study/Environmental Checklist
Environmental Checklist Form
1. Project Title: Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project
2. Lead Agency Name
and Address:
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California 92701
3. Contact Person
and Phone
Number:
Craig Foster
NPDES Manager
(714) 647-5659
4. Project Location: Santa Ana Zoo, City of Santa Ana, California
5. Project Sponsor’s
Name and
Address:
City of Santa Ana, Public Works Agency
20 Civic Center Plaza (M-22), Santa Ana, California 92701
6. General Plan
Designation:
Open Space
7. Zoning: Open Space
8. Description of
Project:
The Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project features a large subsurface stormwater infiltration system in the primary parking lot and a smaller subsurface stormwater infiltration system in the overflow parking lot at the Santa Ana Zoo. The Project also includes construction of a new pocket park and drought tolerant landscaping in the Zoo parking lots, pervious parking stalls, bioswales, and educational signage.
9. Surrounding land
uses and setting:
District Center, Residential
10. Other public
agencies whose
approval is
required:
City of Tustin, Orange County Healthcare Agency
11. Have California
Native American
tribes traditionally
and culturally
affiliated with the
project area
requested
consultation
pursuant to Public
Resources Code
section 21080.3.1?
If so, has
consultation
begun?a
The City of Santa Ana sent out notification letters dated June 16, 2025 to the Cahuilla Band of Indians, Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation – Belardes, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation 84A, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, and Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1. The Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation and the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation – Belardes, were included in the tribal consultation process pursuant to Assembly Bill 52. The process has been completed.
a. Conducting consultation early in the CEQA process allows tribal governments, lead agencies, and project proponents to discuss the level of environmental review, identify and address potential adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources, and reduce the potential for delay and conflict in the environmental review process. (See Public Resources Code section 21083.3.2.) Information may also be available from the California Native American Heritage Commission’s Sacred Lands File per Public Resources Code section 5097.96 and the California Historical Resources Information System administered by the California Office of Historic Preservation. Please also note that Public Resources Code section 21082.3(c) contains provisions specific to confidentiality.
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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
Agriculture and Forestry
Resources Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology / Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Hydrology / Water Quality Land Use / Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population / Housing Public Services
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities/Service Systems Wildfire
Mandatory Findings of
Significance
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3.1 Aesthetics
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista? X
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
X
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade
the existing visual character or quality public views
of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are
those that are experienced from a 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?
X
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area?
X
Discussion:
a) The City of Santa Ana does not designate scenic vistas in its General Plan. The Project site is located in the developed primary parking lot and undeveloped overflow parking lot of the Santa Ana Zoo, within an urbanized area. Construction will involve temporary ground disturbance, and construction equipment and materials may be visible from public vantage points. However, these activities will not significantly impact scenic views or vistas. Upon completion, the site will maintain similar above- ground parking amenities and will not obstruct existing views. Therefore, the Project is not expected to have a substantial adverse impact on scenic vistas.
b) The Project is located within the Santa Ana Zoo, a key city landmark. However, construction is limited to the parking lots, which will retain its original function post-construction, minimizing impact on this resource. According to the California Department of Transportation Scenic Highways Program Database, no state scenic highways are near the Project. Additionally, the City’s General Plan does not designate any scenic corridors or resources in the area. The site does not contain rock outcroppings or formations. As a result, there will be no impact on trees, rock formations, or state scenic highways. Therefore, impacts to scenic resources are expected to be less than significant.
c) The Project is located within an urbanized open space area. Construction will involve the use of equipment and material storage, temporarily introducing contrasting features such as demolition City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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debris, excavated areas, and stockpiled soils. These visual disturbances will be temporary, and upon completion, the infrastructure will enhance the zoo's aesthetic quality. The Project aligns with zoning regulations and the City’s General Plan goals of preserving and enhancing scenic views. Therefore, impacts to the visual character of the site will be temporary and less than significant.
d) The Project site is located within an urbanized area, primarily surrounded by residential and District Center land uses. Existing light sources, such as those from the parking lot, contribute to nighttime illumination. The Project will add new lighting to the pocket park, integrated into the existing Zoo electrical system, with no substantial adverse effects. Therefore, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
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3.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
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 (FMMP)
of the California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
X
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,
or a Williamson Act contract? X
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as
defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or
timberland zoned Timberland Production (as
defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
X
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use? X
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 or conversion of forest land to non-
forest use?
X
Discussion:
a) According to the State of California Department of Conservation FMMP, the Project site is not located in an area designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance.
Therefore, there is no impact to farmland or agricultural resources.
b) The Project site is not zoned for agricultural use. The City of Santa Ana is located within Orange County, which is not participating in the 2023 California Williamson Act. Consequently, there is no anticipated impact from this designation.
c) The Project location area has no forest trees or areas designated for timberland. The Project is located in an urban environment with land zoned for open space land use and surrounded by areas of residential and District Center land use. The Project will not conflict with existing zoning of forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. Therefore, there is no anticipated impact.
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d) As discussed above, the Project is not located in forest land, so there will be no loss or conversion of forest land. Therefore, there is no impact.
e) The Project site is not located on land designated for agricultural use and will not result in the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural use or forest land to non-forest use. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
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3.3 Air Quality
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan? X
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?
X
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? X
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading
to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number
of people?
X
Discussion:
a) The City of Santa Ana is located within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which is bound by the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. The air quality in the SCAB is managed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The SCAB has a history of recorded air quality violations and is an area where both state and federal ambient air quality standards are exceeded, and therefore, is subject to the 2022 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The 2022 AQMP includes integrated strategies and control measures needed to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Construction will conform with the requirements of the 2022 AQMP and will use the strategies in the AQMP during all phases of construction. The Project will result in temporary impacts to air quality due to the construction activities, and will therefore, have a less than significant impact with the 20 22 AQMP.
b) The Project is located in the SCAB, which is a non-attainment area for respirable fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5 (PM2.5), Lead, and Ozone. The SCAB is a designated attainment area for all other criteria pollutants. The SCAQMD has established Regional Significance Thresholds for each criteria pollutant. Potential air emissions were calculated using the CalEEMod, Version 2022.1.1.28, a model used to quantify air impacts from land use Projects located throughout California. The following table shows the daily emissions rate for unmitigated construction during the summer, in comparison to the Regional Significance Thresholds.
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Pollutant NOx PM10 PM2.5 SOx CO
Maximum Emissions rate (lbs/day) 6.95 0.36a 0.24b <0.1c 12 Mass Daily Thresholds (lbs/day) 100 150 55 150 550
Exceed Threshold? No No No No No
a PM10 total modeled emissions
b PM2.5 total modeled emissions
c SO2 modeled emissions
The Project is not expected to result in a measurable long-term increase in air pollutant emissions.
After construction, the Project will have minimal vehicle trips to the sites for inspection and maintenance procedures. Therefore, impacts would be considered less than significant.
c) Certain residents, such as the very young, elderly, and those with specific illnesses or disabilities, are particularly sensitive to air pollution and are considered sensitive receptors. Sensitive receptors near the Project site include the Church of Christ in Tustin (16481 E. Main Street, Tustin, CA), Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac School (16791 E. Main Street, Tustin, CA) 0.25 miles east, Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School (1441 E. Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA) 0.25 miles west, Robert Heideman Elementary School (15571 Williams Street, Tustin, CA) 0.4 miles south, Reach Academy (1325 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA) 0.7 miles northwest, and surrounding residential areas, especially south of E. Main Street. However, the Project will not exceed the Regional Significance Threshold for criteria pollutants. As a result, the impact on nearby sensitive receptors is expected to be less than significant with mitigation measure AIR-1.
d) Project construction equipment and activities, including diesel exhaust emissions, could generate odors. There may be situations where construction activity odors would be noticeable by persons working at or visiting nearby facilities, but these odors would not be unfamiliar or objectionable. In addition, these odors would be temporary and would dissipate rapidly from the source with an increase in distance. There are no long-term odors anticipated from the construction of the Project.
Because there may be short-term odors as a result from the temporary construction of the Project, impacts will be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures:
AIR-1 – Pursuant to Rule 403 of the SCAQMD, the following dust minimizing measures shall be implemented:
➢ City of Santa Ana and its designees shall comply with all applicable SCAQMD Rules and Regulations, including Rule 403 ensuring the cleanup of construction-related dirt on approach routes to the site. Rule 403 prohibits the release of fugitive dust emissions from any active operation, open storage pile or disturbed surface area visible beyond the property line of the emission source.
➢ City of Santa Ana and its designees shall comply with all SCAQMD established minimum requirements for construction activities to reduce fugitive dust and PM 10 emissions. ➢ Adequate water techniques shall be employed to mitigate the impact of construction-related dust particulates. Portions of the site that are undergoing surface earth moving operations shall be dewatered such that a crust will be formed on the ground surface, and then watered again at the end of each day. Site watering shall be performed as necessary to mitigate blowing dust.
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➢ Grading operations shall be suspended during first stage ozone episodes or when winds exceed 25 mph. A high wind response plan shall be formulated for enhanced dust control if winds are forecast to exceed 25 mph in any upcoming 24-hour period. ➢ Any construction equipment using direct internal combustion engines shall use a diesel fuel with a maximum of 0.05 percent sulfur and four-degree retard. ➢ Construction operations affecting roadways within the Project area including detour routes, shall be scheduled by implementing traffic hours and shall minimize obstruction of through traffic lanes.
➢ The engines of idling trucks or heavy equipment shall be turned off if the expected duration of idling exceeds five minutes.
➢ On-site heavy equipment used during grading and construction shall be equipped with diesel particulate filters unless it is demonstrated that such equipment is not available, or its use is not cost-competitive.
➢ All haul trucks leaving or entering the site shall be covered or have at least two feet of freeboard. ➢ Any on-site stockpiles of debris, dirt or other dusty material shall be covered or watered twice daily.
➢ Any site access points within 30 minutes of any visible dirt deposition on any public right of way shall be mechanically or manually swept.
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3.4 Biological Resources
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
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?
X
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
X
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands (including, but not
limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or
other means?
X
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?
X
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
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?
X
Discussion:
a) According to a report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC), ten federally listed endangered species are potentially present in the area:
Pacific Pocket Mouse, California Least Tern, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell’s Vireo, Light- footed Ridgway’s Rail, Western Snowy Plover, Southwestern Pond Turtle, Western Spadefoot, Monarch Butterfly, and Nevin’s Barberry, with no critical habitat located within the Project area.
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However, given the urbanized location of the Project site, suitable habitat for these species is unlikely, besides species within zoo exhibits. Of the species listed, Southwestern Pond Turtles are within the zoo and Monarch Butterflies are within the zoo seasonally in the spring and summer, but construction will not impact their habitat. While small areas such as the zoo's surrounding trees or garden spaces may provide limited habitat, they are not significant enough to support candidate, sensitive, or special-status species, and thus will not result in adverse effects. The Project will implement mitigation measures, including pre-construction species surveys and protective actions if special-status species are found during construction. Additionally, native vegetation will be incorporated to enhance local habitat. With Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-3, the impact on sensitive, special-status, or listed species is expected to be less than significant.
b) The proposed Project will be constructed within open space zoning districts, as identified by the City’s General Plan. According to the National Wetlands Inventory, as mapped by the USFWS, the Project is not located within riparian areas, and therefore, there will be no impact on riparian habitats or other sensitive natural communities. Additionally, the surrounding areas have been fully urbanized and developed, so no significant impacts are anticipated.
c) Wetlands, as defined by the federal Clean Water Act, refer to areas that are flooded or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support vegetation adapted to life in saturated soils. These areas include swamps, marshes, streams, lakes, and bogs. There are no wetlands, vernal pools, or similar features on the proposed Project site. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented throughout the construction phase to prevent erosion and control dust. During dry weather, flows are expected to be minimal and will be captured by the stormwater management system. During wet weather, the flows intercepted by the Project will not result in significant hydrological impacts. According to the National Wetlands Inventory, the Project site is not located within wetland areas, so no impact on wetlands is anticipated.
d) The proposed Project is situated in a densely urbanized area, specifically on an established zoo and public facilities site. It is anticipated that the Project will have minimal impact on local wildlife movement or nurseries. While the site includes several trees, the urban environment suggests they are unlikely to provide suitable habitat or nesting sites for migratory birds, as defined by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Code, Section 3513 et seq. However, while the likelihood of nesting is low, it is still possible for birds to nest in the area. Project activities could result in the mortality or injury of nestlings, as well as the temporary or long-term loss of suitable foraging habitat.
e) Given the heavily urbanized nature of the area and the presence of ornamental trees, there is potential for existing trees to provide habitat for nesting birds. Construction activities may temporarily disturb potential nesting habitats; however, with the implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-3, the Project’s impacts on nesting birds will be reduced to less than significant.
In addition, the Project will result in the removal of approximately three mature jacaranda trees. To offset this, the Project proposes the planting of approximately 42 new trees, including eight jacaranda trees, consistent with the site’s landscaping plan. As a result, the Project will not conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, and impacts related to tree removal .
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f) The Project will not conflict with any adopted conservation plan. The proposed Project will comply with the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance and Urban Forestry Plan. The Project aligns with the City’s General Plan Conservation Element Goals CN-2 (enhancing natural and environmental resources while maintaining a balance between recreation, habitat restoration, and scenic resources), and CN-4 (conserving and replenishing existing and future water resources).
Mitigation Measures:
BIO-1 – Prior to ground-disturbing activities in areas that could support sensitive biological resources, a habitat assessment shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine the potential for special - status wildlife species to occur within affected areas, including areas directly or indirectly impacted by construction or operation of the Project. If a special-status wildlife species is found, pre-construction surveys of proposed work zones should be conducted 14 days prior to construction. Areas including construction areas, staging areas, and rights-of-way, should be staked, flagged, fenced, or otherwise clearly delineated to restrict the limits of construction to the minimum necessary near areas that may support special-status wildlife species with special-status wildlife species; if avoidance is not possible, the City of Santa Ana should consult with the appropriate regulating agency (USACE/USFWS/CDFW) to determine a strategy for compliance with the Endangered Species Act, California Fish and W ildlife Code, or other regulations supporting special-status species. The City of Santa Ana will work together with those regulating agencies to determine appropriate impact minimization measures and compensation for any permanent impacts due to the Project. If no breeding and nesting birds and/or raptors are found, then construction may proceed as scheduled with no additional monitoring or measured required.
BIO-2 – To protect nesting birds that may occur on site or adjacent to the Project boundary, no construction shall occur from February 1 through September 15, as early as January 1 for some raptors, unless a qualified biologist completes a survey for nesting bird activity within a 500-foot radius of the construction site. The nesting bird surveys shall be conducted at appropriate nesting times and concentrate on potential roosting or perch sites. The City of Santa Ana should require surveys be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 7 days prior to the beginning of any Project-related activity likely to impact raptors and migratory songbirds, for the entire Project site. If Project activities are delayed or suspended for more than 7 days during the breeding season, the surveys shall be repeated. If nesting raptors and migratory songbirds are identified, the following minimum no- disturbance buffers shall be implemented: 300 feet around active passerine (perching birds and songbirds) nests, 500 feet around active non-listed raptor nests and 0.5 mile around active listed bird nests. These buffers shall be maintained until the breeding season has ended or until a qualified biologist has determined that the birds have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for survival. Any sensitive and special status species data documented by the Project shall be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Database with all applicable data fields filled out. The City of Santa Ana and/or a designee will notify the CDFW once submitted.
BIO-3 – The Project shall implement BMPs to prevent erosion and the discharge of sediment and pollutants into drainages during Project activities. BMPs shall be monitored and repaired, if necessary, to ensure maximum erosion, sediment, and pollution control. The Project proponent shall prohibit the use of erosion control materials potentially harmful to fish and wildlife species, such as mono-filament netting (erosion control matting) or similar material. All fiber rolls, straw wattles, and/or hay bales utilized within and adjacent to the Project site shall be free of nonnative plant materials. Fiber rolls or erosion control mesh shall be made of loose-weave mesh that is not fused at the intersections of the weave, such as jute, or coconut (coir) fiber, or other products without welded weaves.
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3.5 Cultural Resources
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to §
15064.5?
X
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to § 15064.5?
X
c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of dedicated cemeteries? X
Discussion:
a) A Cultural Resource Assessment was conducted by Terracon in November 2024. Terracon retained BCR Consulting LLC (BCR Consulting) to complete a Cultural resources Assessment for the project site. A records search of the surrounding areas via the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California State University, Fullerton. The search area included a one-mile buffer from the Project location. Data from the SCCIC indicated that there have been 41 previous cultural resources studies conducted within a one-mile radius. 19 cultural resources have been documented within the radius, including prehistoric and historic period built-environmental resources. One previous study evaluated the project site, and no cultural resources were identified during the study.
A field survey was conducted by BCR Consulting and no cultural resources of any kind were identified within the Project boundaries. Site visibility was variable, averaging approximately 15 percent.
Surficial sediments differed across the site; the southern portion featured dry, yellowish-brown, loamy sand with moderate gravel inclusions, while the northeast portion consisted of dry, light-brown sandy loam with minimal gravel inclusions. Significant disturbances from excavation and grading for pavement and landscaping were evident throughout the site. The vegetation included imported, landscaped trees and grass, as well as areas of imported desert flora. The Project area has low sensitivity to subsurface resources and will implement mitigation measure CUL-1 to reduce potential impacts to less than significant.
b) See discussion above in part a). However, if during construction any archaeological remains are found, all construction will cease until qualified personnel can identify the remains and mitigate the findings. Impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with incorporating mitigation measures CUL-1 and CUL-2.
c) No formal cemeteries were found on or near the Project site. Most Native American human remains are found in association with prehistoric archaeological sites. Since the region has low sensitivity to City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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resources, mitigation measure CUL-1 and CUL-2 will be incorporated to reduce potential impacts to less than significant.
Mitigation Measures:
CUL-1 – A qualified archeologist shall be retained on an as-needed basis for the Project. The Native American will monitor all significant ground-disturbing (dirt excavation) activities. If previously unidentified cultural resources and/or tribal cultural resources are unearthed during ground activity, all work shall immediately be suspended within 100 feet of the discovery, and the City shall be immediately notified. A qualified archaeologist and a Native American monitor shall assess the significance of the find and determine if it is a California Register of Historic Resource (CRHR)-eligible archaeological resource and/or a tribal cultural resource. If the qualified archaeologist determines that adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources or significant archaeological resources could occur during the Project, then the resources shall be avoided from direct Project impacts by Project redesign, if feasible. If the resource cannot be avoided, then an archaeological treatment plan shall be developed and implemented in consultation with the Native American monitor and the City prior to resuming ground-disturbing activities in the affected area.
CUL-2 – In compliance with Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code and Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, if human remains are encountered, all ground disturbing activities shall be immediately suspended within 100 feet of the discovery, and the County Coroner should be notified immediately. If the Coroner determines the remains are Native American in origin, they must notify the Native American Heritage Commission within 24 hours of such identification so that the Native American Heritage Commission can contact the Most Likely Descendant (MLD). The MLD shall be provided access to the discovery and will provide recommendations for treatment of the remains within 48 hours of accessing the discovery site. The MLD recommendations may include scientific removal and nondestructive analysis of human remains and items associated with Native American burials, preservation of Native American human remains and associated items in place, relinquishment of Native American human remains and associated items to the descendants for treatment, or any other culturally appropriate treatment. Disposition of human remains and any associated grave goods, if encountered, shall be treated in accordance with procedures and requirements set forth in Sections 5097.94 and 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code; Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5.
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3.6 Energy
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
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?
X
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency? X
Discussion:
a) The proposed site will not result in significant environmental impacts due to wasteful or unnecessary energy consumption during construction or operation. Minimal energy will be required for the operation of light posts to illuminate pedestrian pathways at night. Therefore, no impact is anticipated.
b) The Project will not obstruct any state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
While the City’s General Plan aims to expand renewable energy sources, the addition of lighting in the pocket park will not conflict with these energy efficiency goals. Therefore, no impact is anticipated.
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3.7 Geology and Soils
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
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.
X
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? X
iv) Landslides? X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? X
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?
X
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table
18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994),
creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property?
X
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water
disposal systems where sewers are not available for
the disposal of waste water?
X
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
X
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Discussion:
a)
i) The Project site is located in Southern California, a seismically active region. The City of Santa Ana and the Project site are not within a known earthquake fault zone as delineated on an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map. Therefore, the potential impact from fault rupture is considered less than significant.
ii) The Project site is located in Southern California, a seismically active area. However, the likelihood of hazards related to strong seismic ground shaking, such as ground surface rupture, is low. The Project will be designed and constructed in compliance with federal, state, and municipal building codes governing seismic safety. Thus, the impact from strong seismic ground shaking is considered less than significant.
iii) Liquefaction refers to the loss of soil strength in saturated, coarse-grained soils during seismic activity. Liquefaction susceptibility is influenced by soil properties such as grain size, relative density, fines content, and the presence of clay-size fractions. The California Geological Survey indicates that although the majority of Santa Ana is in an area susceptible to liquefaction, the Project location is not located within a liquefaction zone. The Project will adhere to the recommendations in the Project’s geotechnical report to minimize and mitigate potential adverse effects from seismic activity.
Therefore, the impact from liquefaction is considered less than significant.
iv) According to the California Geological Survey, the Project site is not located in an area identified as a landslide hazard zone. As such, all structures in the Project’s design will be protected from landslides and other ground movements. No impact from landslides is anticipated.
b) Construction of the Project will require minimal vegetation removal and involve various earthwork activities, including grading, excavation, and fill, which could result in localized soil erosion. However, standard erosion control measures will be implemented during construction, including revegetation or stabilization of disturbed areas following construction. Therefore, impacts related to erosion are considered less than significant.
c) As noted in Sections 3.7(a) and (b), the Project is not in a fault, landslide, or liquefaction zone.
The Project will follow the requirements outlined in the geotechnical report to minimize and mitigate potential adverse impacts related to soil stability. Therefore, the potential hazards associated with soil stability are considered less than significant.
d) Expansive soils, which tend to swell when wet and shrink when dry, can cause uneven movement of structures, potentially leading to cracking. According to the October 2021 geotechnical report by Terracon, the Project site is composed of sandy silty clay, silty sand, clayey sand, sandy silt, lean clay, sandy lean clay, silty clay, and poorly graded sand. These soil types are generally non- expansive. While sandy silty clay may contain some clay, its sandy component reduces the potential for expansive behavior. Similarly, poorly graded sand, which consists primarily of sand particles, provides effective drainage and exhibits minimal shrink-swell characteristics. The report indicates that the site is suitable for the proposed construction based on the geotechnical conditions encountered. Measures outlined in the geotechnical report, along with any recommendations from City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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future geotechnical studies, will be implemented during design and construction. Therefore, no adverse impacts are anticipated.
e) The Project will not require the installation of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems, as it does not involve the construction of habitable structures or restroom facilities. Therefore, no impact is anticipated.
f) A Paleontological Assessment was conducted by the Western Science Center in October of 2024 and found that the geologic units underlying the project area are mapped as alluvial deposits from the Quaternary period (Pleistocene-Holocene). These Quaternary alluvial units are considered fossiliferous and highly sensitive from a paleontological perspective. While no fossil localities have been identified within the Project area or within a 1-mile radius, the potential for encountering subsurface fossils remains. Since the Project includes earthmoving activities and is expected to extend into the sensitive sediments, mitigation measures PALEO-1 through PALEO-3 will be incorporated into reduced impacts to less than significant.
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Mitigation Measures:
PALEO-1 – A paleontologist who meets the qualifications of established by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) shall be retained to develop a Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP) for this Project. The PRIMP shall be consistent with the standards of the SVP and include the methods that will be used to protect paleontological resources that may exist within the Project area, as well as procedures for monitoring, fossil preparation and identification, curation into a repository, and preparation of a report at the conclusion of grading.
PALEO-2 – Excavation and grading activities in deposits with high paleontological sensitivity (i.e., Santiago Formation) shall be monitored by a qualified paleontological monitor following a PRIMP. No monitoring is required for excavations in deposits with no paleontological sensitivity (i.e., Alluvial Flood Plain Deposits and Artificial Fill). If paleontological resources are encountered during the course of ground disturbance, the paleontological monitor shall have the authority to temporarily redirect construction away from the area of the find. In the event that paleontological resources are encountered when a paleontological monitor is not present, work in the immediate area of the find shall be redirected, and the paleontologist or paleontological monitor shall be contacted to assess the find for scientific significance. If determined to be scientifically significant, the fossil shall be collected from the field.
PALEO-3 – Collected resources shall be prepared to the point of identification, identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, cataloged, and curated into the permanent collections of a museum repository.
At the conclusion of the monitoring program, a report of findings shall be prepared to document the results of the monitoring program.
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3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment?
X
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?
X
Discussion:
a) As discussed in the Air Quality impact analysis, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions generated by the proposed Project would not exceed the SCAQMD threshold of 3,000 metric tons (MT) CO2e per year for non-industrial projects. The construction phase’s GHG emissions were calculated using the CalEEMod, Version 2022.1.1.22. The following table shows the unmitigated, yearly emissions rate for in comparison to the Regional Significance Threshold. Because GHG missions will not exceed the SCAQMD threshold, the Project would have a less than significant impact on GHG emissions.
Pollutant CO2
Maximum Construction Emissions rate (MT/year) 70.6
SCAQMD Threshold (MT/year) 3000
Exceed Threshold? No
b) The City has a Climate Action Plan adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions, and the Action Plan outlines the importance of lower emissions. The Project would not conflict with the State plan and policy AB 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) quantitative goal of AB 32 is to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Because the Project does not conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emission of GHG, there would be no anticipated impact.
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3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
X
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?
X
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
X
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?
X
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
or excessive noise for people residing or working in
the project area?
X
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
X
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires?
X
Discussion:
a) Construction activities for this Project may include excavation, grading, drilling, and other ground- disturbing operations. These activities may require the transport, storage, use, and disposal of small quantities of hazardous materials, such as gasoline, diesel, hydraulic fluids, oils, lubricants, and other similar substances. However, there will be no routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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materials during the operation of the Project. As such, the impacts are anticipated to be less than significant.
b) As outlined, the potential for hazardous materials to create a significant hazard through routine transport, use, or disposal is minimal. Nonetheless, such materials will be used during construction.
The handling and disposal of these materials will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and county regulations, ensuring that no accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment occurs. Therefore, the impacts are expected to be less than significant.
c) The nearest schools, Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School and Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac School, are each approximately 0.25 miles from the Project site. As discussed earlier, handling and disposal of hazardous materials is anticipated to be minimal, and would be conducted in compliance with existing federal, state, and county regulations. GHG emissions and criteria air pollutants will be emitted, but not in a significant amount, as none of the GHG emissions exceed SCAQMD thresholds. Therefore, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant.
d) There are no Federal Superfund or other cleanup sites near the proposed Project. According to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the closest Federal Superfund site, the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, is located approximately 7.5 miles southeast of the Project site.
Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
e) The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 4.5 miles southwest of the Project site. Since the airport is more than 2 miles from the Project site, no impacts are expected.
f) The Project will not interfere with emergency response or evacuation plans, as none of the roads potentially impacted by the Project are designated as arterial roads by the City of Santa Ana.
Additionally, the Project will not increase the local population or the demand for emergency access.
As a result, no impacts are anticipated.
g) According to the Cal OES MyHazards Tool, the City of Santa Ana is not located within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The city’s highly urbanized setting reduces the likelihood of significant wildland fire risks to people or structures. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
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3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground water quality?
X
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin?
X
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; X
ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would result in
flooding on- or offsite;
X
iii) create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff; or
X
iv) impede or redirect flood flows? X
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation? X
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a
water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
X
Discussion:
a) The proposed Project is not expected to significantly violate water quality standards, waste discharge requirements, or surface and groundwater quality. Construction activities will comply with regulations set forth by the Federal Clean Water Act, the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB), Orange County, the City of Santa Ana, and other relevant water quality control City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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regulations. BMPs will be implemented to mitigate potential impacts from machinery and contaminants. During construction, silt fencing or other sediment control BMPs will be installed around the perimeter of the site to prevent sediment from leaving the Project area. In addition, gravel bags, plastic covers, erosion control blankets, and other erosion control BMPs will be applied in accordance with the Project's erosion control plan. In the event of a hazardous materials spill, it will be immediately reported to the appropriate public agencies, including the City, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), SARWQCB, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). As a result, impacts to water quality are anticipated to be less than significant.
b) Groundwater supplies will not be impacted, as the Project does not involve the installation of groundwater wells and does not increase groundwater demand. Further, the Project will enhance water supply through groundwater recharge using infiltration systems. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
c)
i. The Project will not result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site as it will not alter existing drainage patterns. As noted in Section 3.10(a), construction BMPs will be implemented to prevent erosion or siltation during construction. Therefore, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
ii. The Project will not substantially increase surface runoff or significantly raise the imperviousness of the site, which could potentially lead to flooding on or off-site.
Therefore, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant.
iii. Although additional parking spaces will be provided in the overflow parking lot to compensate for the loss of parking due to the addition of the pocket park, there will be no net increase in impervious surfaces. As a result, no significant impacts are anticipated.
iv. The Project will be constructed outside of any waterbodies and is not expected to impede or redirect flood flows. Since no work will occur within a channel, no impacts on flood flow patterns are anticipated.
d) The proposed Project is not located within a flood hazard zone or seiche zone. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Project area is located in Zone X, which is outside of the 0.2% annual chance flood area. The Project site is approximately 10 miles northeast of the Pacific Ocean and is situated 129 feet above sea level. Consequently, flooding and seiche- related impacts are anticipated to be less than significant.
e) The Project will not conflict with the Santa Ana River Basin Plan for the Upper and Lower Santa Ana River watersheds, the San Jacinto River Watershed, or other smaller drainage areas. All new developments are required to implement site design measures and BMPs to protect water quality and maintain natural drainage systems. Therefore, no impacts to water quality or drainage are anticipated.
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3.11 Land Use and Planning
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Physically divide an established community? X
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?
X
Discussion:
a) The Project is located within the City of Santa Ana and must comply with the City’s adopted plans, policies, and regulations. The Project is designed to enhance community connectivity through the addition of a pocket park, which is intended to provide passive recreational benefits. These facilities are not expected to physically divide or disrupt the surrounding community. Therefore, no significant impacts are anticipated.
b) The Project site is currently designated as open space. As such, its implementation will not result in alterations to the existing land use zoning or conflict with any applicable land use plans, policies, or regulations aimed at preventing or mitigating environmental impacts. Consequently, no significant impacts are anticipated.
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3.12 Mineral Resources
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
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?
X
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?
X
Discussion:
a) The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) mandates the classification of land into Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs) based on the known or inferred mineral potential of the area. The MRZ categories are as follows:
➢ MRZ-1: Areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. ➢ MRZ-2: Areas where adequate information indicates significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that a high likelihood exists for their presence. ➢ MRZ-3: Areas containing mineral deposits the significance of which cannot be evaluated from available data.
➢ MRZ-4: Areas where available information is inadequate for assignment to any other MRZ
A majority of the City of Santa Ana, including the Project site, is classified by the California Geological Survey as MRZ-3, indicating an area of uncertain mineral potential. However, most of the land in this area is urbanized, and mining the remaining resources would likely result in significant impacts to surrounding neighborhoods. As there are no feasible mining opportunities within or adjacent to the proposed Project boundaries, no impact is anticipated.
b) As noted above, mineral resources within the Project site and the City of Santa Ana are limited, with no identified mineral resources present on or near the Project site. Consequently, the Project will not result in the loss of significant mineral resource recovery sites, and therefore, no impact is anticipated.
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3.13 Noise
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
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?
X
b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? X
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?
X
Discussion:
a) The Project is primarily located within Residential and Commercial zoned properties. The schools most likely to be impacted by construction noise are Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School and Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac School. Construction occurring in public right-of-way on Zoo Lane and East Main Street will be within 50 feet of Residential dwellings.
Because implementation of the Project may result in the generation of construction noise within the areas surrounding the Project during construction and Project operations, a Noise Assessment was performed on January 16, 2025. To identify baseline noise conditions, short-term ambient noise level measurements at the Project and at nearby representative sensitive receptors were recorded utilizing sound level meters, as shown in Figure 3-1. The ambient noise level measurements were taken during day-time hours, or when construction would typically occur. Table 3-1 shows the results of the noise assessment, identifying minimum, average, and maximum A-weighted decibels (dBA) at nearby sensitive, residential, and educational land uses.
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Table 3-1 Noise Assessment Results
Number Location Description Minimum
(dBA)
Average
(dBA)
Maximum
(dBA)
1 E. 1st Street and Zoo Lane 55 67 85
2 Parking Lot near 1820 E. 1st
Street 53 61 71
3 Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac
School 46 56 71
4 Santa Ana Zoo (near back office) 51 59 69
5 Santa Ana Zoo (near 50 Monkeys
Ferris Wheel) 43 54 71
6 Santa Ana Zoo (near entrance) 51 61 74
7 E. Main Street at Tustin Parc
Apartments 47 58 74
8 E. Main Street near 104 La Ronda 49 63 84
9 E. Main Street and Williams Street 50 61 81
10 Saddleback Road and Consuelo,
at Saddleback Mobilodge 36 45 69
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Figure 3-1 Noise Measurement Locations
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Construction will take place between the hours of 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. The Santa Ana Municipal code has exemptions for Noise listed in Chapter 18.3, which includes construction. Construction hours are limited to Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding holidays and weekends, unless approved otherwise by the City. The City’s Municipal Code also states that noise levels must meet the criteria based on land use, as depicted in Table 3-2. The entire City of Santa Ana is designated as “Noise Zone 1”.
Table 3-2 City of Santa Ana Land Use Guidelines for Exterior Noise Noise Zone Allowable Noise Level Time Period
1 55 dBA 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
1 50 dBA 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
As shown in Table 3-3, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) identified predicted noise limits at a reference distance of 50 feet. By utilizing these values, noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors can be calculated and predicted.
Table 3-3 Construction Equipment Noise Emission Levels Equipment Description Lmax Noise Limit at 50 feet., dB
Slow
Is Equipment an Impact
Device?
All other equipment > 5HP 85 No
Backhoe 78 No
Compactor (ground) 83 No
Compressor (air) 78 No
Concrete Mixer Truck 79 No
Concrete Saw 90 No
Crane 81 No
Dozer 82 No
Dump Truck 76 No
Excavator 81 No
Flat Bed truck 74 No
Front End Loader 79 No
Generator 81 No
Impact/Vibratory Pile Driver 101 Yes
Jackhammer 89 Yes
Mounted Impact Hammer 90 Yes
Pavement Scarifier 85 No
Pumps 81 No
Roller 80 No
Sand Blasting (single nozzle) 96 No
Slurry Trenching Machine 80 No
Vacuum Street Sweeper 82 No
Welder / Torch 74 No
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Construction activities for this Project will comply with the City’s Noise Ordinance and meet all noise level requirements. The nearest sensitive receptors are the residential homes along the Project perimeter. The Project will potentially involve excavation, grading, drilling, trenching, pile driving, and other ground disturbing activities. Noise generated from construction activities would be temporary.
During construction of the Project, the contractor will be required to use construction muffler dev ices, sound blankets, or other means to reduce noise levels to ambient levels. No long-term noise impacts are anticipated from the Project since there are no components as a part of the Project that would produce noise.
Therefore, with incorporation of mitigation measures NOISE-1 through NOISE-3, impacts by noise from construction would be less than significant. Excessive noise levels will no longer occur from the Project once construction is complete.
b) Construction of the Project will generate some groundborne vibrations as part of the construction activities. The Project is expected to utilize equipment that may typically produce higher vibration levels, such as pile drivers and bulldozers. However, with the implementation of mitigation measures NOISE-1 through NOISE-3, the impacts from groundborne vibrations are anticipated to be less than significant. Once construction is completed, all groundborne vibrations will cease .
c) The Project is not located within an airport land use designation and is situated more than four miles from the John Wayne Airport. As a result, the Project will not expose people residing or working in the area to excessive noise levels associated with airport operations. The Project site is outside the noise contours associated with the airport, according to the City General Plan’s Figure N-3 Airport Noise Contours Map. As noted in part a), construction equipment will temporarily elevate ambient noise levels in the area. Due to the proximity of nearby schools and residences, the contractor will be required to monitor noise levels and implement construction mufflers to minimize noise impacts.
This elevated noise is limited to the construction phase and will subside upon completion of construction. Therefore, no long-term impacts are anticipated.
Mitigation Measures:
NOISE-1 – The City of Santa Ana and their designees shall implement the following measures during construction as needed:
➢ Include design measures necessary to reduce the construction noise levels where feasible. These measures may include noise barriers, curtains, or shields. ➢ Place noise-generating construction activities (e.g., operation of compressors and generators, cement mixing, general truck idling) as far as possible from the nearest noise-sensitive land uses. ➢ Locate stationary construction noise sources as far from adjacent noise-sensitive receptors as possible.
➢ Identify a liaison for off-site sensitive receptors, such as residents and property owners, who can be contacted with concerns regarding construction noise and vibration. The liaison’s telephone number(s) shall be prominently displayed at construction locations. ➢ Notify, in writing, all landowners, occupants of properties adjacent to the construction area, and nearby sensitive receptors of the anticipated construction schedule at least 2 weeks prior to groundbreaking.
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➢ Prepare visible signs indicating “Noise Control Zone.” ➢ Use noise-control devices that meet original specifications and performance. ➢ To the extent practical, use electrically-powered equipment. ➢ Implement temporary noise barriers and sound-control curtains where Project activity is unavoidably close to noise-sensitive receivers. In particular, noise barriers of 8 feet and 12 feet tall should be established around work sites to remove noise impacts from the different construction operation areas. The construction contractor should regularly evaluate the noise level at nearby sensitive receptors to ensure noise levels are not in exceedance. If so, the following noise barrier measures should also be incorporated:
▪ Break line of sight from noise source to receiver
▪ Use a frame to secure an appropriate acoustic blanket or paneling ▪ Use a solid material with a minimum surface density of 3 lb/ft2 or mass-loaded acoustic blankets with at least STC 25
▪ Overlap or seal any gaps in the barriers
➢ Designate haul routes to be used based on the least overall noise impact route, with heavily - loaded trucks away from residential streets, if possible. Identify haul routes streets with the fewest noise sensitive receivers if no alternatives are available. ➢ Place earth-moving equipment, fixed noise-generating equipment, stockpiles, staging areas, and other noise-producing operations as far as practicable from noise-sensitive receivers. ➢ Eliminate the use of horns, whistles, alarms, and bells. ➢ Phase demolition, earth moving, and ground impacting operations so they do not occur in the same time period.
➢ In the case of nighttime construction, the contractor shall comply with the provisions of the nighttime noise variance issued by the City.
➢ Conduct periodic noise measurements in accordance with an approved noise monitoring plan, specifying monitoring locations, equipment, procedures, and schedule of measurements and reporting methods to be used.
NOISE-2 – All construction activities that employ mechanized stationary equipment that generate noise levels shall comply with the applicable noise standards established by the City of Santa Ana. The equipment shall be designed with noise-attenuating features (e.g., enclosures) and/or located at areas (e.g., belowground) where nearby noise-sensitive land uses would not be exposed to a perceptible noise increase in their noise environment.
NOISE-3 – To prevent impacts from vibrations, large vibration producing equipment should be placed as far as is feasible from sensitive receptors. Furthermore, the City of Santa Ana and their designees should implement the following measures as needed:
➢ Pre-construction Survey - A before and after survey should include inspecting building foundations and taking photographs (or installing crack monitors) of pre-existing conditions, cracks, or other flaws. The survey can be limited to buildings closest to the pile driving activities, except for the case of unusually fragile or historic structures that are located within approximately 200 feet of construction.
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➢ Sonic Pile Driving - At the upper range reference vibration for the sonic/vibratory pile driver, the risk for damage to nearby buildings begins when the equipment is 32 feet or closer to the structure. The nearest piling is expected to be 20 feet from the closest structure, so vibration limit exceedances would remain with use of a vibratory pile driver.
➢ Drilled Piles - Noise emission levels from bored/drilled pilling methods are approximately 15 dB lower and peak particle velocity (PPV) levels may be more than 15 times lower than those due to traditional impact piling. The use of these methods will eliminate the vibration impacts of all receivers. These methods will also substantially reduce the noise impacts and in most cases they will also be eliminated, with the use of a suitable noise barrier. ➢ Hammer Energy - A recommended way to reduce PPV is to lower the hammer energy since there is a direct relationship between hammer energy and the resultant ground vibration. Ground PPV generally follows a square root relationship with hammer energy (i.e. PPV ~ √Hammer Ene rgy).
The degree of hammer energy reduction must be balanced against the likelihood/severity of expected exceedances, increase in total driving time, and ability to drive to required friction tolerances.
➢ Vibration Monitoring - It is recommended that vibration monitoring be conducted at any building where equipment is operating closer than the limits noted in Table 3-4.
Table 3-4 Construction Equipment Vibration Reference Levels Equipment Description Minimum Separation Distance
Pile Driver (impact) 52 feet
Pile Driver (Vibratory) 32 feet
Vibratory Roller 14 feet
Compactor (Ground) 13 feet
Large Bulldozer 8 feet
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3.14 Population and Housing
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
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)?
X
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people
or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
X
Discussion:
a) The Project will not induce population growth, as its primary objective is to provide water quality improvements and an additional open space area. Since the Project does not involve the construction of new housing or commercial developments, no increase in population is anticipated, and no related impacts are expected.
b) The Project will not affect any residential areas, housing units, or other structures. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
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3.15 Public Services
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) 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? X
ii. Police protection? X
iii. Schools? X
iv. Parks? X
v. Other public facilities? X
Discussion:
a)
i. The nearest fire stations are Orange County Fire Authority, 0.4 miles northwest of the Project site at 1668 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701, Orange County Fire Authority Station #75,
1.4 miles west at 120 W. Walnut Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701, and Orange County Fire Authority Station #70, 1.8 miles northwest at 2301 Old Grand Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
If lane closures or disruptions to traffic flow are required during construction, emergency services will be notified at least 10 days in advance. The construction of the Project will increase urban green space, which could potentially require emergency services in the event of a fire or other significant emergency at the park. Therefore, with the incorporation of mitigation measures, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
ii. The nearest police station is Santa Ana PD Substation, approximately 0.7 miles south of the Project at 1780 McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705. If lane closures or disruptions to traffic flow are required during construction, emergency services will be notified at least 10 days in advance. Therefore, with the incorporation of mitigation measures, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
iii. The nearest schools are Saint Jeanne De Lestonnac School (0.25 miles east, at 16791 E. Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780), Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School (0.4 miles City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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west at 1441 E. Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701), Robert Heideman Elementary School (0.4 miles south at 15571 Williams Street, Tustin, CA 92780), and Reach Academy (0.7 miles northwest at 1325 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701). The Project is not anticipated to impact operations or increase student population. While the Project will temporarily affect normal traffic levels during construction, the impacts are expected to be less than significant.
iv. The proposed Project will enhance open space areas. The addition of the pocket park will include passive recreation improvements, such as a bioswale system, signage, landscaping, pathways, and lighting. This will benefit the community and align with the goals outlined in the City’s General Plan. As a result, the number of recreational users at other parks may fluctuate. Consequently, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
v. Other services, such as City Hall, public libraries, and municipal services, are located outside of the Project area. Although City staff will be required to maintain park operations, impacts on service ratios are not expected to be significant. Therefore, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure:
PS-1 – The City shall provide reasonable advance notification to service providers such as fire, police, and emergency medical services as well as to local businesses, homeowners, and other residents adjacent to and within areas potentially affected by the proposed Project about the nature, extent, and duration of construction activities. Interim updates should be provided to inform the public of the status of the construction activities.
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3.16 Recreation
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
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?
X
Discussion:
a) The proposed Project will enhance public park space within an urban environment. While this may lead to increased use of existing neighborhood parks, potentially accelerating the physical deterioration of those facilities, no population growth is anticipated. Key BMPs, including the installation of bioswales and/or rain gardens, will be implemented alongside improvements to park facilities and city infrastructure. Therefore, the anticipated impacts are expected to be less than significant.
b) The proposed Project will improve stormwater treatment for a drainage area covering 190 acres. The proposed pocket park will feature amenities such as a bioswale system, signage, landscape, pathways, and lighting. Consequently, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
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3.17 Transportation/Traffic
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
X
b) Would the project conflict or be inconsistent
with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision
(b)?
X
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses
(e.g., farm equipment)?
X
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? X
Discussion:
a) The Project will not conflict with any program, plan, ordinance, or policy related to the circulation system. Roadways will not be modified as part of the Project, and therefore, no impacts are anticipated. Additionally, there are no transit lines along the Project area boundary, and the site is not located along a bikeway as defined by the City’s General Plan. While construction activities may temporarily affect pedestrian crosswalks and surrounding roads, these impacts are expected to be less than significant.
b) CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3(b) provides criteria for evaluating transportation impacts, including those related to land use and transportation Projects, qualitative analysis, and methodology.
According to the guidelines, the Project is located within one-half mile of an existing transit stop or transit corridor and are presumed to result in less-than-significant transportation impacts. The nearest transit stops are located at E. 1st Street and N. Lyon Street, and E. 1st Street and Cabrillo Park Drive, each approximately 0.25 miles from the Project site. Although these transit stops are within
0.5 miles of the Project site, the Project will not interfere with these transit stops or affect transit routes. Therefore, transportation impacts are anticipated to be less than significant .
c) The Project will not alter any traffic design features, and no significant impacts are anticipated .
d) None of the roads bordering the Project area are designated as arterial roads in the City’s Master Plan of Streets and Highways. During construction, lane closures may occur; however, with the mitigation measures TRAF-1 through TRAF-2, the Project will ensure emergency access at all times.
Therefore, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with the implementation of mitigation measures.
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Mitigation Measures:
TRAF-1 – The Contractor will notify local Police and Fire Departments of its intent for a full street closure at least two (2) days before closure is to begin. The Contractor shall cooperate with local authorities relative to handling traffic through the area.
TRAF-2 – Transportation of heavy construction equipment and/or materials which requires use of oversized-transport vehicles on State highways will need a Caltrans transportation permit. The Project specifications will limit construction traffic to off-peak periods to minimize the potential impact on State facilities. If construction traffic is expected to cause delays on any State facilities, a construction traffic control plan detailing these delays shall be submitted for Caltrans’ review.
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3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a
site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is
geographically defined in terms of the size and
scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object
with cultural value to a California Native American
tribe, and that is:
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 section 5020.1(k), or
X
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
Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.
X
Discussion:
a)
i. According to the Cultural Resource Assessment conducted by Terracon in November 2024, BCR Consulting indicated that the Sacred Lands File search with the NAHC has been completed, and results are negative. Although there are no known tribal cultural resources identified at the Project site to date, consultation and mitigation measures below would ensure impacts to Sacred Lands or tribal cultural resources would be less than significant.
ii. The California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was consulted about the Project and results were negative for sacred sites within the project area.
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On June 16, 2025, the City of Santa Ana sent notification letters pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1 to the following tribes: the Cahuilla Band of Indians, Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation – Belardes, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation 84A, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, and Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians.
The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation – Belardes and the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation were included in the tribal consultation process.
Mitigation Measures:
TCR-1 – Retain a Native American Monitor 30 Days Prior to Commencement of Ground-Disturbing Activities
➢ The Project applicant/lead agency shall retain a Native American Monitor(s). The monitor(s) shall be retained prior to the commencement of any “ground-disturbing activity” for the subject Project at all Project locations (i.e., both on-site and any off-site locations that are included in the Project description/definition and/or required in connection with the Project, such as public improvement work). “Ground-disturbing activity” shall include, but is not limited to, demolition, pavement removal, potholing, auguring, grubbing, tree removal, boring, grading, excavation, drilling, and trenching.
➢ A copy of the executed monitoring agreement(s) shall be submitted to the lead agency prior to the earlier of the commencement of any ground-disturbing activity, or the issuance of any permit necessary to commence a ground-disturbing activity.
➢ The monitor(s) will complete daily monitoring logs that will provide descriptions of the relevant ground-disturbing activities, the type of construction activities performed, locations of ground - disturbing activities, soil types, cultural-related materials, and any other facts, conditions, materials, or discoveries of significance to the Tribe. Monitor logs will identify and describe any discovered TCRs, including but not limited to, Native American cultural and historical artifacts, remains, places of significance, etc., (collectively, tribal cultural resources, or “TCR”), as well as any discovered Native American (ancestral) human remains and burial goods. Copies of monitor logs will be provided to the Project applicant/lead agency upon written request to the Tribe.
➢ Upon discovery of any TCRs, all construction activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery shall cease (i.e., not less than the surrounding 50 feet) and shall not resume until the discovered TCR has been fully assessed by the Native American Monitor and qualified archaeologist. The Native American Monitor and qualified archaeologist will recover and retain all discovered TCRs in the form and/or manner the Tribe deems appropriate, in the Tribe’s sole discretion, and for any purpose the Tribe deems appropriate, including for educational, cultural and/or historic purposes.
➢ On-site tribal monitoring shall conclude upon the latter of the following (1) written confirmation to the Tribe(s) conducting Native American Monitoring from a designated point of contact for the project applicant/lead agency that all ground-disturbing activities and phases that may involve City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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ground-disturbing activities on the project site or in connection with the project are complete; or (2) a determination and written notification by the Tribe(s) conducting Native American Monitoring to the project applicant/lead agency that no future, planned construction activity and/or development/construction phase at the project site possesses the potential to impact TCRs.
TCR-2 – Unanticipated Discovery of Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects
➢ Native American human remains are defined in PRC 5097.98 (d)(1) as an inhumation or cremation, and in any state of decomposition or skeletal completeness. Funerary objects, called associated grave goods in Public Resources Code Section 5097.98, are also to be treated according to this statute.
➢ If Native American human remains and/or grave goods discovered or recognized on the Project site, then all construction activities shall immediately cease. Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 dictates that any discoveries of human skeletal material shall be immediately reported to the County Coroner and all ground-disturbing activities shall immediately halt and shall remain halted until the coroner has determined the nature of the remains. If the coroner recognizes the human remains to be those of a Native American or has reason to believe they are Native American, he or she shall contact, by telephone within 24 hours, the Native American Heritage Commission, and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 shall be followed.
➢ Human remains and grave/burial goods shall be treated alike per California Public Resources Code section 5097.98(d)(1) and (2).
➢ Construction activities may resume in other parts of the Project site at a minimum of 200 feet away from discovered human remains and/or burial goods, if the monitor determines in its sole discretion that resuming construction activities at that distance is acceptable and provides the Project manager express consent of that determination (along with any other mitigation measures the Native American monitor and/or archaeologist deems necessary). (CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(f).)
➢ Preservation in place (i.e., avoidance) is the preferred manner of treatment for discovered human remains and/or burial goods. Any historic archaeological material that is not Native American in origin (non-TCR) shall be curated at a public, non-profit institution with a research interest in the materials, if such an institution agrees to accept the material. If no institution accepts the archaeological material, it shall be offered to a local school or historical society in the area for educational purposes.
➢ Any discovery of human remains/burial goods shall be kept confidential to prevent further disturbance.
TCR-3 – Procedures for Burials and Funerary Remains
➢ As the MLD, the Koo-nas-gna Burial Policy shall be implemented. To the Tribe, the term “human remains” encompasses more than human bones. In ancient as well as historic times, Tribal Traditions included, but were not limited to, the preparation of the soil for burial, the burial of funerary objects with the deceased, and the ceremonial burning of human remains.
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➢ If the discovery of human remains includes four or more burials, the discovery location shall be treated as a cemetery and a separate treatment plan shall be created.
➢ The prepared soil and cremation soils are to be treated in the same manner as bone fragments that remain intact. Associated funerary objects are objects that, as part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains either at the time of death or later; other items made exclusively for burial purpos es or to contain human remains can also be considered as associated funerary objects. Cremations will either be removed in bulk or by means as necessary to ensure complete recovery of all sacred materials.
➢ In the case where discovered human remains cannot be fully documented and recovered on the same day, the remains will be covered with muslin cloth and a steel plate that can be moved by heavy equipment placed over the excavation opening to protect the remains. If this type of steel plate is not available, a 24-hour guard should be posted outside of working hours. The Tribe will make every effort to recommend diverting the Project and keeping the remains in situ and protected. If the Project cannot be diverted, it may be determined that burials will be removed.
➢ In the event preservation in place is not possible despite good faith efforts by the Project applicant/developer and/or landowner, before ground-disturbing activities may resume on the Project site, the landowner shall arrange a designated site location within the footprint of the Project for the respectful reburial of the human remains and/or ceremonial objects.
➢ Each occurrence of human remains and associated funerary objects will be stored using opaque cloth bags. All human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony will be removed to a secure container on site if possible. These items should be retained and reburied within six months of recovery. The site of reburial/repatriation shall be on the Project site but at a location agreed upon between the Tribe and the landowner at a site to be protected in perpetuity. There shall be no publicity regarding any cultural materials recovered.
➢ The Tribe will work closely with the Project’s qualified archaeologist to ensure that the excavation is treated carefully, ethically and respectfully. If data recovery is approved by the Tribe, documentation shall be prepared and shall include (at a minimum) detailed descriptive notes and sketches. All data recovery data recovery-related forms of documentation shall be approved in advance by the Tribe. If any data recovery is performed, once complete, a final report shall be submitted to the Tribe and the NAHC. The Tribe does NOT authorize any scientific study or the utilization of any invasive and/or destructive diagnostics on human remains.
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3.19 Utilities and Service Systems
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction
of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment
or storm water drainage, electric power, natural
gas, or telecommunication facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
X
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry, and multiple dry
years?
X
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
project’s projected demand in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments?
X
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?
X
e) Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
X
Discussion:
a) The proposed Project includes the construction of an expanded stormwater drainage system designed to capture, treat, and infiltrate stormwater. The Project also includes the relocation of a City-owned 8-inch water main, although the capacity and service is not anticipated to change.
Additionally, the Project will enhance the existing open space area. Lighting will be added to the proposed pocket park; however, the Project is not expected to significantly increase the demand on any utility or service system.
Potential short-term impacts associated with the water main relocation will be minimized through implementation of Mitigation Measure UTIL-1, which includes advance customer notification and coordination with utility locating services prior to excavation. Therefore, with incorporation of mitigation measure UTIL-1, impacts related to utilities and service systems would be less than significant.
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b) The proposed Project will incorporate native, predominantly drought-tolerant landscaping, allowing the plants to thrive during both normal and dry years. Therefore, the impacts are anticipated to be less than significant with mitigation measure UTIL-1 incorporated.
c) The Project does not include facilities or activities that would generate wastewater. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated.
d) During construction, some debris may be generated. However, the amount of waste is expected to be minimal and should not exceed the capacity of local infrastructure or interfere with the achievement of solid waste reduction goals. Therefore, impacts to local infrastructure and solid waste reduction goals are anticipated to be less than significant.
e) Waste disposal BMPs will be implemented to reduce, manage, and properly dispose of waste generated during construction and operation. These practices include waste segregation, recycling, hazardous waste management, and minimizing waste generation, ensuring that materials are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner while complying with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Waste disposal will adhere to all relevant regulatory requirements.
Therefore, no significant impacts are anticipated.
Mitigation Measures:
UTIL-1 - As part of the proposed improvements, the Project includes the relocation of an existing City - owned 8-inch water main. This relocation is required to accommodate infrastructure upgrades and may result in temporary disruptions to water service for nearby customers. To minimize potential impacts, affected customers will be notified in advance of any planned service interruptions, including information regarding timing and duration.
In addition, Project specifications will require the construction contractor to contact Underground Service Alert (DigAlert) by calling 811 or 1-800-422-4133 at least two business days prior to an excavation work.
DigAlert will coordinate with utility owners in the area to identify and mark the locations of all buried utility-owned lines within the project area to avoid accidental utility damage and ensure public safety .
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3.20 Wildfire
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan? X
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?
X
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?
X
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?
X
Discussion:
a) According to the CAL FIRE, Fire Hazard Severity Zones Viewer, the Project area is not located within a fire hazard severity zone. Although the Project may impact traffic on surrounding roads, none of these roads are part of the City’s arterial road network. Emergency services will be notified at least 10 days in advance of any road closures. Therefore, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant.
b) The proposed Project will feature native vegetation, which are all flammable and susceptible to wildfires, but due to the Project’s location in a highly urbanized area, there is no potential for wildfires. Therefore, there would be no anticipated impact.
c) The Project will not require the installation or maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, or power lines. The additional lighting proposed for the pocket park will be minimal and will connect to the existing Zoo electrical system. Therefore, the Project will not exacerbate fire risk, and the impacts are expected to be less than significant.
d) The Project area is relatively flat and urbanized. It is not anticipated to expose people or structures to significant risks of flooding or landslides. Therefore, impacts are expected to be less than significant.
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3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Would the project:
Environmental Issue
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
a) Does the project have the potential to
substantially 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,
substantially 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?
X
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)?
X
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
X
Discussion:
a) Due to its location in an urbanized environment, the Project is not anticipated to affect the quality of the environment, habitat, fish, wildlife, or plant populations at the Project site during construction or post-construction. Consequently, the Project will result in a less-than-significant impact, provided that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
b) The proposed Project would result in significant impacts unless mitigated for the following environmental issues: air quality, biology, cultural, noise, public services, transportation, geology and soils, and tribal cultural resources. Mitigation measures have been identified for each of these environmental areas to reduce impacts to a level that is less than significant. Cumulatively, the proposed Project will not result in any significant impacts that would combine substantially with impacts from other current or foreseeable future developments, assuming all other Projects within the city comply with the established regulatory framework.
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c) The Project may have potential environmental effects on humans, most of which would be related to construction activities. These impacts are primarily associated with noise and air quality. As discussed in Section 3.3 and Section 3.13, these impacts are considered less than significant, or mitigation measures will be implemented to protect nearby sensitive receptors.
The Project will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Therefore, potential impacts on human health and well-being would be less than significant with the incorporation of mitigation measures.
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4. References
California Department of Transportation. California Scenic Highway Mapping System. https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e80571 16f1aacaa
California Department of Conservation. California Geologic Survey. Mineral Land Classification. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/minerals/?page=Mineral-Land-Classification
California Department of Conservation. California Important Farmland Finder. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/ciff/
California Department of Conservation. California Williamson Act Enrollment Finder. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/WilliamsonAct/
California Department of Conservation. Earthquake Fault Zones. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/documents/publications/special-publications/SP_042- a11y.pdf
California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Envirostor. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?global
CalEEMod. California Emissions Estimator Model.
CalEEMod - https://www.caleemod.com/model
CAL FIRE. Fire Hazard Severity Zones in SRA. 2024.
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire- hazard-severity-zones
Cal OES. MyHazards.
https://myhazards.caloes.ca.gov/
City of Santa Ana. General Plan.
https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/santaan aca/uploads/2022/06/Entire-General-Plan-April-2022.pdf
City of Santa Ana. Code of Ordinances.
https://library.municode.com/ca/santa_ana/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIITHCO_CH18 HESA_ARTVINOCO_S18-312EXNOST
FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery=manhattan%20beach%2C%20ca#searchresu ltsanchor
National Ambient Air Quality Standards and California Ambient Air Quality Standards Attainment Status for South Coast Air Basin
City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
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https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/clean-air-plans/air-quality-management-plans/naaqs- caaqs-feb2016.pdf?sfvrsn=2
South Coast Air Quality Management District
https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/map-of-jurisdiction.pdf
Terracon. Cultural Resources and Paleontological Assessment, Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Design Project. November 27, 2024.
Terracon. Geotechnical Engineering Report. Stormwater Capture Feasibility Study. February 11, 2022.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. National Wetlands Inventory. Wetlands Mapper. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Information for Planning and Consultation. Species Mapper. https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/index
City of Santa Ana California Environmental Quality Act
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
Appendix A
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
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AIR-1
Pursuant to Rule 403 of the South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD), the following dust
minimizing measures shall be implemented:
➢ City of Santa Ana and its designees shall
comply with all applicable SCAQMD Rules and
Regulations, including Rule 403 ensuring the
cleanup of construction-related dirt on
approach routes to the site. Rule 403 prohibits
the release of fugitive dust emissions from any
active operation, open storage pile or disturbed
surface area visible beyond the property line of
the emission source.
➢ City of Santa Ana and its designees shall
comply with all SCAQMD established minimum
requirements for construction activities to
reduce fugitive dust and PM10 emissions.
➢ Adequate water techniques shall be employed
to mitigate the impact of construction-related
dust particulates. Portions of the site that are
undergoing surface earth moving operations
shall be dewatered such that a crust will be
formed on the ground surface, and then
watered again at the end of each day. Site
watering shall be performed as necessary to
mitigate blowing dust.
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➢ Grading operations shall be suspended during
first stage ozone episodes or when winds
exceed 25 mph. A high wind response plan
shall be formulated for enhanced dust control if
winds are forecast to exceed 25 mph in any
upcoming 24-hour period.
➢ Any construction equipment using direct
internal combustion engines shall use a diesel
fuel with a maximum of 0.05 percent sulfur and
four-degree retard.
➢ Construction operations affecting roadways
within the Project area including detour routes,
shall be scheduled by implementing traffic
hours and shall minimize obstruction of through
traffic lanes.
➢ The engines of idling trucks or heavy
equipment shall be turned off if the expected
duration of idling exceeds five minutes.
➢ On-site heavy equipment used during grading
and construction shall be equipped with diesel
particulate filters unless it is demonstrated that
such equipment is not available, or its use is
not cost-competitive.
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➢ All haul trucks leaving or entering the site shall
be covered or have at least two feet of
freeboard.
➢ Any on-site stockpiles of debris, dirt or other
dusty material shall be covered or watered
twice daily.
➢ Any site access points within 30 minutes of any
visible dirt deposition on any public right of way
shall be mechanically or manually swept.
BIO-1
Prior to ground-disturbing activities in areas that could support sensitive biological resources, a habitat
assessment shall be conducted by a qualified biologist
to determine the potential for special-status wildlife
species to occur within affected areas, including areas directly or indirectly impacted by construction or
operation of the Project. If a special-status wildlife species is found, pre-construction surveys of proposed
work zones should be conducted 14 days prior to
construction. Areas including construction areas,
staging areas, and rights-of-way, should be staked,
flagged, fenced, or otherwise clearly delineated to
restrict the limits of construction to the minimum
necessary near areas that may support special-status
wildlife species with special-status wildlife species; if avoidance is not possible, the City of Santa Ana should consult with the appropriate regulating agency, such as City of Santa Ana Pre-Construction City of Santa
Ana
United States
Army Corps of
Engineers
United States
Fish and
Wildlife Service
California
Department of
Fish and
Wildlife
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the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), or
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), to
determine a strategy for compliance with the
Endangered Species Act, California Fish and Wildlife
Code, or other regulations supporting special-status
species. The City of Santa Ana will work together with those regulating agencies to determine appropriate
impact minimization measures and compensation for
any permanent impacts due to the Project. If no
breeding and nesting birds and/or raptors are found,
then construction may proceed as scheduled with no
additional monitoring or measured required.
BIO-2
To protect nesting birds that may occur on site or
adjacent to the Project boundary, no construction shall occur from February 1 through September 15, as early
as January 1 for some raptors, unless a qualified
biologist completes a survey for nesting bird activity
within a 500-foot radius of the construction site. The nesting bird surveys shall be conducted at appropriate
nesting times and concentrate on potential roosting or
perch sites. The City of Santa Ana should require
surveys be conducted by a qualified biologist no more
than 7 days prior to the beginning of any Project-
related activity likely to impact raptors and migratory songbirds, for the entire Project site. If Project
activities are delayed or suspended for more than 7
days during the breeding season, the surveys shall be
City of Santa Ana Pre-Construction City of Santa
Ana
California
Department of
Fish and
Wildlife
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repeated. If nesting raptors and migratory songbirds
are identified, the following minimum no-disturbance
buffers shall be implemented: 300 feet around active
passerine (perching birds and songbirds) nests, 500
feet around active non-listed raptor nests and 0.5 mile around active listed bird nests. These buffers shall be maintained until the breeding season has ended or until a qualified biologist has determined that the birds have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or
parental care for survival. Any sensitive and special
status species data documented by the Project shall be
submitted to the California Natural Diversity Database
with all applicable data fields filled out. The City of Santa Ana and/or a designee will notify the CDFW once
submitted.
BIO-3
The Project shall implement Best Management
Practices (BMPs) to prevent erosion and the discharge
of sediment and pollutants into drainages during
Project activities. BMPs shall be monitored and
repaired, if necessary, to ensure maximum erosion,
sediment, and pollution control. The Project proponent shall prohibit the use of erosion control materials
potentially harmful to fish and wildlife species, such as mono-filament netting (erosion control matting) or
similar material. All fiber rolls, straw wattles, and/or hay bales utilized within and adjacent to the Project site shall be free of nonnative plant materials. Fiber rolls or erosion control mesh shall be made of loose-weave
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mesh that is not fused at the intersections of the
weave, such as jute, or coconut (coir) fiber, or other
products without welded weaves.
CUL-1
A qualified archeologist shall be retained on an as-
needed basis for the Project. The Native American will monitor all significant ground-disturbing (dirt
excavation) activities. If previously unidentified cultural resources and/or tribal cultural resources are unearthed during ground activity, all work shall immediately be
suspended within 100 feet of the discovery, and the
City shall be immediately notified. A qualified
archaeologist and a Native American monitor shall
assess the significance of the find and determine if it is a California Register of Historic Resource (CRHR)-
eligible archaeological resource and/or a tribal cultural resource. If the qualified archaeologist determines that adverse impacts to tribal cultural resources or
significant archaeological resources could occur during the Project, then the resources shall be avoided from
direct Project impacts by Project redesign, if feasible.
If the resource cannot be avoided, then an
archaeological treatment plan shall be developed and
implemented in consultation with the Native American
monitor and the City prior to resuming ground-
disturbing activities in the affected area.
City of Santa Ana Construction City of Santa
Ana
Native
American
Heritage
Commission
CUL-2
In compliance with Section 5097.98 of the Public
Resources Code and Section 7050.5 of the California
Health and Safety Code, if human remains are
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Ana
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American
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encountered, all ground disturbing activities shall be
immediately suspended within 100 feet of the
discovery, and the County Coroner should be notified
immediately. If the Coroner determines the remains
are Native American in origin, they must notify the
Native American Heritage Commission within 24 hours
of such identification so that the Native American
Heritage Commission can contact the Most Likely
Descendant (MLD). The MLD shall be provided access
to the discovery and will provide recommendations for
treatment of the remains within 48 hours of accessing
the discovery site. The MLD recommendations may
include scientific removal and nondestructive analysis of human remains and items associated with Native
American burials, preservation of Native American
human remains and associated items in place,
relinquishment of Native American human remains and
associated items to the descendants for treatment, or
any other culturally appropriate treatment. Disposition of human remains and any associated grave goods, if
encountered, shall be treated in accordance with
procedures and requirements set forth in Sections
5097.94 and 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code;
Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines Section 15064.5.
Heritage
Commission
County Coroner
PALEO-
1 A paleontologist who meets the qualifications of
established by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology City of Santa Ana Pre-Construction City of Santa Ana N/A
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(SVP) shall be retained to develop a Paleontological
Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP) for this
Project. The PRIMP shall be consistent with the
standards of the SVP and include the methods that will
be used to protect paleontological resources that may
exist within the Project area, as well as procedures for monitoring, fossil preparation and identification,
curation into a repository, and preparation of a report at the conclusion of grading.
PALEO-
2 Excavation and grading activities in deposits with high paleontological sensitivity (i.e., Santiago Formation)
shall be monitored by a qualified paleontological
monitor following a PRIMP. No monitoring is required
for excavations in deposits with no paleontological
sensitivity (i.e., Alluvial Flood Plain Deposits and
Artificial Fill). If paleontological resources are
encountered during the course of ground disturbance,
the paleontological monitor shall have the authority to temporarily redirect construction away from the area of the find. In the event that paleontological resources
are encountered when a paleontological monitor is not
present, work in the immediate area of the find shall be redirected, and the paleontologist or paleontological
monitor shall be contacted to assess the find for
scientific significance. If determined to be scientifically significant, the fossil shall be collected from the field.
City of Santa Ana Construction City of Santa
Ana N/A
PALEO-
3 Collected resources shall be prepared to the point of identification, identified to the lowest taxonomic level City of Santa Ana Construction City of Santa Ana N/A
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possible, cataloged, and curated into the permanent
collections of a museum repository. At the conclusion
of the monitoring program, a report of findings shall be prepared to document the results of the monitoring
program.
NOISE-
1 The City of Santa Ana and their designees shall
implement the following measures during construction
as needed:
➢ Include design measures necessary to reduce
the construction noise levels where feasible.
These measures may include noise barriers,
curtains, or shields.
➢ Place noise-generating construction activities
(e.g., operation of compressors and generators,
cement mixing, general truck idling) as far as
possible from the nearest noise-sensitive land
uses.
➢ Locate stationary construction noise sources as
far from adjacent noise-sensitive receptors as
possible.
➢ Identify a liaison for off-site sensitive receptors,
such as residents and property owners, who
can be contacted with concerns regarding
construction noise and vibration. The liaison’s
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telephone number(s) shall be prominently
displayed at construction locations.
➢ Notify, in writing, all landowners, occupants of
properties adjacent to the construction area,
and nearby sensitive receptors of the
anticipated construction schedule at least 2
weeks prior to groundbreaking.
➢ Prepare visible signs indicating “Noise Control
Zone.”
➢ Use noise-control devices that meet original
specifications and performance.
➢ To the extent practical, use electrically-powered
equipment.
➢ Implement temporary noise barriers and
sound-control curtains where Project activity is
unavoidably close to noise-sensitive receivers.
In particular, noise barriers of 8 feet and 12
feet tall should be established around work
sites to remove noise impacts from the
different construction operation areas. The
construction contractor should regularly
evaluate the noise level at nearby sensitive
receptors to ensure noise levels are not in
exceedance. If so, the following noise barrier
measures should also be incorporated:
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▪ Break line of sight from noise source to
receiver
▪ Use a frame to secure an appropriate
acoustic blanket or paneling
▪ Use a solid material with a minimum
surface density of 3 lb/ft2 or mass-loaded
acoustic blankets with at least STC 25
▪ Overlap or seal any gaps in the barriers
➢ Designate haul routes to be used based on the
least overall noise impact route, with heavily-
loaded trucks away from residential streets, if
possible. Identify haul routes streets with the
fewest noise sensitive receivers if no
alternatives are available.
➢ Place earth-moving equipment, fixed noise-
generating equipment, stockpiles, staging
areas, and other noise-producing operations as
far as practicable from noise-sensitive
receivers.
➢ Eliminate the use of horns, whistles, alarms,
and bells.
➢ Phase demolition, earth moving, and ground
impacting operations so they do not occur in
the same time period.
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➢ In the case of nighttime construction, the
contractor shall comply with the provisions of
the nighttime noise variance issued by the City.
➢ Conduct periodic noise measurements in
accordance with an approved noise monitoring
plan, specifying monitoring locations,
equipment, procedures, and schedule of
measurements and reporting methods to be
used.
NOISE-
2 All construction activities that employ mechanized
stationary equipment that generate noise levels shall
comply with the applicable noise standards established
by the City of Santa Ana. The equipment shall be
designed with noise-attenuating features (e.g.,
enclosures) and/or located at areas (e.g., belowground) where nearby noise-sensitive land uses would not be
exposed to a perceptible noise increase in their noise
environment.
City of Santa Ana Construction City of Santa
Ana N/A
NOISE-
3 To prevent impacts from vibrations, large vibration
producing equipment should be placed as far as is
feasible from sensitive receptors. Furthermore, the City of Santa Ana and their designees should implement the
following measures as needed:
➢ Pre-construction Survey - A before and after
survey should include inspecting building
City of Santa Ana Pre-Construction/
Construction
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foundations and taking photographs (or
installing crack monitors) of pre-existing
conditions, cracks, or other flaws. The survey
can be limited to buildings closest to the pile
driving activities, except for the case of
unusually fragile or historic structures that are
located within approximately 200 feet of
construction.
➢ Sonic Pile Driving - At the upper range
reference vibration for the sonic/vibratory pile
driver, the risk for damage to nearby buildings
begins when the equipment is 32 feet or closer
to the structure. The nearest piling is expected
to be 20 feet from the closest structure, so
vibration limit exceedances would remain with
use of a vibratory pile driver.
➢ Drilled Piles - Noise emission levels from
bored/drilled pilling methods are approximately
15 dB lower and peak particle velocity (PPV)
levels may be more than 15 times lower than
those due to traditional impact piling. The use
of these methods will eliminate the vibration
impacts of all receivers. These methods will
also substantially reduce the noise impacts and
in most cases they will also be eliminated, with
the use of a suitable noise barrier.
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➢ Hammer Energy - A recommended way to
reduce PPV is to lower the hammer energy
since there is a direct relationship between
hammer energy and the resultant ground
vibration. Ground PPV generally follows a
square root relationship with hammer energy
(i.e. PPV ~ √Hammer Energy). The degree of
hammer energy reduction must be balanced
against the likelihood/severity of expected
exceedances, increase in total driving time, and
ability to drive to required friction tolerances.
➢ Vibration Monitoring - It is recommended that
vibration monitoring be conducted at any
building where equipment is operating closer
than the limits noted in the table below.
Construction Equipment Vibration Reference
Levels
Equipment Description Minimum Separation
Distance
Pile Driver (impact) 52 feet
Pile Driver (Vibratory) 32 feet
Vibratory Roller 14 feet
Compactor (Ground) 13 feet
Large Bulldozer 8 feet
PS-1
The City shall provide reasonable advance notification
to service providers such as fire, police, and emergency medical services as well as to local businesses,
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Ana
Los Angeles
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Department
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homeowners, and other residents adjacent to and
within areas potentially affected by the proposed
Project about the nature, extent, and duration of
construction activities. Interim updates should be
provided to inform the public of the status of the
construction activities.
TRAF-1
The Contractor will notify local Police and Fire
Departments of its intent for a full street closure at
least two (2) days before closure is to begin. The
Contractor shall cooperate with local authorities relative to handling traffic through the area.
City of Santa Ana Construction City of Santa
Ana N/A
TRAF-2
Transportation of heavy construction equipment and/or
materials which requires use of oversized-transport
vehicles on State highways will need a Caltrans
transportation permit. The Project specifications will limit construction traffic to off-peak periods to minimize the potential impact on State facilities. If construction traffic is expected to cause delays on any State
facilities, a construction traffic control plan detailing these delays shall be submitted for Caltrans’ review.
City of Santa Ana Construction City of Santa
Ana
California
Department of
Transportation
TCR-1
Retain a Native American Monitor 30 Days Prior to
Commencement of Ground-Disturbing Activities
➢ The Project applicant/lead agency shall retain a
Native American Monitor(s). The monitor(s) shall
be retained prior to the commencement of any
“ground-disturbing activity” for the subject
Project at all Project locations (i.e., both on-site
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and any off-site locations that are included in
the Project description/definition and/or
required in connection with the Project, such as
public improvement work). “Ground-disturbing
activity” shall include, but is not limited to,
demolition, pavement removal, potholing,
auguring, grubbing, tree removal, boring,
grading, excavation, drilling, and trenching.
➢ A copy of the executed monitoring agreement(s)
shall be submitted to the lead agency prior to
the earlier of the commencement of any
ground-disturbing activity, or the issuance of
any permit necessary to commence a ground-
disturbing activity.
➢ The monitor(s) will complete daily monitoring logs
that will provide descriptions of the relevant
ground-disturbing activities, the type of
construction activities performed, locations of
ground-disturbing activities, soil types, cultural-
related materials, and any other facts,
conditions, materials, or discoveries of
significance to the Tribe. Monitor logs will
identify and describe any discovered TCRs,
including but not limited to, Native American
cultural and historical artifacts, remains, places
of significance, etc., (collectively, tribal cultural
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resources, or “TCR”), as well as any discovered
Native American (ancestral) human remains
and burial goods. Copies of monitor logs will
be provided to the Project applicant/lead
agency upon written request to the Tribe.
➢ Upon discovery of any TCRs, all construction
activities in the immediate vicinity of the
discovery shall cease (i.e., not less than the
surrounding 50 feet) and shall not resume until
the discovered TCR has been fully assessed by
the Native American Monitor and qualified
archaeologist. The Native American Monitor
and qualified archaeologist will recover and
retain all discovered TCRs in the form and/or
manner the Tribe deems appropriate, in the
Tribe’s sole discretion, and for any purpose the
Tribe deems appropriate, including for
educational, cultural and/or historic purposes.
➢ On-site tribal monitoring shall conclude upon
the latter of the following (1) written
confirmation to the Tribe(s) conducting Native
American Monitoring from a designated point of
contact for the project applicant/lead agency
that all ground-disturbing activities and phases
that may involve ground-disturbing activities on
the project site or in connection with the
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project are complete; or (2) a determination
and written notification by the Tribe(s)
conducting Native American Monitoring to the
project applicant/lead agency that no future,
planned construction activity and/or
development/construction phase at the project
site possesses the potential to impact TCRs.
TCR-2
Unanticipated Discovery of Human Remains and
Associated Funerary Objects
➢ Native American human remains are defined in
PRC 5097.98 (d)(1) as an inhumation or
cremation, and in any state of decomposition or
skeletal completeness. Funerary objects, called
associated grave goods in Public Resources
Code Section 5097.98, are also to be treated
according to this statute.
➢ If Native American human remains and/or
grave goods discovered or recognized on the
Project site, then all construction activities shall
immediately cease. Health and Safety Code
Section 7050.5 dictates that any discoveries of
human skeletal material shall be immediately
reported to the County Coroner and all ground-
disturbing activities shall immediately halt and
shall remain halted until the coroner has
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determined the nature of the remains. If the
coroner recognizes the human remains to be
those of a Native American or has reason to
believe they are Native American, he or she
shall contact, by telephone within 24 hours, the
Native American Heritage Commission, and
Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 shall be
followed.
➢ Human remains and grave/burial goods shall be
treated alike per California Public Resources
Code section 5097.98(d)(1) and (2).
➢ Construction activities may resume in other
parts of the Project site at a minimum of 200
feet away from discovered human remains
and/or burial goods, if the monitor determines
in its sole discretion that resuming construction
activities at that distance is acceptable and
provides the Project manager express consent
of that determination (along with any other
mitigation measures the Native American
monitor and/or archaeologist deems
necessary). (CEQA Guidelines Section
15064.5(f).)
➢ Preservation in place (i.e., avoidance) is the
preferred manner of treatment for discovered
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human remains and/or burial goods. Any
historic archaeological material that is not
Native American in origin (non-TCR) shall be
curated at a public, non-profit institution with a
research interest in the materials, if such an
institution agrees to accept the material. If no
institution accepts the archaeological material,
it shall be offered to a local school or historical
society in the area for educational purposes.
➢ Any discovery of human remains/burial goods
shall be kept confidential to prevent further
disturbance.
TCR-3
Procedures for Burials and Funerary Remains
➢ As the MLD, the Koo-nas-gna Burial Policy shall
be implemented. To the Tribe, the term
“human remains” encompasses more than
human bones. In ancient as well as historic
times, Tribal Traditions included, but were not
limited to, the preparation of the soil for burial,
the burial of funerary objects with the
deceased, and the ceremonial burning of
human remains.
➢ If the discovery of human remains includes four
or more burials, the discovery location shall be
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treated as a cemetery and a separate
treatment plan shall be created.
➢ The prepared soil and cremation soils are to be
treated in the same manner as bone fragments
that remain intact. Associated funerary objects
are objects that, as part of the death rite or
ceremony of a culture, are reasonably believed
to have been placed with individual human
remains either at the time of death or later;
other items made exclusively for burial
purposes or to contain human remains can also
be considered as associated funerary objects.
Cremations will either be removed in bulk or by
means as necessary to ensure complete
recovery of all sacred materials.
➢ In the case where discovered human remains
cannot be fully documented and recovered on
the same day, the remains will be covered with
muslin cloth and a steel plate that can be
moved by heavy equipment placed over the
excavation opening to protect the remains. If
this type of steel plate is not available, a 24-
hour guard should be posted outside of
working hours. The Tribe will make every
effort to recommend diverting the Project and
keeping the remains in situ and protected. If
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the Project cannot be diverted, it may be
determined that burials will be removed.
➢ In the event preservation in place is not
possible despite good faith efforts by the
Project applicant/developer and/or landowner,
before ground-disturbing activities may resume
on the Project site, the landowner shall arrange
a designated site location within the footprint of
the Project for the respectful reburial of the
human remains and/or ceremonial objects.
➢ Each occurrence of human remains and
associated funerary objects will be stored using
opaque cloth bags. All human remains,
funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of
cultural patrimony will be removed to a secure
container on site if possible. These items
should be retained and reburied within six
months of recovery. The site of
reburial/repatriation shall be on the Project site
but at a location agreed upon between the
Tribe and the landowner at a site to be
protected in perpetuity. There shall be no
publicity regarding any cultural materials
recovered.
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➢ The Tribe will work closely with the Project’s
qualified archaeologist to ensure that the
excavation is treated carefully, ethically and
respectfully. If data recovery is approved by
the Tribe, documentation shall be prepared and
shall include (at a minimum) detailed
descriptive notes and sketches. All data
recovery data recovery-related forms of
documentation shall be approved in advance by
the Tribe. If any data recovery is performed,
once complete, a final report shall be submitted
to the Tribe and the National American
Heritage Commission (NAHC). The Tribe does
NOT authorize any scientific study or the
utilization of any invasive and/or destructive
diagnostics on human remains.
UTIL-1
As part of the proposed improvements, the Project
includes the relocation of an existing City-owned 8-inch water main. This relocation is required to
accommodate infrastructure upgrades and may result in
temporary disruptions to water service for nearby
customers. To minimize potential impacts, affected
customers will be notified in advance of any planned
service interruptions, including information regarding
timing and duration.
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In addition, Project specifications will require the
construction contractor to contact Underground Service
Alert (DigAlert) by calling 811 or 1-800-422-4133 at
least two business days prior to an excavation work.
DigAlert will coordinate with utility owners in the area to identify and mark the locations of all buried utility- owned lines within the project area to avoid accidental utility damage and ensure public safety