M B A K E R I N T L . C O M
3760 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 270 Long Beach, CA 90806 P: (562) 200-7165 F: (562) 200-1766
December 14, 2021
Mike Marshall, Associate Planner
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
RE: PROPOSAL TO PREPARE AN E NVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE BLACKHALL
STUDIOS PROJECT AND AN ADDENDUM TO THE LYONS AVENUE /DOCKWEILER DRIVE
EXTENSION PROJECT EIR
Dear Mr. Marshall:
Michael Baker International, Inc. (Michael Baker) is pleased to submit this letter proposal to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Blackhall Studios Project (project) and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR (Dockweiler EIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project is proposed on a rectangular-shaped and contiguous piece of undeveloped land that occupies 93.56 acres located east of Railroad Avenue and north of 12th and 13th Streets in the Placerita Canyon neighborhood of the Newhall community (project site). The project involves the construction and operation of a full-service movie and television studio campus (Blackhall Studios, Santa Clarita). The proposed campus would consist of approximately 1.34 million square feet of studio uses, of which 487,000 square feet would be reserved for sound stages, 579,000 square feet for supportive warehouse uses, 235,000 square feet for office uses, and approximately 40,000 square feet for catering and other specialty uses. The portion of the project site north of Placerita Creek is proposed to be used for code-required on-site parking and periodic temporary outdoor filming uses. The property located to the east of the project site under the ownership of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) is proposed to be used as surplus parking for the studio campus.
In addition, the design of the project would require reconfiguration of the planned extension of Dockweiler Drive at 12th Street and Arch Street to accommodate the entrance to the project. The impacts related to the extension of Dockweiler Drive have been studied in the Dockweiler EIR. For the purposes of the scope of this EIR proposal, these potential off-site improvements are included.
The project includes the construction of off-site improvements at the following locations:
• Class I trails along Railroad Avenue from 13th Street to 15th Street; • Class I trails along 12th Street, 13th Street, and Arch Street at the frontage of the project site; • Trail along the MWD property between the surplus parking lot and the homes off of Alderbrook Drive. This trail would utilize a new bridge to cross Placerita Creek and then extend up the hillside connecting to Via Princessa, just west of Circle J Ranch Park; • Pedestrian and bike bridge from the Jan Heidt Newhall Metrolink Station on Railroad Avenue to the future extension of Dockweiler Drive; and
• Required railroad crossing improvements at 13th Street.
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
The Addendum to the Dockweiler EIR will address the following revisions to the design of the Dockweiler Drive Extension Project:
• Turning radius to accommodate WB-67 dimensions at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue; and • Temporary storm drain improvements to accommodate surface water runoff from Dockweiler.
The following sections of this letter proposal identify our proposed project team, scope of work, schedule, and fee to complete the project’s EIR, as well as the Addendum to the Dockweiler EIR.
PROJECT TEAM
Michael Baker has assembled a project team that brings decades of experience preparing CEQA documentation for development and planning projects, as well as extensive experience preparing CEQA documentation for complex land development in the City of Santa Clarita, particularly the project site and the surrounding area. Key team members include John Bellas as the project director authorized to represent the firm on all matters related to the proposal, Madonna Marcelo as project manager, and Brent Schleck as deputy project manager. With this existing knowledge and experience, Michael Baker has an in-depth understanding of the City, which will add to our efficient approach and completion of the needed approvals. Our key team members will be supported by several of our technical specialists to assist in the peer review of the applicant-provided technical reports for the project in the areas of air quality, biological resources, cultural/paleontological resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology and water quality, and noise. Michael Baker has also included GMU Geotechnical (GMU) on our team to assist in the peer review of the geotechnical and soils report for the project.
Resumes and expanded qualifications are available upon request.
SCOPE OF WORK
O UTLINE OF M AJOR TASK S AND SUBTASKS
Task 1: Project Management and Meetings
a. Kickoff and Coordination Meetings
b. Project Management
Task 2: Initial Study, Project Scoping, and Tribal Consultation a. Project Description
b. Initial Study and Notice of Preparation
c. Public Scoping Meetings
d. Tribal Consultation (AB 52 and SB 18)
Task 3: Technical Studies Peer Review
a. Air Quality Report
b. Biological Resources Reports (including Jurisdictional Delineation and Oak Tree Report) c. Archaeological/Paleontological and Cultural Resources Reports d. Energy Report
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
e. Geotechnical and Soils Report
f. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report
g. Hydrology and Water Quality Reports
h. Noise Study
i. CEQA Generalist Review of Visual Simulations, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Plans and Elevations, Utilities and Service Systems, and Fire Protection Plan Task 4: Draft Environmental Impact Report
a. Administrative/Screencheck/Proofcheck Draft EIR
b. Publication and Distribution of the Draft EIR
Task 5: Final Environmental Impact Report
a. Responses to Comments
b. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
c. Revisions to the Draft EIR
d. Compilation of the Final EIR
Task 6: Certification Process
a. Public Hearings
b. CEQA Facts and Findings
c. Statement of Overriding Considerations
d. Notice of Determination
Task 7: EIR Addendum
a. Draft Version of the EIR Addendum
b. Final Version of the EIR Addendum
TASKS AND O UTPUTS
Task 1: Project Management and Meetings
Subtask 1a: Kickoff and Coordination Meetings
Michael Baker’s project manager will be available to City staff throughout the course of the assignment to discuss the project, coordinate the project schedule, exchange information, and ensure the City’s expectations are met. We also recommend an in-person kickoff meeting, biweekly (every other week) check-in calls, and milestone-related coordination meetings over the course of the assignment.
The kickoff meeting will be conducted to initiate the work effort, review project plans, discuss the project’s key environmental considerations, solidify the project schedule, and discuss the action plan for achieving that schedule. In addition to the kickoff meeting and check-in calls, we have included three other meetings with City staff, which may be conducted to review the City’s comments on administrative draft documents, prepare for public meetings (e.g., scoping meetings and public hearings), discuss project alternatives, review comments received from the public and outside agencies, City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
and for other coordination purposes. Attendance at one community meeting is also included in this task; this would occur at an appropriate time as determined in consultation with City staff.
Finally, in our experience, regular check-in calls between City and consultant staff are integral to keeping projects moving forward and on track. Given the complexity of the project and the breadth of the project team, we recommend biweekly check-in calls.
Outputs : - Michael Baker’s project director, project manager, and deputy project manager will attend up to four (4) coordination meetings with City staff, including the kickoff meeting.
- Michael Baker’s project director, project manager, and deputy project manager will attend one community meeting.
- Michael Baker will participate in biweekly conference calls with City staff.
Subtask 1b: Project Management
Michael Baker’s assigned project manager and deputy project manager will work as an extension of City staff. This approach optimizes communication between the City and the consultant team. Management activities include coordinating with the project team, compiling and maintaining a data needs/action items list, ensuring the proposed timeline is met, monitoring the project budget and progress, and providing quality control review of all completed work products.
Task 2: Initial Study, Project Scoping, and Tribal Consultation Subtask 2a: Project Description
Upon completion of the kickoff meeting, Michael Baker will prepare a draft project description. This may be less detailed than the description to be provided in the EIR but sufficient to fully describe all elements of the project and the range of required approvals. The draft project description will be submitted to the City for review and comment. After receiving the City’s comments and making the appropriate changes, Michael Baker will submit a revised version of the project description to the City, which will be the basis for the preliminary analysis presented in the Initial Study (see Subtask 2b).
Outputs: - Michael Baker will submit the draft and revised versions of the project description to the City electronically.
Subtask 2b: Initial Study and Notice of Preparation
Michael Baker will prepare administrative draft, proofcheck draft, and public review iterations of an Initial Study/Notice of Preparation (IS/NOP) for staff review that includes the project description from Subtask 2a and a summary of the probable significant effects identified in the Initial Study evaluation.
The NOP will describe where relevant project documents are available for review, where written comments on the scope of the EIR may be sent, and the deadline for submitting comments. The NOP will also identify the date and location of the public scoping meetings to be held for the project.
Following City staff review, Michael Baker will revise the IS/NOP and produce the final document.
Michael Baker will file the IS/NOP with the State Clearinghouse and the County Clerk and distribute the NOP via certified mail (or other trackable delivery method) to adjacent jurisdictions, interested agencies, City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
organizations, and members of the public, who have requested notice. We assume that the City will provide a full distribution list to us. The IS/NOP will be circulated for public comment for 30 days.
Outputs: - Michael Baker will submit the administrative draft IS/NOP and the proofcheck draft IS/NOP to the City electronically, in Word format and PDF. - Michael Baker will submit the public review IS/NOP to the City electronically, in Word format and PDF.
- Michael Baker will submit the IS/NOP to the State Clearinghouse electronically with the required Notice of Completion/Environmental Document Transmittal forms. - Michael Baker will file the NOP with the Los Angeles County Clerk. - Michael Baker will distribute the NOP via certified mail (or other trackable method) to up to fifty (50) recipients.
Note: We assume that the City will be responsible for any radius mailings, posting of the notice on the site and in the vicinity, and/or any newspaper publications, as applicable or desired.
Subtask 2c: Public Scoping Meetings
Michael Baker will assist the City in conducting up to two public scoping meetings for the proposed project. This task includes preparing a PowerPoint presentation, explaining the CEQA process for the proposed project, taking discussion notes, and assisting in response to technical questions. We will also prepare and assist the City in distributing a notice for the scoping meetings. For efficiency and to reduce costs, we propose to combine the notice of the scoping meeting with the NOP, as noted in Subtask 2b.
Outputs: - Michael Baker will participate in up to two (2) scoping meetings for the project. - Michael Baker will prepare one (1) electronic PowerPoint presentation and deliver that at the scoping meetings.
Subtask 2d: Tribal Consultation (AB 52 and SB 18)
Michael Baker will assist the City with meeting Native American consultation requirements pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18. In coordination with the City, we will prepare the draft consultation letters to tribes that have requested AB 52 notification (assuming fewer than five tribes).
We will request a Sacred Lands File search and tribal contact list from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and draft SB 18 consultation letters to the tribes identified by the NAHC. However, because consultation is required to be government-to-government, pursuant to state law, we assume the City will send the consultation letters, complete the AB 52 and SB 18 consultations, and provide the consultation log with supporting documentation (e.g., letters, emails, phone conversation summaries) for inclusion in the environmental document. Michael Baker staff are available to participate in consultation meetings with the interested tribes upon request; this scope includes participation in up to four consultation meetings.
Outputs: - Michael Baker will submit the draft AB 52 and SB 18 consultation letters to the City electronically.
- Michael Baker will request a Sacred Lands File search and tribal contact list from the NAHC for use in the SB 18 consultation.
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
- Michael Baker will participate in up to four (4) meetings during the AB 52 and/or SB 18 consultation process.
Task 3: Technical Studies Peer Review
We understand that the following technical studies will be provided by the applicant:
• Air Quality Report
• Biological Resources Report, including Jurisdictional Delineation • Oak Tree Report
• Archaeological/Paleontological and Cultural Resources Reports • Energy Report
• Geotechnical and Soils Report
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
• Hydrology and Water Quality Reports
• Noise Study
• Utilities & Service Systems Analysis
• Fire Protection Plan
In addition, the following materials will also be provided by the applicant:
• Visual Simulations
• Project Plans and Elevations
The sections below briefly describe our proposed scope to peer review the technical studies identified above, with the exception of the TIA and VMT analyses, which will be reviewed by the City’s traffic engineer. For each technical report, a summary comment matrix will be prepared. Each peer review will critique the technical accuracy of methodologies and results, completeness of the impact analyses, and adequacy of any proposed mitigation measures and/or permit requirements (if applicable). An electronic copy of each peer review matrix and/or redlined technical report will be submitted to the City. Our peer review assumes an initial review of each report and a brief review of the revised (final) report. If additional reviews are required, or if substantial project modifications (requiring the report to be updated) occur, this additional review can be accommodated on a time-and-materials basis.
Subtask 3a: Air Quality Report Peer Review
Michael Baker will peer review the air quality report that was prepared for the proposed project by the applicant’s consultant. We assume that the technical analysis will include an evaluation of construction and operational emissions at the project and cumulative levels and that electronic files of all computer models will be shared for our verification.
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
Subtask 3b: Biological Resources Report, Jurisdictional Delineation, and Oak Tree Report Peer Review A Michael Baker qualified biologist and regulatory specialist will conduct peer reviews of the biological resource report, which incorporates a jurisdictional delineation, and the oak tree report. Michael Baker’s approach to conducting the peer reviews will include field investigations of the project site and reviews of the biological and regulatory elements. The presence or absence of any governing biological or habitat management plans in or immediately adjacent to/abutting the proposed project will be confirmed. Michael Baker will then conduct on-site field investigations of the project site, confirm existing conditions described in the report, and verify that, based on field conditions, the studies and methodologies described in the report are adequate for submission to the regulatory agencies. The field investigations are in no way intended to exactly replicate previous site visits that were conducted to support the biological investigation or jurisdictional delineation. As with any peer review or delineation, only the regulatory agencies can make a final determination of jurisdiction.
Subtask 3c: Archaeological/Paleontological and Cultural Resources Report Peer Review Michael Baker staff who meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archaeology and Architectural History will conduct a peer review of the cultural resources report to determine if it incorporates the best practices for the identification and evaluation of cultural resources and provides an adequate impacts analysis and corresponding mitigation measures to include in the EIR. The peer review is intended to determine if the document satisfies CEQA requirements and is legally defensible.
Subtask 3d: E nergy Report Peer Review
Michael Baker will peer review the energy report that was prepared for the proposed project by the applicant. We assume that the technical analysis will include an evaluation of construction and operational energy use at the project and cumulative levels and that electronic files of all computer models or calculations will be shared for our verification.
Subtask 3e: Geotechnical and Soils Report Peer Review
GMU will peer review the geotechnical and soils report that was prepared for the proposed project by the applicant. This scope includes up to two additional reviews of geotechnical responses to GMU’s comments.
Subtask 3f: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report Peer Review Michael Baker will peer review the greenhouse gas emissions report that was prepared for the proposed project by the applicant. We assume that the technical analysis will include an evaluation of construction and operational emissions at the project and cumulative levels and that electronic files of all computer models will be shared for our verification.
Subtask 3g: Hydrology and Water Quality Reports Peer Review Michael Baker will peer review the hydrology report, including on-site hydrology and drainage conditions, to ensure that it contains a review of existing documentation, watershed boundary delineation, existing conditions analysis, existing drainage facilities, potential impacts to existing City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
drainage systems, floodplain, and water quality. The hydrology report will be reviewed for consistency with the latest local hydrologic and hydraulic methodologies and water quality requirements.
In addition, Michael Baker will peer review the water quality report to ensure that it contains information of the project’s potential impacts to water quality. Evaluation of the project site characteristics, including but not limited to its location, size, use of impervious surfaces, and drainage condition, will be verified to confirm compliance with the appropriate water quality requirements per the Los Angeles County MS4 Permit (Order R4-2012-0175). The water quality report will be reviewed for sources of potential pollutants, practices to reduce or eliminate the potential pollutants, infiltration feasibility per the geotechnical engineer’s recommendation, harvest and use feasibility, applicable source control and stormwater quality control measures, impacts to downstream receiving waters and applicable mitigation measures, and responsibility and frequency to maintain permanent best management practices utilized.
Subtask 3h: Noise Study Peer Review
Michael Baker will conduct a peer review of the noise study prepared for the proposed project. We assume that the noise study will document the results of noise modeling performed to determine project impacts, describe the methodology, and discuss the existing ambient environment, pertinent regulations, short-term and future impacts, and appropriate mitigation per CEQA. Further, we assume that electronic files of all computer model output data will be shared for our verification.
Subtask 3i: CE QA Generalist Review of Visual Simulations, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Plans and Elevations, Utilities and Service Systems, and Fire Protection Plan Michael Baker’s CEQA generalists will conduct a peer review of the visual simulations, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), plans and elevations, and fire protection plan prepared by the project applicant. We anticipate that the Phase I ESA is required to adhere to stringent compliance standards (i.e., requirements provided by ASTM International standard E1527-13). Therefore, a CEQA generalist-level review is appropriate for this study, as well as for the visual simulations, project plans and elevations, and fire protection plan, in order to determine their adequacy in addressing CEQA topics.
Deficiencies noted in the peer review will be documented in a review matrix and/or a redlined version of the studies/simulations and transmitted to the City for use in City’s development review process with the applicant.
Output: - An electronic copy of each peer review matrix and/or redlined study will be submitted to the City.
Task 4: Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Subt ask 4a: Administrative/Screencheck/Proofcheck Draft EIR Michael Baker will prepare an Administrative Draft EIR for review and comment by City staff, along with one set of revisions that responds to City comments. The Administrative Draft EIR will comply with all specifications for an EIR, set forth in Article 9, Sections 15120 to 15132 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and is anticipated to include the sections listed below; however, certain environmental topics, such as City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
agriculture and forestry resources, mineral resources, certain public services, and recreation, will most likely be determined in the Initial Study to have no impact or less-than-significant impact and, in which case, would be scoped out of the EIR.
1. Title Sheet
2. Table of Contents
3. Introduction and Executive Summary
4. Project Description
5. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
5.1. Aesthetics
5.2. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
5.3. Air Quality
5.4. Biological Resources
5.5. Cultural Resources
5.6. Energy
5.7. Geology and Soils
5.8. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
5.9. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
5.10. Hydrology and Water Quality
5.11. Land Use and Planning
5.12. Mineral Resources
5.13. Noise
5.14. Population and Housing
5.15. Public Services
5.16. Recreation
5.17. Transportation/Traffic
5.18. Tribal Cultural Resources
5.19. Utilities and Services Systems
5.20. Wildfire
6. Other Required Topics
6.1. Significant and Unavoidable Effects
6.2. Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes
6.3. Growth Inducing Effects
6.4. Effects Not Found to be Significant
7. Alternatives
8. Persons and Organizations Consulted
9. List of Preparers
10. References
11. Appendices
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
The Administrative Draft EIR will include up to five alternatives that will be substantially different from the proposed project to provide adequate information to City decision-makers as to the environmental consequences of different project designs.
Outputs: - Administrative Draft EIR: Michael Baker will submit the working Draft EIR to the City electronically, in Word format and PDF.
- Screencheck Draft EIR: Michael Baker will submit five (5) printed copies and one (1) USB flash drive copy of the screencheck Draft EIR to the City, which responds to all City comments on the working Draft report.
- Appendices: Michael Baker will submit five (5) printed copies and one (1) USB flash drive copy of the appendices.
- Proofcheck Draft EIR: Michael Baker will submit a proofcheck version of the Draft EIR to the City electronically that addresses all City comments on the screencheck Draft EIR and the appendices.
Subtask 4b: Publication and Distribution of the Draft EIR Once the Draft EIR is completed and signed by the responsible City staff, Michael Baker will assist the City in circulating the document for public review. This task includes preparing a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft EIR and a Notice of Completion (NOC), posting the NOA/NOC with the Los Angeles County Clerk, and assisting the City with the distribution of the NOA and Draft EIR. Michael Baker will also submit the document to the State Clearinghouse along with all the necessary forms.
Outputs: - Michael Baker will produce ten (10) printed copies, one (1) reproducible master, and an electronic copy (Word format and PDF) of the Draft EIR. - Michael Baker will produce ten (10) printed copies, and an electronic copy of the appendices in PDF.
- Michael Baker will submit the draft and final versions of the NOA/NOC to the City electronically.
- Michael Baker will file the NOA/NOC with the Los Angeles County Clerk. - Michael Baker will mail the NOA to up to fifty (50) recipients. - Michael Baker will submit the Draft EIR and appendix, NOA/NOC, and all necessary forms to the State Clearinghouse electronically.
Note: We assume that the City will be responsible for any radius mailings, posting of the notice on the site and in the vicinity, and/or any newspaper publications, as applicable or desired.
Task 5: Final Environmental Impact Report
Subtask 5a: Responses to Comments
At the conclusion of the 45-day (minimum) review period, Michael Baker will prepare responses to all environmental-based comments received on the Draft EIR. A summary table identifying persons and agencies that commented on the Draft EIR, a copy of each comment letter with a code (e.g., 1-1, 1-2, 2- 1, 2-2) assigned to each comment, a response to each comment, and an errata section containing any Draft EIR text revisions will be prepared. This task includes up to 100 hours of professional staff time to City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
respond to comments. If additional time is necessary, Michael Baker will meet with City staff to discuss the need for an amendment to the original contract.
As with the Administrative Draft EIR, Michael Baker’s project manager may attend a meeting with City staff to discuss substantive comments on the administrative version of the responses to comments. We will make all appropriate revisions and submit a proofcheck iteration of the responses to comments to the City for final approval. Upon City approval, Michael Baker will distribute the responses to comments to all commenting agencies and will incorporate the responses into the Final EIR.
Subtask 5b: Mitigation Monitoring an d Reporting Program Michael Baker will prepare a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the project pursuant to Section 15097 of the CEQA Guidelines. Michael Baker will submit an administrative version of the MMRP to the City, electronically, for review and comment. We will make all appropriate revisions and submit a proofcheck iteration of the MMRP to the City for final approval. Upon City approval, Michael Baker will incorporate the MMRP into the Final EIR.
Subtask 5c: Revisions to the Dra ft EIR
If changes to the text or exhibits of the EIR are warranted as a result of public comments on the Draft EIR, Michael Baker will make the revisions to the Draft EIR in a strikeout/underline format and will summarize the changes in a chapter of the Final EIR. An administrative version of the revisions to the Draft EIR document will be submitted to the City for review and comment. Michael Baker will address all City comments and submit a proofcheck iteration of the revisions to the Draft EIR document to the City for final approval.
Subtask 5d: Compilation of the Final EIR
Upon approval of all documents, Michael Baker will submit a Final EIR to be presented at certification hearings. The Final EIR will consist of the summary of the revisions to the Draft EIR, responses to comments, and the MMRP.
Outputs: - Preliminary Final EIR: Michael Baker will submit the preliminary Final EIR to the City electronically (Word format and PDF) for City staff review. - Proofcheck Final EIR: Michael Baker will submit a proofcheck version of the Final EIR to the City electronically that addresses all City comments on the administrative draft iterations of the Final EIR chapters.
- Final EIR: Michael Baker will submit fifteen (15) printed copies, one (1) reproducible master, and an electronic copy (Word format and PDF) to the City. - Michael Baker will be responsible for distributing copies of the Final EIR to those public agencies that submit comments on the Draft EIR, and to any other commenters that the City may select to receive copies of the Final EIR or just responses to comments.
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
Task 6: Certification Process
Subtask 6a: Public Hearings
Michael Baker has budgeted to attend up to seven public hearings for the project (four Planning Commission hearings and three City Council hearings). We understand that most of these are likely to occur after preparation of the Final EIR; however, the EIR project manager and additional key staff may also attend public hearings prior to this phase, as requested by the City. We assume that the EIR project manager will be required to attend all public hearings and that attendance by additional key staff may be required.
Outputs: - Attendance of Michael Baker’s project manager and possibly key additional staff at up to seven (7) public hearings.
Subtask 6b: CEQA Facts and Findings
Michael Baker will prepare CEQA Facts and Findings, pursuant to Section 15091 of the State CEQA Guidelines. For each significant project effect identified in the Final EIR, one or more of the following findings will be provided, with a brief rationale for each finding:
1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR. 2) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. 3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
We request that the City Attorney provide a sample set of findings with the preferred format to assist in this task, and we also assume that the City Attorney will be involved in review and comment on the draft Findings. Michael Baker will address all City comments and submit a proofcheck iteration of the revisions to the Findings document to the City for final approval.
Output: - Michael Baker will submit a draft, a proofcheck, and a final set of Findings for City review electronically.
Subtask 6c: Statement of Overriding Consideration s
If any significant and unavoidable impacts are identified in the Final EIR, Michael Baker will prepare a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC), pursuant to Section 15093 of the State CEQA Guidelines.
We will work closely with City staff to prepare this SOC, as it requires a balance of economic, legal, social, technological or other project benefits against the unavoidable environmental consequences, in the consideration of whether to approve the project. This SOC will express the specific reasons to support project approval, despite the occurrence of unavoidable significant effects.
Output: - Michael Baker will submit a draft, a proofcheck, and a final SOC for City review electronically.
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
Subtask 6d: Notice of Determination
Michael Baker will prepare a Notice of Determination (NOD) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15094 and file it with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Michael Baker will file the Notice of Determination within five days of City certification of the EIR to establish a 30-day statute of limitations.
Michael Baker will also submit the document and NOD to the State Clearinghouse along with all the necessary forms. Payment of the required California Department of Fish and Wildlife fees is not included in our proposed fee.
Output: - Michael Baker will file the NOD with the Los Angeles County Clerk. - Michael Baker will submit the Final EIR, NOD, and all necessary forms to the State Clearinghouse electronically.
Task 7: EIR Addendum
Subtask 7a: Draft Version of the EIR Addendum
Michael Baker will prepare a draft of the Addendum to the Dockweiler EIR. The Addendum will consider the changes to the project described in the Dockweiler EIR, as well as the changes in the environmental circumstances that have occurred since the EIR was adopted in April 2018. The Addendum will discuss each environmental topic in the EIR to determine if there would be:
• New significant environmental effects caused by a change in the project or circumstances pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a)(1) and 15162(a)(2). • Substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified significant effect caused by a change in the project or circumstances pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162(a)(1) and 15162(a)(2). • New or substantially more severe significant impacts shown by new information pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162(a)(3).
If none of these thresholds have been breached, the Addendum will satisfy CEQA requirements for the project. Should any of these circumstances arise, Michael Baker will discuss the proper CEQA documentation for the project with the City at that time.
Outputs: - Michael Baker will submit the draft Addendum document to the City electronically.
Subtask 7b: Final Version of the EIR Addendum
After receiving the City’s comments on the draft of the Addendum and making the appropriate changes, Michael Baker will prepare a proofcheck version of the Addendum for City consideration. We assume that the proofcheck version will adequately address any substantive comments that the City had and that the City’s comments on the proofcheck version will be limited to edits and clarifications of final points. Michael Baker will address such final edits/clarifications and prepare a final version of the Addendum for the City’s use.
Outputs : - Michael Baker will submit the final Addendum document to the City electronically.
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
SCHEDULE
Michael Baker International is committed to completing the project in a time frame that meets the City’s needs. Our proposed schedule presented in Attachment A outlines an approach that would result in the EIR for the project being released for public review in approximately nine months.
FEE
Our proposed fee to prepare the EIR for the project and Addendum for the Dockweiler Drive extension project and complete the described scope of work is presented in the table below.
Tasks and Subtasks Subtask Fee Task Fee
1. Project Management and Meetings $38,170
a. Kickoff and Coordination Meetings $24,950
b. Project Management $13,220
2. Initial Study, Public Scoping, and Tribal Consultation $35,630 a. Project Description $7,770
b. Initial Study and Notice of Preparation $16,080
c. Public Scoping Meetings (2) $6,370
d. Tribal Consultation (AB 52 and SB 18) $5,410
3. Technical Studies Peer Review $66,182
a. Air Quality Report $4,692
b. Biological Resources Report (including Jurisdictional Delineation and Oak Tree Report) $18,852 c. Archaeological/Paleontological and Cultural Resources Reports $4,195 d. Energy Report $2,892
e. Geotechnical and Soils Report (GMU) $3,297
f. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report $4,572
g. Hydrology and Water Quality Reports $13,220
h. Noise Study $5,462
i. CEQA Generalist Review: Visual Simulations, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Plans and Elevations, Utilities/Service, and Fire Protection Plan $9,000
4. Draft Environmental Impact Report $164,285
a. Administrative/Screencheck/Proofcheck Draft EIR $15 9,585 b. Publication and Distribution of the Draft EIR $4,700
5. Final Environmental Impact Report $29,200
a. Responses to Comments $18,720
b. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program $2,965
c. Revisions to the Draft EIR $5,500
d. Compilation of the Final EIR $2,015
6. Certification Process $22,815
a. Public Hearings (7) $13,780
b. CEQA Facts and Findings $5,820
c. Statement of Overriding Considerations $1,995
d. Notice of Determination $1,220
7. EIR Addendum $18,870
a. Draft Version of the EIR Addendum $14,220
b. Final Version of the EIR Addendum $4,650
Expenses/Other Direct Costs (printing, CDs, shipping, mailing transportation to project site and to hearings)
$7,527
Grand Total $382,679
City of Santa Clarita
Re: Proposal to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Blackhall Studios Project and an Addendum to the Lyons Avenue/Dockweiler Drive Extension Project EIR December 14, 2021
ASSUMPTIONS
Michael Baker assumes that no technical studies beyond those peer-reviewed in the scope of work herein will be required to complete the CEQA documentation for the project. If additional technical studies become necessary, Michael Baker would be available to conduct the studies per the mutual agreement of a budget augment between the City and Michael Baker.
Michael Baker has included up to 100 hours of professional staff time for responding to comments. If an unexpected level of effort is needed to respond to comments and additional staff time is necessary, Michael Baker would develop a strategy for responding to comments in concert with the City.
Michael Baker has included one City review of administrative draft versions of all documents included in our scope of work, as well as one proofcheck draft version of the Draft and Final EIRs. Should multiple reviews beyond those included in our scope of work be requested by the City, additional Michael Baker staff time may be necessary beyond the established budget. Should such a scenario arise, we would work with the City to seek mutually agreeable budget augmentation.
Michael Baker assumes that the project description will not substantively change during the assignment. Should the project description change during the course of the work, additional Michael Baker staff time may be necessary beyond the established budget to revise/update the document and the analysis. Should such a scenario arise, we would work with the City to seek mutually agreeable budget augmentation.
CLOSURE
Michael Baker appreciates the opportunity to submit this proposal. Our proposed scope of work and corresponding fee have been developed to meet the City’s needs and to satisfy CEQA requirements for the proposed project. However, should the services proposed herein exceed or fall short of your expectations, Michael Baker would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to review your concerns, make the appropriate modifications to the scope of work, and revise the proposed fee accordingly.
Michael Baker stands ready to proceed with the proposed scope of work upon the City’s authorization.
If you have any questions regarding this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact John Bellas at (562) 200-7170 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
William (Will) Hoose John Bellas
Associate Vice President/Office Executive Associate Vice President/Department Manager
Encl.: Attachment A: Blackhalls Studios EIR Schedule
ATTACHMENT A
Tasks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 5 6 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 91 92 93 94 95 96 Task 1: Project Management and Meetings
1a. Kickoff and Coordination Meetings
1b. Project Management
Task 2: IS, Public Scoping, and Tribal Consultation
2a. Project Description
Prepare Draft Project Description
City Review of Draft Project Description
Revised Project Description
2b. IS/NOP
Prepare Draft Initial Study and NOP
City Review of Draft Initial Study
Revised Initial Study and NOP
City Review of Revised Initial Study
Finalize Initial Study and NOP for Publication
Distribute NOP
File with County Clerk and SCH
30-day NOP Comment Period
2c. Public Scoping Meetings (2)
Prepare Draft Presentation
City Review of Draft Presentation
Finalize Presentation
Public Scoping Meetings
2d. Tribal Consultation (AB 52 and SB 18) (4)
Prepare Request for Consultation Letters
Formal Consultation with Interested Tribes
Task 3: Technical Studies Peer Review
Peer Review of Technical Studies
3a. Air Quality Report
3b. Bio Resources Report and Oak Tree Report
3c. Cultural and Paleo Resources Reports
3d. Energy Report
3e. Geotechnical and Soils Report
3f. GHG Emissions Report
3g. Hydrology and Water Quality Reports
3h. Noise Study
3i. CEQA Generalist Review (Visual Sims, Phase I ESA, Plans and Elevations, Utilities, and Fire)
Applicant's Consultant Revisions of Tech Reports
Confirmation of Consultant Revisions
Finalize Tech Reports
Task 4: Draft Environmental Impact Report
4a. Administrative/Screencheck/Proofcheck Draft EIR
Prepare Administrative Draft EIR
City Review of Administrative Draft EIR
Prepare Screencheck Draft EIR
City Review of Screencheck Draft EIR
Prepare Proofcheck Draft EIR
City Review of Proofcheck Draft EIR
Finalize Draft EIR for Publication
4b. Publication and Distribution of the Draft EIR
Print Draft EIR
Prepare NOC and NOA
City Signature on NOC and NOA
Distribute NOA
File NOA with County Clerk and NOC with SCH
45-Day Draft EIR Review Period
Mo. 15
BLACKHALL STUDIOS EIR SCHEDULE (12/14/21)
Year 2
Mo. 16 Mo. 17 Mo. 18 Mo. 19 Mo. 20 Mo. 6 Mo. 7 Mo. 8
Year 1
Mo. 9 Mo. 1 Mo. 2 Mo. 3 Mo. 4 Mo. 5 Mo. 10 Mo. 11 Mo. 12 Mo. 13 Mo. 14
ATTACHMENT A
Tasks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 5 6 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 91 92 93 94 95 96 Task 5: Final Environmental Impact Report
5a. Responses to Comments
Prepare Responses to Comments
City Review of Responses to Comments
Revise Responses to Comments
5b. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Prepare MMRP
City Review of MMRP
Finalize MMRP
5c. Revisions to the Draft EIR
Prepare Revisions to the Draft EIR
City Review of Revisions to the Draft EIR
Finalize Revisions to the Draft EIR
5d. Compilation of the Final EIR
Prepare Proofcheck Final EIR
City Review of Proofcheck Final EIR
Finalize Final EIR
Distribute Final EIR
Task 6: Certification Process
6a. Public Hearings (7)
6b. Facts and Findings
Prepare Facts and Findings
City Review of Facts and Findings
Prepare Proofcheck of Facts and Findings
City Review of Proofcheck of Facts and Findings
Finalize Facts and Findings
6c. Statement of Overriding Considerations
Prepare SOC
City Review of SOC
Prepare Proofcheck of SOC
City Review of Proofcheck of SOC
Finalize SOC
6d. Notice of Determination
Prepare NOD
City Signature on NOD
File NOD with County Clerk and SCH
Task 7: EIR Addendum
7a. Draft Version of the EIR Addendum
Prepare Draft Addendum Document
City Review of Draft Addendum Document
7b. Final Version of the EIR Addendum
Revise Draft Addendum Document
City Review of Revised Addendum Document
Finalize EIR Addendum
Michael Baker Task
City of Santa Clarita Task
CEQA Process
Applicant's Consultant Task
Key Milestones
Planning Commission/City Council M eetings
Mo. 16 Mo. 17 Mo. 18 Mo. 19 Mo. 20 Mo. 11 Mo. 12 Mo. 13 Mo. 14 Mo. 15 Mo. 6 Mo. 7 Mo. 8 Mo. 9 Mo. 10 Mo. 1 Mo. 2 Mo. 3 Mo. 4 Mo. 5 BLACKHALL STUDIOS EIR SCHEDULE (12/14/21) - Continued
Year 1 Year 2 .