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(01) 2035 LQ GP - CERTIFIED EIR - Matrix (2013)Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-1 ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY MATRIX This Environmental Impact Report has been prepared to analyze the potential impacts associated with the implementation of the City of La Quinta General Plan. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), General Plans and their amendments are considered “projects” which require thorough analysis in the form of an EIR. Therefore, this EIR is an integral part of the General Plan development process. The area addressed in this Environmental Impact Report includes the City’s current corporate boundary and Sphere of Influence, referred to in this document as the City of La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area. City Limits The incorporated limits of the City of La Quinta encompass 35.7± square miles, which are developed for a range of residential, resort and resort residential, commercial and open space uses. Lands within the City limits may also be described as follows:  Portions of Section 25 and all of Section 36, Township 5 South, Range 6 East; Sections 1,12,13,24, and 25, Township 6 South, Range 6 East; portions of Section 17 18, 19, 20,28,29, and 30, and all of Sections 31 and 32, Township 5 South, Range 7 East; portions of Section 26, 35 and all of Sections 4, 5, 6,7,8,9,10,15,16,17,18, 19, 29, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33 and 34, Township 6 South, Range 7 East; Sections 4 and 5, Township 7 South, Range 7 East of the San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian. Sphere of Influence The Sphere areas in the Planning Area, total 12.6± square miles. One of these occurs to the north of the City’s corporate limits, and the other to the east of the City’s corporate limits. Lands included in the City’s Sphere are those identified by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) as being a logical extension of the City in the long term. Only if these lands are annexed will the City have jurisdiction over their development. All lands in the Sphere currently fall under the jurisdiction of the County of Riverside.  Portions of Section 18, Township 5 South, Range 7 East; and portions of Section 12, 13, 26 and 35 and all of 11, 14, 23, 24, 25, and 36, of Township 6 South, Range 7 East; all of Section 19, 30, 31 of Township 6 South, Range 8 East of the San Bernardino Baseline Meridian. This EIR assesses the environmental impacts that may result as a consequence of approval and implementation of the proposed land use scenario and the Plan’s goals, policies and programs, as well as buildout of the entire area. The following discussion briefly summarizes each category of analysis, including existing conditions, project impacts and applicable mitigation measures recommended to reduce impacts to acceptable or insignificant levels. Levels of impact include the following: Significant Impacts: Those impacts that constitute a potentially significant adverse change in the environment. Insignificant Impacts: Those impacts that, by virtue of the environmental conditions, predisposing existing development, or the implementation of mitigation measures, are reduced to acceptable or “insignificant” levels. Unavoidable Impacts: Those impacts that occur as a result of project development whose adverse effects cannot be entirely eliminated or reduced to a level of insignificance. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-2 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures AESTHETICS The La Quinta General Plan Update Planning Area is comprised of many land uses, including residential, commercial, resort facilities, office parks, agricultural facilities, golf courses, open spaces, and vacant land. These land uses are built primarily on the Valley floor and within the Cove. Development within the City Limits is generally built at lower densities, and buildings throughout the Planning Area tend to be low-rise structures. Views of local mountains and scenic vistas throughout the incorporated portions of the City are generally good, however suburban development, including buildings, walls, and mature landscaping can limit views in certain places. The eastern Sphere of Influence is rural and sparsely developed. Land uses in the Sphere include single family residential, agricultural production and equestrian uses. There is also a considerable amount of fallow vacant land once used for agriculture. Views of local mountains and scenic vistas throughout this portion of the Sphere are preserved and unobstructed due to sparse development. As a result of this rural character, the aesthetic quality is more open and views of surrounding mountains are less restricted when compared to the more developed portions of the region. The General Plan Update does not propose changes in land use intensities or densities, insofar as no new land use designations are being considered. Policies and programs in the General Plan Update are consistent with the existing character of development in the City, and do not propose intensification or densification of the City or Sphere. Visual character impacts within the City, therefore, are expected to be less than significant. Scenic Resources includes trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings that are visible from a state scenic highway. Currently, there are no state scenic highways that run through La Quinta or the Sphere of Influence. Therefore, impacts to scenic resources along a state scenic highway will be less than significant. Light and glare impacts are associated with increased urbanization. Within the City limits, the majority of lands are developed, and daytime and nighttime skies are already affected to a limited extent by light and glare. The adoption of the General Plan Update will facilitate similar development patterns in the City to those that exist today. Further, the General Plan Update maintains policies and programs currently in effect that limit lighting, and the City’s Municipal Code prohibits light spillage onto neighboring properties. Therefore, implementation of the General Plan Update will have a less than significant impact on light and glare impacts. None required. Alternatives: Alternative 1 would result in less development within the planning area, and therefore would reduce potential aesthetic impacts to some degree. All alternatives, however, result in development of currently vacant lands, and will therefore have similar levels of impact on aesthetic resources. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-3 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES Agricultural uses in the General Plan Update Planning Area are located primarily within the Sphere of Influence, however a few small citrus groves are located within City limits. Undeveloped portions of incorporated La Quinta and the Sphere are located in areas designated as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland or Lands of Statewide Importance. In 2008, there were approximately 1,700 acres of important agricultural land located in the City, and 7,391 acres in the Sphere of Influence, for a total of 9,091 acres. 582 acres of land with Williamson Act contracts are located within the Sphere of Influence. Based on 2008 Riverside County data, approximately 218.9 acres were in renewal, and 363 acres were in non-renewal. Implementation of the General Plan Update does not require landowners to immediately convert farmland to new land uses. However, new development proposed will be required to develop according to new land use designations. As a result, agricultural lands will be affected by new growth and development. There are currently over 545,000 acres of important farmland in Riverside County1. The 7,391 acres of land designated as important farmland represents 1.3% of the total important farmland in the County. The eventual loss of these lands will not significantly impact agriculture in the region. The implementation of the General Plan Update will facilitate development on lands currently used for agriculture in the Sphere of Influence. The General Plan Update does not mandate that landowners terminate agricultural production, but provides regulations when development does occur on these lands. The General Plan Update includes the master planning of the Sphere, where agricultural activities occur. The master plan is required to consider and include community character, and may include agriculture as an allowed land use. Finally, none of the policies, programs or land use designations of the General Plan Update will apply to any of these lands if they are not annexed to the City. Mitigation measures include the master planning of the eastern Sphere to reflect the agricultural character, the provision of buffers between new development and agricultural uses, and the incorporation of traditional agricultural plantings in public spaces. These mitigation measures will assure that impacts associated with agricultural resources are reduced to less than significant levels. Alternatives: Build out of each of the alternatives would result in similar impacts on agricultural resources. The No Project Alternative, which would maintain the County designations on the Sphere area, could be the least impacting on agricultural resources. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-4 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures AIR QUALITY In the Coachella Valley air quality has exceeded state and federal standards for ozone and particulate matter. SCAQMD studies indicate that most ozone is transported to the Salton Sea Air Basin from the upwind South Coast Air Basin, which contains large metropolitan areas including Los Angeles. It is difficult to quantify the amount of ozone contributed from other air basins; however, improved air quality in the Coachella Valley depends upon reduced ozone emissions in the South Coast Air Basin. Industrialization, urban lifestyle, agricultural practices, production and manufacturing and other human activities result in the emission of greenhouse gas that are contributing to global warming and climate change, and include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), tetrafluoromethane, hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, HFC-23 (fluoroform), HFC- 134a (s, s, s, 2 –tetrafluoroethane), and HFC-152a (difluoroethane). The City of La Quinta has completed a Greenhouse Gas Inventory and has prepared a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan as part of this General Plan Update. The intent of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan is to set goals, policies, and programs that will result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to targets identified in the Plan that meet the State’s mandates. With implementation of mitigation measures, air quality emissions from construction activities within City limits are projected to exceed thresholds for NOx and ROG. Even with implementation of mitigation measures, air quality emissions of NOx and ROG have the potential to result in significant and unavoidable impacts from construction activities occurring within City limits. Construction related air quality emissions from the development of lands within the Sphere of Influence are projected to exceed established daily thresholds for NOx and ROG, even with implementation of mitigation measures. For build out of the General Plan Update, air quality emissions have the potential to result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of CO, NOx, SOx, PM10, PM2.5, and ROG. Projections of these pollutants exceed established daily thresholds and have the potential to result in significant and unavoidable impacts. GHG emissions from construction will end once construction activities are complete. Therefore, the generation and emission of GHG’s from construction are not expected to have a long term or lasting impact and impacts to air quality from construction will be less than significant. Implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan is intended to reduce impacts associated with the emission of greenhouse gases within City limits to levels that are less than significant. Were the Sphere of Influence to be annexed into La Quinta City jurisdiction, then lands would be subject to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and compliance would assure that impacts to air quality from the emission of greenhouse gases would be reduced to levels below significance. A number of mitigation measures are offered to help to reduce emissions of all criteria pollutants. These include both broad based, community-wide mitigation, and project-specific measures. Mitigation measures are also included to reduce GHG emissions in the City and Sphere. However, even with the implementation of these mitigation measures, air quality impacts associated with all criteria pollutants will remain significant and unavoidable. Alternatives: All project alternatives result in significant impacts associated with air quality. The In all cases, impacts remain significant and unavoidable as they relate to air quality. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-5 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES There are primarily two categories of habitat associated with wildlife common to the planning area. The most prevalent consists of the very disturbed and fragmented patchwork of remnant sand field, saltbush scrub, weedy (ruderal), agricultural, and residential/recreational development. Common species in this environment are those that are capable of surviving in ruderal plant communities or near residential, commercial, agricultural, and golf course developments. Another habitat category is comprised of native, less altered habitats where the Santa Rosas and associated alluvial fans and canyons overlap in the western and southern portions of the Planning area. These remaining areas of native habitat sustain both common as well as some sensitive desert wildlife species and plant communities. The General Plan Area is within the planning area for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). On lands not designated for conservation, future development will be required to pay a mitigation fee to ensure the future availability of funds to purchase conservation lands. These fees are intended to offset the potential impacts of that development on the natural environment. Seven sensitive species are not covered by the provisions of the MSHCP. The ultimate build out of the General Plan Planning Area has the potential to significantly impact biological resources by reducing native habitat areas and directly affecting fauna. However, the majority of lands on which development will occur are on the Valley floor, in areas already impacted by urban development or agricultural activities. These areas are part of the MSHCP, and new development projects will be required to pay mitigation fees associated with the MSHCP to allow for the preservation of habitat and species in designated conservation areas. Areas where non-covered sensitive species occur are identified in the General Plan, and the Plan requires the preparation of special studies for projects proposed in those areas. Those studies will provide an assessment of the potential impacts, and recommend mitigation measures if necessary. The General Plan also designates Natural Open Space for hillside areas on the west and southwest portions of the City, which are areas of potential habitat for the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. The Natural Open Space designation will not result in development in these areas, and will protect these lands for the long term. Existing regulations, including the provisions of the MSHCP, the requirements enforced by the California Department of Fish and Game, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers will continue to be enforced by the City. The General Plan acknowledges these requirements, and includes policies to maintain their implementation for future projects as they are proposed. The EIR includes requirements for site specific and species specific studies in areas of habitat for species of concern; the implementation of the MSHCP; the adherence to state and federal regulations; and the preservation of open space areas. With implementation of these mitigation measures, impacts associated with biological resources will be reduced to less than significant levels. Alternatives: All alternatives propose new development, each of which would be subject to the same standards imposed under the Preferred Alternative. Therefore, no alternative is considered superior in regard to impacts associated with biological resources, although the No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 could result in slightly more preservation of habitat. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-6 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures CULTURAL RESOURCES Cultural Resources are important for understanding the history and heritage of the community, and for preserving important archaeological and paleontological resources. The City of La Quinta and the Coachella Valley region have a rich cultural past, as discovered through recent paleontological and archaeological surveys. The archaeological resources found within the General Plan Update Planning Area are remnants from prehistoric peoples who took advantages of the resources in ancient Lake Cahuilla. Cultural surveys have identified approximately 500 archaeological sites, both historic and prehistoric, in the Planning Area. In addition to these sites, approximately 170 isolates, or localities with fewer than three artifacts, have also been discovered. The majority of these archaeological finds are from Native American tribes and include pottery, burned animal bone, grinding stones, chipped stone, cremation and other remains. Past surveys have highlighted approximately 280 buildings and other built features in the General Plan Update Planning Area as having the potential to be historically significant. Areas that are determined to be of “high” paleontological sensitivity include areas made up of Pleistocene sediments, and sediments from ancient Lake Cahuilla beds. Pleistocene sediments are located in the southwestern portion of the Planning Area. Areas determined as being of “low” paleontological sensitivity are areas made up of Granitic Rock. These areas are located in the southwestern, southern and northwestern portion of the Planning Area. Implementation of the General Plan Update will facilitate new development throughout the Planning Area. Future development projects, including modifications to existing buildings, demolition, grading activities, site excavation, and construction could potentially result in direct or indirect disturbance or destruction of historic resources. The General Plan requires that site specific studies be conducted when development is proposed. Previous cultural surveys have identified archaeological sites throughout the General Plan Planning Area. Vacant lands that have not been surveyed may contain buried archaeological resources. Future construction activity on these lands, including grading activity, site excavation, and general construction could potentially result in direct or indirect disturbance or destruction of archaeological resources. Site surveys are required by the City as part of the entitlement process, to assess potential harm to these resources. New development activity, including construction, grading, and other site disturbances in moderate and high sensitivity areas has the potential to impact paleontological resources. This EIR includes mitigation measures requiring site specific surveys for development projects. These mitigation measures will reduce potential impacts to cultural resources to less than significant levels. Alternatives: All the alternatives represent development scenarios that would impact cultural resources in a manner similar to the Preferred Alternative. Alternative 1, because of its reduced intensities, could have slightly lower impacts. The mitigation measures provided in this document will reduce impacts of all alternatives to less than significant levels. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-7 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures GEOLOGY AND SOILS The General Plan Planning Area is located at the boundary of the Colorado Desert Province and the Peninsular Ranges Province. Elevations within the Planning Area generally range from approximately 190 feet below sea level at the southeastern corner of the Planning Area, to 1,700 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. There are seven soil units that have been mapped in the Planning Area. The Whitewater River traverses the northern part of the City. It is the primary drainage in the Coachella Valley, and intermittently drains the surrounding mountains as well as the northern portion of the Valley. The San Andreas Fault trends generally northwest to southeast, approximately 4 miles north of the planning area. As a result, the Planning Area is located in a physical and geographic area that is susceptible to strong seismic activity. Earthquakes can result in impacts ranging from significant property damage to the loss of public services and facilities and the loss of life. The most severe impacts in the La Quinta area would be expected to result from strong ground shaking associated with earthquakes. Although no active or potential active faults occur in the Planning Area, geological analyses conducted for the General Plan indicates that the Planning Area could experience moderate to very high ground shaking from earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault. These levels of ground shaking have potential to cause moderate to heavy damage, especially to older and poorly constructed buildings. Strong ground shaking can also result in indirect hazards, including slope instability, liquefaction, settlement, landslides, and flood inundation. The soil types found in the City and Sphere exhibit a variety of characteristics, some of which may influence geological hazards, including slope instability, collapsible, compressible, and expansive soils, corrosivity, ground subsidence, and erosion. Soil structure also affects drainage, infiltration, and other hydrological processes. Development at the base of foothills and slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains may be subject to slope instability such as rockfall, and to a more limited extent landslides, debris flow and rockslide. The General Plan includes a number of policies and programs to minimize potential impacts to soils and geology. This EIR also includes mitigation measures, ranging from grading specifications to the requirements for project-specific geotechnical studies and the proper construction of trenches and foundations. These mitigation measures will reduce the impacts associated with geology and soils to less than significant levels. Alternatives: All alternatives represent the construction of new development that would be subject to the same standards imposed under the Preferred Alternative. No alternative is considered preferable as regards impacts associated with geology and soils. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-8 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS The General Plan Update Planning Area is near four major transportation routes commonly used for transporting hazardous waste. Hazardous waste cleanup on transportation routes is the responsibility of various state and federal agencies. There are no hazardous waste sites in La Quinta or Sphere of Influence that are listed pursuant to Section 65962.5(a). The closest listed site is the Foster-Gardner facility in Coachella, located south of Avenue 50 between Highway 86 and Highway 111. The General Plan Update Planning Area is located near two airports, including the Bermuda Dunes Airport and the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. La Quinta is situated at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, however, these areas are considered low wildfire zones. The open space and wilderness areas on the western portion of the City are made up primarily of Granitic rock and sparse desert vegetation. Therefore, there is limited vegetation to burn that could cause a major wildfire. The flat urbanized areas of La Quinta are considered very low wildfire areas. Hazardous materials are highly regulated by various government agencies, such as Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, and the US Department of Transportation, and cleanup and containment of these accidents is monitored by these same agencies. Emergency evacuation and response plans are already developed in La Quinta to provide automated notification to residents during an emergency, including hazardous waste spills. The General Plan Update provides commercial and light industrial land use designations, particularly the Sphere,that will potentially increase the amount of hazardous materials transported throughout the area. Eastern portions of the La Quinta Planning Area are located within the Jacqueline Cochran Airport Influence Area Zone D and E of the Compatibility Plan. New development within the eastern boundary of the Sphere of Influence will need to abide by Compatibility Plan polices and land use regulations. Mitigation measures include in this EIR require analysis of suspected and known hazardous materials releases; requiring the proper reporting, storing, transport and disposal of hazardous materials for all existing and proposed development; compliance with airport planning documents; and continued coordination of all responsible agencies for both everyday occurrences, and emergency situations. These mitigation measures will reduce impacts associated with hazardous materials to less than significant levels. Alternatives: All alternatives propose new development, which would be subject to the same mitigation measures as the proposed General Plan. The Alternative 1, which proposes development at lower intensities, would have a somewhat lower risk associated with the materials, due to the reductions in building intensities. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-9 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures HYDROLOGY Analysis and design of regional flood control structures is the responsibility of the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). In the Planning Area, CVWD manages regional facilities, which collect runoff from areas outside the City, including surrounding mountains. Planning, maintenance and construction of improvements for regional facilities fall within the broad management responsibilities with which CVWD is charged. Regional facilities in the Planning Area include the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (Whitewater River), the La Quinta Evacuation Channel, the Bear Creek System, the East La Quinta Channel System, Dike No. 2, Guadalupe Dike, and Dike No. 4. Zones A or AO in the Planning Area (areas within the 100-year flood plain) occur within the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, the La Quinta Evacuation Channel, Bear Creek Channel, and detention basins. Implementation of the proposed General Plan will facilitate urban development that will result in an increase in impervious surfaces, such as roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Water that would have been re-absorbed into the ground will runoff to downstream areas. The City and CVWD have worked pro-actively to protect developed areas in the City from flood hazards. Currently, with the exception of some golf courses that serve dual purpose as stormwater retention areas, no developed areas in the City are within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Zone. Given that the region is seismically active, the Planning Area may be susceptible to flooding if water reservoirs or water retention structures or facilities should fail. The City and Sphere are traversed by the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, most of which (in the planning area) has been improved with slope protection. These have potential for seismic settlement or liquefaction, especially in the event of strong ground shaking or long periods of rain. Earthquakes can also create seiche conditions within open waterbodies, such as Lake Cahuilla, canals, reservoirs and catch basins. The sloshing movement of water within containment structures can damage them, and water may overtop, potentially inundating areas down slope. Future development within the Planning Area may be subject to localized flooding risks, especially where flood hazard mapping is incomplete. The General Plan includes a range of policies to reduce these risks, including enforcement of existing County and City ordinances that address hazards and floodplain regulations. This EIR imposes mitigation measures associated with hydrology which would focus on the implementation of the Master Plans of Drainage, and the control and management of runoff created by new development. These mitigation measures will assure that impacts associated with hydrology are reduced to less than significant levels. Alternatives: Alternative 1 would result in marginally lower impacts, due to a reduction in development densities. All alternatives would implement Master Plan and site-specific mitigation measures, and would therefore result in less than significant impacts. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-10 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures WATER RESOURCES/QUALITY The Coachella Valley and the Planning Area are within the Colorado River Watershed, which drains into the Salton Trough. The Whitewater River Subbasin (also known as the “Indio Subbasin”) encompasses approximately 400 square miles and underlies most of the Coachella Valley. Domestic and irrigation water is provided in the City and most of the Sphere by CVWD. Groundwater is the primary source for these water supplies, which CVWD extracts from the Whitewater River Subbasin by means of a system of deep wells within the region. CVWD data shows that significant increases in total water demand in the Coachella Water Valley occurred during over the decades from 1936 (92,400 acre feet/year (AFY) to 376,000 AFY in 1999. CVWD estimates the annual overdraft for 2010 to be 7,457 acre-feet. Currently CVWD has 21 active wells in the General Plan Area. In addition, there are 6 booster stations and 10 planned or existing reservoirs in the Planning Area. Each reservoir has between 250,000 and 12 million gallons of capacity, with a total storage capacity of all reservoirs of 44.6 million gallons. The existing water demands for the La Quinta Planning Area are estimated to be 32,496 acre-feet per year, consisting of 31,227 acre-feet within City limits and 1,268 acre-feet within the Sphere of Influence. The build out water demands for the La Quinta Planning Area are estimated to be 54,467 acre-feet per year, consisting of 37,783 acre-feet within City limits and 16,684 acre-feet within the Sphere of Influence. Build out water demands in the Planning Area are comprised of 30.6% within the Sphere and 69.3% within City Limits. CVWD’s 2010 UWMP accounts for new growth and development that is expected to occur within the region including the Planning Area. Section 3.3 of the WSS describes the water demand projections for the La Quinta General Plan Update relative to the water demand projections set forth in the CVWD UWMP. The average per capita water demand for the CVWD Service Area is approximately 482 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) for 2010 and is projected to be 423 gpcd for 2035. The 2010 per capita water demand for the La Quinta Planning Area is approximately 473 gallons per day and is projected to be 361 gpcd in 2035. The water demand estimates for the La Quinta Planning Area for 2010 and 2035 are 2% and 15% more efficient compared to the CVWD estimates. As such, water demands generated by the La Quinta Planning Area are fully captured and accounted for within the CVWD UWMP projections. Therefore, water demand projections proposed by the La Quinta General Plan Update are consistent with the water demand estimates utilized by CVWD. CVWD expects to have sufficient water supplies to serve development in the Planning Area through 2035 and beyond by utilizing a combination of water supply sources and treating surface water supplies. Mitigation measures included in this document are designed to reduce the demand for water, and lower the amount of water removed from the aquifer. These mitigation measures include conservation, use of efficient appliances and landscaping techniques, and the careful review of site specific proposals to assure compliance with local and regional regulations. With implementation of these mitigation measures, the impacts of build out of the General Plan on water quality and water resources will be reduced to less than significant levels. Alternatives: Alternative 1 would result in marginally lower impacts, due to a reduction in development densities. All alternatives would implement mitigation measures, and would therefore result in less than significant impacts. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-11 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures LAND USE, POPULATION & HOUSING The 2002 General Plan contains a total of 34,112 acres within City limits, the Sphere of Influence and Planning Areas 1 and 2. Land use designations include a variety of residential, commercial, open space, and public facility development. Although several land use changes are proposed under the General Plan Update, the Preferred Alternative does not significantly change the overall development pattern for the La Quinta Planning Area. Planning Areas outside of City limits have been reduced to the Sphere of Influence and no longer call out separate Planning Areas 1 and 2, which were part of the 2002 General Plan. Under the proposed General Plan Update similar land use designations have been consolidated to simplify land use descriptions. The La Quinta General Plan Update proposes different land use intensities compared to those set forth under the Riverside County Land Use Plan. As proposed, the La Quinta General Plan Update would result in the development of up to 21,270 residential units, 2.7 million square feet of commercial, and 611,408 square feet of industrial land uses within the Sphere of Influence east of City limits. Land use designation as set forth under the General Plan Update are consistent with the existing development pattern and land uses within the City. Land use designation and development as proposed are not expected to divide residents, businesses, or existing communities. Rather, the General Plan Update assures continuity between existing development and planned future development by refining land use designations and assigning land uses to vacant lands within City limits. The Sphere of Influence represents the greatest potential for land use conversion, since only 11.5% of the area is currently developed. Under the General Plan Update, the Sphere of Influence is primarily designated for low-density residential development, consisting of 7,378 acres out of the total 8,101.4-acre area. The remaining land use designations include 24.6 acres of medium/high density residential, 285.1 acres of general commercial, 63.8 acres of industrial/light manufacturing, 29.8 acres of major community facilities, and 319.9 acres for street rights-of-way. Although the proposed land use development pattern is consistent with the 2002 General Plan, implementation would result in a substantial change to the existing character within the Sphere of Influence. The General Plan includes policies and programs designed to provide buffers between residential and commercial or industrial land uses, and the City’s Municipal Code includes standards that require any non-residential development to appropriately protect surrounding residential development. The General Plan Update requires the preparation of a master plan prior to annexation of this area, which reflects the character of Vista Santa Rosa. None required. Alternatives: The No Project alternative would have the least impacts on land use, population and housing. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-12 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures MINERAL RESOURCES The majority of incorporated regions of La Quinta and the Sphere of Influence are located in MRZ-1, or areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or are likely to occur. Most areas within MRZ-1, particularly within incorporated La Quinta, are urbanized and developed. Land designated MRZ-1 in the Sphere of Influence is mostly agricultural land with small residential subdivisions and large lot residential. Lands that fall under the MRZ-3 designation make up a small portion of La Quinta. These areas are known to contain mineral deposits, however there have been no evaluations on the significance of these resources. The MRZ-3 designation is found only in the southwestern portion of the City, including along the Coral Reef Mountains and within the Cove area. Aside from the development that already exists within the Cove, the majority of land in the MRZ-3 zone is designated as open space. The Open Space designation does not permit mining activities, and requires the land to be preserved in its natural state. A small portion of MRZ-3, located just north of Avenue 60 and west of Madison, is undeveloped vacant land designated for low density residential development. The majority of lands within the City are developed. Remaining vacant lands include infill lots, and scattered parcels located primarily within the Cove area and southwestern portion of the City Limits, which may develop according to land use designations proposed by the General Plan Update. The General Plan Update will also facilitate new development within the Sphere of Influence. The majority of these lands are located within the MRZ-1 designation, or an area determined as having no significant mineral resource deposits. Currently, this area is used for agricultural purposes, and there are no known mineral leases, claims, or prospects located in the Sphere of Influence or vicinity. Implementation of the General Plan Update, will have no impact on mineral resources within the City or Sphere of Influence. None required. Alternatives: All alternatives represent similar levels of development, in areas not considered to have significant mineral deposits. No impacts will occur under any alternative. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-13 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures NOISE The General Plan Update Planning Area enjoys a moderately quiet noise environment, especially within residential areas. Primary sources of noise throughout the City are caused primarily by motor vehicle traffic on City streets, particularly major roadways. This includes general operation of cars, trucks, and bus lines. Other noise generators in the City include those associated with commercial uses and construction noise. These noises include loading dock operations, trucks entering and leaving commercial centers, and mechanical equipment, such as fans, motors, and compressors. The Sphere of Influence consists primarily of agricultural and vacant lands, and vehicular traffic is much less than that found throughout the City. As such, the Sphere of Influence enjoys a quiet noise environment. Within the eastern Sphere, noise is generated from periodic flights and general aviation operations at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. The airport is located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the eastern Sphere, east of Harrison Street. Within the northern Sphere of Influence, noise is also generated from occasional overhead flights associated with the Bermuda Dunes Airport, which is located two miles northeast. Hourly noise levels currently range between 57.7 dBA Leq to 72.9 dBA Leq. Noise standards in La Quinta allow sensitive land uses to experience a maximum noise level of 65 dbA CNEL in outdoor living areas (patios, balconies and rear yards). Many of the roadway segments exhibit future noise levels greater than 65 dBA CNEL beyond the established right-of-way. Sensitive land uses, including residential uses, back up to many of these roads, and may potentially experience noise levels beyond noise standards. The noise contours are based upon soft site conditions, and do not account for noise barriers, topography, or final roadway grades that may affect ambient noise levels. In addition to new residential development, implementation of the General Plan Update will facilitate construction of new commercial and industrial land uses throughout the Planning Area. With increased commercial and industrial development, land use compatibility issues may arise when sensitive land uses are located adjacent to commercial/industrial areas. All land uses are required to comply with exterior noise levels set forth in the City’s Noise Ordinance and General Plan, however additional mitigation measures to reduce impacts on sensitive uses. As a result, noise levels in excess of established noise standards generated from industrial and commercial uses are expected to be less than significant with proper mitigation. The General Plan includes policies and programs to assure that all future development meets the City’s noise standards. The mitigation measures in this EIR include on and off site measures, and the analysis of development proposals to assure compliance with acceptable noise levels. The implementation of these measures will assure that impacts associated with noise at build out will be less than significant. Alternatives: Alternative 1 would both result in lower noise levels as a result of reduced building intensities and traffic volumes. Mitigation measures would be applied to these alternatives as well, and would result in less than significant impacts. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-14 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures POPULATION AND HOUSING Currently, there are approximately 23,489 dwelling units within the City, 14,820 of which are occupied. Assuming an average household population size of 2.53 and full occupancy of all existing dwelling units, the existing population in La Quinta’s City limits is estimated to be 59,427. In the Sphere of Influence, under Riverside County’s land use designations, there are approximately 7,173 acres of residentially designated lands, of which 538 acres are currently developed. According to Riverside County, the developed acreage contains an estimated 801 existing low density residential dwelling units. Based on the persons per household figure of 2.53, the existing population within the Sphere of Influence is estimated to be 2,027. In total, the General Plan Update Planning Area is estimated to contain an existing population of 61,454. Within the La Quinta City limits, build out of the proposed General Plan Update has the potential to result in the development of an additional 8,114 dwelling units, which could support an additional 20,528 people, assuming an average household occupancy of 2.53. At General Plan build out, the population size within city limits is projected to be 79,956, based on full occupancy of the 31,603 dwelling units that are proposed under the General Plan Update. This represents a 34% increase over the existing number of dwelling units and the associated population size. According to the Southern California Association of Government’s (SCAG) May 2011 growth forecasts, it is projected that by 2035 La Quinta’s permanent population will be 46,297 people, and there will be 17,948 occupied dwelling units within the City of La Quinta. SCAG projections assume an annual growth rate of approximately 0.85%. In the Sphere of Influence, under the County’s land use designation, there are approximately 7,175 acres of residentially designated lands. If the Sphere were to build out under the current County land use designations, a total of 11,946 residential units would be developed. The General Plan Update requires the completion of a master plan for the eastern Sphere, which could significantly change the number of units that are developed in this area. The General Plan Update allows for the development of up to 21,500 residential dwelling units, which would result in a built out population size of 54,396 within the Sphere of Influence. As proposed, implementation of the General Plan Update would increase the population within the Sphere of Influence by 24,174 people or 80% over the current County land use designations. The General Plan includes policies and programs to assure that all future development is consistent with development patterns in the City currently. This EIR requires the master planning of the Sphere to address land use intensities and densities consistent with the character of the area. With this mitigation, impacts to population and housing will be less than significant. Alternatives: The No Project Alternative and Alternative 1 would result in lower building intensities, and therefore lower growth, and would therefore be less impacting than the Preferred Alternative. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-15 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES The General Plan area is located within the service boundaries of a wide range of public services and facilities providers, which are listed below.  Public Schools: Desert Sands Unified School District, Coachella Valley Unified School District  Library Services: Riverside County Library System  Law Enforcement: La Quinta Police Department/Riverside County Sheriff’s Department  Fire Protection: La Quinta Fire Department  Electricity: Imperial Irrigation District  Natural Gas: The Gas Company  Domestic Water: Coachella Valley Water District  Wastewater Collection/Treatment: Coachella Valley Water District  Solid Waste Management: Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services, LLC Build out of the General Plan has the potential to generate 23,293 students. General Plan build out will require approximately the library to have 268,704 volumes to serve the build out population. Maintenance of the target ratio of 1 police officer per 1,000 residents at General Plan build out will require a total of 134 sworn officers at build out. The County Fire Department cites thresholds established in its 1986 Master Plan, which call for one new fire station per every 2,000 dwelling units or 3.5 million square feet of commercial development. Development facilitated by build out of the General Plan will result in wastewater generation in the General Plan and annexation areas of approximately 7.4 million gallons per day. Development facilitated by build out of the General Plan and annexation areas will result in domestic water demand of approximately 54,467 acre feet. Build out of the General Plan will result in the generation of 139,181 tons per year of solid waste. The build out of the General Plan has the potential to significantly impact schools, police and fire services, wastewater treatment and solid waste facilities without mitigation. The mitigation measures in this EIR, however, require the coordination of new development proposals with affected agencies, the payment of required fees designed to offset impacts, and the continued conservation and reduction of the use of resources. The annexation of lands in the eastern Sphere would have a negative fiscal impact on the City. The General Plan includes policies that require both the preparation of fiscal impact analyses for annexation proposals, and a Development Agreement in association with annexation. These mitigation measures will reduce impacts to public facilities and services to less than significant levels. Alternatives: Alternative 1 would result in lower intensities of development, and would therefore reduce impacts associated with public facilities and services. The same mitigation measures would be imposed on these alternatives, and impacts would be less than significant. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-16 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures RECREATIONAL RESOURCES The City owns, operates and maintains numerous park facilities throughout incorporated areas of the General Plan Update Planning Area. Within the City Limits are five mini parks, including Eisenhower Park, Seasons Park, Saguaro Park, Desert Pride and Velasco Park. Neighborhood parks include Fritz Burns Park, Adams Park, Monticello Park, and Pioneer Park. There are three community parks in La Quinta including the 16.75- acre La Quinta Sports Complex, the 18-acre La Quinta Park, and the 17.5-acre Civic Center Campus. The Desert Recreation District provides park facilities and recreation programs throughout the Coachella Valley. The District owns and operates the La Quinta Community Center, and is proposing a Discovery Center near Lake Cahuilla. The La Quinta Community Center and Park is located off Avenida Montezuma, and includes a 6.5-acre park and 5,000 foot community center. The 6.5-acre park includes ballfields, basketball courts, playground, picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, an outdoor amphitheater, outdoor exercise facilities, and drinking fountains. The Community Center includes the La Quinta Fitness Center, kitchen, and concessions. Riverside County operates Lake Cahuilla Regional Park located in southwestern portion of La Quinta. The Sphere of Influence has no public parks or other recreational facilities. The General Plan requires the provision of 5 acres of parkland for each 1,000 population. Based on this standard, a population of 79,956 within the City at build out would require a total of 395 acres of parkland. Implementation of the General Plan Update has the potential to result in the development of approximately 20,699 new residential units within the Sphere at build out. Total population within the Sphere is expected to reach 54,396 residents. At build out the Sphere would require a total of 272 acres of parkland, if the Sphere were annexed to the City. With implementation of required fees for new development projects, implementation of the General Plan Update will have less than significant impacts to existing parks within the City. None required. Alternatives: All alternatives would result in demands for recreational resources, although lower intensity alternatives would reduce impacts associated with recreational facilities. Terra Nova/ La Quinta General Plan EIR Environmental Summary Matrix M-17 Existing Conditions Project Impacts Mitigation Measures TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC The roadway segments analyzed are currently operating at LOS A, with the exception of three segments of Washington Street and one segment of Highway 111 that are operating at LOS B. During the peak season, all but four of the 37 study intersections operate at LOS C or better. The intersection of Washington Street/Highway 111 operates at LOS D, very near LOS C, during the a.m. peak hour. During the p.m. peak hour, this intersection operates at a slightly worse delay during peak season conditions, but remains at LOS D. The intersection of Avenida Bermudas/Avenue 52 operates at LOS D and very near LOS C, during the a.m. peak hour. The intersection of Madison Street/Avenue 50 operates at LOS D during only the p.m. peak hour. The majority of the roadway segments are forecast to operate at acceptable levels of service (V/C ratios less than or equal to 0.90 or LOS D or better) The roadway segments identified below are forecast to operate at an unacceptable LOS (V/C greater than 0.90) based on assigned roadway classifications. Three segments are projected to operate at LOS E and three at LOS F at 2035 build out.  Washington Street segments between Avenue 42 and Miles Avenue and between Highway 111 and Eisenhower Drive  Madison Street between Avenue 54 and Airport Boulevard  Harrison Street between Airport Boulevard and Avenue 58 Of the 37 intersections analyzed, the following four are not expected to be able to accommodate all the required build out improvements and therefore have the potential to be operating at unacceptable levels of service by 2035 General Plan build out:  Washington Street @ Fred Waring Drive;  Adams Street @ Miles Avenue;  Jefferson Street @ Highway 111;  Madison Street @ Avenue 50. The mitigation measures included in this EIR focus on the maintenance of acceptable levels of service through the adequate ultimate development of the City’s roadways, and the increase of alternative transport. Even with mitigation, however, traffic impacts will remain significant and unavoidable. Alternatives: The No Project alternative will represent the greatest reduction in trips, but all alternatives would have significant and unavoidable traffic impacts.