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Home My WebLink AboutDune Palms Road Project IS_MND_12.12.2017_CleanDUNE PALMS ROAD LOW WATER CROSSING REPLACEMENT PROJECT INITIAL STUDY WITH PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (Project Number 2009-04) FEDERAL PROJECT NUMBER BLRKS-5433(014) CITY OF LA QUINTA RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 2017 Prepared by: ii Table of Contents Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... ii Table of Figures and Appendices ................................................................................................................. iii Project Description........................................................................................................................................ ii Determination .............................................................................................................................................. iii Project Purpose ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Project Need ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Existing Conditions ........................................................................................................................................ 1 Proposed Improvements .............................................................................................................................. 2 Right-of-Way Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 3 Temporary Construction Bypass ................................................................................................................... 3 Environmental Checklist ............................................................................................................................... 6 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................... 8 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED ............................................................................ 10 DETERMINATION..................................................................................................................................... 10 I. AESTHETICS ...................................................................................................................................... 11 II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY ........................................................................................................ 13 III. AIR QUALITY ................................................................................................................................... 15 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................... 18 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................... 25 VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS ..................................................................................................................... 29 VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ..................................................................................................... 31 VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE ............................................................................................ 32 IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ............................................................................................... 35 X. LAND USE AND PLANNING .............................................................................................................. 40 XI. MINERAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................................... 41 XII. NOISE ............................................................................................................................................ 42 XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING ....................................................................................................... 45 XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES .......................................................................................................................... 46 XV. RECREATION ................................................................................................................................. 47 XVI. TRANSPORTATION ....................................................................................................................... 48 XVII. UTILITIES ..................................................................................................................................... 51 References .................................................................................................................................................. 56 iii Table of Figures and Appendices Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map ....................................................................................................................... 4 Figure 2. Project Location ............................................................................................................................. 5 Appendix A. Cultural Resources Area Map ................................................................................................. 57 Figure 3. Project Area Map for P-33-16950-Limits of ESA .......................................................................... 58 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration ii MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Pursuant to: Division 13, Public Resources Code Project Description The City of La Quinta proposes to construct an all-weather crossing and remove the existing low-water crossing of Dune Palms Road at the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel (CVSC) in the City of La Quinta, in Riverside County. The crossing will consist of 480 feet long and 86 feet wide four-span bridge. The bridge typical section consists of six-foot sidewalk on both sides of the bridge, two (2) eight-foot outside shoulders also serving as bike/golf cart lanes, a 10-foot raised median, two (2) eleven-foot travel lanes, and two (2) twelve-foot travel lanes. Other project features include the following: • Reconstruction of the north and south bridge approaches to accommodate the raised profile of the roadway to meet the bridge elevation. • Installation of concrete slope protection at the northwest and southeast corners of the bridge for scour protection. • Incorporation of architectural treatment in the bridge railing according to the City of La Quinta standards. • Relocation of overhead electrical distribution lines, adjustment to both water valve can and lids and the manhole covers, 18” ductile iron pipe water main relocations at each bridge abutment, and relocation of both a 12” and 18” sewer line at the northern bridge abutment. • Incorporation of provisions in the project design that allow the integration of future regional Bike/Pedestrian/ Neighborhood Electric Vehicle corridor (CV Link) trail within the bridge southern slope protection. • Construction of a temporary bypass road by modifying the existing crossing to allow for staged construction of the bridge, and maintaining vehicle and pedestrian access at all times. The project will require street right-of-way acquisition from parcels located on the northeast and southeast corners of the proposed bridge. The existing development at the northeast corner of the proposed bridge consists of a mobile home park with one single family home. The project may require the acquisition of the single-family residence and relocation of two mobile homes residents. Construction of the project would occur during a period of 16 months, and is anticipated to be begin in summer of 2019. On the north side of the bridge, the project construction limits are extended to include a vacant lot immediately north of the project limits, which is owned by the City and may be used for storage and construction staging for the construction of this project. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration iii Determination The City of La Quinta intends to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for this project. An Initial Study has been prepared for the project. Based on the information contained in the Initial Study (attached), pending public review, the determination is that the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment for the following reasons: • The proposed project would have no effect on agricultural/forest resources, land use, mineral resources, public services, recreation, or paleontology. • The proposed project would have a less than significant effect on aesthetics, geology/soils, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, traffic and transportation, population and housing, and utilities/emergency services. • With implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study, the proposed project would have no significant effect on air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, hazardous waste/materials, and hydrology/water quality. Gabriel Perez Date Planning Manager Design and Development Department City of La Quinta Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 1 Project Description Project Purpose The purpose of the project is to replace the existing low-water crossing spanning the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel (CVSC) at Dune Palms Road with an all-weather access. The proposed improvements will accomplish the following objectives in the project area: 1) Provide safe access across the CVSC (Whitewater River) during all-weather events 2) Provide reliable route for emergency vehicles, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists 3) Achieve the City’s General Plan goals for the corridor Project Need Dune Palms Road serves a vital access for emergency services within the project area, as well as for La Quinta High, John Glenn Middle and Amelia Earhart Elementary Schools. It also provides connectivity of the city residential development north of the Channel with the Highway 111 commercial corridor located south of the CVSC. (See Figures 1 and 2 for Vicinity and Location Maps) The CVSC conveys storm water runoff from the surrounding mountains as well as developed areas within the Coachella Valley. The elevation of the existing Dune Palms Road low-water crossing causes it to flood during minor rain events (2-year frequency) and results in full street closure and detour of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. In the interest of public health and safety, and in response to community concerns regarding frequent closures of the low-water crossing, the City of La Quinta has determined that replacement of the low-water crossing with a new bridge is needed to ensure that all-weather access is maintained. The Dune Palms Road low-water crossing is the last remaining low-water crossing of the CVSC within the City. Existing Conditions The existing roadway crosses the CVSC at the channel grade. The roadway width is 68 feet at the crossing, and consists of one northbound and two southbound through lanes, eight-foot-wide walkway area along the western edge, and an eight-foot shoulder along the eastern edge of the road; and no median. The existing roadway approach south of the crossing consists of one northbound and two southbound through lanes. The northern roadway approach consists of one through lanes in each direction. The transition from one to two lanes in the southbound direction occurs at the midpoint of the channel crossing. Dune Palms Road approximately one-quarter mile north of the channel low-water crossing and just south of the project limits is a four-lane roadway with a median. The roadway section just north of the crossing will be widened as part of an approved City project. The project was originally approved with a Mitigated Negative Declaration under CEQA in April 2010. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 2 Proposed Improvements The project proposes to remove the existing low-water crossing of Dune Palms Road at the CVSC in the City of La Quinta, Riverside County. The crossing will be replaced with 480 feet long and 86 feet wide four-span bridge. The bridge typical section consists of six-foot sidewalk on both sides of the bridge, two (2) eight-foot outside shoulders also serving as bike/golf cart lanes, a 10-foot raised median, two (2) eleven-foot travel lanes, and two (2) twelve- foot travel lanes. The proposed configuration will be consistent with the existing four lane roadway section to the south, and the City’s current improvement project to the north (project number 2009-04), which will widen Dune Palms Road from two to four lanes with median and left turn lanes. The proposed improvements will include a reconstruction of the north and south bridge approaches to accommodate the significant raised profile of the roadway to accommodate the required bridge elevation. In order to match the roadway section on the south side of the bridge, the project’s construction limits will be extended to 239 feet north of Highway 111. On the north side of the bridge, the project construction limits will be extended to include a vacant lot (portions of APN 600-030-004 & 600-030-021) approximately 850 feet north of the storm water channel. The vacant lot is owned by the City’s Housing Authority and will be offered by the City in the bidding documents to be used for storage and construction staging by the contractor for the construction of this project. As a part of the bridge construction, concrete slope protection will be installed at the northwest and southeast corners of the bridge. The slope protection at the northwest corner will extend approximately 200 feet upstream and at the southeast corner approximately 350 feet downstream. Additionally, minor removal and replacement of slope protection will be required at both the northeast corner to address scour associated with the bridge and at the southwest corner of the bridge to address bridge scour as well as an undercrossing for CV Link. As previously noted the slope protection is needed for scour countermeasures. As a result of the proposed cast-in-place drilled shaft bridge construction, scour protection within the bottom of the channel should not be required. Associated with the extension of the slope protection in the NW corner of the proposed bridge, the outlet of the existing storm drain will be relocated to the north (away from the center of the channel) to align with the proposed slope protection. The relocated storm drain outlet will be constructed integral with the proposed slope protection. The installation of the concrete slope protection will require the existing channel bank to be excavated at a 1.5:1 (horizontal to vertical) slope to the bottom of the channel, then at a 1:1 slope to the bottom of the slope protection. The current dirt channel bank is at an approximate slope of 2:1 to 2.5:1 Due to the lack conveyance structures at the existing low water crossing acting, sediment has been deposited on the upstream side of the channel from Dune Palms Road since the original construction. Additionally, on the downstream side of the crossing, the channel has an area of scour. Therefore, the elevation differential between the upstream and downstream channel bottom approximately eleven (11) feet. The project will grade the bottom of the channel 300 feet west and east, up and downstream respectively, of the crossing to provide a uniform channel bottom slope within the project area. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 3 The project will also include the following additional improvements: • Railing Architectural treatment. The bridge design will incorporate railing architectural treatment as required by the City’s standard design. • Integration of a regional Bike/Pedestrian/Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) corridor (CV Link). The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and the communities within the Coachella Valley are working together on the implementation of a regional Bike/Pedestrian/NEV corridor (CV Link) along Whitewater River and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel. The project design will be consistent with these plans by allowing for the integration of a trail under crossing within the southern slope protection, which also includes a trail connector to the pedestrian and bike facilities proposed along Dune Palms Road in the project area. • Utility Relocation. The project will also require utility relocations for Imperial Irrigation District (IID) overhead electrical distribution lines, adjustment to both water valve can and lids and the manhole covers, 18” ductile iron pipe water main relocations at each bridge abutment, and relocation of both a 12” and 18” sewer line at the northern bridge abutment. Both the water main and sewer line, under the operations of Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), relocations would be minor in nature, with the relocation limited to the existing road right and/or channel of way. Right-of-Way Requirements The project will require street right-of-way acquisitions on the northeast and southeast corners of the proposed bridge. The existing development at the northeast corner of the proposed bridge consists of a mobile home park with one single family home. Some of the mobile homes adjacent to the Dune Palms Road are encroaching within the existing street right of way. The project may require the acquisition of the single-family residence and relocation of two mobile homes residents. The project will be designed to avoid and minimize relocation impacts of the mobile homes. Temporary Construction Bypass The existing roadway will be modified to construct a temporary construction bypass road. The temporary bypass will allow for staged construction of the bridge, and maintaining vehicle and pedestrian access at all times. Temporary and short term access impact may occur during construction, and will require coordination with property owners, the public, and other stakeholders. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 4 Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 5 Figure 2. Project Location Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 6 Environmental Checklist Project Title: DUNE PALMS ROAD LOW WATER CROSSING REPLACEMENT Lead Agency Name and Address: City of La Quinta, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253 Contact Person and Phone Number: Timothy R. Jonasson, Director of Design and Development/City Engineer, City of La Quinta; (760) 777-7042 Project Location: The proposed project is located along Dune Palms Road over the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel (CVSC) between Highway 111 and Blackhawk Way/Westward Ho Drive in the City of La Quinta, California. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: City of La Quinta, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253 General Plan Designation: According to the City of La Quinta General Plan adopted in 2013, the area east of the project location is designated as Medium/High Density Residential, Major Community Facility west of the project location, and General Commercial on the southeast and southwest sides of the project location. The area within the channel is designated as Open Space-Natural. 2035 La Quinta General Plan, Land Use, 2013 http://www.laquintaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=33551 Zoning Designation: The Official City Zoning Map of 2007 indicates that the area northeast of the project area is Major Community zoned as Medium Density Residential (RM), the northwest is Major Community Facilities (MC), southeast is Regional Commercial (CR), and the southwest is Commercial Park (CP). The channel is zoned as Floodplain (FP). Project Description The City of La Quinta proposes to remove the existing low-water crossing of Dune Palms Road at the CVSC and replace it with a 480-foot- long and 86-foot-wide four-span bridge. The bridge typical section consists of six-foot sidewalk on both sides of the bridge, two (2) eight- foot outside shoulders also serving as bike/golf cart lanes, a 10-foot raised median, two (2) eleven-foot travel lanes, and two (2) twelve-foot travel lanes. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting Dune Palms Mobile Estates is located immediately to the east and northeast of the project location. The estate includes 103 mobile homes. It also includes an on-site swimming pool amenity and one Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 7 traditional single-story, single-family home at the southwest corner of the site facing Dune Palms Road and abutting the north side of the CVSC. On the northwest side of Dune Palms Road is the La Quinta High School. The Dune Palms Road frontage includes views of sports fields and portable classrooms, with access to a parking lot. The main access to the high school is from Westward Ho Drive. The land southeast of the project is vacant. Commercial developments exist on the southwest side of the project area. Other Public Agencies whose approval is required The following public agencies approval will be required for the project construction: Agency Approval Caltrans NEPA review and Federal funding Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Encroachment Permits for work within CVSC and future operations and maintenance of the bridge US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Section 404 Permit California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 1602 Agreement Colorado River Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Section 401 Certificate, NPDES Permit and Construction General Permit Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 8 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 9 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 10 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. DETERMINATION: On the basis of this initial evaluation: ☐ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ☒ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ☐ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ☐ I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as describe on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. ☐ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. ____________________________________________________ ___________________________ Signature Date ☐ Aesthetics ☐ Agriculture and Forestry Resources ☒ Air Quality ☒ Biological Resources ☒ Cultural Resources ☒ Geology/Soils ☒ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ☒ Hazards and Hazardous Materials ☒ Hydrology/Water Quality ☒ Land Use/Planning ☐ Mineral Resources ☒ Noise ☒ Population/Housing ☐ Public Services ☐ Recreation ☒ Transportation/Traffic ☒ Utilities and Service Systems ☒ Mandatory Findings of Significance Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 11 I. AESTHETICS Potential Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Sources: Scenic Resources Evaluation and Visual Impact Assessment Memorandum, January 2015 Setting: Dune Palms Road serves as a vital north/south link for emergency services, as well as for the La Quinta High, John Glenn Middle and Amelia Earhart Elementary Schools. It also provides connectivity to the Highway 111 commercial corridor for residential development north of the channel. The CVSC conveys storm water runoff from the surrounding mountains as well as developed areas within the Coachella Valley. The proposed bridge would have an increased roadway width as compared to the existing roadway in order to meet the City of La Quinta General Plan designation; however, the proposed roadway section would be compatible with the existing four-lane roadway section to the south, and the City’s current roadway improvement project to the north. In order for the project to provide for an all-weather crossing, the bridge would have a significant vertical grade raise. The existing roadway approaches would be reconstructed to accommodate the raised profile. The project would be designed to allow for the integration of a trail under-crossing within the southern slope protection. The project would also include a trail connector to the pedestrian and bike facilities along Dune Palms Road. Dune Palms is identified for Class III Bicycle Paths (shared facilities) in the City’s General Plan. The roadway is not identified as an image corridor; however, Highway 111 does have an image corridor designation by the City. Image corridors provide views of the surrounding community as well as horizon views of the Coachella Valley area and Santa Rosa Mountains. They are considered a community asset and have special consideration and protection. The project’s construction limits would extend to the north of Highway 111. Existing land use within the project area includes vacant land, commercial buildings, La Quinta High School, a single-family residence, and a mobile-home park. Views from the roadway consist of adjacent development, open views along the channel of the surrounding area, and horizon views of the mountains. Those who have views of the project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 12 site consist of motorists and pedestrians using the facility, homeowners who have views oriented to the roadway, and commercial users, owners, and employees accessing the commercial areas from the roadway. Homeowners and pedestrians are considered to be highly-sensitive to visual change as they experience the visual environment on a personal level. Motorists and commercial users are considered to be moderately-sensitive to visual change as the visual environment being second or third in priority to their primary task. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. There are no scenic vistas in the project area. b) No Impact. There are no designated scenic highways in the project area. The proposed bridge would not affect the character or visual quality of Highway 111 or the elements of its character and quality that classify it as an image corridor. c) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed bridge would not degrade the existing visual character and quality of the project site. The bridge would not be out of character with surrounding uses and would fit within the overall context of the existing roadway and regional bike/pedestrian/NEV corridor. The proposed bridge would not obstruct views and in some instances, may open new views within the segment that would be raised above the channel bottom. The project requires limited acquisitions of right-of-way. The proposed acquisitions would not change the overall character or quality of the site and views within the affected area. Views for motorists and pedestrians would change to include horizon and corridor views of the mountains and surrounding areas primarily along the elevated segment of the roadway. Views of the roadway from adjacent residences and commercial areas are limited and represent the minority of available visual resources. To enhance the visual character of the bridge, the design would incorporate the standard La Quinta architectural treatment for the railing to achieve the community design goals. The visual character of the at-grade portion of the roadway is expected to change slightly from a somewhat rural to semi-urban feel as the bridge structure would have a modern, hard-surface character offering expanded views from an elevated versus at-grade perspective. This change is not expected to be viewed negatively by pedestrians and may be a welcome change as safety would be improved and views would be expanded. The proposed project would not change the overall character or visual quality of the project corridor or surrounding areas. Although the project would result in physical changes to the roadway and portions of the channel, it would not affect views or visual quality within the project area. The project would not result in adverse visual impacts and would be consistent with local plans and policies. d) Less than Significant Impact. No new sources of light or glare are associated with the proposed project. The elevated bridge would not create any considerable change in the light and glare caused by the roadway traffic. Construction of the project would occur during daytime and would be short- term. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 13 II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY Potential Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Sources: 1. California Department of Conservation California Important Farmland Finder http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/ciff/ciff.htm accessed January 2016. 2. 2035 La Quinta General Plan- Land Use, 2013. http://www.laquintaca.gov/business/design-and- development/planning-division/2035-la-quinta-general-plan 3. http://www.laquintaca.gov/business/design-and-development/planning-division/maps . City of La Quinta Official Zoning Map, 2007 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 14 Setting: The project is located mostly within the urbanized area of the City of La Quinta and does not include Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. According to the State of California Department of Conservation Important Farmland Finder, the project area is surrounded mostly by land designated as Urban and Built-Up Land. The area within the Channel as well as the vacant land on the Southeast side of the project are designated as Farmland of Local Importance or Farmland of Local Potential. Water Area designation exists within the Channel. However, according to the City Official Zoning Map, the vacant land on the southeast side of the project area is zoned as Regional Commercial (CR), and the channel area is zoned as Floodplain (FP). No signs of farmland activities within the last 5 or 10 years were observed within the project area. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The project area does not include Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. b) No Impact. There is no land zoned for agricultural use, and no lands under Williamson Act contract within the project area. c) No Impact. The project does not conflict with zoning of farmland or timber land. d) No Impact. The project area does not include any forest or timber land. e) No Impact. The project does not affect farmland and will not cause the conversion of farmland to non- agricultural use. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 15 III. AIR QUALITY Potential Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Source: Air Quality Study Report, City of La Quinta, February 2016 Setting: The project is located in the Coachella Valley, which is in the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB) portion of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The federal and state governments have established ambient air quality standards for six criteria pollutants: carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead (Pb). Under federal standards, the entire SCAQMD is classified as an extreme nonattainment area for O3, a moderate nonattainment area for PM2.5, and a maintenance area for NO2 and CO. The Coachella Valley is classified as a serious nonattainment area for PM10. The area is a federal attainment area for all other pollutants. Under state standards, the SCAQMD is classified as a nonattainment area for O3, PM2.5, and PM10. The project is in a state attainment area for all other pollutants. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The project is located in the jurisdiction of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and was included in the regional emissions analysis conducted by SCAG for the conforming 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP). The plan was found to conform to the State Implementation Plans (SIP/s) for attaining and maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The project is also included in the SCAG 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), which was Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 16 found to conform to the SIP on December 15, 2014. The design concept and scope of the proposed project is consistent with the project description in the RTP and FTIP and the assumptions in the SCAG regional emissions analysis. As such, the project is in conformity with implementation of applicable plans. b) Less Than Significant Impacts. This project does not include any parking facilities where vehicles would be cold-started. Therefore, this project would not affect cold start percentages in the area. The project would not affect traffic volumes and would not cause delay at intersections in the project area. The project is not a new or expanded highway project with a significant number of diesel vehicles and does not cause significant increase in diesel vehicles. As such, the project would not cause in an increased CO levels. The project underwent Interagency Consultation (IAC) on April 28, 2015, and again on October 27, 2015, and was found not to be considered a project of air quality concern for PM10 and/or PM2.5. The project is not anticipated to violate air quality standards or contribute to existing air quality violations. c) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in any criteria pollutant for which the project is non-attainment. During construction, which is anticipated to be completed within 14 months, short term degradation of air quality may occur due to the release of particulate emissions (airborne dust) generated by excavation, grading, hauling, and other construction-related activities. Emissions from construction equipment also are expected and may include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), directly-emitted particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and toxic air contaminants such as diesel exhaust particulate matter. Ozone is a regional pollutant that is derived from NOx and VOCs in the presence of sunlight and heat. However, most of the construction impacts to air quality are short-term in duration and will not result in long-term adverse conditions. SCAQMD established rules (401-405) regarding discharge of air contaminants such as fugitive dust, and other nuisance matters during construction operations. The City of La Quinta established a Municipal Code for Dust Control of minimum requirements for construction and demolition activities and other specified sources to reduce man-made fugitive dust and the corresponding PM10 emissions. The contractor will adhere to all the established rules and measures in order to avoid and minimize short term air quality impacts resulting from construction activities. With the implementation of the below listed measures, it is not anticipated that the project would result in a significant impact on air quality due to the releasing of emissions during construction: AQ-1. Throughout construction, local and state regulations regarding dust control and other emissions reduction controls, such as those noted below, would be followed: • Water or dust palliative will be applied to the site and equipment as often as necessary to control fugitive dust emissions. Fugitive emissions generally must meet a “no visible dust” criterion either at the point of emissions or at the right-of-way line depending on local regulations. • Soil binder will be spread on any unpaved roads used for construction purposes, and on all project construction parking areas. • Trucks will be washed as they leave the right-of-way as necessary to control fugitive dust emissions. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 17 • Construction equipment and vehicles will be properly tuned and maintained. All construction equipment will use low sulfur fuel as required by CA Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 93114. • A dust control plan will be developed documenting sprinkling, temporary paving, speed limits, and timely revegetation of disturbed slopes as needed to minimize construction impacts to existing communities. • Equipment and materials storage sites will be located as far away from residential and park uses as practicable. Construction areas will be kept clean and orderly. • ESA (Environmentally Sensitive Area)-like areas or their equivalent will be established near sensitive air receptors. Within these areas construction activities involving the extended idling of diesel equipment or vehicles will be prohibited, to the extent feasible. • Track-out reduction measures, such as gravel pads at project access points to minimize dust and mud deposits on roads affected by construction traffic, will be used. • All transported loads of soils and wet materials will be covered before transport, or adequate freeboard (space from the top of the material to the top of the truck) will be provided to minimize emission of dust (particulate matter) during transportation. • Dust and mud that are deposited on paved, public roads due to construction activity and traffic will be promptly and regularly removed to decrease particulate matter. • To the extent feasible, construction traffic will be scheduled and routed to reduce congestion and related air quality impacts caused by idling vehicles along local roads during peak travel times. d) Less than Significant Impact. Sensitive receptors affected by air quality within the project area include schools, medical centers and similar health care facilities, child care facilities, parks and playgrounds. A mobile home park and single family homes are located directly east of the project area. Furthermore, La Quinta High School is located directly west of the project. The project is not anticipated to expose sensitive receptors to substantial long term air quality impacts. Temporary and short term impacts will be minimized following measures provided under question (c) above. e) Less than Significant Impact. Some phases of construction, particularly asphalt paving, may result in short- term odors in the immediate area of each paving site(s). Such odors would quickly disperse to below detectable levels as distance from the site(s) increases and would not affect a substantial number of people. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 18 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Sources: Natural Environment Study, City of La Quinta, September 2015 Setting: A Natural Environment Study (NES) with Jurisdictional Delineation was completed for the project in September 2015. An addendum to the NES was approved in November 2017. The NES and supporting studies Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 19 considered the natural resources within a study area of 5 miles radius and included all spatial components of the Project. According to the NES, the project area within the CVSC is comprised of predominantly disturbed riparian herbaceous habitat. Many of the plant species within the channel are considered “ruderal” plants, associated with human settlements and urban areas, such as vacant lots and other human-modified environments. The upland areas are comprised of developed and disturbed land. Vegetation within this area is comprised of landscape and ornamental vegetation and non-native species. Scattered within the disturbed vacant parcel adjacent to the project area are few native perennial shrubs; however, the nature of the soil and scarcity of native vegetation, precludes these areas from being characterized as desert shrub habitats. Few wildlife species were observed near the project area. They include birds and common insects. Although not observed, the project site hosts multiple lizard species, rabbits, ground squirrels and coyotes. Aquatic Resources: The major aquatic resource within the study area is the channelized Whitewater River alignment within the CVSC. The channel in this location is highly modified from its original form, and is regularly maintained by the CVWD to reduce sediment and maintain flows. The channel in the project area is characterized as having a mixture of earthen and concrete bottom and slopes, thus supporting some vegetation growth. The water flow is intermittent and conveys surface storm water runoff during significant rain events, which typically occur during the winter season but may also occur during summer monsoon season. Local urban runoff flows via a pipe into the channel along the north side west side of the project site. This runoff sustains a small patch of freshwater marsh. The marsh is approximately 0.03 acre in extent and it is located within of the proposed work areas. The marsh habitat did not occur historically and due to its small extent, it does not provide habitats for any substantial native aquatic resources. Habitat Connectivity: Although the amount of urban development along most of the CVSC severely limits its functionality as a regional wildlife movement corridor, it can serve as a local movement corridor. This corridor is highly disturbed, relatively narrow, and traverses highly urbanized areas. Therefore, it is not anticipated that it is used for substantial wildlife movement. The channel mostly functions as local movement corridor between urban habitat patches for species adapted to urban environment throughout much of the Coachella Valley. The CVSC also represents a local water source during local rain events and provides some vegetative cover as well as a source of invertebrate prey base. Critical Habitats: Critical Habitats for several federally-listed species are present within the vicinity of the study area. However, none of the Critical Habitat Units overlap the project area. Sensitive Plant Communities: The sensitive Desert Fan Palm Oasis Woodland plant community has been recorded within five miles of the project study area. Desert Fan Palm Oasis Woodland is dominated by native fan palms (Washingtonia filifera) with several associated shrub species. The nearest recorded location of this community is within Magnesia Spring Canyon near Rancho Mirage, approximately seven miles west of the Project area. No fan palms occur within the Project area. All riparian plant communities are considered to be sensitive plant communities because their distribution is relatively rare and limited. The freshwater marsh located near the project site is considered to be a riparian habitat Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 20 type and a sensitive plant community. Disturbed riparian herbaceous is likewise considered to be a riparian habitat type. However, it is of low habitat value. Sensitive Plant Species: Several special-status plant species are known to occur within the general area of the project. Based on surveys and analysis, none of these species are likely to occur within the project study area. Glandular ditaxis (Ditaxis claryana) species has been recorded within one mile of the study area. The Coachella Valley milk vetch is a Federal endangered species that is found only within sand dune habitat areas within the Coachella Valley. The closest known population of this plant species is north of the Project area within the outskirts of Palm Desert, in sand dune areas. Coachella Valley milk vetch was not expected to occur within the project area, but due to its level of sensitivity, the plant was surveyed during its bloom season of March in 2015. No suitable habitat for the Coachella Valley milk vetch identified within the study area and no Coachella Valley milk vetch plants were observed within the Project area. Sensitive wildlife species: 12 wildlife species are known to occur within five miles of the project study area, and three have been recorded within a mile of this area. Wildlife species recorded within five miles of the Project area include Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), Le Conte’s thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei), Coachella giant sand-treader cricket (Macrobaenetes valgum), black-tailed gnatcatcher (Polioptila melaneura), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinimops femorosaccus), flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii), Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus chlorus), western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus), Casey’s June beetle (Dinacoma caseyi), and loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, the giant sand-treader cricket, and Palm Springs round-tailed ground squired were observed closest to the Project area. Of these three species recorded closest to the Project area, the fringe-toed lizard is formally listed at both state (endangered) and federal (threatened) levels. Neither the giant sand-treader cricket nor the Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel is formally listed at either state or federal levels. Sightings of Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel are south of the Project area and south of Highway 111. Records of Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and the giant sand-treader cricket are north of the Project area and urbanized sections of La Quinta. There is suitable habitat for five special-status species identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service list within the study area: burrowing owl, loggerhead shrike, Earthquake Merriam’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami bangsi), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), and western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus). Of these species, only the burrowing owl habitat has the potential to exist within the project area. Impact discussion: a) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. There were no species or critical habitats for species that were identified as candidate, sensitive, or special status found in the project area. A burrowing owl habitat assessment was completed during 2015 within the project study area. A potential habitat was identified within the southeast corner of the study area, outside the CVSC, and within a vacant lot considered for construction staging area (CSA). No burrowing owls were observed within the study area during the general biological surveys conducted for the project. There is no identified burrowing owl habitat within areas that Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 21 will be affected temporarily or permanently by the bridge and roadway construction activities. If the vacant lot is used as a CSA, the following measures will be implemented: BIO-1. Burrowing owl surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within 30 days prior to any phase of construction, including staging, in the areas identified as potential burrowing owl habitat. These preconstruction surveys are also required to comply with the MBTA and the California Fish and Game Code. If any of the preconstruction surveys determine that burrowing owls are present, one or more of the following may be required: (1) avoidance of active nests/burrows and surrounding buffer area during construction activities; (2) passive relocation of individual owls; and (3) preservation of on-site habitat with long-term conservation value for the owl. Measures must be developed by the contractor’s qualified biologist and the City in concert with CDFW. Even though there is low potential for any species of concern to occur within the project area, it is recommended that if there is a delay in the project construction, another botanical reassessment survey focused on California Native Plant Society (CNPS) list be conducted within the construction disturbance area within a year prior to the initiation of the construction activities. If any species were discovered within the project area, the City should coordinate with CDFW regarding required measures, if any. b) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Disturbed riparian herbaceous within the CVSC are considered of low habitat value. Areas to be temporarily affected due to construction activities include areas to be used for a temporary bypass during construction, and temporary construction access. The permanent impacts include areas used for the construction of the bridge columns. Potential direct impacts to sensitive natural community can be both temporary and permanent loss of habitat, including areas used for nesting and for burrows by ground-dwelling mammals and reptiles. Species that are relatively mobile (e.g., birds and many small mammals and reptiles) will likely disperse into nearby areas. Some mortality of less mobile and burrowing species may occur. Raptors and migratory birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) potentially using plant species within and adjacent the project area could be affected by their removal and/or proximity to construction activities. Project impacts to nesting birds are primarily limited to the removal of vegetation. No raptor nests or other nests in vegetation within the study area were observed during biological surveys. Permanent impacts from loss of vegetation communities are limited to primarily disturbed and ornamental species that do not provide any substantial value as wildlife habitat. Other than the indirect impacts through loss of vegetation, no other effects on wildlife are expected. Certain bat species, including the western yellow bat and pallid bat, have a moderate potential to use the CVSC channel areas and surrounding urban areas. Bat use of the channel is expected to be temporary and consist of foraging or temporary resting on ornamental vegetation or structures. Because bat use of the project area is anticipated to be limited, and no permanent roost sites are identified within the project area, no substantial project effects on bats are anticipated. Temporary impacts would be limited to the construction period and include increased noise levels and increased human disturbance. Construction noise may adversely affect nesting birds, particularly if construction and vegetation clearing begins after the onset of the nesting season; however, all vegetation Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 22 clearing and nest removal would be completed in accordance with the measures discussed below, and no substantial temporary effects on nesting birds are anticipated. Additional common indirect effects associated with construction include glare, invasive species, increased dust generation, mortality of displaced wildlife. Indirect effects on wildlife beyond the project area could result from impacts to water quality during construction; however, these impacts would be avoided and minimized through implementation of BMP measures identified under Section IX. Hydrology and Water Quality of this Checklist. Incorporation of BMPs into all phases of the Project would ensure no substantial adverse effects on wildlife associated with construction or operational effects on water quality. No significant adverse indirect impacts to wildlife beyond the project area are expected as a result of the project. Nesting Bird Species Mitigation Measures: To avoid effects to nesting birds, the following measures shall be implemented: BIO-2. Vegetation removals would occur outside of the nesting bird season (i.e., February 15–August 31) to the maximum extent practicable. In the event that vegetation clearing is necessary during the nesting season, the contractor will have a qualified biologist conduct a preconstruction survey within 300 ft. of construction areas no more than 30 days prior to construction at the location to identify the locations of nests (if any). A qualified biologist is one that has surveyed for nesting bird species within the Coachella Valley previously and has at least two years of prior nesting bird survey experience. BIO-3. Should nesting birds be found, an exclusionary buffer will be established by the qualified biologist around each nest site. This buffer will be a distance from the construction activity based on the nest location, surrounding existing disturbances and the species of bird that is nesting. The buffer will be clearly marked in the field by construction personnel under guidance of the contractor’s qualified biologist, and construction or clearing will not be conducted within this zone until the qualified biologist determines that the young have fledged or the nest is no longer active. The qualified biologist will monitor the nests on a weekly basis to ensure that construction activities do not disturb or disrupt nesting activities. If the qualified biologist determines that construction activities are disturbing or disrupting nesting activities, then the biologist will notify the City. Responses may include, but are not limited to, increasing the size of the exclusionary buffer, curtailing nearby work activities, turning off vehicle engines and other equipment whenever possible to reduce noise, installing a protective noise barrier between the nest and the construction activities, and/or working in other areas until the young have fledged. Invasive Species. Due to the location of the Project site in an urbanized area and the modified environments, numerous non-native, invasive species of plants are present in the study area. Project construction activities could spread existing populations of invasive weeds and/or introduce new species from contaminated sources. In compliance with EO 13112, the following will be implemented: BIO-4. Landscaping and erosion control, if any may be included in the project, shall not include species listed on either the Federal or the State of California Noxious Weed List. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 23 BIO-5. In areas of particular sensitivity (i.e., near or adjacent to drainages) extra precautions shall be taken if invasive species are found in or adjacent to these areas. This would include the inspection and cleaning of construction equipment and eradication strategies, as needed. c) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. A Jurisdictional Delineation was completed for the project in September 2015. There is a potential jurisdictional wetland area found to the west of the project area associated with a pipe outlet conveying urban runoff. This runoff sustains a small patch of freshwater marsh. With further development of the design plans, it became apparent that there was a need to extend the slope protection limits to provide scour countermeasures, which is a necessary part of the Project. The installation of the concrete slope protection will require the existing channel bank to be excavated at a 1.5:1 (horizontal to vertical) slope to the bottom of the channel, then at a 1:1 slope to the bottom of the slope protection. The current dirt channel bank is at an approximate slope of 2:1 to 2.5:1. As a result, the outlet will be removed and relocated to the north (away from the center of the channel) to align with the proposed slope protection. This slope protection work will affect the area where the jurisdictional wetland is present. The relocated storm drain outlet will be constructed to be integral with the proposed slope protection. This temporary wetland impact consists of an area of 0.01 acre and 53 linear feet. It is anticipated that the installed storm water outlet will cause the freshwater marshland to be re-established within the existing location, and close to the pre-project dimensions. Other waters will be affected by the project based on preliminary engineering for the Project. There would be 0.13 acre and 32 linear feet of temporary impacts and 0.02 acre and five linear feet of permanent impacts to USACE and CDFW jurisdictional areas. The Project impact area is highly disturbed and the existing low flow crossing would be removed after construction has been completed, leading to a net beneficial impact for the Project. Temporary impacts are necessary to divert traffic away from the location of the permanent bridge during the construction period. The temporary impact areas would be restored to existing topography after construction had been completed. The location of the permanent bridge structure would coincide with the existing location of the low-flow crossing within Dune Palms Road. In addition to the implementation of BMP measures to preserve downstream water quality identified under Section IX. Hydrology and Water Quality, the following measures will be implemented to minimize impacts to jurisdictional waters: BIO-6. Before construction activities begin for the proposed project, the following approvals/ permits must be obtained or determined not applicable by the Department through additional coordination with the applicable Federal and State resource agencies: • Streambed Alteration Agreement pursuant to California Fish and Game Code Section 1602; • USACE Nationwide Permit pursuant to CWA Section 404; and RWQCB 401 Water Quality Certification pursuant to CWA Section 401. BIO-7. Project construction activities are anticipated to occur through the rainy season. Should surface water flow occur through the project area at any point, the contractor will initiate appropriate BMPs. Construction activities within the CVSC will be designed/conducted to maintain downstream flow conditions. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 24 BIO-8. ESAs will be incorporated into the plans and specifications for the project so that the contractor is aware of the limits of allowable site access and disturbance. BIO-9. All drainages temporarily impacted during construction will be returned to their original contours at the end of project activities. d) No Impact. No federal fisheries or essential fish habitat resources are present within the proposed study corridor. The CVSC is a hospitable corridor for local wildlife movement. Although Project activities will temporarily affect corridor functionality, the planned bridge will creating a safer undercrossing for mobilizing wildlife that currently is at risk from moving vehicles and other pedestrian activities residing on the low- crossing. e) No Impact. The project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. f) Less Than Significant. The goal of the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) is to identify significantly important species and habitats and to develop ways and means to preserve and/or restore the ecological value of plant communities and their attendant sensitive species in rapidly urbanizing settings. The current Project is located within an existing NCCP, the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) implemented under Section 10 of the ESA. However, there is no critical habitat or biological resources addressed in the MSHCP within the project study area. The project will not be in violation or conflict with the provisions of the plan, and other conservation policies and plan. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 25 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ Source: 1. Archaeological Survey Report, September 2017 2. Historic Resources Evaluation Report, September 2017 3. Historic Property Survey Report, September 2017 Setting: According to the Historical Resources Evaluation Report (HRER) prepared for the project, a built environment resource investigation was conducted within the project are in order to identify, record, and evaluate any resources that are 45 years old or more. One property consists of a mobile home park located within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) was evaluated as a historic district according to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historic Resource (CRHR) eligibility criteria. The results of the survey and evaluation determined that this only non-exempt property does not have the potential to be considered a historic property under the NHPA or under CEQA, either individually or as a district. The Archaeological Survey Report prepared for the project identified two known archeological sites within the APE for the project. Bridge 56C0266 is located within the vicinity of the APE. This bridge was constructed in 1976 and widened in 1994. It has previously been evaluated and determined ineligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Two previously recorded archaeological sites (P-33-08692/CA-RIV-6190 and P-33-16950/CA-RIV-8835) were identified within the APE. P-33-08692 (CA-RIV-6190), an extensive prehistoric habitation site, was not re-identified during the survey since the area has since been developed. Site (P-33-16950/CA-RIV-8835) is located in a vacant commercial parcel at the southeast corner of the proposed bridge within the APE. It was initially recorded as a light prehistoric ceramic scatter with daub and fire affected rock. Archaeological subsurface testing in 2008 revealed the presence of additional ceramic sherds, marine and freshwater shell, ground stone, charcoal, and faunal remains. Cremated human remains were also found during subsurface testing. Over 700 artifacts were recovered during surface collection with another 700 collected during Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 26 subsurface testing. After human remains were found, additional recovery units were excavated around them revealing the presence of an additional 1,125 artifacts and ecofacts. The evaluation performed for CEQA proposed that only the portion of the site with human remains would potentially be eligible for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources. As a result of the survey for the current Project, ceramic sherds and daub, along with one flake, were identified near Dune Palms Road and the P33-16950 site boundary defined in 2008, which would potentially extends the boundaries of the site into the construction limits or Area of Direct Impact (ADI) ADI. The proposed construction of the all-weather bridge at this location will require the raising of Dune Palms Road on both the north and south roadway approaches. At the north approach, the road will be raised approximately 9.5 feet and at the south approach approximately 12.9 feet. At the south roadway approach along the east side of Dune Palms Road, the project will utilize a fill slope from the edge of the roadway to the existing ground. This area of in slope fill with extend to a maximum distance of 45 feet from the existing Dune Palms Road right of way to the east, with a temporary construction easement limit 55 feet from the existing street right of way. Within the area of the fill slope embankment, the existing ground will need to be over excavated up to 12 inches and re-compacted prior to initiating any placement of embankment fill. However, the part of the site in the ADI appeared greatly disturbed during the 2016 survey. Ground disturbance has occurred in the past as part of several previous construction activities. The Whitewater River was channelized by CVCD in order to better manage storm water run-off. This included the building up of the dirt side walls and covering with concert portions of the walls. With the building of the Jefferson Plaza Shopping Center at the southwest corner of the bridge, the concreted walls of the channel were extended west. Ground disturbance also occurred with the installation of a 12” vitrified clay pipes (VCP) sewer main. The sewer pipe runs south of the storm water channel and east of Dune Palms Road, from Corporate Center Drive north to the southern bank of the CVSC, then turning east parallel with the channel. In those areas where the depth of the sewer was greater than five (5) feet between the bottom of the pipe trench and existing ground, the pipe trenching would have required a minimum layback of a 1.5:1 slope from a point five (5) feet above the bottom of the pipe. Ground disturbance also occurred when Dune Palms Road was extended north from Highway 111 between 1996 and 2002.Through the use of historical and current aerial photography, the previously disturbed limits is approximately 40 feet east of the edge of the existing Dune Palms Road and approximately 120 feet south of the top of the storm water channel into the existing vacant commercial site. An Extended Phase I subsurface investigation was carried out to determine whether subsurface prehistoric archaeological deposits are present in the ADI and if so, whether they can be protected by the establishment of an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). If subsurface deposits were to be present, the Extended Phase I subsurface investigation was also designed to determine whether the deposits are intact or too disturbed to contribute to the eligibility of site P33-16950. The Extended Phase I study was implemented to help determine the boundaries of the site as required by 36 CFR 800.4(b). Field work for the investigation was completed in July, 2017. A total of 17 shovel test pits (STPs) were excavated in the ADI. Excavation were completed to the depth of anticipated with the project construction activities. These conclusions are based on the tested sample with STPs spaced 10 meter apart and excavated to a depth of 80 centimeters. One ceramic sherd was observed on the surface within the 2016 site boundary in the ADI. Hoverer, the results from the STPs show that an intact subsurface deposit of prehistoric material from site P33-16950 is not present in the upper 80 centimeters of soil within the Dune Palms Road Low Water Crossing ADI. No cultural Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 27 material associated with site P33-16950 was found in any of the 17 STPs. In addition, evidence of previous disturbance was noted in multiple STPs as evidenced by the presence of modern debris at depths exceeding 60 and 70 centimeters below the surface. Intact native sediments were noted in two STPs at a depth below 60 centimeters, but no cultural material was noted in these sediments. Based on these results, it does not appear that the subsurface deposits within P33-16950 extend into the ADI at the depths tested. The cultural material seen on the surface in the ADI in 2016 is part of a modern secondary deposition of cultural material. Therefore, the site boundary remains as defined in 2008 and does not extend into the ADI. These conclusions are based on the tested sample with STPs spaced 10 meter apart and excavated to a depth of 80 centimeters. Native American Consultation A search of the sacred lands file was requested from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on October 22, 2014. On November 6, 2014, the Commission responded stating that the search failed to indicate the presence of Native American cultural resources in the immediate vicinity of the project. The NAHC also requested that 20 Native American tribes or individuals be contacted for further information regarding the general Project vicinity. Letters and/or emails, requesting information on any additional known cultural resources heritage sites, and containing maps and Project information, were sent to the 20 Native American contacts on November 6, 2014. Additional emails and/or phone calls were made on December 1 and 9, 2014 to the contacts who did not respond to previous contact attempts. The Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians requested that a Native American monitor observe all project-related ground disturbing activities. The Augustine Band of Mission Indians suggested that a Native American monitor be present. The Torres- Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians indicated that the entire area from Washington to Jefferson Streets is consider to be part of one large village. A letter providing updated information about the project was sent by the City of La Quinta to the following Native American contacts: • Luther Salgado, Chairman, Cahuilla Band of Indians • Ernest Siva, Tribal Elder, Morongo Band of Mission Indians • Karen Kupcha, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians • Patricia Garcia, THPO, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians • Michael Mirelez, Cultural Resources Coordinator, Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians William Vance, Tribal Vice Chairman of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians replied that the Band is unaware of specific cultural resources that may be affected by the proposed project, and recommended the presence of a qualified Native American monitor be present during construction. They also wished to be notified if any cultural resources are discovered. The Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians and the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians were interested in providing Native American monitors for the project. Native American monitors were supplied by the Agua Caliente Band for the entirety of the Extended Phase I fieldwork. No other responses to the letter were received. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 28 Impact discussion: a) No Impact. There are no historical resource identified in the project area. b) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. One archaeological site was identified in the APE of the project. However, an Extended Phase I subsurface investigation concluded that the ADI is void of any cultural material. Cultural material presence is not anticipated during construction due to the highly disturbed nature of the area from the construction of previous projects. In addition, Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) will be designated to protect the archeological resource identified in the APE. (See Appendix A, Figure 3 for Project Area Map for P-33-16950 for the location of the ESA and monitoring sites) The following measures will be required during each phase of the project: Pre-construction: CUL-1. The Project Engineer and Project Archaeologist will ensure that the boundaries of the ESA are clearly described and illustrated in the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) package. CUL-2. A pre-construction meeting with the Construction Supervisor and construction personnel will be held to discuss the ESAs, including access restrictions and maintenance of fencing for protective measures. CUL-3. The Project Engineer will notify the Project Archaeologist at least three weeks prior to start of construction to allow for a field review of ESA locations and arrangements for monitoring of fence installation. CUL-4. Review ESA locations in the field one week prior to start of construction. During construction: CUL-5. Install temporary orange plastic fencing along ESA boundary at least one week prior to initiating construction, under the supervision of the Project Engineer and the Project Archaeologist. CUL-6. Conduct monitoring of ground-disturbing activities in the ADI south of the Storm water Channel by an archaeologist and a Native American. CUL-7. Conduct spot monitoring and photo-documentation at various times throughout Project construction to ensure the integrity of the ESAs. Post-construction: CUL-8. The Construction Supervisor will notify the Project Archaeologist when construction is completed in the vicinity of each site, so that the temporary fencing can be removed. CUL-8. The Project Archaeologist will oversee the removal of the fencing by the construction personnel. In addition, if cultural materials are discovered during construction, all earth-moving activity within and around the immediate discovery area will be diverted until a qualified archaeologist can ass the nature and significance of the find. With the implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures, it is not anticipated that the project would cause adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 29 c) No Impact. There are no known paleontological resources or sites within the project area. The project location is already disturbed due to previous construction activities including the construction of the existing roadway crossing, and underground utilities. It is not anticipated that unknown paleontological resources will be discovered within the project area. d) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. If human remains are discovered during the project excavation, the following measure will be implemented: CUL-9. If human remains are discovered, State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that further disturbances and activities shall stop in any area or nearby area suspected to overlie remains, and the County Coroner contacted. Pursuant to PRC Section 5097.98, if the remains are thought to be Native American, the coroner will notify the NAHC, which will then notify the Most Likely Descendent (MLD). Further provisions of PRC 5097.98 are to be followed as applicable. VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ iv) Landslides? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 30 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: Preliminary Foundation Report, City of La Quinta, May 2015 Setting: The project area, as most of Southern California, is subject to strong seismic activities. According to the Preliminary Foundation Report prepared in May 2015, the San Andreas fault system, which runs from north of the San Francisco area to the Bombay Beach area of the Salton Sea and includes a Coachella Valley segment located about 8.2 km northeast of the project site. The general area has experienced strong earthquakes in the past and is likely to experience more moderate to strong earthquakes during the design life of the project. However, the project site is not considered susceptible to fault surface rupture hazard. The project site is not located within any of the State of California (CGS, 2015) designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Rupture (EFZ) zone. The Coachella Valley is underlain by a thick sequence of sedimentary deposits from the surrounding mountains. Soil investigation within the project site indicates that site soils consist of sand and silt, and contains little or no clay binders or cohesion. Some earth fill material was encountered in several locations within the project area including the area of the proposed bridge abutment, roadway conforms, and utility trench backfill. The fill material is composed of fine-grained silty sand with medium density and slightly moist. Site investigations did not encounter any groundwater. Impact Discussion a) Less Than Significant Impact. The project does not have the potential to cause substantial adverse effects including risk of loss injury, or death as a result of the following: i) The project site is not located within any designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Rupture zone. ii) The general project area is likely to experience moderate to strong earthquakes during the design life of the project. However, the project will be designed to the maximum required standards to withstand the potential seismic shaking according to the latest State of California, Department of Transportation standard specifications. iii) In the absence of groundwater within the maximum explored depth of about 120 feet, the project site is not considered susceptible to soil liquefaction hazards during seismic shaking. iv) The absence of soil liquefaction indicates a minimal landslide potential as a result of the project. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 31 b) Less than Significant Impact. During construction, surface grading activities could result in soil erosion and/or loss of topsoil. These impacts would be temporary and would be confined to the excavation areas. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan would be implemented that identifies specific applicable Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control erosion. A monitoring program would be implemented to ascertain the implementation and effectiveness of the prescribed BMPs. c) Less than Significant Impact. In the absence of soil liquefaction, the potential for the project to result in other secondary seismic hazards, including slope failure or lateral spreading and ground settlement, are considered low to very low for the site. Additional soil stabilization at the slopes will be included in the design of the project at the location under the bridge and extended upstream and downstream from the bridge to provide for slope stabilization. During construction, the contractor will be required to maintain the stability of holes dug for piles at all times during construction and obtaining a clean and firm condition at the bottom of the pile hole prior to the placement of reinforcement and/or concrete. All construction activities should be performed in accordance with the applicable current federal and State OSHA requirements. d) No Impact. The project is not located in an area of expansive soil. e) No Impact. The project does not involve the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems. VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS – Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Source: Air Quality Study Report, City of La Quinta, February 2016 Setting: Assembly Bill 32 sets GHG emissions reduction goals and mandated the Air Board (ARB) to create a scoping plan and implement rules to achieve “real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gases.” The AB 32 Scoping Plan mandated by AB 32 includes the main strategies California will use to reduce GHG emissions. Global climate change is a due to cumulative impacts, and an individual project generally does not generate enough GHG emissions to significantly influence global climate change. An individual project may have an impact Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 32 if it contributes to the cumulative impacts of all other sources of GHG. In assessing cumulative impacts, it must be determined if a project’s incremental effect is “cumulatively considerable” (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15064(h)(1) and 15130). Impact discussion: a) Less than Significant Impact. This project will not be affecting traffic volumes, delay or LOS in the project area. Furthermore, the project will not affect regional VMT. As such, the project is not expected to affect regional emission burdens and GHG emissions. Construction emissions will produce temporary GHG emissions from the operation of equipment, but there would likely be long-term GHG benefits with the new roadway’s smoother pavement surfaces and provision of bicycle lanes. b) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not conflict with applicable plans, policies, or regulations specifically adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. The proposed project would improve operations of existing transportation facilities and, therefore, have a beneficial impact related to GHG emissions. VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS WASTE Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 33 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: Initial Site Assessment, August 2015 Setting: An Initial Site Assessment (ISA) was performed for the project in August 2015. The ISA included a site walkover from public areas and right-of-way, review of government records, assembly and review of data from area maps and directories, assessment of aerial photographs, site reconnaissance, and interviews with individuals familiar with the Project Site. The project site includes a concrete-paved low water crossing, asphalt approach roadways, sidewalk (west side), and accompanying right-of-way. The Project Site also includes one single-family residence and two mobile homes as a result of possible right-of-way requirements. Adjoining and nearby properties include Dune Palms Mobile Estates, high school, gasoline station and other commercial facilities, roadway, CVSC, and vacant lands. The ISA revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions (RECs) in connection with any of the identified nearby and adjacent properties of potential concern within the project area. However, the following issues were noted in the ISA: 1. Aerially Deposited Lead (ADL) refers to lead deposited on highway shoulders from past leaded fuel vehicle emissions. Although leaded fuel was prohibited in California since the 1980's, ADL may still be present in soils adjacent to highways in use prior to that time. 2. The project may require the acquisition and relocation of one single-family residence as a result of the raise in street grade for the proposed bridge, and two mobile homes due to encroachments into the right- of-way. The structures may contain asbestos containing material (ACM) and/or lead based paint (LBP). Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 34 3. Paint used for lane striping and pavement marking may contain Lead Based Pain (LBP). Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The proposed project would not routinely utilize, generate, or transport hazardous materials or wastes. b) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Hazardous materials and wastes that would be used or generated during construction of the proposed project are considered to pose a potential short-term construction impact. Hazardous materials likely to be used include lubricants (both grease and oils), petroleum fuels, cleaning solvents, and paint. Hazardous wastes generated during construction would require proper disposal and could include used oil and sediment from vehicle washing. The bulk of these materials and wastes would be used or generated at the temporary construction maintenance and storage areas within the right- of-way. Other potential sources of hazardous waste/materials may be encountered during construction include ADL on highway shoulders; ACM, LBP that may be contained within the structures required for proposed right-of- way; LBP that may be encountered in existing pavement paint and markers and any potentially undiscovered sources of contamination. The measures described below would be implemented to minimize the potential for hazardous waste/materials to affect the public or environment. HZ-1. ADL evaluation shall be conducted in soils adjacent to the roadway prior to beginning of construction HZ-2. Any structure that would be demolished as part of construction shall be evaluated for ACM and LBP prior to demolition activities and a Lead and Asbestos Report shall be completed. HZ-3. Pavement marking paint shall be evaluated for LBP to determine proper handling and disposal requirements. HZ-4. A parcel-specific Phase I ESA on the acquisition properties shall be conducted as part of the City’s environmental due diligence to help establish potential environmental liability protection. HZ-5. If unanticipated contaminated soil and/or groundwater is encountered during construction activities, the impacted material shall be properly managed, handled, and disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. HZ-6. Potential impacts from construction-related hazardous waste and materials would be addressed through implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and implementation of Best Management Practices in compliance with rules and regulations to address potential impacts related to the use and potential discharge of construction-related hazardous waste and materials. c) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The La Quinta High, John Glenn Middle, and Amelia Earhart Elementary Schools are located approximately 0.3 miles from the project location. There is a potential for the school to be affected by hazardous material resulting from the projects construction activities. Project construction would also have the potential to generate mobile-source emissions from vehicles and equipment. With the implementation of measures HZ1-HZ6, and air quality BMPs, it is anticipated that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 35 schools would not be have impacts due to exposure of the schools to potential hazardous material. State and local regulations regarding air quality emissions also will be followed. d) No Impact. The proposed project is not located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. e) No Impact. The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport. The closest airport to the project area is the Bermuda Dunes Airport located in the City of Palm Springs over 2 miles north of the project location. f) No Impact. The proposed project is not located in the vicinity of a private airstrip. g) No Impact. The proposed project would improve existing passenger train operations and would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan and/or emergency evacuation plan. The project would provide an all-weather crossing and improve accessibility and safety conditions. h) No Impact. According to the 2035 La Quinta General Plan- Land Use, 2013, there is no wildland fire area designation within the City of La Quinta. IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 36 Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: 1. Water Quality Assessment Report, January 2016 2. Hydrology & Hydraulic Study, August 2015 Setting: Dune Palms Road crossing within the project area is a low-crossing located within the CVSC. The CVSC is part of the Whitewater River Basin regional storm water conveyance system within the Coachella Valley. It extends from approximately 0.2 miles from the Washington Street Bridge in La Quinta and discharges into the Salton Sea. The mean seasonal precipitation in the tributary area to the channel varies from 44 inches at San Gorgonio Mountain to about 3 inches at the project area. In general, the Coachella Valley is considered arid desert region, with precipitation from summer thunderstorms often exceeds that of winter. Within the project area, the river is dry with intermittent water flow. Topography is flat and generally slopes from northwest to southeast at the project area. Soils are alluvium including layers of sand, silt, and some gravel with little to no clay. The proposed project site is within both FEMA flood zones “A” for the area within the CVSC, and “X” for the areas north and south of the CVSC. The areas outside the CVSC were determined to be outside of the 100 and 500-year floodplains. There are no drinking water Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 37 reservoirs and/or recharge facilities within the project limits. Aquatic plants and animals do not occur within the river channel. There is no critical habitat located within project area, and sensitive wildlife species and rare plant species were not detected during reconnaissance surveys. CVSC serves as flood protection to the surrounding communities by intercepting and conveying regional flood flows to the Salton Sea. There are no parks or refuges located within the channel. Land use in the vicinity of the project are is comprised of general urban land uses, and vacant land. The project area is within the limits of Whitewater River Region Storm water Management Plan (SWMP), revised January 2015. The plan includes activities and programs implemented to manage Urban Runoff to comply with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit for the Region. Surface water quality has been incrementally improving through the installation of improvements to the storm drain systems outletting into the CVSC using of BMP’s on removal of trash debris and reduction of nuisance waters. According to the most recent CWA Section 303(d) list, this segment of CVSC does not show any impairments. The proposed project site is entirely underlain by the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin. The quality of the groundwater within the region meets both the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEP) drinking water quality standards. Impact Discussion a) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The potential primary impacts of the project to water quality are eroded soil or suspended solids being introduced into the waterways. In addition, operational related water quality contaminants of concern, such as petroleum products could impact water quality. The construction of the project would disturb up to 9.4 acres of land within the right of way of Dune Palms road and within the channel banks of the CVSC. Excavation of soil during construction would cause soil erosion and acceleration of sediment releases into waters. Other potential Pollutants of concern during construction include trash, petroleum products, and chemicals. Each of these pollutants on its own or in combination with other pollutants could adversely affect water quality. The project would implement measures for erosion control, sediment control and other potential pollutants control during construction that include good site management and housekeeping practices, as well as, Construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) as approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and as required by the State General Construction Permit and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The proposed project shall be regulated under the City’s General MS4 NPDES Permit and will be required to submit a SWPPP prior to the start of construction. Within this reach of the CVSC, the City of La Quinta is responsible for maintenance responsibility of the storm drain system and outlet, while CVWD is responsible for the channel area. The agencies are responsible for implementing the Whitewater River Storm Water Management Plan. Both of the maintenance responsibilities include the regular inspection and maintaining of the facilities under each agencies control to the provisions of the NPDES permit in order to control storm water pollution to the Maximum Extent Practicable. The proposed project would comply with all water quality standards and waste discharge requirements during all phases of its development and operation. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 38 The project would have a zero-net change in impervious surface. Furthermore, the project will introduce permanent BMPs in the design of the project to address both nuisance waters and sediment collection from the first flush flows. The project would install a local storm drain system to convey street drainage into the CVSC. The system would include installing and/or retrofitting the existing storm drainage systems with drywell’s which would address the nuisance water and sediment collection prior to storm water outletting into the CVSC. Additionally, due to the change in the roadway approach profile to accommodate the proposed bridge structure, the project will have a low point to the north of the bridge. At this low point, the project will include catch basins on both sides of the street to collect storm water. In the areas within the construction limits where slope protection is currently not present, the project will be placing concrete slope lining to protect the bridge from the effects of scour and other facilities including existing and or new storm drain outlets. With the inclusion of the above noted BMP’s in addition to the net decrease in impervious area, the project is not anticipated to have any adverse impacts on the hydrology and water quality of the receiving waters. Compliance with the following measures will result in no potential for adverse short-term and long-term impacts to water quality: WQ-1. The City of La Quinta (City) will comply with the provisions of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Storm Water Discharge from Construction and Land Disturbance Activities as they relate to construction activities for the project (NPDES No. CAS617002). This will include submission of the Permit Registration Documents, including a Notice of Intent (NOI), site map, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), annual fee, and signed certification statement to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) at least 14 days prior to the start of construction. The SWPPP will meet the requirements of the Construction General Permit (No. CA000002) and will identify potential pollutant sources associated with construction activities; identify non-storm water discharges; and identify, implement, and maintain Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce or eliminate pollutants associated with the construction site. A Notice of Termination (NOT) will be submitted to the SWRCB upon completion of construction and stabilization of the site. WQ-2. The proposed project will install a two-chambered drywell system to all existing and proposed drainage system outletting into the CVSC to address nuisance water flows as well as to capture sediment from the initial first flush flows from storm events. WQ-3. Storm water BMPs strategies will be coordinated with RWQCB, and will comply with 401 permit requirements. b) Less than Significant Impact. Natural groundwater recharge is reduced when the ground is compacted or when it is covered with imperious material such as asphalt and concrete, reducing the natural infiltration potential within the project area. The project has a net of zero increase of impervious area, and does not require the use of any groundwater; therefore, it would not contribute to depleting groundwater resources. c) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project will redirect storm water runoff to a storm drain system thus the existing drainage pattern will be slightly altered on how and where the storm water flows enter the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 39 CVSC. The concentrated flows will enter the channel via a storm drain outlets, which will be integrated into the proposed channel concrete slope protection, thus eliminating the potential for scour and erosion at the outlet of the structure. Final channel slope protection measures will be developed in coordination with CVWD. According to the Hydrology & Hydraulic Study prepared for the project in August, 2015, the existing Dune Palms Road low-water crossing is currently preventing the terrain of the channel bed from adjusting through the normal process of the stream. There are two permanent grade control structures within the channel reach located downstream from Washington Street Bridge and Jefferson Street Bridge. Due to recently construction of grade control structure at the Jefferson Street Bridge, an 8-foot grade difference in elevation between the upstream and downstream of the crossing has developed in the channel reach between the Jefferson Street and the Dune Palms Road crossing. However, removal of the low-water crossing will allow the channel profile to go through gradual adjustments based on the flow volume, flood frequencies, channel vegetation, sediment loads, and maintenance activities. It is anticipated that following the construction and subsequent removal of the existing low-water crossing will cause the channel grade to return to a normal equilibrium. d) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not result in flooding on-site or off-site. The project will not substantially alter the drainage pattern, nor alter the course of the channel in a manner that will result in flooding. An increase in surface runoff is not anticipated for the proposed project as it would not introduce new impervious surfaces. With the incorporation of design measures mentioned above, the project would not result in an increase of the rate of runoff in a manner that will result in flooding on-site or off-site. e) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems and would not provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. The project will provide adequate drainage system capacity for the roadway in the project area, and will implement construction and operational BMPs to address runoff generated during project construction and operation. f) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would discharge storm water into the CVSC and as such, the project would incorporate appropriate BMPs and previously noted and as required under City’s General Construction NPDES Permit. No other mitigation measures are required. g) No Impact. The project does not include the construction of housing. Housing and other properties within the project area are within FEMA flood zone “X”. The areas outside the CVSC were determined to be outside of the 100 and 500-year floodplains. h) No Impact. The project constructs a bridge to replace the at-grade crossing of Dune Palms Road. Three bridge piers will be located within the channel. The bridge abutments will be located outside channel anticipated 100-year flood flow elevation. Following the construction of the bridge and subsequent to the removal of the existing low-water crossing, the Base Flood Elevation will be lowered by approximately five feet. The proposed bridge will not impede or redirect flood flows and will not increase flood flow downstream of the CVSC. i) No Impact. The project will not result in flooding and failure of flood control levee. j) No Impact. The proposed project is not within an area prone to seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 40 X. LAND USE AND PLANNING Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Source: 1. 2035 La Quinta General Plan- Land Use, 2013. http://www.laquintaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=33551 2. Natural Environment Study, September 2015 Setting: According to the City of La Quinta General Plan adopted in 2013, the area east of the project location is designated as Medium/High Density Residential, Major Community Facility west of the project location, and General Commercial on the southeast and southwest sides of the project location. The area within the channel is designated as Open Space-Natural. Dune Palms Mobile Estates is located immediately to the east and north east of the project location. On the northwest side of Dune Palms Road is the La Quinta High School. The Dune Palms Road frontage includes views of sports fields and portable classrooms, with access to a parking lot. The main access to the high school is from Westward Ho Drive. The land southeast of the project is vacant, and includes commercial developments on the southwest side. Dune Palms Road is classified as a four-lane divided secondary arterial according to the City of La Quinta General Plan. The corridor serves a mostly developed area and provides vital access for emergency service and access for residential areas to schools, community services, and neighborhood commercial centers. It also provides connectivity of the city residential development north of CVSC with the Highway 111 commercial corridor located south of the channel. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The project will require a minimal amount of right-of-way from land adjacent to the project area, which will affect two mobile homes and one single-family residence located within the Dune Palms Mobile Home Park. This right of way impact will not divide the community and will affect its cohesion and character. The project will improve circulation and accessibility by providing and all-weather two lanes crossing in each Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 41 direction. The project will improve connectivity by incorporating in its design elements consistent with plans for bike and pedestrian routes. b) No Impact. The project is consistent with land use plans, policies, or regulations c) Less than Significant Impact. The project is located within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). However, the project location does not include resources protected by the plan, and will not include activities or elements that conflict with the plan requirements. XI. MINERAL RESOURCES Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XI. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? (Special Report 159, CA Dept. of Conservation, Division of Mines & Geology, 1998) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: 2035 La Quinta General Plan-Natural Resources, 2013. http://www.laquintaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=33563 Setting: According to the City of La Quinta General plan Mineral, the project area is mapped by Division of Mines and Geology as zone MRZ-1, which “lands are areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood for their presence exists.” Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The proposed project would not utilize or deplete any locally important or valuable mineral resource. b) No Impact. There are no known important or valuable mineral resources or recovery sites are within the project area. No impact related to mineral resources is anticipated Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 42 XII. NOISE Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XII. NOISE - Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: Noise Study Report, City of La Quinta, September 2016 Setting: Noise levels for traffic noise are typically reported in terms of A-weighted decibels or dBA. People begin to detect sound level increases of 3 dB in typical noisy environments. A 5-dBA increase is generally perceived as a distinctly noticeable increase, and a 10-dB increase is generally perceived as a doubling of loudness. Traffic noise impacts occur when the predicted noise level in the design-year approaches or exceeds specified levels of noise criteria as defined in the federal, state, or local regulations and ordinances, or when a predicted noise level substantially exceeds the existing noise level. Impact evaluation takes into consideration the uniqueness of the setting, the sensitive nature of the noise receptors, the magnitude of the noise increase, the number of residences affected, and the absolute noise level. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) protocol for implementing 23 CFR Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 43 772 in California defines a noise increase as substantial when the predicted noise levels with project implementation exceed existing noise levels by 12 dBA or more, or when the sound level is within 1dBA from noise abatement criterion (NAC) for the sensitive land use. Residence, place of worship, and schools abatement criterion is 67 dBA. According to the City of La Quinta General Plan-Environmental Hazards, normal acceptable noise level for Residential land use is 65 dBA or less. In addition, Section 216 of the California Streets and Highways Code considers a noise impact occurs if the roadway noise levels exceed 52 dBA in the interior of public or private elementary or secondary school. If the noise levels generated from freeway and roadway sources exceed 52 dBA prior to the construction of the proposed freeway project, then noise abatement must be provided to reduce the noise to the level that existed prior to construction of the project. Land uses with sensitive receptors adjacent to the project area consist of a Mobile Home Park and La Quinta High School located on the northwest side. The mobile home park is shielded with wooden fence, but no sound barrier or topographical shielding occur between the roadway and the school. The project area is generally flat, with the exception of the channel crossing. Impact discussion: a) Less than Significant Impact. The traffic noise analysis indicates that the traffic noise levels at the residences are predicted to be in the range of 61 to 65 dBA Leq(h)1 in the design-year with the construction of the project. The increase in noise between existing conditions and the design-year is predicted to be 4 to 7dB. Because the noise levels in the design-year are not predicted to approach or exceed the noise abatement criterion or result in a substantial increase in noise, no traffic noise impacts are anticipated. The traffic noise levels at the school are predicted to be 61 dBA Leq(h) in the design-year. The results also indicate that the increase in noise between existing conditions and the design-year is predicted to be 5 to 6 dB. The interior noise level of the school in the design-year is predicted to be 41 dBA Leq(h). Because the noise levels in the design year are not predicted to approach or exceed the noise abatement criterion or result in a substantial increase in noise, no traffic noise impacts are predicted in this area. No traffic noise impacts are predicted for the identified sensitive land uses; accordingly, noise abatement is not required for the project. b) Less than Significant Impact. It is not anticipated that the roadway operation would cause vibration issues on humans or structures. New roadway pavement removes the one source of potential operational vibration resulting from trucks driving over roadway with poor pavement conditions. The construction operations for both the bridge roadway approach operations for Dune Palms Road will result in temporary vibration and elevated noise levels associated with the heavy equipment which will be used to construct the roadway and bridge. 1 Leq(h): Equivalent sound Level over one hour Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 44 c) Less than Significant Impact. The project would not cause substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project noise level. The analysis indicates that the increase in ambient noise levels between existing conditions and the design-year is predicted to be 4 to 7dB in the area of the mobile homes area and the church. The noise levels increase between the existing conditions and the design-year in the school area is predicted to be 5 to 6dB. The increase is below what is considered a substantial increase in the noise levels, as described above. d) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Most construction projects require the use of heavy equipment. Heavy equipment can generate noise ranging from 70 dB to over 90 dB at a distance of 50 feet. For every doubling of distance, the noise level is reduced by about 6 dB. Heavy equipment operating close to existing sensitive receptors, however, can create unacceptable noise levels for short periods of time. Noise associated with construction is controlled by La Quinta’s Municipal Code, Section 6.08.050 and the General Standard Conditions for Noise Control. Construction noise would be short-term, intermittent, and overshadowed by the general local traffic noise. With the implementation of the following measures, it is anticipated that construction noise levels will be less than significant: NOI-1. All construction activities shall occur in compliance with the construction hours allowed by the Municipal Code. NOI-2. Equip an internal combustion engine with the manufacturer-recommended muffler. Do not operate an internal combustion engine on the job site without the appropriate muffler. e & f) No Impact. The project area is not located within an airport land use plan, or within two miles of an airport. The project is not located within the vicinity of an airstrip, and would not result in exposing people to airport noise. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 45 XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING – Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: Relocation Impact Memorandum, June 2015. Setting: Dune Palms Road corridor is located within mostly built-out setting. Planned developments along the corridor include only some “in-fill” small scale multi-family residential developments north of the channel and one commercial development area south of the Channel. The Dune Palms Mobile Estates neighborhood includes 103 mobile homes with an on-site swimming pool amenity, and one traditional single-story single-family home at the southwest corner of the site facing Dune Palms Road, abutting the north side of the CVSC. The approximate density of the Dune Palms Mobile Estates neighborhood is 9.2 dwelling units per acre based on a total of 104 dwelling units located on the 11.29-acre parcel. According to information obtained on Zillow.com (December 23, 2014), the 103 mobile homes typically range in age from the mid-1960’s to the mid-1990’s, the majority of the homes range in size from approximately 600 square feet to 1,200 square feet in area. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The purpose of the project is to provide reliable travel during all weather conditions, and to improve flow of vehicle and non-motorized traffic. The project will not construct new access points, and will not cause change in accessibility resulting in new land development. Change in land use and growth resulting from the proposed project is not foreseeable. b) Less than Significant Impact. The right-of-way needs for the proposed roadway improvement and bridge construction project will result in the acquisition of a sliver of vacant land, one single-family residence, and two mobile homes, all of which are located within the Dune Palms Mobile Estates neighborhood along the east side of Dune Palms Road. The Dune Palms Mobile Estates neighborhood includes 103 mobile homes with an on-site swimming pool amenity. Options are available to relocate residents of the mobile homes to vacant lots within the same mobile home park, or other mobile home parks in nearby areas. According to the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 46 Relocation Impact Memorandum prepared for the project in June 2015, both rental properties and for-sale properties are available for single-family homes and mobile homes within two miles radius of the Dune Palms Mobile Estates. Therefore, right-of-way requirements are not anticipated to affect the amount of land available for the various uses. The project will not create a need to provide substantial housing elsewhere. c) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The project will not result in the displacement or relocation of substantial number of people necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. In addition, the following measures will be implemented to comply with laws and regulations as related to potential relocation impacts: HPR-1. Prepare a Relocation Assistance Plan to determine the need to replace the mobile homes and single housing unit affected by the project based on current market conditions, and provide relocation assistance benefits according to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 as amended. XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES Potential Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Police protection? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Schools? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Parks? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Other public facilities? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: 2035 La Quinta General Plan, 2013. http://www.laquintaca.gov/business/design-and-development/planning- division/2035-la-quinta-general-plan Setting: Dune Palms Road serves a vital access for emergency services within the project area, as well as for La Quinta High, John Glenn Middle and Amelia Earhart Elementary Schools. It also provides connectivity of the city residential development north of the Channel with the Highway 111 commercial corridor located south of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 47 CVSC. The elevation of the existing Dune Palms Road low-water crossing causes it to flood during minor rain events (2-year frequency) and results in full street closure and detour of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The proposed project would not adversely impact fire, police, schools, parks, or other public facilities. The project would improve traffic circulation and access for fire and police protection services. The existing roadway will be modified to construct a temporary bypass road. The temporary bypass will allow for staged construction of the bridge, and maintaining vehicle and pedestrian access at all times. Temporary and short term access impact may occur during construction, and will require coordination with property owners, the public, and other stakeholders. Emergency access and public services would be maintained during project construction and operation. XV. RECREATION Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XV. RECREATION -- a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: City of La Quinta, 2016. http://www.laquintaca.gov/ Setting: No parks and recreation facilities exist in the immediate vicinity of the project location. La Quinta Park and several golf courses are present within less a mile distance from the project area. These facilities are accessed by several City streets and roadways. The adjacent high school playground is accessed from Blackhawk Way. Impact Discussion a) No Impact. The project would improve the Dune Palms Road, and provide an all-weather access for users. The project would not cause an increase in use of recreational facilities. b) No Impact. The project does not include recreational facilities, and will not cause an increase in the demand for recreational facilities. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 48 XVI. TRANSPORTATION Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? ☐ ☒ ☐ ☐ b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? ☒ ☐ ☒ ☐ c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ Source: Traffic Analysis Report, October 2015 Setting: Dune Palms Road serves a vital access for emergency services for the community within the project area. It provides access for La Quinta High, John Glenn Middle and Amelia Earhart Elementary Schools, and connects Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 49 the City residential development north of the CVSC with the Highway 111 commercial corridor located south of the Channel. The existing Dune Palms Road low-water crossing causes it to flood during minor rain events and results in full street closure and detour of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The roadway at the project location consists of one northbound and two southbound through lanes, eight-foot- wide walkway area along the western edge, and an eight-foot shoulder along the eastern edge of the road; and no median. Dune Palms Road approximately one-quarter mile north of the channel low-water crossing and just south of the project limits is a four-lane roadway with a median. The roadway section just north of the crossing will be widened to a four-lane roadway with a median as part of an approved City project (project number 2009- 04), which will widen Dune Palms Road from two to four lanes with a median and left turn lane. The City of La Quinta has established LOS D or better as the acceptable operating conditions for roadways and intersections. Roadways and intersections that operate at LOS E or F are considered deficient. According to the Traffic Analysis Report completed for the project in October 2015, the adjacent intersections of Dune Palms at State Route 111 and Dune Palms Road at Westward Ho Drive/Blackhawk Way operate at an existing Level of Service (LOS) C or better during AM and PM Peak hours. The roadway segment operates at LOS A. Impact Discussion a) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The project will remove the existing low-water crossing of Dune Palms Road at the CVSC and replace it with 480 feet long and 86 feet bridge. The bridge typical section would include six-foot sidewalk on both sides of the bridge, two (2) eight-foot outside shoulders also serving as bike/golf cart lanes, a 10-foot raised median, two (2) eleven-foot travel lanes, and two (2) twelve-foot travel lanes. The proposed configuration will be consistent with the City General Plan for the facility, as well as, the existing four lane roadway section to the south, and the City’s current improvement project to the north. The project will be consistent with plans for the regional Bike/Pedestrian/NEV corridor (CV Link) implemented by the Coachella Valley Association along Whitewater River and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel by allowing for the integration of the trail under crossing within the southern slope protection of the bridge. The project design will also include a trail connector to the pedestrian and bike facilities proposed along Dune Palms Road at the project area. Temporary and short term impacts may occur during construction. The impacts will be less than significant with the implementation of the following measures: TRF-1. The existing roadway will be modified to operate as a temporary bypass road in order to allow for maintaining vehicle and pedestrian access at all times. TRF-2. Short term and temporary access control will be coordination with property owners, the public, and other stakeholders. b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project traffic analysis for future conditions utilizes the City of La Quinta prepared and approved a General Plan update in 2013. The General Plan included evaluation of the future land uses and traffic volumes in the City. Future build-out of the City was determined to be at 2035, which represents the maximum fulfilled land use and generated traffic volumes on the local circulation network. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 50 Therefore, the future 2040 analysis assumed the build-out traffic volumes were the same as the 2035 volumes noted the General Plan. The General Plan provides future roadway segment volumes for Dune Palms Road as well as peak hour intersection turn movement volumes for the two study intersections. The traffic analysis for the project indicates that with the improvements to Dune Palms Road, all of the intersections and roadway segment would operate at acceptable levels currently and in the future year of 2040, with and without the project. With the project, the roadway segment future conditions will operate at LOS C without the project, and an improved LOS A with the project. The project improvements will not result in degradation in the LOS at the intersections. The intersections will operate at LOS D with and without the project. All intersections and roadway segment will operate at acceptable levels of service in the future. The project will not create conditions that may conflict with an applicable local or regional congestion management plans. c) No Impact. No public or private airports are within the project vicinity. The proposed improvements would not impact air traffic patterns. d) No Impact. The proposed project does not include hazardous design features and will meet all current design standards and requirements. The crossing will provide a safe facility during all-weather conditions, consistent with consistent number of lanes and active transportation facilities on both sides of the project limits. e) No Impact. The operation of the proposed project would improve conditions for emergency vehicle access. During construction, emergency access would be maintained at all times. Potential circulation delays will be coordinated with emergency service providers, if any. f) No Impact. The proposed project is consistent with local and regional policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 51 XVII. UTILITIES Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ Source: 1. City of La Quinta. http://www.laquintaca.gov/about/city-departments. 2. Project Preliminary Design Plans, City of La Quinta, 2017. Setting: Several utilities are present within the project limits including overhead electrical distribution lines, water and sewer lines. The project will require utility relocations for overhead electrical distribution lines (Imperial Irrigation District facility), adjustment to both water valve can and lids and the manhole covers, minor 12” ductile Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 52 iron pipe water main relocations at each bridge abutment, and relocation of both a 12” and 18” sewer line at the northern bridge abutment. Coordination with utility companies and providers will take place in order for utility services to continue without any interruption due to construction activities. Impact discussion: a) No Impact. The proposed project would not result in any changes that will affect the wastewater treatment requirements b) No Impact. The proposed project would not require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities. c) No Impact. The project would install a local storm drain system to convey street drainage into the CVSC. The system would address the nuisance water and sediment collection prior to storm water outletting into the CVSCR. The construction of the storm drain system would not result in impact on the environment. d) No Impact. The project construction will be utilizing available water supplies. No new resources and entitlements would be expanded or new needed to serve the project. e) No Impact. The project will not create additional need to wastewater or sewer services. f) Less than Significant Impact. It is anticipated that the project would generate concrete debris. The concrete would most likely be recycled for use as crushed miscellaneous base material for other projects. The project will conform to all local, state and federal requirements on the disposal and recycling of excess construction materials to the extent possible. It is anticipated that the disposal of this project’s generated debris has no potential to exceed the capacity of area landfills. g) Less than Significant Impact. All disposal of solid waste including any potential hazardous material will comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations. Specific measures to handle hazardous waste materials will be determined based on testing conducted prior to construction. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 53 XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/ Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ c) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ a) The Project is located within the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). However, the project location was found void of any biological resources protected by the plan. There is a low potential for the presence of habitat for the burrowing owl outside the construction area of the project. With the implementation of BIO-1 measure, it is not anticipated that the project would have the potential to degrade or reduce the protected habitats. Measures will be implemented to avoid any potential impacts to nesting birds, and prevent the spread of invasive species. The project will comply with all NPDES requirements and will be constructed to avoid water quality impacts to receiving waters. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 54 Archeological resources are present within the project area of potential effect (APE). However, there are no cultural resource present within the ADI. With the establishment of and ESA, and monitoring of the excavation activities by a qualified archeologist, impacts on archeological resources will be avoided. With the implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, the project would have less than significant impact on historic resources. b) The Dune Palms Road low- crossing is subject to flooding during minor rain events. The proposed project would provide an all-weather crossing, and construct the roadway at the project location to its ultimate General Plan designation of Secondary Arterial. The project will match the roadway at the project location with the roadway sections south and north of the crossing. The project would not affect environmental long term environmental goals. c) The project would have minimal impacts individually on the environment, and is not anticipated to have any considerable cumulative impact on the environment. d) The project has the potential to create short-term construction noise and air quality impacts. Compliance with the local and state requirements during construction will minimize impacts to less than significant. The project will improve safety conditions, and will not cause adverse effect on human beings directly or indirectly. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 55 XIX. EARLIER ANALYSES Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). a) Earlier analyses used. No earlier analysis was used for this purpose of this project CEQA analysis. b) Impacts adequately addressed. Not applicable c) Mitigation measures. Not applicable Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 56 References California Department of Conservation California Important Farmland Finder http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/ciff/ciff.htm accessed 2016. City of La Quinta. 2035 La Quinta General Plan. http://www.laquintaca.gov/business/design-and-development/planning-division/2035-la-quinta- general-plan. Accessed 2017. ________. City of La Quinta Official Zoning Map, 2007. http://www.laquintaca.gov/business/design-and- development/planning-division/maps. Accessed 2016. _________. 2035 La Quinta General Plan, Land Use, 2013. http://www.laquintaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=33551. Accessed, 2017. _________. 2035 La Quinta General Plan-Natural Resources, 2013. http://www.laquintaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=33563. Accessed 2017 City of La Quinta Official Site. http://www.laquintaca.gov/about/city-departments In Addition, the following prepared reports for the project were referenced in the document:  Relocation Impact Memorandum, June 2015  Natural Environment Study, September 2015  NES Addendum, November 2017  Scenic Resources Evaluation and Visual Impact Assessment Memorandum, January 2015  Air Quality Study Report, City of La Quinta, February 2016  Water Quality Assessment Report, January 2016  Initial Site Assessment, August 2015  Hydrology & Hydraulic Study, August 2015  Noise Study Report, City of La Quinta, September 2016  Archaeological Survey Report, September 2017  Historic Resources Evaluation Report, September 2017  Historic Property Survey Report, September 2017 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 57 Appendix A. Cultural Resources Area Map Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Dune Palms Road Low-Water Crossing Replacement Project 58 Figure 3. Project Area Map for P-33-16950-Limits of ESA