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CC Resolution 2016-031 Environmenal Assessment 2016-0009 - Dune Palms WideningRESOLUTION NO. 2016 — 031 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2016-0009 FOR THE DUNE PALMS WIDENING PROJECT. CASE NUMBER: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2016-0009 APPLICANT: CITY OF LA QUINTA WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California did, on the 19th day of July, 2016, consider the Dune Palms Road Widening Project Initial Study and associated Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project identified as: THE WIDENING OF DUNE PALMS ROAD FROM WESTWARD HO DRIVE SOUTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 900 FEET WHEREAS, it was determined pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations Sections 15000 et seq.) that the Dune Palms Road Widening Project ("Project") could have a significant effect on the environment, and thus warranted the preparation of an Initial Study; and WHEREAS, on June 9t" 2016, the City published a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Project in the Desert Sun newspaper, and transmitted the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration to responsible agencies and other interested parties, and invited public comments on the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration from June 9t" through June 29t" 2016; and WHEREAS, the City thereafter extended the public comment period to July 13t" 2016, and published notice of same in the Desert Sun and notified responsible agencies and interested parties; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta has read and considered all environmental documentation comprising the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, has found that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration considers all potentially significant environmental impacts of the proposed project, and is complete and adequate, and fully complies with all requirements of CEQA; and WHEREAS, prior to action on the project, the City Council has considered all significant impacts and mitigation measures, and has found that all potentially significant impacts on the project have been lessened or avoided. Resolution No. 2016 - 031 Environmental Assessment 2016-0009 - Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Dune Palms Widening Project Adopted: July 19, 2016 Page 2 of 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta does hereby find as follows: SECTION 1. Based on its review and consideration of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and all written communications and oral testimony regarding the proposed project which have been submitted to, and received by, the City, the City Council certifies that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration attached hereto as Exhibit "A" has been completed in compliance with CEQA and the State and local CEQA Guidelines. The City Council finds that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the City Council's independent judgment and analysis as lead agency under CEQA, and hereby adopts and certifies the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration as complete and adequate. The City Council further certifies that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was presented to the City Council and that the City Council reviewed and considered the information contained in it. SECTION 2. Mitigation Monitoring Plan Approval. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines section 15097, the City Council hereby adopts and approves the Monitoring Program for CEQA Compliance attached hereto as Exhibit "B," which is incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full. The City Council further finds that the mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration are feasible. SECTION 3. Location and Custodian of Record of Proceedings. The Planning Division of the City of La Quinta, located at 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253-1504, is hereby designated as the custodian of the documents and other materials which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the City Council's decision is based, which documents and materials shall be available for public inspection and copying in accordance with the provisions of the California Public Records Act (Government Code §§ 6250 et seq.) during normal business hours. SECTION 4. Notice of Determination. The Planning Manager shall file a notice of determination with the County Clerk of the County of Riverside within five (5) working days after this approval. Resolution No. 2016 - 031 Environmental Assessment 2016-0009 - Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Dune Palms Widening Project Adopted: July 19, 2016 Page 3 of 3 PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City of La Quinta City Council, held on this the 19th day of July, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: Council Members Franklin, Osborne, Pena, Radi, Mayor Evans NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None LINDA EVANS, Mayor City of La Quinta, California ATTEST: lyk� W� SUSAN MAYSELS, City C rk City of La Quinta, California (CITY SEAL) APPROVED AS TO FORM: WILLIAM H. IHRKE, City Attorney City of La Quinta, California CITY OF LA QUINTA 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 Phone: (760) 777-7000 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY Project Title: Dune Palms Widening Project Case No: Environmental Assessment 2016-0007 City of La Quinta Project 2009-02 Lead Agency City of La Quinta 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7125 Applicant: City of La Quinta 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 777-7125 Contact Person: Nicole Sauviat Criste Consulting Planner (760) 777-7125 Project Location: East side of Dune Palms Road, a distance of 900 feet southerly from Westward Ho Drive General Plan/Zoning: Not Applicable Surrounding Land Uses: North: Westward Ho Drive, Single Family Homes South: Mobile Home Park, Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel East: Vacant Land, Church, Mobile Home Park West: La Quinta High School Project Description: The City of La Quinta proposes to widen the east side of Dune Palms Road to its ultimate General Plan width from Westward Ho Drive/ Blackhawk Way to a point approximately 330 feet north of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel (CVSC). The length of the widening improvements is approximately 900 linear feet. The width of the widening varies along the improvement area. Dune Palms is currently constructed within an 88 foot right of way, and includes a single lane of travel in each direction, and a striped median. An asphalt curb that was not constructed to City standards exists along the eastern edge of the street section. There is no gutter or sidewalk on the east side of Dune Palms. On the west side of Dune Palms, along the entire length of the improvement area, the Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study street is at its ultimate half -width, and includes curb, gutter and sidewalk. Within the project limits, the existing church has one driveway access onto Dune Palms, as does the mobile home park. Both these access driveways will remain, but will be modified to safely operate in the new right of way. This improvement will connect with the widening of Dune Palms Road being undertaken as part of the Dune Palms Bridge Project, which the City is also undertaking. The west half of Dune Palms Road in the project area was built out to its ultimate right of way when the La Quinta High School was constructed. Dune Palms Road is designated a Secondary Arterial, which provides four lanes of traffic, a central median, curb, sidewalk and parkway within a 102 foot right of way. The final widened street section will consist of a 72 feet curb to curb street section, which will provide two I I foot travel lanes in both directions; a 12 foot wide raised median; an 8 foot bicycle/golf cart lane along each side of the road, adjacent to the curb; and a 6 foot wide sidewalk. A right turn lane is proposed to extend from immediately north of the existing church to Westward Ho, along the length of the vacant City property. The widening of Dune Palms Road will also result in the modification of the existing traffic signal at Westward Ho Drive to correspond with the revised intersection geometry. All of the land involved in the widening project has been previously disturbed. Lands immediately south of Westward Ho Drive for a distance of approximately 465 feet are currently vacant, but previously had been developed as single-family homes. Immediately south of these vacant lands for a distance of approximately 150 feet, an existing church occurs, which will remain. The additional right of way required for the widening project will reduce the church building's setback from the road, but will not affect the church building or its parking lot. The southern 375± feet of the widening project area is adjacent to the Dune Palms Mobile Home Park. The Park is fully developed, and some of its improvements currently encroach into City right of way, including five existing mobile homes, which will need to be relocated or removed as part of the proposed project. Engineering for the project will include verification of the right -of way and the determination of which mobile homes are encroaching and will need to be removed or relocated prior to initiation of the proposed project. The project will require utility relocations for overhead electrical distribution lines (Imperial Irrigation District), relocations to existing water meters and backflow preventers, and relocation of existing underground Time Warner Cable equipment. Project Location and Limits: The project area is located north of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, and east of Washington Street. Dune Palms Road will be widened on its eastern side for a distance of approximately 900 feet south of its intersection with Westward Ho Drive. Other Required Public Agency Approvals: None Ma Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study 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. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture and Forestry Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology /Soils Greenhouse Gas Hazards & Hazardous Hydrology /Water Quality 0 Emissions El Materials ❑ I❑ Land Use / Planning ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise ❑ Population / Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation Transportation/Traffic Utilities / Service Mandatory Findings of ❑ El Systems ❑ Significance DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) 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, X 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 described 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 -5- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study 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 particular 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. 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. -6- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a X scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, X trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and X its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely X affect day or nighttime views in the area? Source: 2035 General Plan, La Quinta Municipal Code, California Scenic Highway Mapping System, project materials. I. a) No Impact. The proposed project will not impact a scenic vista. The improvement project consists of the paving of a travel lane, and the installation of curb, gutter and sidewalk, all of which will occur at ground level. No vertical structures are planned, and no view blockage will occur. b) No Impact. The proposed project will have no impact on any scenic resource. There are no significant trees, rock outcroppings or historic buildings on or in the vicinity of the proposed improvement project. c) No Impact. The proposed project will have no impact on the existing visual character of the area. The proposed road widening will expand the area of paved surface of Dune Palms Road, consistent with the City's standard roadway cross section, as it now occurs on the west side of the street. There will be no change in the visual character of the area. d) No Impact. The roadway widening project will not, in and of itself, increase traffic, which would be the primary source of light in the area. It is expected that traffic will increase over time, which is why the roadway is being widened. The increase in traffic was analyzed in conjunction with the City's General Plan Update, and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) studied that increase. The added headlights from the increasing traffic will occur in a north -south direction, onto the roadway, and not into surrounding land uses. The City will install street lights along the improvement area as required by it Public Works standards, but these will occur in the right of way, and will be directed downward and into the street, not onto surrounding land uses. The road widening will have no impact on light or glare. Mitigation Measures: None Monitoring: None -7- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact IL AGRICULTURE RESOURCES: 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 X 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 X contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of X Farmland, to non-agricultural use? Source: "2035 General Plan", "California Department of Conservation, published January 2012", and "California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping, project materials". II. a) No Impact. The widening area occurs in an area of the City which is urbanized. No agricultural activities occur within several miles of the proposed project. The land is not designated as Prime or Unique Farmland, nor is it designated Farmland of Statewide Importance. b) No Impact. There are no Williamson Act contracts on or adjacent to the property. The area to be widened is in an urbanized area, and consists of lands designated for Medium Density Residential development. No agricultural zoning occurs in the surrounding area. There will be no conflict with existing zoning. c) No Impact. There is no farmland within several miles of the proposed widening. No impact will occur. Mitigation Measures: None Monitoring: None -8- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact III. AIR QUALITY: Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air X quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or X 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 X state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to X substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a X substantial number of people? Source: La Quinta General Plan, SCAQMD CEQA Handbook; 2003 PM10 Plan for the Coachella Valley, SCAQMD 2012 Air Quality Management Plan; Road Construction Emissions Model, version 7.1.5.1; project materials. III. a) No Impact. The Coachella Valley, including the project area, is located within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). SCAQMD is responsible for monitoring criteria air pollutant concentrations and establishing management policies for the SSAB. All development within the SSAB is subject to SCAQMD's 2012 Air Quality Management Plan (2012 AQMP) and the 2003 Coachella Valley PMIo State Implementation Plan (2003 CV PM10 SIP). The project will be developed in accordance with all applicable air quality management plans. The AQMP is based, in part, on the General Plan of the jurisdictions in the region. This includes build out plans for General Plan roadways, including Dune Palms Road. The widening of the street will result in the ultimate build out of Dune Palms, to accommodate future traffic and reduce the potential for future congestion. These improvements are consistent with the AQMP. b) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed roadway widening will occur in a 25 foot wide area along the eastern edge of Dune Palms Road, for a distance of approximately 600 feet, while the northerly 300 feet will include a right turn lane, and disturb an area up to 40 feet in -9- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study width. In total, about 27,000 square feet of land will be disturbed for the project. The area of the widening project consists of vacant, previously disturbed lands on the northern half of the project area, and landscaped frontages on the southern half of the project area. The widening project will result in air emissions associated with the grading of the area, and with the construction of the roadway. The widening project will not result in a direct increase in operational emissions. Over the long term, it is expected that daily trips will increase as growth occurs in the City, consistent with the analysis completed in the City's General Plan EIR. Construction Emissions The construction period includes all aspects of project development, including site preparation, grading, hauling, paving and striping. For analysis purposes, it is assumed that construction will occur over a 4-month period, starting in early 2017. As shown in Table 1, emissions generated by construction activities will be less than significant levels. The data reflect maximum daily emissions over the 4-month construction period. Applicable minimization measures and best management practices include, but are not limited to, the implementation of dust control practices in conformance with SCQAMD Rule 403 and proper maintenance and limited idling of heavy equipment. Adherence to such measures will ensure construction related emissions would remain less than significant. Table 1 Dune Palms Widening Maximum Daily Construction -Related Emissions Summary (pounds per day) Construction Emissions CO NOX ROG PMio PM2.5 2017 51.2 99.6 9.7 5.6 4.7 SCAQMD Thresholds 550.00 100.00 75.00 150.00 55.00 Exceeds? No No No No No Source: Road Construction Emissions Model, version 7.1.5.1 output tables generated 5.23.16. Operational Emissions The proposed project will have no direct operational impact on criteria pollutants, insofar as the widening of the roadway will not generate any new vehicle trips, or create any new land uses. Therefore, there will be no impact associated with project operation. c) Less than Significant Impact. Historically, the Coachella Valley, in which the project site is located, has been classified as a "non -attainment" area for PMIo and ozone. In order to achieve attainment in the region, the 2003 Coachella Valley PMIo Management Plan was adopted, which established strict standards for dust management for development proposals. The Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB) is currently (May 2016) a non- attainment area for PMIo and is classified as attainment/unclassifiable for PM2.5. The proposed project will contribute to an incremental increase in regional ozone and PMIo emissions. However, given its limited size and scope, cumulative impacts are not expected to be considerable. Project construction and operation emissions will not exceed SCAQMD thresholds for PMIo or ozone precursors (NOx). The project will not conflict with any attainment plans and will result in less than significant impacts. -10- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study d) Less than Significant with Mitigation. The nearest sensitive receptors are mobile homes located immediately east of the improvement area. The closest mobile home to the project area occurs at a distance of approximately 30 feet from the build out right of way. To determine if the proposed project has the potential to generate significant adverse localized air quality impacts, the mass rate Localized Significance Threshold (LST) Look -Up Table was used. The City of La Quinta and subject property are located within Source Receptor Area 30 (Coachella Valley). Given the project's size and proximity to existing housing, the 1-acre site tables at a distance of 25 meters were used. Table 2 shows on -site emission concentrations for project construction and the associated LST. As shown in the table below, LSTs will not be exceeded for CO and NOx. However PMIo and PM2.5 exceed LSTs by 1.6 and 1.7 pounds per day, respectively. Mitigation measures set forth at the end of this section are required to ensure particulate matter emissions are reduced by approximately 35%, resulting in less than significant impacts to sensitive receptors. Table 2 Dune Palms Widening Localized Significance Thresholds (pounds per day) CO NOx PMIo PM2.5 Construction 51.2 99.6 5.6 4.7 LST Threshold 878 132 4 3 Exceed? No No Yes Yes Emission Source Road Construction Emissions Model, version 7.1.5.1 output tables generated 5.23.16. LST Threshold Source: LST Mass Rate Look -up Table, SCAQMD. e) Less than Significant Impact. The widening project will not generate any new land use which will emit odors. The grading and paving of the roadway may result in asphalt or equipment odors during that time. However, the odors will occur for a very short time period, and will dissipate quickly. Impacts will be less than significant. Mitigation Measures: 1. SCAQMD Rule 403 (403.1 specific to the Coachella Valley): A dust control Plan shall be prepared and implemented during all construction activities, include but not limited to ground disturbance, grubbing, grading, and paving. Said plan shall include but not be limited to the following best management practices to achieve a 35% particulate matter reduction: a) Chemically treat soil where activity will cease for at least four consecutive days; b) All construction grading operations and earth moving operations shall cease when winds exceed 25 miles per hour; c) Water site and equipment morning and evening and during all earth -moving operations; d) Operate street -sweepers on paved roads adjacent to site; BNE Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study e) To control fugitive dust emissions, wash off trucks as they leave the project site as necessary. f) Cover all transported loads of soils, wet materials prior to transport, provide adequate freeboard (space from the top of the material to the top of the truck) to reduce PMIO and deposition of particulate matter during transportation. 2. To reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions, construction equipment should utilize diesel particulate filters during all construction activities. 3. Construction and equipment staging shall be located as far as practicable from sensitive receptors. Monitoring: 1) Grading permits, as well as required dust control plans, shall be reviewed and conditioned to require the provision of all appropriate methods and technologies to assure the minimal emissions of pollutants from the project, in accordance with existing standards as revised and updated by SCAQMD. The City shall review grading and dust control plan applications to ensure conformance with the above referenced mitigation measures. Responsible Parties: City of La Quinta, Construction Manager s1PA Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation 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 X or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 X 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, X 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 X 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, X such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or X other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Source: 2035 General Plan, Coachella Valley MSHCP, project materials. IV. a) Less Than Significant with Mitigation. The area in which the proposed project will occur is entirely disturbed. In the southerly 600 feet of the widening area, no native habitat occurs, and -13- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study ornamental landscaping has been installed at the church and mobile home park. This landscaping includes a number of large trees, which are likely nesting habitat for local and migratory birds. The northern 300 feet of the improvement area has been scraped in conjunction with the demolition of the previously occurring single family homes. Three non- native trees remain on these properties, and would be removed by the proposed widening project. These trees also have the potential to provide nesting habitat for local and migratory birds. The proposed project is required to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects nesting birds. In order to assure that impacts to nesting birds are less than significant, mitigation will be required, and is provided below. b, c) No Impact. The project area does not contain any riparian habitat or other native community. There are no wetlands within the project area. There will be no impact to riparian habitat, native communities or wetlands as a result of the road widening. d) No Impact. The project area is 25 to 40 feet wide and 900 feet in length, and surrounded by development. It does not contain natural habitat. As a result, it is completely unsuitable as a wildlife corridor. There will be no impact associated with the movement of native species as a result of the proposed road widening. e,f) No Impact. The project area is located within the boundary of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The project area is not located within or adjacent to any conservation area, as defined by the MSHCP. Further, the MSHCP considers General Plan roadway improvements covered activities, no subject to payment of the mitigation fee. The widening of Dune Palms Road will have no impact on local policies or conservation plans. Mitigation Measures 1. To comply with the MBTA, any vegetation or tree removal occurring between January 1st and August 31 st shall require the preparation of a nesting bird survey by a qualified biologist. All suitable nesting habitat on the project site shall be surveyed for nesting birds within 30 days of the initiation of ground disturbing activity. If active nests of any native bird are found on site, they will be avoided until after the young have fledged. If no nests are present, this condition will be cleared. If vegetation removal activities are conducted outside the breeding season (September 1 st through December 31 st), this mitigation measure will not apply. Monitoring A. The City's Planning Division shall assure that necessary nesting bird surveys are completed in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and applicable protocol. Responsible Parties: Planning Division Schedule: Between January lst to August 31st and no more than 30 days prior to site disturbance. SEE Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as X defined in ' 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological X resource pursuant to ' 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique X geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal X cemeteries? Source: 2035 General Plan, project materials. "Dune Palms Low -Water Crossing Replacement Project ASR," Cogstone Resource Management, February 2016. V. a, b)No Impact. The area to be widened consists of a narrow strip of land, 25 to 40 feet wide by 900 feet in length. The area of the proposed improvement has been surveyed for historic and prehistoric resources, as part of the adjacent bridge widening project. In addition, the property on which the church occurs, and the La Quinta High School property were surveyed prior to construction. There are no historic resources on any portion of this area. Lands to the north are vacant, and contain no historic structures. Neither the existing church nor the mobile homes within the existing park are historic. The widening project will have no impact on historic resources. Previous archaeological resource surveys conducted within the area of the proposed project identified no resources in or adjacent to the project area. There will be no impact to archaeological resources. c) No Impact. The widening project occurs well north of the historic boundary of ancient Lake Cahuilla, which is the only paleontologically sensitive geologic feature in the City. The soils outside the boundary of the ancient lake are too young geologically, and are composed of sands and fine sands, which are not conducive to fossilization. As a result, no impacts to paleontological resources will result with the widening project. d) No Impact. The area proposed for road widening is not a part of a known burial ground, nor is it adjacent to a known burial ground. California law requires that any human remains found when excavations occur be reported to law enforcement. Further, law enforcement is required to determine if the remains have the potential to be culturally significant to local Native American Tribes, and to contact the Tribes if they are determined to be so. These -15- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study requirements of State law assure that there will be no impact to human remains as a result of the widening project. Mitigation Measures: None Monitoring: None -16- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, X 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 X issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? X iii) Seismic -related ground failure, X including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? X b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the X loss of topsoil? c) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform X Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? d) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems X where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Sources: 2035 General Plan; project materials. VI. a) No Impact. The area to be widened is not located in an Alquist Priolo Earthquake Zone, as none occur within City limits. However, the site will be subject to significant ground shaking in a seismic event. The City will require that all roadway construction be completed according to best engineering practices, to assure that the roadway survives strong seismic activity. As the site is level, flat and not in an area susceptible to liquefaction (see below), the widening is not expected to require special construction techniques beyond this to maintain its integrity. No impact associated with ground shaking is expected. The site is not susceptible to liquefaction. Liquefaction occurs when unconsolidated soils mix with a high groundwater table or perched groundwater, generally at a depth of less than 50 feet. The soil loses its consolidation and can cause structures, and roadbeds, to fail. The -17- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study widening project does not occur within a liquefaction hazard area, as identified in the General Plan. As a result, no impact associated with liquefaction is expected. The widening project occurs in an area which is flat and generally level. The area is in the center of the City, and not adjacent to any slope. No impact associated with landslides or rockfall will result from the completion of the widening project. b) Less than Significant Impact. The widening project will be subject to the potential for soil erosion due to wind and water during its construction. The City will implement PM10 Management Plans for the construction of the roadway, consistent with its standards for all projects, to assure that wind erosion is controlled (also see Air Quality, above). The City will also implement best management practices relating to storm water management during the construction process, to assure that storm water is not polluted by soils from on site or up stream sources. These City requirements will assure that the impacts associated with soil erosion will be less than significant. c) No Impact. The City's soils are not expansive, as they consist of sands and silty sands. No impact will occur. d) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will have no impact on septic or sewer systems, as roadway widening will not require septic or sanitary sewer service. Mitigation: None. Monitoring: None. -18- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Significant Significant Significant Impact -- Would the project: Impact w/ Impact Mitigation a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have X a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of X reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Source: Road Construction Emissions Model, version 7.1.5.1, project materials. VII.a,b)Less than Significant Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will result in the generation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) during the grading and paving of the roadway. The widening will have no direct long-term impact on GHGs, insofar as the widening of the roadway will not generate any new vehicle trips, or create any new land uses. Project construction is anticipated to generate approximately 332.7 metric tons of CO2e. State legislation, including A1332, aims for the reduction of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020; however, there are currently no thresholds for greenhouse gases associated with roadway projects in the SCAQMD. It is recognized that GHG impacts are intrinsically cumulative. Project construction will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with applicable rules and regulations pertaining to the release and generation of GHG's. Statewide programs and standards will further reduce GHG emissions generated by the project, including new fuel -efficient standards for cars, and newly adopted Building Code Title 24 standards. The proposed project will have a less than significant impact on the environment from the emission of GHG's and will not conflict with any applicable GHG plans, policies or regulations. Mitigation: None. Monitoring: None. -19- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact VIIL HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --Would theproject: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine X 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 X involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, X 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 X 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 been adopted, within two miles of a public airport X 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 X hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response X 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 X adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Source: 2035 General Plan, CA Department of Toxic Substances, project materials. VII. a) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms Road will have no impact on the transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials. The road widening will not change traffic patterns in the area, and any use of Dune Palms to transport materials now would continue. Should a spill occur, as would occur now, the Fire Department would implement its hazardous materials response procedures, which are currently in place. -20- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study b) Less Than Significant Impact. During the widening process, heavy equipment may experience a spill of gasoline, diesel fuel or other chemical compound used in these vehicles and equipment. Such a spill would be small, and would be handled in one of two ways: The City will require the installation of best management practices relating to NPDES requirements as part of the construction process. These practices will include the collection of materials spilled in the construction area, and their proper disposal so that they do not contaminate surface waters, should a spill occur during a rain event. Should a spill be of a larger nature, the City will, as a matter of policy, contact the Fire Department and properly remediate the spill. These standard procedures will assure that impacts associated with the release of chemicals and oils at the site will be less than significant. c) No Impact. The proposed widening project will occur on the east side of Dune Palms Road. The La Quinta High School occurs on the west side of Dune Palms Road. As described in response to questions a) and b) above, the widening project will have no impact on the transport of hazardous materials, if they occur. The procedures required to remediate a spill will be implemented, should one occur, regardless of the widening of the roadway. Therefore, the roadway widening will not impact the potential associated with hazardous materials near a school. d) No Impact. The area proposed for widening is not listed on any County, State or federal list of hazardous materials site. No impact will occur. e - f) No Impact. The widening project is located 2.5 miles south of the Bermuda Dunes Airport, and 7 miles northwest of the Jacquie Cochran Airport. There are no other airstrips in the vicinity. The widening project will have no impact safety at either airport. g) No Impact. The proposed widening project will result in a beneficial impact as relates to emergency response, insofar as it will provide full improvements and expanded travel lanes, and allow easier access for emergency vehicles. The City's fire station at Adams Street and Fred Waring Drive, one mile north of the widening project, will benefit from the improved circulation created by the widening. h) No Impact. The proposed widening project will have no impact on wildland fires. This section of Dune Palms Road occurs in the City's urban core, and is not located near any wildland, hillside or conservation area. There is no potential for wildland fires as a result of the proposed widening project. Mitigation measures: None. Monitoring: None. ME Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or X waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater X 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 X 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 X pattern of the site or area, including through 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 X would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Place housing within a 100-year flood X hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? g) Place within a 100-year flood hazard X area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? Source: 2035 General Plan; FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map; project materials. -22- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study IX. a, b) No Impact. The proposed road widening will have no impact on water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. The City will implement best management practices to assure that surface waters are protected from hazardous materials and other pollutants during the construction process. Roadway widening will include landscaping of the parkway within the right of way. The City will connect to existing water service lines in Dune Palms Road for irrigation of this landscaping. The landscaping will conform to the City's strict water conservation requirements for native and drought tolerant landscaping. Should water restrictions be in place when the project is constructed, or at any time in the future, the City will be subject to these restrictions. The amount of water expected to be required for landscaping of the widened parkway will not be significant. No impact is expected. c - e) No Impact. The City will design the roadway to accommodate the 100 year storm flows within the right of way, which is the City's standard. The design will better control storm flows than in the current condition, since the current lack of improvements on the east side of the road allows sheet flows across the roadway and onto downstream property. The road widening project will therefore result in a beneficial impact as relates to flooding on downstream properties. Design of the roadway will also include best management practices to assure that storm waters do not leave the roadway carrying pollutants, thereby protecting off -site properties from polluted runoff. f, g) No Impact. The site is not located in a flood zone as designated by FEMA. The widening project will not result in the construction of any structures. Therefore, no impact is expected. Mitigation: None. Monitoring: None. -23- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact X. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project: a) Physically divide an established X 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 X 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 X conservation plan? Sources: 2035 General Plan, 2003 CVMSHCP Figure 4-1: Conservation Areas; project materials. X. a) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms Road will occur on a 25 to40 foot wide by 900 foot long parcel, on lands which are vacant or represent the frontage of existing development. The proposed widening will not divide an established community. The mobile homes not encroaching in the right of way will not be disturbed by the proposed widening, and will continue to be occupied. Please see Population and Housing, below, for a discussion of the removal or relocation of mobile homes. b) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed widening will result in Dune Palms Road being constructed to its General Plan roadway designation of Secondary Arterial, with a 102 foot right of way. The proposed widening is therefore consistent with and implements the General Plan. All construction will be to City standards and specifications. No impact associated with conflicts with City plans, policies or regulations will occur. c) No Impact. The project site is within the boundaries of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, and will be subject to the regulations associated with that Plan. Therefore, the proposed project will not impact the existing CVMSHCP. Mitigation: None. Monitoring: None. yze Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact XI. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of X 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 X general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Sources: 2035 General Plan, project materials. XI. a, b) No Impact. No mineral resources are expected to occur within the widening project area. There are no significant mineral resources in the vicinity of the widening project. No impact will occur. Mitigation: None Monitoring: None -25- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact XII. NOISE - Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation X 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 X of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in X ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic X increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport X 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 X private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Source: 2035 General Plan EIR. XII. a & c) Less than Significant Impact. The roadway improvements will result in a four lane road, built to its ultimate width. The north half of the project area is currently vacant, and will not be impacted by noise. The south half of the project area is currently occupied by a mobile home park. The homes within the park are sensitive receptors, which require 65 dBA CNEL noise levels in exterior back yard areas. The mobile home park includes an existing perimeter fence which would be replaced. The General Plan EIR projected that at build out, Dune Palms Road will experience Level of Service (LOS) A between Westward Ho and Highway 111, with a volume to capacity ratio of 0.59. Traffic on Dune Palms will therefore continue to be light, and will generate noise levels of 65.5 dB at 100 feet from the centerline of Dune Palms. The perimeter fence surrounding the mobile home park, at a height of 6 feet, will provide noise attenuation of approximately 6 dB. Therefore, the noise levels outside the mobile homes -26- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study closest to Dune Palms will be approximately 59.5 dB, well below the City's standard. Impacts will be less than significant. b &d) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The widening of Dune Palms Road will result in temporary vibration and elevated noise levels associated with the heavy equipment which will be used to grade and pave the roadway. The peak noise level for construction equipment ranges from 70 to 95 dBA at a distance of 50 feet. The grading activities on the project site will cause temporary increases in noise levels above the City's standards, but these increases will be temporary and periodic. The project is estimated to last approximately 3 to 4 months. However, not all of the construction period will involve heavy equipment. Construction noise is regulated by the Municipal Code to occur during the noisier day time hours, which helps to lower the potential impacts. The fence surrounding the mobile home park will provide attenuation of noise levels. Since the heavy equipment will be working on a long narrow project, it will be moving north and south on the site. The construction process has the potential to cause annoyance and short term disturbance of the residents in the immediate area. This impact can be mitigated to less than significant levels, with the implementation of mitigation measures, as provided below. e, f) No Impact. The project site is not located within the noise contours of any airport or airstrip. No impact will occur. Mitigation Measures 1. All heavy equipment shall be equipped with properly functioning mufflers. 2. No vehicle shall be allowed to idle for more than 5 minutes within 50 feet of the mobile home park. 3. Any staging areas or storage areas for stationary equipment shall be located on currently vacant City property. Stationary equipment shall be oriented so as to direct noise away from residential development. 4. All construction activities shall occur in strict compliance with the construction hours allowed in the Municipal Code. Monitoring A. The Public Works Department shall ensure that noise mitigation is implemented through the construction period by regular inspection of the construction site. Responsible Parties: Public Works Department Schedule: Throughout the construction of the project. -27- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation 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) X or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the X construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of X replacement housing elsewhere? Source: 2035 General Plan Housing Element, project materials. XIII. a) No Impact. The proposed roadway widening will not induce population growth. The widening project is consistent with the General Plan roadway designation of Secondary Arterial, and the widening of the roadway is designed to respond to growth, not induce it. This area of the City is mostly built out, and only limited growth can occur. Traffic volumes on Dune Palms are not expected to increase significantly over time. The widening project will improve safety on the roadway, but will not induce growth. b & c) Less Than Significant Impact. The widening of Dune Palms Road may require the removal or relocation of three mobile homes and two ancillary structures, which are encroaching into the City's the right of way. The final engineering for the project will determine whether they will need to be removed or relocated. Assuming that they do need to be removed, the mobile home units do not represent a substantial number of units. The City, as part of the project, has dedicated funds to relocate or rebuild the units on currently vacant spaces within the park. Should removal and/or relocation of these units be necessary, the City will follow all legally required steps. State law requires that the City pay fair market value for any property which it needs to acquire to provide public improvements. In the event that the City must acquire any structures, the City would be required to compensate the owner(s) of the structures. In addition, if the City is legally required to acquire the mobile homes, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Properties Act would require that the City relocate, at its expense, qualifying residents of these units. Should the residents of the affected units qualify for relocation, the City would be required to prepare a relocation plan, and implement it prior to the initiation of the roadway widening project. -28- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study 25 California Code of Regulations Section 6090 requires that an agency acquiring a residential unit pay the resident actual reasonable moving expenses. 25 California Code of Regulations Section 6102 and 6104 also require that replacement housing payments be made to qualifying residents, if relocation is necessary. To the extent applicable, the City will follow these State requirements. In light of all these federal and State requirements, any impacts associated with the potential removal of encroaching structures will be less than significant. Mitigation: None Monitoring: None -29- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation 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? X Police protection? X Schools? X Parks? X Other public facilities? X Source: 2035 General Plan, project materials. XIV. a) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will have no impact on public facilities. The roadway widening will facilitate better access and response for the Fire and Police Departments by providing a second travel lane. The widening will also improve access to the adjacent La Quinta High School, allowing for better traffic flow during the more congested morning and afternoon pick up times. The widening will have no impact on parks or other public facilities. Mitigation: None Monitoring: None -30- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact XV. RECREATION -- a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that X 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 X might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Sources: 2035 General Plan, project materials. XV. a-b) No Impact. Widening of Dune Palms will have no impact on either the use of parks or recreational facilities. Mitigation: None Monitoring: None -31- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact XVL TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial X increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion X management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in X 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 X dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency X access? f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? X g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative X transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? Source: 2035 General Plan, project materials. XVI. a & b) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will result in four travel lanes, bike lanes, curb gutter and sidewalk, all meeting the City's standard for Secondary Arterials. Although Dune Palms currently operates at acceptable levels of service, the widening will improve traffic safety, particularly for northbound traffic, and provide pedestrian access through the installation of a curb -adjacent sidewalk. These improvements will result in beneficial impacts for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in the area. The widening will not increase volumes on Dune Palms, and as such will have no impact on level of service. -32- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study c) No Impact. The nearest airport, Bermuda Dunes Airport, is located approximately 2.5 miles north of the proposed site. The project is not located within proximity to an airport and will not impact air traffic patterns. d) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will have a beneficial impact on safety features and existing hazards, by providing a completed street with a concrete sidewalk, and eliminating the need for pedestrians, including high school students, to walk on the unpaved shoulder. e) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will improve access for fire and police vehicles traveling to and from north La Quinta. No impact will occur. f) No Impact. The widening will have no impact on parking capacity, insofar as a roadway improvement does not require parking. g) No Impact. The roadway improvement will have a beneficial impact on alternative transportation, by providing a sidewalk for pedestrians, a striped bike lane on the east side, and improvements for transit vehicles, should a bus route be planned here in the future. Mitigation Measures: None Monitoring: None -33- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional X Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing X 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 X construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or X 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 X 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 X project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid X waste? Source: Project materials XVII. a-g) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will have no impacts on utilities and service systems. Existing utilities located beneath the roadway will remain. IID and Time Warner Cable facilities will be relocated within the expanded right of way. These activities are required by the City's standards, and will assure that utilities are not impacted. -34- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study The proposed widening will not require sanitary sewer service, and as such will have no impact on these services. The landscaping within the parkway will require water for irrigation, which is currently available at the project area. Please see Hydrology and Water Resources, above. The proposed widening will not require solid waste services, and will generate very little solid waste, insofar as the proposed roadway widening occurs on lands which are vacant or developed with landscaping. Any construction waste generated by the project will be disposed of through approved haulers, and taken to an approved construction waste disposal facility, according to the requirements of State law. Mitigation: None. Monitoring: None. -35- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant w/ Significant Impact Impact Mitigation 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 X 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 X 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 X 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 X adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? a) Less than Significant with Mitigation. The roadway improvements installed in conjunction with the widening of Dune Palms will encompass an area of 27,000 square feet, on lands which have been significantly impacted previously. Potential impacts to migratory birds can be mitigated to less than significant levels. No other impacts to biological resources are expected. The development of the project will not result in negative impacts to any important examples of California history or prehistory, or to paleontological resources. -36- Dune Palms Road Widening Initial Study b) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms is a long term goal of the General Plan, insofar as the proposed improvements will bring this currently substandard roadway to its ultimate, General Plan designation of Secondary Arterial. c) No Impact. The widening of Dune Palms will have no cumulative impacts. The widening is occurring in response to growth in the area, not to stimulate growth, and will result in beneficial improvements for traffic in the area. d) Less than Significant with Mitigation. The construction process could have short term noise impacts, which could affect human beings. The mitigation measures included in this document, however, assure that impacts will be reduced to less than significant levels. References City of La Quinta 2035 General Plan City of La Quinta Municipal Code. CalEEMod Version 2013.2.2 2003 Coachella Valley MSHCP FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Panel #2233G CA Department of Toxic Substances SCAQMD CEQA Handbook 2003 PM10 Plan for the Coachella Valley SCAQMD 2012 Air Quality Management Plan California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping California Scenic Highway Mapping System -37- EXHIBIT B CITY OF LA QUINTA MONITORING PROGRAM FOR CEQA COMPLIANCE DATE: July 5, 2016 ASSESSORS PARCEL NO.: Not Applicable CASE NO.: CITY PROJECT NO. 2009-02 PROJECT LOCATION: East side of Dune Palm Road, from Westward Ho southerly a distance of approximately 900 feet EA/EIR NO: EA 2016-0009 APPROVAL DATE: In Process APPLICANT: City of La Quinta THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTS THE CITY'S MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM IN CONNECTION WITH THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE ABOVE CASE NUMBER SUMMARY MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING TIMING CRITERIA COMPLIANCE CHECKED BY DATE III. AIR QUALITY Implement SCAQMD Rule 403 Public Works During grading and Field inspections. construction Use diesel particulate filters on Public Works During grading and Field inspections. construction equipment. construction Locate staging areas as far from Public Works During grading and Field inspections. sensitive receptors as possible. construction SUMMARY MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING TIMING CRITERIA COMPLIANCE CHECKED BY DATE IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Conduct pre -construction nesting bird Public Works Within 30 days of vegetation Report from surveys. removal if occurring between qualified biologist. January 1 and August 31. SUMMARY MITIGATION MEASURES RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING TIMING CRITERIA COMPLIANCE CHECKED BY DATE XII. NOISE All fixed and mobile construction Public Works During construction. Site inspections. equipment to be properly mufflered. All stationary equipment to emit noise Public Works During construction. Site inspections. away from sensitive receptors and be located as far as possible from sensitive receptors. Equipment to be shut down and not left Public Works During construction. Site inspections. to idle. Construction hours to comply with Public Works During construction. Site inspections. Municipal Code.