(08) 2035 LQ GP - CERTIFIED EIR - Section VII (2013)Terra Nova/La Quinta General Plan EIR
Section VII. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Environmental Resources
VII-1
LA QUINTA GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
VII. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Pursuant to CEQA Section 15126.2(c), the following discussion addresses the potentially
significant irreversible changes or irretrievable commitment of non-renewable resources that
could occur from implementation of the General Plan Update. In general non-renewable
resources imply energy resources, but may also pertain to the permanent loss of biological,
mineral and other natural resources. The use of non-renewable resources during short-term
construction and long-term operation of the Planning Area may be irreversible and irretrievable.
The growth and development facilitated by the proposed General Plan Update will result in the
irretrievable and irreversible commitment of renewable and non-renewable natural resources,
including open land, biological and energy resources (i.e., oil, natural gas, petroleum, coal, etc.),
water resources, mineral resources, and construction materials such as lumber, gravel, sand,
asphalt, and metals.
As the Planning Area continues to build out as a result of implementation of the General Plan
Update, environmental resources will be irretrievably lost. Undisturbed habitat, open space and
other biological will be committed to urban land uses. Most notably, new residential subdivisions
and commercial centers will be developed on vacant land within the Sphere of Influence.
New growth and development throughout the Planning Area will increase consumption of
electricity, natural gas, and petroleum fuels. Mineral resources will also be consumed in the
construction of buildings, roads, and facilities across the Planning Area. Local quarries in the
Coachella Valley provide aggregate, sand and gravel, and crushed stone used for the construction
of roads, sidewalks and hardscape, as well as plaster used for building facades. Increased
construction facilitated by the General Plan Update will contribute to the irretrievable
commitment of these resources.
The General Plan Update establishes the regulatory framework and proposes land use intensities
and densities that are intended to preserve and protect valuable resources and reduce long-term
impacts to environmental resources. Furthermore, the Plan is consistent with the Coachella
Valley MSHCP and prohibits development within the MSHCP Conservation Areas.
Terra Nova/La Quinta General Plan EIR
Section VII. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Environmental Resources
VII-2
The General Plan Update provides goals, policies and programs intended to conserve and protect
valuable resources and substantially reduce long-term impacts. The Sustainable Community
Element identifies the approach to reduce the Planning Area’s irreversible or irretrievable use of
non-renewable resources, thereby limiting air quality emissions and water pollution. The
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan also provides strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and achieving reduction targets consistent with state goals as set forth in AB32.
This EIR sets forth mitigation measures, the implementation of which will reduce potential
impacts associated with the proposed General Plan to less than significant levels for non-
renewable environmental resources.
Finally, outside influences, such as the development of new and more efficient technologies are
anticipated to reduce impacts on fossil fuel resources and other finite mineral resources. These
efforts will minimize the irreversible or irretrievable loss of environmental resources, even as
growth continues.
Terra Nova/La Quinta General Plan EIR
Section VII. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Environmental Resources
VII-1
VII.
IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES ........................................................................ VII-1