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SP 121-E La Quinta Resort EIR - July 1974 (LQ Cove & Tennis Club)74121 ;2 tlP •t Z. I E La Quinta Cove Golf & Tennis Club N V -a 'N" h .ENTAL l M PA T J_ Ee }e y � , W ��.. E RORT f1 iI Ur ILL,Li- E Eb NOV 2 j '6/4 RIVERSIDE COUNTY PLANNING C01%4MISSION July 1974 HHS HARRY H. SCHMITZ & ASSOCIATES Urban & Environmental Planning Palm Desert, California LA 9UINTA COVE GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT JULY 1974 Harry H. Schmitz & Associates Urban & Environmental Planning Consultants Palm Desert, California 92260 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ................................................ 1 I. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT ......................... 2 A. Objective of the Project ............................ 2 B. Location ............................................ 2 1. Regional.. ................................... 2 2. Local ........................................... 5 C. Description ......................................... 5 1. Land Use ........................................ 5 2. Population ...................................... 11 3. Access and Circulation.. 11 4. Amenities ........................... a........... 12 " 5. Phasing ......................................... 14 6. Value ........................................... 15 II. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND DEFINITION OF IMPACT AREA..... 17 A. Description of the Environment ...................... 17 1. Physical ........................................ 17 a. Earth Resources... .......................... 17 1) Land Form.. ........................... 17 2) Space as aResource 17 3) Soil Characteristics .................... 18 4) Mineral Resources and Construction Materials.. 18 b. Water Resources ............................. 18 1) Regional Flow ........................... 18 2) Regional Groundwater Storage............ 34 3) Groundwater Quality ..................... 38 4) Local Conditions ........................ 38 C. Atmospheric Resources ....................... 42 1) Quality ................................. 42 2) Climate ................................. 46 C1. Processes........... ........................ 51 1) Drainage ................................ 51 2) Wind Erosion........ ..................... 56 3) Earthquake and Faulting................. 57 4) Fire .................................... 63 iv 2. Biological ...................................... 63 a. Regional Flora .............................. 63 1) Sand Dunes and Creosote Habitat......... 65 2) Creosote - Palo Verde Habitat........... 65 3) Cholla - Palo Verde Habitat ............. 65 4) Rocky Slopes Habitat .................... 66 b. Regional Fauna .............................. 66 1) Mammals ........ . ... ..................... 66 2) Amphibians and Reptiles ................. 67 3) Birds ................................... 67 4) Insects and Arthropods .................. 67 C. Local Wildlife .............................. 68 1) Flora of the Project Site ............... 70 2) Reptilian Fauna of the Project Site..... 71 3) Avian Fauna of the Project Site......... 72 4) Mammalian Fauna of the Project Site..... 72 5) Insect Fauna of the Project Site........ 73 3. Man Made ........................................ 74 a. History and Archaeology ..................... 74 1) Salton Basin ............................ 74 2) Cultural Adjustments .................... 79 3) Local Aspects ........................... 81 b. Population .................................. Land 82 C. Use .................................... 84 d. Zoning and Proposed Land Use ................ 85 e. Economics ................................... 86 1) Regional ................................ 86 2) Local ................................... 94 f. Transportation Systems ...................... 96 III. PROBABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS .......................... 100 A. Impact on the Physical Environment .................. 100 1. Land Form and Open Space.... a ................... 100 2. Groundwater........... .......................... 101 3. Air Quality ..................................... 102 4. Climate ......................................... 105 S. Flooding ....................................... 1.05 6. Wind Erosion......... ........................... 106 7. Seismic ......................................... 106 W1, B. Impact on the Biological Environment ................ 107 1. Flora ........................................... 107 2. Fauna ........................................... 107 C. Impact on the Man Made Environment .................. 108 1. Archaeology ..................................... 108 2. Population ...................................... 109 3. Land Use. Compatibility .......................... 109 4. Recreation and Open Space ....................... 110 5. Visual .......................................... 110 6. Transportation and Noise ........................ 111 7. Public Facilities ............................... 112 8. Utilities ....................................... 113 a. Electric .................................... 113 b. Gas ......................................... 113 C. Water ....................................... 113 d. Sewage ...................................... 114 9. Economic ........................................ 114 IV. SUMMARY OF UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE EFFECTS .................. 115 V. MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS.... 116 VI. 401WERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION ..................... 118 VII. COMPARISON OF SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS ............... 119 VIII. IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES AND COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES........ 119 IX. GROWTH INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT.......... 120 X. ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS CONSULTED ..................... 121 XI. BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................ 122 APPENDIX 1 (Flora & Fauna of the Project Site).......... 125 APPENDIX 2 (Project & Site Description) ................. 130 vi LIST OF EXHIBITS EXHIBIT TITLE PAGE A..... General Location Map ............................... 3 B ..... Regional Map (Coachella Valley) ................ ••• 4 Cl..... Local Map (U.S.G.S. -- 15" Series) ................. 6 C2..... Local Map (U.S.G.S. -- 7 1/2" Series) .............. 7 D ..... Local Map (Cadastral -- 1" = 2000') ................ 8 El..... Specific Plan -- Land Use .......................... 10 E2..... Specific Plan -- Phasing ........................... 16 Fl..... Generalized Soil Map ............................... 19 F2..... Soil & Capability Map Summary ...................... 20 F3..... Soil Survey Interpretations ........................ 21 F4..... Soil $ Capability Map Summary ...................... 22 FS..... Soil Survey Interpretations ........................ 23 F6..... Soil & Capability Map Summary ...................... L4 F7..... Soil Survey Interpretations ........................ 25 FB..... Soil Limitation Rating $ Vegetative Groups......... 26 F9..... Allowable Soil Pressures Chart ..................... 27 F10.... Hydrologic Soil Classification ..................... 28 Gl..... Groundwater Sub -basins Map ......................... 30 G2..... Groundwater Flow Lines Map ......................... 31 G3..... Water Movement in Upper Valley ..................... 32 G4..... Changes in Water Levels Map ........................ 35 GS.... Water Level Contours Map ........................... 36 G6..... California Aqueduct Annual Entitlements Table..... 37 Vii G7..... Typical Groundwater Quality Table .................. 39 GB..... Groundwater Quality Map ............................ 40 G9..... Fluoride Concentrations Map .......................• 41 Hl..... California Air Basins Map .........................• 43 H2..... Air Pollution Inventory Table .....................• 45 H3..... Emissions Chart .................................... 47 { H4 .... Emissions Chart .................................... 48 HS-- Emissions Chart .................................... 49 H6— ... Air Monitoring Table ............................... 50 I1..... Typical Meteorological Table ....................... 52 I2..... Equal Rainfall Contours Map ........................ 53 J ..... La Quinta Flood Control (Recommended Plan)......... 55 K ..... Coachella Valley Wind Erosion Status Map........... 58 L1..... Geologic Map (Santa Ana Quadrangle) ................ 59 L2**''' Epicenter Map ...................................... 61 M ..... Wildlife Field Survey Reference Photo .............. 69 N ..... Salton Basin Map ................................... 76 0 ..... Cove Communities General Plan Map (Excerpts)....... 87 P ..... Farm & Livestock Production Table .................. 89 Q ..... Coachella Valley Employment Table .................. 90 R1..... Selected Economic Indicators Table ................. 91 R2..... Selected Economic Indicators Table ................. 92 S ..... Typical Property Tax Rates in La Quinta............ 95 T1..11. 1970 Traffic Flow Map .............................. 98 T2..... 1990 Traffic Flow Map .............................. 99 I TFODUCTION This Draft Environmental Impact Report was prepared by the firm of Harry H. Schmitz & Associates, Palm Desert, California, at the request of the Elkee Corporation and subject to the proce- dures of Riverside County. The report was prepared in conform- ance with the guidelines of the State of California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, and subsequent amendments. The proposed project contemplates a hotel expansion, condominiums, and a golf course development on 622 acres in the northwestern portion of the community of La Quinta. rhe project is dependent upon the construction of a portion of the La Quinta Flood Control Project, currently under study by the Coachella Valley County water District, and construction of the ''Oleander Reservoir" within the project boundaries. f I. DESCRIPTION OF TH1: PRoPOSIa PR0,11-A"I A. Obj ,ct ive of Prof ect The objective of this project is to provide a "high- quality" residential community with a high level of amenities, including open space and the maintenance of the area's character. B. Location 1. Regional The project site lies in the community of La Quinta and adjoins 'the eastern city limits of Indian Wells. It is located along the southwestern edge of the upper portion of the Coachella Valley. This Valley is located approximately 100 miles East of Los Angeles. (See EXHIBITS A and B). The Coachella Valley is about SO miles long and averages between 10 and 20 miles in width. It trends in a northwest -southeast di- rection, being wider in the south, where it termi- nates at the Salton Sea and narrower in the north, where it begins at the San Gorgonio Pass. The Valley proper is a rather broad, flat,alluviated area, with elevations ranging from 1,200 feet above sea level at Desert Hot Springs, to sea level at Indio, to 230 feet below sea level at the surface of the Salton Sea. The Coachella Valley would qualify as a rather autonomous region on its own if judged merely by physical criteria showing geographic regions. 2 a so Owens 1170 1150 1 _ G Vis lia �1 Lake T A l E 1 + �' ci A �l Las Vegas R K \ %-I Lake �a ` • \ O 7 J Bakersfield / 1( E R N v \ G Ste. �A N Ei, E R N A R D I PENT �A L LOS ANGELES y. r � - % San BerCdirid— • - 3e • - ---------� LOS ANGELES Riverside " b \ l r- aSant R Point Fermin RANGE SAN PEDyO \ PAO ECT t\ Cy Santa Catalina 4**tz r C Island ` a , f W -b-l'E G O JI E i A L U 3 A _ Ql San Clemente I land r I l G EIJjp Point Lama $a sego � 1 ALl Y a 01 C% o I- M e x 1 C 0 f Laguna il. Salads t� Islas Los Coronados 0`-. na \ J ' + Q� o Ensenada ' Cabo Pun a Banda 1 Isla Montag- J to M 0 40 BO O HHS --AL. DESERT"T -- �¢hf San Fell it CCH1�11T- � AtiSOCIATES COPYRIGHT () 1974 All R.phls Rese.vetl — GENERAL LOCATION MAP EXHIBIT �IwR p� _. 5� .I ,; A 1a`.'NI �:_ +t . r � r. 1 `. •' a �. � �_ �"' �VRlkRi�� rr�rr 49uvuw '� >{, ��w:t II/ �. �. ♦ s. + ei ftj�,� ^L��k'I T R E 9,�� rw6f it .` _ / �...., � Yi. S/ 4 Y" S -t a �, r •' � d , a+ _ � e ..' _ _ dna r f • `' +�'`l ''ice, TMrA N 1 ,t , , F7' / V' 1N,T--1 1 `Ilk, R.`...! _s d5 't 't r �1., 1� m prgS- - a,� ,`syJ L 1.rx' �i...�r�r S'- _ ..1 � �•,, _ �{� - i'`'��R". �'+vJ,' ' riu:i .rQJ,�rhlrr' . r 4 � ': � 1. Cf ; Sa ,.. {~ • 1 p�..�� ! / ?' � r ' 7 - moi:+' s, Jt >� i \{• �, F v caij)b,+*1 �. 1 L I �` � rte,} � r�,�t _,� � «i l� E .r`. _3I I. �' �fY•y',�r-" '�.. �V AN.1 RVk7lDN R �A, J r - ` � ^ , ►+ DIY " -- �"+ir.F' (` �;;{ }.__'AtirpMn' unrn i� -:fieri ,"i+l rlw i�li-' 4�-Sil_E. r �.• P•k'?`' Y °t �--•. rvP s '`� -.. ��!!rr -- `'r^Mr. r3"-1 _:_ I _•_._ .w1•ar+tcsl 1,L lt' +R..ewl '_'mss.... ! r i1YC IMR • _l �'+� 5 tit OCIl 16• i 9 },tj �",-_. ']•" , is � A,nr a1r ew.t.x.°-". H Yr,r RERNAdi`@}YYOIV L' F OR_'E83i1 - -- r �� n.a.n _ I 3 .,�.,, . r•t /i"`�ilr c yIs p •\ `~ NAS*} � �. \� -- t �.�i��+ rl w. �t'`�,x. `s .'r r lig,. r `I ,.�,�„p* '� �Tir._-•2� err.' \� .rtr .,.IxiiA I �•r.gqoNI� NrQInN n•+I+na xFrta sal uvr ,y(. f� _ ...\ `.�`' ♦ _' ". 'I A _ �--•" r,dr` �,v `.r LIRLSE Rv7i71R*!w.. .� F- - rl :•., I ry , `5... . c:+" 1.• Wlmt11N I - __. f • '�-. y)1� - IM FM F6, � ? �, I �. .. jug 4 '' 1all Il135r . { . TORREE • ARTI' b tom! INDIAN . _ iryr V1 �'•y 1 1 - ' - L. � 1 I ~.��1 RESERV,�If1rr� / rr:ulLLaINDIAN (rE.IpIN1M.i14n T f-- -- - - -- __---- iPRR EB I4AAT REst,kwm, 5 1 v RIVERSIDE cQu RiY r' -w -"s _ "��H Ire91VIR E NiY C EcCfvMlr \ -9 - M* fV i>I[7io -Ci7 N My r r l r- � - - •. � ,DRR[5 NURYINEr�"`\�^ r I a - •' - G - 01renN R EB(avnT ep i r 4S Ew w 1 firr`i ' I ? �o•�l , R'r , eo+Qrr+lwrR]uw L!'- - - - ' LEVELAND iITIONAL ��_.. _..-.-6ill 4.ri i•i'. f i1Y-aJ-� ['_ -_ -- { �l• M' CI aNwdi Wlw.r+ai - - �•v - [ JtWfarr I - � . e'•i., i 1e .., bul '`yP E'1 v`•I 1_.feF' r r,+a P5 E6rg1E5IND4vr I..-. , - 1 °F14RVY1T wN l• WL I- 0 " O � 12 �• �^�'b: , - n...ta= %.'IrY •�' rr'rrle'r®Irr�� I Y•..,.r air. � ._� ( . �•�` 4. t --- rnl. MAy I.I. PALM DE tii:'RT 11ARRY I i SC1A IITZ A SSOC IATES COPYRIGHT (c) 1974 All R,RM1ts Re scr vctl REGIONAL MAP (COACHELLA VALLEY) 4 EXHIBIT B 1 However, on the basis of land uses the Valley is divided into two portions. The northern half (Upper Coachella Valley) consists of a tourist/ recreation oriented economic base, while the sou- thern half from Indio to the Salton Sea is pre- dominately agricultural in nature. The Valley is bordered on the northeast by the Little San Bernardino Mountains, obtaining eleva- tions from 3,000 feet to 6,000 feet. It is bordered on the southwestern side by the higher and more rugged Santa Rosa - San Jacinto Mountains. These mountains range in elevation from 6,000 feet to the 10,831 foot summit of Mt. San Jacinto. Much of the scenic beauty of the area is provided by the mountains, foothills, and deep canyons found along this southwestern side of the Valley. 2. Local The site is situated in the northwestern portion of the community of La Quinta and is surrounded on three sides by steep foothills. (See EXHIBITS Cl, C2, and D). C. Description 1. Land Use The study area encompasses a total of 622,0 acres. The proposal is to develop 129..8 acres, 20.9 percent of the study area, with condominiums focused on a * See APPF,NDIX 2 also. 5 V L7 4:4 11- 7r. LOCAL MAP (USGS QUAD 15" SERIES) 6 EXHIBIT Cl LOCAL MAP (USGS QUAD 7 112" SERIES) EXHIBIT C2 J4 G M F- '�11 3TORW I allyl s, '•�.` � ° -- .J _I �HAMNEL \�Al= 1 _ CITY OF --_ : INDIAN WELLS• ",e�f I J }....- - a I I '. ' I � n 0 2 3 4000 HHS FEET r9�4 PALM DESERT I I,\RRl' I I SCI AIITZ S-, ASSOL IATES LOCAL MAP (CADASTRAL -- 1" = 2000') 8 EXHIBIT D T' new eighteen hole golf course and clubhouse. The La Quinta Hotel now occupies 17.8 acres and will be expanded to a total of 43.9 acres, 7.1 percent of the study area. the new golf course (193.6 acres), and open areas (30.8 acres) will make up the open space, 70.1 percent of the study area. There will be two ser- vice facilities comprising 6.4 acres, one for the golf course and one for a package sewage treatment L (See Table 1 and EXH. El). If the mountains cluded from the calculations, open space remai s r fifty percent of the developable area. The condominiums surrounding the golf course will be developed at densities of 4-6 du/gac (dwelling units per gross acre), a total of 637 units. The 76 unit: hotel when expanded will include a total of 420 new units at a density of 20 du/gac. Excluding the mountains do o t TABLE l LAND USE ACRES PERCENT RhS1DI;\TI ;L 129.8 20.9 II�TI:I. 43. 9 7. 1 CLUBH(�USI- 5. 6 0.9 10i kI. OPE", SPALL 435.8 70.1 Open Space 3().8 i'oIf 'o':rS0 193.6 -leunta1 _'11.4 L 1- I C k � 'P'..:'1:;6. 4 1.0 9 :A 621.5 100.0 SPECIFIC PLAN OF LAND USE paknTays, J.F. OAVIOSON AM.00IAT<■ IIIVERWM,LALIrO11MM Llrll [n�M••rr •I•nn•rr Wrwr•nr i + VICINITY MAP ' J LAND LI�t 77 L�OEND p cma�Iuw s wwwc R �+ wp/liMI11MM I</YIIl1C p rnnoa�p.Inl • wio11L MpT[L ao w/wL � c.rcwco. neap rrrc+.0 wn cl..��a• [GY[STRIM TINE F Cell• .Tp Pie- i -- t i SPECIFIC PLAN -- LAND USE 10 .f EXHIBIT El 2. Population The La Quinta Cove area will attract residents similar in demographic character to those in the existing country club development. For many people La Quinta is a second home and eventual retirement home, or weekend and vacation retreat. Consequently, the number of persons per dwelling will be lower than the usual residential development. These char- acteristics drastically reduce the need for elementary i schools in the area. According to the 1970 Census there were 2.26 pop/du (population per dwelling unit) in Palm Springs. This figure gives an indication of the expected household size of La Quinta residents. Recent studies by the County of Riverside reveal actual population per dwelling unit figures lower than this, about 2.08 pop/du. Therefore, "`: e c persons. The traniTT would No be about 7.5 per ?. Access and Circulation For most of the project, the internal circulation system consists of a collector street fed by a number Of cul-de-sacs. This collector street empties onto 1:4senhower Drive at 50th :1ve.nue and at a point 1/4 r.iile nort.heriv of .50tt. .��enue. These exterior roads link the project to other parts of the Coachella Valley. Eisenhower Drive is shown on the Riverside County Master Plan of Highways with a 100 -foot right- of-way. It is the major link to Washington Street and Highway 111. Interstate 10 is approximately 5 miles north of the project area. The major loop street in the project area will have a 66 -foot right-of-way. The feeder streets will be 60 feet wide and cul-de-sacs are 50 feet in width. All streets will be privately maintained by the homeowners association. The streets will be devel- oped according to Riverside County standards. 4. Amen itiPc Complete urban amenities will be provided. Two water systems will be constructed --one for domestic and fire protection use, and the other for golf course irrigation. Water for domestic use and fire protec- tion will be obtained from the La Quinta Water Company. Water for the irrigation system will be obtained from from the proposed sewage treatment plant. Sewage will be transported to temporary treatment facilities east of Eisenhower Drive and north of the proposed outlet channel from proposed Oleander Basin. Effluent will be recycled by pumping it back to the golf course for irrigation use. A training dike along the north 12 and west side of the development will collect and transport storm runoff from the surrounding mountains to the proposed Oleander Basin. On-site stormwater will be handled in streets and drains and discharged into the proposed Oleander Basin. Bear Creek will also discharge into Oleander Basin. The design of Bear Creek and the outlet channel from Oleander Basin to Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel will be de- signed by Coachella Valley County Water District. The design of the basin, Bear Creek, and outlet channel are discussed in an Engineering Report by Bechtel Engineers for the flood control district. Solid waste collection will be contracted for and controlled by the homeowners association. The entire La Quinta development lies in an unin- corporated portion of Riverside County and is there- fore served by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. Fire protection service also falls under the juris- diction of Riverside County. The California State Division of Forestry provides fire protection service under contract with the County. The nearest station is located in La Quinta, approx. 1/2 mile southeast- erly of the project. Additional equipment is sta- tioned in Bermuda Duncs, Indio, and Palin Desert. Natural gas is provided by the Southern California Gas Company and power is furnished by the Imperial 13 Irrigation District. All of the utility companies predict adequate supplies of resources available for total development of the project. 5. Phasing The total development of this portion of La Quinta is expected to occur over a seven to eight year period. EXHIBIT E2 and Table 2 present the proposed phasing. TABLE 2 DEVELOPMENT PHASING ACRES DENSITY UNITS EXISTING HOTEL 17.8 76 PHASE I Golf Course 193.6 Open Space 30.8 Mountains 211.4 TOTAL PHASE I 435.8 PHASE II Condominium 28.4 5 142 Helicopter Pad 1.0 Tennis Courts 0.5 Health Spa 2.0 Sewage Treatment Plant 5.4 Maintenance Yard 1.0 Clubhouse 5.6 TOTAL PHASE II 43.9 PHASE III Condominium 9.5 6 57 Hotel 2.1 20 42 TOTAL PHASE III 11.6 7-9 PHASE IV Condominium 6.3 4 25 Condominium 13.6 5 68 Hotel 9.6 20 192 Tennis Courts 1.6 TOTAL PHASE IV 31.1 285 14 PHASE V ACRES DENSITY UNITS Condominium 9.3 5 47 PHASE VI Condominium 9.9 6 59 PHASE VII Condominium 6.7 4 27 Hotel 9.3 20 186 TOTAL PHASE VII 16.0 713 PHASE VIII Condominium 6.8 4 27 PHASE IX Condominium 12.5 5 63 PHASE X Condominium 12.0 4 48 PHASE XI Condominium 9.0 5 45 PHASE XII Condominium 5.8 5 29 TOTAL 621.4 1133 Project Overall Density 1.82 du/ac 6. Value Total market value of the project, upon completion, has been estimated in excess of $60 million. Esti- mates of the value of the Oleander Reservoir to the community, as well as the flood control facilities accompanying the project, are beyond the scope of this report. 15 1 MOUNTAINS TRAINING DINE FLOW IIN[ C11ARR[t I SPECIFIC PLAN OF LAND USE I17M5 $f'[�[C GIIk.f1Ra J.F. DAVIDSON ASSOCIATES RIVERSIDE. CALIFOIIMu C. En.Mvo III...... wrwFw. ' SPECIFIC PLAN -- PHASING 1s f EXHIBIT E2 x. ' VIII R� 1 Alda Fr'—d. ' 1 NOT A RAN? HOTEL EERLNEION aen.n;: pNE e ; hf, 1 •'m � SOEf IfK DL AH V . .,ei.vVq TFNIR%i .AWn C9�V1 ` � TRNHit . cALIN jltkl � o 'SXZ prate l „ n mc ff ',�. ... 1Rl _ .. uGolf ...,,.%\ Course e[wAOE V111113" n staMf T - nv we " CVCW.D FLOOD EVAGINATION CHANNEL �,� �'[/y7/,A.,l�\; T'��. • [OY[iTRIM TRYL MAINUNANC[ VARD DEVELOPMENT PHASING O I C a MOUNTAINS I 3, 'W •"^ 'A—• CRIIa Tampico " ` •t ;O e a SECTION B -B SECTION 'C'C' SPECIFIC PLAN -- PHASING 1s f EXHIBIT E2 II. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND DEFINITION OF IMPACT AREA A. Description of the Environment I. Physical a. Earth Resources 1) e The balance (easterly portion) consists of a rather level plain protected to some degree from flooding by a system of dikes and channels lying southerly. The overall elevations on this plain range from approximately 50 feet above sea level at the northerly por- tion of it to 40 feet above sea level at its southeast corner. 2) Space as a Resource - Over 3/4 of the site is presently devoted to some form of open space (i.e., steep mountains, agriculture, outdoor recreation). It is anticipated that the foothill portions will be permanently kept as open space. In addition, the de- velopment plan dictates that in excess of 50% of the developable land will remain as additional open space. Thus, a total of 2/3 of the project site is proposed in open space. 17 3) Soil Characteristics - Various soils are found within the total project having capa- bilities, classifications, and characteris- tics as further described and shown (See EXHIBITS F1 thru Flo). 4) Mineral Resources and Construction Materials The only known deposits of construction materials on the site are those which are located in the northwestern portion near the mouth of a small canyon. This very limited quantity of material consists of rock, sand and gravel; however, the develop- ment plan contemplates non-removal of this resource due to the problems associated with such removal al c Further, other known deposits and existing facilities in the Coachella Valley are ample to supply the Valley's needs beyond the year 2000 A.D. b. Water Resources 1) Regional Flow - The primary source of sur- face flow into the Upper Coachella Valley is the Whitewater River and several tributaries, such as Snowcreek and Palm Canyon. A U.S.G.S. Analog Model Study of the groundwater basin was conducted for the Upper Coachella Valley 18 • - � i �' �~i i 7 mss. jA �' _ i • - 4 +' , r soth d �': i•�� f SCALE fi = aso, I' s so t ui 1 , s CZB GENERALIZED SOIL MAP 1s EXHI:;IT F, cd 0 CL a O O ro u Q) •' I 'L7 co •r-1 u 0 0 a -I •rt a .Iut a -D N Q 0 ED 0 Cd Cd Cd q' ° 0 t b cd k W N by to oz N U by to u u N C> N •e�•I N w a-+ ro cd + to O x F+ oo 8 v 4J 0 �, •ri 'O O 0 ~O O °.-t k Fi .-t O O •� ed O •rt O > a u . PP P. u P+ u cd w P. U P , avi Fa k avi k k •rl 't7 O u TJ O u TJ O u k k •b O u .0 d) N �Gp H b to bo O N .t; N O r -t N r -t N ti O H V) v U � � H � O O ro Cd ty +i to N O OO +j u Pa CA a k +j to u 4-) C to O 0 4J '4J O -rq 41 O F+ v ° o * O rt •rl Lr) r -t r o to r=to W N N v 1a v a\ N 6 +-1 M ro O Q N .H ON >> N ri fn >> .a N ti 1 N 0 tv .- I to Cd k 'd 0 0 O r -t cd +J +3 to +•+ o a x 3 u to M Ti F >, tOi N v �ast+'�-I� r -I > v 4-4 FO+ .- t td Q. N :1> int a) to x H u � Cd ro td P pcd w .� v s+ O 0 m O 0 cd ca u to > + w •rl a o w4.J a `o cd 0 CL a O O ro u Q) •' I 'L7 co •r-1 u 0 0 a -I •rt a .Iut a -D N Q 0 0 0 Cd Cd Cd q' ° '-t ri O U CO to W N by to oz N U by to •,�•I •,�•1 •e�•I N Cd mo+j + to O +J t/1 +J to •, Cd i 4 to fi O O 0 ~O O °.-t O 0 V)F+ O a u . PP P. u P+ P. U P. P. U P , avi Fa k avi k k avi F+ kavi 't7 O u TJ O u TJ O u k k •b O u .0 d) N �Gp H i - bo O N .t; N O r -t N r -t N ti O H V) v N N v N N v H � N r -t ty N O OO +j O +j 4-) O Ln O O F+ v ° o ° o Q) Lr) rl Ln o to r=to O 6 +-1 M M ON >> N ri fn >> .a N ti 1 N tv .- I to Cd k 'd 0 0 cd k 'U r -t cd +J +3 to .i cid H a x 0 0 a x TJ O P4 4J r Ti F >, 'b N 0 a. x ka°+' ka+°'� �ast+'�-I� vcdvv > r� 'C3 C CdNy Cd td P pcd m bo w 0 0 0 0 sl, EXHIBIT F2 w O w u ro to a •� U 06 4-J rq ro O P. x v � b 3 cd N rOcd I .O r •I O •N -H > O W I .b Q K •k is ro Cd Cd Cd q' ° '-t ri O U to cd cd U Cd U tj Q U oz N U sl, EXHIBIT F2 w O w u ro to a •� U 06 4-J rq ro O P. x v � b 3 cd N rOcd I .O r •I O •N -H > O W I .b Q K •k is Z O Q I— W CC 0� W F— Z �-r W Ln _J O N 21 w O a 41 E0 cd p ►+ O a m a to 41 cpC M a oo •rl U) G �,�rr 7 4.) rl CO •rl H E a m O G W > in, O d H u H u s+ 4-4-4 n CO b b t- 0 G cd aai `� v •v G H •r O a O +-) oD to co a� $4 >, Q) O a +1 F -o ce U) O a G -4 u U1 •rl O (A •r•I • 6 p Ha cA cA b X +� G 0 O p 41 U) U) G O 3 � G O +.+ 01.14 V G v x 4J U) e o G a 0- 0 O N.r4 4 O ri JW N a 4-J •r•i 41 N O � -4 1. U 6 m Ca. �-4 ul ri4-1 O r-+ •H Q) w O rG+ v O 41 m a ai Q) u a N ri) a -4 a a r1•r� on> (�+ vai cn G w EXHIBIT F3 7 a a a � Id cd a cd N 00 00 H H H H H N U b b > •b > 3 3 Q +� +) cid i-) a mmS 0 * O co ac oo oo Q)i ao U 7J —4 > 3 3 O nvni nEn a �°a .a E a a O a 4-) .� c+d c4"'d cid a O � cd o0 > U 3 3 a g 2: a° Cd °° bJD > U .H.H.� 3 3 r -i 1-4 r-+ -4 a En0cncA0 O a O a a a a a cd cd a N Q � d N O N O N O O 00 G •• •r•i U1 4-J H 41 O u w v1 V) VI T cd 4J +> >, 41 0 3 •ra t�0 to N 9 r4 a q +j r O H H H •H r•1 .ra G a •ri +J •ri O 0 +j a 0 +J U) cd •r .1-1 co 0 P' >d +� •rA a ani In > U -17c cn •Hca u -1 H C; d M �4J4J 3cr°� 0 w a u +j •ri •ri -1 O a > > 3 m ce +� G � rj bo ri -4 cd uo i-) +''�a3 o Ni cd � cd x •�°a� o a s > O Q) N rGi �+ to b ra H H a a >, o 4 o > x U) U) u r� r� c O U) ri) 21 w O a 41 E0 cd p ►+ O a m a to 41 cpC M a oo •rl U) G �,�rr 7 4.) rl CO •rl H E a m O G W > in, O d H u H u s+ 4-4-4 n CO b b t- 0 G cd aai `� v •v G H •r O a O +-) oD to co a� $4 >, Q) O a +1 F -o ce U) O a G -4 u U1 •rl O (A •r•I • 6 p Ha cA cA b X +� G 0 O p 41 U) U) G O 3 � G O +.+ 01.14 V G v x 4J U) e o G a 0- 0 O N.r4 4 O ri JW N a 4-J •r•i 41 N O � -4 1. U 6 m Ca. �-4 ul ri4-1 O r-+ •H Q) w O rG+ v O 41 m a ai Q) u a N ri) a -4 a a r1•r� on> (�+ vai cn G w EXHIBIT F3 9i a Cd a u Q) .rn 0 H a U) H 1 +•) O 0 u h +� (1) Cd O w V) O b0 •+-+ +.l OG u •rul LH Ei 4-•t U .0 444 R7 m 0 a •c b •b cd 0 ) aD t a) I (D a) () () 04 H •r-1 4-) •r+ +••t •ri +-) r-1 r-+ r•-1 Cd Cd cd Cd Cd 0 cid V) Cid V) cid V) r -I H r= b rz b r= b +) P� +j P1 +) P O cd r-1 1- —1 0 h O h :j h i) (n u >, V) u >, N u >, V) N u to u N u to A 0 Cd h Cd h Cd H O O O O O O Cd u u td u u cd u u 4+ p 4+ 4+ O 0 .O ,C = a) = 10 .Z 4 10 = p •r+ iJ b0 TJ b0 b b0 9 to O bb b0 O b0 Cd +i co R) •r+ O •H O •r+ O •H E -H •H f� •ri •rl k 0 41 p r -a •� h w W V)V)� V) N V) W 00 C) v > 14 0 Q. (1)bu0 O h N h 4) N O O > cd -4+ ) O O a) +� +� +j O N N V) 00 O * O O h O h O h t` n Ln Ln Cf) N 4-)M +� M Q N N •+ a ah) +�t a o to w r+ +) ".H cd I r-4 I ,C r l a) Cd r l h Cd A V) cd >, V) O a) h H c0/J P4 a a) •r+ .o EE b ', x 0 3 H h +) b P. cdb O Cd a) O �+ a) -H O a) •r+ u O O 41 +� O h Cd Cd O K a) r=hF-: r a a E oa4 h V) o > u + ) o Fl u 0 a) 4) cd o 10 tin p a) k moi+ a) b � d) '0 +) .x •r-+ � 3 •4 k � N K 0 Cd r+ Cd O 0 H 0 cd O ri -H O u h O Cd O +) +) :j h Cd Cd O X 0 w V) r-1 44 N ri V) r1 h > V) O > u +1 o w •r+ a _ � w�A o a� m 10 z r O Cd V) r•-1 Cd Cd 0 3 u u u X .0 (1) u u u u A > ::3 a a O O E44 .4 co 04 a a U) I +) N N V) to N ty Cd •r+ +J G a r-1 -H l-1 cd cd •r+ 0 l F l .4 u a :::) > > > 22 H 0 w T u .r+ u ca to a r-+ cz ami 4J o a, x H •� � b 3 Cd N a) cd O •N •ri N V) > 0 �W I � U H EXHIBIT F4 s Z O �-a H W Cl W F— Z 6--4 W J r--4 C) r� Gl Cl H N ani a u H v V e rcu •60 a � c 0 N Rf (4) O > a M U S-1 v •rl n CO '0 w .H O +� bo H >, cu .0 in. �v o v U N a � v co m v 00 H G a •r1 x 4-1 Q) td G O 9, -H L :J •r1 m r-1 E m v1 L .-a •ra 0 w CO 0 v ai 00 > v v r� N EXHIBIT F5 ma��a�v U > > > > > 3 3 O N N N N O o EnfnUntnV) a a cd aJ H N rd � N cd O N O U N N •r I a C7 U N N N W 0 0 0 0 r1 N O O U W a w 0 w c ° U) v) Un fn 0a � to ri r-1 r-1 0 cn M U) cn cn a x G 0 H O w Q +•1 +J +J 4J +J n �I••i d U �.�� b0 bq b4 bD b0 • • 1 •r1 g „[ bo G r-1 r-1 O •ri v cn fn fn Un U) a x .c v G 4-) +.1 4J +.1 +) r1 b d �bo �bo �bo �bo �bo G ri ''� •ri •ri •rl �1: bo v o Un cn En vi v) a x 0 G 0 4. 0o v G r I fA V7 4J Hcd G " 04 •O > [m 41w . � N O Cd v N bo +� O H H G O •r•1 +•1 .r{ 0. H OD H N a, N cd w > a v o ao�w cd v u N v � �°+ ovo V 3 0� N 1-1 E� vOi +� G N r�-1 u a to r 3 = o W •r•1 0 �., Cd o •r♦ r �n a s 1 •,� 0 a x N ° r 1 0 ami 0 *p� c O ? 2 to tC U 23 r� Gl Cl H N ani a u H v V e rcu •60 a � c 0 N Rf (4) O > a M U S-1 v •rl n CO '0 w .H O +� bo H >, cu .0 in. �v o v U N a � v co m v 00 H G a •r1 x 4-1 Q) td G O 9, -H L :J •r1 m r-1 E m v1 L .-a •ra 0 w CO 0 v ai 00 > v v r� N EXHIBIT F5 Q) O' Q) R1 z O M cd .-I O - O u U Q) •"'ib cd •rl � 0 G a ,-a •H 0. .-1 U ,n a M N N O O O 24 O $4 V) I 4-J 1ti b 4-) ° oaGi�p �" 41p p a U H (,L4 0) -� O u u U co p w 4 ti .� (4.4 e� 4' a M H� QO O n1 4-) >,44° •O a`di yw, 0p O -4 +� p O O V) 6 U b cd U cd rn Oo 4- 4-)P a, �, 41 O .4 pv F+ +•1 4•4 G -4 •'•1 •b N >\ Cy a C13 x 4 4 O O N •H cd P .� 3 •0 � O x-4 E LH N K N U +•j A. b 4-J .,i ++ 3 ^4 G cd O Cd G p .,q N cA cn v1 V) to b 3 41 N d O > G a o ro O 'b •ti U cli Cd M Cd a, ° �`� �Cd �Cd Cd cd a co �Cd •rl 0J U,. V U >> N U >, fn U >. N Cn cd u u 5z Cd O G cd PO >> i O Cd cd U cd U U cd U U G y 4-) N _ _ xto +-) +-) +-) * cA cd H j b0 'Z1 'a = xto 00 O i -4 p H O 1 •ri Lc] v tf) v (n N r-•1 r-•1 v HN v i•+ dl a \ fV (V N N ° O O .� 4-J 41 4-J 0 0 0 0 O F -4O H0 p U ,C O O !� O N r.N L Ln 0 Ln . 4-4 •r•1 � O U) O y co b y 4-J N y cd >. H i i N cd >, F•1 Cd o�ppn;; op maxi °m� UM)X a +J Q. o Q) p F+ U w 44 r= 4J Cd H o Cd cd cd � ° a w °� V) .°� + Q) > 4 + + + w •,q a- _ w r.J p CD o 0 0 W A z Q) R1 z O M cd .-I O - O u U Q) •"'ib cd •rl � 0 G a ,-a •H 0. .-1 U ,n a ~ M N N O O O 24 O b F cQd Q ~ M N N 24 w O w JJ U a •U) U p OG +x�•+ •� aGi —4 cli O a x a p 1J TJ R1 %, 3 cd N w Cd ,-•1 x -4 O •r, .,q cz En > O d k W EXHIBIT F6 Z O F— Q F— W d CC W F— Z W J O 25 w O a� M ca G W O C4 0 00 r4 41 ca co W = 41 v to •ri > p, •r•i C •r•1 ,��' �U1 G C 41 H ro cn a cn O a�a > a O ¢ r1 �+ u O v •r•1 4•+ •n ro 'G 'G w 'b G ro v ro ar a) "0 G a > O rj a1 O oG0 41 �4 > G ro .n a� O a +� E •o ro cn O a) C -4 U m •r•1 O cn E .D ;.1 w ai >1 a v cn m v x 7 al a1 0 w 41 m m G O •ra w a O +-j a •14 'CJ G fl x +-j U E O N G a a G O O En O >, •r-4 -4 W •ra u -W a1 O " -4 f b U E ro ca a �4 Eb •rf 4-1 $-, O r -a -4 •r•1 ai w o 7 ++ p w cn G E G 41 cn a) w v u ar t+ CA v Q) ar •r� oo > ,.0 al G a1 CJ H m En Q m -x is •K EXHIBIT F7 4-J +-) Q cd +.> cd +-+ +.+ K Q U �b0 H TJ •� b •� •� 3 r--1 ° O �v �En U) a x rn v7 a) +J +.> +) cd O ¢ w �bD U) H Q oo to to a0i —i •ri •ri •ri "C 3 G bD Ln v U cn n � .° x () +-) Q Ic 9 9 4 � �•H•�•Hb �bD HQw 3 r1 _4 r-+ r1 O o •r•1 cnv)cncn: a x +-) +-) +) +.i +-) Cd ¢ oo bDbD bD bD bO H H .H -ri -ri -H 3 bo _q .-i —4 —1 r-1 O ra U)C/) ri)mU) a x b0 G •• •ri m +1 w co 0 PG 4J u k to rn rn 4 [� LH C to � td •ri V) 0 G O 3 r -I aJ (n +-J E O i-1 f-1 •H —4 bD G W • r-1 +.i • H p bo G (D Lf) +) cn CO k cd G •11 F4 cd cd w O N � > 7 C4 tu � M En b a O �ozX 0 4-- C:� o u �w�o o "�o m G k • r-1 G +) 4-J 3 QL Lk 7 >, O cn u +.+ •r-1 •H •H O r +-J •r+ bo cd cd r~ 3 3 r1 r -c cn r -i •H +1 G W u 4J —4 r•-1 cd G O > ca •14 > � O cd u 3 3 r -A a r-1 to 3 O cd cn 4-J r� +j O ri o cn a s 1 H E O cd r-, a x U) ra •rl C% cn U O O V) 25 w O a� M ca G W O C4 0 00 r4 41 ca co W = 41 v to •ri > p, •r•i C •r•1 ,��' �U1 G C 41 H ro cn a cn O a�a > a O ¢ r1 �+ u O v •r•1 4•+ •n ro 'G 'G w 'b G ro v ro ar a) "0 G a > O rj a1 O oG0 41 �4 > G ro .n a� O a +� E •o ro cn O a) C -4 U m •r•1 O cn E .D ;.1 w ai >1 a v cn m v x 7 al a1 0 w 41 m m G O •ra w a O +-j a •14 'CJ G fl x +-j U E O N G a a G O O En O >, •r-4 -4 W •ra u -W a1 O " -4 f b U E ro ca a �4 Eb •rf 4-1 $-, O r -a -4 •r•1 ai w o 7 ++ p w cn G E G 41 cn a) w v u ar t+ CA v Q) ar •r� oo > ,.0 al G a1 CJ H m En Q m -x is •K EXHIBIT F7 SOIL LIMITATION RATING FOR ALLOWABLE SOIL PRESSURE Definition and -Scope: Soils are classified by their ability to withstand pressure imposed on them by foundations, as defined in Table 28-B of the Uniform Building Code. For the purpose of showing limitations in allowable soil pressure, the Soil Conservation Service divides the allowable loads into three groups, as follows: Soil Property or Quality Slight Allowable soil pressure More than (lb./sq. ft.) 2000 Degree of Soil Limitation Moderate 1000 - 2000 Severe Less than 1000 It should be noted that allowable soil pressure is only one factor in rating foundation suitability. There are other important factors which affect total foundation capacity; for example: shrink -swell, frost, and water table. Assumptions: In all cases, except for rock, allowable soil pressure is for a foundation one foot in width at a minimum depth of one foot below adjacent virgin ground. The surface foot of soil is not considered in rating the soil. Criteria: Ratings based on Table 28-B, Uniform Building Code, 1967 ed., Vol. 1, Sec. 2804. VEGETATIVE SOIL GROUPS Group Description: A CHOICE OF PLANTS NOT LIMITED BY SOILS. Soils are deep through very deep, moderately coarse through medium textured, moderately well through well drained, moderately rapidly through moderately slowly permeable. (Soils in this group can have slight wetness and slight salinity or alkalinity.) B CHOICE OF PLANTS LIMITED BY DROUTHINESS AND LOW FERTILITY LEVEL. Soils are coarse through gravelly medium textured, excessively drained, with less than 5 inches of available water -holding capacity in the root zone. G CHOICE OF PLANTS LIMITED BY DEPTH. Soils are shallow through moderately deep, well drained over bedrock or other unfractured dense materials. J CHOICE OF PLANTS DEPENDS UPON ON-SITE INVESTIGATION. Soils include those in the miscellaneous nonarable category, such as riverwash, stony or rocky upland, etc. 26 EXHIBIT Fg 21 0 G O o p o $4 m a •rt aJ p u O a� u ca •� v •d � ca . co •d a� a U) r-1 0 N > U p 4H G mal O u m a1 G ••-I ,] 00 u m a 0 e •d 4� G •.0 a) cd 4-J > .r-1 U) 00 4-J 43) "d ri -r-4 0 3 +J G G a1 u D +-1 m � G v 4.4 O 00O 4a •rl JJ 0 co aa', O E 44 U) CO J.J do G O X 00 r ,.J .r., 4-J a, 00 G G 4a •rl cd 41 a P 0 +J 0 0 44 44 P a) ai aJ J.J co v 3-a En 44 W a) O � 4x Ca 0 a •rl � Q) 3 'd 4-Jw -x EXHIBIT Fg m v � d 4J G cd a) cd w D 4.J .4J mo00o 00 o O O Q' Ln —1 0000 00 0 0 0 m d w o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 00 M 00 -.t r -I w co o N N u 4.J m 3 u �r°�,c G cd aJ 4J 4J a) 4-1 A CO 4-4 v O 0000 000 0 0 0 41 bO G m 0000 Ou1v1 O O M N r-1 00 N N r -I U O O •rGl H m JJ o H '-f 0owl w v r I 41 M 1 al U) m 4J 1J G •r-1 •rl bD A •ri41 JJ K K K K O 00 O a1 •rl o' c*1 -4 O O O O 0 0 O O PL4 4J ;J In to u104 000 O Lr) O•rrz �0 G�O Q) O H •rGl CO 44 o N U � 3 d a r° +J :J a1 aJ G O - G n r •rr b •r♦ •r� �J Q on .H o° H w ca 0 0 b ami v b u::j U w U U W� b O o r r b O m 4J G 1J ca G >1 w k td x b b m r� ca b -0 b O u •r♦ m •r+ G G In `o d m m—i Cd>1>, r u ca w +� a� (a m u m m CO 4-J •rl m o ro m —1 w H G r -i u a) � �+ v �, w U � •r♦ cd •rI •rl �+ r+ cd G o 4-4 O m W m G G w o •r♦ b rq G 34 td -W o U 44 G ?, -W b rl b 0 b to X cn m u m u u m u cd cd cd aJ G v cd ai aJ �+ -+ a0.mb•r4 0 a m m� U U E5 r= O w 'd 4-4 0 r O O •rl 0 o o o m u 011:10 0 o m a4 UUaxz cnQU a a 21 0 G O o p o $4 m a •rt aJ p u O a� u ca •� v •d � ca . co •d a� a U) r-1 0 N > U p 4H G mal O u m a1 G ••-I ,] 00 u m a 0 e •d 4� G •.0 a) cd 4-J > .r-1 U) 00 4-J 43) "d ri -r-4 0 3 +J G G a1 u D +-1 m � G v 4.4 O 00O 4a •rl JJ 0 co aa', O E 44 U) CO J.J do G O X 00 r ,.J .r., 4-J a, 00 G G 4a •rl cd 41 a P 0 +J 0 0 44 44 P a) ai aJ J.J co v 3-a En 44 W a) O � 4x Ca 0 a •rl � Q) 3 'd 4-Jw -x EXHIBIT Fg HYDROLOGIC CLASSIFICATION OF SOIL SERIES A - LOW RUNOFF POTENTIAL Soils having high infiltration rates even when thoroughly wetted and consisting of deep well to excessively drained sands or gravels. These soils have a high rate of water transmission. (Includes Psamments except those in Lithic, Aquic, or Aquodic subgroups; soils other than those in Groups C or D in fragmental, sandy -skeletal, or sandy families; soils in Grossarenic subgroups of Udults and Udalfs; and soils in Arenic subgroups of Udults and Udalfs except those in clayey or fine families.) B - MODERATELY LOW RUNOFF POTENTIAL Soils having moderate in- filtration rates when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of moderately deep and deep, moderately well and well -drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse textures with moderately slow to moderately rapid permeability. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission. (Soils other than those in Groups A, C, or D.) C - MODERATELY HIGH RUNOFF POTENTIAL Soils having slow infiltra- tion rates when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of well -drained and moderately well -drained soils, with slowly and very slowly permeable layers, with fragipans, hardpans, hard bedrock, and the like, and moderate depth -- 20" to 40", soils with moderately fine to fine texture or soils with moderate water tables. These soils may be somewhat poorly drained and have a slow rate of water transmission. They include soils in the Albic and Aquic subgroups; soils are in the Aeric subgroups and Aquents, Aquepts, Aquolls, Aqualfs, and Aquults in loamy families. Soils other than those in Group D that are in fine, very fine, or clayey families, except those with kaolinitic, oxidic, or halloysitic mineralogy; humods and orthods; soils with fragipans or petrocalvic horizons; soils in shallow families that have permeable sub- strata; soils in Lithic subgroups that have rock that is pervious or cracked enough to allow water to penetrate. D - HIGH RUNOFF POTENTIAL Soils having very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted and consisting chiefly of clay soils with a high swelling potential, soils with a permanent high water table, soils with a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and shallow soils over nearly impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate of water transmission (Includes all Vertisols; all Histosols; all Aquods; soils in Aquents, Aquepts Aquolls, Aqualfs, and Aquults except for Aeric subgroups in loamy families; soils with natric horizons; soils in Lithic subgroups that have impermeable substrata; and soils in shallow families that have impermeable substrata). 28 EXHIBIT F10 in 1971. (See EXHIBITS G1, G2, and G3). It has been estimated that the long term average annual stream flow from drainages was approximately 33,000 acre feet. The sub -surface inflow to the Upper Coachella Valley is primarily from the San Gorgonio Pass and Whitewater River channel areas. The latter flows mentioned are, of course, variable, dependent upon the amount of pre- cipitation. The Lower Coachella Valley receives imported water from the Colorado River and is primarily used for agricultural purposes. This water has little importance to the Upper Valley, with the noted exception of La Quinta. In La Quinta this flow moves into the area from the north and northeast, and no groundwater barriers have been identified in this locality. Groundwater recharge comes from these sub- surface inflows enhanced by seepage of applied irrigation water from the Coachella Canal. Additional waters inflowing into the Upper Coachella Valley are by means of reclaimed water from sewage treatment plants and golf course lakes where some percolation takes place. 29 J, A., q y g A s E. g S E Coors ♦r Q C S. e S� r tiW w $ 049111 Nol '7�s lsi� CerSonie P:111Arta $plinSi Q _ ' ♦qty- yyy111yyy ~eRuwCagT rn el Whitt vat$[ pQlnl 'F?' ,.._ .__ r. Jrjr k ... CF!t. !' U, F'T EXPLANATION �A Ui T SCd� Palm it Springs �r]' Unconsolidated deposits o Thous Pelma +h�" (hous et yield significant ;•e!-i;}a quantities of water rah9wil ,..... it Semi consol ideled dspesi is FIQ that yield little rater antn.v Cathedral Cit x F Canso lldatsd rock that O + SGee 70 yields Little or no meter r s/41 ►elm Desert rrr ttrD- OOEL Indio NOUNOAAT Osq T Ground -water subbasins and generalized geology.* *USGS, 1971. GROUNDWATER SUB -BASINS MAP 30 EXHIBIT G1 SURFACE USE AND DISPOSAL SURFACE SUPPLY CONSUMPTIVE USE PRECIPITATION O S Ncf- ORSC RFaCfc I,XpD15�`'u la LOS SURFACE OUB ERw SURFACE EXPORTED GROUND M -� �CFiANG IN SUBSURFACE OUTFLOW• ZONE OF SATURATION ��+� ,tile•. ,rrrr 64 SE CSF A©Ut F ER THE GROUND WATER BASIN AS A FREE BODY Water Movement in the Upper Coachella Malley (in acre-feet) This table contains recent figures for some areas of water flow. As a result, the hydraulic equation is no longer balanced and the table should only be considered as a general tabulation. However, a general overdraft of about 34,000 acre-feet seems reasonable. WATER MOVEMENT IN UPPER VALLEY 32 EXHIBIT G3 Inflow Outflow Surface 33,000 1,000 Subsurface 25,000 30,000 Imported water 2,480 Reclaimed water 2,805 Consumptive use 64,600 TOTAL 63,285 95,600 This table contains recent figures for some areas of water flow. As a result, the hydraulic equation is no longer balanced and the table should only be considered as a general tabulation. However, a general overdraft of about 34,000 acre-feet seems reasonable. WATER MOVEMENT IN UPPER VALLEY 32 EXHIBIT G3 Outflow from the Upper Coachella Valley is primarily from surface and subsurface water movement and from consumptive use. The sur- face outflow of water is either natural run- off or irrigation runoff, which flows down the Whitewater River into the Salton Sea. It is generally stormwater which exceeds the percolation capacity of the spreading grounds and Whitewater channel. The frequency is highly variable; however, it is generally considered to average 1,000 acre feet per year in the Upper Coachella Valley and 125,000 acre feet of irrigation drainage in the Lower Valley. Groundwater outflow is water which flows out of the upper basin into the lower basin. This outflow is variable depending upon the recharge pressure gradient. It has been estimated that 50,000 acre feet once flowed yearly from the upper basin into the lower basin. In 1967 the rate of subsurface out- flow from the Upper Valley was approximately 30,000 acre feet per year. Consumptive uses of water consist of both net pumpage and evapotranspiration .loss. Net pumpage consists of groundwater extraction 33 less the amount of reclaimed water percolated into the basin. In 1967 net pumpage amounted to 50,500 acre feet in the Upper Valley. It has been estimated that net pumping since 1967 has increased 20% - amounting to a total of 60,600 acre feet pumpage at present. Fur- ther, it is estimated that about 4,000 acre feet are consumed annually by native vege- tation and evaporation from land surface. The total consumptive use is, therefore, estimated at 64,600 acre feet for the Upper Valley. 2) Re ional Groundwater Storage - Usable ground- water in the Upper Coachella Valley is being used faster than it is being replenished. (See EXHIBITS G4 and G5). In order to off- set this overdraft, during the early 1960s the C.V.C.W.D. and the Desert Water Agency (DWA) contracted with the State of California for an annual supply of 61,200 acre feet from the, then proposed, California Aqueduct. (See EXHIBIT G6). The cost of this project is estimated to be in excess of $75 million. Therefore, in 1963 both agencies began nego- tiations with the Metropolitan. Water District (MWD) for an exchange of state water for part 34 Change in water -level elevation, 1936-67* *USGS, 1971. CHANGES IN WATER LEVELS MAP 35 EXHIBIT G4 Water -level contours, autumn 1967.* * Source U.S.G.S., 1971. WATER LEVEL CONTOURS MAP 36 EXHIBIT G5 CALIFORNIA AQUEDUCT ANNUAL ENTITLEMENTS AZthough the maximum amount of CoZorado River water available to the Districts is 61,200 acre-feet, this amount wiZZ not be obtained for some time. The estimated amounts of CoZorado River water to be delivered through 1990 are given beZow: ANNUAL ENTITLEMENTS TO WATER FROM STATE WATER PROJECT THROUGH 1990* Year CVCWD DWA Total Aggregate total (acre-feet) (acre-feet) (acre-feet) (acre-feet) 1972 5,200 8,000 13,200 13,200 1973 5,800 9,000 14,800 28,000 1974 6,400 10,000 16,400 44,400 1975 7,000 11,000 18,000 62,400 1976 7,600 12,000 19,600 82,000 1977 8,420 13,000 21,400 103,000 1978 9,240 14,000 23,200 127,000 1979 10,100 15,000 25,100 152,000 1980 10,900 17,000 27,900 180,000 1981 12,100 19,000 31,100 211,000 1982 13,300 21,000 34,300 245,000 1983 14,500 23,000 37,500 283,000 1984 15,800 25,000 40,800 323,000 1985 17,000 27,000 44,000 367,000 1986 18,200 29,000 47,200 414,000 1987 19,400 31,500 50,900 465,000 1988 20,600 34,000 54,600 520,000 1989 21,900 36,500 58,400 578,000 1990 23,100 38,100 61,200 640,000 and after *U.S.G.S. 1971. "Analog Model Study of the Groundwater Basin". 31 EXHIBIT G6 Source: USGS, 1971 Of MWD's Colorado River Water from their aqueduct passing through the Upper Coachella Valley. This exchange negotiation has facil- itated the deferment of construction of the costly water transport facilities by means of the California Aqueduct. The following is a summary of groundwater in storagel: Subbasin Depth2 Storage feetj (acre-feet) Desert Hot Springs Mission Creek Garnet Hill Whitewater River Total 300 779,000 S00 2,630,000 500 1,520,000 700 10,200,000 15,129,000 lGround water in storage is the area times the depth times the storage coefficient. 2Depth is an arbitrary choice that represents most reasonable thickness of saturated deposits that can be economically and hydrologically utilized. 3) Groundwater Quality - Groundwater in the Upper Coachella Valley is generally good with low TDS (total dissolved solids) con- centrations. EXHIBITS G7 and G8 indicate the typical groundwater quality for TDS in the Coachella Valley. EXHIBIT G9 indicates fluoride concentrations. 4) Isocal Conditions - Practically all water used Within the community of La Quinta is obtained 38 TYPICAL GROUNDWATER QUALITY 39 EXHIBIT G7 W 4 r cd V) O I r rl O 41 I b 0 •1 z •1 V) V) o 9 0 0 a u u 08 � � I O v N N N N \ \ 00 • W v z fn b 0 cd o M o cd bo 01 cn ❑ (1) ❑ r 1 N U A to �cd a �u O O O 00 0 00 dcd ccdd _ , w I I ^ O O O 7 r oo O r - H -4 -4 H a C) 0 0 d V) O O M P4 w Lo) L u cd .b y-+ Q ri N %I V) 0 O V) z V' cd b �•-� M �O M � r -I O O 0 O bb a V) 44 Q H ❑ O O U im O O o o C❑b +•1 F-4 r I I I O ❑ O N a cd O O P. bo bo O +•1 O O (4-4 H v v o Ln rn � � N +) � 3 I i••1 'C O rn V) c1•d •� W I cd bo r- v p. x cd u "' •� aui •� a �4 �+ 4-1 Vl i'r V) k V) In N O cd u cd N cd Ll +•) S +- o 3 cid U•r.1 4-) cd TYPICAL GROUNDWATER QUALITY 39 EXHIBIT G7 N i I ' • I s N. �• O 441 j � I P • I; I ^I' 'b 1 .! I • � ` M Yak. �� I f r f q Y f. e.y I • y_� 'I • • �1.I" 18-5 1 IA 6-6 h0 rl 11 N i `.` • I e -y . I e_e I d`r it1: t.. •.l1,�1'••• •e 9 s is I • TI �! � 7-7 " 7 e i" r:''i+ 11?! l -la t r ti �* ` e -r : I •�� e e fll�il+it 4 e 9 \�y E XPLAHATIOH Less thorn 0. .8 ppm s•. o. «o.—:.�'.`— .—J +—_—.N,.�. QO-I 4 ppm '•• � �„ y ILLII (111)1.4 ppm As noted i ` '� V. *sol Serni-wNer-beohg rock. E2Non -voter -bearing rock L FLUORIDE CONCENTRATIONS MAP 41 EXHIBIT G9 from wells located within the community. The domestic water system which serves the older part of the community is operated by the Santa Carmelita hater Company. The newer golf club and condominium development is served by the La Quinta Water Company. There are also a few large private wells used for irrigation and agriculture within the community. Groundwater levels declined with large in- creases in well use beginning about 1945. However, declines were reversed in this area some time after introduction of canal water in adjacent areas in 1948. Current static water levels in wells range on the average between about 50 and 80 feet. There is no significant long-term upward or downward trend reported in local levels and ground- water supplies appear essentially in balance. Basin supplies are indicated to have been benefited from the canal irrigation to the northeast as previously noted. C. Atmospheric Resources 1) Quality - The Coachella Valley is located in the Southeast Desert Airhasin ;Sec. FXHIBII fill. Tl;e a,_ir quality of this Vallee EFS P "-a teit4 •� ,_� ., _ .'� : " . i CALIFORNIA AIR BASINS k / 1 r_ p � '�`+ � � 'r! �' •iiia..* ' Y a �� i Korth f yra Y P 5 r - State of California The Resources Agency i4f } rE u I.. I .t F�y �,w•,� ��7 y 1. �. iane ronor AIR RESOURCES BOARD 1 . of 0 a T [ -"/ .Mxb.M • . 1E 1 .1. SanU'Y Francisca � 1• , ..d 91.41 `� M 0 N 0 .. •+.ts? [t R.. �Yrt�.-t•a.�� Bay Area .•t;' E.t rkr '�.Y.« .�,.., _ bra S a li Jo e R "`„ Gres t North' r ..,. F r E Basin Central 3;I�r". % NG Valleys Coast fw Je 7►J:R 1 .. r South B E R N P B D N 0 !} Central S -------,Southeast Desert, Coast • � LO s l Y r E E t South Coast /f V\ •.•nw R E B 5 1 p E 5)jl ��i Coast OBkr San O !! Diego 1 CALIFORNIA AIR BASINS 43 EXHIBIT H1 i has been steadily deteriorating during the past few years. (See EXHIBIT H2). The re- source is influenced in part by the quality of air in the Southcoast Airbasin, and in part by local conditions. The problem is twofold: Dust and oxidants. The dust problem is most acute in the Lower Valley and results from human activity such as burning, vehicu- lar movement on unpaved roads, sand and gravel operations and so forth. In the Upper Valley, and particularly after periods of heavy run- off, at certain times of the year the seasonal winds pass over spreading grounds and open areas, picking up silt and dust and carrying it high into the atmosphere; however, these dust storms are relatively infrequent and as more and more open space lands are con- verted to urban uses, there is less natural area from which the winds can accumulate silt. The oxidant problem is quite different. Most of the high oxidant levels are believed to be the result of pollution from the South - coast Airbasin, which have been carried t?irough the Sar? Gorgonio Pass. local vehicu- lar ehicu-lar _sources undoubtedly contribute to the 1�1-0111een, rut to 1 --?;at cxac:t. dc�;rcis unknown. "'Ile 11c lube -1. rrohJrr i 'Iccelitllated by the 44 AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT RIVERSIDE COUNTY 5888 Mission Boulevard Riverside, California 92509 INVENTORY DATE JANUARY 1 AIR POLLUTION EMISSION INVENTORY REPORT 1971 1973 AVERAGE TONS PER DAY DUSTRIAL 38,g 19.4 55.8 18.3 18.2 CINERATION 104.5 IN 12.8 6.5 6.3 GR (CULTURE 22,6 F 12.3 OTOR VEHICLES A 767.2 *1185.0 M ** 7.8 R RCRAFT 52,2 AI 51.4 964.6 919.6 1295.8 TOTAL TONS Method of test procedures changed by U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board. *' NOT INVENTORIED MISSION SOURCE IN INVENTORY DATE JANUARY 1 1969 1971 1973 DUSTRIAL 38,g 19.4 55.8 18.3 18.2 CINERATION 104.5 UEL COMBUSTION 12.8 6.5 6.3 GR (CULTURE 22,6 11.5 12.3 OTOR VEHICLES 733.7 767.2 *1185.0 AILROADS ** 7.8 4.3 RCRAFT 52,2 51.4 51.4 964.6 919.6 1295.8 TOTAL TONS AIR POLLUTION INVENTORY TABLE 45 EXHIBIT H2 region's physiography. During the summer months marine air also innundates the Valley from the south and because of the mountains to t�re north, east and west, air commonly becomes trapped in the Valley. As can be seen by Exhibits H3 through H6, the motor vehicle is the primary cause of high pol- lution readings. 2) Climate - The climate of the area is influenced by the low mid -latitude position (340 North), by location inland from the Pacific Ocean, and by the arrangement of land forms in the area consisting chiefly of the mountains of the trans- verse range and peninsularrange geomorphic prov- inces which tend to produce a rain shadow effect in the desert area. The peninsularrange (San Jacinto -Santa Rosa mountain range) forms the most important barrier due to its high elevation and also because it trends parallel to the coast- line. This range provides an orographic barrier along the western pn,-tion of the Coachella Valley and as ,_i result r-aillfall ranges from 40+ inches on the windu.ard side of the mountair:s to less than 5 inches of thc• lee side. The mountainous are,', h,Ive coal te•11"cral ures an(l snot% occurs in the 1'.111[C'r !'lonthti. 111)e ,.''Csert a"Id vidle`•' areas 46 Q m W a_ (n z O F- I U) z O cn L W U) z O H N O N U) z O LO U) U) w U x D O crQ z O_ F - LO 47 EXHIBIT H3 U I.- 01 O D CN Q (V o O Z v o � O o E U to o OW C c)O.°U Z ✓1 n O — w ° D — Co J oo O a Q U) z O F- U) O V // U) L W 48 EXHIBIT H4 w J U) U 7 = O ~ w > CO la� O — o Q o c ° w - oell C-6 CC � c _ � N - LO o , a ° -D Oy O O \t- O ` _ UJ C N N O 0 N c Z r-1 C) Z O _JI Qcr- 48 EXHIBIT H4 r u r o) o N o G- o u 0 i O c u c o LLJ U .0 0 U � LU - > o w 1 co y J `n 0 [L d iY. 0 CL H 0 N rl N LU u O z O H Q F- O a tn z a 49 41 EXHIBIT H5 U) p O Q F- LnF- Z Or -Lk- 0O; o_^ui aMi N v - W U Of U) Q o 0 o LO o 0 crQ L QF- Q� 0, N 0 - o� a � V F- z r _ � U) ZaU)z w0 U F - Q cr N F- O 49 41 EXHIBIT H5 9 AIR MONITORING DATA SOUTHEAST DESERT AIR BASIN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PORTION — 1970 *** ND = No Data Random high-volume sampling every 6 days AISI tape sampling in COH units *** Source: Southeast Desert Basin Implementation Plan, 1971. m 50 EXHIBIT H6 Number of Days California State Standards Maximum Average Contaminant State Standard Exceeded Concentration Oxidant 0.10 ppm, 1 -hour 49 0.48 ppm Carbon 40 ppm, 1 -hour or 0 0 ppm Monoxide 10 ppm, 12 -hours Sulfur A.5 ppm, 1 -hour or 0 0 ppm Dioxide 0.04 ppm, 24 -hours Nitrogen 0.25 ppm, 1 -hour 0 0 ppm Dioxide Particulate 100 µg/m3, 24 -hours or Matter 60µg/m3, annual 35' 471' geometric mean Hydrocarbons None NO ND Visibility Sufficient to reduce Reducing prevailing visibility ND ND Particles to 10 miles when relative humidity is less than 70% Lead 1.5µg/m3, 30 -days NO ND (Particulate) Hydrogen 0.03 ppm, 1 -hour NO ND Sulfide ND = No Data Random high-volume sampling every 6 days AISI tape sampling in COH units *** Source: Southeast Desert Basin Implementation Plan, 1971. m 50 EXHIBIT H6 have climates typical of arid areas in the south- west, which are characterized by low precipita- tion, low humidity, high summer temperatures, mild sunny winters, and winds at certain times of the year. Temperatures in the Valley range from summer average maximums of over 100° F to winter average minimums of slightly above 40° F. Absolute maxi- mum goes over 120° F. slightly below 20° F. The absolute minimum, The average annual tem- perature over a 50 year period is approximately 70° F. EXHIBIT I1 indicates temperature, precipi- tation and humidity in the Palm Springs and Indio areas. The community of La Quinta can be assumed to have similar characteristics as the median between these two cities. d. Processes (See also EXHIBIT 12)- 1) Drams - The primary drainage system for the Upper Coachella Valley is that of the Whitewater River Storm Channel. The river is an intermittent stream which originates in the San Bernardino mountains and flows along the southwestern side of the Upper Coachella Valley. Many years ago the river was a broad 51 PALM SPRINGS INDIO AVERAGE TEMPERATURE RAIN HUMIDITY Period Period Min.° Mean' Max.' Inches 4 A.M. Noon 4 P.M. January 39.1 53.7 68.3 1.22 57 32 32 April 52.6 69.9 86.9 .25 55 22 19 July 73.2 90.6 107.8 .29 60 28 25 October 56.5 74.0 91.4 1.33 58 27 28 Year 54.7 70.9 87.5 7.07 58 27 26 INDIO EXHIBIT I1 AVERAGE TEMPERATURE RAIN HUMIDITY Period Min.° Mean° Max.° Inches 4 A.M. Noon 4 P.M. January 37.8 54.1 70.4 .50 57 32 32 April 57.0 72.3 87.5 .10 55 22 19 July 76.9 92.1 107.2 .12 60 28 25 October 58.7 75.5 92.2 .23 58 27 28 Year 57.2 73.1 89.0 3.38 58 27 26 EXHIBIT I1 EQUAL RAINFALL CONTOURS MAP 53 flood plain, but it is now well channeled. In addition, well defined tributaries drain from all the canyons, draining the San Jacinto range. In 1967 and 1969 major Whitewater River floods washed out channel crossings from Palm Springs to Indio. Subsequently a bridge was constructed on Bob Hope Dr., and currently a Whitewater River Channel bridge construction program is underway throughout the Upper Coachella Valley. The next bridge expected to be constructed during the 1974-1975 fiscal year is planned on Washington Street. The local drainage pattern in the community of La Quinta consists primarily of the west and east La Quinta Storm Channels and its associated tributaries. A channel and dike system provides some flood protection for the community. It should be noted, however, that virtually no adequate protection exists from periodic thunderstorms producing large surface runoff within the community. This potential flow could cause major damage and constitutes a significant problem. The pro- posed project and accompanying flood control works will reduce this problem substantially. (See EXHIBIT J). 54 ' O ' •V�yrO.. Wl•i i P • r _ ,1 cOY•i'1►r iwr l� lS Z t J 15 � 14 � 13 w� i 1 a1 .,. , I � 17 II' � �� , w! � f_-'• . .. NOTE For details see "ENGINEERING REPORT ON PRELIMINARY r - DESIGN & COST ESTIMATE FOR FLOOD CONTROL WORKS FOR +r��'� THE LA QUINTA AREA" by Bechtel, Inc., September 1970.. -24 V• � C '_ � 221k 22 •i9 .. I 2 .� w + � .. Jam._ .'y .y. _._ _ +.. ON +w.y n4'" '� a [w.++e ,, ` ^ ■ . i �;.. •i 4a ♦ '. paid-. El DO�.DO W �PVd ow $- G ycol• co. -W yr 24 27 C _ 31 32 ON .4 . 33 34 i"+.' ►' 3 2 �i r1 `* UJ trz9 3 io`::-- 11- � � r i. 14 Y y - 1� 15 14 W r I 1 • ♦v[wVc L ,, le roe ` 22 1 3 O %24 Q� 1` f 21 22 r - • 23 r l �,L / I � •_ t 1 3 ! , LL. ! fob I 25 ' I 20 AO/ 4 ?�..•. •-•-_. ?a ' 27 1 a 26 � - w bg-W OF N SCALE 1:62500 11/ 0 1 g S 4 MILES 3000 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 19000 21000 FEET LA OUINTA FLOOD CONTROL (RECOMMENDED PLAN) 55 EXHIBIT J Z Y=r_d Erosion - As material is water deposited ��- Various floods throughout the various water - sbeds of the Coachella Valley, it is picked up by winds and moved south and east during each windstorm. These high winds generally occLr in the spring and early summer months. :he damage caused by this acute problem falls into three general categories: (1) Abrasion to buildings, vehicles, etc. (2) Plugging of drainageways, culverts, channels, etc., and (3) Sand accumulation on roads, driveways, yards, etc. In recent years the problem has become more severe due to the decreased amount of rain- fall together with the increased amount of urban development. Construction which has taken place in the Valley, including the stripping of vegetation during the construc- tion period, leaves areas highly vulnerable to wind erosion. It has been estimated by the Coachella Valley Soil Conservation District that 86% of the destructive winds blow toward the southeast. Although, at present, the status of wind erosion on the project site is slight, a moderate wind erosion hazard exists in the community of La Quinta due primarily to the exposed nature of the soils on the vacant lands and the nature of the soil itself. Some areas in the community have been de- veloped to some extent with urbanization, agriculture, wind breaks, etc., thereby alleviating much of the potential problem. EXHIBIT K indicates the wind erosion status for a portion of the Coachella Valley. 3) Earthquake and Faulting - The Coachella Valley is bounded by two major fault zones: (1) The San Andreas Fault zone on the northeast side and (2) the San Jacinto Fault zone along the southwest side. (See EXHIBIT Ll). The San Andreas Fault zone lies approximately six miles northeast of La Quinta. The San Jacinto Fault zone lies approximately 15 miles southwest of the community, across the San Jacinto - Santa Rosa mountain range. A few smaller faults lie between the San Jacinto Fault zone and the community. One such fault runs through the southwesterly portion of the City of Indian Wells for a short distance. The entire regional area is seismically active. In spite of the frequency of tremors, earthquake 57 LEGEND Slight E� ^• Moderate Severe • • • • 1; Very Severe LOCATION MAP MAP WIND EROSION STATUS MAP PORTION OF COACHELLA VALLEY WIND EROSION STUDY AREA RIVERSIDE & SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES, iNGRDIN l H,y51,dyALPO CALIFORNIA DE COUNTY JULY 1967 1 0 2 ] .+ SCALE IM MILES f Ir\ i r r*� ti.. r y ♦rj,a' � • :X \ •est * `-.. '��•� :.�' '::: ''d s,.r� r..t'r• ,c�� •. . ..::a.: -mow • ■ M �. ••' F fi•O`Q ,t•.. i :...... i • ........*`sem.-......._..................._._ #i•._...�• a V • • • • • • • • • • • • 'p • • • • •• • • . - .Y • • i • • • • • 0410 • • • • • • • o [ • 0 WIND EROSION STATUS 58 EXHIBIT K GEOLOGIC MAP -- SANTA ANA QUAD 59 EXHIBIT L1 activity in the La Quinta area has been slight, as shown by the epicenter map, which indicates no major earthquakes in the area for the recorded period 1934 through 1961. (See EXHIBIT L2). The majority of the earth- quakes shown are of an intensity of less than 5.0 on the Richter scale, which does not constitute an earthquake of destructive nature. The nearest epicenter of an earth- quake magnitude 4.5 - 4.9 on the Richter scale, was approximately eight miles north- east of the community. The epicenter of any significant intensity (6.5) was registered southeast of Desert Hot Springs on December 4, 1948, approximately 15 miles north of the project site. Based upon the most recent data presented, earthquake activity has been light and the area can be considered relatively remote from major active sheer zones which could present a real potential danger. Future maximum shaking at the project site should be based upon observations of past earthquakes in the area. The most severe shaking within the lifetime of most structures to be built on the site is expected to occur as the result of an earthquake associated 60 ° 4OI O G ° pp ° 0 e0 0N7 ` I p J c 00 O _ o ��a W-0 O , o = o F p EPICENTER MAP 61 EXHIBIT L2 l I Q 4 ori co I� aD ! I o Z 0 00 Al ami vii vi'� I 9 O � t0 I� Y I 0 o I p 1 it 00 ` N Q Q a) 3 d 7 4) 3 d > 4) > 7 I t I p Mj p °M N C J C C C C •C C p d IN b vi �� {� ° O t O 0 W 2 N 10 ° 0 ° , o� ° o ,p cn 8 W 0 0 •°■ 1 9 0 ' M°Mb M 00° v O a I Op O C8"' ° Z----- _ o. a_ a _ U°° ° Q O I O 0 ©p o 1 a- CPOO 1 LLI -J I O 0;3 IT cu (D ° O '8 Ld or) o OON p© o OOb b e °, °o o ° M O0 at ' 0� o ° K) o 7 ° °W O ° p v YIo o p 7 p o o O O 0C ow p Or 0 p °° pp N a d o 0°� o O O ° J°0 p °° c a 00 b ° vO OD NopM b 0 p i `° ° O I ON O } J MI O n f •r. cr rd I sLu O O OI Op NOO O O _ / 0 ' a ° 4OI O G ° pp ° 0 e0 0N7 ` I p J c 00 O _ o ��a W-0 O , o = o F p EPICENTER MAP 61 EXHIBIT L2 with the San Andreas Fault system. This system has experienced approximately two dozen occurrences of intensities of VI, VII, and VIII during the past 160 years. Of course, this does not imply that an earthquake of greater intensity has not occured, nor could one not occur. It appears reasonable that a seismic regionalization factor of the study area of a minimum VIII on the modified Mercali scale would be in order. This Mercali scale measures intensity of an earthquake, or how an earthquake is felt in a particular place; as compared with the Richter scale which mea- sures magnitude, or the actual amount of energy released. Intensity, which is determined by magnitude, distance from the epicenter, and degree of saturation, structure, compo- sition and consolidation of underlying geo- logic materials and other variables, is par- ticularly important in engineering design. A factor of VIII, produces some moderate build- ing damage (severe for some masonry buildings) and some disruption of water in wells and ruptured pipes. No general panic situation (with surface ruptures) is expected in the developed area; however, it is probable that loose boulders, rocks, and material lying on 62 the steep foothills will be dislodged and possibly moved off the slopes and onto the edges of the proposed golf course or drainage channels affording ample protection to the residents. No major landslides are anticipated. 4) Fire - Since in its natural state the desert supports very sparse vegetation, most of the Valley's fire hazard has been produced by man. The primary dangers include various structures and some poorly maintained agri- cultural operations, such as unkempt date gardens. No hazards of any significant magnitude were observed on the site. Due to proposed Government policies and future implementation, fire hazards in the Valley are expected to be reduced substan- tially. As the area develops it is expected that adequate water flow for fire protection purposes will be installed and that more super- ior fire fighting forces will become stationed in La Quinta and throughout the Valley. 2. Biological a. Regional Flora - A unique feature of the Coachella Valley is its variety of life forms, primarily due to each species adaptation to a particular 63 type of habitat. Some natural species such as creosote bush and mesquite have taproots which descend 30' or more to utilize moisture at lower depths. Other plants, such as cacti, develop a spreading network of surface roots so as to quickly absorb scant rainfall which occasionally falls in the desert. Some plants develop funnel shaped leaves to aid in delivering rainfall to their root system. Intense summer heat and a prolonged growing season have also contributed to rather unique vegetation possibilities in the Valley. The date palm flour- ishes because of this very reason, and over 950 of the dates produced in the United States are grown in the Coachella Valley. Typical of the Valley and foothills is the des- cription expounded by R. Mark Ryan's book "Mammals of Deep Canyon, Colorado Desert." The life zones described are applicable to the general area and represent the successive nature of the habitats for this region. Three distinct life - zones are recognized: The Lower Sonoran, from sea level to 3500'; Upper Sonoran, 3500' to 63001; and Transition Life zone, from 6300' to 8000'. It should be noted that. the "boundaries" between 64 life zones and habitats are not distinct and that overlapping zones of change, commonly called "ecotones," exist and merge one zone with another. The La Quinta biotic communities fall within the lower Sonoran Life zone, although they are influenced by the other two zones as well. The lower Sonoran Life Zone is further divided into four habitats: 1) Sand dunes and Creosote, 2) Creosote - Palo Verde, 3) Cholla - Palo Verde, and 4) Rocky Slopes. 1) Sand Dunes and Creosote Habitat - Constantly subjected to wind movement, r the dunes habitat maintains, at best, a sparse vegetative cover, primarily of widely spaced creosote bushes. Occasional thickets of mesquite are found primarily where water is near the surface. 2) Creosote - Palo Verde Habitat - Indigo bush, smoke trees, and burro bush, to- gether with the creosote bush and palo verde trees are common species to this harsh habitat. 3) Cholla Palo Verde Habitat - This sand and gravel area supports cholla and darn- ing needle cacti. Water supply is limited 65 to occasional cloudbursts with much runoff, therefore very little vegeta- tion flourishes. 4) Rocky Slopes Habitat - Occasional barrel cactus or creosote bush is found here, however, a good deal of the mammal popu- lation is present, primarily attributable to natural shelter from intense heat pro- vided by numerous rocks and crevices. b. Regional Fauna - The numerous desert animals have adapted themselves in many ways to cope with the desert environment. Animal species found and known to exist in the Valley are widely diversi- fied in both populations and number of species, t some of which are listed below. 1) Mammals - About three dozen species of mammals are found in the region. Many of these animals will utilize several or all of the different habitats described above. Some are important to the system of checks and balances. They include bats, rabbits, rodents, coyotes, foxes, skunks, and bobcats. Perhaps the most out- standing animal of this region is the Penin- sular Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), currently on California's rare wildlife list. 66 They inhabit the Santa Rosa Range and foot- hills lying to the southwest of the Coachella Valley. Tracks and occasional sightings of these animals occur in the Indian Wells - Palm Desert - La Quints area. 2) Amphibians and Reptiles - Numerous species live in all habitats of the Lower Sonoran Life Zone. They include the toads, tortoises, lizards and snakes. One species of unique lizards was observed in the northern canyon portion of the site. This was the Barred Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus insularis ves- tigium). The endangered Desert Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps aridus) was recently discovered within a few miles west of La Quinta in Deep Canyon, Palm Desert. 3) Birds - Countless numbers and species of birds have been frequenting the Coachella Valley during seasonal migrations for centuries. In addition, numerous species of permanent residents are present. The more noticeable ones include quail, hawks, doves, roadrunners, hummingbirds, wrens, mockingbirds, warblers, finches and sparrows. 4) Insects and Arthropod - Typical desert 67 dwellers include scorpions, crickets, grass- hoppers, spiders, beetles, butterflies, bees and a host of others which have adapted to the desert environment. These form an im- portant link in the food chain. C. Local Wildlife - Field surveys were conducted during August and September 1973 and the results, together with known data, are described on the following pages and listed in APPENDIX I. (See EXHIBIT M also). ,,. 1 68 * Coyote r 1p H t 'Oo 4M6 N,�Nl - *Jr ;' � S! Ff Roadrunner Barred Collared Lizard WILDLIFE FIELD SURVEY REFERENCE PHOTO 69 R .1h.r 4 SG�I• 1's SBO' Aug. 1973 SUMMARY OF FIELD NOTES 1) Flora of the Project Site - The natural Flora or Plant Life is mainly of three types: that of the canyon and mountain slopes, that of the playa, and that of the arroyo - dissected mesa at the northern end of the basin area. The Flora of the canyons and mountain slopes portrays the typical plant life of the COLORADO DESERT, the hottest of seven deserts comprising the GREAT SONORAN DESERT. Dominant shrubs include the Creosote (Larrea divaricata), Burrobush (Franseria dumosa), Desert Sweet (Babbia tjuncea), CatcZaw (Acacia Grg ii), Small. -leaved Bird -of -Paradise (Hofftnannseggia microphylZa), Cheesebush (H menoclea salsola), Desert Lavender (Hyptis , Emoryi), and Hummingbird Bush (BeZoperone californica) also known as Chupa- rosa. Spring annuals or ephemera Zs that appear when there has been suffi- cient winter rains include a great variety of plants that must, in summer, be identified by their dried skeletons. These show the presence of the foZlowing: Brown -eyed Primrose (Oenothera cZavae ormis), Skeleton Weed (Chroizanthe rigida), Forget -me -nuts (Cryatantha maritima and costata), Ground Cherry (Ph saZis crassi olia), PZaintain Mantago Purshii), large flowered Blazing Star (Mentzelia involucrata), Pebble Fincushion (Chaenac- tis carphocli.nia), Colorado Desert Milkweed (Asclepias subulata) and Honey .Sheet (Tidestroemia obZongifolia). Other shrubs incZude Encelia (Encelia arnosa ) with silvery white leaves, Indigo Bush (Dales Schottii), Anderson Thornbush (L cium andersoni), and the Six -weeks Grass (Aristides adscencionis). Cacti are not frequent and include Beavertail (Opuntia basiliaris), Darning Needle Cactus (Opuntia ramosi.ss ma), and the Colorado Desert Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus acanthodes). The Flora at the east base of the Santa Rosas on the flats show little diversity. The south half of the flat portrays the bare, white, hard -packed playa surrounded by looser alkaline soils supporting a dominant community of Cattle Spinach with occasional plants of Ink Weed (Suaeda Torre ana) and scattered clumps of Mesquite out on the playa of small size. A much larger green clump of Mesquite was found quite close to the junction of Obregon and Tampico. Close to the base of the mountains, scattered clumps of Creo- sote were found. Scattered Salt Cedar clumps and perhaps a few plants of Alkali Goldenbush. (Happlopap us acradenius) are also on the playa. At the east end of a dump, the Coyote Melon (Curcurbita Palmeri) is flourishing with vines loaded with baseball -sized gourds. gust north of the dump is a very dense impenetrable growth of luxuriant Cattle Spinach which is apparently supported by artificially induced seepage. In the center of this dense clump of Cattle Spinach tall plants of Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana lauca) provide nectar in their long yellowish flowers for Hummingbirds. At the north end of the long (almost a mile) flat.the mesa is dissected by arroyos running from other canyons. Here, along the arroyos grows Catclaw, Mesquite, and Alkali GoZdenbush. Above the arroyos, on the mesa, grows Creosote, Burrobush, Indigo Bush, scattered clumps of Desert 3wweet, and Cattle Spinach. The site also supports a variety of agricultural plants and trees, among which are citrus, dates, and fields of aZfaZfa. 70 2) Reptilian Fauna of the Project Site - Perhaps the most interesting of the various faunae of the surveyed area is that of the Reptile Life. The discovery of the Barred Collared Lizard, in 1971, in Chino Canyon was very exciting. It was later described in the March 31, 1972 issue of the GREAT BASIN NATURALIST. The Barred Collared Lizard was already rare and endangered when discovered. Its late discovery was due to this great rarity, as well as its elusive habits. The Barred Collared Lizard, along with the Fringe -footed Lizard (Uma inornata), is among the most interesting reptile in the Coachella Valley. Considerable effort was expended to determine whether the Barred Collared Lizard inhabited the rocky canyons of the area to be surveyed, particularly since this species was found as recently as April 1973 in a canyon south of La Quinta. On the very hot morning of August 4, 1973, three (3) Barred Collared Lizards were observed in the large rocky canyon at the north end of the site, between the hours of 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. Later, at 11:30 A.M. a maZe of unusual reddish tinge was spotted about forty feet up on the steep rocky face of the cliff, just west of the junction of Tampico and Obregon. Other interesting saurians (lizards) observed in canyons were the Santa Rosa C`huckawalla, which too may prove to be`a new variety, and the Zebra- taiZ or Gridirion Lizard (Callissurus d. draconoides) dwelling in the sands and gravels of the lower canyons. On the flatter ground are found the FZat-nosed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma pZatyrhinos caZidarum) identified by oval droppings of ant remains, the Tiger Whip-taiZ (Cnemidodophorus tigris), and Stansbury's Uta (Uta stansburiona) the smallest and most common lizard. The Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus d. dorsalis) was not seen, but would be present around the playa in late April when the desert annuals provide green food for this pZant-eating lizard. Two other lizards of less fre- quent occurrence were the Long-tailed Uta (Uta graciosus) and the Giant ScaZey Lizard (ScaZoporus magister), seen along shaded roadways of the farmed area at -the north end of the site. Other lizards not observed, but certainly present on the rocky slopes and cZiffs of the Santa Rosas are: Mearn's Cliff Uta (Petrosaurus mearnsi), Henshaw's Spotted Night Lizard (Xantusia henshawi) both present in the Santa Rosas at 2,000 feet eZevation; the Tuberculate Gecko (PhyllodactyZus tuberculatus), and the Banded Gecko which is quite common in the VaZZey and nocturnal on the floor of the desert. The only snake evidence found was a double cup -like depression dug by a sidewinder on two particular nights, just outside a small rodent burrow. Snakes of the canyons undoubtedly include: the Desert Mountain Speckled Rattler (taken in a nearby canyon, just west of Palm Desert, in mid-JuZy), Van Denburgh's Night Snake (Trimorphodonyandenburghi), and perhaps the Red Diamond Rattler (CrotaZus ruber) found at Silver Spur and Deep Canyon in PaZm Desert. The Red Racer and BUZZ Snake undoubtedly occur on the farmed areas in La Quinta, but were not encountered in the survey. 71 3) Avian Fauna of the Project Site - The most interesting member of the local bird life is the Californian Ground Cuckoo (Geococc x call ornianus), also known as the Roadrunner, Paisano, or Chaparral Cock, as well as many other pseudonyms. Although not uncommon in the Coachella Valley, it is relatively infrequent throughout the many deserts of its range. Eight Roadrunners were seen during the survey of the property. A pair came out of the fine Mes- quite clump near the junction of Obregon and Tampico; one going out onto the playa; another was observed hopping from rock pinnacle to pinnacle up the steep face of the cliff, and when it was up about 100 feet elevation it snatched a Zizard from the sheer face of the rock. One Roadrunner was found in a Salt Cedar tree out on the SaZtbush covered playa. Others were seen near the water tower on the mountain side where there is consi- derable vegetation such as Date Palm, Palo Verdes, Mesquite and Creosote. Still others were seen in the farming section between Eisenhower and Obregon. GambeZ or Desert Quail were common and several large coveys were observed. The most versatile bird seems to be the House Finch or Linnet, which was found in every ecological niche of the area. Three members of the Dove Family (Columbidae) were seen and heard: the White -winged Dove trumpeting from orchards at the north end of the farmed property (two pairs), Mourning Doves and Mexican Ground Doves feeding out on the flats. Other birds in- cZude the Mocker, StarZing, English, Sparrow, White -romped Shrike,- and the Grasshopper Falcon. Although the birds that tolerate the hot temperatures of summer on the Colorado Desert are few, a bird survey made in the balmy days of spring, during the spring migration days, would certain reveal a much greater variety. Such would include a number of Swallows: Tree, Violet -Green, Cliff, Rough -winged, and Barn. It Mould include Swifts such as White - throated, BZack and Vaux's; Warblers such as Audubon, Townsend, Palm and PiZeolated; Thrushes such as Swainson and Gray Cheeked; Flycatahers such as Ash --throated, Western, Coues and Cassin's; Hwrmingbirds such as Anna, Costa and Black -chinned and Rufous; Orioles such as Scott's and Hooded; and others such as the Texas Night Hawk and the beautiful Western Tanager. These birds all follow the Coachella VaZZey Flyway northwestwardly out of the VaZZey for more northern climes. 4) Mammalian Fauna of the Pro'ect Site - On the first day of the survey, a very hot August morning, a coyote was observed lying down and panting hard at the base of the mountains and gust west of the hard -packed playa. It subsequently got on its feet and trotted away. Other mammals seen were the Round -tailed Ground Squirrel, Antelope Ground Squirrel, and the Pocket Gopher (a variety of Thomorrrys bottae). The Round tailed Ground Squirrel and the Pocket Gopher frequent the flats, while the Antelope Ground Squirrel inhabits the rocks and canyons. A few Jack Rabbits were observed during the survey; and it was noted that skunks inhabit the date gardens between Obre- gon and Eisenhower. The nocturnal mammals of the area and canyons would undoubtedly reveal animals never seen in the day. These include the Desert Pack Rat (Neotoma le ida), Canyon Mouse, Cactus Mouse, Spiny Pocket Mouse, and Long-tailed Pocket Mouse. Late evening out on the flats and in the canyons revealed the presence of many bats of large and small species. 72 On the second morning of the survey (August 3rd), a long slender, long -toed track was observed in the mud of a drying pool which appeared to be that of the very rare Ring-taiZed Cat (Bassariscus astutus) or CacomistZe. There is also a possibility that the Desert Bighorn Sheep may visit the ridges of the Santa Rosa foothills west of La Quinta and western limits of the project site. 5) Insect Fauna of the Project Site - During the very hot summer days, the dominant insect life appears to be the large, poZlen-dusted Wood Boring Beetles that zoom out of the Creosote bushes. These Wood -borers belong to the family Buprestidae, and in particular to the genus Hippemelas. There are several species on Creosote from large to smaller size, and one beautiful irridescent species on the Mesquite. Around the horses in a horse corral a Sand Wasp (Epibembix melanoaspis) was captured which is usually only found on the sand dunes. Also on this particular day of the survey (after a shower the day before) the Coachella Valley Eye Gnats (Hippelates collusor Townsend) were quite numerous. —� The Desert Grasshopper (TrimerotroEis pallidipennis) was seen nearly everywhere. The SaZtbush Grasshopper (Anconia inte ra) was occasionally found on the playa near its food plant, Cattle Spinach. The fairly rare grasshopper known as Atelolaloides el_gcans was observed in dense, tall Cattle Spinach. On the edge of the hard -packed playa, one very rare Robber or Assassin Fly was taken on an Ink Weed. It was short and stout, with a broad red taiZ and belonged to the genus Caratotainio s. On the whole, insects were rare because of the torrid days and desiccated desert. 73 3. Man Made a. History and Archaeolo Archaeological studies in Western North America have placed much emphasis on probable cultural adjustments to changing environmental conditions. Studies are made difficult by an inadequate un- derstanding of the magnitude of climatic changes affecting natural food resources. It is there- fore desirable for purposes of observing cultural adjustments in changing environments to control the setting in significantly non -climatically induced environmental change. The Salton Basin of southeastern California experienced a rapid change from lacustrine to desert conditions in the absence of significant climatic change late in prehistoric times. Cultural adjustments made by resident populations at that time in response to gross environmental deterioration appear to have involved economic innovation and the drastic re -structuring of settlement patterns. Effects of these adjustments have been wide spread in interior Southern California. 1) Salton Basin - The Salton Basin comprises the northern portion of the Salton trough, and is separated from the Gulf of California '14 T on the south by the delta of the Colorado River. (See EXHIBIT N.) Prior to innun- dation by the Salton Sea (1905 - 1907), the floor of the Basin was a playa in excess of 260' below sea level and is one of the driest regions in North America. It lies within the distributary system of the Colorado River, and throughout at least the late quarternary the river has, from time to time, discharged its waters into the Basin. Whenever the en- tire discharge of the Colorado was emptied into the Basin, the surface elevation of the resultant lake rose to a maximum of about 40' above sea level, at which point overflow occured across the Colorado Delta into the Gulf of California by way of the Hardy River. This factor is very significant in thatthe areas of Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells and La Quinta were then within walking distance of this ancient lake. The lake, generally known as Lake LeConte, was in excess of 110 miles long and had a maximum depth of about 328'. Since Lake LeConte was fed by the Colorado, River and had an outlet to the sea its biota was essentially similar to that of the riven. 75 Z 1�41 IT �` Qui • . ^n,/� 1 /� da ov nFq aia Anra- Borrego �� .• . Desert y. '•;t D4gr � � J\ 1 ^ c.,11r� • r4dr r --tee, /�/� M _ Imperial I J Valley k CPUF0RN1�__�� BAJA r ^ ^ RYV01 f T gal. Flay i��'- 4Al2uk SALTON BASIN AND THE COLORADO DELTA HH� mil. Q r! HARRY H SO IMITZ a: ASSOCIATE", • '�. ^1►..pI.V Ir., U11109 061-111ll.100 Y.. Of IN. 541111 /N.N. C.NI.r.1., M00 e T.. C91111V. 0411- -P11114001-- Ill—dill"...1 1N.1 V.1. � SALTON BASIN MAP 7s FXHTRTT These resources included fishes of several species and a variety of mollusks, including the fresh water mussel, Anodonta californiensis, which occured in great abundance. The present Salton Sea, a highly saline body, comprises one of the major focal points of the Pacific flyway; which suggests that the aquatic avi- fauna of Lake LeConte was also a significant natural food resource. To this list can be added a large number of aquatic plants, in- sects and terrestial vertebrates. Access to nearby montane plant communities with groves of pinion and oak was also readily available from much of the western shore. The region around the northwest end of the lake is marked by extensive shoreline dunes, with abundant evidence of occupation. Survey data suggests that the western shore of the lake was much more intensively occupied that the eastern shore, a factor apparently due to she distribution of food resources in adjacent mountains. Fish remains occur in abundance in the shoreline middens and attests to the importance of fishing in the subsistence economy. Shallow shell middens, consisting almost exclusively of Anodonta californiensis, occur locally and aquatic avifauna is well 77 represented in the occupational refuse. Only minor excavations have been conducted to date, but survey data indicates a heavy reliance on water resources. The duration 8 of occupation and size of the populations cannot now be estimated, but available evi- dence suggests both very dense and sedentary occupation categorized the most recent lake stand. An evaluation of radio carbon evidence weighed against early historic documentation suggests that Lake LeConte receded from the Salton Basin around 400 to 500 years ago. Succession occured when the Colorado River ceased its flow into the Basin and resumed its historic pattern of direct discharge into the Gulf of California. Historic records indicate that the river was subject to flow- ing in any of several channels across its delta, and thus the conditions which initiated the formation of the lake brought abouts its recession. With no steady flow of water entering the basin, the extreme evaporation of the Colorado desert would have immediately started a reduction of the lake. Records on the early recessional trend of the Salton Sea from 1907 through 1912 indicate that the actual elevation loss of that Sea by evaporation 78 alone was about five feet per year. It the entire recession of Lake LeConte occured in an interrupted sequence, a nearly complete erasure of the lake -oriented resource complex would have occured within about 50 years. If the fish populations of Salton Basin died off in a similar manner as Lake LeConte was receding, and there is reason to believe they did, the effect on an already severely stressed human population must have been catastrophic. By early historic time the ancient lake bed in the northern portion of Salton Basin, now known as Coachella Valley, was populated by the desert branch of the Shoshonean -speaking Cahuilla Indians who pursued a broad pattern of exploitation of desert resources with par- ticular emphasis on Mesquite, and cultivated a variety of crops. They occupied about a dozen permanent villages on the lake bed near springs, or at hand -excavated walk-in wells. Such a hand -excavated walk-in well existed at the site of Indian Wells. 2) Cultural Adjustments - It seems almost certain that the settlement patterns in Salton Basin occured at least in part as a response to a severe stress situation, which accompanied 79 the desiccation of Lake LeConte. It seems also reasonable to suggest that parallels may exist between the cultural adjustments to gross environmental change in Salton Basin and adjustments to other examples of deteriorating environments, notably those resulting from climatic changes over long periods of time. Available evidence suggests that resident human populations who had adapted to the abundant water resource com- plexes were compelled to totally restructure the settlement and subsistence patterns, probably within the span of no more than two generations. Probable cultural adjust- ments exercised by the aboriginal popula- tions in the Salton Basin include the following: 1) A pronounced broadening of the subsistence base and evolution of a pattern of diversified plant collecting, with a change from a sedentary pattern to one involving both sedentary and seasonally nomadic; 2) out -migration from Salton Basin to adjacent riverine, deltaic, and montane environments which did not undergo resource decimation; 3) environmental manipulation in the form of plant cultivation; and 4) participation in far-reaching economic 80 interaction systems. 3) Local Aspects - La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, and the City of Indian Wells, just north- westerly of the project site and over the mountain ridge from it, provided a natural setting for the desert Cahuilla for several reasons: 1) Its proximity to the shoreline of Lake LeConte (0 - 3 miles); 2) Geology combined with the hydraulic gradient of the Upper Valley produced water near the surface and allowed shallow hand -excavated wells to be dug; 3) the rock projection of "Point Happy" at the eastern boundary of Indian Wells provided an excellent look -out of the Coachella Valley for many miles; and 4) its proximity to the nearby mountains and vege- tative resources. Indian Wells is an old and well documented name on the earliest maps of California. In 1856, Blake, in his ueological report (made in connection with the railroad survey of R. S. Williamson), recorded a well at Indian Wells called Pozo Hondo (Deep Well), which was 25' deep excavated in clay at the base of a high sand dune. In 1823, the Estudillo- Romero expedition to the Colorado River 81 (unsuccessful) noted a well which they called "Gauloma" at Indian Wells. This well was six veras (16 feet) deep. The U. S. Govern- ment survey in 1856 recorded an Indian village at Indian Wells. The well was called "Palma Seca" (dry palm). La Quinta was even closer to the lake than Indian Wells, but probably lacked an abun- dant quantity of drinking water as compared with the Indian Wells site. Shells of fresh- water mussels were noted in the area to the southeast of the project site, and cultural remains form a rather continuous expanse of artifacts from La Quinta, in general north- easterly, to the Whitewater River. With specific reference to the project site, it should be noted that no significant evi- dence was found despite a constant vigil. One exception is located at the most easterly portion of the site where a medium sized sand dune exists. Several fragments of pot- tery were visible. No excavation was attempted. b. Population - Until recent times, the climate and scarcity of water in the Coachella Valley has severely limited economic and population 82 growth. It was not until shortly after the turn of the century that economical well drilling methods and pumping machinery made possible cheap water and permitted the first surge of population growth. Population again accelerated when Colo- rado River water was introduced into the Lower Coachella Valley by means of the Coachella branch of the All-American Canal in 1948. The comple- tion of the canal resulted in rapid increases in irrigated farming and a commensurate rapid increase in population. While the population growth in the Lower Coachella Valley was largely due to agricultural develop- ment, the growth in the Upper Valley has been the result of resort activities. In 1940 the population of the Upper Valley was about 4,000. After World War II rapid growth occured, with population nearly doubling each decade. The entire Coachella Valley experienced a population growth from 12,000 in 1940 to over 100,000 in 1972. Several population forecasts have been projected by various consultants throughout the last two decades. The most recent by Riverside County indicates a 1990 population ranging from 139,500 to 164,400. Projections which were made in 1971 have already been proven to be too low. i 83 However, it must be remembered that these are projections for permanent population. In the Upper Coachella Valley there is a large seasonal population which is not counted in the permanent census figures. In 1971 in the Cove Communities area alone, the seasonal population represented 400 of the total. Recent indicators have shown that the percentage of second and third home owners has increased significantly in the upper portion of the Valley. New technology, mobility and affluence is increasing and one can only speculate as to the total population projection in 1990 and 2000 A.D. It is evident, however, that growth is continuing to occur in the Upper Valley despite some slow -downs in other portions of Southern California. The present permanent population of the community has been estimated at 1400 persons. The projec- tion of trends would indicate that total develop- ment in the community would probably not occur until after 1990. This project could produce 138.1 residents (Average age of 45), including less than 100 school age children, plus 765 tourists using the hotel during peak periods. (Jan. -Mar.) C. Land Use - Land uses in the Upper Coachella Valley exhibit much diversity. However, the primary 84 land use is tourist - recreation oriented for those lands which have been developed. A major portion of this development has occured and is continuing to occur in a continuous belt of de- velopment hugging the foothills from La Quinta to Palm Springs. Except for the Desert Hot Springs and Thousand Palms area, most land lying in the center of the Upper Coachella Valley is vacant. Within the project area lies approximately 619 acres of which 408 acres are potentially develop- able. The development plan contemplates building on 185 acres only, with primarily residential uses. 434 acres are devoted to open space land uses, such as mountains, golf course and outdoor recreation. d. Zoning and Proposed Land Use - Several General Plans have been adopted in the Coachella Valley during the last two decades. These include the Desert Hot Springs General Plan, the Palm Springs General Plan, the Cove Communities General Plan, the Indio City General Plan, the Coachella - Thermal - Indio General Plan, and the County's General Plan (1965). In addition, valleywide, the County has adopted an Open Space Element, a General Plan of Streets and Highways, and a 85 Recreation Element. The County, as well as various cities, are currently engaged in bring- ing their zoning into consistency with these adopted General Plans. Further, the recently formed cities of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert are currently studying and up -dating their General Plans and zoning. The proposed project is con- sistent with the Cove Communities General Plan and zoning. (See EXHIBJT 0). e. Economics 1) Regional - The mainstay of the Coachella Valley is dependent upon agriculture and tourist/recreation. Both benefit from the arid climate and the mild winter tempera- tures. The Valley from Indio southeast is heavily farmed with irrigated acreage rapidly expanding following the extension of the Coachella Canal into the Lower Valley in 1948. The Upper Coachella Valley including Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, La Quinta, and the other Cove Communities contains many recreation and/or retirement oriented resort areas with steadily increasing growth rates since World War II. Agricultural production in the Upper Valley, although significant, is not near as large as that of the Lower Valley. 86 Excerpts from General Plan VERY LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL 13oe LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL 13L5ss1 MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (5-10) (1020) GENERAL COMMERCIAL WATERCOURSE & EQUESTRIAN ROUTES OPEN SPACE & PLANNED DEVELOPMENT GOLF COURSE` i '.,3 °�) i1 ar 3 :.,: y o _.:::::: ;FAIRWAY, ISR . .,.. +�. .� ,............... .. ......... .......... /� 1 .. ... .. 2 �, 6 ..... ..::.:.::':..:::::. �•�,j7)�',�,ktiti�i"1.� + 3 dr. Z q1TY OF, ]AN WEL LS ` '- I ..r, i r }- 'ye 1 .` }^!' .ti : I .. .,.. 7. 14. 3 a iaaa' zoos" Qnaa' Joao' ADOPTED 8Y BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON "' ` .... DEG -14 1472 (RESOLUTION NO. 72-444) 1 - .. . '.. ... PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SEC. 65304 *1 sea. r .:: ::: a� _ ARTERIAL , MAJOR 51_ SECONDARY COLLECTOR SCENIC •.L.: . In the Lower Valley alone, agricultural pro- duction for 1972 totaled $83 million. Of this total, fruits, including citrus, grapes and dates amounted to $46.4 million; live- stock $15.9 million; and vegetables $17.1 million (See EXHIBIT P). Over 95% of the nation's date production comes from the Coachella Valley. Indicative of the economy of the Upper Valley are the 32 golf courses (five more under construction), and 354 hotels (Riverside County Department of Development, 1972). EXHIBIT Q presents Coachella Valley employ- ment as of July 1969 and shows a comparison of types of employment in the two portions of the Valley. All these figures increased approximately 10% since that time. Date and produce packing and shipping are primary employers in the Lower Valley; while hotel, restaurant and related services are the pri- mary employers in the Upper Valley. Selected economic indicators for Palm Springs and Indio reveal the growth which the area is experiencing. (See EXHIBITS R1 and R2). Between 1963 and 1972 assessed valuation increased 68% in Palm Springs and 101% in t f, 88 f Farm, Livestock Totals (1972 calendar year figures for Coachella Valley lands irrigated with Coachella Canal water) Value of year's farm production ............ $67,015,988 Total livestock value ..................................$15,895,391 Total for 1972 ..........................................$82,911,379 Acreage Yield Per acre value (') Total Fruits - 28,142 ........ --- ----------- ----------------------------- --- $46,385,651 Dates-------------------------------------- 3,384 -------------------------- 16, 378 tons - ------------------------------- $2,754 .......... 9,319,082 Grapes _- _.....-_._ 7,568 3, 980,768 lugs ------------------------------ 2,957 __________- ___ 22,376,928 Grapefruit ------ ---- ----- --- ----------- 7,730 ----•------------____-- 5,231,250 cartons ....__.__.......... 1,307 --------------- ---- ----- 10,127,002 Lemons and Limes __ ------------------ 1,941 ..__-__ _.___....... 355,203 cartons --------------------------- 566 ..... _- ..... --- 1,098,101 Misc. Citrus ----- --------------------------- 92 _.- ....... -__.___._.-. 27,692 cartons --------•-------.____-_ 703 ___ _ _. 64.642 Oranges, Valencia ----------- ---------- 2,216 ------------------------- 522,976 cartons _.................. __ 225 _r ...................._., 498,359 Tangelos ------- --------------------------- 875 ---------------•--------- 329,000 cartons -----------•------------ 625 . ......... 546,761 Tangerines ------------------------------ ---- 3,116 ---------------------------- 1,018,932 cartons - --------- 561 --•---------___-._ 1,747,636 Temples --------------------------- ..... - ------------ 1.200__-............ 553,200 cartons ----------_. -------------- 506 ------ ---- 607,140 Vegetables- ------------- - - 15,106------------- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------•------ 17,092,126 Asparagus ______________________ ___ 1,165 ________________ ----------- ---------- 78,055 crates ._________._ __.. 739 ----------- 860,912 Beans -------- ---------------------------------- 218 _.--..- ............... 45,344 crates ------------••------- 1,659 ----------------------- 361,745 Broccoli ----------- ----------- --------------- 31 _______------------- 2,728 cartons _ 871 27,011 Cabbage ....._------- ............... 80 76,400 cartons ---------- -------------- - 2,544 --.-. --- --------- -- 203,520 Cantaloupes _ _....---..,..._..___......... 13 .._____. ___ -.. 143 crates __... _........ -_.__._._ 45 ._. __...,,._........ .__...._ 585 Carrots ,__ _--.-.- . ..... 5,360 -------------------------- 2,213,680 sacks . _- __.........._. 1,544 ---___-- -_- _._.. 8,277,019 Com .-_---_.__ .._ .-__-_ 4,941.:.___._._ __.-._--_-- 839,970 crates --------------------------- 507 ...___.___.._._... _ 2,504,790 Cucumbers ------------------------- --------- 24 5,784 lugs .- ----- .-- -------- 600 ._-._._..:_ _ _. 14,394 Eggplant ---------- ----------....... ... ..... 226 --------------------------- 203,626 cartons ------------------------- 2,246 _..._........_.... .. 507,628 Endive .......... „ _ _.__._.._ 58 _._._..... _ _ 25,752 crates _......... 1,726 73,988 Lettuce ». ......__ .__». -_ 187 - --------- ------ -------- 110,143 crates .... _.._.._..__----_----- 2.247 _w- _ _-___..._ 420,226 Okra--------- - -------------------- -------------- 120 -..___ _ ..._.. 130,560 lugs ----------- --------•---------- 3,489 --------•----------- 418.752 Onions, dry _.._--------- __:_____... 110 - 74,250 sacks ........ - _.____- 1,995 __.._....... ._........... . 219,454 Onion, green ------------------------------ 212 -- ------- ----------------- 342.380 crates 4,802 ...... --- ---_-._.. 1,017,918 Parsnips -------------------------------- ---_ 301 ---------------------------- 90,300 crates _ ..__---_-_-_. 510 ... _....... _. _.._... 153,510 Peas, green ---------- -- ---- --------------- 28 ----------------------- --- 5.600 lugs ._ . _ ----------------- ---- 2.200 -- - --- - .. 61,600 Peppers, Bell ------_------- -------------- 375 --------------------------- 50,250 cartons 700 _._...... _..... 262,500 Peppers, Chile - ._--.-__-------- 42 ---- ------ ------------- 17.640 lugs -------------------- ---- -------- 1.935 ---------------------- 81,275 Radishes ....... _-____ 462 ----- 106,722 106,722 bags .... _....... ._... .._._--_- 602 _.__-_.....__ ..... 278,045 Squash ----- ----------------- ----------- 652 -____.____-------------- 239,936 lugs 1,272 _.-._...._-.... 829,839 Tomatoes _........ -- ----- _----- ._._ 28 _________ 6,608 trays __ __.___ _____ _-.. 588 _ 16,450 Turnips-_-------_._.__--------------------- 421 ------------------------ 250,074 lugs -------._-__,---------------- 892 ---_ .___.._._...._ 375,742 Vegetables, mist_ _____________________ 52 __- ----------- ____------ 25,584 crates .„__. ____-- „ - _._ 2,408 - _..... 125,022 Mise. Field Crops - - - - 2,887 - ------------------------------ -- - - -- - - -- -- - - -- -- 669,069 Cotton Lint .____._ _ . 2,887 --- -__----- -___.____ 4,330.5 bales . »- _w_ _.-.__ __ 210 __-___________. 606,270 CottonSeed .......... ...... ....-.._.__ 2,887 ... .......1.-..------------ 1,210 tons - ----- - ---------- ----- ----- ---- 22 _...__. 62,799 Forage _ 7,607 ---------------------------•--------------------------- -- ------------------------ 1,393,051 Alfalfa Hay -.-.. „„_ 3,364 __.___--.---- -- 22,404 tons ....... ._...... _ -_ 266 ____-___________.. 896,160 Sudan Oats . ___ - _ _ 1,046 ____________-_________ 4,184 tons ______________ . _ __-__. 160 -___._-------------- 167,360 Irrigated Pasture _______-___..._______-- 3,197 --- -___----------- _--- 9,910.7 aum . 103 --- _------------- _----- 329,531 Cereals 543 _._-------------- 53,135 Barley ____________ 119 _________________._ 11.6 tons -_..-._ _ ___-__ __ 74 -_ -_.. 8,854 Milo-------------------------•-•--------- 46 ....... - ---- 55.2 tons . _ _ ._._-...-_.-.. 61 - - -- - 2.809 Safflower _.__-._-_---.-_-___. 108 --------------------_.-- 162 tons .- , _. 169 _----------.--._----- 18,306 Wheat .._ _.._ _...__ _- 270 -------------------- 540 tons 86 _._.- _..._.-__-- 23.116 Total Nursery - ----- - ---- - ---- - -- - - ® �_-- - - ---------- 1,393,899 Seeds - -- ---- - ----- - ----- 184--� - - - -------------------- --------- - - - - ----- ------------------ ----------- --18,400 Alfalfa --------------__-_-_ - _»_...... 184 _,--..-----. 3,800 lbs. __ ______ ____ ____. 100 -----------___-- 18,400 Nuts - --.._ ------• ... ............ 34-- --� � _ 10,657 Pecans ........... 34 . -_-___ 173 cwt. -___._-.__.__ -_._ 313 ------ 10,657 (`) Cents were omitted from these totals in the interest of spate. FARM & LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION TABLE 89 EXHIBIT P CpAcmzA Wj= EMPLOY ENT - JULY 1969 Source: California Department of Human Development as cited in Riverside County Department of Development, 1972a, 1972b, 1972c, and 1972d. COACHELLA VALLEY EMPLOYMENT 90 Labor Market Area Total Palm Springs- Indio- Coachella Employment Ca o Desert Hot S rim s Coachella Valle Agriculture, forestry, fishing 100 300 400 Alining --- 200 200 Construction 1,300 450 1,750 Manufacturing 300 750 1,050 Transportation, communications, utilities 1,000 850 1,850 Trade 3,500 3,200 6,700 Finance, real estate, insurance 700 450 1,150 Services 5,800 2,250 8,050 Government 2,300 2,450 4,750 TO'T'AL 15,000 10,900 25,900 ESTIMATED POPULATION 48,089 38,924 87,013 Source: California Department of Human Development as cited in Riverside County Department of Development, 1972a, 1972b, 1972c, and 1972d. COACHELLA VALLEY EMPLOYMENT 90 COACHELLA VALLEY - SELECTED ECONOMIC INDICATORS Assessed valuation * Taxable sales Year 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 * Palm Springs School District Palm Springs $140,557,145 150,642,110 167,027,148 178,886,321 184,350,000 190,458,830 192,171,262 203,171,786 216,836,639 236,028,729 $ 59,884,000 62,777,000 67,728,000 71,314,000 74,946,000 83,686,000 89,688,000 92,761,000 103,272,000 122,650,000 SELECTED ECONOMIC INDICATORS TABLE 91 Indio $16,135,960 17,881,225 19,845,139 21,563,470 23,269,600 26,486,760 27,605,040 31,250,948 33,500,000 32,470,785 $ 35,956,000 40,842,000 42,136,000 49,163,000 56,687,000 61,476,000 68,885,000 76,672,000 EXHIBIT R1 SELECTED INDICATORS (continued) Indicator Year Palm Springs Indio Building permits 1963 $ 13,798,636 $ 6,433,215 1964 22,835,590 5,557,794 1965 19,075,224 5,191,609 1966 14,359,746 8,341,162 1967 9,622,958 2,290,832 1968 8,882,863 3,712,910 1969 13,464,364 6,423,678 1970 12,330,629 6,205,871 1971 20,959,860 1,793,902 1972 55,233,883 14,050,342 Telephones 1963 18,459 7,186 1964 25,989 74,977 1965 27,059 8,691 1966 27,413 9,464 1967 28,993 10,178 1968 32,268 10,635 1969 36,465 11,118 1970 38,439 11,417 1971 40,713 11,767 1972 42,500 12,290 Source: Palm Springs Life - Annual Desert Progress Issue: 1972-73, September 1972. SELECTED ECONOMIC INDICATORS TABLE 92 EXHIBIT R2 Indio; taxable sales increased 105% in Palm Springs and 127% in Indio; building permits increased 300% in Palm Springs and 118% in Indio; and telephone services in- creased 130% in Palm Springs and 71% in Indio (Palm Springs Life, 1972). The entire Coachella Valley has undergone an extended period of growth spurred both by increased agricultural water supply and by demand for resort activities. Since 1971 the rate of growth has acceler- ated substantially above that experienced during the 1960's. Over 10,000 building permits were granted in the Upper Coachella Valley during 1972. Whether this accelera- tion is indicative of a new trend or just a temporary surge is open to conjecture. Residents of Upper Valley communities, par- ticularly Palm Springs, are beginning to question the value of the building boom, primarily because it is bringing some unde- sirable metropolitan manifestations (Palm Springs Life, 1972). This concern plus a possible oversupply of dwelling units in Palm Springs may reduce the magnitude of this recent boom. Nonetheless, the potential 93 for continued acceleration of growth remains.• 2) Local - The La Quinta Golf Course and partial development of La Quinta has already had an effect on the market value of the land in the area. The fact that the La Quinta Cove and some other areas of the community are being developed will further increase the market value of surrounding properties; and, as the value increases, the pressure for conversion to more intensive urban use will also increase. This is in effect a growth -inducing potential for the entire area. Full development of the project, including total construction of all units, is expected to produce a market value of over $60 million. The assessed value should be about $15 million. Based on an average prevailing Riverside County tax rate of approximately $11 per $100 of assessed valuation, the revenue to ' the County from the project in this proposed development is expected to be over $1,650,000 per year. (See EXHIBIT S ). Due to the ex- pected lower level of public services required by the second -home and winter -home residents, there should be a net increase in monies 94 TYPICAL PROPERTY TAX RATES (LA QUINTA) TAX RATE PER AGENCY $100 ASSESSED VALUE 2.657 County General .016 Debt Service .139 County Free Library ,198 County Structure Fire Protection .100 Supervisorial Road District 4 3.110 Coachella Unified School B & I B .072 4.391 Desert Sands Unified School 270 Desert Sands Unified School B $ I .633 Coachella Valley Community College B $ I ,085 Coachella Valley Community College ,105 School Equalization Aid County Superintendent of Schools - General Purpose 27 :0080 Institutional Children Physically Handicapped Program - County .046 ,040 Regional Occupation Program - County ,006 Juvenile Hall Program - County County Superintendent of Schools - Capital Outlay A ,016 County Superintendent of Schools - Capital Outlay B ,018 Severe Mentally Retarded Program - County - County ,002 County School Building Aid Program ,013 County School Development Center 5 TIB Coachella Valley Public Cemetery .012.085 Coachella Valley Mosquito Abatement .097 Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks ,194 Coachella Valley County Water District .616 AREA TAX RATE 9.739 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS Citrus Pest Control 2 (Per 100 Acres) 6.273 .436 Coachella Valley County Water Storm Water Unit TOTAL TAX RATE 10.175 TYPICAL PROPERTY TAX RATES (LA QUINTA) 95 EXHIBIT S r „< 0 available to the County, and particularly the school district should benefit. It should be noted that construction will occur over a 6 - 8 year period, with respective revenues increasing accordingly. The residents of this proposed addition to La Quinta, at ultimate development, are ex- pected to generate approximately $4,000,000 a year in local retail sales. This generated sales could support up to 60,000 square feet of retail space. f. Transportation Systems Eisenhower Drive and Washington Street provide the principal access to and from the project site. Interstate 10 and Highway 111 lie northerly and at present both Avenue 50 and Avenue 52 afford additional access from the east. Passenger service via AMTRAK and freight rail service is available in Indio through the main- line of the Southern Pacific Railway. Air transportation is available at Palm Springs Municipal Airport, Thermal Airport and Bermuda Dunes Airport. Bermuda Dunes and Thermal are general aviation facilities, while the Palm Springs 96 airport serves commercial traffic of both the interregional and intercontinental levels. A helicopter pad will be available at the hotel. Public transportation is not currently avail- able on a valley -wide basis; however, under the auspices of SB 325 a study is being conducted on a regional and subregional basis. A prelim- inary draft of this study is expected to be completed later this year, and it is anticipated that the study will indicate a system of local bus routes between communities. Implementation of the local bus route system should take place in 1975. A local bus route system between com- munities on a valley -wide basis will have some economic impact on La Quinta as it will facili- tate shopping access from and to outlying areas. At present, Greyhound Bus lines serves the traffic in and out of the Valley, with some routes along Highway 111; however, other public transportation is limited to taxi service. (See EXHIBITS T1 and T2 for traffic flows). Unfortunately, La Quinta is not served by Greyhound Bus lines, nor is it expected to be served directly by the local bus route system contemplated above. The nearest route is projected along Ilwy 111 between Palm Desert and Indio. (Approx. 2 miles north of the site) 97 COVE .cf% �. a..e �ex�o-..x .. r.w na%• COMMUNITIES GENERAL TRAFFIC FLOW MAP 1970 TRAFFIC VOLUMES SOURCE: RIVERSIDE COUNTY ROAD DEPARTMENT 1970 TRAFFIC FLOW MAP 98 PLAN RIVERSIDE COJNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT EXHIBIT T1 1990 TRAFFIC FLOW MAP 99 FXHTRiT To III. PROBABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The Upper Coachella Valley is a rapidly developing and ur- banizing area. Large portions of the Palm Springs and Cove Communities areas hardly resemble the pure desert environ- ment. Major transportation routes traverse the Valley and much of it has been placed under tivation. Air quality has deteriorated considerably as a result of soil and vege- tation conditions and the "funnel effect" of regional air pollution movements. In summary, the Community of La Quinta will not be developed in a purely natural environment, but one which has undergone many radical changes in the last two decades and one which is presently undergoing many radical changes. Environmental impacts are not limited to the effects on plants and animals but include the effects that a project may have on a wide range of physical, biological, economic, cultural, and social issues. In addition, the assessment of the im- portance of environmental impact must include a comparison to the environment as it now exists. A. Impact on the Physical Environment 1. Land Form and Open Space The development of the project will necessarily alter the topography of the vacant lands. Grading will be required to create the reservoirs, dikes, channels 100 and to flatten out the sand dunes and create a ter- rain suitable for golf courses, dwelling units, streets, etc. Most of the existing topography of the developable portion of the site is of little intrinsic value to man. The mountainous, rocky slopes and bahadas are not proposed to be developed, therefore, the only impact anticipated should be if development encroaches too close to the "toe of the slope." The design of the golf course fairways, as well as the training dike, next to the foothills should alleviate this aspect. Probably the greatest visual impact will occur when the agricultural lands are converted to urban uses and when the dike, which retains water in the Oleander reservoir, is constructed. This dike, at one point, will be about 15' higher than the adjacent properties. 2. Groundwater The project will be relying heavily on groundwater resources for irrigating the golf courses and the supply of domestic water for dwellings. There is no evidence that this usage will have any adverse effect, to any great degree, on the quantity or qual- ity of the groundwater supply. The amount of ground- water available will remain about the same in future 101 years due to the CVCWD and Desert Water Agency's recharge program and continued agricultural seepage. It has been estimated by the CVCWD that no serious overdraft will occur in the Upper Coachella Valley groundwater basin to the year 1990. Water useage of the project (250 Ac.Ft./Yr.) will not present an overdraft problem; however, the cumulative effect of all development within the Upper Coachella Valley may require that additional sources are necessary after the year 1990. With the installation of the wastewater collection systems, reuse of project effluent (125,000 gpd)and projected water quality control policies, no serious water quality or quantity problems are expected for the community. 3. Air Quality The Air Quality of the Coachella Valley is a critical issue. It is particularly critical to the resort communities. The problem of pollutant inflow from the Los Angeles Basin and suspended particles are accentuated by the terrain and air flows of the Coachella Valley. Although it is not known to what degree Vallee sources contribute to the oxidant levels, the desert communities must address themselves to reducing local emission output. automobiles are the prime producers of pollutants and development 102 is going to create increased automobile trips. Total development of the community, together with the cumu- lative effect of development in the Upper Valley, is expected to generate substantial vehicle miles per year; which could result in a significant degrada- tion of air quality- within the Valley and reduce the desirability of living in the desert. Consider the following pollutant calculations based upon re- cent E.P.A. data and considering permanent dwellings only: Assume 670 dwelling units X 1.5 cars/unit X 365 days X 30 mi/car/day = 11,000,000 mi/yr. Carbon Monoxide Consider 1971 model year Chart 3.1.2-2 Emission Factors gives CO = .075 lb./VMT Chart 3.1.1-1 gives correction factor of 0.5 CO emission/yr. = 11,000,000 X 075 X .05 - 412,500 lbs. Daily rate = 412,5011 = 1130 lbs. S- 103 Oxides of Nitro en Consider 1971 model year Chart 3.1.2-2 Emission Factors gives NOX = .0077 lb./VMT Chart 3.1.1.-1 gives correction factor of 1.3 NOx emission/yr. = 11,000,000 X .0077 X 1.3 = 110,110 lbs. Daily rate = 110,110 = 302 lbs. 365 Hydrocarbons Consider 1971 model year Chart 3.1.2-2 Emission Factors gives HC - .0064 lb./VMT Chart 3.1.1.-1 gives correction factor of 0.6 HC emission/yr - 11,000,000 X .0064 X 0.6 = 42',240 lbs. Daily rate = 422400 = 116 lbs. MAJOR VEHICLE TOTAL EMISSIONS = 564,850 lbs. or 282.4 tons/yr. MAJOR VEHICLE TOTAL DAILY = 1,548 lbs. or 0.774 tons/day Although within the project these pollutants may represent only 0.0005 of the total transportation 104 emissions for the County, the cumulative effect of all transportation sources would ultimately be dis- astrous -if left unchecked. It should be noted that the above calculations are for a 1971 model vehicle. Further substantial re- ductions in vehicle emissions are being constantly mandated by EPA and new technology will undoubtedly continue to improve the quality of emissions. The degree of improvement and the time necessary for achievement of better quality air is highly specu- lative. 4. Climate The effect of the development of the project on the climate of Coachella Valley, if even measurable, would be trivial. The change of ground cover will affect ground temperatures and some of the water used for irrigating the golf courses, swimming pools, and standing in lakes will evaporate into the local atmosphere. The addition of one or several more urban develop- ments to the Valley will not result in a noticeable change in climate. S. Flooding The soils in the study area are highl), permeable 105 and have moderately low runoff potential. Major flooding will be controlled by the CVCIVD's system ox aixes, cnannels and reservoirs. The project will significantly contribute to greater flood protection for the community and adjacent areas. 6. Wind Erosion The project will have a positive effect on the Valley wind erosion problem. The soils in the area are moderately susceptible to wind erosion, but the crea- tion of golf courses and residential developments will eliminate on-site erosion. The chances for sand blow are highest during construc- tion after vegetation has been removed. The County's ordinances will have to be strictly adhered to in order to minimize this hazard. Seismic The probability of a severe earthquake being experi- enced .in the area is not high, but the possibility always exists in a region as seismically active as Southern California. The project will have several multi -story structures; however, the vast majority of buildings throughout the project will be premium quality one-story buildings. All buildings will he built to code and v.ith consldnrat io,, eiven the 106 maximum quake expected during their 1If(� t:, Due to the nature of the soils, a severe earthquake could cause significant settling and perhaps struc- tural damage. The possible shifting of boulders at the foothills, referred to earlier, could also present a hazard. Both of these potentialities will have to be considered when approving building and use permits. B. Impact on the Biological Environment 1. Flora To a great extent, development of the site will add diversity and quantity to the vegetation currently existing in the area. A significant impact will occur by removal of natural desert -type vegetation and substitution of other species requiring, more water. This ti�ill result in an enlarged habitat for many species of fauna and a decrease in habitat for the natural desert dwelling kind. the preservation or replanting of date and citrus trees are proposed within much of the project site. Fauna 11evelopmeilt of the site i%j 1.1 have., some detr:i^et:tal effect on the h.ahitat of fauna, POrticularIv the 107 sand habitat species. Jack rabbits and most rodents, as well as birds, will have improved environments after development with extensive landscaping. The open space nature of the project and preserva- tion of the mountains in their natural state provides a measure of protection, probably sufficient to avoid extinction of most any species found within the area if proper implementation is followed. 'The develop- ment will not in itself greatly affect Coachella wildlife as a whole. It is evident that urban growth throughout the Valley is encroaching upon the limited desert habitat. Steps need to be taken to preserve this special environment if some form of the unique indigenous desert life is to be preserved. !'. j!L'Pact or; the ,titan -Made Environment 1. Archaeology The construction of the project, the western dikes, and the Oleander Reservoir would not affect archaeo- logical sites. Indirectly, the alignment of the channel cast of the cultivated fields at Oleander Reservoir along Avenue S0 will disturb several sites. Any channel construction no: -t?, of Avenue 50 to the M,itowator *river will have a profound effect on extant cult"ral rel Mills, !;i",c' cu"T iral rema'iis ?Oril a con-_ tinuous strip. 108 2. Po elation The growth of the community will occur simultaneously with growth in the Upper Coachella Valley. The "life style" andcharacter of the population is not expected to change very much due to the nature and high stand- ards of the area. The Cove Communities General Plan, together with low density residential zoning ensure that a very low density of population will prevail. If current trends continue,the percentage of perman- ent residents versus seasonal residents will decrease and remain below 60%. 3. Land Use Compatibility The site is surrounded by mountains, vacant lands, and tourist/recreation development (also golf course oriented). The Oleander Reservoir and Channel pro- vide a buffer for possible incompatible uses to the south; however, the Cove Communities General Plan calls for low density residential development in that area as well. In short, all surrounding prop- erties are in uses compatible with the proposed pro- ject. In addition, high standards and open space will assure quality and homogenity within the project itself. 109 011 4. Recreation and Open Space The question to be considered in this section is whether or not development of this project will have a negative or positive impact on the recreation or open space attributes of the area and community. The standards of the project provide for maintenance and enhancement of recreational and open space re- sources. The private recreation value of properties will be enhanced, as recreation is one of the pri- mary functions of the project. The types of recrea- tion (e.g. golf courses), will retain the open space quality of the project area. however, it is important to note that the character of the open space (presently agriculture, sand dunes and open desert), will incur significant changes as it ;.s developed to landscaped environments. S. Visual Development will change the present open desert and agricultural image which presently exists in much of the community. While this change certainly does f not blight the environment, whether or not it is a positive or a negative impact is a personal and aesthetic judgment, not a technical assessr;ent. 1�.lso, cor:strLlct io:l and iandscapinr; may ii_l)c:.c. V "c"'�, 0 110 of the mountains. These views, west of the project area, are one of the more important assets of the community. The design and low density profile of the development tend to reduce the severity of this impact. h. Tran.sportation and Noise Sincc the majority of the grading for most of the project is connected with phase I, it is expected that a short term earthmoving associated noise im- pact will occur soon after the approval of the pro- ject. Thereafter, some building construction related noise will occur until the total development has been completed. The project could generate about 6000 trips per day. Approx. 50% would be north on Eisenhower; 25% south on Eisenhower; & 25% east on 50th Ave. Assuming 10% of traffic occurs during peak hour, 300 trips will be generated on Eisenhower north, 150 trips on Eisenhower south, & 150 trips on 50th Ave. east. In all cases, the ultimate route capacities will not be exceeded due to traffic generated by the project. The primary transportation impact will occur on the surface roads, particularly Highway 111 and Washing- ton ;trent, which mili experierce a tremendous increase in *.raffic voluirc;s as the Upper Valle; r.,!1J the communit.-� 111 ►I develop. The congestion and noise levels adjacent to major routes and at intersections will increase respectively. Noise in excess of 60 dba is not expected to occur due to traffic within the project. A very small percentage of the total dwelling units lie near Eisenhower Dr., the most significant noise generator. i. Public Facilities Use of public facilities by the tourist population and seasonal population of the project will be sig- nificantly lower than use by a permanent resident population. There will be little use of public educational or public recreation facilities, little use of library facilities, and virtually no persons requiring public assistance funding. Additional fire protection services will be required. Local facilities are relatively inadequate to handle the increased levels of protection being desired by the public. Total development will require additional water storage reservoirs and adequate sizing and flows in main lines. Police protection requirements will be minimal due to the many private security guards operating within the community, and partic- ularly since the project will have a guarded gate- house and a private security patrol. Requirements for medical services and use of local hospitals will 112 be increased proportionately with the population increase. 8. Utilities Most all urban developments place further demands upon utility systems. a. Electric - Imperial Irrigation District provides electrical power to the area. Working with their own projections they are anticipating future community requirements. The development of the Project in itself will not have any deleterious effects on the supply of electrical. service to the desert region; however, the cumulative effect Of concurrent development dictates that additional sources and means of generation must become avail- able for growth to continue. In the past, this has not been a great obstacle and it is assumed that new sources and technology will continue to become available. The project will use 9000+ N111-11r/Yr. b. Gas - 'The Southern California Gas Company has adequate capacity to supply gas to the growing Southern California comraunit_ies. The project, at 9007000 therms/Yr, will have little impact on supplies. i -Vater - I)c'velolrment o' the commn)"Lt" And conti�;- nous areae noses 1 -Lo sel.ious it, ,,n *hc cluar.tit-v 113 or quality of domestic water for the foreseeable future. At some point beyond 1990 additional sources of supply may become necessary. The Coachella Valley County Water District has in- dicated that no serious overdraft will occur within the foreseeable future, particularly none in the La Quinta area. d. Sewage - Most all sewage will be conveyed by sewers to a proposed new plant at the southeast corner of the project for secondary treatment. This plant will be making available reclaimed water suitable for irrigating. If it is econom- ically feasible for the developer or a private golf club to use this water, it would obviate the necessity of tapping groundwater resources for golf course watering. 9. Economic Economic impact includes the effect of the project on the nature and distribution of economic activity. This development will not substantially change the nature of the labor force nor the business types now within the region, but it will expand the demand for the types of goods and services now available. The goods and services required will include normal consumer services and goods, maintenance supplies, 114 construction materials, restaurant equipment and supplies, golf course equipment and supplies, etc. The improvements in the community will generate a very significant increase in the assessed valuation of the community. This should approximate 20 times its present value or about $15 million, based on today's costs and current assessed value. This es- timated valuation would produce yearly property taxes to the County of approximately $1,650,000. Both the County's revenues and expenses would increase with increased population and associated economic activity; however, due to the character of the pro- ject a significant disproportion will occur in that revenues received would be far greater than expenses incurred as compared to a median or low income occu- pancy type of project. IV. SUMMARY OF UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Development of the project will have certain effects which cannot be avoided. Those which are particular to the devel- opment of the project are as follows: 1. Noise and dust from construction cannot be totally elim- inated; nor can traffic disruption and street repairs be avoided altogether. 2. Changing of the visual appearance of the site cannot be 115 avoided; nor can all scenic vistas be protected. 3. Elimination of some of the natural open space quality of the community. 4. Elimination of some natural desert areas as a scenic resource. S. Increased traffic and added deterioration of air quality. 6. Indirectly --reduction and some destruction of archaeo- logical sites. V. MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS 1. Most all existing County ordinances relating to develop- ment shall be applied where necessary. 2. The design of the project incorporates: a. Use of a cluster development concept to maximize recreation and open space areas. b. Redistribution of existing cultivated palms and citrus for golf course and other landscaping. C. Retention of existing windrows and planting of additional ones. d. Use of the County blowsand control and grading or- dinances to minimize sand blow during construction. 116 e. Complete landscaping of the project to minimize wind and water erosion effects, provide additional wildlife habitat, and add to the aesthetic quality. f. Installation of curbs, gutters and a storm water conduit system in those areas where appropriate. g. Widening and landscaping all major routes. h. Implementation of an adequate fire fighting system. i. Encouragement of energy -conserving construction in buildings. (Full insulation (', quality throughout) j. Preservation of some sensitive archaeological areas, if discovered during construction, until professional archaeologists have been notified and given a reason- able period of time to study the find. k. Covenants, conditions and restrictions of record, together with a property management corporation will be established. 1. Provisions for adequate energy barriers for rocks which may become dislodged from the hillsides are provided. These are combinations of distance, walls, dikes, vegetation and channels. m. Preservation (in their natural' state) of the moun- tains, foothills, and bahadas together with strict observance of the State Game Refuge regulations. 117 118 W +.. 1 N G F 'U I f-1 1+J 0 +j11 1 U N cd u +j O N !l W 1 y O It :1 J m C • r1 'C it S]. a) ri C >. -4 N u a) r~ r-1 U cd •r. a) ;t C u N .O cd 0 +1 u O C ri (L) cd C 4a +1 E I cd O cd O N N a) •H X N 0 +1 > 1 .0 a) C P4 �Q cd it 'O V () 1 .0 cd "I U a) 0 7 1 a) .--1 f. a) M .0 +1 () cd 4� • + b O O U • r+ +1 r~ N i+ 0 • -• u 0 W LL 44 10 O H .O >. rl C= -4r-1 O a) O -4N cd O C + r - •r1 o al u 4) +1 4a.0 a > a) 4-4 u 4) Q. 3 •r -t r-+ :3x a) •� •� cd E44 a Q �. 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O r-1� cd P4 p •r•1 a 3 •r ) + a) +-1 +1 �' .,q -4 M - C r1 E cd 3 F+ u x 0 CdO O cd O Ort E 9 'O CHE9 M •� r -c i•1 a) —4 r +•1 i•+ ••1 cd ++ O +-1 O u t••1 C cd •rt -1 v f•+ -rt U ed t). a) -r+ "a cd F. .--1 Q' Cd cd -r+ .0 O O 10 Cd 4-4 a) •rOi u .0 cid +-) k a> u o +1 ri 3 P4 E O ba +1 4) O W w Cd 3 G 0 cd h a) • r+ k O a) ¢4 aX) O 0 1 1 O O +1 C N -H •O W 1 a) O U 1 f•1 >� a) 0 o ami F•1 f0," +01 N b o 411 a 41 O U U u O O • i +1 E O > O +.1 > Ori ."- -4 a) 'd P4 x .� N C 4i ba +1 +1 cd +1 u N cd U cd • 4 -H0 O •rt NM -0 •M 0 3 O -4 i0+ a) 9 G p. i�-c ay) -H c'bd M Cd.r+ >, 'v • •• .00 4-4 o a m ri f 1 b E ri +1 N 1d CL.0 10 E 3 cd a> O b 0 c'" ba r-1 U cd r-1 C k ri —4 a) k rti C 0 >•00:3k +-)0":30 > ONN -� r•i 0 O H w E N •r+ O N •r1 4-1 o f •r+ C > u 3 N 3 N 0 3 C 4J FO+ -0 cyd r 0 r 11 0 4J C a) H C C a y U •rt >. +1 .0 N C N k O E +1 r-1 0 0 rl v u-0 O +1 O O -H �. cd cd •r+ u r•+ C 0 r+ >> f. X •r+ •r+ > •r+ +1 O F-1 U +1 0 >, cd •r+ cd F. FI +1 cd;J +1 �1. CN O +1 +1 �••-. P. > P, W C N1 -r ++ E >. +-1 +1 C C "0 k .� r 1 U •r+ a) O N r-1 N ruu C k .,i 0 o HoN 1� w U p.cd U.a En 0� ) u +1 +' u $ N C O •ri }1 -4J "0 C O cd C O cd a Q)) R. y y& ti 9 W�-r > j +, +J r1 O boa v`ii aCi + , O., cd E Cd 0 +1 4-),0 +1 0 P4 Ca U l+ " a) u ed N -4 0 () In= O a) E 1 0 a) cd cd ba > . a) F W > N rl a) H LL 118 VII. COMPARISON OF SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS The principal short term impacts are expected to occur as construction takes place. Short term impacts are generally limited to the noise and dust of construction. Long term impacts are those effects which will continue after the pro- ject has reached completion. These include the effective elimination of the site for other uses in the foreseeable future, and the continuing of a trend of resort developments in the Upper Valley. The establishment of this quality low density atmosphere and the continuation of the recreation communities philosophy will set a strong trend for future development throughout the entire area. VIII. IRREVERSIBLE CHANGES AND COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES A substantial investment in improvements will be made on the site and in the community and a return to the natural desert environment is not probable. The introduction of foreign plant species and surface water will do much to alter the natural environment of the developed portion of the site for a long time. Other- effects of the project that fall into this category are utilization of raw build- ing materials such as wood, oil and metals, some of which are short in supply. Energy requirements of the proposed project, although anticipated by the utility companies, will ads] to the strains ori our depleting supply of existing energy sources. 119 IX. GROWTH INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT The prime generator of growth in the project vicinity is its attraction as a quality resort community. It would seem, in effect, that the existing resort facilities have provided the image and the impetus to develop new resort facilities. This type of project, and resort projects in surrounding areas, will have the future effect of encourag- ing other similar developments in the area. Commercial and other support facilities for the residential develop- ments will come mainly from the existing and expanding stock of establishments in nearby communities. Completion of the project will stimulate the need for convenience, commercial goods and services in the community itself. 120 X. ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONS CONSULTED California State Water Quality Control Board, Messrs. Arthur Swajian and Art Courtwright, Indio. Coachella Valley County Water District, Messrs. Lowell Weeks and Les Chaudoin, Coachella. College of the Desert, Dr. Ernest Tinkham, Eremologist, Palm Desert. Imperial Irrigation District, Mr. Ray Rinderhagen, Coachella. Living Desert Reserve, Ms. Karen Fowler, Palm Desert. Riverside County Air Pollution Control District, Mr. M. J. Kenneally, Riverside. Riverside County Assessor, Mr. Robert Baier, Indio. Riverside County Department of Fire Protection, Mr. George Schultejann, Perris, California. Riverside County Health Department, Mr. Lloyd Rogers, Indio. Riverside County Planning Department, Mr. Todd Bealer, River- side and Mr. Gerald Dupree, Indio. Riverside County Road Department, Mr. Ben Dobbins, Riverside. Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Captain Del Fountain, Indio. Southern California Edison Company, Mr. Kermit Martin, Palm Desert. Southern California Gas Company, Mr. Sidney Branson, Indio. U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, Mr. Norman Elam, Indio. University of California at Riverside, Archaeological Research Unit, Mr. Philip Wilke, Riverside. 121 XI. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bechtel Corporation, Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan, 1967. — Bechtel Corporation, Route Studies of the California Aqueduct, 1964. California, State of, Environmental Qualit Act, 1970. California Air Resources Board, California Air Basins, December 1972. California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, Geologic Map of California Santa Ana Sh t 19 California Geology 1934 - Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Preliminary Earthquake Epicenter Map of California .7uly 1 7 California Department of Water Resources, Coachella Valle Investigation, Bulletin No. 108, 1964. California Department of Water Resources, Feasibilit of serving the Desert Water Agency Service Area From t e tate Water Facilities, ulletin No. 119-1, 1962. California Department of Water Resources, Feasibilit of Servin the Desert Water A&ency Service Area From t e State Water Facilities, Bulletin No. 11.9-3, 19 3. California Department of Water Resources, Mojave Groundwater Basins Investigated, Bulletin No. 84, 1967. California Department of Water Resources, The State of California Water Project in 1972, Bulletin No. 132-72, 1972. California Department of Water Resources, Water for California the California Water Plan Outlook in l 0, Bul etU No ,. 160 - California - California Water Resources Control Board, Water ualit Control Plan (Interim) West Colorado River Basan 7-A, June 1 1. Coachella Valley County Water District, Annual Review, 1972-73. Coachella Valley County Water District, Report on Preliminary Design and Cost Estimate for Flood Control Worcs for the La Quinta Area, September 1970. -- 121 Coachella Valley County Water District, Whitewater River Basin, Coachella Valley, California, April Davidson, J. F. $ Associates, La Quinta Environmental Impact Input, December 1972. Detwyler, Thomas R., et al, Urbanization $ Environment, 1972. Jones $ Stokes Associates, Inc., Utilizing Colorado River Water to Recharge UDDer Coachella Valley Groundwater Basins Final Environmental Impact Re ort,June 1973. Palm Springs, City of, Department of Planning and Development, General Plan Economic Data, 1973. Palm Springs Desert Museum, Birds Mammals and Reptiles of the Living esert Reserve, 1971. Palm Springs Life, Annual Desert Progress Edition, 1972 73, September 1972. - Riverside, County of, Average Da ly Traffic, 1973. Riverside, County of, Cove Communities General Plan, December 1972. Riverside, County of, General Plan of Highways for Riverside County, California, amended 1973. 0 Riverside, County of, Ordinance #348 Zonin , latest revision. I Riverside, County of, Ordinance #460 Re ulatin Subdivisions, latest revision. Riverside County, 1969 Special Census, 1969. + Riverside County Air Pollution Control District, Stationary Sources, Transportation Sources, January 1973. Riverside County Department of Development, Community Economic Profile, 1972. Riverside County Planning Department, Cove Communities General Plan Reports, May 1971. Ryan, R. Mark, Mammals of Deep Canyon, Colorado Desert, 1968. Schmitz, Harry H. & Associates, General Plan, City of Indian Wells Draft Environmental Im act Report, January 1974. 123 1 United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Climatological Data, 1972, 1972. -� United States Geological Survey, A Procedure for Evaluatin Environmental Impact, 1971. U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1970 Census of Population, 1970. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Coachella Valley Wind Erosion Problem, December 1967. U. S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, Analog Model Study of the Groundwater Basin of the Upper Coachella Valley, California,- 1971. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Compilation of Air Pollution Emission Factors, April 1973. Webb Engineering, Inc., Environmental Impact Study for Gerald Moss Properties, Palm Desert, September 1973. Wilke, Philip J., Archaeological Research Group, University of California at Riverside, Recent Large -Scale Environmental Change in Salton Basin Cali ornia, October 1973. Wilsey $ Ham, Chaparral Club, Draft Environmental Impact Report, June 1973. 124 APPENDIX I NATURAL FLORA $ FAUNA OF THE PROJECT SITE FLORA: Ajamete Asclepias subulata Alkali Goldenbush HapZopappus acradenius Anderson Thornbush Lycium Andersonii Barrel Cactus Echinocactus acanthodes Beavertail Cactus Opuntia basilaris Border Palo Verde Cercidiwn fZoridum Brittle -Bush Encelia farinosa Brown -Eyed Primrose Oenothera clavaeformis Burrobush Franseria dumosa Cattle Spinach Atriplex poZycarpa Cats -claw Acacia Greggii Cheese -bush Hymenoc-Zea Salsola Chuparosa Beloperone caZifornica Creosote Larrea divaricata Darning -Needle Cactus Opuntia ramosissima Desert lavender Hyptis Emoryi Desert Tobacco Nicotiana trigonophylZa Honey -Sweet Tidestromia oblongifoZia Indigo -Bush ParoseZa Schottii Inkweed Suaeda Torreyana rcnnosissima Mesquite Prosopis juZifZora gZanduZosa Palmate -Leaved Gourd Curcurbita PaZmata Pebble Pincushion Chaenactis earphocZinia Rigid Spiny -Herb Chorizanthe rigida Sand Blazing Star Mentzelia involucrata 125 126 APPENDIX I (Con't) Salt Cedar Tamarix gatlica Small -leaved hoffmannseggia Ho ffiirannseggia microphytla Smoke Tree ParoseZa spinosa _ Sweetbush Bebbia ,juncea aspera Tamarisk Tamarix pentandra Thick -Leaved Ground -Cherry Physalis erassifolia White -Haired Forget-me-not Cryptantha maritima MAMMALIAN FAUNA: Antelope Ground Squirrel Citellus Zeucurus Beechey Ground Squirrel Citellus beecheyi Cactus Mouse Peromyseus eremicus Canyon Mouse Peromyscus erinitus Coyote Canis Zatrans Desert Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis neZsoni Desert Pack Rat Neotoma Zepida Jack Rabbit Lepus caZifornicus Long-tailed Pocket Mouse Pero athus gn formosus Pipistrelle (Canyon Bat) Pipistrellus hesperus Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae Ring-tailed Cat Bassariseus astutus Round -tailed Ground Squirrel Citellus tereticaudus Spiny Pocket Mouse Perognathus spinatus Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis REPTILIAN FAUNA: Abbott's Night Gecko Coleonyx abbotti Banded Night Gecko Coleonyx variegatus Barred Collared Lizard Crotaphytus insularis vestigium 126 APPENDIX I (Con't) Bull Snake Pituophis catenifer Colorado Desert Sidewinder Crotalus cerastes Zaterorepens Desert Iguana (Crested Lizard) Dipsosaurus d. dorsalis Desert/Mountain Speckled Rattler Crotalus miteheZ U pyrrhus Flat -nosed Horned Lizard Phrynosoma platyrhinos caZidarwn Giant Scaley Lizard Sceloporus magister Henshaw's Spotted Night Lizard Xantusia henshawi Mearn's Cliff Lizard Petrosaurus mearnsi Red Diamond Rattler Crotalus ruber Red Racer Masticophis flagellum pieea Santa Rosa Chuckawalla SauromeZas obesus Stansbury's Uta Uta stansburlana Tiger Whip -tailed Lizard Cnemidophorus t. tigris Tuberculate Gecko PhyZlodactyZus tubereulatus Van Denburgh's Night Snake Trimorphodon vandenburghi Zebra -tailed Lizard Callisaurus d. draconoides AVIAN FAUNA: Anna Hummingbird CaZypte costae Ash -throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Audubon Warbler Dendroica auduboni Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Black -chinned Hummer Archilochus alxandri Black Swift Cypseloides niger Cactus Wren CampyZorhynchus brunneicapiZlwn Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Costa Hummingbird CaZypte costae Coue's Flycatcher Contopus pertinax 127 English Sparrow Gambel, Desert Quail Grasshopper Falcon Gray-cheeked Thrush Hooded Oriole House Finch or Linnet Mexican Ground Dove Mockingbird Mourning Dove Palm Warbler Pileolated or Wilson Warbler Roadrunner, Paisano Rock Wren Rough -winged Swallow Rufous Hummingbird Scott Oriole Starling Swainson Thrush Texas Nighthawk Townsend Warbler Tree Swallow Vaux Swift Violet -Green Swallow Western Flycatcher Western Kingbird or Arkansas Western Tanager White -romped Shrike APPENDIX I (Con't) Passer domesticus Lophortyx gambeli PaZco sparverius HylocichZa minima Icterus cucullatus Carpodacus mexicanus Columbigatlina passerina Mimus poZyglottis Zenaiduria macroura Dendroica paZmarum WiZsonia pusilla Geococcyx californianus SaZpinctus obsoletus SteZgidopteryz rufico Uis SeZasphorus rufus Icterus parisorum Sturnus vulgaris HyZocichZa ustulata ChordeiZes texensis Dendroica townsendi Iridoprocne bicolor Chaetura vauxi Tachycineta thaZassina Empidonax difficilis Tyrannus verticalis Piranga Zudovicina Lanius Zodovicianus 128 APPENDIX I (Con't) White -throated Swifts Aeronatues saxatilis White -winged Dove McZopelia asiatica mearnsi INSECT FAUNA: Apache Cicada Diceroprocta apache Coachella Valley Eye Gnat Hippelates collusor Creosote Woodborer Hippemelas #1 Creosote Woodborer Hippemelas #2 Desert Grasshopper Trimerotropis p. pallidpennis Elegant Grasshopper AtelopZoides elegans Irridescent Woodborer Hippemelas #3 Robber Fly Ceratotainiops Saltbush Grasshopper Anconia integra Smoky -winged Sand Wasp Epibembix melanoaspis 129 PROJECT & SITE DESCRIPTION 130 APPENDIX 2 p4unlhper wr. ■ / Yelh'•►note ■ � YINh'•f MI• _ • • I �•y[lil)l PROJECT & SITE DESCRIPTION 131 (CONT) APPENDIX 2 PROJECT & SITE DESCRIPTION 132 (CONT) APPENDIX 2 T phy�icd sibe analysis PROJECT & SITE DESCRIPTION 133 (CONT) APPENDIX 2 LA QUINTA cOVE WU AND ,D"5 CUIB April 11, 1975 Mr. Jerry DuPree, Sr. Planner 46-209 Oasis Street, Suite 304 Indio, California 92201 Dear Mr. DuPree: g o R 1 i i Ri,c . moi_ Y PLANNING COMN,IS5'10N Dt�,Li.l U FICL Enclosed please find a copy of the report entitled "Archaeological Survey of the La Quinta Hotel Project", as conducted by S.R. McWilliams. I thought that you would like to have a copy of this for your files as it pertains to our project. Also, I had a call from John Craib, County Archaeologist, and he was quite impressed with the report and felt that it would be more than sufficient to meet the re- quirements which were originally set forth. Mr. Vossler plans to contact you on Monday, to discuss the upcoming April 15th meeting with the Board of Supervisors. If we can be of any further assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us. Si rely, i athz Long Secretary to Ernest 0. Vossler /cl Encl: POST OFFICE BOX 519, LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA 92253 (714) 345-2888-89 Archaeological Survey of the La Quinta Hotel Project Conducted by S.R. McWilliams April 4v 1975 Report Outline: 1. Regional Setting of the Project Area 2. Survey Method Employed 3. Survey Findings 4. Recommendations 30 0j. --. ti 1 p E - L.r well �Ot4 N�q' 3 w f'..dol rl� ctl`. 31 y� y 11QC ater '0 l I � AVENUE W24 well Tai _ _ . , ; �•-. "1`�' . � I r /•� , _- �il ;,I' `•' u J�� { ; �!-9�/r.��i I - , !hPatar • i �;4 r r rR L! F-11 • S 4 YI I�'• �� 4jel� '�j+'r,_� 8N!g_8 �r IV I I` M1� • I" �� I�11•�' ..ria \, I MAIF �';I�� 'r�• II I. 11 ��- ft La Quints ly y I j I. 2ki I it rl h• � L �., `7 (` r i� •I�! II �E I; ,I �! of II ,1 r �i- i !4 li� w�. �R !� , i., �,r�l � ! 24+ �,:��. ,�'��{�-'"^±r �ii"�•� � J r r ' r �" � f � .�. i � 1 Reoional Settinq of the La Quinta Hotel Project The Coachella Valley in general is a region of abundantrchaeolgical remains of Indian cultures. In part thiAdue to the fact that artifactual material is well preserved in the extremely arid environment. Such material is also commonly exposed at the surface of the ground by the generally strong wind erosion in the desert. Finally, the activity of early man in the desert was rather widespread and, in some situations, apparently quite intense and, thus, a considerable amount of debris was left from their activities. Two major kinds of environments were inhabited by early man in the Coachella Valley: (1) those areas of food and water re- sources which existed during times of normal arid conditions, and (2) those areas of food and water resources which existed during those unusual times when ancient Lake Cahuilla partially' filled the Salton Trough. It is generally accepted that the Indians who occupied the Coachella Valley were technologically rather primitive in that they did not practice farming, but depended rather directly upon the natural productivity of the physical environment for their food and water. The productivity of the desert generally supported a small total human population, despite the fact that probably a very wide range of plants were classified as food sources. However, when the Colorado River overflowed its channel and altered its course so as to inundate the Salton Trough (essentially the lower portions of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys), a radically different desert environment resulted and one that was potentially quite productive for simple food -collecting cultures. The community of La Quinta occupies a relatively unique position in this setting for both kinds of environments described above were found in its vicinity. In fact, the La Quinta Hotel project itself may have encompassed both the normal desert -type of •° environment and the more unusual lakeshore environment. Studies have been undertaken to describe and interpret the Indian occupation of the Coachella Valley, but truly thorough archaeological studies have yet to be completed. Potentially a great deal of knowledge concerning early human occupation of the Coachella Valley and its environs can be obtained from known archaeological sites, and the importance of identifying new localities of such data -immense. The rapidity with which the Coachella Valley has been urbanized within the last ten to fifteen years is impressive. The result of this growth has affected the preservation of local archaeological sites significantly, and generally in an adverse way. From the standpoint of understanding both the prehistory of the Coachella Valley, and the nature of human behavior among ancestral populations of this continent, it is vital to carry out archaeological investigations now before still more data is lost. L Survey method Two types of land -use charactairize the survey area and each required a different archaeological survey technique. The project area was classified as eithers (1) land considerably modified by modern man., or (2) land in a relatively natural state. most of the project area was of the first type and only a small ,portion was of the second type. An approximate distri.bution of the two types of land -use is shown on Map A . 1. The modified Land Agricultural and residential urses are predominant on land of this type. It also includes the surfaced roads, access roads, flood control channels, and even a small-scale rock or sand quarry (in the extreme northwestern portion of the project area). Obviously, urnder these conditions of preservation, relatively little wndisturbed archaeological material at the surface would be expected. Such material that was not in fact masked by the :existing structures, landscaping, or crops would certainly be greatly disarranged to a depth in some areas of many feet. In fact the farm land portion of this category of land -use may have been extensively graded for irrigation flooding and, thus, archaeological materials would have been removed. Observations in this portion of the project area were consequently restricted in scope and of a less intense nature. The farm land was walked across on a relatively random basis in an effort to determine the general frequency of archaeological material at the surface. most attention was devoted to those areas where the soil was relatively free of vegetation and surface observation could most readily be made. No exploratory test excavations were dugs and at no time did they appear waranted. 2. The Unmodified Land A small portion of the project area contains land which could be considered in its natural state. Ungraded slopes and native plant cover were the best indicators of this condition. The most extensive tracts of land in this category were found outside the specific boundaries of the project area. These tracts occur to the west, north, and east of the project area. Land to the south is greatly modified, and is the location of the older core of the town of La Quinta. Only the western -most portion of the project area can be considered as in a natural state. It was assumed that the most abundant evidence of Indian cultures in the area would occur on this little -disturbed land. It may be misleading to suggest this category is truly pristine. Everywhere there is abundant evidence of modern man's visitations as seen by the accumulated debris or litter. This fact was particularly apparent within the boundaries of the project area. It can be assumed that artifact -hunters or relic -collectors have visited such potentially productive lands and may have removed the more obvious remains :of Indian cultures. The relatively undisturbed land within the project boundaries was intensively examined. The area was walked across throughout its north -south extent and was subdivided into nine easily identified field units for purposes of recording observations. As with the modified land mentioned previously, orientation was maintained in the field and on the working map by closely following an aerial photograph (whose approximate scale was 1:12,000). The undisturbed land outside the boundaries of the proposed project area was examined with much less intensity. That area to the west and north of the proposed project area consist primarily of steep rocky slopes and short, dry canyons with a few well established alluvial fans. These canyons and their alluvial fans received the most attention (in terms of the surveyor's observations) in this marginal area. The undisturbed land to the east consists of sand dunes and possible former Lake Cahuilla sediments. This area is a well-known archaeological area, but did not specifically fall with.in'the confines of this study and, thus, was not emphasized. In summary, the goal of the survey was to identify surface remains that would suggest former aboriginal occupation of an extensive nature or in fact more intensively used specific sites. The project area consists of about a square mile which is relatively small in terms of the range of archaeological surveys in general. Consequently, the area could be examined in some detail, and this examination was facilitated by distinguishing between the "developed" versus the "raw" land within the project boundaries. Survey Findings Archaeological material does occur within the proposed boundaries of the La Quinta Hotle project area. However, based on this survey the material present does not represent any significant concentration. The finds located within the project boundaries appear to this author to be of minimal importance. 1. material Found on the modified Land Curiously the most frequently encountered artifacts came from the portion of the project classified as agricultural and residential land. Two localities yielded this material, and both are plotted on map A where they are designated by the letters a and b. In neither case was the material so plentiful as to suggest any depth to the deposit at all. Locality -a is situated immediately south of Avenue 50 and along the eastern -most boundary of the project. The site is marked by the existence of an exceedingly large mesquite -hill sand dune. It is quite likely the mesquite which currently exists at the site was alive during the 19th century and probably constituted a food source for the Indian inhabitants of the valley at that time; its shape is typical of very ancient growth in that a very large central core area is quite barren of vegetation at this time. A few potsherds (nine fragments were collected which represented all those seen) littered the dune surface and nearby southern shoulder of Avenue 50. This material is typical of other sites in the Coachella Valley and is often described as simply plain brown were. The material was best exposed along the northern face of the sand dune where the road -cut and subsequent wind erosion have combined to expose the material at the surface. Occasionally rocks are found in this vicinity, which naturally would not occur on a sand dune, but they may represent recently intruded items; in any case their occurrence is rare and significance is minimal. The western portion of locality -a is greatly modified in that it has been quarried for sand, and currently has been used as a place to dump soil. The quarrying has exposed the dune to a depth of ten feet or more, and yet no archaeological material protrudes from this cut. This may support the belief that the site lacks any significant artifact concentration. However, the mesquite seems to have been growing most actively towards the irrigated field immediately to the west and, thus, the accumulated sand where the quarry exists may be only a recent addition to the otherwise large dune. No artifacts would be expected from the quarry cut if the sand accumulation there is itself of recent age. This mesquite dune may possess buried archaeological material fifty yards or so to the east of the irrigated field. Such a location would place the site outside the boundaries of project area as described to this author. Based on previous 1 experience it is my opinion that this site is not worthy of further investigation. It might also be noted that none of the typical indicators of a shoreline location (freshwater shellfish remains, fish, tuttle or aquatic bird skeletons) were present. It is difficult to believe that such material is totally buried by accumulated sand, but rather it seems the former shoreline of Lake Cahuilla exists farther to the east and that location -a is beyond its borders. Consequently, the site at best is a food -collecting location perhaps visited during the intervals when Lake Cahuilla did not exist, and such sites are rather common in the Coachella Valley. Locality -b is situated immediately south of a small floodwater channel on what appears to be abandoned farmland. The land seems to be used recently as a rubbish dump and is heavily overgrown by brush. Two fragments of plain brown ware (again that type common to archaeological sites in the Coachella Valley) were observed and collected here. The two finds came from an area perhaps the size of a city block. The site warrants no further investigation, but may be important as an indicator of how prevalent artifacts might be expected on the rest of the farm and residential land were it feasible to locate them. Curiously, fra ments of modern Mexican ceramic ware (polychrome and g, zed is found within this rubbish area, but it is certainly unrelated to the aboriginal Indian occupation of the land. 2. material found on the Unmodified Land In contrast to what was expected by this researcher, the land surfaces in relatively natural states of preservation yielded totally insignificant quantities and types of artifactual material. One small fragment of plain brown ware was collected towards the extreme western end of Avenue 50, but within the boundaries of the project area. The interpretation of this situation suggests the aboriginal use of the desert environment (at least in a way that would leave a material remain) was restricted in this area to those sites away from the base of the western and northern mountain ranges. Certainly today this mountain -base location is quite arid and supports little in the way of plant growth= no surface water would be present in this location in aboriginal times and the elevation appears to be above that of the former lake by a few feet (assuming the lake stood at approximately 40 feet above sea level). The rocky slopes of the mountain ridge and the alluvial fan surfaces at the mouths of the small canyons yielded no evidence of archaeological material. It must be assumed the land of this nature was simply an unuseable food -collecting area. In contrast, the sandy area to the east of the project boundaries (although well outside the study area) possesses a significant concentration of archaeological material. This is indicated on map -A as location -c. many fragments of plain brown ware litter the surface here, as well as numerous rocks from an aboriginal hearth, and skeletal fragments of a local fauna. Interestingly, the remains of the freshwater mollusc typical of lakeshore sites occurs in abundance at this location. The site seems to be associated with the western -most shoreline of ancient Lake Cahuilla. Fortunately the site is not on property slated for development in the La Quinta Hotel project and, therefore, may be preserved for a while longer permitting interested archaeologists to examine its contents. To my knowledge, this the closest site of any importance to the proposed project area. It should be carefully avoided by any construction vehicles or activities associated with the hotel project. Summary and Recommendations The archaeological survey at the La Quints Hotel project yielded little in the way of important sites that would be lost by the proposed construction activity. No further investigation seems to be requited within the boundaries of the project area. The major archaeological finding within the project is negative in nature, it seems significant that material was not encountered. This fact has implications relative to the nature of the aboriginal occupation of the Coachella Valley environment. The minor concentration of artifacts associated with the sand dune and mesquite vegetation (location a) may warrant further attention if in the course of the construction work it is leveled. In that case the developer is requested to advise the author of this report in order that the excavation be briefly examined. most likely this examination would be of academic interest only and would not entail any interruption of the construction schedule. Finally, it is hoped that construction activity will avoid the sand dune area to the east of the project area. It is in this vicinity that potentially important archaeological sites occur which should not be damaged before they have been properly examined and excavated if necessary. Hopefully this will not present a problem for such sites are beyond the boundaries of the project by considerable distance. HARRY H. SC1-1IVIlTZ & ASSOCIATES July 1974 Planning Commission / Board of Supervisors County of Riverside 4080 Lemon Street, Room 101 Riverside, California 92501 Re: La Quinta Cove Golf $ Tennis Club Attention: Environmental Impact Section Gentlemen: Enclosed is the draft Environmental. Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed LA QUINTA COVE Golf & Tennis Club project in La Quinta. The Specific Plan of Land Use is conceptual in nature and exact building and site details may be subject to some minor revision; however, the conte will remain un- changed. Since EIR's, by law, are intended to be used as informational documents in evaluating environmental aspects of a project, this report is submitted at the preliminary stage, enabling adequate consideration to be given these factors. Further, "an EIR may not be used as an instrument to rationalize ap- proval of a project, nor do indications of adverse impact, as enunciated in an EIR, require that a project be disapproved. While CEQA requires that major consideration be given to pre- venting environmental damage, it is recognized that public agencies have obligation to balance other public objectives, including economic and social factors in determining whether and how a project should be approved."l Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions concerning information found in the report. Sincerely, Harr H. Schmitz AIP fifiS/ j s Enclosure 'Section 1S012, California Administrative Code, Title 14, Division 6 (Implementation of CEQA) URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL TELEPHONE (7 14) 346-2022 PLANNING CONSULTANTS 0 43-900 PRIMROSE DRIVE • PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260