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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDA REPORT 1995 0118 CC REG ITEM 11Gq Z0 • 1 ITEM • -)CRPARK, CAL` , iZN: A G E N D A R E P O R T — C I T Y O F MOORPARK By Z TO: The Honorable City Council FROM: Jaime Aguilera, Director of Community Development Deborah S . Traffenstedt, Senior Planner :-_i:)S 1 4. - -IFF1 DATE: January 11, 1995 (CC Meeting of 1-18-95) SUBJECT: CONSIDER STAFF COMMENTS ON CALLEGUAS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT (CMWD) DRAFT PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE LAS POSAS BASIN AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY PROJECT BACKGROUND The City of Moorpark has received a copy of the Draft Program EIR for the Las Posas Basin Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project, and the public review period ends on January 20, 1995. The proposed project will include the installation of up to 25 aquifer storage and recovery wells in the Las Posas Groundwater Basin and approximately 26 miles of large -diameter pipeline to connect the wells with existing infrastructure. The Las Posas Basin is approximately 18 miles long and 4.5 miles wide (see Attachment 1), and the primary aquifer system in the basin is the Lower Aquifer System consisting of the Fox Canyon and Grimes Canyon Aquifers. Proposed project facilities would be predominantly located within the City of Moorpark. Figures 3.6-5 through 3.6-7 are attached (see Attachment 2) and show the proposed aquifer storage and recovery well field, pump/hydro station, and alternative pipeline corridors. DISCUSSION Staff s concerns focus primarily on the proposed pipeline corridors and pump/hydro station location and the potential impacts that could result. Alternative corridors that are analyzed in the Draft EIR include Los Angeles Avenue, New Los Angeles Avenue, Spring Road, Tierra Rejada Road, the Arroyo Simi, power line and flood control easements (connecting Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi), and a CMWD feeder line easement through the Carlsberg Specific Plan area. Pipeline construction along and across roadways would result in temporary closure of lanes and disruption of traffic at numerous cross -streets and intersections. Access to shopping areas could be impaired. The Draft EIR identifies that dst-01-11-95/11:45amC:\WP51\STFRPT\CC1-18.EIR 0016 The Honorable City Council January 11, 1995 Page 2 tunneling techniques may be utilized to cross under roadway intersections if feasible. The impression given is that tunneling would only be done to cross the Arroyo Simi and to cross under State Route 23. If tunneling techniques are not used for local roadways, the project could result in the cutting and capping of the new roadway surface on Tierra Rejada Road. The Draft EIR examines wide corridors for impacts, with the exact alignment and right-of-way requirements to be determined later. Attached Figures 3.6-5, 3.6-6, and 3.6-7 show the alternative corridors. The Environmentally Superior Pipeline Alternative is identified as: Feeder Group No. 1: Route 1A, Subroute 1A-1 or Subroute 1A-2 Feeder Group No. 2: Route 2C Feeder Group No. 3: Route 3B Through the City of Moorpark, the Environmentally Superior Pipeline Alternative would be an alignment that traverses predominantly along Los Angeles Avenue to Spring Road and then along Tierra Rejada Road to the east. The Environmentally Superior Pipeline Alternative may not be the CMWD preferred alternative. Mr. Eric Bergh, the Advance Planning Administrator for CMWD, identified to City staff that their preferred alignment may be along Los Angeles Avenue to the Southern California Edison easement located approximately 0.7 mile east of the Hitch Boulevard/Los Angeles Avenue intersection, and then along the Arroyo Simi to Spring Road. Staff cannot make a recommendation to Council regarding a City preferred alignment, until further information on potential land use, biological, and aesthetic impacts is received as outlined below. Staff's concern with the proposed alignment along the Arroyo Simi is that it could be located so as to affect future planned development and landscaping along the north side. The Draft EIR identifies that a 30-foot wide easement would be required, and that future development potential may be reduced if the pipeline could not be located within the existing Ventura County Flood Control District (VCFCD) right-of-way. Staff was informed by CMWD staff that no deep rooted landscaping could be planted within their pipeline right-of-way, which would mean that no trees could be planted. The vision for the Arroyo Simi that has been repeatedly discussed is one that would include one or more public trails or pathways along the Arroyo, with riparian woodland areas within the VCFCD right-of-way, and enhanced landscaping on private property adjacent to the Arroyo that would create a woodland appearance. Staff is strongly opposed to the location of the CMWD pipeline along the Arroyo Simi if it would reduce the area available for riparian woodland creation and reduce the opportunities for mature tree planting along what is intended to be a scenic recreation corridor. The significance of the potential aesthetic impact is understated in the Draft EIR. dst-01-I1-95/11:45amC:\WP51\STFRPT\CC1-18.SIR 00168 The Honorable City Council January 11, 1995 Page 3 The City Council should also be aware that the proposed pump/hydro station location is within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area, adjacent to the existing CMWD pressure regulating station (see Attachment 3). The Draft EIR identifies that because of hydraulic constraints, the pump/hydro station must be located in proximity to CMWD's two existing pressure regulating stations within the City of Moorpark. The proposed station would occupy approximately 2 acres and is proposed to be located immediately east of Spring Road within a small tributary to the Arroyo Simi known as the Peach Hill Wash. The Draft EIR identifies that no wetland vegetation is present at the proposed site. Although cactus wren (listed as a candidate for protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act) nests were found within the cactus scrub vegetation adjacent to the proposed pump/hydro station site, potential impacts can be mitigated. The Draft EIR also concludes that potential noise impacts can be mitigated. The proposed pump/hydro station and associated facilities are proposed to be completely enclosed within a split - faced concrete block structure, which is expected to reduce interior to exterior noise levels by at least 25 dBA, and minimize the potential for a significant noise impact to the closest existing residential area. All piping and ancillary equipment would be buried or located in underground vaults. The attached letter from Ronald Tankersley (see Attachment 4), discusses the Carlsberg Financial Corporation's objections to the proposed station location. The alternative pump/hydro station sites that were studied are along the north side of the Arroyo Simi in the vicinity of Moorpark Avenue and Majestic Circle. Due to the issues associated with flood control, multiple pipeline crossings of the Arroyo Simi, and potential land use conflicts with adjacent existing residential land uses, the conclusion in the Draft EIR is that the alternative pump station sites are not environmentally superior to the proposed site within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area. Other specific comments that staff has on the Draft EIR are as follows: Section 5.4.3.2 - Biological Resources, Project Impacts - The impact discussion does not address the fact that deep rooted vegetation cannot be replanted within the entire area of disturbance. The Agricultural Resources impact discussion identifies that deep-rooted citrus trees could not be replanted within a 30-foot corridor around the pipeline, because of the potential for roots to damage the pipeline. The EIR should clarify how this restriction would affect biological resources, or propose alternative revegetation or pipeline specifications to allow the vertical growth without damage to the pipeline. dst-01-11-95111:45amC:\WP5I\STFRPT\CC1-18.EIR 00169 The Honorable City Council January 11, 1995 Page 4 Section 5.4.4 - Biological Resources, Mitigation Measures - As written, several of the identified measures give the impression that native riparian species can be replanted within the impact area; however, this is misleading, if there is a need to maintain a 30-foot corridor with no deep-rooted vegetation. Riparian tree species are considered deep-rooted. Another comment regarding proposed mitigation is that we do not concur that poison oak should be planted as an understory species to recreate native habitat within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area. There are other less potentially harmful understory species that could be planted. Section 5.4.5 - Biological Resources, Residual Impacts - We question whether biological resource impacts are mitigated to a less than significant level if the riparian forest habitat impact area cannot be fully restored. Section 5.5.2.2.b.2 - Noise, Project Specific Impacts, Moorpark Pump/Hydro Station, Long Term - The EIR should identify the projected exterior noise level for the closest planned residential area adjacent to the proposed pump/hydro station (within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area). Section 5.5.3.1 - Noise, Mitigation Measures, Well Field - Well construction/drilling activities near existing residences should also be limited to hours specified in the applicable local noise ordinance, as is proposed for the pump/hydro station and pipeline construction. Figure 5.6-2a - The City of Moorpark owns the properties identified by Assessor Parcel Nos. (APN) 506-0-020-49, 50, and 52, which are located in the immediate vicinity of two pipeline corridor alternatives. The property identified by APN 506-0-020-52 is intended as an affordable housing site with an access road along the north -south flood control easement that connects from Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi. The City's property along the Arroyo Simi should be identified as planned residential development on Figure 5.6-2a, and the potential impact should be clearly identified in the text discussion. Section 5.9.2.2 - Aesthetics, Project -Specific Impacts - Staff could not find any discussion of mature tree impacts in the Draft EIR. Mature tree impacts should be addressed and mitigation should be proposed. If impacts cannot be avoided, trees should be replaced, and the value of the replacement should be equal to the appraised value of the tree(s) removed (either through the planting of a comparable size tree or multiple trees in exchange for the one removed). Reference is made to our prior comment related to the potential restriction that deep-rooted vegetation cannot be replanted within a 30-foot corridor around the pipeline. The EIR should discuss the dst-01-11-95/11:45amC:\WP5I\STFRPT\CC1-18.EIR 00170 The Honorable City Council January 11, 1995 Page 5 fact that the city has existing plans to plant trees or trees already exist in the proposed pipeline corridors. This is specifically the case for median and parkways on Spring Road, Tierra Rejada Road, and Los Angeles Avenue. The EIR must address how the pipeline will be protected from the tree roots. Prohibiting trees within a 30-foot corridor around the pipeline would result in an aesthetic impact and is not acceptable to the City. In regard to potential aesthetic impacts resulting from the proposed pump/hydro station, staff recommends that the concrete block structure be required to conform with the Architecture Design Guidelines of the Carlsberg Specific Plan. In addition, the City's Director of Community Development should be given the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed building plans prior to initiation of construction. No outdoor storage or operations should be permitted. Section 6.2.5 - Cumulative Impacts, Ventura County, Arroyo Simi Channel Improvements - The Draft EIR does not clearly identify cumulative impacts to wetlands that would result from construction of both projects. For example, would the riparian wetland habitat replacement areas proposed as mitigation for the VCFCD channel improvements project be affected by the proposed pipeline installation, or would any area proposed to be revegetated following construction of the CMWD project then be impacted again by the VCFCD project? Section 10.5.2 - Pipeline Alternatives, Feeder Group No. 2 - An alternative corridor that should be studied is the location of the pipeline along Science Drive, within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area, to minimize traffic disturbance and the cutting and capping of Spring and Tierra Rejada Roads. As previously mentioned in the City's comments on the Notice of Preparation of the Draft EIR, the City is opposed to the disturbance of the road surface for the recently reconstructed Tierra Rejada Road between Spring and Moorpark Roads. If Science Drive is considered as a pipeline corridor, there are planned parkway and median trees. RECOMMENDATION Direct staff to prepare a comment letter to CMWD on the Draft Program EIR which includes both City Council and staff comments. Attachments: 1. Figure 3.2-2, Los Posas Ground Water Basin 2. Figures 3.6-5 (Feeder Group 1), 3.6-6 (Feeder Group 2), and 3.6-7 (Feeder Group 3) 3. Figure 3.6-4, Potential Pump/Hydro Station Disturbance Area 4. Letter from Ronald Tankersley dated 12-9-94 dst-01-11-95/11:45amC:\WP51\STFRPT\CC1-18.EZR 00171 "'"scam AI IAC;HMENT 1 00172 \ Fri• :�'# Wr>,:� T`�'+a..'�- ff<°y.�' y; ��'�,>`�<{`y �,."F. �''.�re'- ...�,..,,,�,,,...,,,, `.+.. `w �_-.- /' ,�.,r �.. > .,W �°' ,�°"' � ,yam .4ks� r .✓ � .^"•��-�,., � »"'^,�^ ..q i-. »,w ,%f C7 EXISTING F PRESSURE REDUCING:, a. ARROYO �� ._�� r.,� '� � �,,,n, y �",.""�'w"`,�.,`\>''�h �`" ��•., � f rr •� SIMI � ; �. � �,,a,.,>.a,.,:�""` M•� ,\ °'', ,mow '� "\ _ ; 2 `.k r,. ' n„<na��i..•„w� � `; ni / i4 i vvv\\,,,� .j i )� �✓ � >>`( �: �i Y`'M+. ._'\. ! Z bi '9� S `*A •''4i f d //' S3 {> ; `......... •'^' ^ r' `° � q4{` \ � .....,,.. ^ - 3 �.��. � £fig � -� „�M ; . ` •` � `' / • �.%\gam a'a. ; .... .. '. ... . ' 3 \ 3 N o 2W POTENTIAL PUMP/HYDRO L STATION DISTURBANCE AREA LAS POSAS BASIN ASR PROJECT EIR Figure 3.6-4 f'�.�o ATTACHMENT 3 001.76 DEC 12 M4 CITY OF MOORPARK OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER December 9, 1994 Mr. Eric Bergh, Advance Planning Administrator CMWD 2100 Olsen Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Re: Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Las Posas Basin Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project Dear Mr. Bergh: I have reviewed the above document. The EIR states that "significant unavoidable long-term air quality impacts" will result relating to the operation of the Pump/Hydro Station (the "Station") and ASR wells. Insufficient consideration has been given to the alternative locations for the Station in that the proposed location is adjacent to proposed tentative tract 4980 as shown in the enclosed map. Air quality impacts on residents in the immediate area would result in unmitigated impacts and health risks. Further, the report fails to adequately assess the adverse impacts on the existing blue line channel where the Station is proposed. The area where the Station is to be constructed is designated sensitive habitat in both the Carlsberg EIR and the above document, however, the mitigation measures fail to adequately address the lost habitat which will result with the construction of the station. Noise and visual impacts which will result from the construction and operation of'the Pump/Hydro Station have been given only superficial analysis. The impact of constructing Station in the "Urban Core" of the City and adjacent to current and future residential dwelling units will cause a significant decline in the value of the Carlsberg Specific Plan residential property and to existing property owners to the west. e" 1 7 1994 City of Moorpark ATTACHMENT4 community D2veiopment Department 001.77 2800 Twenty -Eighth Street, Suite 200 Santa Monica, California 90405 (310) 450-9700 FAX: (310) 450-5313 Page 2 I would like to suggest that more consideration be given to alternatives which will locate the Station outside the Urban Core of the City of Moorpark in less environmentally sensitive areas which would be compatible with the proposed use. One such area may be adjacent to the existing Calleguas feeder line east of the 23 freeway in an area which is designated open space. See the attached exhibit for the suggested location. I would welcome the opportunity to review this site with you as it is controlled by the Carlsberg group of companies. Yours truly, CARLSBERG FINANCIAL CORPORATION Ronald S. Tankersley, �sident Enclosure cc Steve Kueny, Manager City of Moorpark 00178 i f , MOORPARK I 799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, California 93021 (805) 529-6864 January 20, 1995 Eric Bergh Calleguas Municipal 2100 Olsen Road Thousand Oaks, CA Water District SUBJECT: COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE LAS POSAS BASIN AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY PROJECT Dear Mr. Bergh: Thank you for the opportunity to review the Draft Program EIR for the proposed Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD) Las Posas Basin aquifer storage and recovery project. The City's comments on the proposed project and Draft Program EIR are addressed below. 1. The Notice of Public Hearing for the Draft EIR identified that the CMWD Board of Directors will consider the final EIR for certification at a regularly scheduled Board meeting on February 15, 1995. The City requests that a written response to comments made by the City be provided at least 10 days prior to any meeting of the CMWD Board of Directors to consider certification, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. After reviewing the responses, it is the City's intent to provide the CMWD Board of Directors with a recommendation regarding a City preferred pipeline corridor alignment as well as a preferred pump/hydro station location. 2. The City requests clarification regarding what legal rights CMWD presently has to use the City street rights of way identified in the Draft EIR. 3. Section 5.1.2.2 - Geology and Soils, Project Specific Impacts a. Well Field - The impact discussion does not adequately address any potential for increased liquefaction impacts from the proposal to inject water into the aquifer. HAUL W. LAWRASON JR. BERNARDO M. PEREZ PATRICK HUNTER SCOTT MONTGOMERY JOHN E. WOZNIAK Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember I Eric Bergh January 20, 1995 Page 2 c. Pipeline Alternatives, Long Term - Several of the proposed pipeline corridors could be affected by an earthquake on the Simi -Santa Rosa fault, and the City concurs that site -specific geotechnical studies should be conducted after selection of the preferred location to ensure appropriate design to minimize impacts related to geologic hazards. 4. Section 5.4.3.2 - Biological Resources, Project Impacts - The Agricultural Resources impact discussion identifies that deep- rooted citrus trees cannot be replanted within a 30-foot corridor around the pipeline, because of the potential for roots to damage the pipeline. The EIR should clarify how this restriction would affect biological resources, or should propose alternative revegetation or pipeline specifications to allow the vertical growth without damage to the pipeline. If, in fact, the entire area of disturbance cannot be replanted, then the EIR should address any net loss of habitat. 5. Section 5.4.4 - Biological Resources, Mitigation Measures - As written, several of the identified measures give the impression that native riparian species can be replanted within the entire impact area. Riparian tree species are considered deep-rooted. If there is a need to maintain a 30- foot corridor with no deep-rooted vegetation, additional mitigation may be required. Another comment regarding proposed mitigation, is that we do not concur that poison oak should be planted as an understory species to recreate native habitat within the City limits. There are other less potentially harmful understory species that could be planted. 6. Section 5.4.5 - Biological Resources, Residual Impacts - We question whether biological resource impacts are mitigated to a less than significant level, if the riparian forest habitat impact area cannot be fully restored. 7. Section 5.5.2.2.b.2 - Noise, Project Specific Impacts, Moorpark Pump/Hydro Station, Long Term - The EIR should identify the projected exterior noise level for the closest planned residential area adjacent to the proposed pump/hydro station (within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area). 8. Section 5.5.3.1 - Noise, Mitigation Measures, Well Field - Well construction/drilling activities near existing residences should also be limited to hours specified in the applicable local noise ordinance, as is proposed for the pump/hydro station and pipeline construction. Eric Bergh January 20, 1995 Page 3 9. Section 5.6.2.2.c - Land Use, Project -Specific Impacts, Pipeline Alternatives - The EIR should clarify that the City General Plan and the Ventura County Regional Trails and Pathways Master Plan envision that one or more public trails or pathways will be located along the Arroyo Simi. In addition, City General Plan policies encourage that the flood control easement area adjacent to the Arroyo Simi floodway shall be preserved and enhanced as an important natural and scenic feature of the community. The City would be strongly opposed to the location of the CMWD pipeline along the Arroyo Simi if it would reduce the area available for riparian woodland creation and reduce the opportunities for mature tree planting along what is intended to be a scenic recreation corridor. The City of Moorpark owns the properties identified by Assessor Parcel Nos. (APN) 506-0-020-49, 50, and 52, which are located in the immediate vicinity of two pipeline corridor alternatives. The property identified by APN 506-0-020-52 is intended as an affordable housing site with an access road along the north -south flood control easement that connects from Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi. The City's property along the Arroyo Simi should be identified as planned residential development on Figure 5.6-2a, and the potential impact should be clearly identified in the text discussion. 10. Section 5.8.2.1.c - Traffic and Circulation, Impact Analysis, Pipeline Alternatives - The City is concerned regarding the potential traffic impacts from pipeline construction. The Draft EIR identifies the potential for closure' of lanes, disruption of traffic at cross -streets and intersections, and impairment of access to shopping areas. We request that tunneling techniques be considered for potential alignments along Los Angeles Avenue, New Los Angeles Avenue, Spring Road, and Tierra Rejada Road. The City is also concerned regarding any proposal to disturb the new roadbed surface on Tierra Rejada Road. 11. Section 5.9.2.2 - Aesthetics, Project -Specific Impacts - Mature tree impacts should be addressed and mitigation should be proposed. If impacts cannot be avoided, trees should be replaced, and the value of the replacement should be equal to the appraised value of the tree(s) removed (either through the planting of a comparable size tree or multiple trees in exchange for the one removed). Eric Bergh January 20, 1995 Page 4 Reference is made to our prior comment related to the potential restriction that deep-rooted vegetation cannot be replanted within a 30-foot corridor around the pipeline. The EIR should discuss the fact that the City has existing plans to plant trees, or trees already exist in the proposed pipeline corridors. This is specifically the case for median and parkways on Spring Road, Tierra Rejada Road, and Los Angeles Avenue. The EIR must address how the pipeline will be protected from the tree roots. Prohibiting trees within a 30-foot corridor around the pipeline would result in a significant aesthetic impact, and is not acceptable to the City. In regard to potential aesthetic impacts resulting from the proposed pump/hydro station, the City's Director of Community Development should be given the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed building plans prior to initiation of construction. No outdoor storage or operations should be permitted. Also, if the selected station site is within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area, then the concrete block structure should be designed so as to conform with the Architecture Design Guidelines of the Specific Plan. 12. Section 6.2.5 - Cumulative Impacts, Ventura County, Arroyo Simi Channel Improvements - The Draft EIR does not clearly identify cumulative impacts to wetlands that would result from construction of both projects. For example, would the riparian wetland habitat replacement areas proposed as mitigation for the Ventura County Flood Control District (VCFCD) channel improvements project be affected by the proposed pipeline installation, or would any area proposed to be revegetated following construction of the CMWD project then be impacted again by the VCFCD project? 13. Section 10.4 - Pump/Hydro Station Alternatives - The City has received a copy of the Draft EIR comment letter from the Carlsberg Financial Corporation dated December 9, 1994, and concurs that insufficient consideration has been given to alternative locations for the pump/hydro station. The proposed site within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area would be highly visible, and existing and planned residential development in the vicinity of that site could be adversely affected. The City is also concerned regarding the potential biological impacts; cactus scrub habitat and cactus wren impacts should be avoided. Eric Bergh January 20, 1995 Page 5 14. Section 10.5.2 - Pipeline Alternatives, Feeder Group No. 2 - The City recommends that an alternative pipeline corridor along Science Drive (within the Carlsberg Specific Plan area) be studied to minimize traffic disturbance and the cutting and capping of Spring and Tierra Rejada Roads. As previously mentioned in the City's comments on the Notice of Preparation of the Draft EIR, the City is opposed to the disturbance of the road surface for the recently reconstructed Tierra Rejada Road between Spring and Moorpark Roads. If Science Drive is considered as a pipeline corridor, there are planned parkway and median trees, and the pipeline would need to be designed so as to not restrict tree planting. If you have any questions regarding the comments in this letter, please contact me. Sincerely, aime R. Aguilera Director of Community Development JRA/DST cc: The Honorable City Council Steven Kueny, City Manager