196309496 1290-grand-avenue-is

1290 Grand Avenue Wireless Communication FacilityInitial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

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Initial Study Page

1. Project title.........................................................................................................................12. Lead agency name and address......................................................................................13. Contact person and phone number................................................................................14. Project location..................................................................................................................15. Project sponsor’s name and address..............................................................................16. General plan designation.................................................................................................17. Zoning................................................................................................................................18. Description of project.......................................................................................................19. Surrounding land uses and setting................................................................................210. Other public agencies whose approval is required......................................................2

Environmental Factors Affected.............................................................................................6Determination...........................................................................................................................7Environmental Checklist.........................................................................................................8

DiscussionI. Aesthetics.................................................................................................................5II. Agricultural Resources..........................................................................................9III. Air Quality.............................................................................................................11IV. Biological Resources.............................................................................................13V. Cultural Resources...............................................................................................19VI. Geology and Soils.................................................................................................20VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions.................................................................................22

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VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials....................................................................23IX. Hydrology and Water Quality............................................................................25X. Land Use and Planning.......................................................................................28XI. Mineral Resources................................................................................................30XII. Noise.......................................................................................................................30XIII. Population and Housing.....................................................................................35XIV. Public Services.......................................................................................................36XV. Recreation..............................................................................................................37XVI. Transportation/Traffic.........................................................................................37XVII. Utilities and Service Systems..............................................................................39XVIII. Mandatory Findings of Significance..................................................................40

References................................................................................................................................42

Tables

Table 1 Known and Potential Special-Status and Sensitive Species Within the Proposed Project Area..................................................................15

Table 2 Proposed Tree Removals..................................................................................17Table 3 Noise Measurement Results ...........................................................................32Table 4 Summary of Exterior Noise Standards ..........................................................33Table 5 Typical Noise Levels at Construction Sites ....................................................34

FiguresFigure 1 Regional Location...................................................................................3Figure 2 Site Location.............................................................................................4Figure 3 Proposed Project Plans...........................................................................5

Appendix A Visual Simulations and Other Project PlansAppendix B Biological Resources Assessment Appendix C Oak Tree Report Appendix D Phase I Archaeological StudyAppendix E EMF Study and Existing Wireless Tower Inventory

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INITIAL STUDY

1. Project title: 1290 Grand Avenue Wireless Communication Facility

2. Lead agencyname and address: City of Ojai

Community Development Department 401 S. Ventura Ave.Ojai, California 93014

3. Contact Person andPhone Number: Ann McLaughlin, Interim Community Development Director

4. Project location: The project site is located in the rear portions of the 3.85 acre property currently developed as the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, located at 1290 Grand Avenue. Figure 1 shows the site’s regional location and Figure 2 shows an aerial view of the site location.

5. Project sponsor’sname and address: Jerry Ambrose, Eukon Group

3905 State Street, #7-188Santa Barbara, CA 93105

6. General Plandesignation: P (Public, Quasi-Public)

7. Zoning: P-L (Public)

8. Description of project:

AT&T proposes to construct a wireless telecommunications facility designed as a 65 ft. mono-eucalyptus tree within the rear yard portions of a property currently developed with The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer located at 1290 Grand Avenue. The area proposed for wireless communication facility development would be approximately 350 square feet in size and would be leased from the landowner by AT&T. The proposed structures would be set back approximately 40 feet south from the southern edge of the Lutheran Church structure. The wireless communication structures would be set back approximately 211 feet from the northern property line adjacent to Grand Avenue.

The wireless communication improvements proposed within the lease area would consist of the following:

• A 65 ft. tall mono-eucalyptus pole would be constructed with up to 12 eight-foot antennas and ancillary equipment mounted to the mono-eucalyptus pole at approximately 63 feet above ground level. All antennas would be integrated into the

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mono-eucalyptus pole and would be painted a green/brown color to match the pole’s synthetic tree foliage.

• A 12-foot tall equipment shed approximately 308 square feet in size would be constructed and painted to match the existing church building. The shed would contain electrical/telecommunication equipment and a 50KW back-up power diesel generator.

• Landscaping would be installed around the southern and eastern portions of the lease area to screen the facility.

The existing telecommunication and electrical infrastructure serving the project site would need to be connected to the proposed facility. The existing telecommunication lines located underground adjacent to Grand Avenue would be extended approximately 270 feet south via a conduit trench. The trench would traverse through the existing paved parking lot serving the church where the lines would ultimately connect to the proposed telecommunication facility. In addition, electrical and water lines would be extended east from the existing church building and located in the same trench where they would also be connected to the facility. Please refer to Figure 3, Enlarged Site Plan.

Access to the project area would be established by a proposed 12-foot wide non-exclusive access easement that would generally mirror the location of the proposed utility line trench. The easement would permit access via the existing church parking lot driveway connecting to Grand Avenue, through the parking lot, and through the undeveloped portions of the site to the northeast corner of the proposed lease area (See Figure 3). The existing church access route and all existing parking spaces would not be impacted by the proposed project.

9. Surrounding land uses and setting:

The properties located east, west, and south of the project site have land use designation of MR (Medium Density Residential). All of these properties contain existing single-family residential dwellings. The properties located north of the project site (across Grand Avenue) are primarily agricultural uses within the unincorporated portions of Ventura County.

10. Other public agencies whose approval is required:

None.

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Figure 1.

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Figure 2.

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Figure 3

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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTED

The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is “Potentially Significant” or “Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics Agriculture Resources Air Quality

Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils

Hazards & Hazardous Materials

Hydrology/Water Quality Land Use/Planning

Mineral Resources Noise Population/Housing

Public Services Recreation Transportation/Traffic

Utilities/Service Systems

Mandatory Findings of Significance

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DETERMINATION:

On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potential significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Ann McLaughlinCity of Ojai Interim Community Development Director Date

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ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

Potentially Significant

Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated

Less than Significant

ImpactNo

Impact

I. AESTHETICS – Would the project:

a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?

b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

a. The parcel containing the project area is generally flat and has been previously disturbed by development activities. Specifically, the portions of the parcel fronting Grand Avenue have been developed as a one-story Lutheran Church and ancillary improvements including a paved parking lot, monument signage, landscaping, shed structures. Above ground power and telecommunication lines also run parallel to the northern property line within the shoulder of Grand Avenue. The rear portions of the site (which include the proposed project area) are generally flat, undeveloped, and contain informal landscaping and mature trees. The project site is visible from Grand Avenue and the surrounding properties. However, these views are obstructed by the existing church structures, the power lines, and the existing mature trees. Due to the flat condition of the project site combined with the aforementioned view obstructions, it is not considered a scenic vista. The nearest scenic vistas would be the foothills located over 3,000 feet to the north and over 5,000 feet to the south. The proposed construction of a 65 ft. telecommunication pole disguised as a eucalyptus tree and the associated shed structure and landscaping would be located adjacent to existing mature trees and the existing church structures and thus it would blend in to the surrounding environment (Refer to Appendix A – Visual Simulations). Impacts to scenic vistas would therefore be less than significant.

b. Grand Avenue is not identified as a state scenic highway and the existing Lutheran Church on the project site is not identified as a local historic resource. Therefore, the proposed project would substantially damage views from a scenic highway or views of a historic resource.

A total of 16 trees are located on the project site, including nine California sycamore trees, three mulberry trees, two jacaranda trees, and one ash tree. The original location of the

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proposed conduit trenching would have required the removal of six trees, five of which were considered “mature” as defined in Title 4 Chapter 11 of the City of Ojai Municipal Code. The six trees requiring removal included the three mulberry trees along the proposed alignment of the underground utilities and the two jacaranda trees and one sycamore tree located near the proposed mono-eucalyptus antenna and equipment shelter. The trenching location has since been relocated to the east (as shown on Figure 3) within the existing paved parking lot, which has resulted in the preservation of the three mulberry trees. However, removal of the two jacaranda trees and the sycamore tree would still be required (refer to Section IV, Biological Resources, for further discussion of potential impacts to trees). View simulations were prepared for the proposed project, which document the project’s potential impact on scenic resources as a result of tree removal and facility construction (included in Appendix C). These simulations confirm that the proposed project and the proposed tree removal would not substantially damage or substantially alter the views from the various vantage points surrounding the project site (e.g. Grand Avenue, Los Alamos Drive, San Ramon Way, and Paseo Del Robles). Impacts would be less than significant.

c. As shown in the visual simulations (Appendix A), the proposed project would slightly alter the visual character of the project site, as viewed from surrounding properties. However, the project applicant is proposing to construct a wireless telecommunication tower disguised as a eucalyptus tree near existing mature trees, which would effectively camouflage the structure. The proposed installation of landscaping around the visible portions of the shed structure and the planting of replacement trees near the proposed facility (see Mitigation Measure BIO-3) would further maintain the site’s visual character. Impacts would be less than significant.

d. The proposed project would include the installation of one light fixture above the equipment enclosure door. This light fixture would be pointed down and would be shielded from view by the existing trees/vegetation and the existing church structures. The proposed wireless antennas could incrementally increase the amount of glare on the project site; however, daytime views would not be substantially affected. Light and glare impacts would be less than significant.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES -- In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on

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Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. -- Would the project:

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?

c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))?

d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?

a-e. The proposed project would not result in the conversion of agricultural uses as the proposed project would be located on a currently developed parcel. The remaining undeveloped portions of site, including the proposed project area, have been previously

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disturbed and the land is not used for agricultural purposes. The California Department of Conservation (ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/dlrp/FMMP/pdf/2010/ven10.pdf) does not designate the project site as being of prime, state or local importance or unique agricultural resources. The site is not enrolled in the Williamson Act or directly adjacent to enrolled land. No timber resources are located on-site. No impact would occur.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

III. AIR QUALITY -- Would the project:

a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?

b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?

c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?

d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?

e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?

a. The project site is located within the South Central Coast Air Basin, which is within the jurisdiction of the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). According to the APCD Guidelines, to be consistent with the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP), a project must conform to the local general plan and must not result in or contribute to an exceedance of the City’s projected population growth forecast. The proposed project would not generate population growth since it does not include a housing component. The proposed project would construct a wireless telecommunication facility to improve AT&T’s wireless service and would not facilitate new development elsewhere in the City. The proposed facility would be un-manned and thus would not generate permanent employment. Therefore, the proposed development would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the AQMP. No impact would occur.

b-d. Ventura County is located in the South Central Coast Air Basin, which is a non-attainment area for the federal and state ozone standards and the state standard for particulate matter (PM-10 and PM-2.5). The Ventura County APCD monitors air quality and provides regulatory guidance for the region. In 1989, the APCD adopted thresholds for the Ojai Valley Airshed for assessing whether a proposed development project would have a significant adverse impact on air quality. In October 2003, VCAPCD approved updated Air

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ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/dlrp/FMMP/pdf/2010/ven10.pdf


Quality Assessment Guidelines. This document utilizes those guidelines in its assessment of Air Quality Impacts. The current threshold states that any project located in the Ojai Valley Clean Air Ordinance area that emits five (5) pounds of reactive organic compounds (ROC) or oxides of nitrogen (NOx) will individually and cumulatively have a significant adverse impact on air quality.

Construction Related Impacts: Construction of the proposed project would generate temporary increases in air pollutant emissions due to the use of construction equipment and potential generation of fugitive dust. There are residential units on adjacent properties, which are considered sensitive receptors. The APCD has not adopted quantitative significance thresholds for construction-related emissions since such emissions are temporary. Grading would not require extensive excavation and would be somewhat limited in extent, as the site is flat and minimal grading and trenching would be required prior to facility construction. Implementation of standard dust and emission control requirements would reduce construction-related impacts to a less than significant level. The standard dust abatement mitigation measures typically required as recommended by the APCD include:

• The area disturbed by clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations shall be minimized to prevent excessive amounts of dust.

• Pre-grading/excavation activities shall include watering the area to be graded or excavated before commencement of grading or excavation operations. Application of water should penetrate sufficiently to minimize fugitive dust during grading activities.

• Fugitive dust produced during grading, excavation, and construction activities shall be controlled by the following activities:

All trucks shall be required to cover their loads as required by California Vehicle Code §23114.

All graded and excavated material, exposed soil areas, and active portions of the construction site, including unpaved on-site roadways, shall be treated to prevent fugitive dust. Treatment shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, periodic watering, application of environmentally safe soil stabilization materials, and/or roll-compaction as appropriate. Watering shall be done as often as necessary and reclaimed water shall be used whenever possible.

• Graded and/or excavated inactive areas of the construction site shall be monitored by the CDPH at least weekly for dust stabilization. Soil stabilization methods, such as water and roll-compaction, and environmentally safe dust control materials, shall be periodically applied to portions of the construction site that are inactive for over four days. If no further grading or excavation operations are planned for the area, the area shall be seeded and watered until grass growth is evident, or periodically treated with environmentally-safe dust suppressants, to prevent excessive fugitive dust.

• During periods of high winds (i.e., wind speed sufficient to cause fugitive dust to impact adjacent properties), all clearing, grading, earth moving, and excavation operations shall be curtailed to the degree necessary to prevent fugitive dust created by onsite activities and operations from being a nuisance or hazard, either offsite or

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onsite. The site superintendent/supervisor shall use his/her discretion in conjunction with the APCD in determining when winds are excessive.

• Adjacent streets and roads shall be swept at least once per day, preferably at the end of the day, if visible soil material is carried over to adjacent streets and roads.

• Personnel involved in grading operations, including contractors and subcontractors, should be advised to wear respiratory protection in accordance with California Division of Occupational Safety and Health regulations.

Operational Impacts: Long-term operational emissions associated with a proposed project are those associated with vehicle trips and stationary sources (electricity and natural gas). As discussed above, the VCAPCD’s current threshold states that any project located in the Ojai Valley Clean Air Ordinance area that emits five pounds of reactive organic compounds (ROC) or oxides of nitrogen (NOx) per day would individually and cumulatively have a significant adverse impact on air quality. However, operation of the proposed wireless communication facility would not generate any daily vehicle trips and the proposed back-up diesel generator would only operate temporarily during annual testing and during power outages. The siting of a back-up diesel generator would require new source review by the Ventura County APCD and the issuance of an Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate prior to its operation. This would ensure that the diesel powered generator would meet Ventura County standards for stationary emission sources. As such, the proposed project would not exceed VCAPCD thresholds and impacts would be less than significant.

e. No noxious odors would occur as a result of the proposed project. No impact would occur.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

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Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?

f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

A Limited Biological Resources Assessment was conducted for the project site by Eukon Group in July 2013(included in Appendix B). Particular attention was paid to the areas within the project footprint and the report documented the potential impacts to biological resources as a result of project construction and operation. The following analysis of biological resources is based on this Biological Resources Assessment.

a,b,c. Based upon a review of the CNDDB data for the Ojai quadrangle, one federally listed endangered species is known to exist within the Ojai Quad: southern steelhead- southern California DPS (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus). Additionally, two Species of Special Concern are known to exist: southern steelhead and Dulzura pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis). Eleven special-status, sensitive, and/or special plants are known to occur (Table 1). Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa var. racemosa) were also observed on the project site. Although neither of these species is considered special by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), both oak (Quercus spp.) and sycamore trees are protected within the City of Ojai by City’s Municipal Code, Tree Preservation Regulations. No state or federal listed rare, threatened, or endangered plant species were identified on the project site.

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Table 1 Known and Potential Special-Status and Sensitive Species

within the Proposed Project Area

Common Name Scientific Name

Sensitivity Code/

Status 1Habitat Preference/

Requirements

Potential to Occur on Site

Miles milk-vetch

Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus

1B.2 Coastal scrub Unlikely

Davidson’s saltscale

Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii

1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal Scrub Unlikely

Late-flowered mariposa

lily

Calochortus weedii var. vestus

1B.2

Chaparral, and open, dry sites in cismontane and riparian woodland at elevations of 275-1,905 m. Often in

serpentine soil (facultative not obligate).

Unlikely

Plummer’s mariposa-

lily

Calochortus plummerae 4.2

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland, ultramafic Unlikely

Ojai fritillary Fritillaria ojaiensis 1B.2 Broadleaved upland forest, chaparral, lower montane coniferous forest.

Unlikely

Robinson’s pepper grass

Lepidium virginicum var.

robinsonii1B.2 Chaparral, Coastal scrub Unlikely

White-veined

monardella

Monardella Hypoleuca ssp.

Hypoleuca1B.3 Chaparral, cismontane woodland Unlikely

Ojai navarretia

Navarretia ojaiensis

1B.1 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland

Unlikely

Southern Coast Live

Oak Riparian Forest

None Riparian forest Unlikely

Dulzura pocket mouse

Chaetodipus californicus femoralis

CDFW SSC Chaparral, costal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland

Unlikely

Hoary Bat HorkeliaLasiurus cinereus

Broadleaved upland forest, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, north coast coniferous forest

Unlikely

Southern steelhead –

southern California

DPS

Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus

FE Aquatic, south coast flowing waters Unlikely

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Table 1 Known and Potential Special-Status and Sensitive Species

within the Proposed Project Area

1Notes:Federal Status (USFWS): State Status (CDFW):FE Federally Endangered SSC California Department of Fish and Game Species of Concern

California Native Plant Society (CNPS) List:1B Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and elsewhere4 Limited distribution (Watch list)0.1 Seriously endangered in California0.2 Fairly endangered in California

The project site consists of a graded, vacant field and is located near areas of the site developed with previously permitted church buildings. The surrounding area is urban and is developed with single family residential uses. The only potential habitat on-site includes the mature trees, which could provide suitable habitat for nesting birds. However, no nesting birds were observed during field observations. Therefore, the proposed project would not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, because no listed species are known or expected to occur at the project site. No impact would occur.

The USFWS National Wetlands Inventory was reviewed, and the project site does not contain any wetland or riparian resources (http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Wetlands-Mapper.html). Field surveys performed by The Eukon Group and Rincon Consultants, Inc. also confirmed this condition. No impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would occur.

San Antonia Creek is located approximately 2,000 feet to the east-southeast of the project site. This physical separation would ensure that the proposed project would not directly remove, fill, or hydrologically interrupt this waterway. Moreover, the proposed project would not require substantial grading or drainage improvements that could re-direct or increase stormwater flow volumes or contribute to increased sedimentation rates into this jurisdictional waterway. No impact would occur.

d. The proposed project would not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, because project development would occur within an area totaling approximately 350 square feet which does not contain any of the above referenced biological habitats. The absence of such plant and animal species were confirmed by the Eukon Group during a site survey performed on May 7, 2013. Impacts on sensitive plant and animal species would be less than significant.

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http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Wetlands-Mapper.html

http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Wetlands-Mapper.html


The project site is surrounded by urban development and does not contain native habitats conducive to wildlife movement. In 2005, the South Coast Missing Linkages Project proposed the Castaic-Sierra Madre Landscape Linkage, which links areas surrounding the City of Ojai. The northern branch of this linkage follows Kennedy and Cozy Dell Canyons across Highway 33, while the southern branch crosses Highway 33 south of the community of Oak View to Sulphur Mountain. These paths converge and follow Santa Paula Ridge, through portions of Pine Canyon, over Angels Pass, to I-5. Although nearby, the project site is not located within this mapped wildlife linkage area (City of Ojai Housing Element Update EIR 2009). No impacts on wildlife movement corridors would occur.

The proposed project would require tree removal, which could impact nesting birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Although no nesting birds were identified during the tree survey performed on August 21, 2013 (Davey Resource Group 2013), there is the potential for nesting birds to existing within the trees proposed for removal depending on the construction timeframe. Impacts would be potentially significant.

e. The potential impacts to on-site trees were assessed as part of an Arborist Report prepared by Davey Resource Group dated August 30, 2013 (included as Appendix C). In summary, sixteen trees were surveyed within the vicinity of the project area, with the majority of the on-site trees concentrated outside of the proposed project area. Eight existing California sycamore trees (Tree No.’s 1-8) are located within small cut-outs in the asphalt parking lot area east of the church building. Three mulberry trees (Tree No.’s 9-11) are located in non-irrigated lawn areas adjacent to the eastern side of the church building. The five remaining trees (Tree No.’s 12-16) consist of two jacaranda, one California sycamore, one ash, and one coast live oak. They are located in the non-irrigated field south of the church building near the project development area.

Based upon review of the proposed development plans, the proposed utility line trenching and the construction of the wireless communication facility would require the removal of tree No.’s 12-14, which would include two jacaranda trees, and one California sycamore tree. Table 2 below describes the characteristics of each tree proposed for removal.

Table 2. Proposed Tree Removals

Tree No. SpeciesDiameter at

Breast Height Est. Tree Height

12 Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) 10 inches 30 feet

13 California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) 16 inches 40 feet

14 Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) 11 inches 35 feet

The City’s Tree Preservation Regulations require the issuance of a Tree Permit prior to: (1) removing, cutting down, destroying or relocating any oak or a sycamore, heritage or mature tree; (2) trenching, grading, filling, compacting or placing construction material of any type in the drip line of an oak or a sycamore, mature or heritage tree; and (3) pruning live limbs over four (4″) inches in diameter of an oak or a sycamore or heritage tree. Therefore, the proposed removal of the three trees would require review and approval of a Tree Permit by the Planning Director. The City’s Municipal Code recognizes oak,

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sycamore, heritage and other mature trees as significant historical, aesthetic and ecological resources and thus the impacts associated with the proposed tree removals would be potentially significant.

f. The proposed project would be located on a previously developed site that is not subject to an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Conservation Community Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan (City of Ojai Housing Element Update EIR 2009). No impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures

Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BIO-2, BIO-3, and BIO-4 would reduce potential impacts to nesting birds and on-site protected trees to a less than significant level.

BIO-1 Nesting Birds. To avoid the accidental impact of any migratory bird species or raptors, the removal or pruning of trees shall be conducted between September 15 and February 1, outside of the typical breeding season, as feasible. Should avoidance of the nesting season not be feasible, a qualified biologist/ornithologist shall conduct focused nesting surveys once per week for 30 days prior to grading or initial construction activity. The last survey shall be conducted no more than 3 days prior to the start of vegetation clearing activities. Should no active nests be found then no further mitigation would be required. Should active nests be found, then avoidance of the nest site with a 50 to 300 foot (potentially up to 500 feet for raptors) non-disturbance buffer zone would be adequate to avoid take. If active nests are found, the California Department of Public Health and CDFG would be contacted to verify the need for and distance of the non-disturbance buffer zone. The buffer zone area would not be encroached into by construction work until such time that nesting is completed and the young have fledged and are no longer dependent on the nest.

Once the pre-construction bird surveys are conducted by a qualified biologist during the proper seasons, the report results, including survey dates, exact species observed and location of species onsite, shall be submitted to the California Department of Public Health and other necessary regulatory agencies.

BIO-2 Obtain Tree Permit. If determined to be necessary based upon final construction plans, a Ministerial Tree Permit would be obtained for the thinning, removal, or encroachment impacts to protected trees. A Permit would be issued by the City of Ojai Planning Department. The permit shall be received prior to the start of construction.

BIO-3 Protected Tree Avoidance and Tree Removal Replacement. The location of utility trenching shall be re-routed to avoid removal of Tree No.’s 12, 13. If utility trench re-routing is not feasible, then impacts to protected trees shall be minimized by planting one 24-inch box

City of Ojai18


jacaranda and one 24-inch box California sycamore on-site as part of the proposed landscaping plan. The final location of the additional trees shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director prior to the issuance of building permits. The applicant shall plant one 24-inch box jacaranda tree as part of the proposed landscaping plan to mitigate impacts associated with the removal of Tree No. 14. The final location of this tree shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director prior to the issuance of building permits.

BIO-4 Existing Tree Preservation Specifications. The project shall incorporate all tree preservation specifications listed in the Tree Protection Plan (Sheet LJ-1) prepared Davey Resources Group as part of their Arborist Report dated August 31, 2013. The City shall conduct period inspections during construction to ensure compliance with these measures.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource as defined in §15064.5?

c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?

d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?

The following analysis is partially based on the Phase I Cultural Resources Record Search and Site Visit Results Report, which was prepared by Diane F. Bonner, Geoarchaeologist in October 2013. The entire archaeological study is contained in Appendix D of this report.

a,b,d. The archaeological resources records search involved a review of all previously recorded pre-historic and historic archeological sites within a half-mile radius of the project site, and a review of all cultural resource survey or excavation reports. This records search was conducted at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC), California State University Fullerton on May 30, 2013. To identify potential historic resources, the California Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) for Ventura County, the National Register of

City of Ojai19


Historic Places (NRHP), the California Historic Landmarks (CHL), and the California Points of Historical Interest (CPHI) databases were reviewed. The search results indicated:

1. Two prehistoric cultural resources are recorded approximately 1,400 feet away from the project site.

2. No historic cultural resources are recorded within ½ mile of the project site. 3. Three historic properties are recorded within a ½ mile of the project site and none are

eligible for National Register listing. 4. No National Register properties are recorded within ½ mile of the project site. 5. No significant historical resources are located within ½ mile of the project site. 6. Thirteen survey or excavation reports were filed for projects within ½ mile of the project

site and none of these reports identified resources on the project site.

Therefore, the proposed project would not adversely affect cultural or historic resources as none are located on or within ½ mile of the project site. Impacts related to cultural and historic resources would be less than significant.

c. The installation of water, telecommunication, and electrical conduit would require new subsurface trenching and the new wireless communication facility would require the establishment of concrete footings below grade and an at-grade concrete foundation to support the equipment shed. This would require an area of ground disturbance totaling approximately 350 square feet. However, the proposed ground disturbance would occur on a project site that has previously been disturbed and a site that is surrounded on all sides by urban development. Impacts to unique paleontological or geological resources would therefore be less than significant.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS – Would the project:

a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?

ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?

iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?

City of Ojai20



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS – Would the project:

iv) Landslides?

b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?

c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?

d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1-B of the Uniform Building Code, creating substantial risks to life or property?

e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?

a.i-iv. The proposed project involves the installation of new subsurface water, telecommunication, and electrical conduit, the construction of a wireless communication tower, and equipment shed. The project would not construct any habitable structures and is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone or other known fault zone (Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, January 2000; http://gis.ventura.org/CountyView/). Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Like much of Southern California, the project site could experience seismic ground shaking in the event of an earthquake. The proposed project, including the wireless communication tower and equipment shed would be constructed to withstand potential peak accelerations onsite, as defined by the California Building Code (CBC) and Universal Building Code (UBC). Adherence to standards in the CBC and UBC would ensure impacts from ground shaking would be less than significant.

The project site is not within a State-identified liquefaction hazard zone (California Department of Conservation, 2003; http://gis.ventura.org/CountyView/). Nevertheless, there is the potential for liquefaction to occur onsite depending on site-specific soil conditions. However, because the project would be required to adhere to CBC and UBC standards which address liquefaction hazards, impacts related to liquefaction would be less than significant.

City of Ojai21

http://gis.ventura.org/CountyView/



The topography of the project is flat and thus it is outside of any earthquake induced landslide hazard areas as delineated by the California Department of Conservation Division of Mines and Geology (Ventura County General Plan, 2005, http://gis.ventura.org/CountyView/).There is no evidence of previous landslides onsite and the proposed project would not construct habitable structures and thus would not expose people or structures to a substantial landslide hazard risk. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

b. During construction of the proposed project, soil disturbance activities could expose topsoil to the forces or erosion by wind or water. However, standard dust control measures, as described in Section III, Air Quality, and mandatory compliance with the City’s Municipal Code (Title 5, Chapter 12), which requires that development be undertaken in accordance with conditions and requirements established by the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. CAS063339 and the Ventura Stormwater Quality Management Ordinance No. 4142 would reduce impacts related to erosion to a less than significant level.

c. The project site is not within a State identified liquefaction hazard zone (California Department of Conservation, 2003; http://gis.ventura.org/CountyView/). The project would be required to adhere to CBC and UBC standards that address the potential for soil instability and thus impacts related to unstable soils would be less than significant.

d. Expansive soils are known to exist in the City of Ojai. The resources most often affected by expansive soils are unequally loaded structures and rigid flatwork (Ventura County General Plan, Hazards Appendix, 2005). However, the proposed wireless communication facility would be constructed in a flat area where the existing church structures do not show any evidence of having been affected by expansive soils and the aerial extent of flat work would be limited to a 350 square foot area. Furthermore, the proposed project would be required to comply with CBC and UBC standards which address hazards associated with expansive soils. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

e. The project would not require the construction or use of septic tanks or other wastewater

disposal systems. No impact would occur.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - Would the project:

a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?

b) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?

City of Ojai22




a, b. As discussed in Section II, Air Quality, the project would not generate construction-related air pollutant emissions that have the potential to exceed established air quality thresholds. No regular traffic would be generated by operation of the proposed facility other than the traffic necessary to complete periodic facility maintenance. Although the traffic associated with periodic maintenance activities and the periodic operation of the proposed on-site diesel generator could generate minor quantities of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the burning of fossil fuels or other emissions of GHGs, the operational GHG emissions for the project would be a small fraction of the SCAQMD’s greenhouse gas threshold of 10,000 metric tons per year (SCAQMD, “Proposed Tier 3 Screening Levels – Commercial/Industrial Projects, September 2010). Impacts associated with GHG emissions would be less than significant.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would the project:

a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?

b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within ¼ mile of an existing or proposed school?

d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?

e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?

f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?

City of Ojai23



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would the project:

g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?

h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

a. The proposed project would involve the construction of a new wireless communication facility and ancillary wet and dry utility infrastructure. The proposed facility would be unmanned, except during the brief periods of maintenance and therefore would not involve the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous substances, other than the minor amounts of fuel or other industrial chemicals typically used for facility maintenance. Impacts would be less than significant.

b. There is no evidence of hazardous materials on the project site (Rincon Consultants, site reconnaissance completed on November 25, 2013). However, operation of the facility would emit RF radiation, which has been identified as a possible link to cancer and other illnesses (http://www.fcc.gov/guides/wireless-devices-and-health-concerns). The proposed facility would operate within ATT Mobility’s FCC licensed frequencies and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states that the maximum permissible exposure from RF radiation for the general population is between 0.6 and 1 milliwatts per centimeter squared (mW/cm2) depending on the frequency of the transmitter (47 CFR § 1.1310). The proposed antenna is designed to transmit most of the signal in a horizontal direction (parallel to the ground) in order to provide a usable wireless signal around the site. When the RF energy reaches the ground level, its energy would be reduced to 1/5,000th of a percent of the maximum permissible exposure level (Telnet Engineers 2013). These patterns are based upon the typical antenna patterns emitted from ATT antennas. Moreover, the proposed wireless communication facility would be located at least 190 feet away from the nearest residential backyards, which would further reduce the signal strength at potential receptor locations. Impacts would be less than significant.

c. As stated above, there would be no hazardous materials, substances, or waste associated with project development other than those typically used for routine maintenance. The closest school is the Topa Topa Elementary School, located approximately 2,000 feet northwest of the project site. No impact would occur.

City of Ojai24


d. The project site does not appear on any hazardous material site list compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. The following databases were checked (November 23, 2013) for known hazardous materials contamination at the project site:

• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) database;

• Geotracker search for leaking underground fuel tanks; • Investigations- Cleanups (SLIC) and Landfill sites, Cortese list of Hazardous Waste and

Substances Sites; and• The Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Site Mitigation and Brownfields Database.

The project site does not appear on any of the above lists. No impact would occur.

e, f. The project site is not located in the vicinity of any public or private airport. No impact would occur.

g. The proposed project would not modify any existing access routes into the project site. Therefore, project implementation would not impede the ability for emergency vehicles to access the existing church use or the project area. No impact would occur.

h. The project site is listed not by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as an Undesignated Area (Ventura County General Plan, 2005). The proposed project would not include any new residential dwellings and would be unoccupied. However, the introduction of outdoor wireless communication equipment, its associated electrical infrastructure, and the proposed back-up diesel powered generator could increase the risk of fire in the event of equipment malfunction. This potential fire risk would be adequately offset by the installation of irrigation lines to the exterior portions of the project area, the establishment of a clear area in and around the 350 square foot lease area, and suitable fire access. Impacts would be less than significant.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY – Would the project:

a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?

City of Ojai25



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact


b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering or the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?

c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?

d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site?

e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?

f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?

g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?

h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows?

i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?

City of Ojai26



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact


j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?

a, c-f. The proposed project involves the installation of a wireless communication facility within a 350 sq. ft. lease area. The proposed shed structure and wireless facility tower would require the construction of a concrete pad which would incrementally increase the amount of impervious surface area onsite; however, the proposed improvements would be surrounded by permeable soils and natural vegetation which would absorb any incremental increase in stormwater runoff volumes. No substantial change in soil infiltration rates, drainage patterns or the amount of runoff would occur at buildout of the project. Impacts would be less than significant.

During construction of the project, trenching and minor grading would temporarily create the potential for increased erosion and siltation. However, the proposed project would be required to adhere to the provisions of the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. CAS063339, City of Ojai Municipal Code Sections Sec. 5-12.101 et. seq. These regulations require the establishment of Best Management Practices (BMPs) during construction to reduce potential impacts to water quality caused by erosion and siltation. Compliance with mandatory storm water quality protection programs would reduce impacts to a less than significant level.

b. The proposed improvements would increase the amount of impervious surface area onsite by approximately 350 sq. ft. Stormwater and irrigation water would continue to infiltrate the disturbed but pervious soils surrounding the project area. No impacts on groundwater recharge would occur.

g-j. The project site does not include the construction of housing, nor would the project change

a drainage pattern such that existing housing would be subject to flood hazards. The project site is not located in either the 100 or 500 year flood plain (Ventura County General Plan Hazards Appendix, 2005; FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Program and Ventura County Watershed Protection District). The project site is in Flood Zone X, which indicates that there is minimal risk of flooding (FEMA Panel No. 06111C0578E). In addition, the project is of sufficient distance from the coast to preclude risk of seiche or tsunami, and not in proximity to areas subject to mudflows. No impact would occur.

City of Ojai27



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

X. LAND USE AND PLANNING -- Would the proposal:

a) Physically divide an established community?

b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?

c) Conflict with an applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?

a. No residences are located on the project site. The proposed facility would not divide an established community. No impact would occur.

b. The project site has a General Plan land use designations of Public-Quasi Public. The proposed installation of a wireless communication facility would not conflict with the land use designation or the list of permitted or conditionally permitted uses within the Public zoning district. In accordance with Section 10-2.1712 of the City of Ojai Municipal Code, the proposed wireless communication facility shall be developed, located, and operated in manner consistent with the applicable standards contained therein. What follows is a determination of consistency with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code.

Sections 10-2.1712 (b)(1)(A-F) – These sections establish guidelines for the siting of antennas and towers, which generally encourage the location of towers in nonresidential areas and strongly encourage the co-location at new and existing tower sites in order to reduce any adverse impacts on the community. In addition, this section also encourages the configuration of towers in a way that minimizes their adverse visual impact.

Consistency Statement: Although the proposed project would not co-locate the proposed antennas on an existing wireless communication tower, it proposes to locate the tower on a parcel currently zoned for a non-residential use and a site currently developed with numerous church structures. The location of the tower is proposed in location that would be setback from existing residential uses by at least 190 feet and the tower would be disguised as a eucalyptus tree and surrounded by existing and proposed natural vegetation. This would reduce any adverse impacts on the surrounding residential community and would reduce the visual impacts of the facility. The project is consistent with the above-referenced Municipal Code Section.

City of Ojai28


Sections 10-2.1712 (b)(2)(A-D) – These code sections require each applicant to inventory all existing and planned towers that are either within the jurisdiction of the City, or visible from the border of the City, including specific information about the actual or proposed location, height, and design of each tower.

Consistency Statement: The project applicant provided an inventory of all existing and planned wireless communication within the City and beyond. Currently, there is one existing 77-ft. tall wireless communication tower in the City located at 1116 Maricopa Highway. This facility was recently expanded to include additional antennas as part of a co-location request and is disguised as a pine tree to reduce impacts on visual resources. The other facility closest to the City limits (within 0.5 miles) is located at 12540 Creek Road in the Mira Monte area of unincorporated Ventura County. This facility is 55 feet tall. The proposed wireless communication facility would blend into the surrounding natural and built environment and would enhance wireless communication services in the City of Ojai, which are currently underserved based upon the overall population density and wireless communication service demand pool. The project is consistent with the above-referenced Municipal Code Section.

Sections 10-2.1712 (b)(3)(A-K) – These code sections establish the overall design standards for towers and antennas and generally require: a finish that will reduce its visual obtrusiveness, a design that blends with the natural setting and built environment, any supporting equipment shall be compatible in color with existing structures nearby, no artificial lighting of the tower, not located on ridge lines or hilltops, a minimum 100 ft. setback from any off-site residential structure, and not exceeding 65 feet in height.

Consistency Statement: The proposed wireless communication facility would be disguised as a eucalyptus trees and would be surrounded by landscaping that would blend in with the surrounding natural and built environment. The proposed equipment shed would be painted to match the existing colors of the adjacent Lutheran church and landscaping is proposed around the equipment shed to effectively screen the structure. No artificial lighting is proposed on the tower portions of the facility and the facility would be setback at least 190 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. The tower portion of the facility would be 65 feet in height, which is consistent with the City’s height limitation. Therefore, the project is consistent with the above referenced code sections.

The proposed project would be consistent with all applicable Municipal Code provisions and thus impacts would be less than significant.

c. No habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plans are applicable to the subject site or project. No impact would occur.

City of Ojai29



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XI. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state?

b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?

a, b. The project site is not located in a “mineral resource area” on the County’s Resource Protection Map, 2008), indicating the absence of known mineral resources. The project would not result in the loss of any known mineral resources. No impact would occur.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XII. NOISE – Would the project result in:

a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?

b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?

c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels above levels existing without the project?

d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?

City of Ojai30



Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XII. NOISE – Would the project result in:

e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise?

General Characteristics and Regulation of Noise. The duration of noise and the time period at which it occurs are important factors in determining the impact of noise on sensitive land uses. Noise is more disturbing at night than during the day and noise indices have been developed to account for the varying duration of noise events over time as well as community response to them. The Community Noise Level Equivalent (CNEL) and the Day-Night Average Level (DNL or Ldn) are such indices. They are time-weighted average values based on the equivalent sound level (Leq), which is a constant sound level that equals the same amount of acoustic energy as actual time-varying sound over a particular period. The CNEL penalizes noise levels during the night (10 pm to 7 am) by 10 dB to account for the increased sensitivity of people to noise after dark. Evening noise levels (7 pm to 10 pm) are penalized 5 dB by the CNEL. Appropriately weighted hourly noise measurements are then combined over a 24-hour period to result in a CNEL. The Ldn also penalizes nighttime noise levels, but does not penalize evening levels. These two indices are generally equivalent.

In general, the CNEL may be thought qualitatively as an accumulation of the noise associated with individual events occurring throughout a 24-hour period. The noise of each individual event is accounted for in a separate, discrete measurement that integrates the changing sound level over time as, for example, when an aircraft approaches, flies overhead, then continues off into the distance. These integrated sound levels for individual operations are referred to as Sound Exposure Levels or SELs. The accumulation of the SELs from each individual operation during a 24-hour period determines the CNEL for the day.To limit population exposure to physically and/or psychologically significant noise levels, the State of California, various County governments, and most cites in the state have established guidelines and ordinances to control noise. Based upon the City of Ojai General Plan, an exterior noise level of 60 to 65 dBA CNEL is considered “normally acceptable” for residential uses. A noise level of 70 dBA CNEL is considered to be “conditionally acceptable’ and a noise level of greater than 75 dBA CNEL is considered “clearly unacceptable” for residences. The 70 dBA CNEL noise level is considered to be the upper

City of Ojai31


limit of “normally acceptable” noise levels for other sensitive uses such as schools, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, and parks. These noise criteria are based upon the California Office of Noise Control land use compatibility guidelines.

To determine if the proposed project would generate noise that exceeds these standards, the existing noise environment was characterized by physically taking noise measurements on the project site. Using these noise measurements as a baseline, both construction and operational noise was estimated using industry accepted noise values for construction equipment, and typical manufacturer’s specified noise levels associated with the operation of the wireless communication equipment. The distance to nearby sensitive receptors along with any noise attenuation elements were then considered in order to determine potential noise levels at nearby sensitive receptors (e.g. the residential dwellings located west, east and south of the project site). Traffic related noise was not considered as part of this analysis, as the proposed wireless communication facility would be un-manned and would therefore not generate regular vehicle trips.

a,b,d. Three noise measurements were taken on and near the project site on November 25, 2013. The results of the noise measurements are summarized in Table 3. Measured Leq ranged from 42.1 to 63.2 dBA. All measurements were taken mid-day and do not reflect the likely highest noise levels onsite that would be expected to occur during peak traffic periods.

Table 3Noise Measurement Results

Location

Measured Ambient Noise (dBA)

Leq a Lmax b

1. Approximate center of project site near Grand Avenue (Approx. 21 feet from Grand Avenue centerline)

63.2 82.3

2. Approximate center of eastern site boundary 47.8 66.9

3. Approximate center of western site boundary 42.1 55.5

All measurements were conducted for 20 minutes using an integrating sound level meter.a Leq is essentially the average sound level over the measurement period.bLmax is the maximum sound level over the measurement period.

Construction of the proposed project would temporarily increase noise in the vicinity of the project site. Construction noise threshold criteria are provided in the City of Ojai Municipal Code and are presented below.

Table 4 below summarizes Section 5-11.04 of the Ojai Municipal Code, which sets the exterior noise level standards for the City of Ojai.

City of Ojai32

http://library.municode.com/HTML/16536/level2/TIT5SAHE_CH11NOSTRE.html#TIT5SAHE_CH11NOSTRE_S5-11.04NOSTLI


Table 4 Summary of Exterior Noise Standards

Zone Time Period Noise Level (dB)

Residential Zone (Includes Village Mixed Use)

7:00 AM to 10:00 PM 55

10:00 PM to 7:00 AM 45

Commercial/Industrial Zone

7:00 AM to 10:00 PM 65

10:00 PM to 7:00 AM 55

Section 5-11.05(c) of the Ojai Municipal Code restricts noise generating construction activities in the City as follows:

Construction. Any person who operates powered construction equipment, erects, constructs, demolishes, excavates for, alters or repairs any building or structure within the City in such a manner as to cause noise to be received by any person beyond the boundaries of the property on which the construction work is occurring shall comply with the following:

1. Construction hours shall be limited to between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Construction activities authorized by a valid City permit may, as warranted by the project, exceed the noise level limits of Section 5-11.04 on a temporary and short-term basis during the authorized construction hours, as determined appropriate and necessary by the Community Development Director.

2. No construction work shall be performed on weekends or City holidays.3. All construction equipment shall be operated with the standard factory silencer

and/or muffler equipment attached and maintained in good working order.

Project-Generated Construction Noise. Temporary construction noise would be generated by the installation of the new sub-surface telecommunication, electrical and irrigation lines, building pad preparation, and the assembly of the mono-pole and equipment shed. Table 5 shows typical noise levels at construction sites at an average distance of 50 feet from the noise source. Noise levels generally range from about 78-88 dBA at 50 feet from the noise source during peak construction activity. The nearest sensitive receptor is the single-gamily residence located approximately 190 feet west of the project area. The maximum temporary construction-related noise at this most affected location could range from approximately 66-76 dBA, as noise levels generally attenuate by 6 dBA for each doubling of the distance. Such levels would be expected to occur intermittently for no more than a few weeks during construction. Due to the City’s restriction of construction activities to daytime periods, weekends, and holidays, the temporary construction noise would not exceed the applicable City thresholds. Impacts would be less than significant.

City of Ojai33



Table 5Typical Noise Levels at Construction Sites

Construction Phase

Typical Noise Level at 50 Feet

Minimum Required Equipment Onsite

All Pertinent Equipment Onsite

Clearing 84 dBA 84 dBA

Excavation 78 dBA 88 dBA

Foundation/Conditioning 88 dBA 88 dBA

Laying Subbase, Paving 78 dBA 79 dBA

Finishing and Cleanup 84 dBA 84 dBA

Source: Bolt, Beranek and Newman, “Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment, and Home Appliances,” prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1971.

No pile driving equipment or other construction equipment capable of generating significant groundborne vibration would be utilized during construction. Therefore, vibration impacts would be less than significant.

Project Generated Operational Noise - Operational noise generated by the proposed wireless communication facility would not be perceived, as the facility would be stationary and its electrical systems would not generate noise. Furthermore, the facility would be un-manned and therefore the project would not generate vehicle traffic on local roadways. The only potentially consistent audible noise source would be the air conditioning units proposed for the equipment shed to control the interior temperature. The air conditioning units would be located within an acoustic enclosure and would be located at least 190 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. Therefore, noise from the project’s air conditioning units would be less than significant.

To provide power to the facility in the event of a power outage, a diesel powered back-up generator is proposed within the equipment shed. This generator would only be operated during the brief periods when power is unavailable. However, noise levels associated with the generator’s temporary operation (non-enclosed) would be comparable to the operation of construction equipment at 50 feet as described above in Table 5. The noise levels at the nearest residential property line located approximately 190 feet to the west could range from approximately 66-76 dBA, as the noise level would generally attenuate by 6 dBA for each doubling of the distance. To achieve additional noise attenuation, the diesel powered back-up generator system would be enclosed within the equipment shed to further reduce the potential intermittent noise levels at the adjacent sensitive receptors. Nevertheless, operation of the generator from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM could exceed the City’s exterior noise threshold of 45 dBA for residential zones. Therefore, impacts would be potentially significant.

e, f. The site is not located near a public or private airstrip. No impact would occur.

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Mitigation Measures.

Although operational noise levels exceeding thresholds could occur for no more than a few hours during a power outage and during the operation of the diesel powered generator system the following measures would be required to reduce noise impacts to a less than

N-1 Generator Noise Monitoring. During operational testing of the diesel generator, noise monitoring shall be conducted to determine if noise levels exceed the City’s exterior residential noise standards specified in Section 5-11.04 of the Ojai Municipal Code.

N-2 Diesel Generator Noise Reduction. If operation of the diesel generator would exceed any applicable exterior noise thresholds for residential uses, the generator shall be equipped with an exhaust silencer or other appropriate strategy capable of reducing noise levels to 45 55 dBA at the closest residential property line.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING — Would the project:

a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?

b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

a. The proposed project involves the installation of a wireless communication facility and associated support facilities. Construction of the proposed project may generate temporary employment opportunities; however, it is expected that employees involved with construction of the project would be existing residents in the Ventura County area. Operation of the project would not create any permanent new jobs. No substantial growth would occur as a result of operation of the project. Therefore, no impact would occur.

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b, c. The proposed project would be constructed in an area currently occupied by a church. There is no residential development on the project site. Therefore, the proposed project would not displace people or housing. No impact would occur.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES

a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:

i) Fire protection?

ii) Police protection?

iii) Schools?

iv) Parks?

v) Other public facilities?

a(i-v). The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) provides fire protection in unincorporated Ventura County, which includes the Ojai Valley. Fire Stations 21 (at 1201 E. Ojai Avenue) and 22 (at 466 S. La Luna Avenue) serve the City and project site. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department provides police protection in unincorporated Ventura County. The Ojai station, located at 402 South Ventura Street, provides full-service policing to approximately 30,000 residents of the Ojai Valley.

The proposed project involves the installation of unmanned wireless communication facility and associated support facilities. The proposed project would not increase the population or alter existing public facilities; therefore, there would be no increase in demand for fire protection, police protection, schools, parks or other public facilities. No impact would occur.

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Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XV. RECREATION --

a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?

b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

a, b. No new parks or recreational facilities are proposed as part of the project. As discussed under Item XIII.a(iv), the proposed project would not increase the population. As such, there would be no increase in the demand for public parks or other recreational facilities and no new parks or recreational facilities would be constructed as a result of the proposed project. No impact would occur.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XVI. TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC -- Would the project:

a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)?

b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?

c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks?

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Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XVI. TRANSPORTATION / TRAFFIC -- Would the project:

d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)?

e) Result in inadequate emergency access?

f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?

g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?

a,b. The proposed project involves the installation of an unmanned wireless communication facility and associated support facilities. During the construction phase of the project (estimated to be approximately 45 days), the number of vehicle trips on area roads en route to the project site would increase; however, this increase in vehicle trips would be temporary as it would only occur during project construction. Operation of the facility would not generate a substantial increase in vehicle trips to or from the project site, as trips to the project site would occur only during routine maintenance and repair as necessary, which would not generate a substantial number of new trips on roadways serving the project area. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

c. The project site is not located in proximity to an airport, nor would it affect air traffic patterns. No impact would occur.

d,e. The proposed project would not alter existing roadways or create new ones. Access to the proposed facility would be via an easement traversing the existing church parking lot to the proposed facility location. No alterations to the existing project site access would be required for project implementation. No impact would occur.

f. The proposed project would not generate substantial new trips to the project site. The project would not impact the site’s existing parking capacity. No impact to parking supply would occur.

g. The project would not conflict with any adopted policies regarding alternative transportation. No impact would occur.

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Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS -- Would the project:

a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?

b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?

c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?

d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?

e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?

f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs?

g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste?

a, b, e. The proposed project would be un-manned and thus it would not generate wastewater. Therefore, it would not generate effluent that exceeds the wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, require the construction of new wastewater facilities or exceed the capacity of wastewater treatment facilitates. No impact would occur.

c. As discussed under Item VIII, Hydrology and Water Quality, the proposed project would not adversely affect existing storm drain facilities or require the construction of new storm drain facilities. No impact would occur.

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d. The proposed new cell tower and associated support facilities would not generate demand for water. No impact would occur.

f, g. The proposed cell tower and associated support facilities would not generate solid waste and thus would not adversely affect the capacity of area landfills. Construction waste would be minimal, and would be a one-time generation of waste, which could be accommodated at regional construction waste disposal facilities. Therefore, impacts to area landfills would be less than significant.


Impact


Unless Mitigation

Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE —

a) Does the project have the potential to substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?

b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)?

c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?

a. The proposed project would not reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, eliminate a plant or animal community or reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plants or animals. Construction of the project would require the removal of three mature trees that are protected in the City of Ojai. However, implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-4 would reduce potential impacts to protected trees to a less than significant level.

City of Ojai40


b. The proposed project would create potentially significant impacts discussed in Section IV, Biological Resources; and Section XII, Noise, which would be mitigated to a less than significant level with the implementation of mitigation measures included in these sections. As such, the project’s contribution to a cumulative impact would not be cumulatively considerable. Impacts would be less than significant.

c. Operation of the proposed project would not adversely affect human beings. It is expected that the wireless communication facility would be beneficial to the customers served by AT&T wireless. As discussed in Section XII, Noise, the proposed project could generate a potentially significant temporary increase in noise levels during operation of the proposed diesel fueled back-up generator system. However implementation Mitigation Measures N-1 and N-2 would reduce impacts associated with temporary operational noise to a less than significant level. Therefore, the project would not adversely affect human beings and impacts would be less than significant.

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References

Bolt, Barnek and Newman. Noise From Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment, and Home Appliances. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Noise Abatement and Control, 1971.

California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, Map of Important Farmland in California, 2002

California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List-Site Cleanup (Cortese List), http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Cortese_List.cfm, Accessed November 25, 2013,

California State Water Resources Control Board, GEOTRACKER, http://geotracker.swrcb.ca.gov/, Accessed November 25, 2013,

Caltrans, Officially Designated State Scenic Highways, http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic/schwy.htm, accessed online November 25, 2013

City of Ojai, Final EIR, General Plan Land Use, Housing, Seismic Safety, Noise and Circulation Elements

City of Ojai Municipal Code, Accessed November 25, 2013

Environmental Protection Agency, Brownfields Database, http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/bms/index2.html, Accessed November 25, 2013

Environmental Protection Agency, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) database, http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/cursites/, Accessed November 25, 2013

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Map, Panel No. 06111C0578E, Accessed November 25, 2013 http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/QuickOrderResultView

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, Ventura County Air Quality Assessment Guidelines, October 2003

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http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/QuickOrderResultView

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/cursites/

http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/bms/index2.html

http://geotracker.swrcb.ca.gov/

http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Cortese_List.cfm

Education

196309496 1290-grand-avenue-is