2020-065 - Adopting Environmental Findings of Fact

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The Warner Redhill Mixed -Use Project CEQA Findings of Fact SECTION V RESOLUTION REGARDING SIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES Section 15126.2(c) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that an EIR discuss "any significant irreversible environmental changes which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented." Generally, a project would result in significant irreversible environmental changes if one of the following scenarios is involved: • The Project would involve a large commitment of nonrenewable resources. • Irreversible damage can result from environmental accidents associated with the Project. • The proposed consumption of resources is not justified (e.g., the Project results in the wasteful use of energy). The Project would result in or contribute to the following irreversible environmental changes: • Lands in the Project area that are currently developed with light industrial uses would be committed to multi -family residential and commercial retail uses once the proposed buildings are constructed. Secondary effects associated with this irreversible commitment of land resources include: o Changes in views associated with construction of the new buildings and associated development (Draft EIR Section 5.1, Aesthetics). o Increased traffic on area roadways (Draft EIR Section 5.14, Transportation). o Emissions of air pollutants associated with Project construction and operation (Draft EIR Section 5.2, Air Quality). o Consumption of non-renewable energy associated with construction and operation of the proposed Project due to the use of automobiles, lighting, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and the like (Draft EIR Section 5.4, Energy). o Increased ambient noise associated with an increase in activities and traffic from the Project (Draft EIR Section 5.10, Noise). • Construction of the proposed Project as described in Draft EIR Section 3.0, Project Description, would require the use of energy produced from non-renewable resources and construction materials. In regard to energy usage from the proposed Project, as demonstrated in the analyses contained in Draft EIR Section 5.4, Energy, the proposed Project would not involve wasteful or unjustifiable use of non-renewable resources, and conservation efforts would be enforced during construction and operation of proposed development. The proposed development would incorporate energy - generating and conserving project design features, including those required by the California Building Code, California Energy Code Title 24, which specify green building standards for new developments. In addition, as listed in Draft EIR Sections 3.0, Project Description and 5.4, Energy, the proposed Project includes project design features that result in additional energy -efficiency. City of Santa Ana 54 May 2020