25C - AGMT - OCWD CENTENNIAL PARK

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License Agreement with OCWD for Water Injection Wells at Centennial Park June 21, 2016 Page 3 CEQA ANALYSIS The proposed project is required to undergo an environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In accordance with NEPA and CEQA, the Orange County Water District (OCWD) is the lead agency for the project, with the City of Santa Ana identified as a responsible agency. As the lead agency, the OCWD was responsible for the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA)/ Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Section 15096 of the State CEQA Guidelines (Article 7) identifies the process for a responsible agency. As a responsible agency, the City is required to consider the EIR that is prepared by the lead agency and reach its own conclusions on the project (Exhibit C). Prior to the preparation of the EA/EIR, staff met with OCWD staff on several occasions to discuss the scope and contents of the document. Staff has reviewed the document and provided comments to the OCWD during the EA/EIR public review period. A review of the document has found that no significant short -term construction or long -term operational impacts were identified from the construction of the proposed project. Impacts that were identified were able to be mitigated to a less than significant level. Mitigation measures have been included in the project to address environmental impacts associated with aesthetics, biological resources, cultural resources, geology /soils, hydrology /water quality, noise, and transportation and traffic (Exhibit D). Pursuant to Section 15096 (h) of the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Santa Ana is required to make findings as identified in Section 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines for each significant impact of the Project. Staff has considered the action of the OCWD's Board of Directors, the description of the Project's environmental impacts, the findings of fact (Exhibit D) and conclusions of law, and the conditions of certification, and, exercising its independent judgment, the City of Santa Ana finds that for all environmental impacts of the Project, changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into the Project which will avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects as identified in the decision by the Board of Directors for the OCWD. In addition, the City is required to file a notice of determination for the project. This will be completed by staff upon a final determination of the project by the Council. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Approval of this item allows the City to meet Goal #5 - Community Health, Livability, Engagement & Sustainability, Objective #2 (Expand opportunities for conservation and environmental sustainability), Strategy A (Complete the City's Climate Action Plan with measures to address water conservation, energy efficient buildings (City and Community) and greenhouse gas emissions). 25C -3