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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 18 - Washington Avenue Well Project Public Works Agency www.santa-ana.org/pw Item # 18 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report February 1, 2022 TOPIC: Washington Avenue Well Project AGENDA TITLE Public Hearing - Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Washington Avenue Well Project (Non-General Fund) RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution approving an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Washington Avenue Well Project. 2. Approve the Washington Avenue Well Project. DISCUSSION The City is currently in the design stages of the Washington Avenue Well Project, which will be located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Washington Avenue and Penn Way (Exhibit 1). The project involves construction of a new groundwater well, including piping and electrical equipment, a well building, and a chemical storage building. The project creates an additional local water supply, which improves the City’s long-term resilience to drought. It also closes the projected gap between future demand and available supply by adding over 4,000 acre-feet per year to the City’s pumping capacity. The majority of the City’s potable water comes from an underground basin and is pumped through 21 existing wells. Given the limited water supplies in the region and recent recurring droughts, constructing a new well in the City would improve overall water system reliability and reduce the burden on other water production facilities. This promotes less reliance on imported water, which, in turn, reduces water costs. The project will also address low-pressure deficiencies, improve reliability, and increase flexibility within the City’s water system, as identified in the City’s 2017 Water Master Plan. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) was prepared for this project (Exhibit 2), along with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) (Exhibit 3), which must be approved and adopted by resolution of the City Council (Exhibit 4). Approval of this Washington Avenue Well Project February 1, 2022 Page 2 2 4 0 7 project, along with the adoption of the resolution approving the IS/MND and MMRP, will complete the environmental phase of the Washington Avenue Well Project. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT In accordance with CEQA, the recommended action has been reviewed through an IS/MND. Sections 15070 through 15075 of the State CEQA Guidelines (Article 6) guide the process for the preparation of a mitigated negative declaration. The MND prepared for this project contains a project description, project location map, and findings that the project, with mitigation, will not have a significant effect on the environment. The City provided public notice of the public comment period, which began on November 9, 2021, and ended on December 8, 2021. The IS/MND was also distributed to all interested or required parties listed on the City’s distribution list. No public comments were received. The Mitigated Negative Declaration is on file with the office of the Clerk of the Council. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. EXHIBIT(S) 1. Location Map 2. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration may be viewed at https://www.santa- ana.org/sites/default/files/pw/documents/Santa-Ana_Wash-Ave-Wells_Admin- Final_IS-MND_2022-01-10_Public%20Version.pdf 3. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 4. Resolution Submitted By: Nabil Saba, P.E., Executive Director – Public Works Agency Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager E Washington Ave N Santiago StPenn W a yN PoinsettiaE 14th St Poinse t t ia S t Figure 2-2 Project Location Washington Avenue Lot Well and Facitlity Site Plan - Phase 1 City of Santa Ana, California R:\PROJECTS\WASHINGTON_AVE_0200-0002\SITE\MAPS\Figure_2-2_Project Location.mxd 0 50 10025Feet CA NV AZ UT Project Location Project Area City of Santa Ana Washington Avenue Well Project MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Prepared For: City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency 220 S. Daisy Avenue Santa Ana, California 92703 Contact: Armando Fernandez, Senior Civil Engineer, P.E. 714.647.3316 City of Santa Ana Washington Avenue Well Project 1 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Public Resources Code, Section 21081.6 (Assembly Bill 3180) requires that mitigation measures identified in environmental review documents prepared in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are implemented after a project is approved. Therefore, this Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared to ensure compliance with the adopted mitigation measures during the City of Santa Ana Washington Avenue Well Project (Project). The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is the agency responsible for implementation of the mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration. This MMRP provides the City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency with a convenient mechanism for quickly reviewing all the mitigation measures including the ability to focus on select information such as timing. The MMRP includes the following information for each mitigation measure: • The phase of the project during which the required mitigation measure must be implemented; • The phase of the project during which the required mitigation measure must be monitored; and • The monitoring agency. The MMRP includes a checklist to be used during the mitigation monitoring period. The checklist will verify the name of the monitor, the date of the monitoring activity, and any related remarks for each mitigation measure. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Mitigation Measure Implementation Phase Monitoring Phase Monitoring Agency Compliance Verification Initial Date BIO-1: Nesting Birds – Project activities that will remove or disturb potential nest sites will be scheduled outside the breeding bird season. The breeding bird nesting season typically extends from February 15 through September 15. If Project activities cannot be avoided during February 15 through September 15, a qualified biologist will conduct a pre- construction breeding bird survey for breeding birds and active nests or potential nesting sites within the limits of Project disturbance. The survey will be conducted at least seven days prior to the onset of scheduled activities, such as mobilization and staging. It will end no more than three days prior to vegetation, substrate, and structure removal and/or disturbance. If no breeding birds or active nests are observed during the pre- construction survey or they are observed and will not be impacted, Project activities may begin, and no further mitigation will be required. Pre-Construction, Construction Pre-Construction, Construction City of Santa Ana City of Santa Ana Washington Avenue Well Project 2 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Mitigation Measure Implementation Phase Monitoring Phase Monitoring Agency Compliance Verification Initial Date If a breeding bird territory or an active bird nest is located during the pre-construction survey and will potentially be impacted, the site will be mapped on engineering drawings and a no activity buffer zone will be marked (fencing, stakes, flagging, orange snow fencing, etc.) a minimum of 100 feet in all directions or 500 feet in all directions for listed bird species and all raptors. The biologist will determine the appropriate buffer size based on the type of activities planned near the nest and the type of bird that created the nest. Some bird species are more tolerant than others of noise and activities occurring near their nest. This no-activity buffer zone will not be disturbed until a qualified biologist has determined that the nest is inactive, the young have fledged, the young are no longer being fed by the parents, the young have left the area, or the young will no longer be impacted by Project activities. Periodic monitoring by a biologist will be performed to determine when nesting is complete. Once the nesting cycle has finished, Project activities may begin within the buffer zone. If listed bird species are observed within the Project site during the pre-construction survey, the biologist will immediately map the area and notify the appropriate resource agency to determine suitable protection measures and/or mitigation measures and to determine if additional surveys or focused protocol surveys are necessary. Project activities may begin within the area only when concurrence is received from the appropriate resource agency. Birds or their active nests will not be disturbed, captured, handled or moved. Active nests cannot be removed or disturbed; however, nests can be removed or disturbed if determined inactive by a qualified biologist. CUL-1: Worker Environmental Awareness Training: Prior to any proposed construction ground disturbing activities within the Project Area, Project personnel (e.g. contractors, construction workers) will be briefed by a qualified archaeologist (retained on-call by applicant) about the potential and procedures for an inadvertent discovery of prehistoric and historic archaeological resources. In addition, the training will include established procedures for temporarily halting or redirecting work in the event of a discovery, identification and evaluation procedures for finds, and a discussion on the importance of, and the legal Pre-Construction; Construction Pre-Construction; Construction City of Santa Ana City of Santa Ana Washington Avenue Well Project 3 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Mitigation Measure Implementation Phase Monitoring Phase Monitoring Agency Compliance Verification Initial Date basis for, the protection of archaeological resources. Personnel will be given a training brochure/handout regarding identification of cultural resources, protocols for inadvertent discoveries, and contact procedures in the event of a discovery. CUL 2: Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological Resources: If the construction staff or others observe previously unidentified archaeological resources during ground disturbing activities, they will halt work within a 100-foot radius of the find(s), delineate the area of the find with flagging tape or rope (may also include dirt spoils from the find area), and immediately notify a qualified archaeologist (retained on-call by applicant). Construction will halt within the flagged or roped-off area. The archaeologist will assess the resource as soon as possible and determine appropriate next steps. Such finds will be formally recorded and evaluated. The resource will be protected from further disturbance or looting pending evaluation. Construction Construction City of Santa Ana GEO-1: Inadvertent Discoveries of Paleontological Resources — If the construction staff or others observe previously unidentified paleontological resources during ground disturbing activities, they will halt work within a 200-foot radius of the find(s), delineate the area of the find with flagging tape or rope (may also include dirt spoils from the find area), and immediately notify a qualified Paleontologist. Construction will halt within the flagged or roped-off area. The Paleontologist will assess the resource as soon as possible and determine appropriate next steps in coordination with the City. Such finds will be formally recorded and evaluated. The resource will be protected from further disturbance or looting pending evaluation. Construction Construction City of Santa Ana NOISE-1: Prior to the start of Phase 1 well drilling and construction activities, the contractor for the proposed Project shall preform one of the following actions to reduce the construction-related noise impacts: • Construct a temporary 8-foot high wall along the west and south property Lines. The temporary wall must be constructed with minimum 5/8-inch plywood or oriented strand board and shall be maintained until completion of the grading phase; or Construction Construction City of Santa Ana City of Santa Ana Washington Avenue Well Project 4 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM Mitigation Measure Implementation Phase Monitoring Phase Monitoring Agency Compliance Verification Initial Date • Construct the proposed 8-foot high perimeter wall on the west and south property lines that is detailed in the Project description and proposed site plan. Resolution No. 2022-XXX Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2022-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE WASHINGTON AVENUE WELL PROJECT AND APPROVING THE PROJECT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines , and declares as follows: A. The 2017 Santa Ana Water Master Plan water system analysis identified low pressures along the border of the Low and High Zones adjacent to Intersta te 5 Freeway. To resolve these low-pressure deficiencies, the City is proposing to install a new water supply well and construct ancillary facilities in the vacant lot at the northwest corner of East Washington Avenue and Penn Way (“Proposed Project”). B. The expected production capacity of the Proposed Project will range from 2,500 to 3,000 gallons per minute. C. Construction of the Proposed Project is anticipated to begin in 2022 and continue until the third quarter of 2023. D. The Proposed Project is required to undergo an environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the state CEQA Guidelines. Through its consultant, the City prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“IS/MND”) for the Proposed Project. There was no potential for adverse impacts on agricultural and forest resources, mineral resources, public services, or recreation associated with the Proposed Project. Potential adverse impacts resulting from the Proposed Project were found to be less than significant in the following areas: aesthetics, air quality, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, population and housing, transportation, utilities and service systems, and wildfire. Full implementation of the proposed mitigation measures included in the IS/MND would reduce potential project- related adverse impact on biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, noise, and tribal cultural resources to a less than significant level. E. In accordance with California Pubic Resources Code section 21091 and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15073, the Initial Study/Mitigate d Negative Declaration for the Proposed Project was circulated for a 30-day public review and comment period from November 9, 2021 to December 8, 2021 . Any public comments that were received have been incorporated as part of the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“Final IS/MND”) and are incorporated herein by reference. Resolution No. 2022-XXX Page 2 of 3 F. The mitigation measures set forth in the Mitigated Negative Declaration are fully enforceable and will be implemented using the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program accompanying the Final IS/MND in order to avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts identified therein. G. On February 1, 2022, the City Council of the City of Santa Ana held a duly noticed public hearing to consider all testimon y, written and oral, related to the Final IS/MND and the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Proposed Project, at which time all persons wishing to testify were heard, the project was fully considered, and all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution occurred. Section 2. The City Council has independently reviewed and analyzed the information contained in the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Proposed Project. The City Council has, as a result of its consideration and the evidence presented at the hearing on this matter, determined that, as required pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and the State CEQA Guidelines, the Final IS/MND adequately addresses the expected environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. On the basis of this review, the City Council finds that there is no substantial evidence from which it can be fairly argued that the Proposed Project will have a significant impact on the environment. Section 3. The City Council hereby adopts the Final IS/MND and the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program , a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A, and directs that a Notice of Determination be prepared and filed with the Clerk of the County of Orange in the manner required by law. This decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the above said hearing, including but not limited to: the Request for Council Action dated February 1, 2022, and exhibits attached hereto, and any public testimony, written and oral, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference. The Final IS/MND is available for viewing at the City’s Public Works Agency at 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702. Section 4. The City Council hereby approves the Proposed Project, based upon the entire record before it and all written and oral evidence presented. Section 5. Pursuant to Title XIV, California Code of Regulations, section 753.5(c)(1), the City Council has determined that, after considering the record as a whole, there is no evidence that the Proposed Project will have the potential for any significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife. However, the payment of Fish and Game Department filing fees in conjunction with this project is at the ultimate determination of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. Resolution No. 2022-XXX Page 3 of 3 ADOPTED this ____ day of __________________, 2022. Vicente Sarmiento Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: John M. Funk Sr. Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, DAISY GOMEZ, Clerk of the Council do hereby attest to and certif y the attached Resolution No 2022-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on ___________________. Date _______________ ______________________________ Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana Item No. 18 Washington Avenue Well CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY Tonight's Action Items 1.Hold A Public Hearing and Adopt a Resolution Approving the following: A.Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) B.Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 Project Description 1.Proposed well will be located on East Washington Avenue and Penn Way 2.Construction of a new groundwater well, well building, and water resources materials storage facility 3.The new well will have a design capacity of 2,500 to 3,000 GPM 4.The new well will improve pressure and reliability of the water system in that zone CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 Project Next Steps PHASE I: Well Drilling 1.Complete Plans and Specifications for Phase I –Well Drilling 2.Award of Contract for Phase I –Well Drilling PHASE II: Site Development 1.Prepare Plans and Specifications for Construction Phase II –Site Development (Well building and chemical building and storage materials facility) 2.Award of Construction for site development CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 Washington Well Site N Washington Well Site-Located on Penn Way and Washington Ave CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 Washington Well Site CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 Washington Well Site CITY OF SANTA ANA, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, SANTA ANA, CA 92702 Washington Well Site Questions? 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